Mumbai Jan 25(UNI) SBM Group, a diversified financial services provider and the second largest listed banking institution on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius, announced the launch of SBM Bank (India) Limited which will operate as a full-fledged universal bank.

SBM Bank (India) Limited becomes the first foreign bank in India to obtain a banking licence from the Reserve Bank of India to operate as a Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS), a release said.

Under this new structure, SBM Bank (India) Limited plans to extend its network by end of March 2020 with four new branches focusing on the mid-market segment comprising mid-corporate and higher end SMEs,

as well as building its retail banking footprint.

The Bank is targeting the creation of a healthy business and balance sheet and believes that quality assets of Rs 5,000 crore can be achieved over the next two years. Established in 1994 in India, the Bank currently operates four branches in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Ramachandrapuram.

As part of its distinctive offering, the Bank will provide support to Indian companies investing into Africa across their trade finance needs. SBM’s strong presence in Kenya and Mauritius enables facilitation of trade across the India-Africa trade corridor. In addition to its retail, corporate and trade finance capabilities,

SBM offers a comprehensive range of services from capital markets to trading and stockbroking, asset management and custody services.

Mr KC LI KWONG WING, GOSK, Group Chairman, SBM Holdings Ltd said, 'I am very excited and hopeful of this venture. This change in our Indian strategy to convert our operations into a Wholly Owned

Subsidiary has as its main objective building greater proximity with our Indian clients. This banking licence to operate as a full-fledged universal bank complements our internationalisation strategy. Now with a bigger presence in Kenya through the acquisition of two local banks, SBM is able to accompany and facilitate trade and investment from India into Africa'.

Mr Sidharth Rath, MD & CEO, SBM Bank (India) Ltd said, 'This is a historic event, which lays the foundation to set up a robust and sustainable universal banking franchise in the long run. Our intent is to create a respected and admired financial institution which requires us to build a franchise which is nimble and agile, and at

the same time a trusted service provider.'

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