India

Given the massive funding requirement of infra sector (>$500b in the next decade by some estimates), the domestic banking sector is feeling the constraints in meeting these large debt requirements:

Kotak Mahindra Bank expects 50 percent growth on savings bank deposits on the strength of offering high rates of interests.

Corporation Bank will open 300 branches mainly in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bihar, Punjab, Orissa and Jharkhand.

Barclays will shut three of its nine bank branches in India by end of September to reduce it retail banking operations in the country.

The recent reduction in bank's reserve ratios has increased consumer financing by India's largest banks.

87 percent of the world population is already powered with a mobile phone with 25% users already browsing on the internet on their mobiles. KPMG surveys indicate that the Asian region has already shown a growth of 3x for mobile usage on retail.

IDBI Bank plans to raise another USD 500 million through sales of foreign currency bonds to fund its overseas business growth.

CIMB Bank is still eyeing opportunities in India despite the cancellation of its proposed acquisition of RBS operations in India. 

ICICI Bank Ltd, India's largest private sector bank, has turned to using the renminbi to tap Asia's rich bond market.

Pakistan and India have agreed to allow bank operations on a reciprocal basis to facilitate trade between both countries that have a history of violent animosity.

The State Bank of Pakistan introduced a set of prudential returns/statements for banks to enable it to effectively monitor and assess the risks posed by their relationship with the associated undertakings.

ICICI Bank plans to raise US$ 500 million through a Yuan bond being managed by Standard Chartered Bank.

Allahabad Bank will offer a short-term deposit scheme for high-value customers.

Sri Lanka's Central Bank reported that foreign inflows including workers' remittances continued to hold up.

The waning interest of the Indian banking sector towards real estate lending is reflected in the loan exposure growth rate, which declined to 4 percent from 23 percent last year.

HDFC Bank launched its 10,000th ATM in India near Ajmer Sharif Dargah, a sacred shrine revered by people of all faith.