Banking

Banking Regulation Act of India, 1949 defines

Banking as accepting, for the purpose of lending or of
investment of deposits of money from the public,
repayable on demand or otherwise or withdrawal by
cheque, draft order or otherwise. The Reserve Bank
of India Act, 1934 and the Banking Regulation Act,
1949, govern the banking operations in India.
 Banking Structure in India
A well-regulated banking system is a key comfort for local
and foreign stake-holders in any country. Prudent banking
regulation is recognized as one of the reasons why India was
less affected by the global financial crisis.
Banks can be broadly categorized as Commercial Banks or
Co-operative Banks.
Banks which meet specific criteria are included in the second
schedule of the RBI Act, 1934. These are called scheduled
banks. They may be commercial banks or co-operative banks.
Scheduled banks are considered to be safer, and are entitled
to special facilities like re-finance from RBI. Inclusion in the
schedule also comes with its responsibilities of reporting to
RBI and maintaining a percentage of its demand and time
liabilities as Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) with RBI.
Structure of Banks in India
Broad Classification of Banks in India
1)The RBI: The RBI is the supreme monetary and banking authority
in the country and has the responsibility to control the banking
system in the country. It keeps the reserves of all scheduled banks
and hence is known as the Reserve Bank.
2)Public Sector Banks:
State Bank of India and its Associates (8)
Nationalized Banks (19)
Regional Rural Banks Sponsored by Public Sector Banks (196)

3) Private Sector Banks:

Old Generation Private Banks (22)
Foreign New Generation Private Banks (8)
Banks in India (40)
4) Co-operative Sector Banks:
State Co-operative Banks
Central Co-operative Banks
Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
Land Development Banks
State Land Development Banks

5) Development Banks: Development Banks mostly provide long term finance

for setting up industries. They also provide short-term finance (for export and
import activities)
Industrial Finance Co-operation of India (IFCI)
Industrial Development of India (IDBI)
Industrial Investment Bank of India (IIBI)
Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
Export-Import Bank of India
 Commercial Banks

Commercial banks comprising public sector banks,

foreign banks, and private sector banks represent
the most important financial intermediary in the
Indian financial system.
The changes in banking structure and control have
resulted due to wider geographical spread and
deeper penetration of rural areas, higher
mobilization of deposits, reallocation of bank credit
to priority activities, and lower operational
autonomy for a bank management. Public sector
commercial banks, dominate the commercial
banking scene in the country. The largest
commercial Banks in India is SBI 6
 Main function of commercial banks
A ) Acceptance of deposits
Fixed deposit account
Saving bank account
Current account

B ) Advancing of loan
Cash credit
Call loans
Over draft
Bills discounting
 Main function of commercial banks cont-
C) Agency function
Collecting receipts
Making payments
Buy and sell securities
Trustee and executor

D ) General utility function

Issuing letters of credit, travelers cheques
Underwriting share and debentures
Safe custody of valuables
Providing ATM and credit card facilities
Providing credit information
 Cooperative Bank
These banks play a vital role in mobilizing savings
and stimulating agricultural investment. Co-operative
credit institutions account for the second largest
proportion of 44.6% of total institutional credit. The
co-operative sector is very much useful for rural
people. The co-operative banking sector is divided
into the following categories.
State co-operative Banks
District Central co-operative banks
Primary Agriculture Credit Societies

9
 Development Banks
A development bank may be defined as a financial
institution concerned with providing all types of
financial assistance to business units in the form of
loans, underwriting, investment and guarantee
operations and promotional activities-economic
development in general and industrial development in
particular
A development bank is basically a term lending
institution. It is a multipurpose financial institution
with a broad development outlook.
The industrial finance corporation of India, the first
development bank was established in 1948.
Subsequently many other institutions were set-up. Ex.
IDBI, IFCI, SIDBI etc. 10
 Functions of Development Banks
Fostering industrial growth
Providing Long term assistant
Balanced development
Providing Promotional services
Infrastructure building
Entrepreneur Development
Fulfilling Socio economic objectives

11
 Investment Banks
Meaning: Financial intermediaries that acquire the
savings of people and direct these funds into the
business enterprises seeking capital for the acquisition
of plant and equipment and for holding inventories are
called investment banks.
Features: Long term financing, Security, merchandiser,
Security middlemen, Insurer
Functions: Capital formation, Funding, Purchase of
securities, Selling of securities, Advisory services,
Acting as dealer.

