The EPFO has expanded its empanelled banking network by adding 15 more banks.This will enable direct payment of nearly ₹12,000 crore in annual collections and provide access to employers who maintain accounts with these banks.The total number of empanelled banks now stands at 32, with the addition of HSBC, Standard Chartered, Federal Bank, and others.EPFO's evolution and recent implementations such as EPFO 2.01 have improved claim settlements, with a 35% increase in claims settled in FY 2024-25.