uco bank
TRANSCRIPT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The globalization has intensified the activities in the international
bank market to a very large extent.
The competition has increased manifold and each bank is in search
of mean to differentiate itself from the others. Similarly domestic
banks in developing countries are striving to sustain in the market.
Banks in the international arena are playing an important role in
bringing various sectors together. They are bridging the gap between
the lenders and borrowers in a more effective manner and are
participating in enhancing the world’s output.
Banks also need certain regulations to guide them.
Greater domestic and foreign competition can lift the efficiency of
local banks and other financial institutions. This is a development to
manage, but not to impede.
Supervisory oversight also needs to continuously evolve to keep pace
with market changes. Basel II is an important step in this direction.
Finally, accounting standards need, as far as possible, to become
more harmonized internationally.
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INTRODUCTION
The emphasis is on the theory and practice of international banking,
because of its critical importance in the modern banking framework.
International banking is not a new phenomenon; international bank activity
can be traced back to as early as the 13th century. In this topic we
understand the difference between Indian banking and international.
International banking helps us to know how important international banking
for the progress of India and also for the counter. It is one of the most
important factors responsible for economic growth of the nation.
Banks in many nations have internationalized their operation since 1970.
The quantum of operation has increased in such a manner that the concept
evolved into a subject in itself. The term multinational banking signifies the
presence of banking facilities in more than one country. Aiber has defined
International banking as a subset of commercial banking transactions and
activity having a cross border or cross currency element. Domestic
operation such as the currency of denomination of the transaction, the
residence of the bank customer and location of the banking office the range
of transactions comprised by International banking can be easily
distinguished. A deposit or a loan transacted in local currency between a
bank in its home country and a resident of that same country is termed as
pure domestic banking.
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BRIEF HISTORY
The origin of international banking dates back to the second century BC
when Babylonian temples safeguarded the idle funds and extended loans
to merchants to finance the movements of goods. The loans extended by
the Florentine banking houses were the first instance of international
lending by the prerunners of the modern banks to the forerunners of the
modern governments.
During the nineteenth century many innovations were witnessed in the
international lending, leading to trade financing and investment banking.
Trade financing started as short term lending. Of the two investments
banking accounted further great bulk of the international lending and
financial companies acted as agents or underwriters for the placement of
funds and thus originated the concept of “Capital Markets”.
By 1920, American banking institutions dominated international lending,
and the European nations were the major borrowers. There was perfect
international banking system existing till the time of First World War. The
Bretton system had installed a secured financial framework and
revolutionized the economic life by creating a global shopping center.
International banking speeded up after the first oil crisis in 1973. Progress
in the telecommunications sector across the world supplemented the
growth of international banking.
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REASONS FOR THE GROWTH OF INTERNATIONAL
BANKING
There are number of explanations or theories provided to support the
growth in international banking operations. International banking theories
explain the reasons behind the banks choice of a particular location for
their banking facilities, maintaining a particular organizational structure, and
the underlying causes of international banking. Certain theories are as
such:-
Follow the leader, explanations suggests that banks expand across
national borders to continue to serve customers by establishing
branches or subsidiaries abroad.
Expansion abroad has a pervasive effect on competition.
Banks use management technology and marketing know how
developed countries for domestic uses at very marginal cost abroad.
Eletic theory of productions says that, banks can take ownership-
specific and location-specific advantages while operating abroad.
Market imperfections due to domestic rules, regulations and taxations
along with the drastic reduction in the cost of communications prompt
the banks to set up operations abroad.
Intercountry differences in the cost of capital attract banks to set up
their operations in different countries.
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The multi-lateral system of payments came into existence after the
creation of the IMF and the World Bank. Resources were new raised
through financial markets for financing the development projects in
member countries. Effectively it was the commercial banks which
mobilized savings and channelized them to these institutions for
development use.
With the introduction of the flexible exchange rate system, exchange
rates were determined by market demand- supply forces. Since all
transactions went through the banking system involved with
International Banking were ideally placed to establish the demand
supply equilibrium. The role of establishing exchange rate was
therefore transferred from central banks to commercial banks.
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CHARACTERISTICS AND DIMENSIONS
Though international banking concept is quite old, it has acquired certain
new characteristics and dimensions.
The number of participants, which at the beginning of the period were
mainly American banks, has widened to include German, UK, Japanese,
and French and Italian banks.
Nearly three quarters of the deficit of less developed countries are
financed by commercial banks operating internationally.
The maturities have risen considerably and now the average maturities
are about ten years. Banks have started diversifying their sources of
funds along with the assets.
Apart from the above, two novel kinds of overseas bank operations
characterized international bank expansion in the late 1960s and 1970s.
i) A multinational consortium bank, was created by several
established by parent banks, and
ii) The shell branch, which is not really a bank but a device to get
around the domestic government regulation, was created.
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RECENT TRENDS
In the past two decades, people around the world have come
across complex developments in the financial sector which
have evolved gradually.
The increasing domination of securities of markets by financial
institutions managed by professional bankers has led to the
institutionalization of markets. Globalization has affected the
financial markets in the world almost entirely.
Foremost among the global trends in the world’s financial
industry are consolidation and convergence. These two
encompass financially driven mergers within domestic market.
TABLE 1
CAUSES OF GLOBALISATION CONSEQUENCES OF
GLOBALISATION
DEREGULATION ABROAD INCREASED CROSS BORDER
INVESTMENT
GREATER
INSTITUTIONALIZATION ABROAD
WIDER RANGE OF
ALTERNATIVES FOR CLINTS
SUCCESS OF EURO-MARKETS MARKET COMPLEXITIES
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INTEGRATION OF MARKETS NEED FOR LARGER FIRMS
FEATURES OF INTERNATIONAL BANKING
International banks are organized in various formal and informal ways from
simply holding account with each other to holding common ownership.
i) CORRESPONDENT BANKING – This represents an informal
linkage between banks and its customers in different countries.
The linkage is setup when banks maintain correspondent accounts
with each other and facilitates international payments and
collections for customers.
ii) BANK AGENCIES – The agencies mostly deal in the local
currency markets and in the foreign exchange markets, arrange
loans and clears cheques.
iii) FOREIGN BRANCHES – These are operating banks and are
subject to local banking rules and the rules at home. These
branches most of the time offer quality services and safety that are
provided by a large bank to the customers in small countries.