12
 Merchant Banks
Meaning: Institution that render wide range of services
such as the management of customers securities,
portfolio management, counseling, insurance, etc are
called Merchant Banks.
Functions: Sponsoring issues, Loan syndication,
Servicing of issues, Portfolio, management, Arranging
fixed deposits, Helps in merger& acquisition

13
 List of commercial banks
Public sector bank
State Bank of India Punjab & Sind Bank
Dena Bank Bank of Maharashtra
Allahabad Bank Punjab National Bank
Indian Bank Canara Bank
Andhra Bank Syndicate Bank
Indian Overseas Bank Central Bank of India
Bank of Baroda Union Bank of India
Oriental Bank of Commerce Corporation Bank
Bank of India United Bank of India
IDBI Bank UCO Bank
Vijaya Bank
 Indian private banks
*Axis Bank *IndusInd Bank
*Bank of Rajasthan *ING Vysya Bank
*Bharat Overseas Bank *Jammu & Kashmir Bank
*Catholic Syrian Bank *Karnataka Bank Limited
*Centurion Bank of Punjab *Karur Vysya Bank
*City Union Bank *Kotak Mahindra Bank
*Development Credit Bank *Lakshmi Vilas Bank
*Dhanalakshmi Bank *Nainital Bank
*Federal Bank *Ratnakar Bank
*SBI Commercial and International Bank
*Ganesh Bank of Kurundwad
*HDFC Bank *South Indian Bank
*ICICI Bank *Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd.
*YES Bank
 List of Foreign banks in India
ABN-AMRO Bank
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Ltd
American Express Bank Ltd
Citibank
DBS Bank Ltd
Deutsche Bank
HSBC Ltd
Standard Chartered Bank
The Role of Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
-Bankers Bank
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the central bank
of India, and was established on April 1, 1935 in
accordance with the provisions of the Reserve Bank of
India Act, 1934. Since its inception, it has been
headquartered in Mumbai. Though originally privately
owned, RBI has been fully owned by the Government
of India since nationalization in 1949.
RBI is governed by a central board (headed by a
Governor) appointed by the Central Government.RBI
has 22 regional offices across India. The Reserve
Bank of India was set up on the recommendations of
the Hilton Young Commission.
 Functions of RBI
Monetary Authority
Formulates, implements and monitors the monetary policy.
Objective: maintaining price stability and ensuring adequate
flow of credit to productive sectors
Regulator and supervisor of the financial system
Prescribes broad parameters of banking operations within
which the countrys banking and financial system functions.
Objective: Maintain public confidence in the system, protect
depositors interest and provide cost-effective banking
services to the public. The Banking Ombudsman Scheme
has been formulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for
effective redressal of complaints by bank customers
 Functions of RBI cont-
Manager of Foreign Exchange and Control
Manages the foreign exchange through Foreign
Exchange Management Act, 1999.
Objective: to facilitate external trade and payment
and promote orderly development and maintenance of
foreign exchange market in India.
Issuer of currency
Issues and exchanges or destroys currency and coins
not fit for circulation.
Objective: to give the public adequate quantity of
supplies of currency notes and coins and in good
quality
 Functions of RBI cont-
Developmental role
Performs a wide range of promotional functions to
support national objectives
Related Functions
Banker to the Government: performs merchant
banking function for the central and the state
governments; also acts as their banker.
Banker to banks: maintains banking accounts of all
scheduled banks.
Owner and operator of the depository (SGL) and
exchange (NDS) for government bonds
 Functions of RBI cont-
Supervisory Functions:
In addition to its traditional central functions, the Reserve bank
has certain non-monetary functions of the nature of supervision
of banks and promotion of sound banking in India.
The Reserve Bank Act, 1934, and the Banking Regulation Act,
1949 have given the RBI wide powers of supervision and
control over commercial and cooperative banks, relating to
licensing and establishments, branch expansion, liquidity of
their assets, management and methods of working,
amalgamation, reconstruction and liquidation.
The RBI is authorized to carry out periodical inspections of the
banks and to call for returns and necessary information from
them.. The supervisory functions of the RBI have helped a
great deal in improving the standard of banking in India to
develop on sound lines and to improve the methods of their
 Functions of RBI cont-
Promotional Functions:
The Reserve Bank now performs a variety of developmental
and promotional functions. The Reserve Bank promotes banking
habit, extend banking facilities to rural and semi-urban areas,
and establish and promote new specialized financing agencies.
The Reserve bank has helped in the setting up of the IFCI and
the SFC: it set up the Deposit Insurance Corporation of India in
1963 and the Industrial Reconstruction Corporation of India in
1972. These institutions were set up directly or indirectly by the
Reserve Bank to promote saving habit and to mobilize savings,
and to provide industrial finance as well as agricultural finance.
The RBI set up the Agricultural Credit Department in 1935 to
provide agricultural credit. The Bank has developed the co-
operative credit movement to encourage saving, to eliminate
money-lenders from the villages and to route its short term credit
to agriculture. The RBI has set up the Agricultural Refinance and
Development Corporation to provide long-term finance to
Products and Services offered by Banks
The different products in a bank can be broadly
classified into:
Retail Banking
Trade Finance
Treasury Operations.
Retail Banking and Trade finance operations are
conducted at the branch level while the wholesale
banking operations, which cover treasury operations,
are at the hand office or a designated branch.
Retail Banking:
Deposits
Loans, Cash Credit and Overdraft
Negotiating for Loans and advances
Remittances
Book-Keeping (maintaining all accounting records)
Receiving all kinds of bonds valuable for safe keeping
Trade Finance:
Issuing and confirming of letter of credit.
Drawing, accepting, discounting, buying, selling,
collecting of bills of exchange, promissory notes,
drafts, bill of lading and other securities .
 Treasury Operations:
Buying and selling of bullion. Foreign exchange
Acquiring, holding, underwriting and dealing in shares,
debentures, etc.
Purchasing and selling of bonds and securities on behalf of
constituents.
The banks can also act as an agent of the Government or local
authority. They insure, guarantee, underwrite, participate in
managing and carrying out issue of shares, debentures, etc.
Apart from the above-mentioned functions of
the bank, the bank provides a whole lot of other services like
investment counseling for individuals, short-term funds
management and portfolio management for individuals and
companies. It undertakes the inward and outward remittances
with reference to foreign exchange and collection of varied
types for the Government
 Common Banking Products Available:

