Deutsche Bank is reportedly considering a full exit from its retail banking operations in India and has invited both domestic and international banks to submit bids, according to two sources familiar with the matter. This move aligns with the bank’s broader strategy to boost profitability in its retail division. CEO Christian Sewing had previously announced plans to cut nearly 2,000 jobs and reduce branch numbers globally in 2025.
In India, the German lender operates 17 retail branches and is now seeking to offload the entire retail banking unit. The deadline for non-binding bids was set for August 29, though specifics on received offers or valuation targets remain undisclosed. In FY2025, Deutsche’s Indian retail operations generated $278.3 million in revenue.
Despite India’s growing affluent population and economic expansion, foreign banks face hurdles due to intense competition and regulatory constraints. Similar exits have been seen in recent years, such as Citi’s $1 billion sale of its retail business and Standard Chartered offloading its personal loan book.
India remains Deutsche Bank’s largest operation outside Germany, with over 22,000 employees, largely in tech and back-office roles. A previous attempt to sell its retail and wealth operations in 2017 was abandoned.
