Author: Neel Achary

McCann crafts AU Small Finance Bank’s new Brand Campaign, featuring Ranbir Kapoor & Rashmika Mandanna

Hyderabad, Dec  08 : AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB), India’s largest Small Finance Bank and the first to receive in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India to transition into a Universal Bank, has unveiled its new brand campaign carrying forward the brand’s core theme of “Soch Badlo, aur Bank Bhi” (Change Your Thinking, Change Your Bank). Featuring Bollywood actors Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna, the campaign marks a creative departure from its predecessor, with McCann delivering a fresh, entertainment-forward interpretation of the core messaging that repositions AU SFB’s brand promise for a broader audience.

The campaign relies on humour, everyday conversations, and relatable character moments to drive its central premise: encouraging viewers to critically examine whether their current bank truly meets their financial needs. Rather than hard-selling AU SFB’s services, Ranbir and Rashmika function as subtle catalysts within these narratives, gently prompting audiences to consider more rewarding banking choices. By grounding the message in authentic, recognizable scenarios, the campaign invites consumers to rethink their banking relationships and explore what AU SFB offers as an alternative.

The communication highlights AU’s strengthened product propositions across consumer and business segments. On the consumer side, the bank offers higher interest rates with monthly payouts on AU Savings Accounts, alongside lifestyle benefits and merchant offers on AU Debit Cards. For businesses, AU’s comprehensive Current Account suite integrates lending, payment collections, merchant solutions, and Trade & Forex services – all designed to consolidate banking operations in one platform.

Central to this offering are the AU 0101 App and AU 0101 Business App, which bring branch-equivalent service to mobile devices. Both platforms deliver seamless digital banking, real-time account visibility, integrated money management, quick payments, collections and service requests, positioning AU’s digital infrastructure as a key differentiator in a market increasingly demanding convenience without compromise.

Speaking about the campaign, Sanjay Agarwal, Founder, MD & CEO, AU Small Finance Bank, said,

“This campaign, based on core thought of ‘Soch Badlo, aur Bank Bhi’, inspires customers to reflect on their banking choices, as we bring the message in a more contemporary, relatable, and entertaining way. Ranbir and Rashmika help us convey this with honesty and charm, while our product strengths in Savings and Current Accounts provide strong reasons to make the switch. This campaign reinforces our commitment to offering customers a smarter, more intuitive banking experience as we prepare for our transition into a Universal Bank.”

Sharing his perspective, Prasoon Joshi, Chief Creative Officer & CEO of McCann Worldgroup India said,

“It’s about exploring the consumer’s evolving mindset through a lens of warmth and relatability. The team wanted to move away from being transactional and find the humour in everyday human truths. The films are rooted in the texture of daily life. The brand team through this campaign created an invitation for people to pause and rethink their banking relationship, but with a smile.”

The films have been directed by Hemant Bhandari and produced by Chrome pictures. The campaign will run across television, digital platforms, social media, and print, strengthening AU’s reach across customer segments. With this renewed creative push, AU reinforces its ambition to be the preferred banking partner for individuals and businesses across India.

TechnoStruct Academy Projects 81% Growth, $16M Valuation by FY26

New Delhi, December 8:- TechnoStruct Academy  the global Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) education leader with roots in India, today announced a transformational expansion aimed at solidifying its position as the worldwide standard for future-ready professionals in the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Backed by California-headquartered TechnoStruct LLC, TSA is projecting approximately 81% year-on-year revenue growthscaling from INR 72 million to INR 130 million in the current fiscal year while maintaining a robust USD 16 million valuation.

The expansion is anchored by three strategic pillars: the launch of the BuildingSMART-Certified Leadership Program, deepened partnerships with premier global and Indian engineering institutions, and accelerated market penetration across India’s construction technology boom. Together, these initiatives position TSA uniquely as an Indian brand that has successfully scaled globally, now serving learners across 29 countries with operational centres in San Francisco, Redwood City, Irvine, Dallas, Mexico, Germany and India (Gurugram and Pune).

“This isn’t just about growing a number it’s about demonstrating that world-class AEC education can originate from India and compete globally,”

said Mr. Roy Aniruddha, Founder and Chairman, TechnoStruct Academy. “By partnering with institutions like Michigan State University’s School of Construction Management, which ranks among the top 10 globally in its field, we’re setting a new benchmark. Our approach is different: we combine software-agnostic, project-driven BIM training with real billable project exposurethe same model that our parent company, TechnoStruct LLC, uses on projects like Google Bay View Campus and Apple headquarters. For learners across our 29-country footprint, this means acquiring skills that directly translate into global employability. It also sends a signal to Indian talent that you don’t need to leave India to access world-class digital construction education.”

The global infrastructure, the Indian heart; 

TSA operates at the intersection of India’s rapidly growing AEC market and global construction standards. Government initiatives such as the Smart Cities Mission and Gati Shakti have created unprecedented demand for digitally skilled professionals, while international clients increasingly expect ISO 19650 compliance and openBIM maturity across project teams. TSA’s expansion strategy directly addresses this dual opportunity: building deeper roots in India’s engineering ecosystem while leveraging its international presence to deliver globally-benchmarked curriculum.

The company’s program portfolio now spans specialized certifications in BIM for Infrastructure, Digital Construction Project Management, Data Science in Construction and advanced 4D/5D planning tools such as Bexel Manager all designed around live, billable project work rather than simulation or academic exercises.