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INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE BANKING
International private banking consists of banking services primarily
provided for non-residents. It differs in the priorities given to the clients.
Investment options for the clients include:
Equity portfolio management
Fixed income portfolio
Balanced portfolio
Offshore mutual fund, and
Short-term Portfolio Management.
Private international banks also provide wide ranging personal services for
international clients on similar lines as those provided for domestic clients.
The globalization has intensified the activities in the international bank
market to a very large extent.
The competition has increased manifold and each bank is in search of
means to differentiate it from the others. Similarly domestic banks in
developing countries are striving to sustain in the market.
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Banks in the international arena are playing a vital role in bringing various
sectors together.
Banks also need certain regulations to guide them.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT INTERNATIONAL
BANKING?
In order to be a success in your export activities, you need to know how to
finance your import or export and how to get paid, especially when dealing
in foreign currencies. Your banker can and should be a key member of
your advisory team. Finding a bank that is comfortable and proficient in
providing the various products and services required by exporting and
importing firms is becoming easier as international sales become more and
more common. The expansion of the internet and the advent of e-banking
are also helping to increase the number of banks that companies can work
with for their international banking requirements.
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I. INTERNATIONAL BANKING (WITH CASE STUDY OF
UCO BANK)
UCOBANK has international presence for over 50 years now. UCO
presently has four overseas branches in two important international
financial centres in Singapore and Hong Kong and representative office at
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The international linkage from India is supported by a large Indian network
through Integrated Treasury Branch, International Banking Branches and
Authorized Forex Branches. UCO Bank’s other branches in India also
provide international banking facilities through the Authorized Branches of
UCO bank.
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LIST OF AUTHORISED FOREIGN EXCHANGE BRANCHES
SL.
No
NAME OF BRANCH UNDER REGIONAL
OFFICE
1 Bangalore City Bangalore
2 Mysore Bangalore
3 Treasury Branch, Mumbai Mumbai
4 D. N. Road, Mumbai Mumbai
5 Nariman Point, Mumbai Mumbai
6 Worli, Mumbai Mumbai
7 Church Gate, Mumbai Mumbai
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8 Santa Cruz Mumbai
9 Pune Camp Mumbai
10 Guntur Hyderabad
11 Hyderabad Main Hyderabad
12. Visakhapatnam Hyderabad
13. Jubilee Hills Hyderabad
14. International Banking Branch-
Chennai
Chennai
15. Mount Road Chennai
16. Tuticorin Chennai
17. Tirupur Chennai
18. Pondicherry Main Chennai
19. International Banking Branch,
Kolkata
Kolkata
20. Park Street, Kolkata Kolkata
21. Johar Bazar, Jaipur Jaipur
22. M. I. Road, Jaipur Jaipur
23. M. G. Road, Ernakulam Trivandrum
24. Trivandrum Trivandrum
25. Quilon Trivandrum
26. Cochin Main Trivandrum
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27. Parliament Street, New Delhi New Delhi
28. Nehru Place, New Delhi New Delhi
29. Defence Colony, New Delhi New Delhi
30. Sector 17B, Chandigarh Chandigarh
31. Bhiwani Chandigarh
32. Civil Lines, Ludhiana Chandigarh
33. Jalandhar City Jalandhar
34. Phagwara Jalandhar
35. Shimla Main Shimla
36. Barotiwala Shimla
37. Silpukhuri, Guwahati Guwahati
38. Goalpara Guwahati
39. Shillong Guwahati
40. Karimganj Guwahati
41. Giridih Ranchi
42. Ashok Market, Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar
43. Nehru Park, Jodhpur Jodhpur
44. Bhadohi Varanasi
45. Mirzapur Varanasi
46. Chandpur Varanasi
47. Moradabad Main Bareilly14
48. Arera Colony, Bhopal Bhopal
49. New Palasiya, Indore Indore
50. Cooch Behar Salt Lake
51. Ashram Road, Ahmedabad Ahmedabad
This international network is further augmented by correspondent
arrangements with leading Banks at all important world centre’s in various
countries.
Thus UCO has a true global presence and can offer a variety of
international banking products, services and financial solutions to all cross-
sections of clients, tailor-made to their banking requirements through one of
the best international banking relationship networks both in terms of
strength and spread.
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1. PRODUCTS & SERVICES:
The international banking services in India is provided for the benefit of
Indian customers, corporate’s, NRIs, Overseas Corporate Bodies, Foreign
Companies/ Individuals as well as Foreign Banks etc. by UCO Banks
International Banking Branches, Authorized Forex Branches and Integrated
Treasury Branch. Other branches in India also provide international
banking facilities through the aforesaid network of UCO Banks branches.
All the facilities are subject to the prevalent rules & guidelines of the
Bank and RBI. Brief details of services provided are as under:-
1. NRI Banking (Please visit NRI Corner)
2. Foreign Currency Loans
3. Finance/Services to Exporters
4. Finance/Services to Importers
5. Remittances
6. Forex & Treasury Services
7. Resident Foreign Currency (Domestic) Deposits
8. Correspondent Banking Services
9. All General Banking Services (Please visit Domestic Banking
Sections)
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DEPOSIT SCHEMES FOR NRI's
Foreign Currency Non resident (FCNR-B) Deposits:
Customer’s overseas earnings remain fully repatriable in an FCNR (B)
Deposit account with UCO bank.
Repatriability
The principal amount and interest earned are fully repatriable.
Tax Exemption
The Deposit is exempted from Indian Wealth tax. Interest is exempted from
Indian Income tax.
Choice of Currency
Place your deposit in any of the six international currencies USD, GBP,
Euro, JPY, AUD & CAD.
For deposit at any of our authorized branches in India, please remit money
to our Treasury Branch Mumbai accounts with full details.
Remit in any Currency
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Customers can remit in any convertible currency. UCO Bank shall convert it
in any of the above six currencies of your choice.
During the customers visit to India the customer may also tender foreign
currency notes/travelers cheques to UCO banks branches.
Minimum & Maximum Amount
There is no upper ceiling; customer can put any amount in these deposits.