Credit Card: Credit Card is post paid or pay later card

that draws from a credit line-money made available by the
card issuer (bank) and gives one a grace period to pay. If the
amount is not paid full by the end of the period, one is
charged interest
Debit Cards: Debit Card is a prepaid or pay now card
with some stored value. Debit Cards quickly debit or
subtract money from ones savings account, or if one were
taking out cash.
Every time a person uses the card, the merchant who in turn
can get the money transferred to his account from the bank of
the buyers, by debiting an exact amount of purchase from the
card. To get a debit card along with a Personal Identification
Number (PIN).
 Automatic Teller Machine: The ATMs are used by
banks for making the customers dealing easier. ATM
card is a device that allows customer who has an ATM
card to perform routine banking transaction at any time
without interacting with human teller. It provides
exchange services. This service helps the customer to
withdraw money even when the banks ate closed. This
can be done by inserting the card in the ATM and
entering the Personal Identification Number and secret
Password. It allows the customers
To transfer money to and from accounts.
To view account information.
To order cash.
To receive cash.
 Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT):. The system called
electronic fund transfer (EFT) automatically transfers
money from one account to another. This system facilitates
speedier transfer of funds electronically from any branch to
any other branch. In this system the sender and the receiver
of funds may be located in different cities and may even
bank with different banks. Funds transfer within the same
city is also permitted. The scheme has been in operation
since February 7, 1996, in India.
Telebanking: Telebanking refers to banking on phone
services. A customer can access information about his/her
account through a telephone call and by giving the coded
Personal Identification Number (PIN) to the bank.
Telebanking is extensively user friendly and effective in
nature.
 Mobile Banking: A new revolution in the realm
of e-banking is the emergence of mobile
banking. On-line banking is now moving to the
mobile world, giving everybody with a mobile
phone access to real-time banking services,
regardless of their location. It provides a new
way to pick up information and interact with the
banks to carry out the relevant banking business.
The potential of mobile banking is limitless and
is expected to be a big success. Booking and
paying for travel and even tickets is also
expected to be a growth area. This is a very
flexible way of transacting banking business.
 Internet Banking: Internet banking involves use of internet for
delivery of banking products and services. Banking is no longer
confined to the branches where one has to approach the branch in
person, to withdraw cash or deposits a cheque or request a statement
of accounts. In internet banking, any inquiry or transaction is
processed online without any reference to the branch (anywhere
banking) at any time.
Benefits of Internet Banking:
Reduce the transaction costs of offering several banking services and
diminishes the need for longer numbers of expensive brick and
mortar branches and staff.
Increase convenience for customers, since they can conduct many
banking transaction 24 hours a day.
Increase customer loyalty.
Improve customer access.
Attract new customers.
Easy online application for all accounts, including personal loans and
mortgages
 Banking Services
Banking covers many services, these basic services have
always been recognized as the hallmark of the genuine banker.
These are
The receipt of the customers deposits
The collection of cheques drawn on other banks
The payment of the customers cheques drawn on himself
There are other various types of banking services like:
Advances Overdraft, Cash Credit, etc.
Deposits Saving Account, Current Account, etc.
Financial Services Bill discounting etc.
Foreign Services Providing foreign currency, travelers cheques, etc.
Money Transmission Funds transfer etc.
Savings Fixed deposits, etc.
Services of place or time ATM Services.
Status Debit Cards, Credit Cards, etc.
 Bank Lending
Banks extend credit to different categories of borrowers for a
wide variety of purposes. Bank credit is provided to households,
retail traders, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), corporates,
the Government undertakings etc. in the economy.
Retail banking loans are accessed by consumers of goods and
services for financing the purchase of consumer durables,
housing or even for day-to-day consumption. In contrast, the need
for capital investment, and day-to-day operations of private
corporates and the Government undertakings are met through
wholesale lending.
Loans for capital expenditure are usually extended with medium
and long-term maturities, while day-to-day finance requirements
are provided through short-term credit (working capital loans).
Meeting the financing needs of the agriculture sector is also an
important role that Indian banks play.
 Principles of lending
Safety: Banks need to ensure that advances are safe and
money lent out by them will come back. Since the repayment
of loans depends on the borrowers' capacity to pay, the banker
must be satisfied before lending that the business for which
money is sought is a sound one. In addition, bankers many
times insist on security against the loan, which they fall back
on if things go wrong for the business. The security must be
adequate, readily marketable and free of encumbrances.
Liquidity: To maintain liquidity, banks have to ensure that
money lent out by them is not locked up for long time by
designing the loan maturity period appropriately. Further,
