Foreign Banks in India 2025: Check Top 10 Names & Locations
Table of Contents
- jaro Education
- 1, November 2021
- 6:17 pm
Have you ever been curious about which global banking institutions are supporting India’s financial ecosystem?
As India builds its presence globally, foreign banks are increasing their role as well. These foreign institutions bring in their capital but also innovative functions, global knowledge, and high-quality financial services for consumers and businesses in India.
In this blog, we will then take a look at the 10 foreign banks operating in India by 2025, including their head office and major locations. Whether you are a student, investor, or job seeker, knowing who is operating in or out of an academic, investment, or work relationship is important; it will keep you well-informed and better prepared to navigate the financial world. So, let’s take a look at who the global banks are that are doing business in India and how they may alter the financial terrain in India.
Historical Background of Foreign Banks
The presence of foreign banks in India dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the establishment of branches of foreign banks in major cities like Mumbai and Kolkata. Over the years, the regulations and policies governing the operations of foreign banks in India have evolved significantly. In the initial stages, foreign banks faced restrictions on their operations and the types of services they could offer, but as the Indian economy grew, these restrictions were gradually relaxed, and foreign banks were allowed to expand their operations.
The impact of foreign banks on the Indian economy has been mixed. On the one hand, foreign banks have brought in advanced technology and financial services, improving India’s overall banking system and making it more competitive. They have also brought in significant foreign investment, which has contributed to the economy’s growth. On the other hand, some argue that the entry of foreign banks has increased competition and reduced the market share of local banks, leading to job losses and consolidation in the banking sector.
Overall, foreign banks have played a crucial role in developing the Indian banking sector and have brought in international expertise, technology, and financial services that have helped improve the banking system in India.
What are Foreign Banks?
The foreign banks are those that are situated in one country and in which other countries operate in the form of branches, subsidiaries, or representative offices. The laws of the country regulate the laws governing foreign banks, which are based on as well as the laws governing their operation. These foreign banks offer several banking services, i.e., commercial banking, retail banking, and investment banking. In India, foreign banks represent hardly 1 per cent of the branch network and yet they contribute 11 per cent of the banking sector profit as they are specialised in business segments other than retail banking; the segments include trade finance, wholesale lending, external commercial borrowing, treasury service, and investment banking.
Here is a summary of some of the largest foreign banks in India that discusses their history, presence, and services.
1. HSBC
Headquarters: London
India Presence: Major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru.
About:
HSBC is one of the biggest and most respected foreign banks globally. In India, it provides a range of banking services, including retail banking, corporate banking, and wealth management. HSBC is typically recognized for its global footprint and dependable financial service solutions for NRIs, multinational companies, and HNIs (High-Net-Worth Individuals).
Famous for: Global wealth management and cross-border banking without a hitch.
*PYMNTS.com
Presently in India: More than 24 branches across India.
Product. Interest Rate
HSBC Personal Loan: 10.5%
HSBC Home Loan: 8.50%
2. Standard Chartered Bank
Head office: London, U.K.
India Operations Since: 1858
About: Standard Chartered is the oldest foreign bank in India with over 100 branches providing a full suite of banking services for retail, SME, and corporate customers. They offer banking services like credit cards, loans, investment products, and corporate advisory services.
Famous for: Huge branch network and strong retail banking presence.
*Wikipedia
Access to India: Equity in India (June 2010, Indian Depository Receipts).
Indian history: 160 years
Specialization: Good corporate and commercial banking, which foreign businesses in India find to be popular.
Product Rate of Interest
Standard Chartered Personal Loan 12
Standard Chartered home loan 8.65
3. DBS Bank
Location: Singapore
Expansion across India: Lakshmi Vilas Bank in 2020
Company overview:
DBS, one of the most technologically savvy foreign sector banks, is focused on digital banking. DBS’s acquisition of Lakshmi Vilas Bank allowed it to rapidly expand into India with digital banking apps, savings accounts, and SME loans
Recognized for: App-based digital banking and customer-first innovation.