The minimum amount for each currency is:
USD 2,000 or its equivalent in any of the hard currencies.
Earn Attractive Interest
Large Number of Branches to choose from
Pease check the list of UCO Banks branches spread across India
accepting FCNR Deposits.
Choose the Term of Deposit
From a minimum period of 12 months to a maximum period of 60 months,
customer has the choice of keeping the deposit with the bank. Bank also
allows the customer the flexibility of closing the customers Fixed Deposit
account before the due date but the interest rate payable will be subject to
a penalty of 1%. Customers deposit should have run for a minimum period
of one year to be eligible for interest.
Automatic Renewal
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Customers deposits are automatically renewed on maturity for the same
tenure in case no other instructions are received before due date.
Joint account
Customer can open a joint account with the bank with other Non-Resident
Indian(s).
Power of Attorney (P/A)
P/A to Residents permitted for local disbursements only.
Nomination
Customer can register nomination for this Account. Nomination Form
Loans available against FCNR deposits
Banks offer Rupee as well as Foreign Currency Loans in the currency of
Deposit against security of your FCNR Deposits in UCO banks authorized
branches in India. The overseas branches also offer foreign currency loans
against these deposits, subject to rules, if any, applicable in that country.
2) RESIDENT FOREIGN CURRENCY (RFC) DEPOSITS:
Returning Indians for permanent settlement, after staying abroad for not
less than one year, can
Retain their savings in foreign currency in a RFC account
with UCO
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Get the proceeds of FCNR (B)/NRE Deposits credited to
this account
Repatriability
Permitted for bonafide purposes for self & dependents including exchange
required for travel, other personal purposes and investments.
Conversion into FCNR (B)/NRE
On becoming an NRI again, customers can transfer these funds into an
FCNR (B) or NRE account.
Choice of Currency
Place the deposit in any of the six international currencies USD, GBP,
Euro, JPY, CAD and AUD.
Remit in any Currency
Customers can remit in any convertible currency. Bank shall convert it in
any of the above six currencies of your choice.
Earn Attractive Interest
3) NON RESIDENT EXTERNAL (NRE) DEPOSITS :
NRE deposits can be placed with us in following a/cs
Savings Bank A/c – at present interest rate is 3.5%.
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Fixed Deposit A/c – at following interest rates
For creation of NRE deposits, remittances from abroad should be made to
us in convertible rupees or in any hard currencies like USD, GBP, EUR and
JPY etc. Above deposits are repatriable in any currency
4) NON RESIDENT ORDINARY (NRO) DEPOSITS:
NRO account may be opened in the following manner:
Where an Indian citizen having a resident account leaves India and
becomes non-resident, his resident account should be designated as NRO
account.
Where non-resident Indian receives income in India, he can open a NRO
a/c with such funds.
NRO a/c may also be opened by foreign exchange remitted through normal
banking channels.
All types of a/c like SB, CD and all term deposits as applicable to domestic
deposits can be opened Interest rates are as per domestic deposits.
Interest is taxable.
Rupee Deposits - HIGHLIGHTS
Type of Accounts
You can open Savings Bank, Current, Recurring and Fixed Deposit
accounts with us.
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Authorized Branches
For our Indian branches accepting Indian Rupee NRE Deposits, please get
in touch with NRI Relationship Centre at our Head Office or the respective
Regional Offices of your choice.
Interest Rate
We offer attractive rate of interest on your deposits.
Remit in any Currency
For NRE accounts you can remit in any convertible currency. We shall
convert it in Indian Rupees.
Joint Accounts, Power of Attorney, Nomination
NRE Accounts – Same as in case of FCNR (B).
NRO Accounts – Joint accounts with residents permitted, Nomination
facility available.
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REMITTANCE TO INDIA
Remit through us EITHER to your own account with us or any other bank
OR to your near and dear ones.
We offer an efficient, easy and convenient channel to transfer money
back home in any corner in India.
Through our Overseas Branches
Just walk in to any of our branches in Singapore and Hong Kong or call
them for assistance.
Through our Accounts with Correspondents
The most convenient way of remitting the money from any part of
the world is a direct credit into UCOBANK Treasury Branch
Mumbai Account with correspondents.
We have correspondent arrangements worldwide. The details of our
Treasury Branch Mumbai accountsin six major currencies are placed on
the web for your convenience.
Just send full remittance instructions to your bank for a direct credit into our
Treasury Branch Mumbai Account with correspondents.
Through Drafts/Cheques
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Send your Bank Drafts or Cheques to any of our branches in India with full
particulars of remittance/beneficiary.
If you are remitting from Singapore or Hong Kong, avail the facility of
remittance provided by our overseas branches.
1. LOANS TO NRIs
Against Deposits
Bank gives loans against NR deposits to NRI deposit account holder and
third parties in Indian Rupees.
Bank gives loans against FCNR (B) deposits to NRI deposit account holder
in foreign currency in India. This facility is available at our overseas
branches, subject to local directives, if any in that country.
NRI Home Loans
Bank has attractive schemes to accommodate the housing needs of NRIs.
1. Loans for Residential Property NRIs can avail of loans for
i. Construction of a new residential house
ii. Purchase of a residential flat or residential house
iii. Extension of a residential flat or residential house
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2. Renovation of a residential flat or residential house
Loan for Plot of Land for residential use
NRIs can avail of loans for purchase of a residential plot of land for
residential use.
3. Loans against existing residential property
NRIs can avail of loans by mortgaging an existing residential property for
any of the following purposes. The loan shall be utilised for meeting the
borrower's personal requirements or for his own business purposes.
Education
Business
Medical treatment
Prohibition:
The proceeds of rupee loan should not be utilised for any of the following
activities:
i. The business of chit fund, or
ii. Agricultural or plantation activities or in real estate
business, or construction of farm houses, or
iii. Trading in Transferable Development Rights
(TDRs), or
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iv. Investment in capital market including margin
trading and derivatives.
2. FOREIGN CURRENCY LOANS
a) In India (FCNR 'B' Loans):
The foreign currency denominated loans in India are granted out of the pool
of foreign currency funds of the Bank in FCNR Deposit etc. accounts as
permitted by Reserve Bank of India. These loans are commonly known as
FCNR Loans.UCO has a broad base of NRI customers/depositors.