money must come back as per the repayment schedule. If
loans become excessively illiquid, it may not be possible for
bankers to meet their obligations vis--vis depositors.
 Profitability: To remain viable, a bank must earn
adequate profit on its investment. This calls for
adequate margin between deposit rates and
lending rates. In this respect, appropriate fixing of
interest rates on both advances and deposits is
critical. Unless interest rates are competitively
fixed and margins are adequate, banks may lose
customers to their competitors and become
unprofitable.
Risk diversification: To mitigate risk, banks
should lend to a diversified customer base.
Diversification should be in terms of geographic
location, nature of business etc.
 Loan Policy
Based on the general principles of lending stated above, the Credit Policy
Committee (CPC) of individual banks prepares the basic credit policy of
the Bank, which has to be approved by the Bank's Board of Directors.
The loan policy outlines lending guidelines and establishes operating
procedures in all aspects of credit management including standards for
presentation of credit proposals, rating standards and benchmarks,
delegation of credit approving powers, prudential limits on large credit
exposures, asset concentrations, portfolio management, loan review
mechanism, risk monitoring and evaluation, pricing of loans,
provisioning for bad debts, regulatory/ legal compliance etc
The loan policy typically lays down lending guidelines in the following
areas:
Level of credit-deposit ratio
Targeted portfolio mix
Ratings
Loan pricing
Collateral security
 Loan Policy cont-
Credit Deposit (CD) Ratio: A bank can lend out only a certain
proportion of its deposits, since some part of deposits have to be
statutorily maintained as Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) deposits, and an
additional part has to be used for making investment in prescribed
securities (Statutory Liquidity Ratio or SLR requirement). It may be
noted that these are minimum requirements. Banks have the option of
having more cash reserves than CRR requirement and invest more in
SLR securities than they are required to.
Targeted Portfolio Mix: The CPC aims at a targeted portfolio mix
keeping in view both risk and return. Toward this end, it lays down
guidelines on choosing the preferred areas of lending (such as sunrise
sectors and profitable sectors) as well as the sectors to avoid. Banks
typically monitor all major sectors of the economy. They target a
portfolio mix in the light of forecasts for growth and profitability for
each sector. If a bank perceives economic weakness in a sector, it would
restrict new exposures to that segment and similarly, growing and
profitable sectors of the economy prompt banks to increase new
 Loan Policy cont-
Ratings: There are a number of diverse risk factors associated
with borrowers. Banks should have a comprehensive risk rating
system that serves as a single point indicator of diverse risk
factors of a borrower. This helps taking credit decisions in a
consistent manner.
Pricing of loans: Risk-return trade-off is a fundamental aspect
of risk management. Borrowers with weak financial position are
placed in higher risk category and are provided credit facilities
at a higher price (that is, at higher interest). The higher the credit
risk of a borrower the higher would be his cost of borrowing. To
price credit risks, banks devise appropriate systems, which
usually allow flexibility for revising the price (risk premium)
due to changes in rating. In other words, if the risk rating of a
borrower deteriorates, his cost of borrowing should rise and vice
versa
 Loan Policy cont-
Collateral security: As part of a prudent lending policy, banks usually
advance loans against some security. The loan policy provides
guidelines for this. In the case of term loans and working capital assets,
banks take as 'primary security' the property or goods against which
loans are granted. In addition to this, banks often ask for additional
security or 'collateral security' in the form of both physical and
financial assets to further bind the borrower. This reduces the risk for
the bank
Capital adequacy: The amount of capital they have to be backed up
by depends on the risk of individual assets that the bank acquires. The
riskier the asset, the larger would be the capital it has to be backed up
by. A key norm of Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) known as Capital
Risk Weighted Assets Ratio, is a simple measure of the soundness of a
bank. The ratio is the capital with the bank as a percentage of its risk-
weighted assets. Given the level of capital available with an individual
bank, this ratio determines the maximum extent to which the bank can
lend.
 Loan Policy cont-
Credit Exposure Limits: As a prudential measure aimed at better
risk management and avoidance of concentration of credit risks, the
Reserve Bank has fixed limits on bank exposure to the capital
market as well as to individual and group borrowers with reference
to a bank's capital. Limits on inter-bank exposures have also been
placed. Banks are further encouraged to place internal caps on their
sectorial exposures, their exposure to commercial real estate and to
unsecured exposures. These exposures are closely monitored by the
Reserve Bank.
Lending Rates: Banks are free to determine their own lending rates
on all kinds of advances except a few such as export finance;
interest rates on these exceptional categories of advances are
regulated by the RBI. The concept of benchmark prime lending rate
(BPLR) was introduced in November 2003 for pricing of loans by
commercial banks with the objective of enhancing transparency in
the pricing of their loan products. Each bank must declare its
 Types of Advances(Lending)
Universal Banking Services