*Justdial
Notable Features – Innovative digital banking solutions, with a strong emphasis on digital technologies in banking.
Service Range – Institutional banking, consumer banking, and wealth management.
Product Interest Rates
DBS Bank Personal Loan 10.99%
DBS Bank Home Loan 8.5%
4. Barclays Bank
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
India Focus: Corporate and investment banking
About :
Barclays is a global bank where its strengths are known for investment banking, wealth management, and treasury services, focusing on large corporates, financial institutions, and higher net worth individuals in India.
Famous for: M&A advisory and investment banking in the higher end of the market.
*thestatesman.com
Source: British multinational bank
Employee: Increasing presence in corporate and investment banking.
Offerings: Treasury solutions, corporate banking, trade finance, “retail products” investment management, lending, mortgages, and wealth planning.
5. Deutsche Bank (DB)
Headquarters: Frankfurt, Germany
Indian Offices: Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Bengaluru
Company Overview:
Deutsche Bank is an establishment of some prestige as among the leading foreign banks in India and offers services such as corporate banking, asset management, and wealth advising, and works with NRIs as well as larger family businesses.
Well-known for: Global transaction banking and high-end private banking.
*economictimes.indiatimes.com
First Indian Branch: 1980
Indian Operations: 16 cities
Service Spectrum: Corporate banking, retail banking, investment banking, asset and wealth management, card products, trust, deposit services, loans, securities solutions, investment planning, and financial advisory.
6. Bank of America (BofA)
Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolin, USA
Branches in India: Primarily in Mumbai and Gurgaon
About: One of the largest corporate and institutional banks, Bank of America provides trade finance, capital markets, and risk management solutions to global and Indian clients.
Notable For: A significant presence in MNC banking and forex management.
*Banking Dive
Specialization: facilitated international transactions with the US
Clientele: Major conglomerates – Tata Sons, Reliance Industries, Aditya Birla Group.
Role in IPO Market: Influential in introducing numerous new sectors and start-ups.
7. Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK)
Headquarters: Manama, Bahrain
India Operations: Limited to large metros such as Mumbai and Hyderabad
About:
BBK is a niche foreign bank that is focused on trade finance, NRI services, and corporate banking. Its client base is approximately 90% clients that do business in the Gulf and Indian expats.
Famous for: Middle East – India banking corridor and trade assistance.
*Inventia
Entry into India: Established in 1986.
Indian Branches: Operates 4 branches in Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Kerala.
Services Offered: Top-quality credit facilities, services to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), and deposit products.
Unique Features: Strong remittances department and a fully staffed dealing room with excellent delivery and complete satisfaction.
Expertise: Structured finance solutions to mid-corporates and the SME space/SME sector.
8. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)
Headquarters: Beijing, China
India Office: Mumbai
About:
ICBC is the world’s largest bank by total assets. The ICBC branch in India focuses mainly on trade and investment opportunities between China and India. While ICBC’s considerations for retail banking through the India branch are currently very limited, their relevance in global finance is significant.
Famous for: Strengthening trade between China and India and infrastructure finance.
*BankTrack
The ICBC in India also represents an example of the bank’s ambition to be a global banking leader, while dealing with different markets and financial systems.
Global Ranking: Among the largest banks in the world.
Expansion in India: Growth in their presence.
Specialization: Cross-border transactions, corporate banking, and trade finance.
Notable Aspect: Their operations in India signify the increasingly strong economic relationship between India and China, and their focus on trade and corporate banking.
9. BNP Paribas
Headquarters: Paris, France
India Services: Corporate Banking, Institutional Banking & Investment Banking
About:
BNP Paribas is one of the most prestigious foreign sector banks in Europe. BNP Paribas provides substantial support to large Indian corporations by providing structured finance, treasury operations, and asset management.
Famous for: Eurozone expertise and trade assistance globally.
*BNP Paribas
Country of Origin: France
Coverage in India: Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Chennai.
Sustainable Developments: Active in green banking in India.
