Overview of the Banking Sector
The banking sector in India plays a important role in the GDP growth of our country.
The stability of the banking sector of any economy holds great importance in the economic development of the economy. The same holds for the Indian economy.
The Indian Banking System Comprises:
- Reserve Bank of India
It is the central bank of India. It acts as the banker to the government. And Bankers bank. It defines the monetary policy and the framework on which the financial system works. It is also an Issuer of the currency.
- Public sector banks
Currently, there are 12 public sector banks in India. Public sector banks are banks with more than 50% of ownership in the hands of the government. As the government is the majority shareholder in public sector banks, these banks enjoy a broader customer base in India. According to the consolidated balance sheet of scheduled banks, 59.9 percent of the total assets of the scheduled commercial banks pertain to public sector banks as of March 31, 2021.
- Private sector banks
After the liberalization in 1991, a large no. of private sector banks came into existence. Currently, there are 21 private sector banks. Unlike public sector banks, these banks are not owned by the government but by individuals or private corporations. According to the consolidated balance sheet of scheduled banks, 32.8 percent of the total assets of the scheduled commercial banks pertain to private sector banks as of March 31, 2021.
- Foreign banks
Banks that operate in India, however, whose headquarters are located out of India are called foreign banks. As of now, there are 46 foreign banks in India. According to the consolidated balance sheet of scheduled banks, 6.5 percent of the total assets of the scheduled commercial banks pertain to foreign banks as of March 31, 2021.
- Regional Rural Banks
Regional rural banks are government-owned banks that function at the regional level in different states of India. Currently, there are 56 regional rural banks in India. You must be aware about kiosk banking , that plays a pivotal role by offering a practical and cost-effective solution to extend banking services to remote areas and bridge the existing financial gaps.
Also Read: Top 5 Nationalized Bank Loan Options For Women Entrepreneurs
What is a Public Sector Bank?
Public Sector Banks are financial institutions where the majority of shares are owned by the state or central government. These banks operate under the guidance of government-established financial regulations.
The government plays a pivotal role in setting the financial guidelines for these banks, fostering a sense of reliability and trustworthiness. Public sector banks are dedicated to serving the public interest by periodically introducing new schemes and providing services at a comparatively lower cost.
Loan charges are minimal, making them an attractive option when compared to private sector banks. In India, the State Bank of India stands as the largest public sector bank.
Notable advantages of public sector banks encompass:
- Competitive interest rates on loans
- Attractive interest rates on deposits
- Comprehensive job security for employees
- Extensive service outreach to a diverse customer base
- Delivery of financial services through a widespread network of branches
- Provision of services to rural areas, promoting financial inclusion.
Also Read:- Loans Vs Advances: Know The Difference Between Loans and Advances
What are Private Sector Banks?
Private Sector Banks are financial institutions whose ownership is vested in private companies or individuals. Despite being privately owned, these banks are obligated to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the central bank. Renowned for their efficiency, private sector banks offer a range of high-quality services, often with an associated additional cost.
Noteworthy advantages of private sector banks include:
- Swift customer services
- Tailored financial services aligned with individual customer needs
- Expedited financial decision-making
- A well-organized and efficient management system
The establishment of private banks in India gained momentum post-1990, following governmental approval. Prior to this era, public sector banks dominated the financial landscape. Presently, both public and private sector banks significantly contribute to the Indian economy.
Individuals make choices between public and private sector banks based on their specific requirements and desired services. In the current landscape, India boasts 12 public sector banks and 21 private sector banks.