Advances can be broadly classified into Fund-based lending and Non-

fund based lending
Fund based lending: This is a direct form of lending in which a loan
with an actual cash outflow is given to the borrower by the Bank. In
most cases, such a loan is backed by primary and/or collateral security.
The loan can be to provide for financing capital goods and/or working
capital requirements etc.
Non-fund based lending: These are services, where there is no outlay
of funds by the bank when the commitment is made. At a later stage
however, the bank may have to make funds available. Since there is no
fund outflow initially, it is not reflected in the balance sheet. However,
the bank may have to pay. Therefore, it is reflected as a contingent
liability in the Notes to the Balance Sheet. Therefore, such exposures
are called Off Balance Sheet Exposures. When the commitment is
made, the bank charges a fee to the customer. Therefore, it is also
called fee-based business..
Fund-based Services (Lending) for Business
Working Capital Finance: Working capital finance is utilized for
operating purposes, resulting in creation of current assets (such as
inventories and receivables). Banks carry out a detailed analysis of
borrowers' working capital requirements. Credit limits are established in
accordance with the process approved by the board of directors. The limits
on Working capital facilities are primarily secured by inventories and
receivables (chargeable current assets). Working capital finance consists
mainly of cash credit facilities, short term loan and bill discounting.
Project Finance: Project finance business consists mainly of extending
medium-term and long-term rupee and foreign currency loans to the
manufacturing and infrastructure sectors. Banks also provide financing by
way of investment in marketable instruments such as fixed rate and
floating rate debentures. Lending banks usually insist on having a first
charge on the fixed assets of the borrower. The project finance approval
process entails a detailed evaluation of technical, commercial, financial
and management factors and the project sponsor's financial strength and
experience.
 Loans to Small and Medium Enterprises: A
substantial quantum of loans is granted by banks to
small and medium enterprises (SMEs). While
granting credit facilities to smaller units, banks often
use a cluster-based approach, which encourages
financing of small enterprises that have a
homogeneous profile such as leather manufacturing
units, chemical units, or even export oriented units
Bank Overdraft : A facility where the account
holder is permitted to draw more funds that the
amount in his current account.
 Bill Purchase / Discount When Party A supplies goods to Party B, the payment
terms may provide for a Bill of Exchange (traditionally called hundi). A bill of
exchange is an unconditional written order from one person (the supplier of the
goods) to another (the buyer of the goods), signed by the person giving it
(supplier), requiring the person to whom it is addressed (buyer) to pay on demand
or at some fixed future date, a certain sum of money, to either the person
identified as payee in the bill of exchange, or to any person presenting the bill of
exchange.
When payable on demand, it is a Demand Bill
When payable at some fixed future date, it is a Usance Bill.
The supplier of the goods can receive his money even before the buyer makes the
payment, through a Bill Purchase / Discount facility with his banker.
It would operate as follows:
The supplier will submit the Bill of Exchange, along with Transportation Receipt
to his bank.
The suppliers bank will purchase the bill (if it is a demand bill) or discount the
bill (if it is a usance bill) and pay the supplier.
The suppliers bank will send the Bill of Exchange along with Transportation
Receipt to the buyers bank, who is expected to present it to the buyer:
For payment, if it is a demand bill
For acceptance, if it is a usance bill.
The buyer will receive the Transportation Receipt only on payment or acceptance,
Fund-based Services (Lending) for Individuals
Credit Card : The customer swipes the credit card to
make his purchase. His seller will then submit the details
to the card issuing bank to collect the payment. The bank
will deduct its margin and pay the seller. The bank will
recover the full amount from the customer (buyer). The
margin deducted from the sellers payment thus becomes
a profit for the card issuer.
Personal Loans: These are often unsecured loans
provided to customers who use these funds for various
purposes such as higher education, medical expenses,
social events and holidays. Sometimes collateral security
in the form of physical and financial assets may be
available for securing the personal loan
 Vehicle Finance : This is finance which is made available for
the specific purpose of buying a car or a two-wheeler or other
automobile. The interest rate for used cards can go close to the
personal loan rates. However, often automobile manufacturers
work out special arrangements with the financiers to promote
the sale of the automobile. This makes it possible for vehicle-
buyers to get attractive financing terms for buying new vehicles.
Home Finance: Banks extend home finance loans, either
directly or through home finance subsidiaries. Such long term
housing loans are provided to individuals and corporations and
also given as construction finance to builders. The loans are
secured by a mortgage of the property financed. These loans are
extended for maturities generally ranging from five to fifteen
years and a large proportion of these loans are at floating rates
of interest
 Non-Fund-based Services For Business
Letter of Credit : When Party A supplies goods to Party B, the
payment terms may provide for a Letter of Credit.
In such a case, Party B (buyer, or opener of L/C) will approach his
bank (L/C Issuing Bank) to pay the beneficiary (seller) the value of
the goods, by a specified date, against presentment of specified
documents. The bank will charge the buyer a commission, for
opening the L/C.
The L/C thus allows the Part A to supply goods to Party B, without
having to worry about Party Bs credit-worthiness. It only needs to
trust the bank that has issued the L/C. It is for the L/C issuing bank
to assess the credit-worthiness of Party B. Normally, the L/C opener
has a finance facility with the L/C issuing bank.
The L/C may be inland (for domestic trade) or cross border (for
international trade).
 Guarantee: In business, parties make commitments.
The beneficiary of the commitment wants to be sure
that the party making the commitment (obliger) will
live up to the commitment. This comfort is given by a
guarantor, whom the beneficiary trusts.
Banks issue various guarantees in this manner, and
recover a guarantee commission from the obliger. The
guarantees can be of different kinds, such as Financial
Guarantee, Deferred Payment Guarantee and
Performance Guarantee, depending on how they are
structured
Loan Syndication: This investment banking role is
performed by a number of universal banks
Non-Fund-based Services For Individuals

