MAM
O&M tops ACNielsen ORG-Marg Agency Equity Index
MUMBAI: Ogilvy and Mather (O&M) has secured the top position in the ACNielsen ORG-Marg AgencyTrack Agency Equity Index.
The survey studies the advertising agencies’ brand equity. Second in line was Lowe India, which was followed by JWT.
AgencyTrack Agency Equity Index Rankings (Overall)
Rank
Advertising agency
1
Ogilvy & Mather
2
Lowe
3
JWT
4
McCann Erickson
5
Mudra
6
Grey Worldwide
7
Leo Burnett
8
Bates India
9
Saatchi & Saatchi
10
FCB-Ulka
Source : ACNielsen ORG-MARG | AgencyTrack
McCann Erickson stood fourth followed by Mudra Communications, Grey Worldwide, Leo Burnett, Bates India, Saatchi & Saatchi and FCB Ulka (in that order).
“It is fascinating to observe the growing strength of these world famous brands which are among the biggest in marketing today. Our study shows how much these brand-builders have invested in their own brands,” said ACNielsen South Asia executive director – customised research Sarang Panchal.
In its sixth and most recent round, the ACNielsen ORG-Marg AgencyTrack Agency Equity Index surveyed more than 300 advertising buyers covering key decision making levels and different industries. The ranking is derived from three key measures:
Respondents’ favorite agency
Whether they would recommend the agency to others
Their willingness to pay a premium for the agency’s services.
The rankings saw a shuffle geographically. While O&M lead the way in all key metros included in the survey with the exception of Kolkata, different advertising agency franchises appear to have varying levels of equity in different locations. For instance, Bates jumped to second position in Kolkata, while RKSwamy BBDO made the top five in Chennai.
“Capitalising on the geographical advantage and balancing clients’ perception can be key to an agency’s client acquisition strategy. It is not enough to be a large national player if clients headquartered in any location suspect that an agency’s capabilities in that geography are not up to expectations,” observed Panchal.
“The other effective strategy for an agency to improve its equity could be one of industry specialisation,” pointed out Panchal.
AgencyTrack Agency Equity Index TM Rankings (FMCG sector)
Rank
Advertising Agency
1
Ogilvy & Mather
2
McCann Erickson
3
JWT
4
Lowe
5
Leo Burnett
6
Mudra
7
Grey Worldwide
8
Bates India
9
FCB-Ulka
10
Rediffusion DY&R
Source : ACNielsen ORG-MARG | AgencyTrack
AgencyTrack shows that there are differences in an agency’s equity based on their past work in a given sector. The change in rankings for McCann Erickson, FCB-Ulka and Rediffusion DY&R in the ACNielsen ORG-Marg AgencyTrack Agency Equity Index for the FMCG sector is testimony to this.
The table below shows that McCann Erickson, which stood fourth in the overall rankings, catapulted to the second position as far as the FMCG sector was concerned. Also Rediffusion DY&R, which did not feature in the overall Top 10 rankings, stood at the tenth position for the work they did on the FMCG sector.
Gold has evolved from a traditional family heritage to one of the most effective instruments for high-speed liquidity in the rapidly changing financial world of 2026. With 22K gold prices remaining stable at ₹14,440 per gram and 24K gold hitting ₹15,752 per gram as of February 21, 2026, the Indian gold market is seeing a historic increase. A rather small quantity of jewels can now unleash significant cash due to their increased worth.
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Recognise the Tiered LTV Framework for 2026
The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) introduction of tiered Loan-to-Value (LTV) criteria is one of the biggest changes. Depending on your unique financial needs, this policy directly affects which lender can provide you with the best gold loan.
The LTV limitations for 2026 are set up as follows:
- Loans up to ₹2.5 Lakh: 85% LTV eligibility
- Loans up to 80% LTV are eligible for those between ₹2.5 Lakh and ₹5 Lakh
- Loans over ₹5 lakh are eligible for up to 75% LTV
You must match your borrowing with these levels to determine the lowest gold loan interest rate. Because there is less risk involved, a lender may frequently give a cheaper rate for a 75% LTV plan than for an 85% LTV plan. Choosing a lower LTV bracket is a tried-and-true method to get the finest gold loan conditions if you don’t require the highest amount of cash on hand.
Compare the Offerings of Banks and NBFCs
The best gold loan is determined by your preference for quickness or cheaper cost. The service and pricing differences between ordinary banks and specialised gold lending NBFCs have grown.
