Edgar Filing: HDFC BANK LTD

Form 20-F

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

☐	REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

☒	ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017

☐	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

☐	SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of event requiring this shell company report

Commission file number 001-15216

HDFC BANK LIMITED

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Not Applicable

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

India

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

HDFC Bank House, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai 400013, India

(Address of principal executive offices)

Name: Sanjay Dongre, Executive Vice President (Legal) and Company Secretary

Telephone: 91-22-2490-2934 /or 91-22-2498-8484, Ext. 3473

Email: sanjay.dongre@hdfcbank.com

Address: 2nd floor, Process House, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai 400 013, India.

(Name, telephone, e-mail and/or facsimile number and address of company contact person)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Name of each exchange on which registered

American Depositary Shares, each representing three

Equity Shares, Par value Rs. 2.0 per share

The New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Not Applicable

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: Not Applicable

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report:

Equity Shares, as of March 31, 2017 2,562,545,717

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☒ No ☐

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes ☐ No ☒

Note—Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer ☒ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☐ Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

U.S. GAAP ☒

International Financial Reporting Standards as issued

by the International Accounting Standards Board ☐

Other ☐

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow: Item 17 ☐ Item 18 ☐

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

TABLE OF CONTENTS


CROSS REFERENCE SHEET		ii
EXCHANGE RATES AND CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS		1
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS		3
BUSINESS		4
RISK FACTORS		30
PRICE RANGE OF OUR AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES AND EQUITY SHARES		51
DESCRIPTION OF EQUITY SHARES		53
DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES		58
DIVIDEND POLICY		67
SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA		68
SELECTED STATISTICAL INFORMATION		71
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS		87
MANAGEMENT		116
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS		138
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS		139
TAXATION		142
SUPERVISION AND REGULATION		149
EXCHANGE CONTROLS		179
RESTRICTIONS ON FOREIGN OWNERSHIP OF INDIAN SECURITIES		181
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION		185
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS		F-1
EXHIBIT INDEX

CROSS REFERENCE SHEET

Form 20-F


	Item Caption	Location	Page

Part I

Item 1	Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors	Not Applicable

Item 2	Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable	Not Applicable

Item 3	Key Information	Exchange Rates and Certain Defined Terms		1

		Risk Factors		30

		Selected Financial and Other Data		68

Item 4	Information on the Company	Business		4

		Selected Statistical Information		71

		Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		87

		Principal Shareholders		138

		Related Party Transactions		139

		Supervision and Regulation		149

Item 5	Operating and Financial Review and Prospects	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		87

Item 6	Directors, Senior Management and Employees	Business—Employees		28

		Management		116

		Principal Shareholders		138

Item 7	Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions	Principal Shareholders		138

		Management—Loans to Members of our Senior Management		130

		Related Party Transactions		139

Item 8	Financial Information	Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms		F-2

		Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto		F-1

		Business—Legal Proceedings		29

Item 9	The Offer and Listing	Price Range of Our American Depositary Share and Equity Shares		51

		Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Indian Securities		181


	Item Caption	Location	Page
Item 10	Additional Information	Management		116

		Description of Equity Shares		53

		Dividend Policy		67

		Taxation		142

		Supervision and Regulation		149

		Exchange Controls		179

		Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Indian Securities		181

		Additional Information		185

Item 11	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	Business—Risk Management		20

		Selected Statistical Information		71

Item 12	Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities	Not Applicable

Item 12D	ADSs fee disclosure	Description of American Depositary Shares—Fees and Charges for Holders of American Depositary Shares		62
Part II

Item 13	Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies	Not Applicable

Item 14	Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds	Not Applicable

Item 15	Controls and Procedures	Management—Controls and Procedures		131

		Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting		186

		Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm—Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting		187

Item 16A	Audit Committee Financial Expert	Management—Audit Committee Financial Expert		132

Item 16B	Code of Ethics	Management—Code of Ethics		132

Item 16C	Principal Accountant Fees and Services	Management—Principal Accountant Fees and Services		133

Item 16D	Exemption from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees	Not Applicable

Item 16E	Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers	Not Applicable

Item 16F	Changes in or disagreements with accountants	Not Applicable

Item 16G	Significant Differences in Corporate Governance Practices	Management—Compliance with NYSE Listing Standards on Corporate Governance		133

iii

EXCHANGE RATES AND CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS

In this document, all references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “HDFC Bank” or “the Bank” shall mean HDFC Bank Limited or where the context requires also to its subsidiaries whose financials are consolidated for accounting purposes. References to the “U.S.” or “United States” are to the United States of America, its territories and its possessions. References to “India” are to the Republic of India. References to the “Companies Act” in the document mean the Companies Act, 1956 (to the extent such enactment remains in force) and the Companies Act, 2013 (to the extent notified as of the date of this report) and all rules and regulations issued thereunder. References to “$” or “US$” or “dollars” or “U.S. dollars” are to the legal currency of the United States and references to “Rs.”, “INR”, “rupees” or “Indian rupees” are to the legal currency of India.

Our financial statements are presented in Indian rupees and in some cases translated into U.S. dollars. The financial statements and all other financial data included in this report, except as otherwise noted, are prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP. U.S. GAAP differs in certain material respects from accounting principles generally accepted in India, the requirements of India’s Banking Regulation Act and related regulations issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) (collectively, Indian GAAP), which form the basis of our statutory general purpose financial statements in India. Principal differences insofar as they relate to us include: determination of the allowance for credit losses, classification and valuation of investments, accounting for deferred income taxes, stock-based compensation, employee benefits, loan origination fees, derivative financial instruments, business combinations and the presentation format and disclosures of the financial statements and related notes. References to a particular “fiscal” year are to our fiscal year ended March 31 of such year.

Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Indian rupee and the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar equivalent of the Indian rupee price of the equity shares on the Indian stock exchanges and, as a result, will affect the market price of our American Depositary Shares (ADSs) in the United States. These fluctuations will also affect the conversion into U.S. dollars by the depositary of any cash dividends paid in Indian rupees on the equity shares represented by ADSs.

In fiscal 2012, the Indian rupee depreciated coming under pressure amidst a widening current account deficit, thin capital inflows and rising global uncertainty spurred by lingering financial and economic instability in Europe and the United States. This trend continued in fiscal 2013. During fiscal 2014, the rupee came under immense and sustained selling pressure driven by growing anxiety about domestic growth prospects and global risk aversion. The rupee depreciated in fiscal 2014 by 10.1% compared to the U.S. dollar. Investor expectations that reforms implemented by India’s government will lead to an improvement in the long-term growth outlook helped to improve the rupee’s performance, reducing the depreciation trend to 3.85% in fiscal 2015. During fiscal 2016, the rupee depreciated by 6.32% primarily reflecting global risk aversion and a strong U.S. dollar. However, in line with other emerging markets, which experienced currency appreciation in fiscal 2017, the Indian rupee also appreciated by 2.1% against the U.S. dollar (the high and low during fiscal 2017 were Rs. 68.86 per US$1.00 and Rs 64.85 per US$1.00, respectively). This was mainly attributed to repricing of the Indian assets by international investors (driven by domestic economic and political stability) alongside the disappointment relating to the U.S. reform agenda. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information concerning the exchange rates between Indian rupees and U.S. dollars based on the noon buying rate in the city of New York for cable transfers of Indian rupees as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York:


Fiscal Year	Period End⁽¹⁾		Average⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾		High		Low
2013		54.52		54.36		57.13		50.64
2014		60.00		60.35		68.80		53.65
2015		62.31		61.11		63.67		58.30
2016		66.25		65.39		68.84		61.99
2017		64.85		67.01		68.86		64.85

(1)	The noon buying rate at each period end and the average rate for each period differed from the exchange rates used in the preparation of our financial statements.

(2)	Represents the average of the noon buying rate for all days during the period.

The following table sets forth the high and low noon buying rate for the Indian rupee for each of the previous six months:


Month	Period End		Average		High		Low
January 2017		67.48		68.05		68.39		67.48
February 2017		66.67		66.97		67.40		67.67
March 2017		64.85		65.80		66.83		64.85
April 2017		64.27		64.54		65.10		64.08
May 2017		64.50		64.42		64.87		64.03
June 2017		64.62		64.45		64.66		64.23

Although we have translated selected Indian rupee amounts in this document into U.S. dollars for convenience, this does not mean that the Indian rupee amounts referred to could have been, or could be, converted to U.S. dollars at any particular rate, the rates stated above, or at all. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from Indian rupees to U.S. dollars are based on the noon buying rate in the City of New York for cable transfers in Indian rupees at US$ 1.00 = Rs. 64.85 on March 31, 2017. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York certifies this rate for customs purposes on each date the rate is given. The noon buying rate on July 21, 2017 was Rs. 64.38 per US$ 1.00.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

We have included statements in this report which contain words or phrases such as “will,” “aim,” “will likely result,” “believe,” “expect,” “will continue,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “contemplate,” “seek to,” “future,” “objective,” “goal,” “project,” “should,” “will pursue” and similar expressions or variations of these expressions, that are “forward-looking statements.” Actual results may differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements due to certain risks or uncertainties associated with our expectations with respect to, but not limited to, our ability to implement our strategy successfully, the market acceptance of and demand for various banking services, future levels of our non-performing loans, our growth and expansion, the adequacy of our allowance for credit and investment losses, technological changes, volatility in investment income, our ability to market new products, cash flow projections, the outcome of any legal, tax or regulatory proceedings in India and in other jurisdictions we are or become a party to, the future impact of new accounting standards, our ability to pay dividends, the impact of changes in banking regulations and other regulatory changes on us in India and other jurisdictions, our ability to roll over our short-term funding sources and our exposure to market and operational risks. By their nature, certain of the market risk disclosures are only estimates and could be materially different from what may actually occur in the future. As a result, actual future gains, losses or impact on net income could materially differ from those that have been estimated.

In addition, other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by the forward-looking statements contained in this document include, but are not limited to: general economic and political conditions, instability or uncertainty in India and the other countries which have an impact on our business activities or investments caused by any factor, including terrorist attacks in India, the United States or elsewhere, anti-terrorist or other attacks by the United States, a United States-led coalition or any other country, tensions between India and Pakistan related to the Kashmir region or between India and China, military armament or social unrest in any part of India; the monetary and interest rate policies of the Government of India, natural calamities, inflation, deflation, unanticipated turbulence in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity prices or other rates or prices; the performance of the financial markets in India and globally, changes in Indian and foreign laws and regulations, including tax, accounting and banking regulations, changes in competition and the pricing environment in India, and regional or general changes in asset valuations. For further discussion on the factors that could cause actual results to differ, see “Risk Factors.”

BUSINESS

Overview

We are a new generation private sector bank in India. Our goal is to be the preferred provider of financial services to upper and middle income individuals and corporations in India across metro, urban, semi-urban and rural markets. Our strategy is to provide a comprehensive range of financial products and services to our customers through multiple distribution channels, with what we believe are high quality service, advanced technology platforms and superior execution. We have three principal business activities: retail banking, wholesale banking and treasury operations.

We have grown rapidly since commencing operations in January 1995. In the five years ended March 31, 2017, we expanded our operations from 2,544 branches and 8,913 Automated Teller Machines (“ATMs”) in 1,399 cities/towns in 2012 to 4,715 branches and 12,260 ATMs in 2,657 cities/towns in 2017. During the same five-year period, our customer base increased from 25.9 million customers to over 40.5 million customers. On account of the expansion in our geographical reach and the resultant increase in market penetration, our assets have grown from Rs. 3,571.2 billion as of March 31, 2012 to Rs. 9,067.0 billion as of March 31, 2017. Our net income has increased from Rs. 49.8 billion for fiscal 2012 to Rs. 140.5 billion for fiscal 2017.

Our financial condition and results of operations are affected by general economic conditions prevailing in India. Over the last year, the government has taken some key policy decisions including the introduction of the long-awaited Goods and Services Tax (“GST”) Act and the more sweeping change in the form of “demonetization” of high denomination notes of Rs.500 and Rs. 1,000. While there are expected long-term gains of demonetization, short-term disruptions that the “cash squeeze” caused, weighed down on the economy. The GST Act was implemented with effect from July 1, 2017. Its implementation is expected to boost tax collections and positively impact India’s long-term growth potential.

Economic growth during fiscal 2017 has been fairly modest. As per the estimates of the Indian Central Statistics Office (“CSO”), real GDP growth moderated to 7.1% in fiscal 2017 from 8.0% in fiscal 2016. While the slowdown reflected the impact of demonetization, there was also an upward revision of the erstwhile reported growth for fiscal 2016 (from 7.6% earlier to now 8.0%). On the other hand, inflation was more moderate during fiscal 2017, with the average level of Consumer Price Inflation declining to 4.5% in fiscal 2017 from 4.9% in fiscal 2016. A range of supply side measures, including prudent food stock management, appropriate monetary policy action and subdued global commodity prices led to the decline in inflation. The decline in domestic inflation allowed the RBI to cut its policy rate by 50 basis points over the year.

Investment in new capacity is likely to remain limited and confined primarily to the public sector. In this regard, sectors supported by the government in its fiscal 2018 Union Budget are likely to be the most visible drivers of the investment cycle. Meanwhile, given the excess capacity and significant debt overhang in the private corporate sector, the private capital expenditure cycle is likely to remain subdued in the near term before it starts to gradually recover in the medium term, anticipated to begin its recovery by the end of 2017.

However, subdued global growth and the rise in the call for protectionist policies across the world could prove to be an additional obstacle to domestic growth in 2017. Weak external demand coupled with an anticipation of higher commodity prices could therefore prove to be a risk for India’s exports in fiscal 2018. However, there has been a considerable improvement in the external vulnerability that is most visible in the fact that the current account deficit has shrunk from 4.8% of GDP in fiscal 2013 to 0.7% of GDP in fiscal 2017.

The growth inflation mix is expected to improve in fiscal 2018. According to the Union Budget, the focus of fiscal policy in fiscal 2018 is expected to be the revival of India’s rural economy and the sustained increase in capital expenditure. In addition, an increased investment in various social sector programs and the implementation of Seventh Central Pay Commission awards may boost consumer spending. The headline GDP growth is expected to increase to 7.5% in fiscal 2018 from 7.1% in fiscal 2017. In addition, with the likelihood of a normal monsoon season and subdued global commodity prices, the headline inflation is likely to decline to an average level of 3.1% in fiscal 2018, opening up room for additional rate cuts by the RBI.

Notwithstanding the pace of growth in India, we believe we have maintained a strong balance sheet and a low cost of funds. Current account and savings account deposit growth witnessed a strong increase during fiscal 2017 largely attributable to the demonetization exercise. Demonetization also led to a sharp increase in transactions on point-of-sale terminals during this period. As of March 31, 2017, net non-performing customer assets (which consist of loans and credit substitutes) constituted 0.6% of net customer assets. In addition, our net customer assets represented 98.4% of our deposits and our deposits represented 70.9% of our total liabilities and shareholders’ equity. The average non-interest bearing current accounts and low-interest bearing savings accounts represented 40.8% of total deposits for the period ended March 31, 2017. These low-cost deposits and the cash float associated with our transactional services led to an average cost of funds (including equity) for fiscal 2017 of 4.6%.

We had a cash outflow of approximately Rs. 8.9 billion, Rs. 10.0 billion and Rs. 12.6 billion in fiscals 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively, principally for property, plant and equipment, including our branch network expansion and our technology and communications infrastructure. We have budgeted for approximately Rs. 16.1 billion of aggregate capital expenditure in fiscal 2018. This amount includes Rs. 2.9 billion to expand our branch and ATM network, and Rs. 7 billion to upgrade and expand our hardware, data center, network and other systems. The balance will be primarily used to add new equipment in our existing premises, launch new currency chests, relocate our branches and back offices and renovate branches. We may use these budgeted amounts for other purposes depending on, among other factors, the business environment prevailing at the time. As a result, our actual capital expenditures may be higher or lower than the budgeted amounts.

HDFC Bank was incorporated in August 1994 and commenced operations as a scheduled commercial bank in January 1995. In 2000, we merged with Times Bank Limited and, in 2008, we acquired Centurion Bank of Punjab Limited (“CBoP”). We are part of the HDFC group of companies established by our principal shareholder, Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited (“HDFC Limited”), a listed public limited company established under the laws of India. HDFC Limited is primarily engaged in financial services, including mortgages, property-related lending and deposit services. The subsidiaries and associated companies of HDFC Limited are also largely engaged in a range of financial services, including asset management, life insurance and other insurance. HDFC Limited and its subsidiaries owned 21.2% of our outstanding equity shares as of March 31, 2017. Our Chairperson and Managing Director are nominated by HDFC Limited and appointed with the approval of our shareholders and the RBI. In addition, Mr. Keki Mistry, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of HDFC Limited, and Mrs. Renu Karnad, Managing Director of HDFC Limited, are members of our Board of Directors and have been appointed independent of HDFC Limited’s entitlement to nominate two directors. See also the section “Principal Shareholders”. We have no agreements with HDFC Limited or any of its group companies that restrict us from competing with them or that restrict HDFC Limited or any of its group companies from competing with our business. We currently distribute products of HDFC Limited and its group companies, such as home loans of HDFC Limited, life and general insurance products of HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company Limited and HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited, respectively, and mutual funds of HDFC Asset Management Company Limited.

