I am pleased to launch the second edition of Dun and Bradstreet India’s (D&B India) publication on the Indian banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector, ‘India’s Leading BFSI Companies 2009’.

The BFSI sector in India has gained ground in terms of its size, significance and contribution to the Indian economy in the last few years. This publication will serve as a ready-reference tool on the leading players in the BFSI sector; including an in-depth macro view of the major developments in the BFSI sector. D&B’s global footprint and market reach will ensure that the companies profiled in this publication will receive the attention of the industry leaders in the financial markets around the globe.

The progress and quality of the financial sector has been a key factor in driving the pace and diversity of the real economy. Following the financial sector reforms in the last one and half decades, the sector has greatly matured, the benefits of which are apparent to constituents of the real economy. However, the year 2008 was a test of resilience for the entire BFSI sector in India where the industry, as a whole, had to adopt innovative measures at different levels for dealing with the financial crisis. The strong growth of the economy in the past few years seems to have provided a certain amount of cushion to lessen the impact of the global crises on the Indian financial markets. The various components of the Indian financial sector, viz., the banking industry, the mutual funds industry and the insurance sector thus gradually seem to be on the road to recovery.

The steady growth trajectory of the Indian economy projected in the coming years, coupled with the increasing external orientation in terms of trade, foreign direct and institutional investments and rising per capita income presents unlimited opportunities for the booming BFSI sector in the near future. Sound fiscal policies, creation of investor awareness environment, strict regulations and other positive measures will surely meet admirably challenges that may emerge as the sector plots its growth curve for long term prospects.

This publication ‘India’s Leading BFSI Companies 2009’ highlights the performance and the future plans of the leading companies in the BFSI sector in India. At Dun & Bradstreet, we will continue to meet your expectations and look forward to receiving your feedback and suggestions.

David Emery,
President - Asia Pacific
Dun & Bradstreet