Foreign banks have brought latest technology and latest banking practices in India. They have helped made Indian Banking system more competitive and efficient. Government has come up with a road map for expansion of foreign banks in India.
The road map has two phases. During the first phase between March 2005 and March 2009, foreign banks may establish a presence by way of setting up a wholly owned subsidiary (WOS) or conversion of existing branches into a WOS. The second phase will commence in April 2009 after a review of the experience gained after due consultation with all the stake holders in the banking sector. The review would examine issues concerning extension of national treatment to WOS, dilution of stake and permitting mergers/acquisitions of any private sector banks in India by a foreign bank.
Major foreign banks in India are:
ABN-AMRO Bank
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Ltd.
American Express Bank Ltd
BNP Paribas
Citibank
DBS Bank Ltd
Deutsche Bank
HSBC Ltd
Standard Chartered Bank