INDIAN FOCUS

FirstRand has been involved in India since 2006 through various private equity and other fund investments. FirstRand has also enjoyed a strong correspondent banking and trade finance network in India for many years.

To further expand on its India plans, a representative office was opened in India in late 2007. Application was made for a full commercial banking licence, which was awarded at the end of 2008. Banking activity will commence during April 2009.

FirstRand is the first African bank to open in India. We see huge potential in the fast-developing Indo-Africa business corridor, and our focus is therefore on facilitating trade, investments and other cross-border activities in this corridor.

Many Indian corporates have a presence in Africa, especially South Africa, and many more are looking for expansion opportunities into Africa. In recent years, an increasing number of African corporates (specifically SA corporates) have identified India as a strategic market. We aim to be the bank of first choice for businesses crossing the ocean in this way. For this purpose we leverage off our strengths in Africa and the various FirstRand businesses across the world.

We are currently involved in assisting a large number of South African and Indian businesses in their plans for Africa and India.

Our offering in India

The main focus is on the corporate market segment, financial institutions, governments and government institutions of Africa and India. Our product set is focused on the key needs of these market segments in the Indo-Africa corridor.

FirstRand India

FICC (Treasury)	Corporate Banking	Investment Banking

Funding	Core Banking Solutions	M&A
Customer Dealing	Trade finance	Debt raising
Structuring		Acquisition finance
Commodities		Infrastructure finance
Fixed Income		Resouce finance
		Asset finance