I am happy to launch the third edition of Dun & Bradstreet’s publication on the Indian banking industry, ‘India’s Top Banks 2009’. This publication will prove to be a valuable resource on Indian banks, as well as a platform to reach out to potential clients. Dun & Bradstreet’s global footprint and market reach will ensure that the publication is established globally as the premier information resource on the Indian banking industry.

The progress and quality of banking will be a key factor in driving the pace and diversity of the real economy. Banks too are facing problems due to the worsening global economic conditions with growth in major advanced economies decelerating. Following the financial sector reforms in the last one and half decades, Indian banking has greatly matured, the benefits of which are apparent to constituents of the real economy. Indian banking is poised to emerge as one of the leading domestic banking systems; the current stability of the Indian banking system amid the global crisis is an indication of corporate governance and rigorous adherence to the regulatory policies of the Reserve Bank of India.

To reinforce and sustain the growth momentum, more measures of prudence and best practices in the areas of capital adequacy, risk management, disclosure standards, and transparency must be added; above all, maintaining good asset quality will help the banking industry in India to sustain the growth and diversification. Indian banking has responded well to the rigor of reforms and it will surely meet admirably other challenges that may emerge as it travels its growth curve.

At Dun & Bradstreet, we will continue to endeavour to meet your expectations from our publication. I look forward to receiving your feedback and suggestions.

David J. Emery
President - Asia Pacific
Dun & Bradstreet