Therefore, with the resource base of FCNR deposits etc. UCO is in a
position to offer the Foreign Currency Loans in India to our customers as
an alternative to loans in Rupees.
These loans are denominated in foreign currency such as US Dollars and
are offered as short term loans. The interest is fixed with a reasonable
spread over LIBOR
UCO also allows loans in foreign currency to NRIs against their FCNR
Deposits at the Indian Branches. The details are available in NRI
banking section.
b) From Outside India:
With presence at two major financial centers of the world, UCO has foreign
currency resources to arrange /grant Foreign Currency Loans to Indian as
well as multinational corporate’s at the competitive rates.The foreign
currencies denominated loans are granted by our overseas branches to
Indian Corporate’s as per External Commercial Borrowing (ECB)Policy of 26
Govt.ofIndia/RBI.
3. FINANCE/SERVICES TO EXPORTERS
UCOGOLD CARD FOR EXPORTERS
UCO launches Gold card for creditworthy exporters - Simplified access to
export credit on very good terms:
Better terms of credit including rates of interest than those extended to
other exporters by the Bank.
Processing of applications for credit faster than for other exporters.Simpler
norms, subject to specific requirements in each case, if any. 'In-principle'
limits for a period of 3 years with a provision for automatic renewal, subject
to fulfillment of the terms and conditions of sanction. Preference for grant of
packing credit in foreign currency (PCFC), subject to availability of foreign
currency funds. Lower charges schedule and fee-structure than those
provided to other exporters.
Relaxations in the norms in respect of security and collaterals, wherever
feasible. Other facility/benefit to the exporters, subject to the fulfillment of
extant rules and regulations applicable to export finance.
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TYPES of FACILITIES FOR EXPORTS
a) Rupee Export Credit (pre-shipment and post-shipment):
UCO provides both pre and post shipment credit to the Indian exporters
through Rupee Denominated Loans as well as foreign currency loans in
India. Credit facilities are sanctioned to exporters who satisfy credit
exposure norms of UCO. Exporters having firm export orders or confirmed
L/C from a bank are eligible to avail the export credit facilities.
Rupee export credit is available for a maximum period of 180 days from the
date of first disbursement. In deserving cases extension may be permitted
within the guidelines of RBI. The corporate’s may also book forward
contracts with UCO in respect of future export credit drawls, if required, as
per the guidelines/directives provided by RBI.
b) Pre-shipment Credit in Foreign Currency (PCFC):
UCO offers PCFC in the foreign currency to the exporters enabling them to
fund their procurement, manufacturing/processing and packing
requirements. These loans are available at very competitive international
interest rates covering the cost of both domestic as well as import content
of the exports.
The corporate’s /exporters with a good track record can avail a running
account facility with UCO for PCFC. PCFC in foreign currency is available
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for a maximum period of 180 days from the date of first disbursement
similar to the case of Rupee facility.
Features:
In the PCFC drawls permitted in a foreign currency other than the currency
of export, exporter bears the risk in currency fluctuations. The foreign
currency drawls are restricted to major currencies at present. In case, the
export order is in a non-designated currency, PCFC is given in US$. For
orders in Euro, Pound Sterling and JPY, PCFC can be availed in the
respective currencies or US$ at the choice of exporter.
Multi-currency drawls against the same order, are not permitted at present
due to operational inconvenience.
Repayment:
PCFC is to be repaid with the proceeds of the export bill submitted after
shipment. In case of cancellation of export order, the PCFC can be closed
by selling equivalent amount of foreign exchange at TT selling rate
prevalent on the date of liquidation.
The PCFC in foreign currency are granted at our various branches through
our Integrated Treasury Branch in Mumbai.
c) Negotiation of Bills under L/C:
UCO's International Banking Branches and Authorized Forex Branches are
active in negotiation/discounting of sight /usance international export bills
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under L/Cs opened by foreign banks as well as branches of Indian banks
abroad. UCO offers the most competitive rates.
These transactions are undertaken by our branches within the
Bank/Country Exposure ceilings prescribed by UCO.
d) Export Bill Rediscounting:
UCO provides financing of export by way of discounting of export bills, as
post shipment finance to the exporters at competitive international rate of
interest. This facility is available in four currencies i.e. US$, Pound Sterling,
Euro and JPY.
The export bills (both Sight and Usance) drawn in compliance of FEMA can
be purchased/ discounted.
Exporters can avail this facility from UCO to cover the bills drawn under L/C
as well as other export bills.
e) Bank Guarantees:
UCO, on behalf of exporter constituents, issues guarantees in favor of
beneficiaries abroad. The guarantees may be Performance and Financial.
For Indian exporters, guarantees are issued in compliance to RBI
guidelines.
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4. FINANCE/SERVICES TO IMPORTERS
a) Collection of Import Bills:
UCO has correspondent relationship with reputed International Banks
throughout the world and can thus provide valuable services to importers
who may be importing from any part of the Globe. The import bills are
collected by our International Banking Branches and Authorised Forex
Branches at very competitive rates. The import bills drawn on customers of
other branches are also collected through these branches.
b) Letter of Credit:
On account of UCO's presence in international market for decades, UCO
has established itself as a well known international bank. L/Cs of UCO are
well accepted in the International market. For any special requirement UCO
can get the L/C confirmed by the top international banks.
Thus UCO's L/C facility for the purchase of goods/services etc. fulfills the
requirements of all importers to arrange a reliable supply. UCO offers this
facility to importers in India within the ambit of FEMA and Exim policy of
Govt. of India. UCO uses state of the art SWIFT network to transmit L/Cs
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and with a worldwide network of correspondents and our overseas
branches facilitates prompt & efficient services to the importers.
L/C facility is granted to the importers on satisfying credit exposure norms
of the Bank.
c) Financing of import:
Usance L/C facility
UCO's Usance L/C facility provides the importer an opportunity to avail
credit from their supplier/supplier's bank.
Deferred Payment Guarantee/Standby LC
UCO's Deferred Payment Guarantee/Standby LC facility also provides the
importer an opportunity to avail credit from their supplier/supplier's bank.