We have two subsidiaries, as per local laws: HDFC Securities Limited (“HSL”) and HDB Financial Services Limited (“HDBFSL”). HSL is primarily in the business of providing brokerage and other investment services through the internet and other channels. HDBFSL is a non-deposit taking non-banking finance company (“NBFC”) engaged primarily in the business of retail asset financing. Until fiscal 2016, the Bank also consolidated the financial statements of Atlas Documentary Facilitators Company Private Ltd. (“ADFC”), which provides back office transaction processing services, and its subsidiary HBL Global Private Limited (“HBL“), which provides direct sales support for certain products of the Bank, in our U.S. GAAP financial statements. On December 1, 2016, ADFC and its subsidiary HBL amalgamated with HDBFSL.

Our principal corporate and registered office is located at HDFC Bank House, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai 400 013, India. Our telephone number is 91-22-6652-1000. Our agent in the United States for the 2001, 2005, 2007 and 2015 ADS offerings is Depositary Management Corporation, 570 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022.

Our Competitive Strengths

We attribute our growth and continuing success to the following competitive strengths:

We have a strong brand and extensive reach through a large distribution network

At HDFC Bank, we are focused on understanding our customers’ financial needs and providing them with relevant banking solutions. We are driven by our core values—customer focus, operational excellence, product leadership, sustainability and people. This has helped us grow and achieve leadership while delivering value to our customers, stakeholders, employees and our community. We have aligned with the times in leveraging the latest technology to offer all banking solutions through the digital platform of our customers’ choice. HDFC Bank is one of the most trusted and preferred bank brands in India. We have been acknowledged as “India’s Most Valuable Brand” by BrandZ for the third consecutive year.

We have capitalized on our strong brand by establishing an extensive branch network throughout India serving a broad range of customers in urban, semi-urban and rural regions. As of March 31, 2017, we had 4,715 branches and 12,260 ATMs in 2,657 cities and towns and over 40 million customers. Our branch network is further complemented by our digital strategy, including online and mobile banking solutions, to provide our customers with access to on-demand banking services, which we believe allows us to develop strong and loyal relationships with our customers.

We provide a wide range of products and high quality service to our clients in order to meet their banking needs

Whether in retail banking, wholesale banking or treasury operations, we consider ourselves a “one-stop shop” for our customers’ banking needs. This includes the services that we can provide to our customers, both directly and indirectly through the range of products we offer and back-office operational execution. We consider our high quality service to be a vital component of our business and believe in pursuing excellence in execution through multiple internal initiatives focused on continuous improvements to our operational execution. This pursuit of high quality service and operational execution directly supports our ability to offer a wide range of banking products. Our retail banking products range from retail loans to deposit products and other products and services, such as private banking, depositary accounts, foreign exchange services, distribution of third party products (such as insurance and mutual funds), bill payments and sales of gold and silver bullion. In addition, we offer our customers brokerage accounts through our subsidiary HSL. On the wholesale banking side, we offer customers working capital loans, term loans, bill collections, letters of credit, guarantees, foreign exchange and derivative products and investment banking services. We also offer a range of deposit and transaction banking services such as cash management, custodial and clearing bank services and correspondent banking. We collect taxes for the government and are bankers to companies in respect of issuances of equity shares and bonds to the public. We are able to provide this wide range of products across our branch network, meaning we can provide our targeted rural customers with banking products and services similar to those provided to our urban customers, which we believe gives us a competitive advantage. Our wide range of products and focus on superior service and execution also create multiple cross-selling opportunities for us and, we believe, promote customer retention.

We have achieved robust and consistent financial performance while preserving asset quality during our growth

On account of our superior operational execution, broad range of products, expansion in our geographical reach and the resulting increase in market penetration through our extensive branch network, our assets have grown from Rs. 7,736.7 billion as of March 31, 2016 to Rs. 9,067.0 billion as of March 31, 2017. Our net income has increased from Rs. 117.9 billion for fiscal 2016 to Rs. 140.5 billion for fiscal 2017. In addition to the significant growth in our assets and net revenue, we remain focused on maintaining a high level of asset quality. Our gross non-performing customer assets as a percentage of total customer assets was 1.3% as of March 31, 2017 and our net non-performing customer assets was 0.6% of net customer assets. Our net interest margin was stable at 4.6% in fiscals 2016 and 2017, net income as a percentage of average total shareholders’ equity was 14.4% in fiscal 2016 and 14.9% in fiscal 2017 and net income as a percentage of average total assets was 1.7% in fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2017. Our current and savings account deposits as a percentage of our total deposits were 48.0% as of March 31, 2017.

We have an advanced technology platform

We continue to make substantial investments in our advanced technology platform and systems and expand our electronically linked branch network. We have implemented mobile data based networking options in semi-urban and rural areas where telecom infrastructure and data connectivity are weak. These networks have enabled us to improve our core banking services in such areas and provide a link between our branches and data centers.

We are constantly working to develop new technology and improve the digital aspects of our business. Our focus remains on leveraging on the best of the digital technologies through our “Go Digital” initiative. Some major technological developments in the last two years include the introduction of our bilingual mobile banking application, Chillr, a person-to-person smartphone payment solution, PayZapp with SmartBuy, a comprehensive and convenient secure payment system to improve our e-commerce processing capabilities, the creation of a virtual relationship manager for high net worth customers, and the introduction of Onchat on FB messenger for travel, entertainment and bill payments. We achieved a digital initiative milestone through the launch of “ten seconds personal loans” and “online loans against securities” to get what we view as “hassle free” liquidity from investments like shares and bonds. Furthermore, with the pilot launch of “IRA”, (Intelligent Robotic Assistant), an interactive humanoid placed in a branch to help in servicing, we set a benchmark for what we believe to be a best in class digital experience for customers.

We have a dedicated digital innovation team to research and experiment with technology, which hosts a Digital Innovation Summit annually to attract new talent and business opportunities from the financial technology space. In addition, we have developed robust data analytic capabilities that allow us to market and cross-sell our products to customers through both traditional relationship management and interactive, on-demand methods depending on how particular customers choose to interact with us.

We have also implemented state-of-the-art engineered systems technology for some of the important backend operational systems, including doubling the capacity of our operational customer relationship management system. We believe that our direct banking platforms are stable and robust, enabling new ways to connect with our customers to cross-sell various products and improve customer retention.

We have an experienced management team

Many of the members of our management have had a long tenure with us, which gives us a deep bench of experienced managers. They have substantial experience in banking or other industries and share our common vision of excellence in execution. Having a management team with such breadth and depth of experience is well suited to leverage the competitive strengths we have already developed across our large, diverse and growing branch network as well as allowing our management team to focus on creating new opportunities for our business. See also the section “Management”.

Our Business Strategy

Our business strategy emphasizes the following elements:

Increase our market share of India’s expanding banking and financial services industry

In addition to benefiting from the overall growth in India’s economy and financial services industry, we believe we can increase our market share by continuing to focus on our competitive strengths, including our strong HDFC Bank brand and our extensive branch and ATM networks, to increase our market penetration.

Increase our geographical reach

As of March 31, 2017, we had 4,715 branches, 12,260 ATMs in 2,657 cities and towns. We believe we can continue expanding our branch footprint, particularly by focusing on rural and semi-urban areas. We believe these areas represent a significant opportunity for our continued growth as we expand banking services to those areas which have traditionally been underserved and which, by entering such markets, will enable us to establish new customer bases. We also believe that delivering banking services which are integrated with our existing business and product groups helps us to provide viable opportunities to the sections of the rural and semi-urban customer base that is consistent with our targeted customer profile throughout India.

Cross-sell our broad financial product portfolio across our customer base

We are able to offer our complete suite of financial products across our branch network, including in our rural locations. By matching our broad customer base with our ability to offer our complete suite of products to both rural and urban customers across the retail banking, wholesale banking and treasury product lines, we believe that we can continue to generate organic growth by cross-selling different products by proactively offering our customers complementary products as their relationships with us develop and their financial needs grow and evolve.

Continue our investments in technology to support our digital strategy

We believe the increased availability of internet access and broadband connectivity across India requires a comprehensive digital strategy to proactively develop new methods of reaching our customers. As a result, we are continuously investing in technology as a means of improving our customers’ banking experience, offering them a range of products tailored to their financial needs and making it easier for them to interact with their banking accounts with us. We believe our culture of innovation and development to be crucial to remaining competitive. As part of our dedication to digitization and technological development, we have appointed a digital innovation team to research, develop and experiment with new technologies, and, in February 2017, we hosted our second annual Digital Innovation Summit to tap into emerging technological trends that are shaping the financial technology space.

While we currently provide a range of options for customers to access their accounts, including net banking, telephone banking, and banking applications on mobile devices, we believe additional investments in our technology infrastructure to further develop our digital strategy will allow us to cross-sell a wider range of products on our digital platform in response to our customers’ needs and thereby expand our relationship with our customers across a range of customer segments. We believe a comprehensive digital strategy will provide benefits in developing long-term customer relationships by allowing customers to interact with us and access their accounts wherever and whenever they desire.

Maintain strong asset quality through disciplined credit risk management

We have maintained high quality loan and investment portfolios through careful targeting of our customer base, and by putting in place what we believe are comprehensive risk assessment processes and diligent risk monitoring and remediation procedures. Our gross non-performing customer assets as a percentage of total customer gross assets was 1.3% as of March 31, 2017 and our net non-performing customer assets as a percentage of net customer assets was 0.6% as of March 31, 2017. As of March 31, 2017, our gross restructured loans as a percentage of gross non-performing loans were 3.7%. We believe we can maintain strong asset quality appropriate to the loan portfolio composition while achieving growth.

Maintain a low cost of funds

We believe we can maintain a relatively low-cost funding base as compared to our competitors, by leveraging our strengths and expanding our base of retail savings and current deposits and increasing the free float generated by transaction services, such as cash management and stock exchange clearing. Our average cost of funds (including equity) was 4.9% for fiscal 2016 and 4.6% for the fiscal 2017.

Our Principal Business Activities

Our principal business activities consist of retail banking, wholesale banking and treasury operations. The following table sets forth our net revenues attributable to each area for the last three years:


	Year ended March 31,
	2015				2016				2017
	(in millions, except percentages)
Retail banking	Rs.	245,670.7	82.2	%	Rs.	304,223.4	82.7	%	Rs.	351,345.6	US$	5,417.8	82.8	%
Wholesale banking		45,416.6	15.2	%		48,340.9	13.1	%		63,367.2		977.2	14.9	%
Treasury operations		7,910.3	2.6	%		15,099.8	4.2	%		9,457.5		145.8	2.3	%
Net revenue	Rs.	298,997.6	100.0	%	Rs.	367,664.1	100.0	%	Rs.	424,170.3	US$	6,540.8	100.0	%

Retail Banking

Overview

We consider ourselves a one-stop shop for the financial needs of upper and middle income individuals. We provide a comprehensive range of financial products including deposit products, loans, credit cards, debit cards, third-party mutual funds and insurance products, investment advice, bill payment services and other services. Our retail banking loan products include loans to small and medium enterprises for commercial vehicles, construction equipment and other business purposes, which together account for more than a third of our total retail banking loans. We group these loans as part of our retail banking business considering, among other things, the customer profile, the nature of the product, the differing risks and returns, our organization structure and our internal business reporting mechanism. Such grouping ensures optimum utilization and deployment of specialized resources in our retail banking business. We also have specific products designed for lower income individuals through our Sustainable Livelihood Initiative (“SLI”). Through this initiative, we reach out to the un-banked and under-banked segments of the Indian population.

We actively market our services through our branches and alternate sales channels, as well as through our relationships with automobile dealers and corporate clients. We follow a multi-channel strategy to reach out to our customers bringing to them choice, convenience and what we believe to be a superior experience. Innovation has been the springboard of growth in this segment and so has a strong focus on analytics and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) which has helped the Bank know the customer better and offer tailor-made solutions. This leads to deeper customer engagement in a cost effective manner.

As of March 31, 2017, we had 4,715 branches and 12,260 ATMs in 2,657 cities and towns. We also provide telephone banking, internet and mobile banking to our customers. We plan to continue to expand our branch and ATM network as well as our other distribution channels, subject to regulatory guidelines/approvals.

Retail Loans and Other Asset Products

We offer a wide range of retail loans, including loans for the purchase of automobiles, personal loans, retail business banking loans, loans for the purchase of commercial vehicles and construction equipment finance, two-wheeler loans, credit cards and loans against securities. Our retail loans were 67.6% of our gross loans of which 23.7% were unsecured as of March 31, 2017. Apart from our branches, we use our ATMs and the internet to promote our loan products and we employ additional sales methods depending on the type of products. We perform our own credit analysis of the borrowers and the value of the collateral if the loan is secured. See “—Risk Management—Credit Risk—Retail Credit Risk”. We also buy mortgage and other asset-backed securities and invest in retail loan portfolios through assignments. In addition to taking collateral, in most cases, we obtain debit instructions / post-dated checks covering repayments at the time a retail loan is made. It is a criminal offense in India to issue a bad check. Our unsecured personal loans, which are not supported by any collateral, are a greater credit risk for us than our secured loan portfolio. We may be unable to collect in part or at all on an unsecured personal loan in the event of non-payment by the borrower. Accordingly, personal loans are granted at a higher contracted interest rate since they carry a higher credit risk as compared to secured loans. Also see “Risk Factors—Our unsecured loan portfolio is not supported by any collateral that could help ensure repayment of the loan, and in the event of non-payment by a borrower of one of these loans, we may be unable to collect the unpaid balance”.

The following table shows the gross book value and share of our retail credit products:


	At March 31, 2017 Value				% of Total Value
	(in millions)
Retail Assets:
Auto loans	Rs.	720,657.8	US$	11,112.7		17.7	%
Personal loans / Credit Cards		841,806.8		12,980.8		20.7	%
Retail business banking		913,720.2		14,089.7		22.5	%
Commercial vehicle and construction equipment finance		460,365.2		7,098.9		11.3	%
Housing loans		383,866.9		5,919.3		9.4	%
Other Retail Loans		728,544.4		11,234.4		17.9	%
Total retail loans		4,048,961.3		62,435.8		99.5	%
Mortgage-backed securities		120.0		1.9		—	%
Asset-backed securities		22,333.0		344.4		0.5	%
Total retail assets	Rs.	4,071,414.3	US$	62,782.1		100.0	%

Note:

The figures above exclude securitized-out receivables. Mortgaged-backed securities and asset-backed securities are reflected at fair values.

Auto Loans

We offer loans at fixed interest rates for financing new and used automobile purchases. In addition to our general marketing efforts for retail loans, we market this product through our relationships with car dealers, direct sales agents, corporate packages and joint promotion programs with automobile manufacturers. We believe that we are a leader in the auto loans segment.

Personal Loans and Credit Cards

We offer unsecured personal loans at fixed rates to specific customer segments, including salaried individuals and self-employed professionals. In addition, we offer unsecured personal loans to small businesses and individual businessmen.

We also offer credit cards from the VISA, MasterCard and Diners platform, including gold, silver, corporate, business, platinum, titanium, signature, world, black, infinite, credit cards under the classification of corporate cards, business cards, co-brand cards, premium retail cards and super premium retail cards. During fiscal 2017, the Bank launched three product variants—Regalia First Credit Card, Freedom Credit Card and the Bharat Cashback Credit Card. The Bharat Cashback credit card specifically caters to the emerging markets. The launch of Regalia First is to enable the bank to cater to the needs of the rapidly growing super premium customer segment and the Freedom Credit Card caters to the youth segment of the country with an offering that meets their needs. We had approximately 7.3 million and 8.5 million cards outstanding as of March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2017, respectively.

Retail Business Banking

We address the borrowing needs of the community of small businessmen primarily located near our bank branches by offering facilities such as credit lines, term loans for expansion or addition of facilities and discounting of receivables. We classify these business banking loans as a retail product. Such lending is typically secured with current assets as well as immovable property and fixed assets in some cases. We also offer letters of credit, guarantees and other basic trade finance products, foreign exchange and cash management services to such businesses.

Commercial Vehicles and Construction Equipment Finance

We provide secured financing for commercial vehicles and provide working capital, bank guarantees and trade advances to transport operators. In addition to funding domestic assets, we also finance imported assets for which we open foreign letters of credit and offer treasury services, such as forward exchange covers. We coordinate with manufacturers to jointly promote our financing options to their clients. We have a strong market presence in the commercial vehicle financing business.

Housing Loans

We provide home loans through an arrangement with our principal shareholder HDFC Limited. Under this arrangement, we source loans for HDFC Limited through our branches. HDFC Limited approves and disburses the loans, which are kept on their books, and we receive a sourcing fee for these loans. We have an option, but not an obligation, to purchase up to 70% of the fully disbursed home loans sourced under this arrangement through either the issue of mortgage-backed pass through certificates (“PTCs”) or a direct assignment of the loans. The balance is retained by HDFC Limited.

