India needs 2-3 world-size banks, consolidation inevitable: P Chidambaram

26 Nov 2012 Evaluate

Underscoring some consolidation in the banking system was inevitable, Finance Minister P Chidambaram stressed on the needs of the country having two or three world size banks. ‘We must create at least two-three world-size banks, even China has done it,’ Chidambaram reported. He reasoned new business models will inevitably lead to some consolidation. However, he opined that even though consolidation takes place among top banks, there will be enough space for local area banks.

Further, regretting the idea of the local area bank which started in 1996 being stopped after first three licences were given, Finance Minister pointed that there is place for a local area bank for serving people of the region, local area. However, while addressing bankers’ conference BanCon 2012, Chidambaram said, there is space for local banks, though some may have to let go their identities.

Furthermore, the Finance Minister also reiterated the demand of Reserve Bank of India speeding up the procedure of finalizing new guidelines for issuing new banking licences, which started a year ago and start accepting applications as early as possible.

© 2026 The Alchemists Ark Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved. MoneyWorks4Me ® is a registered trademark of The Alchemists Ark Pvt. Ltd.

×