Foreign Currency Loans
Short term External Commercial Borrowings or Trade Credits for less than
three years as permitted by RBI for imports into India is allowed by our
overseas branches to Indian importers at very competitive rates. These are
generally backed by L/Cs opened by importer's bank. Indian importers can
also avail this facility from our overseas branches as roll-over credit on their
bank agreeing to extend the L/C in favor of our overseas branches.
d) Bank Guarantees:
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UCO, on behalf of importer constituents or other customers, issues
guarantees in favor of beneficiaries abroad. The guarantees may be both
Performance and Financial.
5. REMITTANCES
UCO, through its worldwide network of correspondents, Indian branches
and overseas branches, offers prompt inward and outward foreign
remittance facilities at very competitive rates. The use of SWIFT network
adds to reliability and efficient handling.
The remittances are handled by our International Banking Branches and
Authorized Forex Branches. The outward remittances of customers of other
branches are also remitted through these branches. Through our well-
spread network of branches in India, inward remittances reach every nook
& corner in India. UCO has tie-up arrangements with Western Union Money
Transfer.
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6. FOREX & TREASURY SERVICES
UCO operates in the Forex Market in India as well as abroad. In India the
inter-bank forex operations is centralized at our Integrated Treasury Branch
in Mumbai, country's undisputed financial hub. UCO's International Banking
Branches and Authorized Forex Branches undertake customer
transactions. The forex requirements of customers of other branches are
also routed through these branches. Overseas branches undertake the
forex treasury operations in Singapore and Hong Kong centre.
All the forex treasuries are equipped with state of art technology and
professionally skilled staff to handle forex treasury operations efficiently.
UCO deals in all the important international currencies. Our Forex
Treasuries generally undertake the following treasury related activities:-
Forex Inter Bank Placements/Borrowings
Sale & Purchase of currency on behalf of customers
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Forward Cover Bookings
Cross Currency Swaps
Interest Rate Swaps (IRS)
Forward Rate Arrangements (FRAs)
Forex Money Market Operations
FOREX SERVICES FOR CORPORATES
To improve the standard of service to the valued clientele, UCO has
integrated its Forex and Domestic Treasury Operations under one roof in
Mumbai. UCO's Forex Inter-bank desk at Treasury Branch is an active
market player. UCO's integrated operation at one place in Mumbai enables
it to participate in inter-bank transactions on a large scale. Forex Dealing
Rooms in Singapore and Hong Kong and a worldwide network of
correspondents add to UCO's strength in providing the best forex corporate
services.
International Banking Branches and Authorized Forex Branches spread
across the country cater to needs of all customers in foreign exchange.
Corporate Forex Services include Foreign Currency Sale & Purchase,
Forward Booking, and Cross Currency Forward etc. Other products like
Collection & Negotiation of Export & Import Bills under LC, LC Issuance,
Advising & Confirmation Services, Arrangement of Trader Credits, the
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guarantees on behalf of Indian Corporate/Projects, EEFC Accounts, and
Remittance etc. are all available to corporate customers from UCO.
UCO is establishing a Derivative Desk in India to offer various Derivative
Products, such as IRS, FRA, Cross-currency Options, and Currency Swaps
with Cross-currency Interest Rate Swap etc. With this UCO will also offer
structured products suitable for Corporate’s who have large receivables or
payment obligation in foreign currencies. Derivative Desk will deal in
hedging products to hedge the market risks i.e. interest rate risk and
foreign exchange risk in Bank's balance sheet.
7. RESIDENT FOREIGN CURRENCY (DOMESTIC) A/Cs
UCO also offers Resident individuals in India, the facility to open non-
interest bearing current account in foreign currency at the selected Indian
branches as permitted by RBI. A joint account with a resident eligible to
open RFC (D) account is permissible. Nomination facility is also permitted.
Thus UCO will provide an option to resident individuals to retain their
receipts from abroad in foreign currency as permitted by RBI.
8. CORRESPONDENT BANKING SERVICES
The extensive network of branches in India and presence in two important
international centre’s enables UCO to offer correspondent banking services
to the banks.
36
The International Banking Branches and Authorized Forex Branches in
India as well as our overseas branches are capable of providing the
services that an international correspondent Bank can offer.
UCO can provide the following main services:-
i) Collection of bills both Documentary and Clean.
ii) Advising/confirming of L/Cs opened by banks
iii) Discounting of Bills drawn under L/Cs
iv) Maintenance of foreign currency accounts in S$ and HK$
v) Maintenance of Rupee accounts in India
vi) Making foreign currency payments/remittance on behalf of customers of
banks.
UCO's excellent service with competitive charges provides a good
Correspondent Banking solution.
UCO's overseas branches are active in discounting of usance international
trade bills. With foreign currency resources of overseas branches, UCO
offers the most competitive rates for discounting of these bills. The bills
under the L/Cs of the most of the Indian Banks as well as International
Banks are also discounted at competitive rates. These transactions are
undertaken by them within the Bank/Country Exposure ceilings prescribed
by UCO.
37
EXTERNAL COMMERCIAL BORROWING (ECB)
The foreign currency loans to the Indian corporate are granted by UCO's
overseas branches. The borrowings raised by the Indian corporate from
specified banking sources outside India are termed "External Commercial
Borrowings" (ECBs). These ECBs can be raised within the Policy
guidelines of Govt. of India/Reserve Bank of India, as applicable from time
to time. ECB includes the following:-
i) Commercial Loans
ii) Syndicated Loans
iii) Floating/Fixed rate notes and bonds
iii) Lines of Credit from foreign banks and financial institutions
38
iv) Import loans, loans from the export credit agencies of other countries.
UCO is very active in granting and arranging various forms of ECB facilities
for the Indian Corporate. UCO can offer following services to the Indian
corporate’s in respect of cross border financing:-
i) Arranging/granting External Commercial Borrowings by way of Foreign
Currency Loans, FRNs, and Bonds for the Indian corporate’s.
ii) Arranging/underwriting International Syndicated Loans for the Indian
corporate’s.
iii) Participating in the International Loan Syndications.
iv) Granting loans backed by Export Credit Agencies.
v) Providing import finance for Indian Corporate’s.
vi) Issue of Guarantees such as Bids, Bonds, Performance, Advance
Payment etc. for the overseas projects bagged by the Indian Corporate’s.
