In a candid address at HSBC's financial inclusion event, RBI Deputy Governor M Rajeshwar Rao highlighted persistent issues in India’s microfinance sector, including over-indebtedness, exorbitant interest rates, and harsh recovery practices. Despite the sector’s pivotal role in advancing financial inclusion, pockets of high margins and exploitative lending continue to exist, raising concerns about borrower well-being and sectoral stability. Rao underscored the need for regulated entities to adopt responsible lending practices, enhance credit assessments, and avoid coercive recovery methods.