Sale of Financial Products such as mutual funds and

insurance is another major service offered by universal banks.
Financial Planning and Wealth Management are offered by
universal banks.
Executors and Trustees: a department within banks help
customers in managing succession of assets to the survivors
or the next generation.
Lockers: a facility that most Indian households seek to store
ornaments and other
valuables
 Money Remittance Services
Demand Draft / Bankers Cheque / Pay Order
National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT):National Electronic
Funds Transfer (NEFT) is a nation-wide system that facilitates
individuals, firms and corporates to electronically transfer funds
from any bank branch to any individual, firm or corporate having
an account with any other bank branch in the country.
In order to issue the instruction, the transferor should know not
only the beneficiarys bank account number but also the IFSC
(Indian Financial System Code) of the concerned bank.
IFSC is an alpha-numeric code that uniquely identifies a bank-
branch participating in the NEFT system. This is a 11 digit code
with the first 4 alpha characters representing the bank, and the last
6 numeric characters representing the branch. The 5th character is
0 (zero). IFSC is used by the NEFT system to route the messages
to the destination banks / branches
 Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS): RTGS transfers are
instantaneous unlike National Electronic Funds Transfer
(NEFT) where the transfers are batched together and effected at
hourly intervals. RBI allows the RTGS facility for transfers
above Rs1lakhs. The RBI window is open on weekdays from 9
am to 4.30 pm; on Saturdays from 9 am to 12.30 pm
Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial
Telecommunications (SWIFT): SWIFT is solely a carrier of
messages. It does not hold funds nor does it manage accounts
on behalf of customers, nor does it store financial information
on an on-going basis. As a data carrier, SWIFT transports
messages between two financial institutions. This activity
involves the secure exchange of proprietary data while ensuring
its confidentiality and integrity.
SWIFT, which has its headquarters in Belgium, has developed
an 8-alphabet Bank Identifier Code (BIC). The BIC helps
identify the bank
 Non Performing Assets
An asset of a bank (such as a loan given by the bank) turns into a
non-performing asset (NPA) when it ceases to generate regular
income such as interest etc for the bank.
In other words, when a bank which lends a loan does not get back
its principal and interest on time, the loan is said to have turned
into an NPA
Banks have to classify their assets as performing and non-
performing in accordance with RBI's guidelines. Under these
guidelines, an asset is classified as non-performing if any amount
of interest or principal installments remains overdue for more than
90 days, in respect of term loans. In respect of overdraft or cash
credit, an asset is classified as non-performing if the account
remains out of order for a period of 90 days and in respect of bills
purchased and discounted account, if the bill remains overdue for a
period of more than 90 days.
 Classification of non-performing Assets
Standard assets: Standard assets service their interest
and principal installments on time although they
occasionally default up to a period of 90 days. Standard
assets are also called performing assets. They yield
regular interest to the banks and return the due principal
on time and thereby help the banks earn profit and
recycle the repaid part of the loans for further lending.
Sub-standard assets: Sub-standard assets are those
assets which have remained NPAs (that is, if any amount
of interest or principal installments remains overdue for
more than 90 days) for a period up to 12 months
 Doubtful assets: An asset becomes doubtful if it
remains a sub-standard asset for a period of 12
months and recovery of bank dues is of doubtful
Loss assets: Loss assets comprise assets where a
loss has been identified by the bank or the RBI.
These are generally considered uncollectible.
Their realizable value is so low that their
continuance as bankable assets is not warranted.
They should be entirely written off. If this is not
done, provisioning should be made for 100% of
the amount shown as outstanding
 SARFAESI Act
Banks utilize the Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and
Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 (SARFAESI) as an effective tool
for NPA recovery. It is possible where non-performing assets are backed by
securities charged to the Bank by way of hypothecation or mortgage or
assignment. Upon loan default, banks can seize the securities (except
agricultural land) without intervention of the court.
The SARFAESI Act, 2002 gives powers of "seize and desist" to banks. Banks
can give a notice in writing to the defaulting borrower requiring it to discharge
its liabilities within 60 days. If the borrower fails to comply with the notice,
the Bank may take recourse to one or more of the following measures:
Take possession of the security for the loan
Sale or lease or assign the right over the security
Manage the same or appoint any person to manage the same
The SARFAESI Act also provides for the establishment of asset reconstruction
companies regulated by RBI to acquire assets from banks and financial
institutions.
The Act provides for sale of financial assets by banks and financial institutions
to asset reconstruction companies (ARCs). RBI has issued guidelines to banks
 Hypothecation:Hypothecation is defined under the
SARFAESI Act, 2002, (which will be discussed in the
next chapter) as follows:
Hypothecation means a charge in or upon any
movable property, existing or future, created by a
borrower in favour of a secured creditor, without
delivery of possession of the moveable property to