BuildingSMART-Certified Leadership Program;

At the centre of this expansion is the Leadership Program, a global initiative for BIM and VDC professionals aspiring to lead complex, multi-stakeholder projects. The program is built around openBIM methodologies and ISO 19650 standards, which have become essential for large-scale government contracts and international delivery. Participants work alongside active practitioners from TechnoStruct LLC, ensuring that leadership lessons are grounded in real project challenges rather than theory.

Serving three distinct cohorts;

TSA tailors its offerings to three audiences: engineering students seeking job-readiness and live project exposure; working professionals upskilling through the BIM-Ready+ International Post-Graduation program; and corporate leaders needing to standardise BIM practices across global portfolios. This segmented approach has enabled TSA to build deep relationships within each cohort, resulting in strong placement outcomes and corporate partnerships across the world.

Practitioner-led, standards-aligned; 

TSA’s courses are led by active BIM architects, engineers and project managers from TechnoStruct LLC who bring direct experience from landmark global projects. This ensures that every course remains current, industry-relevant and directly applicable to today’s AEC challenges. Collaborations with buildingSMART International and Autodesk further guarantee curriculum alignment with global best practices and emerging standards.

Scaling an Indian advantage; 

With 81% projected growth, a USD 16 million valuation and a learner base spanning 29 countries, TechnoStruct Academy is demonstrating that India can be a source of globally competitive digital construction talent. The expansion reinforces TSA’s vision: to build a sustainable, innovation-driven institution that shapes the future of digital engineering leadership on a worldwide stage.

Bajaj Finance Ltd’s Financial Literacy Initiative Sparks Empowerment in Andhra’s Tribal Areas

Araku, Andhra Pradesh, Dec 08: Bajaj Finance Ltd., India’s largest Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in the private sector and a part of Bajaj Finserv, today organized its financial literacy programme titled ‘Arthsutra Samvad’ in the interior region of Gondivalasa village under Chinalabudu Panchayat in Araku Valley mandal. A similar awareness programme was conducted on December 6 in Minimuluru village of Paderu mandal in the same district. This pan-India initiative aims to promote financial inclusion across villages and underbanked locations in India’s hinterland.

‘Arthsutra Samvad’ is being implemented under the RBI’s initiative for augmenting financial literacy and awareness. It aims to create awareness about financial discipline, online fraud, and good practices in money management.

Dignitaries, including Shri Panchadi Govind, Deputy Tehsildar of Araku Mandal; Shri B. Upender, Sarpanch of Chinalabudu Panchayat; and Shri Rayavarapu Venkatarao, representative of the Naandi Foundation, graced the event. The programme was held at Gondivalasa village and witnessed participation from approximately 75 members, predominantly belonging to the vulnerable tribal communities.

Bajaj Finance’s ‘Arthsutra Samvad’ is a comprehensive programme to foster financial awareness and empowerment at the grassroots level across India’s hinterlands. At its core, the initiative aims to simplify personal finance for individuals, helping them make informed choices with confidence and clarity.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Tehsildar Panchadi Govind said,

“There have been many cases where villagers go to withdraw money only to discover that their hard‑earned savings have already been taken without their knowledge. Do not fall into such traps. Awareness is a powerful tool it can prevent exploitation and empower communities. At the same time, cultivating habits of saving and budgeting will help secure a better future for our families.

Highlighting that awareness is the strongest safeguard, the Sarpanch of the panchayat remarked:

“The lack of education often emboldens fraudsters. There have been several cases where people misuse thumb impressions to withdraw money without consent. Everyone must remain vigilant, especially when using ATM cards to access their funds.”He further urged the community: “Speak openly with your relatives, parents, and children. Awareness is our strength it empowers us and weakens the fraudsters.”

Rayavarapu Venkatarao, representative of the Naandi Foundation, cautioned participants with a simple rule:

“If an offer of easy money seems too tempting, it is most likely a fraud. Do not allow others to use your bank account, even if they promise you money in return. Such practices can put you at serious risk. In this region, many people have suffered losses by clicking on links containing .apk files. Remember, money never comes free—if it looks too luring, you should recognize it as a fraud.”

As part of the campaign’s multi-faceted approach, Arthsutra Samvad also places strong emphasis on financial fraud awareness. Everyone should remember the helpline number 1930, and in case of any cyber fraud, they should report it immediately. The audience has been guided on the careful and responsible use of mobile phones. Additionally, they have been cautioned against digital arrest scams, fraudulent investment groups on WhatsApp, installing suspicious APK files, and clicking on unidentified links received on their devices.

Through workshops, interactive sessions, and community dialogues, the Arthsutra program covers essential topics such as the importance of savings and how to build financial buffers for emergencies, understanding the nuances of responsible borrowing to avoid debt traps, and recognizing and avoiding common scams including those that occur online or in person.

In addition, participants will be guided on cultivating financial discipline and developing the resilience needed to navigate life’s monetary ups and downs. By merging practical knowledge with real-life scenarios, Arthsutra Samvad hopes to spark a long-term shift toward financially conscious behavior and a future-ready citizenry.

The programme will be further amplified through cultural events in surrounding areas and will include interactive workshops, expert talks, and community engagement activities, designed to simplify finance and encourage lifelong financial learning.

As part of the 100-year-old Bajaj Group, Bajaj Finance is committed to serving society. A Bajaj Finance spokesperson said,

“We believe the business of financial services has a larger purpose that of inclusion of the underserved and unbanked population into the nation’s financial mainstream. As part of our efforts to further financial inclusion, we are now launching a pan-India financial inclusion programme, aimed at bringing as many people as possible into India’s formal financial stream.”