Indel Money, a leading non-banking financial company, has taken a meaningful step towards social transformation through its CSR arm, Indel Cares. Staying true to its philosophy of giving back to society, the company has launched the ‘SMILE Homes’ initiative, aimed at providing shelter and security to the homeless in Palakkad, Kerala.
The project is being carried out in partnership with the Smart Palakkad Foundation. Each home is meant to be more than just four walls. It represents dignity, security, and the chance for a fresh start.
The noble journey officially began on Sunday, August 17, 2025, with the foundation stone laying ceremony for the first five homes. The initiative was officially launched on Sunday, August 17, 2025, with a foundation stone laying ceremony for the first five homes. Malayalam actor Asif Ali joined the event as Chief Guest, along with Indel Money Chairman Mohanan Gopalakrishnan, Executive Director & CEO Umesh Mohanan, and Palakkad MLA Rahul Mankootathil.
The project goes beyond building houses by restoring hope, strengthening communities, and offering a sense of dignity to families in need. SMILE Homes reflects Indel Money’s commitment to social responsibility that reaches beyond business goals, creating real and lasting value in people’s lives.
Through ‘SMILE Homes’, Indel money company is reinforcing its belief that true growth is measured not just by financial success, but by the positive difference made in people’s lives.
Indel Money has strengthened its growth strategy by securing ₹100 crore (approximately $11 million) in debt funding from Kotak Credit Opportunities Fund. The funding was raised through non-convertible debentures (NCDs) with a tenure of 4.5 years, reflecting strong institutional confidence in the company’s business model, governance, and expansion plans.
According to Indel Money Executive Director and CEO Umesh Mohanan, the partnership supports the company’s focus on scaling its lending operations and strengthening its position in the organised gold loan sector. The capital will be used primarily for onward lending, helping expand credit access to customers across India.
Indel Money continues to record steady business growth. The company reported a 10% year-on-year rise in net profit to ₹61 crore in FY25, supported by strong loan demand. Assets under management grew 52% year-on-year to ₹2,400 crore, while total disbursements reached approximately ₹6,000 crore during the same period. The company expects disbursements to reach ₹10,000 crore in FY26, with AUM projected to grow to ₹4,000 crore.
Gold loans currently account for nearly 94% of Indel Money’s portfolio, with additional lending support extended to small and medium businesses. Operating across more than 370 branches in 15 states, the company continues to focus on responsible lending, financial inclusion, and customer-focused credit solutions.
Indel Money Executive Director and CEO Umesh Mohanan recently shared insights on the changing role of gold in India during an episode of Simple Hai!, hosted by Vivek Law. The discussion focused on how gold in India is moving beyond tradition and emotion to become a practical financial tool that supports liquidity and inclusion.
India holds nearly 25,000 tonnes of household gold, much of which remains idle. Mohanan explained that global factors such as US economic trends, geopolitical tensions, central bank policies, and rising global debt now influence gold prices more than seasonal domestic demand. These factors have strengthened gold’s position as a stable asset in uncertain times.
He highlighted that only about 15% of household gold enters the gold loan pledge market, and a majority of this is still handled by unregulated moneylenders. Indel Money aims to change this by expanding regulated gold lending in Tier 2 to Tier 5 cities, helping households access safe credit while improving transparency and local economic activity.
Mohanan also spoke about how gold loans have shifted from being a distress option to a lifestyle finance solution used for education, business needs, agriculture, and home improvements. With longer loan tenures, customer education, and strong governance, Indel Money has built a model focused on trust, repayment discipline, and long-term relationships.
The conversation highlighted how structured gold loans are strengthening financial resilience across India.