Other Retail Loans

Two-Wheeler Loans

We offer loans for financing the purchase of scooters and motorcycles. We market this product in ways similar to our marketing of auto loans.

Loans Against Securities

We offer loans against equity shares, mutual fund units, bonds and other securities that are on our approved list. We limit our loans against equity shares to Rs. 2.0 million per retail customer in line with regulatory guidelines and limit the amount of our total exposure secured by particular securities. We lend only against shares in book-entry (dematerialized) form, which ensures that we obtain perfected and first-priority security interests. The minimum margin for lending against shares is prescribed by the RBI.

Loan Assignments

We purchase loan portfolios, generally in India, from other banks, financial institutions and financial companies, which are similar to asset-backed securities, except that such loans are not represented by PTCs. Some of these loans also qualify toward our directed lending obligations.

Kisan Gold Card (“Agri Loans”)

Under the Kisan Gold Card, funds are extended to farmers in accordance with the RBI’s Kisan Credit Card (“KCC”) scheme in order to assist the farmers in financing certain farming expenses, such as the production of crops, post-harvest repair and maintenance and the domestic consumption needs of the farmers. The amount of funding available is based on the farmer’s cropping pattern, the amount of land under utilization and the scale of financing and asset costs. The Bank offers both cash credit and term loan facilities under this product.

Loans Against Gold Jewelry

We offer loans against gold jewelry to specific customer segments, including women and farmers. Such loans are offered with monthly interest payments and a bullet maturity. These loans also have margin requirements in the event of a decrease in the value of the gold collateral due to fluctuations in market prices of gold. Loans against gold jewelry are also extended to existing auto loan, personal loan or home loan customers in order to cater to their additional funding needs.

We also offer loans which primarily include overdrafts against time deposits, health care equipment financing loans, tractor loans and loans to self-help groups.

Retail Deposit Products

Retail deposits provide us with a low cost, stable funding base and have been a key focus area for us since commencing operations. Retail deposits represented approximately 79.4% of our total deposits as of March 31, 2017. The following chart shows the book value of our retail deposits by our various deposit products:


	At March 31, 2017
	Value (in millions)				% of total
Savings	Rs.	1,900,355.8	US$	29,303.9		37.2	%
Current		687,534.5		10,601.9		13.5	%
Time		2,516,243.5		38,801.0		49.3	%

Total	Rs.	5,104,133.8	US$	78,706.8		100.0	%

Our individual retail account holders have access to the benefits of a wide range of direct banking services, including debit and ATM cards, access to internet and phone banking services, access to our growing branch and ATM network, access to our other distribution channels and eligibility for utility bill payments and other services. Our retail deposit products include the following:

•

Savings accounts, which are demand deposits, primarily for individuals and trusts.

•

Current accounts, which are non-interest bearing checking accounts designed primarily for business customers. Customers have a choice of regular and premium product offerings with different minimum average quarterly account balance requirements.

•

Time deposits, which pay a fixed return over a predetermined time period.

We also offer special value-added accounts, which offer our customers added value and convenience. These include a time deposit account that allows for automatic transfers from a time deposit account to a savings account, as well as a time deposit account with an automatic overdraft facility.

We had mobilized US $ 3.4 billion in special Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) deposits from NRI clients under the RBI swap window in fiscal 2014. A major portion of these deposits were issued for a 3-year tenor. These came up for redemption during fiscal 2017 and US $ 3.0 billion of the FCNR deposits were repaid.

Other Retail Services and Products

Debit Cards

We had around 23.0 million and 23.6 million debit cards outstanding as of March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2017, respectively. The cards can be used at ATMs and point-of-sales terminals in India and in other countries across the world.

Individual Depositary Accounts

We provide depositary accounts to individual retail customers for holding debt and equity instruments. Securities traded on the Indian exchanges are generally not held through a broker’s account or in a street name. Instead, an individual has his or her own account with a depositary participant. Depositary participants, including us, provide services through the major depositaries established by the two major stock exchanges. Depositary participants record ownership details and effectuate transfers in book-entry form on behalf of the buyers and sellers of securities. We provide a complete package of services, including account opening, registration of transfers and other transactions and information reporting.

Mutual Fund Sales

We offer our retail customers units in most of the large and reputable mutual funds in India. In some cases, we earn front-end commissions for new sales and additional fees in subsequent years. We distribute mutual fund products primarily through our branches and our private banking advisors.

Insurance

We have arrangements with HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company Limited and HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited to distribute their life insurance and general insurance products, respectively, to our customers. We earn upfront commissions on new premiums collected as well as some trailing income in subsequent years in certain cases while the policy is still in force. Our commission income for fiscal 2017 includes fees of Rs. 7,983.5 million in respect of life insurance business and Rs. 1,575.8 million in respect of general insurance business.

Investment Advice

We offer our customers a broad range of investment advice, including advice regarding the purchase of Indian debt, equity shares and mutual funds. We provide our high net worth private banking customers with a personal investment advisor who can consult with them on their individual investment needs. We have also created a virtual relationship manager for our high net worth customers, which is available at any time through a secure video interface.

Bill Payment Services

We offer our customers utility bill payment services for leading utility companies, including electricity, telephone and internet service providers. Customers can also review and access their bill details through our direct banking channels. We believe this is a valuable convenience that we offer our customers. We offer these services to customers through multiple distribution channels—ATMs, telephone banking, internet banking and mobile telephone banking.

Corporate Salary Accounts

We offer Corporate Salary Accounts, which allow employers to make salary payments to a group of employees with a single transfer. We then transfer the funds into the employees’ individual accounts and offer them preferred services, such as lower minimum balance requirements. As of March 31, 2017, these accounts constituted approximately 29% of our savings deposits by value.

Non-Resident Indian Services

Non-resident Indians are an important target market segment for us given their relative affluence and strong ties with family members in India. Our non-resident deposits amounted to Rs 728.6 billion as of March 31, 2017.

Retail Foreign Exchange

We purchase foreign currency from and sell foreign currency to retail customers in the form of cash, traveler’s checks, demand drafts, foreign exchange cards and other remittances. We also carry out foreign currency check collections.

Customers and Marketing

Our target market for our retail services is comprised of upper and middle income individuals and high net worth customers. As of March 31, 2017, around 28% of our retail deposit customers contributed approximately 81% of our retail deposits. We market our products through our branches, online through our website, through telemarketing and through our dedicated sales team for niche market segments. We also use third-party agents and direct sales associates to market certain products and to identify prospective customers.

Additionally, we obtain new customers through joint marketing efforts with our wholesale banking department, such as our Corporate Salary Account package and we cross-sell several retail products to our customers. We also market our auto loan and two-wheeler loan products through joint efforts with relevant manufacturers and distributors.

We have programs that target other particular segments of the retail market. For example, our private and preferred banking programs provide customized financial planning to high net worth individuals. Private banking customers receive a personal investment advisor who serves as their single-point contact and compiles personalized portfolio tracking products, including mutual fund and equity tracking statements. Our private banking program also offers equity investment advisory products. While not as service-intensive as our private banking program, preferred banking offers similar services to a slightly broader target segment. Top revenue-generating customers of our preferred banking program are channeled into our private banking program.

We also have a strong commitment to financial inclusion programs to extend banking services to underserved populations. Our SLI targets lower income individuals to finance their economic activity, and also provide skill training, credit counseling, and market linkages for better price discovery. Through this initiative we reach out to the un-banked and under-banked segments of the Indian population.

Wholesale Banking

Overview

We provide our corporate and institutional clients a wide array of commercial banking products and transactional services.

Our principal commercial banking products include a range of financing products, documentary credits (primarily letters of credit) and bank guarantees, foreign exchange and derivative products, investment banking services and corporate deposit products. Our financing products include loans, overdrafts, bill discounting and credit substitutes, such as commercial papers, debentures, preference shares and other funded products. Our foreign exchange and derivatives products assist corporations in managing their currency and interest rate exposures.

For our commercial banking products, our customers include companies that are part of private sector business houses, public sector enterprises and multinational corporations, as well as small and mid-sized businesses. Our customers also include suppliers and distributors of corporations to whom we provide credit facilities and with whom we thereby establish relationships as part of a supply chain initiative for both our commercial banking products and transactional services. We aim to provide our corporate customers with high quality customized service. We have relationship managers who focus on particular clients and who work with teams that specialize in providing specific products and services, such as cash management and treasury advisory services.

Loans to small and medium enterprises, which are generally in the nature of loans for commercial vehicles, construction equipment and business purposes, are included as part of our retail banking business. We group these loans as part of our retail banking business considering, among other things, the customer profile, the nature of the product, the differing risks and returns, our organization structure and our internal business reporting mechanism. Such grouping ensures optimum utilization and deployment of specialized resources in our retail banking business.

Our principal transactional services include cash management services, capital markets transactional services and correspondent banking services. We provide physical and electronic payment and collection mechanisms to a range of corporations, financial institutions and government entities. Our capital markets transactional services include custodial services for mutual funds and clearing bank services for the major Indian stock exchanges and commodity exchanges. In addition, we provide correspondent banking services, including cash management services and funds transfers, to foreign banks and co-operative banks.

Commercial Banking Products

Commercial Loan Products and Credit Substitutes

Our principal financing products are working capital facilities and term loans. Working capital facilities primarily consist of cash credit facilities and bill discounting. Cash credit facilities are revolving credits provided to our customers that are secured by working capital such as inventory and accounts receivable. Bill discounting consists of short-term loans which are secured by bills of exchange that have been accepted by our customers or drawn on another bank. In many cases, we provide a package of working capital financing that may consist of loans and a cash credit facility as well as documentary credits or bank guarantees. Term loans consist of short-term loans and medium-term loans which are typically loans of up to five years in duration. Over 90% of our loans are denominated in rupees with the balance being denominated in various foreign currencies, principally the U.S. dollar.

We also purchase credit substitutes, which are typically comprised of commercial paper and debentures issued by the same customers with whom we have a lending relationship in our wholesale banking business. Investment decisions for credit substitute securities are subject to the same credit approval processes as loans, and we bear the same customer risk as we do for loans extended to these customers. Additionally, the yield and maturity terms are generally directly negotiated by us with the issuer.

The following table sets forth the asset allocation of our commercial loans and financing products by asset type. For accounting purposes, we classify commercial paper and debentures as credit substitutes (which in turn are classified as investments).


	As of March 31,
	2015		2016		2017		2017
	(in millions)
Gross commercial loans	Rs.	1,222,460.6	Rs.	1,534,268.7	Rs.	1,939,948.4	US$	29,914.4
Credit substitutes:
Commercial paper	Rs.	180,198.6	Rs.	258,006.4	Rs.	248,269.7	US$	3,828.4
Non-convertible debentures		14,860.3		39,234.6		171,270.9		2,641.0
Total credit substitutes	Rs.	195,058.9	Rs.	297,241.0	Rs.	419,540.6	US$	6,469.4
Gross commercial loans plus credit substitutes	Rs.	1,417,519.5	Rs.	1,831,509.7	Rs.	2,359,489.0	US$	36,383.8

While we generally lend on a cash-flow basis, we also require collateral from a large number of our borrowers. As of March 31, 2017, approximately 71.1% of the aggregate principal amount of our gross wholesale loans was secured by collateral (approximately Rs. 561.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of loans were unsecured). However, collateral securing each individual loan may not be adequate in relation to the value of the loan. All borrowers must meet our internal credit assessment procedures, regardless of whether the loan is secured. See “—Risk Management—Credit Risk—Wholesale Credit Risk”.

We price our loans based on a combination of our own cost of funds, market rates, tenor of the loan, our rating of the customer and the overall revenues from the customer. An individual loan is priced on a fixed or floating rate and the pricing is based on a margin that depends on the credit assessment of the borrower. We are required to follow the marginal cost of funds based lending rate system while pricing our loans. For a detailed discussion of these requirements, see “Supervision and Regulation—Regulations Relating to Making Loans”.

The RBI requires banks to lend to specific sectors of the economy. For a detailed discussion of these requirements, see “Supervision and Regulation—Directed Lending”.

Bill Collection, Documentary Credits and Bank Guarantees

We provide bill collection, documentary credit facilities and bank guarantees for our corporate customers. Documentary credits and bank guarantees are typically provided on a revolving basis. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the value of transactions processed with respect to our bill collection, documentary credits and bank guarantees:


	As of March 31,
	2015		2016		2017		2017
	(in millions)
Bill collection	Rs.	3,288,490.0	Rs.	3,595,361.1	Rs.	4,003,047.4	US$	61,727.8
Documentary credits		1,020,077.1		982,710.6		1,172,946.1		18,087.1
Bank guarantees		221,658.3		241,990.0		226,961.8		3,499.8
Total	Rs.	4,530,225.4	Rs.	4,820,061.7	Rs.	5,402,955.3	US$	83,314.7

Bill collection: We provide bill collection services for our corporate clients in which we collect bills on behalf of a corporate client from the bank of our client’s customer. We do not advance funds to our client until receipt of payment.

Documentary credits: We issue documentary credit facilities on behalf of our customers for trade financing, sourcing of raw materials and capital equipment purchases.

Bank guarantees: We provide bank guarantees on behalf of our customers to guarantee their payment or performance obligations. A small part of our guarantee portfolio consists of margin guarantees to brokers issued in favor of stock exchanges.

Foreign Exchange and Derivatives

Our foreign exchange and derivative product offering to our customers covers a range of products, including foreign exchange and interest rate transactions and hedging solutions, such as spot and forward foreign exchange contracts, forward rate agreements, currency swaps, currency options and interest rate derivatives. These transactions enable our customers to transfer, modify or reduce their foreign exchange and interest rate risks. A specified group of relationship managers from our treasury front office works on such product offerings jointly with the relationship managers from Wholesale Banking.

Forward exchange contracts are commitments to buy or sell foreign currency at a future date at the contracted rate. Currency swaps are commitments to exchange cash flows by way of interest in one currency against another currency and exchange of principal amounts at maturity based on predetermined rates. Rupee interest rate swaps are commitments to exchange fixed and floating rate cash flows in rupees. A forward rate agreement gives the buyer the ability to determine the underlying rate of interest for a specified period commencing on a specified future date (the settlement date) when the settlement amount is determined being the difference between the contracted rate and the market rate on the settlement date. Currency options give the buyer the right, but not an obligation, to buy or sell specified amounts of currency at agreed rates of exchange on or before a specified future date.

We enter into forward exchange contracts, currency options, forward rate agreements, currency swaps and rupee interest rate swaps with our customers, similar to our transactions with inter-bank participants. To support our clients’ activities, we are an active participant in the Indian inter-bank foreign exchange market. We also trade, to a more limited extent, for our own account. We also engage in proprietary trades of interest rate swaps and use them as part of our asset liability management.

The following table presents the aggregate notional principal amounts of our outstanding foreign exchange and derivative contracts with our customers as of March 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, together with the fair values on each reporting date.

As of March 31,

2015

2016

2017

Notional

Fair Value

Notional

Fair Value

Notional

Fair Value

Notional

Fair Value

(In millions)

Interest rate swaps and forward rate agreements

Rs.

569,533.5

Rs.

(509.5)

Rs.

528,589.7

Rs.

(2,165.2)

Rs.

704,131.9

Rs.

(34.6)

US$

10,857.9

US$

(0.5)

Forward exchange contracts, currency swaps, currency options and interest rate caps and floors

Rs.

646,173.8

Rs.

(1,968.4)

Rs.

809,002.2

Rs.

3,166.4

Rs.

738,919.5

Rs.

(312.9)

US$

11,394.3

US$

(4.8)

Investment Banking

Our Investment Banking Group offers services in the debt and equity capital markets. The group has arranged project financing for clients across various sectors including telecom, toll roads, healthcare, energy, real estate and cement. The group advised on aggregate issuances of over Rs. 640 billion worth of corporate bonds across public sector undertakings, financial institutions and the Bank’s corporate clients during fiscal 2017, becoming the second largest corporate bond arranger in the market for fiscal 2017. In the equity capital markets business, the group concluded the initial public offerings of a bank, a retail chain and a building product solution during fiscal year 2017. In the advisory business, we are advising clients in the infrastructure, financial services, industrials and healthcare sectors.

Wholesale Deposit Products

As of March 31, 2017, we had wholesale deposits aggregating over Rs. 1,327.2 billion, which represented 20.6% of our total deposits. We offer both non-interest bearing current accounts and time deposits. We are allowed to vary the interest rates on our wholesale deposits based on the size of the deposit (for deposits greater than Rs. 10.0 million), provided the rates booked on a day are the same for all customers of that deposit size for that maturity. See “Selected Statistical Information” for further information about our total deposits.

Transactional Services

Cash Management Services

We believe that the Indian market is one of the most promising Cash Management Services (CMS) markets. However, it is also marked by some distinctive characteristics and challenges such as—a vast geography, a large number of small business-intensive towns, a large unorganized sector in various business supply chains, and infrastructural limitations for accessibility to many parts of the country. Over the years, such challenges have made it a daunting task for CMS providers in the country to uncover the business potential and extend suitable services and product solutions to the business community.