39
TELE- BANKING
The Bank has planned to provide tele-banking facility to its valued clients in
some select branches to start with, which will be gradually extended to
more number of branches. Besides facilitating balance enquiry, customers
will be able to requisition Statement of Account by fax as well as place
requests for issuance of cheque books. Enquiries on latest Interest Rates
on deposits as also last five transactions in the account can also be made.
Instructions to stop payment too can be given by the customer through this
facility of tele-banking.
40
II. INTERNATIONAL BANKING SERVICES OF
STATE BANK OF INDIA (CASE STUDY)
International Banking services of State Bank of India are delivered for the
benefit of its Indian customers, non-resident Indians, foreign entities and
banks through a network of 67 offices/branches in 29 countries, spread
over all time zones. The network is augmented by a cluster of Overseas
and NRI branches within India and correspondent links with over 522
banks, the world over. Bank's Joint Ventures and Subsidiaries abroad
further underline the Bank's international presence.
The Bank has carved a niche for itself in the Euro land with branches
located in Antwerp, Paris and Frankfurt. Indian banks and corporate’s are
able to avail single-window Euro services from the Bank's Frankfurt branch.
These services include:-
A. TRADE FINANCE
Trade finance includes gamut of services which include credit for
both pre shipment and post shipment activities. These primarily
include:-
Export Avenue
Rupee Export Credit (Pre-Shipment and Post-
Shipment)
41
PRE-SHIPMENT EXPORT CREDIT:-
Pre- Shipment credit (Packing Credit) is extended to the exporters for
financing purchase, processing, manufacturing or packing of goods
prior to shipment. This would mean any loan or advance can be extended
by SBI on the basis of:
a) Letter of Credit opened in the favor of the customer or in favor of some
other person, by an overseas buyer
b) A confirmed and irrevocable order for the export of goods from India
c) Any other evidence of an order or export from India having been placed
on the exporter or some other person, unless lodgment of export order
or Letter of Credit with the bank has been waived.
Packing Credit is granted for a period depending upon the circumstances of
the individual case, such as the time required for procuring, manufacturing or
processing (where necessary) and shipping the relative goods.
Packing credit is released in one lump sum or in stages, as per the
requirement for executing the orders/LC. The pre-shipment / packing credit
granted has to be liquidated out of the proceeds of the bill dawn for the
exported commodities, once the bill is purchased/discounted etc., thereby
converting pre-shipment credit into post-shipment credit.
42
POST-SHIPMENT EXPORT CREDIT:-
SBI extend Post-shipment Credit that is any loan / advance granted or any
other credit provided by SBI for purposes such as export of goods from
India.
It runs from the date of extending credit, after shipment of goods to the date
of realization of export proceeds and includes any loan / advance granted
on the security of any duty drawback allowed by the Govt. from time to
time. Post-shipment credit has to be liquidated by the proceeds of export
bills received from abroad in respect of goods exported.
The exporter has the following options at post-shipment stage:
i. To get export bills purchased /discounted / negotiated;
ii. To get advances against bills for collection;
iii. To receive advances against duty drawback receivable from Govt.
The exporter has the option to avail of pre-shipment and post-shipment
credit either in rupee or in foreign currency. However, if the pre-shipment
credit has been availed in foreign currency, the post-shipment credit has
necessarily to be under EBR Scheme since foreign currency pre-shipment
credit has to be liquidated in foreign currency.
43
Pre Shipment Credit in Foreign Currency (PCFC)
SBI‘s Pre-shipment Credit in Foreign Currency (PCFC) facilitates funds in
foreign currency. SBI’s PCFC gives the choice of four different currencies
in which to operate the scheme - the US Dollar, Pound Sterling, Euro and
the Japanese Yen.
SBI has 64 branches across the country handling the PCFC facility for the
customers’ exclusive convenience. The Bank’s Foreign Department, based
at Calcutta, is the nodal centre for raising and deploying offshore and
onshore funds for lending under PCFC.
How do the schemes operate?
PCFC & EBR schemes go hand in hand. The operation of these schemes
is in three stages, viz.
i) Disbursement of PCFC
ii) Disbursement of EBR and simultaneous repayment of PCFC and
iii) Repayment of EBR.
When the exporter has sufficient drawing power available within his overall
limit to accommodate the proposed PCFC advance, PCFC is made
available to him either in foreign currency for payment of his import bills or
in Indian rupees for purchase of domestic raw material by converting the
foreign currency of PCFC at T.T. Buying rate.
44
PCFC is operated like cash credit account with balances in foreign
currency. The liability of the exporter to the Bank on account of PCFC is in
foreign currency. The rupee equivalent will be shown in the account only at
notional rates which really doesn't concern the exporter. Interest on PCFC
will be arrived in foreign currency and the rupee equivalent thereof will be
recovered at quarterly intervals from the exporter's CC or Current account.
Export Bill Rediscounting
The EBR advance which is a foreign currency loan will be eventually closed
when the overseas buyer pays the bill and the export proceeds are
realized.
LETTER OF CREDIT
SBI offers Letters of Credit to facilitate purchase of goods in international
trading operations. The bank's vast network of branches and correspondent
banks enables one’s enterprise to sustain a seamless flow of business on a
wide platform. Further, the bank's informed trade finance crew can provide
with sophisticated credit and trade information, and market knowledge,
helping to extract more value from business.
Since the Bank establishing the Letter of Credit undertakes the
responsibility of honoring the drafts drawn there under, the ability of the
importer to meet its obligation, the integrity of the exporter, the nature of
goods, besides observance of Exchange Control regulations etc. are
considered.
45
IMPORT AVENUE
Foreign Currency import credit
This facility is ideal for both Indian importers and their foreign suppliers. SBI
offers credit to foreign suppliers of Indian importers by purchasing the
import bill for its full value through one of the bank's overseas offices. The
tenor of this form of supplier's credit does not exceed 180 days. The
supplier gets 100 per cent of the invoice value immediately, making his
deal practically a cash sale.
Importers get credit for a maximum period of 180 days, enabling them to
manage their liquidity better. Further, their interest payables could be lower
since international interest rates are currently lower than domestic rates.
