by Suman Gupta
- India’s first profession‑first premium banking ecosystem exclusively designed for
Company Secretaries - The CS exclusive banking programme offers, priority services and tailored financial solutions
for India’s Corporate Governance Professionals
Mumbai, April 20, 2026: On the occasion of its 31st Foundation Day, AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB), India’s largest Small Finance Bank and the first in over a decade to receive in‑principle approval to transition into a Universal Bank, today announced the launch of the AU Royale Banking Programme for Company Secretaries, a structured, secure and profession‑centric premium banking ecosystem designed exclusively for Company Secretaries (CS), the custodians of corporate governance and compliance in India.
Built around the distinct professional responsibilities, financial behaviour and governance‑led mindset of Company Secretaries, the AU Royale Programme brings together specialised Current and Savings Account offerings, a profession‑linked premium credit card, and complementary credit solutions, supported by priority servicing and a relationship‑led banking approach. The programme enables CS professionals to manage both their professional and personal financial needs with greater confidence, transparency and convenience.
The launch follows an exclusive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in January 2026 between AU Small Finance Bank and the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), under which the Bank offers a specially curated suite of banking and credit solutions tailored for Company Secretaries across the country.
Banking Designed Around the CS Profession
Company Secretaries play a central role in ensuring compliance with the Companies Act, SEBI regulations, board governance, disclosures, ESG frameworks and stakeholder accountability. With over 75,000 Company Secretaries in India today, expected to reach one lakh by 2030, the profession represents a high‑trust, high‑responsibility and strategically important segment, yet one that has historically lacked banking solutions designed around its unique professional needs.
Recognising this gap, AU SFB has designed the AU Royale Programme not merely as a premium banking offering, but as a profession‑aligned financial ecosystem.
Key Features:
Royale Business – Current Account
- No minimum balance requirement
- Option to choose a CS membership‑linked personalised account number
- Preferential pricing on professional and business loans
- Exclusive discounts on compliance and corporate governance tools
Royale Savings Account
- No minimum balance requirement
- Higher monthly interest payout
- Premium CS / ICSI branding debit card
- Zero annual maintenance charges on Demat account
- Family Banking facility for up to five members
- Low cross‑currency markup on international spends
AU CS Credit Card: Profession‑First Value Proposition
The AU CS Credit Card offers a strong blend of profession‑linked and lifestyle benefits, designed around the spending patterns of Company Secretaries. Business‑focused benefits include a 25% discount on annual ICSI membership renewal and 8X reward points on tax payments and software purchases, addressing high‑frequency professional expenses. Complementing this are lifestyle privileges such as 8X reward points on travel and dining spends, eight complimentary domestic airport lounge visits each year, and a 1% fuel surcharge waiver.
The credit card is Lifetime Free, with zero joining and annual fees, a low forex markup of 1.99%, zero processing fees on EMI conversions and a competitive APR. Card controls and spend management are fully digital via the AU 0101 mobile app.
Complementary Personal Loan Offering
The AU Royale Programme also includes a fast, collateral‑free AU Personal Loan offering for eligible Company Secretaries, with loan amounts of up to ₹15 lakh, minimal documentation, quick disbursal, competitive interest rates starting from 12% and a 50% discount on processing fees. Together, the programme delivers a holistic banking ecosystem that addresses the professional, personal, family and lifestyle banking needs of Company Secretaries.
Premium Identity & Experience
The AU Royale Programme features a distinct premium visual identity, including customised debit cards, welcome kits and exclusive onboarding communication, reflecting the stature and responsibility associated with the CS profession. Dedicated relationship management, branch‑level engagement and specialised support ensure a seamless, stress‑free banking experience aligned with the demanding schedules and compliance‑driven responsibilities of these professionals.
Commenting on the launch, Uttam Tibrewal, Deputy CEO, AU Small Finance Bank, said, “Company Secretaries are central to preserving institutional trust, governance integrity and regulatory discipline in corporate India. Following our exclusive partnership with ICSI, the AU Royale Banking Programme reflects our commitment to support CS professionals through a secure, transparent and relationship‑led banking ecosystem aligned with their professional responsibilities and evolving needs.”
Pawan G Chandak, President, ICSI, said, “Company Secretaries play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s corporate governance and compliance framework. This collaboration with AU Small Finance Bank is a significant step towards empowering Company Secretaries with professional aligned banking solutions to support their critical role and evolving professional needs.”
About AU Small Finance Bank: AU Small Finance Bank Limited (AU SFB) is a Scheduled Commercial Bank and India’s largest Small Finance Bank since commencing banking operations in April 2017. Founded in 1996 by Mr. Sanjay Agarwal, a first-generation entrepreneur, AU enters its 30th year of operations with a strong legacy of customer-centric service, guided by its core “Dharma”. Over three decades, including more than eight years as a bank – AU has built a sustainable and inclusive financial institution, empowering underserved and under-reached communities through a robust retail-banking model. AU SFB has received
in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to transition into a Universal Bank.
The Bank offers a comprehensive suite of banking products and services across deposits, loans, credit cards, payments, insurance, and investments, supported by strong digital capabilities including the AU 0101 app, 24×7 video banking, WhatsApp Banking, chatbots, UPI QRs, merchant lending, and end-to-end digital journeys. AU SFB’s network of 2,726+ banking touchpoints across 21 States and 4 Union Territories serves more than 1.25 crore customers, powered by 59,800+ employees.
