RBI launches banking services trade survey
The Reserve Bank of India has launched its annual Survey on International Trade in Banking Services (ITBS) for the 2025-26 round. Banks are required to submit the filled-in schedule by July 31, 2026.
Mapping Global Banking Footprints
The annual Survey on International Trade in Banking Services (ITBS), conducted by the Reserve Bank of India since 2006-07, serves as a crucial mechanism for gathering comprehensive data on cross-border financial activities.
It specifically collects information on financial services provided by branches, subsidiaries, and joint ventures of Indian banks operating abroad, as well as by branches and subsidiaries of foreign banks operating within India.
This data is meticulously compiled based on explicit or implicit fees and commissions charged to customers, ensuring a granular view of revenue streams from international operations.
The survey's scope encompasses a wide array of banking services, from traditional lending and deposit-taking to more complex financial instruments and advisory services.
By systematically tracking these transactions, the RBI gains vital insights into the internationalization trends of the Indian banking sector, enabling robust analysis of market integration, competitive dynamics, and potential vulnerabilities arising from global financial interconnectedness.
This consistent data collection underpins informed policy decisions and regulatory adjustments, fostering a stable and resilient financial system.
Navigating the Submission Process
All banks falling under the survey's purview, including Indian banks with overseas operations and foreign banks with a presence in India, are mandated to complete the 2025-26 round.
The necessary survey schedule is available in a soft form, provided in both Hindi and English, on the official RBI website.
Banks can locate this document under the 'Regulatory Reporting' section, navigating through 'List of Returns' to 'ITBS – Survey Schedule'.
Alternatively, it is accessible via the 'Forms' sub-head, found under 'More Links' at the bottom of the home page.
Completed schedules must be submitted electronically via email by the firm deadline of July 31, 2026.
For any specific queries or requirements for clarification, banks are directed to contact the International Banking Division within the Department of Statistics and Information Management (DSIM) at the RBI's Mumbai office, with direct phone lines provided for support.
Routine Data, Critical Insights
This annual survey, while a standard compliance exercise for banks, is indispensable for the Reserve Bank of India's continuous oversight of the financial sector's global footprint.
Its consistent data collection since 2006-07 provides a robust time series, crucial for identifying emerging risks and assessing the effectiveness of monetary and regulatory policies.
Ultimately, the aggregated findings offer a unique lens into India's evolving position within the international banking landscape, informing strategic decisions beyond mere statistical compilation.