We have been providing CMS for the last two decades to our customers from diverse industry segments namely the FMCG, manufacturing, cement, automobile, services, financial institutions, NBFCs, banks, small & medium enterprise, stock exchange, mutual funds and retail segments.

We believe that our bank has been consistently aligning its product and services strategy to meet the customer needs. This has helped to keep ahead of competitors and retain a satisfied customer base that is growing by the year. Customer focus is upheld by continuous innovation in product features and servicing, which in turn has been built by a very effective synergy between technology, operational excellence and customer experience management.

We offer traditional and new age electronic banking products and experience an increasing demand for electronic banking services .While we believe that we have been able to maintain leadership position in the traditional CMS market, we believe that we have also been able to forge leadership position in the new age CMS market, i.e. electronic cash management. As of the date hereof, approximately 70% of the bank’s transactions are done on the Electronic platform.

In addition, we have aligned our product offering with changing and dynamic customer needs. Our focus on offering host to host integration with customers’ ERP/ SAP systems has helped create customer stickiness. Today we believe that we are a leading service provider of electronic banking products with a large share of business across customer segments. We have, thus, been able to reduce our transaction costs while maintaining our fees and float levels.

We have also implemented a straight-through processing solution to link our wholesale banking and retail banking systems. This has led to reduced manual intervention in transferring funds between the corporate accounts which are in the wholesale banking system and beneficiary accounts residing in retail banking systems. This initiative helps reduce transaction costs. We have a large number of commercial clients using our corporate internet banking for financial transactions with their vendors, dealers and employees who bank with us.

Clearing Bank Services for Stock and Commodity Exchanges

We serve as a cash-clearing bank for major stock and commodity exchanges in India, including the National Stock Exchange of India Limited and the BSE Limited. As a clearing bank, we provide the exchanges or their clearing corporations with a means for collecting cash payments due to them from their members or custodians and a means of making payments to these institutions. We make payments once the broker or custodian deposits the funds with us. In addition to benefiting from the cash float, which reduces our overall cost of funds, we also earn commissions on such services in certain cases.

Custodial Services

We provide custodial services principally to Indian mutual funds, as well as to domestic and international financial institutions. These services include safekeeping of securities and collection of dividend and interest payments on securities. Most of the securities under our custody are in book-entry (dematerialized) form, although we provide custody for securities in physical form as well for our wholesale banking clients. We earn revenue from these services based on the value of assets under safekeeping and the value of transactions handled.

Correspondent Banking Services

We act as a correspondent bank for co-operative banks, foreign banks and select private banks. We provide cash management services, funds transfers services, such as letters of credit, foreign exchange transactions and foreign check collection. We earn revenue on a fee-for-service basis and benefit from the cash float, which reduces our overall cost of funds.

We are well-positioned to offer this service to co-operative banks, foreign banks and select private banks in light of the structure of the Indian banking industry and our position within it. Co-operative banks are generally restricted to a particular state and foreign banks / some private banks have limited branch networks. The customers of these banks frequently need services in other areas of the country where their own banks cannot provide. Because of our technology platforms, our geographical reach and the electronic connectivity of our branch network, we can provide these banks with the ability to provide such services to their customers.

Tax Collections

We have been appointed by the Government of India to collect direct taxes. In fiscal year ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2017, we collected Rs. 1,885 billion and Rs. 2,158 billion, respectively, of direct taxes for the Government of India. We are also appointed to collect sales, excise and service tax within certain jurisdictions in India. In fiscal year ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2017, we collected Rs. 1,246 billion and Rs. 1,522 billion, respectively, of such indirect taxes for the Government of India and relevant state governments. We earn a fee from the Government of India for each tax collection and benefit from the cash float. We hope to expand our range of transactional services by providing more services to government entities.

The Government of India implemented the Goods and Services Tax (“GST”) effective July 1, 2017. We have been designated as one of the authorized banks by the Government for collection of GST.

Treasury

Overview

Our treasury group manages our balance sheet, including our maintenance of reserve requirements and the management of market and liquidity risk. Our treasury group also provides advice and execution services to our corporate and institutional customers with respect to their foreign exchange and derivatives transactions. In addition, our treasury group seeks to optimize profits from our proprietary trading, which is principally concentrated on Indian government securities.

Our client-based activities consist primarily of advising corporate and institutional customers and transacting spot and forward foreign exchange contracts and derivatives. Our primary customers are multinational corporations, large and medium sized domestic corporations, financial institutions, banks and public sector undertakings. We also advise and enter into foreign exchange contracts with some small companies and non-resident Indians.

The following describes our activities in the foreign exchange and derivatives markets, domestic money markets and debt securities desk and equities market. See also “—Risk Management” for a discussion of our management of market risk.

Foreign Exchange and Derivatives

We enter into forward exchange contracts, currency options, forward rate agreements, currency swaps and rupee interest rate swaps with inter-bank participants. To support our clients’ activities, we are an active participant in the Indian inter-bank foreign exchange market. We also trade, to a more limited extent, for our own account. We also engage in proprietary trades of rupee-based interest rate swaps and use them as part of our asset liability management. Forward exchange contracts are commitments to buy or sell foreign currency at a future date at the contracted rate. Currency swaps are commitments to exchange cash flows by way of interest in one currency against another currency and exchange of principal amounts at maturity based on predetermined rates. Rupee interest rate swaps are commitments to exchange fixed and floating rate cash flows in rupees. A forward rate agreement gives the buyer the ability to determine the underlying rate of interest for a specified period commencing on a specified future date (the settlement date) when the settlement amount is determined being the difference between the contracted rate and the market rate on the settlement date. Currency options give the buyer the right, but not an obligation, to buy or sell specified amounts of currency at agreed rates of exchange on or before a specified future date.

The following table presents the aggregate notional principal amounts of our outstanding foreign exchange and derivative inter-bank contracts as of March 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, together with the fair values on each reporting date:

As of March 31,

2015

2016

2017

Notional

Fair Value

Notional

Fair Value

Notional

Fair Value

Notional

Fair Value

(In millions)

Interest rate swaps and forward rate agreements

Rs.1,648,897.2

Rs.179.6

Rs.1,678,786.7

Rs.1,552.1

Rs.1,687,375.9

Rs.

411.3

US$

26,019.7

US$

6.3

Forward exchange contracts, currency swaps, currency options and interest rate caps and floors

Rs.6,309,696.1

Rs.2,946.5

Rs.4,844,850.6

Rs.4,087.3

Rs.4,291,942.7

Rs.

(5,907.2

)

US$

66,182.5

US$

(91.1

)

Domestic Money Market and Debt Securities Desk

Our principal activity in the domestic money market and debt securities market is to ensure that we comply with our reserve requirements. These consist of a cash reserve ratio, which we meet by maintaining balances with the RBI, and a statutory liquidity ratio, which we meet by purchasing Indian government securities. See also “Supervision and Regulation—Legal Reserve Requirements”. Our local currency desk primarily trades Indian government securities for our own account. We also participate in the inter-bank call deposit market and engage in limited trading of other debt instruments.

Equities Market

We trade a limited amount of equities of Indian companies for our own account. As of March 31, 2017, we had an internal aggregate approved limit of Rs. 300 million for market purchases and Rs. 100 million (defined as a sub-limit of the aggregate approved limit) for primary purchases of equity investments for proprietary trading. Our exposure as of March 31, 2017 was within these limits. We set limits on the amount invested in any individual company as well as stop-loss limits.

Distribution Channels

We deliver our products and services through a variety of distribution channels, including branches, ATMs, telephone and mobile telephone banking and internet banking.

Branches

As of March 31, 2017, we had a total of 4,715 branches covering 2,657 cities and towns. All of our branches are electronically linked so that our customers can access their accounts from any branch regardless of where they have their accounts.

Almost all of our branches focus exclusively on providing retail services and products, though a few also provide wholesale banking services. The range of products and services available at each branch depends in part on the size and location of the branch. We offer various banking services to our customers through our arrangements with correspondent banks and exchange houses in overseas locations.

As part of its branch licensing conditions, the RBI requires that at least 25% of all incremental branches added during the year be located in unbanked rural areas that do not have a brick and mortar structure of any scheduled commercial bank for customer-based banking transactions. As per the guidelines of the RBI, a rural area is defined as a center with a population up to 9,999. As of March 31, 2017, 481 of our branches are in unbanked areas. With the objective of liberalizing and rationalizing the branch licensing process, the RBI granted general permission, effective from October 2013, to banks like us to open branches in Tier 1 to Tier 6 centers, subject to a requirement to report to the RBI and other prescribed conditions. In May 2017, the RBI has further liberalized the branch authorization policy. See “Supervision and Regulation”.

We have representative offices in the United Arab Emirates and Kenya and have a wholesale banking branch in Bahrain. We also have a full service banking branch in Hong Kong. In August 2014, we opened a branch in the Dubai International Financial Center (“DIFC”) in Dubai to offer advisory services to NRIs regarding treasury products, trade finance, loans and other related services. Through these branches, we provide services to NRIs, Indian corporates and their affiliates to cater to their international banking requirements.

Automated Teller Machines

As of March 31, 2017, we had a total of 12,260 ATMs, of which 5,791 were located at our branches or extension counters and 6,469 were located off site, including at large residential developments, or on major roads in metropolitan areas.

Customers can use our ATMs for a variety of functions, including withdrawing cash, monitoring bank balances, and paying utility bills. Customers can access their accounts from any of the HDFC Bank ATMs or non-HDFC Bank ATMs. ATM cards issued by American Express / other banks in the Rupay, Visa, Master, Maestro, Cirrus, Citrus, Discover Financial Services (“DFS”) networks can be used in our ATMs and we receive a fee for each transaction. Our debit cards can be used on ATMs of other banks while our ATM cards can be used on most of the ATM networks.

Telephone Banking

We provide telephone banking services to our customers in 2,657 cities and towns as on March 31, 2017. Customers can access their accounts over the phone through our 24-hour automated voice response system and can order check books, conduct balance inquiries and order stop payments of checks. In select cities, customers can also engage in financial transactions (such as opening deposits and ordering demand drafts). In certain cities, the Bank also has staff available during select hours to assist customers who want to speak directly to one of its telephone bankers.

Mobile Banking

Our mobile banking platform offers “anytime, anywhere” banking services to our customers through handheld devices, such as smartphones and even basic feature phones. Using our mobile banking platform, customers can perform enquiry based non-financial transactions such as balance enquiries, requests for account statements and requests for mini-statements of their transactions. We offer our customers the ability to carry out variety of financial transactions from their mobile phones. Customers can carry out financial transactions, such as transferring funds within and outside the Bank, and mobile commerce using their HDFC Bank account by downloading this application on their mobile phones. Mobile banking is available across several mobile operating systems, including Android, iOS, Windows and Blackberry.

Internet Banking

Our “net banking” seeks to be a “virtual manifestation” of a physical branch. Through our net banking channel, customers can perform various transactions, such as access account information, track transactions, request check books, request stop check payments, transfer funds between accounts and to third parties who maintain accounts with us or other banks, open fixed deposits, give instructions for the purchase and sale of units in mutual funds, pay bills and make demand draft requests. Customers can apply for cards and pre-approved loans online and even view details of existing ones. We encourage customer use of our internet banking service by offering some key services for free or at a lower cost.

Risk Management

Risk is inherent in our business and sound risk management is critical to our success. The major types of risk we face are credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk, interest rate risk and operational risk. We have developed and implemented comprehensive policies and procedures to identify, assess, monitor and manage our risk.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the possibility of loss due to the failure of any counterparty to abide by the terms and conditions of any financial contract with us. We identify and manage this risk through (a) our target defined markets, (b) our credit approval process, (c) our post-disbursement monitoring and (d) our remedial management procedures. We have a comprehensive centralized risk management function, independent of our operations and business units.

The asset quality of the Indian banking industry continued to be under severe pressure during fiscal 2017 due to macroeconomic factors as well as sector specific issues. The banking industry on an overall basis saw a sharp increase in stress and non-performing assets. We did not witness any significant deterioration in overall asset quality.

Retail Credit Risk

We offer a range of retail products, such as auto loans, personal loans, credit cards, business banking, two-wheeler loans, loans against securities and commercial vehicle loans. Our retail credit policy and approval process are designed to accommodate the high volumes of relatively homogeneous, small value transactions in retail loans. There are product programs for each of these products, which define the target markets, credit philosophy and process, detailed underwriting criteria for evaluating individual credits, exception reporting systems and individual loan exposure caps.

For individual customers to be eligible for a loan, minimum credit parameters, so defined, are to be met for each product. Any deviations need to be approved at the designated levels. The product parameters have been selected based on the perceived risk characteristics specific to the product. The quantitative parameters considered include income, residence stability, the nature of the employment/business, while the qualitative parameters include accessibility and profile. Our credit policies and product programs are based on a statistical analysis of our own experience and industry data, in combination with the judgement of our senior officers.

The retail credit risk team manages credit risk in retail assets and has the following constituents:

(a) Central Risk Unit: The central risk unit drives credit risk management centrally for retail assets. It is responsible for formulating policies and evaluates proposals for launch of new products and new geographies. The central risk unit also conducts periodic reviews that cover portfolio management information system (“MIS”), credit MIS and post-approval reviews. The product risk teams conduct detailed studies on portfolio performance in each customer segment.

(b) Retail Underwriting: This unit is primarily responsible for approving individual credit exposures and ensuring portfolio composition and quality. The unit ensures implementation of all policies and procedures, as applicable.

(c) Risk Intelligence and Control: This unit is responsible for the sampling of documents to ensure prospective borrowers with fraudulent intent are prevented from availing themselves of loans. The unit initiates market reference checks to avoid a recurrence of fraud and financial losses.

(d) Retail Collections Unit: This unit is responsible for the remedial management of problem exposures in retail assets. The collections unit uses specific strategies for various segments and products for remedial management.

We mine data on our borrower account behavior as well as static data regularly to monitor the portfolio performance of each product segment regularly, and use these as inputs in revising our product programs, target market definitions and credit assessment criteria to meet our twin objectives of combining volume growth and maintenance of asset quality.

Our retail loans are generally secured by a charge on the asset financed (vehicle loans, property loans and loans against gold and securities). Retail business banking loans are secured with current assets as well as immovable property and fixed assets in some cases. However, collateral securing each individual loan may not be adequate in relation to the value of the loan. If the customer fails to pay, we would, as applicable, liquidate collateral and/or set off accounts. In most cases, we obtain direct debit instructions or post-dated checks from the customer. It is a criminal offense in India to issue a bad check.

Wholesale Credit Risk

The wholesale credit risk team, within the Risk Management Group, is primarily responsible for implementing the credit risk strategy approved by the Board, developing procedures and systems for managing credit risk, carrying out an independent assessment of credit risk, approving individual credit exposures and ensuring portfolio composition and quality. In addition to the credit approval process, there is also an independent framework for the review and approval of credit ratings.

For our wholesale banking products, we target leading private businesses and public sector enterprises in the country, subsidiaries of multinational corporations and leaders in the Small and Medium Enterprises (“SME”) segment. We also have product-specific offerings for entities engaged in the capital markets and commodities businesses.

We consider the credit risk of our counterparties comprehensively. Accordingly, our credit policies and procedures apply not only to credit exposures but also to credit substitutes and contingent exposures. Our Credit Policies & Procedure Manual and Credit Program (“Credit Policies”) are central in controlling credit risk in various activities and products. These articulate our credit risk strategy and thereby the approach for credit origination, approval and maintenance. The Credit Policies generally address such areas as target markets, portfolio mix, prudential exposure ceilings, concentration limits, price and non-price terms, structure of limits, approval authorities, exception reporting system, prudential accounting and provisioning norms. Each credit is evaluated by the business units against the credit standards prescribed in our Credit Policies. They are then subjected to a greater degree of risk analysis based on product type and customer profile by credit risk specialists in the Risk Management Group.

We have in place a process of risk-grading each borrower according to its financial health and the performance of its business and each borrower is graded on an alphanumeric rating scale of HDB 1 to HDB 10 (HDB 1 indicating the highest and HDB 10 the lowest rating; we further classify HDB 1 to HDB 7 as “investment grade” ratings, while HDB 8 or lower are classified as “non-investment grade” ratings). We have specific models applicable to each significant segment of wholesale credit (e.g. large corporate, SME-manufacturing, SME-Services and NBFCs). Each model assesses the overall risk over four major categories: industry risk, business risk, management risk and financial risk. The aggregate weighted score based on the assessment under each of these four risk categories corresponds to a specific alphanumeric rating.

Based on what we believe is an adequately comprehensive risk assessment, credit exposure limits are set on individual counterparties. These limits take into account the overall potential exposure on the counterparty, be it on balance sheet or off balance sheet, across the banking book and the trading book, including foreign exchange and derivatives exposures. These limits are reviewed in detail at annual or more frequent intervals.