such creditor, as a security for financial assistance,
and includes floating charge and crystallization of
such charge into fixed charge on moveable property.
 The act addresses the regulation of three distinct areas:
Securitization
Reconstruction of Financial Assets
Enforcement of Security Interest
Securitization
This is a process where financial assets (say, dues from a
borrower) are converted into marketable securities (security
receipts) that can be sold to investors.
In the first stage of a securitization transaction, an originater sells
the financial asset to the securitization company. This can be
done as follows:
The securitization company / asset re-construction company
issues a debenture or bond or any other security in the nature of a
debenture, for the agreed consideration, and as per the agreed
terms and conditions, to the originator; or
Entering into an agreement for transfer of the financial asset as
per the agreed terms and conditions
 In the second stage, against the security of the financial asset, the
securitization company can mobilize money by issuing security receipts to
QIB investors.
Thus, securitization makes it possible to transfer loans secured by
mortgage or other charges.
Asset Re-construction
Here, the right or interest of any bank or financial institution in any
financial asset is acquired by the asset re-construction company for the
purpose of realization of dues.
Asset re-construction might entail taking several measures such as:
Takeover the management of the business of the borrower or bring about
any such change.
To sell or lease a part or whole of the business of the borrower.
Reschedule debts of the borrower.
Take possession of secured asset
Enforce security interest
Settle dues payable by the borrower
 Enforcement of Security Interest
SARFAESI gives another window for banks and financial
institutions to enforce their security interest without the
intervention of Civil Court or the Debt Recovery Tribunal
(DRT).
If the lender also holds security through a pledge of any
moveable assets, or the guarantee of any person, then it can
sell the pledged goods or proceed against the guarantor
without initiating any action against the secured assets.
Under SARFAESI, the bank or financial institution needs to
give 60-day notice to the defaulter, giving details of the
amount payable and the secured asset intended to be
enforced by the secured creditor, in the event of non-
payment of the secured debt. The effect of this notice is that
the borrower is barred from transferring the property
mentioned in the notice.
 If the dues are not paid during the notice period, then the
secured creditor gets the following rights:
Take possession of the secured assets, and transfer it by
lease, assignment or sale for realization of money.
Appoint a manager to manage the secured assets that
have been re-possessed.
Takeover management of the secured assets, and transfer
it by lease, assignment or sale for realization of money.
Give notice to any person who has acquired the secured
asset from the borrower, and from whom any money is
due or may become due to the borrower, to pay the
moneys to the secured creditor. Such payment to the
secured creditor will be a valid discharge of the persons
dues to the borrower
 International Banking
International banking relates to financial
intermediaries that bid for time deposits and make
loans in the offshore market
It is an unregulated market involving greater risk
It is a wholesale segment of lending and deposit
activity
International banking brings together borrowers and
lenders from same country or different countries
They are substitutes for the domestic banking
system
Major Functions of International Banking
1. Facilitate imports and exports of their clients trade
financing
2. Arrange for foreign exchange cross-border transactions
and foreign investments
3. Assist in hedging exchange rate risk
4. Trade foreign exchange products for their own account
5. Borrow and lend in the Eurocurrency market
6. Participate in international loan syndicate lending to
MNCs- project financing and to sovereign governments
economic development
7. Participate in underwriting of Eurobonds and foreign bonds
issues.
8. Provide consultancy and advice on hedging strategies,
interest rate and currency swap financing and international
 BASEL Framework
Bank for International Settlements (BIS)
Established on 17 May 1930, the BIS is the world's oldest
international financial organization. It has its head office in
Basel, Switzerland.
BIS fosters co-operation among central banks and other agencies
in pursuit of monetary and financial stability. It fulfills this
mandate by acting as:
A forum to promote discussion and policy analysis among central
banks and within the international financial community
A centre for economic and monetary research
A prime counterparty for central banks in their financial
transactions
Agent or trustee in connection with international financial
operations
 Every two months, the BIS hosts in Basel, meetings of
Governors and senior officials of member central banks. The
meetings provide an opportunity for participants to discuss
the world economy and financial markets, and to exchange
views on topical issues of central bank interest or concern.
BIS also organizes frequent meetings of experts on
monetary and financial stability issues, as well as on more
technical issues such as legal matters, reserve management,
IT systems, internal audit and technical cooperation.
BIS is a hub for sharing statistical information among
central banks. It publishes statistics on global banking,
securities, foreign exchange and derivatives markets.
Through seminars and workshops organized by its Financial
Stability Institute (FSI), the BIS disseminates knowledge
among its various stake-holders
Role Of Information Technology (It) In The Banking Sector

