Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) launched TMB Vani, an AI-powered telecalling service that can converse with customers in 40 languages, at its 105th Foundation Day celebrations in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, on 11 November 2026. The bank also introduced a Smart Kiosk, an auto-reconciliation solution, a new credit card and a new branch.
The launches were made in the presence of Vice-President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan, who was chief guest, and Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. The rollout follows the bank’s record ₹451 crore Q2 FY27 profit reported last month.
What is TMB Vani?
TMB Vani is a multilingual telecalling service built on artificial intelligence. According to the bank, it is designed to improve customer engagement by holding conversations in 40 languages, so customers can be served in the language they are most comfortable with.
Voice AI has become a fast-growing category in Indian banking. Federal Bank, for instance, has worked with GreyLabs AI to deploy voice AI across customer interactions, while specialist vendors are raising capital to build such agents for lenders.
Other technology and business launches
- TMB Vani: AI-powered telecalling in 40 languages.
- Smart Kiosk: a self-service kiosk for branch customers.
- Auto-reconciliation solution: aimed at improving operational efficiency.
- New credit card: an addition to the bank’s retail product range.
- New branch: Anna Nagar in Thoothukudi, inaugurated virtually.
The bank also announced a careers portal to connect with prospective job seekers and a LinkedIn Learning platform for employee skill development.
What TMB’s MD and CEO said
Salee S. Nair, Managing Director and CEO of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank, said the bank’s focus is on “building a more agile, technology-driven and customer-centric bank”. He added that “TMB Vani and Smart Kiosks mark important steps in this direction.” Nair took charge of the bank after RBI approved his appointment as MD and CEO in 2024.
Vice-President calls for stronger cybersecurity
Vice-President Radhakrishnan traced TMB’s journey from its origins as Nadar Bank Limited in 1921 to a lender with 632 branches across 17 states and four Union Territories, more than 53 lakh customers and total business exceeding ₹1.30 lakh crore, the Vice-President’s Secretariat said. The bank confirmed the celebration in a stock exchange filing.
He urged the bank to keep strengthening its cybersecurity, safeguard customers’ money and personal data, and continue to embrace innovation. He also called on TMB to aim to become one of India’s leading private sector banks while staying rooted in Thoothukudi.
Why it matters for Indian banking
Multilingual AI is emerging as a practical way for mid-sized banks to serve customers beyond English and Hindi at scale. Regulators are moving in the same direction: SEBI’s BHASHINI tie-up for investor services shows how Indian-language AI is entering financial services more broadly.
For TMB, which has deep roots in southern Tamil Nadu and a growing national footprint, a 40-language voice channel could help it reach customers across states without adding call-centre staff in every language.
Key takeaways
- Tamilnad Mercantile Bank launched TMB Vani, an AI telecalling service in 40 languages, on 11 November 2026.
- The bank also rolled out a Smart Kiosk, auto-reconciliation, a new credit card and a new branch.
- Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan urged TMB to strengthen cybersecurity and protect customer data.
Also read: Infobip, Tesync Bring AI Digital Lending to Cooperative Banks
Featured image: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan with TMB leadership at the bank’s 105th Foundation Day in Thoothukudi. Photo: Vice-President’s Secretariat (@VPIndia).