We do not extend credit on the judgment of one officer alone. Our credit approval process is based on a three approval system that combines credit approval authorities and discretionary powers. The required three approvals are provided by credit approvers who derive their authority from their credit skills and experience. The level for approval of a credit varies depending upon the grading of the borrower, the quantum of facilities required and whether we have been dealing with the customer by providing credit facilities in the past. As such, initial approvals would typically require a higher level of approval for a borrower with the same grading and for sanctioning the same facility.

To ensure adequate diversification of risk, concentration limits have been set up in terms of:

a) Borrower/business group: Exposure to a borrower/business group is subject to the general ceilings established by the RBI from time to time, or specific approval by the RBI. The exposure-ceiling limit for a single borrower is 15% of a bank’s capital funds. This limit may be exceeded by an additional 5% (i.e. up to 20%), provided the additional credit exposure is on account of lending to infrastructure projects. The exposure-ceiling limit in the case of a borrower group is 40% of a bank’s capital funds. This limit may be exceeded by an additional 10% (i.e. up to 50%), provided the additional credit exposure is on account of extensions of credit for infrastructure projects. In addition to the above exposure limit, a bank may, in exceptional circumstances and with the approval of its board, consider increasing its exposure to a borrower up to an additional 5% of its capital funds. For certain blue chip clients and reputed groups or, in particular, for entities whose borrowings and/or bonds qualify as Priority Sector Lending, a bank may approach the RBI for single or group borrower ceilings which are higher than the prescribed limits. Exposures (both lending and investment, including off balance sheet exposures) of a bank to a single NBFC, NBFC-Asset Financing Company (“AFC”), or NBFC-Infrastructure Finance Company (“IFC”) should not exceed 10%, 15% and 15%, respectively, of a bank’s capital funds. A bank may, however, assume exposures on a single NBFC, NBFC-AFC, or NBFC-IFC up to 15%, 20% and 20%, respectively, of its capital funds, provided the exposure in excess of 10%, 15% and 15% (referred to above) is on account of funds that the NBFC, NBFC-AFC, or NBFC-IFC has lent out to the infrastructure sector. In December 2016, the RBI issued the Large Exposure Framework, which aims to align the exposure norms for Indian Banks with the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (“BCBS”). The guidelines are required to be fully implemented by March 31, 2019. See “Supervision and Regulation – Large Exposure Framework”.

b) Industry: Exposure to any one industry cannot exceed 12% of aggregate exposures. For this purpose, advances and investments as well as non-fund based exposures are aggregated. Retail advances are exempt from this exposure limit. Further, exposure to banks and state sponsored financial institutions is capped at a level of 25%.

c) Risk grading: In addition to the exposure ceilings described above, we have set quantitative ceilings on aggregate funded plus non-funded exposure (excluding retail assets) specific to each risk rating category at the portfolio level.

While we primarily make our credit decisions on a cash flow basis, we also obtain security for a significant portion of credit facilities extended by us as a second potential remedy. This can take the form of a floating charge on the movable assets of the borrower or a (first or residual) charge on the fixed assets and properties owned by the borrower. We may also require guarantees and letters of support from the flagship companies of the group in cases where facilities are granted based on our comfort level or relationship with the parent company.

We have a process for regular monitoring of all accounts at several levels. These include periodic calls on the customer, plant visits, credit reviews and monitoring of secondary data. These are designed to detect any early warning signals of deterioration in credit quality so that we can take timely corrective action.

The RBI restricts us from lending to companies with which we have any directors in common. In addition, the RBI requires that we direct a portion of our lending to certain specified sectors (“Priority Sector Lending”). See also the section “Supervision and Regulation”.

Market Risk

Market risk refers to the potential loss on account of adverse changes in market variables or other risk factors which affect the value of financial instruments that we hold. The financial instruments may include investment in money market instruments, debt securities (such as gilts, bonds and PTCs), equities, foreign exchange products and derivative instruments (both linear and non-linear products).

The market variables which affect the valuation of these instruments typically include interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices, commodity prices, exchange rates and implied volatilities. Any change in the relevant market risk variable has an adverse or favorable impact on the valuation depending on the direction of the change and the type of position held (long or short). While the positions are taken with a view to earn from the upside potential, there is always a possibility of downside risk. Thus, we must constantly review the positions to ensure that the risk on account of such positions is within our overall risk appetite. The Bank’s overall risk appetite for various risks is defined by the Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (“ICAAP”) review committee, by stipulating specific risk appetite for each category of risk. The risk appetite for trading risk is set through a pre-approved treasury limits package as well as through specific trading limits for a few product programs. In addition, the Bank’s risk limits are guided by the Interbank Counterparty Exposure limit and the Bank’s Asset Liability Management (“ALM”) limits prescribe the appetite for liquidity risk and interest rate risk in the banking book (“IRRBB”). The process for monitoring and reviewing risk exposure is outlined in the various risk policies.

The market risk department formulates procedures for portfolio risk valuation, assesses market risk factors along with the trading portfolio and recommends various market risk controls relating to limits and trigger levels for the treasury (including investment banking portfolios for primary undertaking and distribution) and non-treasury positions. The treasury mid-office is responsible for monitoring and reporting market risks arising from the trading desks. The market data cell in the mid-office maintains market data, performs market data scan to check market data sanctity and verifies the rates submitted by the treasury front office for polling various benchmarks.

Our Board of Directors has delegated the responsibility for market risk management of the balance sheet on an ongoing basis to the asset liability committee (“ALCO”). This committee, which is chaired by the Managing Director and includes the heads of the business groups, generally meets fortnightly. The committee reviews the product pricing for deposits and assets as well as the maturity profile and mix of our assets and liabilities. It articulates the interest rate view and decides on future business strategy with respect to interest rates. It reviews and sets funding policy, also reviews developments in the markets and the economy and their impact on the balance sheet and business along with review of the trading levels. Moreover, it reviews the utilization of liquidity and interest rate risk limits set by the Board of Directors and decides on the inter-segment transfer pricing policy.

The financial control department is responsible for collecting data, preparing regulatory and analytical reports and monitoring whether the interest rate and other policies and limits established by the asset liability committee are being observed. Our treasury group also assists in implementing our asset liability strategy and in providing information to the asset liability committee.

Policies and Procedures—Trading and Asset Liability Management Risks

The following sections briefly describe our policies and procedures with respect to trading risk (price risk) and ALM risk (interest rate risk in the banking book and liquidity risk).

I. Trading Risk

Trading risk is the risk arising from price fluctuations due to market factors, such as changes in interest rates, equity prices, commodity prices, exchange rates and the variations in their implied volatilities in respect of the trading portfolio held by the Bank. The trading portfolio includes holdings in the held-for-trading and available-for-sale-portfolios, as per RBI guidelines and consists of positions in bonds, securities, currencies, interest rate swaps and options, cross-currency interest rate swaps and currency options.

The trading risk is managed by putting in place a sound process for price validation and by setting various limits, such as value at risk, stop loss trigger level, price value per basis point (PV01) option Greek limits and position limits, namely, intraday net overnight open position, gap limits (aggregate and individual gap limits), and equity scrip-wise open position limit, which are stipulated in the Treasury Limits Package. Deal size limit is prescribed for foreign exchange deals traded on trading platforms along with specific position and exposure limits in exchange traded currency and interest rate derivatives. Additionally, stress trigger levels have been defined for our treasury position and limit review.

The treasury limits are reviewed by the market risk department and presented to the Risk Policy and Monitoring Committee (“RPMC”) for its recommendation to the Board of Directors for approval. The limits are reviewed annually or more frequently (depending on market conditions) or upon introduction of new products.

The market risk policy sets the framework for market risk monitoring. The risk on account of semi-liquid or illiquid positions in trading is recognized in the non-standard product policy as part of the market risk policy. The non-standard product policy stipulates requirements for case specific evaluation of risk exposure in respect of non-standard products (that is, products which are not part of the standard product list decided by treasury and the market risk department). Additionally, limits have been assigned to restrict the aggregate exposure in non-standard positions. Further, the stress testing policy prescribes the stress scenarios that are applied on the outstanding trading positions to recognize and analyze the impact of the stress conditions on the trading portfolio. Stress tests are based on historical scenarios as well as on sensitivity factors, such as an assessment based on hypothetical/judgmental scenarios.

Validation of valuation models applied for validation of trading products are conducted by the treasury analytics team, which are then reviewed by the market risk department and governed by the Board of Directors approved ‘independent valuation model validation policy’. The Valuation Committee is apprised of the model validation results in its quarterly meetings. Moreover, the market data of major interest rate curves, captured in the valuation systems, are compared against an independent market data source on month-end basis for accurate valuation.

II. Asset Liability Management

The ALM risk management process consists of management of liquidity risk and IRRBB. Liquidity risk is the risk that the Bank may not be able to fund increases in assets or meet obligations as they fall due without incurring unacceptable losses. IRRBB refers to the potential adverse financial impact on the Bank’s banking book from changes in interest rates. The banking book is comprised of assets and liabilities that are incurred to create a steady income flow or to fulfill statutory obligations. Such assets and liabilities are generally held to maturity. The Bank carries various assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet items across markets, maturities and benchmarks, exposing it to risks from changing interest rates. The Bank’s objective is to maintain liquidity risk and IRRBB within certain tolerance limits. The ALM limits are reviewed by the market risk department and presented to the RPMC for its recommendation to the Board of Directors for approval. The limits are reviewed at least annually.

Structure and Organization

The ALM risk management process of the Bank operates in the following hierarchical manner:

Board of Directors

The Board has the overall responsibility for management of liquidity and interest rate risk. The Board decides the strategy, policies and procedures of the Bank to manage liquidity and interest rate risk, including setting the Bank’s risk tolerance and limits.

Risk Policy & Monitoring Committee of the Board

The RPMC is a Board-level committee, which supports the Board by supervising the implementation of risk strategy. It guides the development of policies, procedures and systems for managing risk. It ensures that these are adequate and appropriate to changing business conditions, the structure and needs of the Bank and the risk appetite of the Bank. It ensures that frameworks are established for assessing and managing liquidity and interest rate risks faced by the Bank. The RPMC meets at least once every quarter. The RPMC’s role includes inter-alia:

To review and recommend for Board approval, the liquidity and interest rate risk policies or any other amendment thereto;

To ratify excess utilization of Board approved limits; and

To review the results of stress tests.

Asset Liability Committee (“ALCO”)

The ALCO is the decision-making unit responsible for ensuring adherence to the risk tolerance and limits set by the Board, as well as implementing the Bank’s liquidity and interest rate risk management strategy in line with the Bank’s risk management objectives and risk tolerance. The ALCO is also responsible for balance sheet planning from a risk-return perspective, including strategic management of interest rate and liquidity risks. The role of the ALCO includes the following:

•

product pricing for deposits and customer advances;

•

deciding the desired maturity profile and mix of incremental assets and liabilities;

•

articulating the Bank’s interest rate view and deciding on its future business strategy;

•

reviewing and articulating funding strategy;

•

ensuring adherence to the liquidity and interest rate risk limits set by the Board of Directors;

•

determining the structure, responsibilities and controls for managing liquidity and interest rate risk;

•

ensuring operational independence of risk management function;

•

reviewing stress test results; and

•

deciding on the transfer pricing policy of the Bank.

ALM Support Group

The ALM support group is responsible for analyzing, monitoring, and reporting the relevant risk profiles to senior management and relevant committees. The ALM support group comprises the balance sheet management desk (Treasury), market risk department, treasury mid-office and Finance and Control (“FINCON”).

Risk Measurement Systems and Reporting

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is measured using the flow approach and the stock approach. The flow approach involves comprehensive tracking of cash flow mismatches, whereas the stock approach involves the measurement of critical ratios in respect of liquidity risk. Analysis of liquidity risk also involves examining how funding requirements are likely to be affected under crisis scenarios. The Bank has a Board-approved liquidity stress framework, which is guided by regulatory instructions. In addition, the Bank has an extensive intraday liquidity risk management framework for monitoring intraday positions during the day.

Interest Rate Risk in Banking Book (IRRBB)

Interest rate risk is the risk where changes in market interest rates affect a bank’s financial position. Changes in interest rates impact a bank’s earnings through changes in its Net Interest Income (“NII”). Changes in interest rates also impact a bank’s Market Value of Equity (“MVE”) or net worth through changes in the economic value of its rate sensitive assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet positions. The interest rate risk, when viewed from these two perspectives, is known as “earnings perspective” and “economic value perspective”, respectively.

The Bank measures and controls IRRBB using both the earnings perspective (measured using the traditional gap analysis method) and the economic value perspective (measured using the duration gap analysis method) as detailed below. These methods involve grouping of rate sensitive assets (“RSA”) and rate sensitive liabilities (“RSL”), including off-balance sheet items, based on the maturity or repricing dates.

The Bank classifies an asset or liability as rate sensitive if:

within the time interval under consideration, there is a cash flow;

ii.

the interest rate resets or reprices contractually during the interval; and

iii.

the RBI changes the interest rates in cases where interest rates are administered.

A significant portion of non-maturing deposits are grouped in the “over 1 year to 3 year” category. Non-rate sensitive liabilities and assets primarily comprise capital, reserves and surplus, other liabilities, cash and balances with the RBI, current account balances with banks, fixed assets and other assets.

The banking book is represented by excluding from the total book the trading book (i.e., on and off-balance sheet items) and the commensurate liabilities in the form of short-term borrowings and deposits.

•

Earnings Perspective (impact on net interest income)

The traditional gap analysis (“TGA”) method measures the level of a bank’s exposure to interest rate risk in terms of sensitivity of its NII to interest rate movements over a one-year horizon. It involves bucketing of all rate sensitive assets (“RSA”), rate sensitive liabilities (“RSL”) and off-balance sheet items maturing or getting repriced in the next year and computing changes of income under 200 basis points upward and downward parallel rate shocks over a year’s horizon.

•

Economic Value Perspective (impact on market value of equity)

While earnings perspective calculates the short-term impact of the rate changes, the Economic Value Perspective calculates the long-term impact on the MVE of the Bank through changes in the economic value of its rate sensitive assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet positions. Economic value perspective is measured using the duration gap analysis method (“DGA”). DGA involves computing of the modified duration gap (“MDG”) between RSA and RSL and thereby the Duration of Equity (“DoE”). The DoE is a measure of sensitivity of market value of equity to changes in interest rates. Using the DoE, the Bank estimates the change in MVE under 200 basis points upward and downward parallel rate shocks.

Operational Risk Management

Operational risk is the risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems or from external events. The way operational risk is managed has the potential to positively or negatively impact the Bank’s customers, financial performance and reputation. The Bank has put in place Board-approved governance and organizational structure with clearly defined roles and responsibilities to mitigate operational risk arising from the Bank’s business and operations.

Organizational Structure for Managing Operational Risk

The RPMC reviews and recommends to the Board of Directors the overall operational risk management framework for the Bank. The Operational Risk Management Committee, which is headed by the Deputy Managing Director and consists of senior management functionaries (including the Chief Risk Officer, Group Head—Audit, Group Head—Operations and senior representatives from all the relevant business verticals), oversees the implementation of the operational risk management framework approved by the Board. An independent operational risk management department is responsible for implementation of the framework across the Bank. The operational risk management policy stipulates the roles and responsibilities of employees, business units, operations and support function in managing operational risk.

Risk Measurement and Monitoring

While the day-to-day operational risk management lies with business lines, operations and support functions, the operational risk management department is responsible for designing tools and techniques for identification and monitoring of operational risk across the Bank consistent with the framework approved by the Board. The unit also ensures operational risk exposures are captured and reported to the relevant levels of the management for initiating suitable risk mitigations in order to contain operational risk exposures within acceptable levels. The internal audit department provides independent assurance of the effectiveness of governance, risk management and internal controls to achieve the Bank’s risk management and control objectives.

The Bank applies a number of risk management techniques to effectively manage operational risks. These techniques include:

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A bottom-up risk assessment process, risk control self-assessment, to identify high risk areas so that the Bank can initiate timely remedial measures. This assessment is conducted annually to update senior management of the risk level across the Bank.

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The employment of key risk indicators to alert the Bank of impending problems in a timely manner. The key risk indicators allow monitoring of the control environment as well as operational risk exposures and also trigger risk mitigation actions.

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Subjecting material operational risk losses to a detailed risk analysis in order to identify areas of risk exposure and gaps in controls based on which appropriate risk mitigating actions are initiated.

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Conducting a scenario analysis annually to derive information on hypothetical severe loss situations. The Bank uses this information for risk management purposes, as well as for analyzing the possible financial impact.

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Periodic reporting of risk assessment and monitoring to senior management to ensure timely actions are initiated at all levels.

Capital Requirement

Currently, the Bank follows the basic indicator approach for computing operational risk capital. The Bank has devised an operational risk measurement system compliant with an advanced measurement approach (“AMA”) for estimating operational risk capital for the standalone bank. The Bank has made an application to RBI for migrating to the AMA. Based on the Bank’s application and on the basis of the assessment of the Bank’s preparedness, the RBI had granted in-principle approval to the bank to migrate to AMA for calculating operational risk capital charge in parallel to the basic indicator approach followed currently.