These facilities are useful for import by sellers in the domestic market as
well as export-related import.
Supplier's credit
Suppliers' Credit essentially represents credit sales affected by the supplier
on the basis of accepted bills or promissory notes with or without a
collateral security. Any credit facility arranged with recourse to the supplier
for financing upto 180 days import into India which is not backed up in the
form of any letter/document/guarantee/agreement, etc. issued by the LC
opening banks or in any other manner except normal routine commercial
transactions like an LC, can be treated as a suppliers' credit. The
underlying commercial contract between the exporter and the Indian
46
importer should provide for drawing of usance drafts with an upper cap of
180 days on the usance period.
When documents under such usance LCs are discounted by our foreign
offices and other banks, it is not based on any mandate/letter of
comfort/guarantee given by the LC opening bank in India either on their
own behalf or at the instance of the importer, i.e.. the buyer of goods.
Indian importers are free to enjoy a credit period of 180 days on their
imports from the date of shipment provided interest for the period does not
exceed the prime rate for the currency in which the goods are invoiced.
Prior approval of RBI/GOI was required for exceeding this time limit, till
September 2002.
With a view to simplifying the procedure for imports into India, RBI, in
September 2002, decided that the Authorized dealers may approve
proposals received in form ECB for short term credit for financing, by way
of Suppliers' Credit, of import of goods into India, provided.
The credit is being extended for a period of less than 3 years. The amount
of credit does not exceed USD 20 million (approx. Rs. 94 crores now) per
import transaction.
The 'all-in-cost' per annum, payable for the credit does not exceed LIBOR +
50 basis points for credit up to one year and LIBOR + 125 basis points for
credit for periods beyond one year but less than three years.
47
B. CORRESPONDENT BANKING
The Correspondent Banking Division develops and maintains relationship
with Banks and Financial Institutions across the Globe. This
network Correspondent Banks forms the foundation for all international
operations of SBI. SBI has correspondent banking relations with around
522 leading banks worldwide. The Rupee Vostro accounts of International
Banks and Institutions are maintained and serviced at SBI’s International
Services branch (ISBM) at Mumbai and at Overseas Branches at Kolkata
(Calcutta), Chennai, Cochin, Bangalore and New Delhi. ACU accounts are
also serviced at the overseas branches.
C. MERCHANT BANKING
SBI’s Merchant Banking Group is strongly positioned to offer perfect
financial solutions to the respective business. It provides the resources,
convenience and services to meet the needs of the customer by arranging
Foreign Currency credits through:
Commercial loans
Syndicated loans
Lines of Credit from Foreign Banks and Financial Institutions
FCNR loans
Loans from Export Credit Agencies
Financing of Imports.
Products and services include:-48
1) Arranging External Commercial Borrowings (ECB)
2) Arranging and participating in international loan syndication
3) Loans backed by Export Credit Agencies
4) Foreign currency loans under the FCNR (B) scheme
5) Import Finance for Indian corporate
D. PROJECT EXPORT FINANCE
State Bank of India is an active participant in the area of finance of Project
export activities. These activities will mainly involve financing the fund
based and non fund based requirements of the project exporters. Project
export contracts are generally of high value and exporters undertaking
them are required to offer competitive terms to be able to secure orders
from foreign buyers in the face of stiff international competition.
SBI’s vast network of branches spread all over the country which are
authorized to handle trade related transactions, substantial presence
overseas with branches/offices in all major commercial centers of the world
covering all time zones and strong network of correspondent relationship
with top ranking banks in several countries adds to the competitive
strengths to facilitate and meet various requirements of project exporters.
Credit facilities offered:- Various types of credit facilities, both non
fund and fund based that project exporters may need at the time of bidding
and / or for execution of the project is extended by the Bank.
Non Fund Based Facilities
49
Letter of Credit facility on behalf of our customer enabling him to import raw
material required for manufacturing goods for project export is provided by
the Bank and also all other following types of guarantees required for
project export contract are issued by SBI:-
Bid Bond Guarantee
Advance Payment Guarantee
Retention Money Guarantee
Maintenance Guarantee
Overseas Borrowing Guarantee
Fund based facilities include:-
i) Pre-shipment credit both in Indian rupees and in foreign currency to
extend financial assistance for procuring/ manufacturing/ processing/
packing/ shipping goods meant for export.
ii) Rupee/ Foreign currency supplier's credit: - When a project export is
on deferred credit terms, we meet the financial requirement of our
exporter in Indian rupees or foreign currency.
iv) Buyer’s credit: Bank also participates in grant of credit to foreign
buyers under the Buyer’s Credit Scheme’ of Exim Bank.
E. EXPORTER GOLD CARD
50
State Bank of India has launched "SBI EXPORTERS GOLD CARD
SCHEME" to meet the working capital needs of exporters with good track
record and credit worthiness, subject to their fulfilling the specified eligibility
norms. The salient features of the scheme are as under:
Assessment norms have been simplified and for units with export turnover
up to Rs. 100 crore. Standby limit of 20% will be sanctioned to all the SBI
Exporters Gold Card holders over and above the sanctioned limit to meet
credit demands arising out of receipt of sudden orders. Limits sanctioned
will be valid for a period of three years.
Interest will be charged at concessional rate from the Gold Card holders.
The present rate for Packing Credit up to 180 days and Post-shipment
credit up to 365 days would be 3.75% below the Bank's benchmark Prime
Lending Rate. Also, SBI Gold Card holders will be given preference for
grant of packing credit in foreign currency.
International Credit/Debit cards and Internet Banking facilities shall be
extended to the SBI Exporters Gold Card holders on priority basis.
F. OBU (OFFSHORE BANKING UNIT)
State Bank of India has opened the first Offshore Banking Unit (OBU) in
India at the Special Economic Zone, New Bank Building, Andheri (East)
Mumbai 400,096 on 17th July 2003 - another landmark in the history of
India's Financial Sector.
G.USA PATRIOT ACT CERTIFICATION
51
Following the USA PATRIOT Act and the final rules issued by the U.S.
Department of Treasury, Banks ("Foreign banks") are required to issue
Certification to U.S. banks or broker-dealers in securities ("Covered
Financial Institutions") with which they maintain Correspondent
accounts.