Banking environment has become highly competitive today. To

be able to survive and grow in the changing market environment
banks are going for the latest technologies, which is being
perceived as an enabling resource that can help in developing
learner and more flexible structure that can respond quickly to
the dynamics of a fast changing market scenario.
It is also viewed as an instrument of cost reduction and effective
communication with people and institutions associated with the
banking business.
Information Technology enables sophisticated product
development, better market infrastructure, implementation of
reliable techniques for control of risks and helps the financial
intermediaries to reach geographically distant and diversified
markets.
 E-Banking
Many banks have modernized their services
with the facilities of computer and electronic
equipments.
The electronics revolution has made it possible
to provide ease and flexibility in banking
operations to the benefit of the customer.
The e-banking has made the customer say
good-bye to huge account registers and large
paper bank accounts
 The e-banks, which may call as easy bank
offers the following services to its customers
Credit Cards Debit Cards
ATM
E-Cheques
EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer)
D-MAT Accounts
Mobile Banking
Telephone Banking
Internet Banking
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)
 Benefits of E-banking

To the Customer
Anywhere Banking no matter wherever the customer is in
the world. Balance enquiry, request for services, issuing
instructions etc., from anywhere in the world is possible.
Anytime Banking Managing funds in real time and most
importantly, 24 hours a day, 7days a week.
Convenience acts as a tremendous psychological benefit
all the time.
Brings down Cost of Banking to the customer over a
period a period of time.
Cash withdrawal from any branch / ATM
On-line purchase of goods and services including online
payment for the same.
To the Bank:
Innovative, scheme, addresses competition and present the bank as technology
driven in the banking sector market .
Reduces customer visits to the branch and thereby human intervention

Inter-branch reconciliation is immediate thereby reducing chances of fraud and

misappropriation
On-line banking is an effective medium of promotion of various schemes of
the bank, a marketing tool indeed.
Integrated customer data paves way for individualized and customized
services.