Competition

We face intense competition in all of our principal lines of business. Our primary competitors are large public sector banks, other private sector banks, foreign banks and, in some product areas, NBFCs. In addition, new entrants into the financial services industry, including companies in the financial technology (“Fintech”) sector, may further intensify competition in the business environments, especially in the digital business environment, in which we operate. In February 2013, the RBI issued guidelines for the entry of new banks in the private sector, including eligibility criteria, capital requirements, shareholding structure, business plan and corporate governance practices. Pursuant to these guidelines, IDFC Bank and Bandhan Bank commenced banking operations in fiscal 2016.

In November 2014, the RBI released guidelines for the licensing of payments banks and small finance banks in the private sector. In August 2015, the RBI granted “in-principle” approval to eleven applicants to set up payment banks. Of the eleven approved applicants, three withdrew their application citing business concerns. As of now, there are three operational payments banks in India. In September 2015, the RBI also granted “in-principle” approval to ten applicants to set up small finance banks. All ten applicants have received their final license. Some of these small finance banks have commenced their operations in fiscal 2017.

In August 2016, the RBI released final guidelines for “on-tap” Licensing of Universal Banks in the Private Sector. The guidelines aim at moving from the current “stop and go” licensing approach (wherein the RBI notifies the licensing window during which a private entity may apply for a banking license) to a continuous or “on-tap” licensing regime. Among other things, the new guidelines specify conditions for the eligibility of promoters, corporate structure and foreign shareholdings. One of the key features of the new guidelines is that, unlike the February 2013 guidelines (mentioned above), the new guidelines make the NOFHC structure non-mandatory in the case of promoters being individuals or standalone promoting/converting entities which do not have other group entities. See “Supervision and Regulation—Entry of new banks in the private sector”.

Retail Banking

In retail banking, our principal competitors are large public sector banks, which have much larger deposit bases and branch networks than ours, other new generation private sector banks, old generation private sector banks, foreign banks and NBFCs in the case of retail loan products. The retail deposit share of foreign banks is small in comparison to the public sector banks. However, some foreign banks have a significant presence among non-resident Indians and also compete for non-branch-based products.

In mutual fund sales and other investment related products, our principal competitors are brokers, foreign banks and other new private sector banks.

Wholesale Banking

Our principal competitors in wholesale banking are public and new private sector banks as well as foreign banks. The large public sector banks have traditionally been the market leaders in commercial lending. Foreign banks have focused primarily on serving the needs of multinational companies and Indian corporations with cross-border financing requirements, including trade and transactional services and foreign exchange products and derivatives, while the large public sector banks have extensive branch networks and large local currency funding capabilities.

Treasury

In our treasury advisory services for corporate clients, we compete principally with foreign banks in foreign exchange and derivatives, as well as public sector banks and new generation private sector banks in the foreign exchange and money markets business.

Employees

The number of our employees was 87,555 as of March 31, 2016 and 84,325 as of March 31, 2017. Most of our employees are located in India. We consider our relationship with our employees to be positive. Further to our acquisition of CBoP in 2008, several employees of CBoP continue to be part of a labor union. These employees represent less than 1% of our total employee strength.

Our compensation structure has fixed as well as variable pay components. Our variable pay is paid out by way of sales incentives as well as performance linked bonuses.

In addition to basic compensation, employees are eligible to participate in our provident fund and other employee benefit plans. The provident fund, to which both we and our employees contribute, is a savings scheme required by government regulation under which the fund is required to pay to employees a minimum annual return, which is 8.65% at present. If such return is not generated internally by the fund, we are liable for the difference. Our provident fund has generated sufficient funds internally to meet the annual return requirement since inception of the fund. We have also set up a superannuation fund to which we contribute defined amounts. We also contribute specified amounts to a pension fund in respect of certain of our former-CBoP employees. In addition, we contribute specified amounts to a gratuity fund set up pursuant to Indian statutory requirements.

We focus on training our employees on a continuous basis. We have training centers, where we conduct regular training programs for our employees. Management and executive trainees generally undergo up to eight-week training modules covering most aspects of banking. We offer courses conducted by both internal and external faculty. In addition to ongoing on-the-job training, we provide employees courses in specific areas or specialized operations on an as-needed basis.

Properties

Our registered office and corporate headquarters is located at HDFC Bank House, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai 400 013, India. In addition to the corporate office, we have administrative offices in most of the metros and some other major cities in India.

As of March 31, 2017, we had a network consisting of 4,715 branches and 12,260 ATMs, including 6,469 at non-branch locations. These facilities are located throughout India with the exception of three branches which are located in Bahrain, Hong Kong and Dubai. We also have representative offices in the United Arab Emirates and Kenya.

Intellectual Property

We utilize a number of different forms of intellectual property in our business including our HDFC Bank brand and the names of the various products we provide to our customers. We believe that we currently own, have licensed or otherwise possess the rights to use all intellectual property and other proprietary rights, including all trademarks, domain names, copyrights, patents and trade secrets used in our business.

Legal Proceedings

We are involved in a number of legal proceedings in the ordinary course of our business, including certain spurious or vexatious proceedings with significant financial claims present on the face of the complaint but that we believe lack any merit based on the historical dismissals of similar claims. Accordingly, we believe there are currently no legal proceedings, which if adversely determined, might materially affect our financial condition or the results of our operations.

RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the following risk factors in evaluating us and our business.

Risks Relating to our Business

A slowdown in economic growth in India would cause us to experience slower growth in our asset portfolio and deterioration in the quality of our assets.

Our performance and the quality and growth of our assets are dependent on the health of the overall Indian economy, which is, in turn, linked to global economic conditions. Economic growth in India is affected by inflation, interest rates, external trade, capital flows and, given India’s dependence on imported oil for its energy needs, oil prices. The Indian economy in general, and the agricultural sector in particular, are also impacted by weather conditions, including the level and timing of monsoon rainfall. Investments by the corporate sector in India are affected by government policies and decisions, including those relating to awards of licenses, access to land and natural resources and the protection of the environment. A slowdown in global growth and volatility in global financial markets could contribute to a weakness in the Indian financial and economic environment. Despite a recovery (the IMF predicts global growth to gradually recover to 3.6% in 2018 from 3.1% in 2016), global growth is likely to remain below trend level due to subdued growth in developed countries and a slower pace of growth in the Chinese economy. We remain concerned that below-trend global growth may adversely affect otherwise healthy domestic growth prospects. In addition, the continuation of a tighter monetary policy in the United States could further undermine financial stability in an emerging market economy like India. Such economic conditions, including ongoing problems in the Eurozone countries, in particular, in Greece, and negotiations between U.K. and EU policymakers following the U.K.’s vote to leave the European Union, could result in heightened volatility and risk on sentiment which could adversely affect our business, including our ability to grow our asset portfolio, the quality of our assets and our ability to implement our strategy. In particular, the Indian economy may be adversely affected by volatile oil prices, given India’s dependence on imported oil for its energy needs, inflationary pressures and weather conditions adversely affecting the Indian agricultural market or other factors. India also faces major challenges in sustaining its growth rate, including the need for substantial infrastructure development and improved access to healthcare and education. In this regard, addressing the structural bottlenecks that limited the economy from fiscal 2012 to fiscal 2014 will remain a vital aspect of ongoing policy reforms.

In fiscal 2015, the Indian government introduced a new methodology for estimating the gross domestic product and also began publishing sector data on a gross value added basis. According to the new methodology, India’s gross domestic product grew by 7.5% in fiscal 2015 and 8.0% in fiscal 2016. In addition, the RBI entered into a monetary policy framework agreement with the Government of India, affirming that the RBI would pursue a consumer inflation target of 4% with an upper tolerance level of 6% and lower limit of 2% for the five years ending March 31, 2021. Actual inflation readings so far have remained within the RBI’s target zone—consumer price inflation declined to 4.5% in fiscal 2017 from 4.9% in fiscal 2016.

However, a return to a higher interest rate environment on account of inflation, other market factors, changes in the conduct of monetary policy or otherwise may have an adverse effect on economic growth in India. Any prolonged slowdown may adversely impact credit growth and the level of non-performing and restructured loans. If the Indian economy deteriorates, our asset base may erode, which would result in a material decrease in our net income and total assets.

If we are unable to manage our rapid growth, our operations may suffer and our performance may decline.

We have grown rapidly over the last three fiscal years. Our loan growth rate has been significantly higher than that of the Indian banking industry. Our loans in the three-year period ended March 31, 2016 grew at a compounded annual growth rate of approximately 25.3%, as against approximately 10.3% for the Indian banking industry for the same period.

The growth in our business is partly attributable to the expansion of our branch network. As at March 31, 2012, we had a branch network comprised of 2,544 branches, which increased to 4,715 branches as at March 31, 2017. Section 23 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (the “Banking Regulation Act”) provides that banks must obtain the prior approval of the RBI to open new branches. Further, the RBI may cancel a license for violations of the conditions under which it was granted. The RBI issues instructions and guidelines to banks on branch authorization from time to time. With the objective of liberalizing the branch licensing process, the RBI, effective October 2013, granted general permission to banks, including us, to open branches in Tier 1 to Tier 6 centers, subject to a requirement to report to the RBI and certain other conditions. In May 2017, the RBI has further liberalized the branch authorization policy. See “Supervision and Regulation—Regulations Relating to the Opening of Branches”. If we are unable to perform in a manner satisfactory to the RBI in any of these centers or comply with the specified conditions, it may have an impact on the number of branches we will be able to open, which would, in turn, have an impact on our future growth.

In addition, our rapid growth has placed, and if it continues, will place, significant demands on our operational, credit, financial and other internal risk controls including:

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recruiting, training and retaining sufficient skilled personnel;

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upgrading, expanding and securing our technology platform;

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developing and improving our products and delivery channels;

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preserving our asset quality as our geographical presence increases and customer profile changes;

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complying with regulatory requirements such as the Know Your Customer (KYC) norms; and

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maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.

If our internal risk controls are insufficient to sustain our rapid rate of growth, if we fail to properly manage our rapid growth, or if we fail to perform adequately in any of the above areas, our operations would suffer and our business, results of operations and financial position would be materially adversely affected.

Our business is particularly vulnerable to interest rate risk and volatility in interest rates could adversely affect our net interest margin, the value of our fixed income portfolio, our treasury income and our financial performance.

Our results of operations depend to a great extent on our net interest revenue. During fiscal 2017, net interest revenue after allowances for credit losses represented 74.0% of our net revenue. Changes in market interest rates affect the interest rates charged on our interest-earning assets differently from the interest rates paid on our interest-bearing liabilities and also affect the value of our investments. An increase in interest rates could result in an increase in interest expense relative to interest revenue if we are not able to increase the rates charged on our loans, which would lead to a reduction in our net interest revenue and net interest margin. Further, an increase in interest rates could negatively affect demand for our loans and credit substitutes and we may not be able to achieve our volume growth, which could adversely affect our net income. A decrease in interest rates could result in a decrease in interest revenue relative to interest expense due to the repricing of our loans at a pace faster than the rates we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities. The quantum of the changes in interest rates for our assets and liabilities may also be different.

While the RBI increased the policy repo rate by 25 basis points in January 2014, domestic interest rates have softened from the levels in the latter part of 2013 (when the RBI initiated emergency liquidity tightening measures). The combination of global disinflationary pressures (a result of falling commodity prices and subdued growth), better supply management of food items, including prudent food stock management, appropriate monetary policy action and subdued global commodity prices have helped to keep domestic inflation in check in recent years, thereby causing CPI inflation to decrease from levels of 8.25% in March 2014 to 5.25% in March 2015 to 4.83% in March 2016 and to 3.89% in March 2017. This softening in inflation led the RBI to cut the policy repo rate by 75 basis points in fiscal 2016 and by another 50 bps in fiscal 2017. In addition, in order to make the liquidity situation more comfortable, the RBI also conducted net open market operation (OMO) purchases of Rs. 1.1 trillion in fiscal 2017, compared to net OMO sales of Rs. 0.5 trillion in fiscal 2016. Moreover, the demonetization of the 500 and 1000 rupee notes also flushed the system with ample liquidity. In response to the declining policy rates, easing liquidity conditions and lower central government borrowing, the benchmark bond yield also eased during fiscal 2017. However, despite the RBI’s easing of monetary policy and demonetization, domestic fixed income markets remained uncertain about state borrowing and the increase in bond supply from other semi-government entities, which prevented a sharper decline in bond yields.

In fiscal 2018, with the likelihood of a normal monsoon season and subdued global commodity prices, the headline inflation is likely to further decline to an average level of 3.1%, opening up room for additional rate cuts by the RBI. However, U.S interest rates may further increase and if global interest rates increase in response to tighter U.S. monetary policy, there could be a flow-on effect for domestic rates. As a result, we may be forced to increase our interest rates, which may adversely affect our results of operations. Any volatility in interest rates could also adversely affect our net interest margin, the value of our fixed income portfolio, our treasury income and our financial performance. See “ Selected Statistical Information—Analysis of Changes in Interest Revenue and Interest Expense” and “Selected Statistical Information—Yields, Spreads and Margins ”.

If the level of non-performing loans in our portfolio increases, we will be required to increase our provisions, which would negatively impact our income.

Our gross non-performing loans and impaired credit substitutes represented 1.3% of our gross customer assets as of March 31, 2017. Our non-performing loans and impaired credit substitutes net of specific loan loss provisions represented 0.6% of our net customer assets portfolio as of March 31, 2017. Our management of credit risk involves having appropriate credit policies, underwriting standards, approval processes, loan portfolio monitoring, remedial management and the overall architecture for managing credit risk. In the case of our secured loan portfolio, the frequency of the valuation of collateral may vary based on the nature of the loan and the type of collateral. A decline in the value of collateral or an inappropriate collateral valuation increases the risk in the secured loan portfolio because of inadequate coverage of collateral. As of March 31, 2017, 74.6% of our loan book was partially or fully secured by collateral. Our risk mitigation and risk monitoring techniques may not be accurate or appropriately implemented and we may not be able to anticipate future economic and financial events, leading to an increase in our non-performing loans. See “Note 10—Loans” in our consolidated financial statements.

Provisions are created by a charge to expense, and represent our estimate for loan losses and risks inherent in the credit portfolio. See “Selected Statistical Information—Non-Performing Loans”. The determination of an appropriate level of loan losses and provisions required inherently involves a degree of subjectivity and requires that we make estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. Our provisions may not be adequate to cover any further increase in the amount of non-performing loans or any further deterioration in our non-performing loan portfolio. In addition, we are a relatively young bank operating in a growing economy and we have yet not experienced a significant and prolonged downturn in the economy.

A number of factors outside of our control affect our ability to control and reduce non-performing loans. These factors include developments in the Indian economy, domestic or global turmoil, global competition, changes in interest rates and exchange rates and changes in regulations, including with respect to regulations requiring us to lend to certain sectors identified by the RBI or the Government of India. For example, recently, state governments of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra have announced waiver of amounts due under agricultural loans provided by the banks. Demands for similar waivers have been raised by farmers in other states as well. Also, in the past, the central and state governments have waived farm loans from time to time to provide some respite to the debt-ridden agricultural sector. It is unclear when the governments will compensate the banks for the waivers so announced. Further, such frequent farm waivers may create expectations of future waivers among the farmers and lead to a delay in or cessation of loan repayments, which may lead to a rise in our non-performing loans. These factors, coupled with other factors such as volatility in commodity markets, declining business and consumer confidence and decreases in business and consumer spending, could impact the operations of our customers and in turn impact their ability to fulfill their obligations under the loans granted to them by us. In addition, the expansion of our business may cause our non-performing loans to increase and the overall quality of our loan portfolio to deteriorate. If our non-performing loans increase, we will be required to increase our provisions, which would result in our net income being less than it otherwise would have been and would adversely affect our financial condition.

We have high concentrations of exposures to certain customers and sectors and if any of these exposures were to become non-performing, the quality of our portfolio could be adversely affected and our ability to meet capital requirements could be jeopardized.

We calculate customer and industry exposure (i.e. the loss we could incur due to the downfall of a customer or an industry) in accordance with the policies established by the RBI, computed based on our Indian GAAP financial statements. In the case of customer exposures, we aggregate the higher of the outstanding balances of, or limits on, funded and non-funded exposures. As of March 31, 2017, our largest single customer exposure was Rs. 106.9 billion, representing 13.0% of our capital funds, and our ten largest customer exposures totaled Rs. 568.0 billion, representing 69.0% of our capital funds, in each case, computed in accordance with RBI guidelines. None of our ten largest customer exposures were classified as non-performing as of March 31, 2017. However, if any of our ten largest customer exposures were to become non-performing, our net income would decline and, due to the magnitude of the exposures, our ability to meet capital requirements could be jeopardized. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for a detailed discussion on customer exposures. As of March 31, 2017, our largest industry concentrations, based on RBI guidelines, were as follows: NBFC/financial intermediaries (4.9%), retail trade (4.4%), banks and financial institutions (4.2%) and automobile & auto ancillary (4.1%). In addition, as of March 31, 2017, 21.0% of our exposures were consumer loans. Industry-specific difficulties in these or other sectors may increase our level of non-performing customer assets. If we experience a downturn in an industry in which we have concentrated exposure, our net income will likely decline significantly and our financial condition may be materially adversely affected. As of March 31, 2017, our total non-performing loans and credit substitutes as a percentage of non-performing loans in accordance with U.S. GAAP were concentrated in the following industries: wholesale trade—consumer goods (18.9%), iron and steel (5.4%) and agriculture production—food (5.1%). In addition, 13.0% of our non-performing loans and credit substitutes were consumer loans.

