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Banking India

Written by Harihara Krishnan

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176 pages, about 4 hours of reading

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About this book

Looking at the current scenario within Indian banking, one finds many a slip between cup and lip. After more than two decades of licensing ambitious private banks and five decades of government ownership and control of large banks, more than 100 million households now find themselves left outside of banking services. This book, based on published data and the authors 36 years of operational experience working for a commercial bank, the central bank and the government, attempts to find solutions to such problems and a direction for the future of Indian banking. The authors unique professional career is complemented by his ability to recall lessons learned while working at variousadministrative levels and in diverse locations both in India and abroad, which has allowed him to write this one-of-a-kind book. Divided into three sections, the book explores the legacy of Indian banking, the changes it has undergone and its processes, as well as discussing existing uncertainties, non-existent competition and significant legislation that shapesbanking in Indiatoday. It also offers an analysis of Indias top ten banks in terms of assets, along with two case studies which provide the insight necessary to design a future model for Indian banking.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Banking India, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • Informative
  • Analytical
  • Critical

Banking India offers a critical examination of the Indian banking sector, highlighting the significant challenge of over 100 million households remaining unbanked despite decades of policy interventions and the co-existence of public and private banks. Drawing on the author's 36 years of diverse experience across commercial banking, the central bank, and government, the book meticulously analyzes the historical legacy, current operational processes, and existing uncertainties within the system. It critiques the lack of genuine competition and the impact of significant legislation, ultimately proposing solutions and a forward-looking direction for a more inclusive and efficient Indian banking model. The analysis is supported by published data, an in-depth look at India's top ten banks, and two crucial case studies.

More than 100 million households now find themselves left outside of banking services.

Key themes

Financial Inclusion and Exclusion
This is the core problem addressed by the book, highlighting the paradox of a developing economy with a significant portion of its population still outside formal banking services. The theme explores the socio-economic implications of this exclusion and the systemic failures that perpetuate it, despite decades of policy focus.
Banking Sector Reform and Future Models
The book not only critiques the present state but also actively seeks to chart a course for the future. This theme encompasses the proposed solutions, structural changes, and policy directions necessary to create a more robust, competitive, and inclusive banking system in India.
Government Control vs. Market Competition
This theme explores the tension between decades of government ownership and control over large banks and the more recent licensing of private banks. It critically examines the impact of this dual structure on efficiency, innovation, and, most importantly, competition within the sector.

Worth discussing

What are the primary reasons for over 100 million households remaining unbanked in India, and how can these be effectively addressed?

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