JOIN US Briefing reporters, after becoming SBI Chairman, here this evening Chaudhuri said he would like to expand and consolidate the corporate banking business. At the same time, the new SBI chief said the deposit taking business remains core to the bank and will continue as such. Chaudhuri also emphasised on the use of technology to better the banking experience. “We will continue expansion via global opportunities," he said adding, "Maintaining NPAs at low, manageable levels will be key focus area.”
On his predecessor’s work, Chaudhuri said, there is need to take forward expansion initiatives generated by Bhatt. He said, “OP Bhatt was a very capable leader and SBI was fortunate to have been led by him.” On the challenges ahead, Chaudhuri said, NPAs have been accelerating of late. "There is a need to control it," he stated. He also said the bank will need to bolster international branches for optimum efficiency.
He said SBI's aim will be to position itself as a retail banking leader. "We need to take corrective measures to boost topline growth," he said.
On teaser loans, Chaudhari said, “We will speak to the RBI on teaser loans as RBI feels that teaser loans can be risky. We will have to reconcile a bit without compromiksing on delivering value to home loan borrowers.” Chaudhury said he would like to increase average tenure of loans since getting returns from short-term loan market is very difficult.
On loans and exposure to telecom companies, he said: “We (at SBI) consider telcos a sunrise industry but take decisions diligently.” Further, he said banks have no qualms in extending loans to telcos, it is only telcos who perceive that banks were more aggressive in giving loans to other sectors like infrastructure as compared to them.