SBI Canada's biz grows by 22% in 2008-09

Despite the global economic slowdown, State Bank of India (Canada), a subsidiary of SBI, saw an overall business growth of 22 per cent in July 2008 to June 2009, although its profit slightly went down, a top bank official said here on Thursday.     

SBI Canada President and CEO Arun Nagarajan said the bank's total business during the year ending June 30, 2009, was $1.23 billion as against $1 billion in the previous year.     

The bank's Advances Portfolio was at Canadian $586 million and deposits received were at Canadian $642 million in June 2009 against $535 million and $ 476 million, respectively a year ago, showing an overall impressive growth in business of 22 per cent.     

Nagarajan said the profit was ten per cent less at $3 million for the year ended in December 2008 against $3.4 million in the previous year.     

The bank, which already has seven branches in the country: four in Toronto and three in British Columbia was considering opening up branches in Alberta and Quebec Provinces to increase its presence, the CEO said.     

Referring to innovative products launched by the bank, Nagarajan said the bank was offering Super Saver Scheme, a hybrid account that allows the holder checking facility and GIC interest of 1.25 per cent per annum on daily balance amount, which is very well received by the market.     

The bank has launched a debit card recently and also proposes to establish ATMs at all its branches, shortly.     

Nagarajan said SBIC has launched attractive remittance facilities for Indo-Canadians and others who want to remit funds to India.     

Duly complying with the regulatory know-your-customers and anti-money laundering (KYC/AML) guidelines, the remittances are credited to individual accounts within 24 hours if the recipient has an account with SBI, and within two business days to accounts of any other bank in India. For rupee remittances charge is only $8.     

Besides, the bank has also launched a New Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA), with a ceiling of $5,000 per annum for investment, as per the government of Canada guidelines, offering an interest rate of 1.75 per cent, the highest by any bank in Canada, Nagarajan said, adding that over 2,500 customers are already availing this facility.