SBI Chief at Davos: AI, Cybersecurity, and Sustainable Finance Are Top Priorities

Speaking with ANI on the sidelines of the WEF annual meeting in Davos, Setty said SBI has been participating in the forum for many years and was among the first few Indian banks to do so.

"Every year, as the theme changes, SBI also aligns its focus accordingly. For the last two years, I've been coming here," he said.

Setty noted that conversations at Davos have recently centred on AI adoption, cybersecurity in financial services, sustainable finance and decarbonisation, alongside inevitable discussions on geopolitical disruptions.

On the domestic banking scenario, Setty said credit growth remains robust despite concerns around liquidity. Citing Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data for December, he said, "bank credit growth has been in the range of 12-13 per cent, which is in line with nominal GDP growth of around 9-10 per cent. From a nominal GDP point of view, this level of credit growth is normal. Bank credit is robust."

However, deposit growth continues to be an area of focus for the banking sector, he said.

"The RBI has ensured adequate liquidity in the system and that discussions with the central bank indicate continued support. Our conversation with RBI indicates that system liquidity will be sufficiently provided for," he said.

Setty also said banks have benefited significantly from recent fiscal measures announced by the Government of India outside the Union Budget, including GST rate cuts and income tax reductions.

"The income tax benefit for individuals earning up to Rs 12 lakh has put more money in the hands of households, boosting savings as well as consumption. Consumption credit is picking up," he said.

From a broader fiscal perspective, Setty expressed hope that the government would continue on the path of fiscal consolidation and improved fiscal management.

On digital transformation, Setty said SBI has seen a massive shift away from branch-based transactions. "Almost 97 per cent of transactions today happen outside the branches through alternate digital channels," he said. Digital adoption among SBI customers is high, and the bank plans to further scale its digital platform YONO.

"Our effort would be to move from a 100 million customer base to 200 million customers on YONO," Setty said, adding that SBI will focus on digital migration while strengthening consumer protection and digital security.

On the monetary policy outlook, Setty said SBI expects a pause in rate action in the near term. "Our house view is that in February, there will be a pause," he said.

- ANI