Also Read:- Why Choose NBFCs Over Banks For A Business Loan In India
Public Sector Bank vs Private Sector Bank
| Factors | Public Sector Banks | Private Sector Banks |
| Controlling Authority | Government exercises control over public sector banks. | Private sector banks are overseen and managed by corporations or individuals. |
| Customer Base | Public sector banks may have a large customer base due to government ownership. | Private sector banks are way ahead in terms of customer service when compared with public sector banks. |
| Regulatory Body | The Reserve Bank of India administers rules, regulations, guidelines, and directives pertaining to public sector banks as stipulated in the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. | The guidelines, regulations, and directions governing private sector banks are issued by the Reserve Bank of India. |
| Interest Rate | In public sector banks, savings accounts typically offer lower interest rates, while loan interest rates tend to be higher. | Within private sector banks, savings accounts yield higher interest rates, yet loans attract lower interest rates. |
| Foreign Direct Investment | Public sector banks permit a Foreign Direct Investment limit of 20%. | Private sector banks permit up to 74% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under the condition that there is no alteration in control and management. Additionally, in accordance with RBI regulations, a singular organization or individual is restricted from investing more than a 10% stake in a bank. |
| Trustworthy | Public Sector Banks are often perceived as more reliable than their private sector counterparts, given their governance by the government. | Private sector banks are less trustworthy. |
Also Read: Factors That Contributed To The Development Of NBFCs In India
Functions of commercial banks in India
- The first and foremost primary function of a bank is accepting deposits from the public.
- Another primary function of commercial banks is lending money to the public.
- Apart from their primary functions of accepting deposits and lending money, commercial banks undertake the safe custody of valuables.
- They issue a letter of credit.
- These days large no. of private banks have started offering Investment planning services.
- Overdraft facilities.
Now we have understood the banking structure of commercial banks, the difference between private and public sector banks, and the functions of commercial banks in India. Now, let us look at the top 5 banks in India.
Also Read: Tips For Safe Net Banking For SMEs
Top 5 banks in India
- HDFC Bank – Incorporated in 1994 and headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Hdfc bank started its operations in January 1995. Currently, it is one of the leading private sector banks, with 6000+ branches and 18000+ ATMs has its presence in 3000+ cities. In terms of Market Capitalization, HDFC Bank is the leader with a market capitalization amounting to Rs. 6,17,499 crores.
- State Bank of India – The largest public sector bank in India. It is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, and occupies the highest market share in the banking industry. It caters to over 45 crore customers from 22000+ branches, 62000+ ATMs, and 71000+ BC outlets. Currently, its market capitalization is Rs. 2,60,331 crores.
- ICICI Bank – One of the leading private sector banks, with a market capitalization of 2,66,974 crore. Currently, the ICICI bank has 5,400+ branches and 13,500+ ATMs across India.
- Kotak Mahindra Bank – Incorporated in 2003 and with a market capitalization of 2,83,464 crores and a network of 1500+ branches and 2300+ ATMs, across India, and ranks among the top private banks in India.
- Axis Bank – The Axis Bank started its operations in 1994 and is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The market capitalization of Axis Bank rests at 1,76,669 crores. With a network of 4750+ branches and 10900+ ATMs, distributed across the country. Axis bank ranks among the top 4 private sector banks and the top 5 commercial banks currently operating in India.
Also Read: Lines of Credit: Online Lenders Vs Traditional Banks
Conclusion
As we can observe, among the top 5 banks in India, only one public sector bank has achieved its spot, while four banks in the top are from the private sector. It confirms the shift in the paradigm from public sector banks to private sector banks.
Although, the public sector banks have a large customer base due to the reliability factor that comes in from the government ownership of the banks.
Private sector banks are also cashing in on their technological advancement and providing fast services for growing their market share and popularity among consumers, especially when it comes to the urban population.
FAQs
Which banks public or private should you choose?
According to experts, public-sector banks are currently in a better situation than private banks. In the near future, they also expect more consolidation in the private banking industry. This change in market dynamics emphasizes how the banking sector is changing and how important it is for stakeholders and investors to keep an eye on sectoral changes.
List a few names of Private Sector bank In India?
- Axis bank
- Bandhan bank
- AXIS Bank
- City union bank
- DCB bank
- Dhanalaxmi bank
- Federal bank
- HDFC bank
- ICICI bank
- AU Bank
- Kotak Mahindra bank
- Karur Vysya bank
- South indian bank
- RBL bank
- YES bank
- IDBI bank
List a few names of Public Sector bank In India?
- Bank of Baroda
- Bank of India
- Bank of maharashtra
- Canara bank
- Central bank of India
- Indian bank
- Indian overseas bank
- Punjab and sind bank
- Punjab national bank
- State bank of India
- UCO bank
- Union bank of India