Odisha: A Rising Star in Microfinance Markets According to Fusion Finance

Fusion Finance has recognized Odisha as a promising microfinance market, emphasizing the state's improving rural livelihoods and increasing demand for small loans. With a loan portfolio of Rs 577 crore and a focus on responsible lending, the company operates 135 branches serving around 250,000 women borrowers. CEO Sanjay Garyali highlights the importance of Odisha in their growth strategy, citing strong credit discipline and enhanced operational frameworks. Discover how Odisha is becoming a pivotal player in the microfinance sector.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 25, 2025, 09:27 IST

Odisha's Microfinance Potential

Bhubaneswar: Fusion Finance has pinpointed Odisha as a significant microfinance market, highlighting the state's improving rural livelihoods, increasing demand for small loans, and enhanced borrower behavior.

Odisha is becoming a pivotal microfinance center in eastern India, driven by better income visibility in rural and semi-urban regions, greater access to digital financial services, and a focus on responsible, data-driven lending.

Recent indicators of rural income recovery and improved repayment rates following the festive season have bolstered the state's credit outlook.

As of September 30, 2025, Fusion Finance's loan portfolio in Odisha reached Rs 577 crore.

The company operates 135 microfinance branches across 30 districts, catering to approximately 250,000 women borrowers through its Joint Liability Group (JLG) model.

Since its entry into the state in 2016, Fusion has demonstrated stable repayment performance, reflecting its commitment to disciplined underwriting, careful customer selection, and effective collection strategies.

In the past year, Fusion has strengthened its risk management and operational framework by enhancing branch-level oversight and increasing the adoption of digital processes. Its proprietary lending platform, Shakti, facilitates quicker onboarding, cashless disbursements, and real-time portfolio management.

“Odisha is a strategically vital market for us as the microfinance sector shows clear signs of stabilization. Strong credit discipline, tighter controls, and high collection efficiency position us favorably for sustainable growth and enhanced financial inclusion in the state,” stated Sanjay Garyali, CEO of Fusion Finance.