State Bank of India

State Bank of India (SBI) holds a significant place in India's banking sector as a leading public sector bank based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Its global recognition as the 45th largest bank worldwide by total assets and inclusion in the 2020 Fortune Global 500 list highlights its financial prowess. Dominating the Indian market with 23% of assets and 25% of loans and deposits, SBI is a major player, employing around 250,000 people and ranking as the nation's tenth-largest employer.

Established on a rich historical foundation dating back to the early 1800s, SBI has evolved through mergers and acquisitions into its present form since its official formation in 1955. Its legacy reflects India's economic journey, symbolising adaptability and growth through strategic union. As a key player in India's financial landscape, SBI's innovation and adaptability are evident in its recent move to open a specialised branch for start-ups, indicating a commitment to staying ahead of the curve.

With a vast network of over 22,405 branches, 65,627 ATMs/ADWMs, and 76,089 BC outlets, SBI serves over 48 crore customers, emphasising its dedication to accessibility and customer satisfaction. Beyond traditional banking, SBI's diversified portfolio includes subsidiaries such as SBI General Insurance, SBI Life Insurance, and SBI Mutual Fund, contributing to its global presence with operations in 29 foreign countries and 235 offices.

The origins of the State Bank of India (SBI) date back to the early 19th century,  specifically to the year 1806, when the Bank of Calcutta, later renamed as the Bank of Bengal, was established. Joined by the Bank of Bombay in 1840 and the Bank of Madras in 1843, these three institutions formed the Presidency banks, operating as joint-stock companies under royal charters. Until 1861, they held the exclusive right to issue paper currency in British India, renounced to the Government of India under the Paper Currency Act.

In a significant consolidation move on 27 January 1921, the Presidency banks combined to form the Imperial Bank of India, remaining as a joint-stock company albeit without government participation. However, a pivotal transformation occurred with the enactment of the State Bank of India Act in 1955, authorising the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to acquire a controlling interest in the Imperial Bank.

Consequently, on 1 July 1955, the Imperial Bank of India was rebranded as the State Bank of India. Over the following decades, SBI began to expand and modernise along with India's economic development. The government's passage of the State Bank of India (Subsidiary Banks) Act in 1959 led to the integration of eight princely state-owned banks into SBI, improving its rural outreach efforts during the First Five-Year Plan.

In 1963, SBI completed a merger with the State Bank of Jaipur and the State Bank of Bikaner, further consolidating its presence in the banking landscape. Subsequent years witnessed SBI's acquisition of several local banks, including the Bank of Bihar in 1969, the National Bank of Lahore in 1970, and Krishnaram Baldeo Bank in 1975.

By 1985, SBI's expansion extended to the southern state of Kerala with the acquisition of the Bank of Cochin. This strategic move was reinforced by SBI's affiliate, the State Bank of Travancore, which already possessed an extensive network in Kerala. Notably, SBI's logo, designed by the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, was unveiled in 1971.

The concept of combining SBI's associate banks got hold over time, resulting in the merger of the State Bank of Saurashtra in 2008 and the acquisition of the State Bank of Indore in 2009. Arundhati Bhattacharya's nomination as SBI's first female chairman in 2013 represented a turning point in the bank's leadership history.

In February 2024, SBI formed a partnership with Flywire Corporation to improve transparency in student fees and compliance with the Reserve Bank of India's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), demonstrating its continuous commitment to innovation and customer-centric initiatives.

SBI's mission is to be the trusted partner for its customers, providing innovative and reliable financial solutions to meet their diverse needs. With a focus on integrity, customer-centricity, and sustainable growth, SBI aims to contribute significantly to India's economic development and societal well-being.

SBI envisions itself as the leading financial institution in India and beyond, renowned for its excellence in service, innovation, and social responsibility. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, SBI tries to be the preferred choice for customers, employees, and stakeholders alike.

SBI provides a wide variety of banking and financial services aimed to meet the diverse demands of its clients. These include retail banking, corporate banking, investment banking, mortgage loans, private banking, wealth management, risk management, asset management, investment management, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, index funds, credit cards, and insurance products. SBI's global network of branches and digital platforms offers accessibility and convenience for its customers.