On 28 September, the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) announced a planned three‑day strike that will shut down most bank branches, ATMs and online services through 30 September. The strike, driven by disputes over remuneration and working conditions, will affect all major private and public sector banks, including the State Bank of India. In response, SBI issued an advisory warning customers that UPI transactions, internet banking, and ATM withdrawals may be disrupted during the strike window. The bank also urged customers to use alternative payment methods and to plan cash withdrawals before the strike starts, as ATMs could become inoperable for a significant portion of the day.
Retail investors could see temporary liquidity constraints, especially those who rely on instant fund transfers for market orders. While the NSE and BSE indices are unlikely to move dramatically, a slowdown in trade volume and delayed settlement could create volatility in the short term. Investors should monitor market hours and keep an eye on any regulatory guidance. To mitigate the impact, investors can pre‑load mobile wallets, use credit cards for large purchases, and schedule trades early in the day.
Regulatory bodies have assured that settlement systems will remain functional, and the Reserve Bank of India has issued a statement encouraging banks to keep critical payment services operational. Staying informed will help avoid unnecessary disruptions.