We are required to undertake directed lending under RBI guidelines. Consequently, we may experience a higher level of non-performing assets in our directed lending portfolio, which could adversely impact the quality of our loan portfolio, our business and the price of our equity shares and ADSs. Further, in the case of any shortfall in complying with these requirements, we may be required to invest in deposits of Indian development banks as directed by the RBI. These deposits yield low returns, thereby impacting our profitability.

The RBI prescribes guidelines on priority sector lending (“PSL”) in India. Under these guidelines, banks in India are required to lend 40.0% of their adjusted net bank credit (“ANBC”) or the credit equivalent amount of off-balance sheet exposures (“CEOBE”), whichever is higher, as defined by the RBI and computed in accordance with Indian GAAP figures, to certain eligible sectors categorized as priority sectors. The RBI has issued revised priority sector lending norms applicable from fiscal 2016 onwards. The priority sector requirements must be met as of March 31 of the fiscal year with reference to the higher of the ANBC and the CEOBE as of the corresponding date of the preceding year. From fiscal 2017, PSL achievement is required to be evaluated at the end of the financial year based on the average of priority sector target /sub-target achievement as at the end of each quarter of that financial year. Under the guidelines, scheduled commercial banks having any shortfall in lending to the priority sector shall be allocated amounts for contribution to the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (“RIDF”) established with National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (“NABARD”) and other Funds with NABARD, National Housing Bank (“NHB”), Small Industries Development Bank of India (“SIDBI”) or Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency Limited (“MUDRA”), as decided by the RBI from time to time.

Further, the RBI has directed banks to maintain direct lending to non-corporate farmers at the banking system’s average level for the last three years, which would be notified by the RBI at the beginning of each year. The target for fiscal 2017 was 11.7%. Failure to maintain these lending levels to non-corporate farmers will attract penalties. The RBI has also directed banks to continue to pursue the target of 13.5% of ANBC towards lending to borrowers who constituted the direct agriculture lending category under the earlier guidelines. If we fail to adhere to the RBI’s policies and directions, we may be subject to penalties, which may adversely affect our results of operations. Furthermore, the RBI can make changes to the types of loans that qualify under the PSL scheme. Changes that reduce the types of loans that can qualify toward meeting our PSL targets could increase shortfalls under the overall target or under certain sub-targets.

Our total PSL achievement for fiscal 2017 stood at 43.04% and our achievement of direct lending to non-corporate farmers stood at 13.09% for fiscal 2017 as against a requirement of 40% and 11.7%, respectively. However, in fiscal 2017 agricultural loans made to small and marginal farmers were 5.53% of ANBC, against the requirement of 8.0%, with a shortfall of Rs. 96.37 billion, and advances to sections termed “weaker” by the RBI were 8.59% against the requirement of 10.0%, with a shortfall of Rs. 55.01 billion Our achievement stood at 13.19% compared to a target of 13.5% of ANBC towards lending to borrowers, who constituted the direct agriculture lending category under the earlier guidelines.

We may experience a higher level of non-performing assets in our directed lending portfolio, particularly in loans to the agricultural sector, small enterprises and weaker sections, where we are less able to control the portfolio quality and where economic difficulties are likely to affect our borrowers more severely. Our gross non-performing assets in the directed lending sector as a percentage to gross loans were 0.4% as of March 31, 2017 (as compared to 0.3% as of March 31, 2016). Further expansion of the PSL scheme could result in an increase of non-performing assets due to our limited ability to control the portfolio quality under the directed lending requirements.

In addition to the directed lending requirements, the RBI has encouraged banks in India to have a financial inclusion plan for expanding banking services to rural and unbanked centers and to customers who currently do not have access to banking services. The expansion into these markets involves significant investments and recurring costs. The profitability of these operations depends on our ability to generate business volumes in these centers and from these customers. Future changes by the RBI in the directed lending norms may result in our inability to meet the PSL requirements as well as require us to increase our lending to relatively more risky segments and may result in an increase in non-performing loans.

We may be unable to foreclose on collateral in a timely fashion or at all when borrowers default on their obligations to us, or the value of collateral may decrease, any of which may result in failure to recover the expected value of collateral security, increased losses and a decline in net income.

Although we typically lend on a cash-flow basis, many of our loans are secured by collateral, which consists of liens on inventory, receivables and other current assets, and in some cases, charges on fixed assets, such as property, movable assets (such as vehicles) and financial assets (such as marketable securities). As of March 31, 2017, 74.6% of our loans were partially or fully secured by collateral. We may not be able to realize the full value of the collateral, due to, among other things, stock market volatility, changes in economic policies of the Indian government, obstacles and delays in legal proceedings, borrowers and guarantors not being traceable, the Bank’s records of borrowers’ and guarantors addresses being ambiguous or outdated and defects in the perfection of collateral and fraudulent transfers by borrowers. In the event that a specialized regulatory agency gains jurisdiction over the borrower, creditor actions can be further delayed. In addition, the value of collateral may be less than we expect or may decline. For example, the global economic slowdown and other domestic factors led to a downturn in real estate prices in India, which negatively impacted the value of our collateral.

The RBI has introduced various mechanisms, from time to time, to enable the lenders to timely resolve and initiate recovery with regards to stressed assets. During fiscal 2014, the RBI issued guidelines on revitalizing distressed assets in the economy. The guidelines envisage the formation of a joint lenders’ forum (“JLF”) and the taking of a corrective action plan (“CAP”) in relation to delinquent accounts where the overdues are between 61 and 90 days and the aggregate exposure of all lenders in an account is Rs. 1 billion or above. Such accounts may be restructured under the JLF mechanism. In June 2015, the RBI issued guidelines on strategic debt restructuring which allow banks to convert loan dues to equity shares, subject to certain conditions. In addition, in June 2016, the RBI introduced a scheme for sustainable structuring of stressed assets which provides an optional framework for the resolution of large borrowal accounts.

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2015 has also been notified on December 1, 2016, with the aim to provide for the efficient and timely resolution of insolvency. For further details, please see “Supervision and Regulation”. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully implement the above-mentioned mechanisms and recover the amounts due to us in full. The inability to foreclose on such loan dues or otherwise liquidate our collateral may result in failure to recover the expected value of such collateral security, which may, in turn, give rise to increased losses and a decline in net income.

Our unsecured loan portfolio is not supported by any collateral that could help ensure repayment of the loan, and in the event of non-payment by a borrower of one of these loans, we may be unable to collect the unpaid balance.

We offer unsecured personal loans and credit cards to the retail customer segment, including salaried individuals and self-employed professionals. In addition, we offer unsecured loans to small businesses and individual businessmen. Unsecured loans are a greater credit risk for us than our secured loan portfolio because they may not be supported by realizable collateral that could help ensure an adequate source of repayment for the loan. Although we normally obtain direct debit instructions or postdated checks from our customers for our unsecured loan products, we may be unable to collect in part or at all in the event of non-payment by a borrower. Further, any expansion in our unsecured loan portfolio could require us to increase our provision for credit losses, which would decrease our earnings. Also see “Business—Retail Banking—Retail Loans and Other Asset Products”.

Our and our customers’ exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could adversely affect our operating results.

Foreign currency exchange rates depend on various factors and can be volatile and difficult to predict. We enter into derivative contracts with our borrowers to manage their foreign currency exchange risk exposure. Volatility in these exchange rates may lead to losses in derivative transactions for our borrowers. On maturity or on premature termination of the derivative contracts and under certain circumstances, we may have to bear these losses. The use of derivative financial instruments may also generate obligations for us to make additional cash payments, which would negatively affect our liquidity. Any losses suffered by our customers as a result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates may have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial position or results of operations.

In order to support and grow our business, we must maintain a minimum capital adequacy ratio, and a lack of access to the capital markets may prevent us from maintaining an adequate ratio.

As of March 31, 2017, the RBI requires a minimum capital adequacy ratio of 10.25% (including capital conservation buffer) of our total risk-weighted assets. We adopted the Basel III capital regulations effective April 1, 2013. Our capital adequacy ratio, calculated in accordance with Indian GAAP, was 14.6% as of March 31, 2017 as per Basel III (as compared to 15.5% as of March 31, 2016 and 16.8% as of March 31, 2015). Our ability to support and grow our business would be limited by a declining capital adequacy ratio. While we anticipate accessing the capital markets to offset declines in our capital adequacy ratio, we may be unable to access the markets at the appropriate time or the terms of any such financing may be unattractive due to various reasons attributable to changes in the general environment, including political, legal and economic conditions

The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision issued a comprehensive reform package entitled “Basel III: A global regulatory framework for more resilient banks and banking systems” in December 2010. In May 2012, the RBI released guidelines on implementation of the Basel III capital regulations in India and in July 2013, the RBI issued a master circular consolidating all relevant guidelines on Basel III. The key items covered under these guidelines include: i) improving the quality, consistency and transparency of the capital base; ii) enhancing risk coverage; iii) grading the enhancement of the total capital requirement; iv) introducing a capital conservation buffer and countercyclical buffer; and v) supplementing the risk-based capital requirement with a leverage ratio. One of the major changes in the Basel III capital regulations is that the Tier I capital will predominantly consist of common equity of the banks, which includes common shares, reserves and stock surplus. Innovative instruments and perpetual non-cumulative preference shares will not be considered a part of Common Equity Tier I (“CET-I”) capital. Basel III also defines criteria for instruments to be included in Tier II capital to improve their loss absorbency. The guidelines also set out criteria for loss absorption through the conversion or write-off of all non-common equity regulatory capital instruments at the point of non-viability. The point of non-viability is defined as a trigger event upon the occurrence of which non-common equity Tier I and Tier II instruments issued by banks in India may be required to be, at the option of the RBI, written off or converted into common equity. Additionally, the guidelines have set out criteria for loss absorption through the conversion or write-off of Additional Tier 1 capital instruments at a pre-specified trigger level. For Additional Tier 1 instruments issued before March 31, 2019, i.e., before the full implementation of Basel III there would be two pre-specified triggers. A lower pre-specified trigger at CET1 of 5.5% of RWAs will apply and remain effective before March 31, 2019; from this date the trigger will be raised at CET1 of 6.125% of RWAs for all such instruments. Additional Tier 1 instruments issued on or after March 31, 2019 will have only one pre-specified trigger at CET1 of 6.125% of RWAs. The capital requirement, including the capital conservation buffer, will be 11.5% once these guidelines are fully phased in. Domestic systemically important banks will be required to maintain a CET-I capital requirement ranging from 0.2% to 0.8% of risk weighted assets. See “Supervision and Regulation—Domestic Systemically Important Banks.”. Banks will also be required to have an additional capital requirement towards countercyclical capital buffer varying between 0% and 2.5% of the risk weighted assets as announced by the RBI. The transitional arrangements began from April 1, 2013 and the guidelines will be fully phased-in and implemented as of March 31, 2019. Additionally, the Basel III Liquidity Coverage Ratio (“LCR”), which is a measure of the Bank’s high quality liquid assets compared to its anticipated cash outflows over a 30-day stressed period, will apply in a phased manner starting with a minimum requirement of 60% from January 1, 2015 and reaching a minimum of 100% on January 1, 2019. These various requirements require us to begin preparing in advance and requirements to increase capital to meet increasing capital adequacy ratios could require us to forego certain business opportunities.

We believe that the demand for Basel III compliant debt instruments such as Tier II capital eligible securities may be limited in India. In the past, the RBI has reviewed and made amendments in its guidelines on Basel III capital regulations with a view to facilitating the issuance of non-equity regulatory capital instruments by banks under the Basel III framework. It is unclear what effect, if any, these amendments may have on the issuance of Basel III compliant securities or if there will be sufficient demand for such securities. It is also possible that the RBI could further amend the eligibility criteria of such instruments in the future if the objectives identified by the RBI are not met, which would create additional uncertainty regarding the market for Basel III compliant securities in India.

If we are unable to meet the new and revised requirements, our business, future financial performance and the price of our equity shares could be adversely affected.

HDFC Limited holds a significant percentage of our share capital and can exercise influence over board decisions that could directly or indirectly favor the interests of HDFC Limited over our interests.

HDFC Limited and its subsidiaries owned 21.2% of our equity as of March 31, 2017. So long as HDFC Limited and its subsidiaries hold at least a 20% equity stake in us, HDFC Limited is entitled to nominate two directors, our Chairperson and Managing Director, to our Board of Directors. These two directors are not required to retire by rotation and their appointments are subject to RBI approval. Mrs. Shyamala Gopinath has been appointed as part-time Non-Executive Chairperson for three years with effect from January 2, 2015. Two of our other directors, Mr. Keki Mistry and Mrs. Renu Karnad, are the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and the Managing Director of HDFC Limited, respectively. Mr. Mistry and Mrs. Karnad both also serve on the boards of various other companies and were appointed to our Board of Directors independent of HDFC Limited’s entitlement to nominate two directors. While we are professionally managed and overseen by an independent board of directors, HDFC Limited can exercise influence over our board and over matters subject to a shareholder vote, which could result in decisions that favor HDFC Limited or result in us foregoing opportunities to the benefit of HDFC Limited. Such decisions may restrict our growth or harm our financial condition.

Additionally, Mr. D.M. Sukthankar is the father of our Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Paresh Sukthankar, and serves as an independent director on the board of HDFC Limited. Mr. D.M. Sukthankar has been a member of the board of HDFC Limited since 1989. Mr. Paresh Sukthankar was one of our early employees and also a part of the initial senior management team. Both are associated with the respective companies in their independent professional capacities and we believe that none is in a position to exercise influence over the other.

In the past, there have been reports in the Indian media suggesting that we may merge with HDFC Limited. We consider business combination opportunities as they arise. At present, we are not actively considering a business combination with HDFC Limited. Any significant business combination would involve compliance with regulatory requirements and shareholder and regulatory approvals.

Additionally, on July 15, 2014, the RBI issued guidelines in relation to the issuance of long term bonds with a view to encouraging financing of infrastructure and affordable housing. Regulatory incentives in the form of an exemption from the reserve requirements and a relaxation in PSL norms are stipulated as being restricted to bonds that are used to incrementally finance long-term infrastructure projects and loans for affordable housing. Any incremental infrastructure or affordable housing loans acquired from other banks and financial institutions, such as those that could be involved in a business combination with HDFC Limited, to be reckoned for regulatory incentives will require the prior approval of the RBI. We cannot predict the impact any potential business combination or what implications these guidelines would have on our business, financial condition, growth prospects or the prices of our equity shares.

We may face conflicts of interest relating to our promoter and principal shareholder, HDFC Limited, which could cause us to forego business opportunities and consequently have an adverse effect on our financial performance.

HDFC Limited is primarily engaged in financial services, including home loans, property-related lending and deposit products. The subsidiaries and associated companies of HDFC Limited are also largely engaged in a range of financial services, including asset management, life and other insurance and mutual funds. Although we have no agreements with HDFC Limited or any other HDFC group companies that restrict us from offering products and services that are offered by them, our relationship with these companies may cause us not to offer products and services that are already offered by other HDFC group companies and may effectively prevent us from taking advantage of business opportunities. See Note 28 “Related Party Transactions” in our consolidated financial statements for a summary of transactions we have engaged in with HDFC Limited during fiscal 2017. We currently distribute products of HDFC Limited and its group companies. If we stop distributing these products or forego other opportunities because of our relationship with HDFC Limited, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance.

HDFC Limited may prevent us from using the HDFC Bank brand if they reduce their shareholding in us to below 5%.

As part of a shareholder agreement executed when HDFC Bank was formed, HDFC Limited has the right to prevent us from using “HDFC” as part of our name or brand if HDFC Limited reduces its shareholding in HDFC Bank to an amount below 5% of our outstanding share capital. If HDFC Limited were to exercise this right, we would be required to change our name and brand, which could require us to expend significant resources to establish new branding and name recognition in the market as well as undertake efforts to rebrand our branches and our digital presence. This could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance.

RBI guidelines relating to ownership in private banks could discourage or prevent a change of control or other business combination involving us, such as with HDFC Limited, which could restrict the growth of our business and operations.

