Architectural Cases

On June 16, Bajaj Finance shares resumed trading following adjustments for a stock split and bonus issue. The shares opened at Rs 956 each, marking nearly a 90 percent reduction from the previous closing price of Rs 9,331. Accounting for these adjustments, the shares initially dropped by 0.7 percent in early trading sessions, aligning with the broader market's downturn and the Nifty 50's sluggish start. Earlier in April, the leading non-banking financial company (NBFC) announced a bonus share issuance in a 4:1 ratio alongside a stock split in a 1:2 ratio. These moves were aimed at enhancing liquidity and accessibility for investors.

In late April, Bajaj Finance declared a significant corporate action plan involving both a bonus issue and a stock split. Under this plan, shareholders would receive four additional shares for every one share they owned prior to the adjustment. Furthermore, the company decided on a stock split that doubled the number of shares held by each investor. This marks the second stock split since 2016, when the company had previously conducted a split in a 1:5 ratio. For instance, an investor owning ten shares as of the record date of June 16 would end up with fifty shares after the bonus issuance and subsequently one hundred shares following the stock split.

Additionally, Bajaj Finance committed to rewarding its shareholders through dividends. The firm announced a final dividend of Rs 44 per equity share and a special dividend of Rs 12 per share, totaling Rs 56 per share for the fiscal year ending in 2025. The record date for determining eligibility for the final dividend was set for May 30, with payments scheduled around July 28. Meanwhile, the special interim dividend's record date was earlier established on May 9, with payouts expected by May 26.

The company also reported robust financial results for the January-March quarter of FY25. Net profit surged by 17 percent year-over-year, reaching Rs 4,480 crore, surpassing the estimated Rs 4,400 crore projected by five brokerages surveyed by Moneycontrol. Operational revenue climbed to Rs 18,457 crore during the same period. Strong credit demand contributed to a 26 percent growth in assets under management, while new loan bookings increased by 36 percent compared to the previous year. Moreover, net interest income rose by 22 percent in Q4FY25, amounting to Rs 9,807 crore, exceeding Moneycontrol's poll estimate of Rs 9,660 crore.

Bajaj Finance's strategic initiatives reflect the company's commitment to enhancing shareholder value while maintaining strong operational performance. The recent stock adjustments not only improve liquidity but also underscore the firm's financial health and future prospects. Investors can anticipate continued benefits from both capital appreciation and regular dividend payouts, reinforcing Bajaj Finance's position as a leading player in India's financial services sector.

The financial landscape of Cambodia is witnessing a profound shift towards sustainability, responsibility, and community empowerment. This transformation spans commercial banks and microfinance institutions (MFIs), which are increasingly adopting ethical lending practices and aligning with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. Since 2019, the Association of Banks in Cambodia (ABC), in collaboration with the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and the Ministry of Environment, has introduced guidelines to integrate ESG considerations into financial operations. These efforts have gained momentum, expanding from 48 to 74 members by 2024, including various commercial and specialized banks, as well as associations like the Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA). The focus on sustainable finance includes initiatives such as digital transformation, financial literacy programs, and targeted campaigns to support rural communities and small businesses.

In 2019, the Cambodian Sustainable Finance Principles were launched, marking a significant milestone in promoting responsible finance across the banking sector. Institutions such as ACLEDA Bank have integrated ESG risk factors into their credit assessments and publish annual reports highlighting financial inclusion and environmental protection. Meanwhile, Maybank Cambodia enhances financial literacy among youth through its Cashville Kidz program, while ABA Bank focuses on educating rural populations about long-term financial security. MFIs under CMA demonstrate equal dedication, with AMK Microfinance serving predominantly rural clients, and LOLC Cambodia earning recognition for its commitment to gender equality and environmental sustainability.

Collaborations between CMA and the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC) aim to enhance access to capital for small businesses, particularly women entrepreneurs and those in rural areas, by offering credit guarantees and financial literacy training. Commercial banks like Prince Bank and Cambodia Post Bank have developed specific products to support the growing entrepreneurial base in Cambodia. At the national level, multi-stakeholder consultations co-chaired by NBC and the United Nations address client protection and strengthen responsible lending practices, enforcing codes of conduct and consumer protection tools.

Community-level initiatives include major financial education campaigns led by both banks and MFIs, with ABC and CMA driving monthly digital financial literacy campaigns since 2020. Programs like "Safe Finance" distribute educational materials to raise awareness about borrower rights and financial safety. The National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2019–2025 provides a broader framework for integrating more Cambodians into the formal financial system, complemented by the Sustainable Finance Roadmap that aligns with national climate goals and global development targets.

To further improve trust in the financial system, the Financial Consumer Center offers avenues for resolving borrower disputes and enforcing Cambodia’s Lending Guidelines and sector-wide Code of Conduct. These measures ensure ethical lending practices and promote client welfare. Through these collective efforts, Cambodia's financial sector is not only driving economic growth but doing so responsibly, proving that sustainable finance is essential in emerging economies.

As Cambodia's financial institutions continue to prioritize transparency, sustainability, and long-term impact, they are setting a benchmark for Southeast Asia. By fostering inclusive growth and empowering underserved communities, the sector is demonstrating its commitment to building a stronger, more resilient economy. Through strategic partnerships and innovative programs, Cambodia is paving the way for a future where responsible finance becomes the norm rather than the exception.