ICICI Bank introduces `Global Indian Account`

ICICI Bank, India`s second largest bank, announced the launch of the `Global Indian Account` facility. The facility being the first of its kind in India addresses the comprehensive banking needs of Indians moving overseas. These customers, prior to their departure from India, will have a bank kit comprising the host country bank account, debit card and internet banking deliverables, subject to regulatory requirements.

The Global Indian Account facility will be available for Indians moving to UK, US and Canada for work, study or immigration. Customers will have the opportunity to complete the documentation required for the host country account in India itself. Along with this account, they would also get a non-resident rupee account in India, which would facilitate instant money transfers between their host country account and their India account. This would help them manage their India banking requirements when away from India.

Sonjoy Chatterjee, executive director, responsible for corporate & international banking, at ICICI Bank said, ``We are leveraging on our international presence to offer a seamless banking service to Indians moving overseas, with access to local banking facilities from the time they enter that country``.

ICICI Bank is India`s largest private sector bank and the second largest bank in the country, with consolidated total assets of USD 115 billion as of Dec. 31, 2007. ICICI Bank`s subsidiaries include India`s leading private sector insurance companies and among its largest securities brokerage firms, mutual funds and private equity firms. ICICI Bank`s presence currently spans 19 countries including India.