MAM
Experian rolls out Grameen Score for rural India
MUMBAI: Scoring big in Bharat! Experian Credit Information Company of India has unveiled the Grameen Score, a fresh credit scoring model designed to make borrowing easier and fairer for India’s rural population. The move aims to bridge the gap between financial institutions and millions of rural consumers who have long remained outside the formal credit net.
Aligned with the Government of India’s push for financial inclusion and the Reserve Bank of India’s efforts to widen access to credit, the Grameen Score helps lenders assess rural borrowers more accurately and responsibly.
Developed with a deep understanding of India’s villages, the model considers unique rural financial patterns such as repayment behaviour on small loans, the types of credit typically used in villages and even migration trends between towns and cities. The score ranges from 300 to 900, making it simple for lenders and borrowers alike to understand.
The Grameen Score particularly shines a spotlight on women entrepreneurs and self-help groups, helping them secure fairer loans and build stronger financial identities. For lenders, it translates into faster, data-driven decisions and a clearer picture of repayment capability.
Commenting on the launch, Experian Credit Information Company of India chairman Manish Jain said, “The Experian Grameen Score aligns with India’s agenda of inclusive growth. By helping institutions assess credit risk more effectively in rural areas, we are improving access to finance and building a more resilient and transparent credit ecosystem.”
He added that the score reflects Experian’s philosophy of “innovation with purpose”, using data and analytics to enable responsible rural lending and sustainable growth.
With this initiative, Experian aims to turn financial dreams in India’s heartlands into reality, one score at a time.
Brands
Raj Cooling Systems launches Agreyas appliances brand
Emraan Hashmi named brand ambassador for consumer appliance push.
MUMBAI: A company known for cooling solutions is now heating up its ambitions in the home appliances market. Raj Cooling Systems Pvt. Ltd. has launched a new consumer appliances brand, Agreyas, marking its entry into India’s rapidly expanding home appliances sector valued at more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore. The move represents a strategic diversification for the company, which has traditionally focused on cooling solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Through Agreyas, the firm plans to tap into growing consumer demand for energy efficient and technology driven household appliances.
To build brand visibility, Agreyas has appointed Emraan Hashmi as its brand ambassador. The campaign has been developed under the banner of Zoommantra Productions, with actor and filmmaker Rohit Roy contributing to the creative direction.
The brand’s initial portfolio will include mid premium air conditioners, washing machines, geysers and other white goods designed to cater to modern Indian households seeking efficient and reliable appliances.
Raj Cooling Systems, founder and chairman Kalpesh Ramoliya said the launch aligns with the company’s broader expansion plans.
“The launch of Agreyas is in line with our vision to build a strong presence in India’s consumer electronics and home appliances market. The brand has been developed as a standalone identity to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers,” he said.
Hashmi said the collaboration comes at a time when Indian buyers are increasingly looking for innovative and functional home solutions.
“I’m looking forward to working with Agreyas at a time when consumers are seeking more innovative and efficient home products. The brand reflects changing consumer behaviour around functionality, innovation and ease of use,” he said.
Raj Cooling Systems plans to invest around 10 million dollars in developing the brand, with an additional 5 million dollars earmarked over the next three to five years for product development and distribution expansion.
Agreyas will follow a multi channel distribution approach, selling through online platforms, retail outlets and dealer networks aimed at both urban and semi urban markets across India.
With the launch, the company is positioning Agreyas as a standalone consumer facing brand while continuing to leverage its existing manufacturing, engineering and research capabilities built through its core cooling solutions business.