Public and Private Banks: The interest rates on gold loans offered by public and private banks are often the lowest on the market, frequently beginning as low as 8.75% to 9.50% annually. Borrowers seeking a long-term or overdraft-like facility who already have a savings account will find it appropriate.
NBFCs: They are the industry leader in offering a genuine, rapid gold loan experience, even if their interest rates may be a little higher than those of banks. They are frequently the best gold loan option for urgent needs when speed surpasses a 1% yearly cost difference, thanks to doorstep services and quick disbursals.
Make Use of Purity’s Power
The most potent “multiplier” in your loan computation is the karat of your jewellery. Lenders have shifted to highly standardised assaying procedures. Declaring high-purity materials helps you get a higher valuation and a better loan amount.
Make sure you are offering hallmarked jewels in order to receive the best gold loan. Because the collateral risk is essentially zero, hallmarked gold (BIS 916) lowers the lender’s uncertainty during appraisal and frequently enables them to provide a more alluring gold loan interest profile.
Consider the Mode of Repayment
The best gold loan is one that doesn’t negatively impact your monthly cash flow. Below are a few repayment options you may consider:
- Bullet Repayment: At the conclusion of the term, which is usually 12 months, you pay the whole amount. Although the cumulative interest cost of the gold loan may be somewhat greater, this is great for short-term liquidity.
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- EMI (Principal + Interest): The most organised approach to loan closure is through EMI (principal + interest), which progressively lowers your principal and, as a result, your overall interest expense.
Use a computerised gold loan calculator to determine which option delivers the biggest savings before you sign the contract. Even a 0.5% change in the repayment schedule might save you thousands of rupees on a big loan in the expensive year of 2026.
Be Aware of Unexpected Fees and Penalties
High administrative costs can occasionally be concealed by a low headline interest rate on gold loans. Searching for the finest gold loan requires you to consider the “Total Cost of Credit.”
- Processing costs: For loans up to ₹3 lakh in 2026, several banks provide “Nil” processing costs.
- Make sure valuation fees are clear and do not represent a portion of the loan balance.
- Prepayment and Foreclosure Penalties: You shouldn’t have to pay a large penalty if you decide to end your gold loan early.
- Late Payment Fees: Examine gold loan interest “steps up” if you fail to make a payment. Some lenders charge 2% monthly punitive interest on the past-due balance, which can easily get out of hand.
Conclusion
Finding the greatest gold loan in 2026 requires striking a balance between the historic worth of your gold, i.e., ₹14,440 per gram, and a lender who understands your desire for quickness and transparency. You may make sure that your gold is a bridge to your financial objectives rather than a burden by comparing the tiered LTV brackets and selecting a repayment schedule that corresponds with your income. The knowledgeable borrower usually prevails in a market where gold loan interest rates are more competitive than ever. Spend some time evaluating at least three lenders, confirming that they are in accordance with the RBI as of 2026, and confidently discovering the actual worth of your assets.
FAQs
How much can I borrow in gold today, per gram?
The maximum credit amount for loans under ₹2.5 lakh (85% LTV) is around ₹12,274 per gram as of February 21, 2026, when 22K gold is valued at ₹14,440 per gram. Make sure your decorations are made of pure gold with minimal stone deductions to receive the greatest gold loan value.
Does my gold loan interest rate depend on my credit score?
In general, no. The majority of lenders offering a quick gold loan do not significantly rely on your CIBIL score because it is a secured loan. However, with certain private banks in 2026, having a solid credit history might help you get greater loan amounts or “preferred” gold loan interest rates.
How can I figure out how much interest is due on a gold loan?
The straightforward calculation is as follows: Principal x Annual Rate x Tenure (in years). Many lenders include a best gold loan calculator on their smartphones for a more accurate 2026 figure. This tool automatically adjusts for your selected repayment method and particular LTV tier.
In 2026, would I be able to obtain a gold loan for 18K jewellery?
Yes, most lenders accept 18K gold. However, the interest rate on the gold loan and the value per gram will be different because the purity is 75% as opposed to 91.6% for 22K. Before using the current market cost of ₹14,440 per gram, lenders first convert your 18K weight into a 22K equivalent.
If I close my gold loan early, will I be penalised?
Prepayment penalties are not imposed by the majority of respectable lenders providing the best gold loan in 2026. However, if you end the loan nearly immediately after disbursement, some may demand a minimum interest payment of seven to fifteen days. Verify your agreement’s “Foreclosure” clause at all times.
