Deutsche Bank Invites Bids to Sell Its Indian Retail Banking Unit

As per news reports, Deutsche Bank has launched plans to exit its retail banking operations in India, putting the business up for sale and calling for bids from both domestic and international lenders. 

The German institution, which has pledged to improve profitability in its retail arm, is the latest foreign player to consider scaling back exposure in India despite the economy’s rapid growth.

Sale Process And Operations Footprint

As per news reports, the bank aims to fully divest its India retail unit, which currently spans 17 branches. Non-binding offers were invited by August 29, although details of the bids or the expected valuation have not yet been disclosed. 

In the financial year to March 2025, the retail business generated $278.3 million in revenue, highlighting its significant presence within the local market.

Broader Restructuring and Industry Context

The move forms part of a global restructuring drive. In March this year, CEO Christian Sewing revealed that the retail division’s headcount would be reduced by almost 2,000 in 2025 alongside a significant cut in branches. 

While India has seen a rising base of wealthy individuals, foreign banks have long faced difficulties expanding retail banking revenue due to stiff competition from domestic lenders and regulatory hurdles. 

As per news reports, other foreign banks have already trimmed operations: Citi sold its credit card and retail franchises in 2022 for over $1 billion, while Standard Chartered divested a $488 million personal loan portfolio to Kotak Mahindra Bank last year.

India as a Strategic Market for Deutsche 

Despite the sale of its retail arm, India remains strategically important for Deutsche Bank. The lender has operated in the country since the early 1980s, offering services such as treasury, derivatives, private wealth management and corporate banking. Its 2024 annual report showed $1 billion in net revenue from India, comparable to Singapore but behind Germany, the US and Britain. 

The bank employs over 22,000 staff in the country, making India its largest operation outside Germany. Notably, a previous attempt to sell its Indian retail and wealth management units in 2017 was later shelved, underlining the complexity of such transactions.

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Conclusion

Deutsche Bank’s decision to sell its Indian retail business signals a sharper focus on profitability and global restructuring. With bids invited and a sizeable footprint at stake, the outcome will determine how the bank reshapes its strategy in India, even as it continues to rely on the market as a hub for broader banking and technology operations.

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