For this purpose and as permitted by the final rules, State bank of India
has prepared a Certification for use by any financial institution that
needs a USA PATRIOT Act Certification from State Bank of India or one
of its branches.
UCO Bank all set to slug it out news Venkatachari Jagannathan
18 June 2002
file it to cabinet
attach label to it
bookmark it
send to friends
save note
add it to tracker
print it
currency converter
MERCHANT RATES AND FEES WITH REGARDS TO INTERNATIONAL BANKING:-
52
A Merchant Account has a variety of fees, some periodic, others charged
on a per-item or percentage basis. Some fees are set by the merchant
account provider, but the majority of the per-item and percentage fees are
passed through the merchant account provider to the credit card issuing
bank according to a schedule of rates called interchange fees, which are
set by Visa and MasterCard. Interchange fees vary depending on card type
and the circumstances of the transaction. For example, if a transaction is
made by swiping a card through a credit card terminal it will be in a different
category than if it were keyed in manually.
DISCOUNT RATES
The discount rate comprises a number of dues, fees, assessments,
network charges and mark-ups merchants are required to pay for accepting
credit and debit cards, the largest of which by far is the Interchange fee.
Each bank or ISO/MLS has real costs in addition to the wholesale
interchange fees, and creates profit by adding a mark-up to all the fees
mentioned above. There are a number of price models banks and
ISOs/MLSs use to bill merchants for the services rendered. Here are the
more popular price models:
3-TIER PRICING
The 3-Tier Pricing is the most popular pricing method and the simplest
system for most merchants, although the new 6-Tier Pricing is gaining in
popularity. In 3-Tier Pricing, the merchant account provider groups the
53
transactions into 3 groups (tiers) and assigns a rate to each tier based on a
criterion established for each tier.
QUALIFIED RATES
A qualified rate is the percentage rate a merchant will be charged
whenever they accept a regular consumer credit card and process it in a
manner defined as "standard" by their merchant account provider using an
approved credit card processing solution. This is usually the lowest rate a
merchant will incur when accepting a credit card. The qualified rate is also
the rate commonly quoted to a merchant when they inquire about pricing.
The qualified rate is created based on the way a merchant will be accepting
a majority of their credit cards. For example, for an internet merchant, the
internet interchange categories will be defined as Qualified, while for a
physical retailer only transactions swiped through or read by their terminal
in an ordinary manner will be defined as Qualified.
MID- QUALIFIED RATES
Also known as a partially qualified rate, the mid-qualified rate is the
percentage rate a merchant will be charged whenever they accept a credit
card that does not qualify for the lowest rate (the qualified rate). This may
happen for several reasons such as:
A consumer credit card is keyed into a credit card terminal instead of
being swiped
A special kind of credit card is used like a rewards card or business
card
54
A mid-qualified rate is higher than a qualified rate. Some of the transactions
that are usually grouped into the Mid-Qualified Tier can cost the provider
more in interchange costs, so the merchant account providers do make a
markup on these rates.
The use of "rewards cards" can be as high as 40% of transactions. So it is
important that the financial impact of this fee be understood.
NON- QUALIFIED RATES
The non-qualified rate is usually the highest percentage rate a merchant
will be charged whenever they accept a credit card. In most cases all
transactions that are not qualified or mid-qualified will fall to this rate. This
may happen for several reasons such as:
A consumer credit card is keyed into a credit card terminal instead of
being swiped and address verification is not performed
A special kind of credit card is used like a business card and all
required fields are not entered
A merchant does not settle their daily batch within the allotted time
frame, usually past 48 hours from time of authorization.
A non-qualified rate can be significantly higher than a qualified rate and can
cost the provider much more in interchange costs, so the merchant account
providers do make a markup on these rates.
INTERNATIONAL BANKING- A SURVEY
55
TWO DISTINCTS sets of issues are involved in the analysis of international
banking; one set, the industrial organization issues, centers on the patterns
of expansion of foreign branches and subsidiaries of banks headquartered
in the United States, Great Britain, Japan and few other industrial countries
and on the nature of the advantage that these branches and subsidiaries
have in relation to their host country competitors. The second set, the
international finance issues, involves the role of banks in cross-border and
cross-currency financial flows, both from their head offices and from their
foreign branches and subsidiaries.
Despite the attention to international banking, there are few uniquely
international institutions; rather international banks are a subset of
domestic banks with significant numbers of foreign branches and
subsidiaries. Moreover there are few uniquely international banking
activities; although foreign exchange trading may seem to be one; in many
countries most or all foreign exchange trading involves domestic banks with
few if any foreign branches.
CONCLUSION56
Banks have influenced economies and politics for centuries. Historically,
the primary purpose of a bank was to provide loans to trading companies.
Banks provided funds to allow businesses to purchase inventory, and
collected those funds back with interest when the goods were sold. For
centuries, the banking industry only dealt with businesses, not consumers.
Banking services have expanded to include services directed at individuals,
and risk in these much smaller transactions is pooled.
International banking has become an important aspect of world economy. It
deals with various aspects of financial services. Banks offer many different
channels to access their banking and other services. Though international
banking concept is quite old, it has acquired certain new characteristics and
dimensions.
Now international banking has become a very important for international
trading and financial transaction. Its importance is increasing through the
globalization of world economy and we will see its benefits in the near
future very soon.
Bibliography
57
1. BOOKS -
a) International Banking Finance
- By ICFAI
b) Merchant Banking
- By K.C. Gupta
2. WEB SITES -
a) www.icfai.org
b) www.google.co.in
c) www.wikipedia.com
INDEX
Sr.No. Topic Page No.
58
Executive Summary 1
Introduction to International Banking 2
International Banking with case study of UCO bank 11
Types of Facilities For Export 27
Forex Services For Corporates 34
TELE- BANKING 39
International Banking with a case study of State Bank Of India
Pre-Shipment Export Credit 40
Post-Shipment Export Credit
42
Import Avenue 44
Merchant Rates And Fees 51
International Banking- A Survey 54
Conclusion 55
Bibliography 56
59
60
PROJECT REPORT
on
“INTERNATIONAL BANKING”
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University,Delhi
PRESENTED BY
SARABJEET SINGH RANA
01316608909
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