Banking industry

Overview:

Financial banking is the science of managing money and other assets pertaining to a specific business. We all know that banks offer basic loans, deposits and financial advice, but they also facilitate transactions on sophisticated financial instruments such as private equity, bonds and mutual funds. Most top performing candidates typically view careers in Banking as the pinnacle of achievement, and sectors such as treasury, equity trading, investment banking and private banking are viewed as the most lucrative jobs for new graduates.

In addition to traditional banks, other financial institutions such as credit unions, trust companies, mortgage loan companies, insurance companies, brokerage firms and asset management firms also offer a host of financial advice. Hence, when viewing the opportunities in the sector, one must also carefully consider these other specialized financial institutions.

Vision of Banks in India

The banking scenario in India has already gained all the momentum, with the domestic and international banks gathering pace. The focus of all banks in India has shifted their approach to 'cost', determined by revenue minus profit. This means that all the resources should be used efficiently to better the productivity and ensure a win-win situation. To survive in the long run, it is essential to focus on cost saving. Previously, banks focused on the 'revenue' model which is equal to cost plus profit. Post the banking reforms, banks shifted their approach to the 'profit' model, which meant that banks aimed at higher profit maximization.

Focus of banks in India 

The banking industry is slated for growth in future with a more qualitative rather than quantitative approach. The total assets of all scheduled commercial banks by end-March 2010 is projected to touch Rs 40,90,000 crore. This is going to comprise around 65% of GDP at current market prices as compared to 67% in 2002-03. The bank's assets are estimated to grow at an annual composite rate of growth of 13.4% during the rest of the decade as against 16.7% between 1994-95 and 2002-03.

Barring the asset side, on the liability perspective, there will be huge additions to the capital base and reserves. People will rely more on borrowed funds, pace of deposit growth slowing down side by side. However, advances and investments would not see a healthy growth rate.

Consolidation of Banks in India 

Would the banking industry in India get opened up for more international competition? India would see a large number of global banks controlling huge stakes of the banking entities in the country. The overseas banking units would bring along with it capital, technology, and management skills. This would lead to higher competition in the banking frontier and ensure greater efficiency. The FDI norms in the banking sector would give more leverage to the Indian banks.

Thus, a consolidation phase in the banking industry in India is expected in the near future with mergers and acquisitions gathering more pace. One might also see mergers between public sector banks or public sector banks and private banks. Credit cards, insurance are the next best strategic places where alliances can be formed.

Performance:

The financial crisis of 2007-2008 was triggered by an insolvent United States banking system (catalysts of which were sub-prime lending, over leveraging and poor regulation) resulting in the collapse of large financial institutions, the bailout of banks by national governments and downturns in stock markets around the world.

The destabilization of the banking sector in the U.S. had a domino effect on the global financial industry, with effects felt in Europe, the Middle East and the Asia Pacific. 24 months later, the global financial industry still hasn’t regained its lost glory, and even countries with deep pockets such as the U.A.E. and Singapore have exhibited limited sectoral growth.

The Indian financial industry underwent rapid transformation post liberalization in the early 90’s, resulting in greater inflow of investments from FII's into the capital market. Despite the foray of foreign banks in the country, nationalized banks continue to be the biggest lenders in the country, primarily due to their size and penetration of networks. In fact, Industry estimates indicate that over 80% of commercial banks in India are in the public sector and of the 50-odd private banks, less than half are foreign banks. The Reserve Bank of India is the Indian equivalent of the Fed. The opportunities in this industry remain extremely promising due to its relatively low penetration of both basic as well as advanced financial products.

Though the Indian finance and banking industry did suffer significantly during the past 2 years, it was relatively sheltered from the triggers of the global melt-down, suffering instead due to monies from FII’s drying up, falling interest rates, rapidly rising inflation and poor investor confidence. Annual reports suggest that most of the larger Banks have begun to pick up from where they left off, albeit with more caution, and most industry pundits are optimistic about the current fiscal year.

Growth Potential:

There are a range of retail jobs to suit most skill sets, including banking officer, probationary officer, loan agent, assessor, mortgage loan underwriter, loan processing officer, accountant, product marketing and sales executive, and customer service executive among others. However, job security is not very high in retail banking as many players suffer from shrinking margins and poor customer retention due to increasing competition and limited market differentiation, leading to lay-offs. Meanwhile, there are also more skilled jobs available such as actuarist, equity researcher, forex trader, securities linked products developer and portfolio manager for those with the relevant knowledge and ambition. The biggest opportunity in this sector remains in improving information flow to customers. Hence, there is a growing emphasis on in-house research and market intelligence.

Future Prospects:

In the upcoming 12 months, hiring is likely to remain robust. Many banks are investing in training programs to upgrade worker skills to enhance their competitive edge in anticipation of the segment once more regaining its rightful place as the harbinger of development and progress.

The Indian banks are hopeful of becoming a global brand as they are the major source of financial sector revenue and profit growth. The financial services penetration in India continues to be healthy, thus the banking industry is also not far behind. As a result of this, the profit for the Indian banking industry will surely surge ahead. The profit pool of the Indian banking industry is probable to augment from US$ 4.8 billion in 2005 to US$ 20 billion in 2010 and further to US$ 40 billion by 2015. This growth and expansion pace would be driven by the chunk of middle class population. The increase in the number of private banks, the domestic credit market of India is estimated to grow from US$ 0.4 trillion in 2004 to US$ 23 trillion by 2050. Third largest banking hub of the globe by 2040 - is that vision too far away?