, Australia

ANZ secures India license

Bank's offering of retail and wholesale services and opening of office in country are now possible.

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.'s (ANZ) regional ambitions got a major boost after the group said it has been given in-principle approval for a foreign banking license in India.

The license will allow ANZ Bank to provide a range of retail and wholesale banking services in India and, subject to regulatory approval, ANZ said it plans to set up its first branch office in Mumbai within 12 months.

Melbourne-based ANZ Bank--currently Australia's third-largest bank by market capitalisation--wants to differentiate itself from its Australia-focused peers and transform into a super-regional bank.

It has built a presence in countries including China, Taiwan, Indonesia and Malaysia, but without a license in India it had a big hole in its regional footprint.

The approval will see ANZ Bank re-enter the Indian banking market after more than a decade. ANZ used to own Grindlays Bank, which had a significant presence in India, but sold the operation in 2000.

View the full story in the Wall Street Journal.

Follow the link for more news on

Join Asian Banking & Finance community
Since you're here...

...there are many ways you can work with us to advertise your company and connect to your customers. Our team can help you dight and create an advertising campaign, in print and digital, on this website and in print magazine.

We can also organize a real life or digital event for you and find thought leader speakers as well as industry leaders, who could be your potential partners, to join the event. We also run some awards programmes which give you an opportunity to be recognized for your achievements during the year and you can join this as a participant or a sponsor.

Let us help you drive your business forward with a good partnership!

Exclusives

Financial crimes to continue to squeeze bank profits
More sophisticated crooks and stricter rules are expected to increase compliance costs.
Asia struggles with G20 payment targets
The ultimate goal is for cross-border payments to achieve “the speed of the internet.”