Services: including corporate and institutional banking, hedging, equity, financing, investment banking, and derivatives
Significance: The second-oldest foreign banking organisation in India, and has been active in too many sectors of finance to even mention.
10. Credit Suisse
Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland
India Focus: Ultra high net worth individuals (UHNWI)
About:
Credit Suisse is known for being a private bank with a highly-regarded wealth management service. In India, it has a niche client base that includes entrepreneurs, CXOs, and wealthy families.
Famous for: Wealth advisory services that are confidential and internationalist ways to allocate capital through innovative investment strategies.
*Swissinfo
Global Presence: Major global player in the banking scene
Indian Operations: Investment banking and wealth management services
Specialty: Financial services tailored to high-net-worth individuals and large corporate clients.
Advantages of Foreign Banks in India
The presence of foreign banks in India has several advantages, including:
- Technological advancements
Foreign banks bring with them advanced technology and digital banking solutions, which have helped improve the overall banking system in India. This has made banking services more accessible, convenient, and efficient for customers.
- Increased competition
The entry of foreign banks has increased competition in the Indian banking sector, which has led to better products and services being offered to customers. This has helped improve the quality of banking services and increase customer satisfaction.
- Access to global financial markets
Foreign banks have access to global financial markets and can provide their customers with access to a wider range of financial products and services. This has helped increase the competitiveness of the Indian banking sector and attract more foreign investment into the country.
- Improved financial services
Foreign banks bring with them international expertise and best practices, which have helped improve the quality of financial services offered in India. This has increased customer satisfaction and greater financial inclusion, especially in rural and underdeveloped areas.
In summary, the presence of foreign banks in India has brought several advantages, including technological advancements, increased competition, access to global financial markets, and improved financial services.
Challenges faced by Foreign Banks in India
1) Stringent regulations
Foreign banks in India face several regulations, including those related to capital requirements, banking licenses, and compliance with local laws and regulations. These regulations can be stringent and can impact the efficiency and profitability of foreign banks in India.
2) Cultural differences
Foreign banks may also face challenges related to cultural differences, including different business practices and customer expectations. This can make it difficult for foreign banks to fully integrate into the local market and compete effectively with local banks.
3) Competition with local banks
Foreign banks face significant competition from local banks, which are well-established in the market and have a better understanding of local customers and market dynamics. This can make it challenging for foreign banks to gain market share and compete effectively.
4) Managing the balancing act between local and global operations
Foreign banks in India must also balance their local and global operations, which can be challenging as they need to comply with local regulations and meet the expectations of both local and international customers.
Impact on the Indian Banking System
1) Competition
The presence of foreign banks in India has increased competition in the banking sector, which has led to better products and services being offered to customers.
2) Improved services
Foreign banks bring with them international expertise and best practices, which have helped improve the quality of financial services offered in India.
3) Access to capital and expertise
Foreign banks can provide access to capital and expertise, which can help support the growth and development of the Indian economy.
4) Pressure to adopt best practices
The entry of foreign banks has also put pressure on local banks to adopt best practices and improve their services, which has helped improve the overall banking system in India.
In summary, while the presence of foreign banks in India has brought several benefits, they also face challenges such as stringent regulations, cultural differences, competition with local banks, and the need to balance local and global operations. The impact of foreign banks on the Indian banking system has been positive, including increased competition, improved services, access to capital and expertise, and pressure to adopt best practices.
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To Conclude
Foreign banks have played an important role in the Indian banking system, bringing in advanced technology, increased competition, access to global financial markets, and improved financial services. However, they also need to overcome several challenges, such as stringent regulations, cultural differences, competition with local banks, and the need to balance local and global operations.
Going forward, it is expected that foreign banks will continue to play an important role in the Indian banking system as the Indian economy continues to grow and evolve. The government is likely to continue to ease regulations and open up the sector to more foreign investment, which will provide opportunities for foreign banks to expand their operations in India.
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Insightful article on the role of foreign banks in India! Loved the detailed analysis of their impact on the banking system.