RBI guidelines prescribe a policy framework for the ownership and governance of private sector banks. Under the Banking Regulation Act, a shareholder presently cannot exercise voting rights in excess of 10% of the total voting rights, which ceiling on voting rights may be increased in a phased manner up to 26% by the RBI. In May 2016, the RBI issued the Reserve Bank of India (Ownership in Private Sector Banks) Directions, 2016. These guidelines prescribe requirements regarding shareholding and voting rights in relation to all private sector banks licensed by the RBI to operate in India. The guidelines specify the following ownership limits for shareholders based on their categorization:

(i)

In the case of individuals and non-financial entities (other than promoters / a promoter group), 10% of the paid up capital. However, in the case of promoters being individuals and non-financial entities in existing banks, the permitted promoter / promoter group shareholding shall be as prescribed under the February 2013 guidelines, i.e.,15%.

(ii)	In the case of entities from the financial sector, other than regulated or diversified or listed, 15% of the paid-up capital.

(iii)

In the case of “regulated, well diversified, listed entities from the financial sector” shareholding by supranational institutions, public sector undertaking or government, up to 40% of the paid-up capital is permitted for both promoters / a promoter group and non-promoters.

Such restrictions could discourage or prevent a change in control, merger, consolidation, takeover or other business combination involving us, which might be beneficial to our shareholders. The RBI’s approval is required for the acquisition or transfer of a bank’s shares, which will increase the aggregate holding (direct and indirect, beneficial or otherwise) of an individual or a group to the equivalent of 5% or more of its total paid-up capital. The RBI, when considering whether to grant an approval, may take into account all matters that it considers relevant to the application, including ensuring that shareholders whose aggregate holdings are above specified thresholds meet fitness and propriety tests, as prescribed by the RBI. The RBI has accorded its approval for HDFC Limited to hold more than 10% of our stock. HDFC Limited’s substantial stake in us could discourage or prevent another entity from exploring the possibility of a combination with us. These obstacles to potentially synergistic business combinations could negatively impact our share price and have a material adverse effect on our ability to compete effectively with other large banks and consequently our ability to maintain and improve our financial condition.

Additionally, under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (the “LODR Regulations”), all related party transactions will require approval from the audit committee. Further, all material related party transactions (based on the threshold provided under the LODR Regulations) will require shareholders’ approval. Further, pursuant to the LODR Regulations a related party is unable to vote with regard to the approval of these transactions. For transactions with HDFC Limited shareholder approvals have been obtained. However, if we are unable to obtain the necessary shareholder approvals for transactions with HDFC Limited in the future, we would be required to forego certain opportunities, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance.

Foreign investment in our shares may be restricted due to regulations governing aggregate foreign investment in the Bank’s paid-up equity share capital.

Aggregate foreign investment from all sources in a private sector bank is permitted up to 49% of the paid-up capital under the automatic route. This limit can be increased to 74% of the paid-up capital with prior approval from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (the “FIPB”). Pursuant to a letter dated February 4, 2015, the FIPB has approved foreign investment in the Bank up to 74% of its paid-up capital. The approval is subject to examination by the RBI for compounding on the change of foreign shareholding since April 2010. If we are subject to any penalties or an unfavorable ruling by the RBI, this could have an adverse effect on our results of operation and financial condition. As of March 31, 2017, foreign investment in the Bank, including the shareholdings of HDFC Limited and its subsidiaries, constituted 74.25% of the paid-up capital of the Bank. On February 16, 2017, the RBI lifted the restriction on the purchase of the equity shares of the Bank by foreign investors, since the foreign shareholding in the Bank was below the maximum prescribed percentage of 74%. The RBI notified by press release on February 17, 2017 and by separate letter to us dated February 28, 2017 that the foreign shareholding in all forms in the Bank crossed the said limit of 74%. This was due to secondary market purchases of the Bank’s equity shares during this period. Consequently, the RBI re-imposed the restrictions on the purchase of the Bank’s equity shares by foreign investors. These limitations could negatively affect the price of our shares and could limit the ability of investors to trade our shares in the market. These limitations and any consequent regulatory actions may also negatively affect the Bank’s ability to raise additional capital to meet its capital adequacy requirements or to fund future growth through future issuances of additional equity shares, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. See “ Supervision and Regulation— Foreign Ownership Restriction.”

Our success depends in a large part upon our management team and skilled personnel and our ability to attract and retain such persons.

We are highly dependent on our management team, including the efforts of our Chairperson, our Managing Director, our Deputy Managing Director, our Executive Director and members of our senior management. Our future performance is dependent on the continued service of these persons. We also face a continuing challenge to recruit and retain a sufficient number of skilled personnel, particularly if we continue to grow. Competition for management and other skilled personnel in our industry is intense, and we may not be able to attract and retain the personnel we need in the future. The loss of key personnel may restrict our ability to grow and consequently have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial position.

We have previously been subject to penalties imposed by the RBI. Any regulatory investigations, fines, sanctions, and requirements relating to conduct of business and financial crime could negatively affect our business and financial results, or cause serious reputational harm.

The RBI is empowered under the Banking Regulation Act to impose penalties on banks and their employees to enforce applicable regulatory requirements. In fiscal 2014, the RBI imposed penalties on us and many other banks for certain irregularities and violations discovered by the RBI during its scrutiny conducted in the first half of 2013, namely, non-observance of certain safeguards in respect of arrangement of “at par” payment of checks drawn by cooperative banks, exceptions in the periodic review of risk profiling of account holders, non-adherence to KYC rules for walk-in customers (non-customers) including for the sale of third party products, the sale of gold coins for cash in excess of Rs. 50,000 in certain cases and the non-submission of proper information as required by the RBI. We paid a penalty of Rs. 45 million in June 2013. Further, in this regard, the FIU, in January 2015, levied a fine on us of Rs. 2.6 million relating to our failure to detect and report attempted suspicious transactions. We filed an appeal against the order before the appellate tribunal stating that there were only roving enquiries made by the reporters of the media and there were no instances of any attempted suspicious transactions. Pursuant to the directions of the appellate tribunal, the Bank created a fixed deposit of Rs. 2.6 million in favor of FIU. In June 2017, the appellate tribunal dismissed the penalty levied by the FIU and observed that the prescribed matter fell within the provisions of section 13(2)(a) of the PMLA, 2002 (pursuant to which a warning was required to be given to the Bank), and that the matter did not fall within section 13(2)(d) of the PMLA, 2002 (pursuant to which monetary penalties can be imposed on failure to comply with certain obligations under the PMLA, 2002) as mentioned by the FIU. The appellate tribunal further ordered that the fixed deposit created by the Bank as per the interim order of the appellate tribunal be released forthwith. See “Supervision and Regulation—Special Provisions of the Banking Regulation Act—Penalties.” Additionally, during fiscal 2014, the RBI investigated a corporate borrower’s loan and current accounts maintained with 12 Indian banks, including us. Based on its assessment, the RBI, in its press release dated July 25, 2014, levied penalties totaling Rs. 15 million on the 12 Indian banks. The penalty levied on us was Rs. 0.5 million on the grounds that we failed to exchange information about the conduct of the corporate borrower’s account with other banks at intervals as prescribed in the RBI guidelines on “Lending under Consortium Arrangement/Multiple Banking Arrangements”. In October 2015, there were media reports about irregularities in advance import remittances in various banks, further to which the RBI had conducted a scrutiny of the transactions carried out by us. In April 2016, the RBI issued a show cause notice to us to which we submitted our detailed response. After considering our submissions, the RBI has imposed a penalty of Rs. 20 million on us notified to us through its letter dated July 19, 2016, which we paid, on account of pendency in receipt of bills of entry relating to advance import remittances made and lapses in adhering to KYC/AML guidelines in this respect. See “Supervision and Regulation—Special Provisions of the Banking Regulation Act—Penalties.” We cannot predict the initiation or outcome of any further investigations by other authorities or different investigations by the RBI. The penalties imposed by the RBI have generated adverse publicity for our business. Such adverse publicity, or any future scrutiny, investigation, inspection or audit which could result in fines, public reprimands, damage to our reputation, significant time and attention from our management, costs for investigations and remediation of affected customers, may materially adversely affect our business and financial results.

Transactions with counterparties in countries designated by the U.S. State Department as state sponsors of terrorism or other countries or persons targeted by U.S., EU or other economic sanctions may cause potential customers and investors to avoid doing business with us or investing in our securities, harm our reputation or result in regulatory action which could materially and adversely affect our business.

We engage in business with customers and counterparties from diverse backgrounds. In light of U.S., EU and other sanctions, it cannot be ruled out that some of our customers or counterparties are or may become the subject of sanctions. Such sanctions may result in our inability to gain or retain such customers or counterparties or receive payments from them. In addition, the association with such individuals or countries may damage our reputation or result in significant fines. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial results and the prices of our securities.

These laws, regulations and sanctions or similar legislative or regulatory developments may further limit our business operations. If we were determined to have engaged in activities targeted by certain U.S., EU or other statutes, regulations or executive orders, we could lose our ability to open or maintain correspondent or payable-through accounts with U.S. financial institutions, among other potential sanctions. In addition, depending on sociopolitical developments, even though we take measures designed to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, our reputation may suffer due to our association with certain restricted targets. The above circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial results and the prices of our securities.

Material changes in Indian banking regulations may adversely affect our business and our future financial performance.

We operate in a highly regulated environment in which the RBI extensively supervises and regulates all banks. Our business could be directly affected by any changes in policies for banks in respect of directed lending, reserve requirements and other areas. For example, the RBI could change its methods of enforcing directed lending standards so as to require more lending to certain sectors, which could require us to change certain aspects of our business. In addition, we could be subject to other changes in laws and regulations, such as those affecting the extent to which we can engage in specific business, those that reduce our income through a cap on either fees or interest rates chargeable to our customers, or those affecting foreign investment in the banking industry, as well as changes in other government policies and enforcement decisions, income tax laws, foreign investment laws and accounting principles. Laws and regulations governing the banking sector may change in the future and any changes may adversely affect our business, our future financial performance and the price of our equity shares and ADSs.

Our funding is primarily short- and medium-term and if depositors do not roll over deposited funds upon maturity our net income may decrease.

Most of our funding requirements are met through short-term and medium-term funding sources, primarily in the form of retail deposits. Short-term deposits are those with a maturity not exceeding one year. Medium-term deposits are those with a maturity of greater than one year but not exceeding three years. See “ Selected Statistical Information—Funding ”. However, a portion of our assets have long-term maturities, which sometimes causes funding mismatches. As of March 31, 2017, 38% of our loans are expected to mature within the next one year and 44% of our loans are expected to mature between the next one to three years. As of March 31, 2017, 36% of our deposits are expected to mature within the next one year and 45% of our deposits are expected to mature between the next one to three years. In our experience, a substantial portion of our customer deposits has been rolled over upon maturity and has been, over time, a stable source of funding. However, if a substantial number of our depositors do not roll over deposited funds upon maturity, our liquidity position will be adversely affected and we may be required to seek more expensive sources of funding to finance our operations, which would result in a decline in our net income and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

Any increase in interest rates would have an adverse effect on the value of our fixed income securities portfolio and could have a material adverse effect on our net income.

Any increase in interest rates would have an adverse effect on the value of our fixed income securities portfolio and could have a material adverse effect on our net revenue. Policy rates were successively increased from February 2010 to March 2012 during which period the bout of interest rate tightening in India was faster than in many other economies. The RBI raised key policy rates from 5.25% (repo rate) in April 2010 to 8.5% in October 2011. However, key policy rates were eased from 8.0% (repo rate) in April 2012 to 7.25% in May 2013. In July 2013, the RBI increased the rate for borrowings under its marginal standing facility (which was introduced by the RBI in fiscal 2012) from 100 basis points to 300 basis points above the repo rate. This rate was eased from 200 basis points above the repo rate in September 2013 to 100 basis points above repo rate in October 2013. In contrast, the policy rates were tightened from 7.5% (repo rate) in September 2013 to 8.0% in January 2014. The RBI reduced the policy repo rate again to 7.75% in January 2015, further reducing it to 7.5% in March 2015, 7.25% in June 2015, 6.75% in September 2015, 6.5% in April 2016 and 6.25% in October 2016. We are, however, more structurally exposed to interest rate risk than banks in many other countries because of certain mandated reserve requirements of the RBI. See “Supervision and Regulation—Legal Reserve Requirements”. These requirements result in Indian banks, such as ourselves, maintaining (as per RBI guidelines currently in force) at least 20.0% of our liabilities (computed as per guidelines issued by the RBI) in bonds issued by the Government of India. We are also required to maintain 4% of our liabilities (computed as per guidelines issued by the RBI) by way of a balance with the RBI. This, in turn, means that we could be adversely impacted by a rise in interest rates, especially if the rise were sudden or sharp. A rise in yields on fixed income securities, including government securities, will likely adversely impact our profitability. The aforementioned requirements would also have a negative impact on our net interest income and net interest margins since interest earned on our investments in government-issued securities is generally lower than that earned on our other interest earning assets.

Further competition and the development of advanced payment systems by our competitors would adversely impact our cash float and decrease fees we receive in connection with cash management services.

The Indian market for cash management services (“CMS”) is marked by some distinctive characteristics and challenges such as a vast geography, a large number of small business-intensive towns, a large unorganized sector in various business supply chains, and infrastructural limitations for accessibility to many parts of the country. Over the years, such challenges have made it a daunting task for CMS providers in the country to uncover the business potential and extend suitable services and product solutions to the business community.

We have been able to retain and increase our share of business in cash management services through traditional product offerings as well as by offering new age electronic banking services. With new entrants in the payment space such as new payment banks now being granted licenses to conduct business and certain financial technology companies, the competition in the payments landscape is likely to increase. Any increased competition within the payment space or any introduction of a more advanced payment system in India may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

We could experience a decline in our revenue generated from activities on the equity markets if there is a prolonged or significant downturn on the Indian stock exchanges, and we may face difficulties in getting regulatory approvals necessary to conduct our business if we fail to meet regulatory limits on capital market exposures.

We provide a variety of services and products to participants involved with the Indian stock exchanges. These include working capital funding and margin guarantees to share brokers, personal loans secured by shares, initial public offering finance for retail customers, stock exchange clearing services, collecting bankers to various public offerings and depositary accounts. If there is a prolonged or significant downturn on the Indian stock exchanges, our revenue generated by offering these products and services may decrease, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

We are required to maintain our capital market exposures within the limits as prescribed by the RBI. Our capital market exposures are comprised primarily of investments in equity shares, loans to share brokers and financial guarantees issued to stock exchanges on behalf of share brokers.

As per RBI norms, a bank’s capital market exposure is limited to 40% of its net worth under Indian GAAP, both on a consolidated and non-consolidated basis. Our capital market exposure as of March 31, 2017 was 19.3% of our net worth on a non-consolidated basis and 20.2% on a consolidated basis, in each case, under Indian GAAP. See “Supervision and Regulation—Regulations Relating to Capital Market Exposure Limits”. If we fail to meet these regulatory limits in the future, we may face difficulties in obtaining other regulatory approvals necessary to conduct our normal course of business, which would have a material adverse effect on our business and operations.

Significant fraud, system failure or calamities would disrupt our revenue generating activities in the short-term and could harm our reputation and adversely impact our revenue-generating capabilities.

Our business is highly dependent on our ability to efficiently and reliably process a high volume of transactions across numerous locations and delivery channels. We place heavy reliance on our technology infrastructure for processing this data and therefore ensuring the security of this system and its availability is of paramount importance. Our systemic and operational controls may not be adequate to prevent any adverse impact from frauds, errors, hacking and system failures. A significant system breakdown or system failure caused by intentional or unintentional acts would have an adverse impact on our revenue-generating activities and lead to financial loss. Our reputation could be adversely affected by fraud committed by employees, customers or outsiders, or by our perceived inability to properly manage fraud-related risks. Our inability or perceived inability to manage these risks could lead to enhanced regulatory oversight and scrutiny. We have established a geographically remote disaster recovery site to support critical applications, and we believe that we would be able to restore data and resume processing in the event of a significant system breakdown or failure. However, it is possible the disaster recovery site may also fail or it may take considerable time to make the system fully operational and achieve complete business resumption using the alternate site. Therefore, in such a scenario where the primary site is also completely unavailable, there may be significant disruption to our operations, which would materially adversely affect our reputation and financial condition.

Our business and financial results could be impacted materially by adverse results in legal proceedings.

We establish reserves for legal claims when payments associated with claims become probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. We may still incur legal costs for a matter even if we have not established a reserve. In addition, the actual cost of resolving a legal claim may be substantially higher than any amounts reserved for that matter. The ultimate resolution of any pending or future legal proceeding, depending on the remedy sought and granted, could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. See “Business—Legal Proceedings.”

We may breach third party intellectual property rights.

We may be subject to claims by third parties, both inside and outside India, if we breach their intellectual property rights by using slogans, names, designs, software or other such rights, which are of a similar nature to the intellectual property these third parties may have registered. Any legal proceedings which result in a finding that we have breached third parties’ intellectual property rights, or any settlements concerning such claims, may require us to provide financial compensation to such third parties or make changes to our marketing strategies or to the brand names of our products, which may have a materially adverse effect on our business prospects, reputation, results of operations and financial condition.

Negative publicity could damage our reputation and adversely impact our business and financial results.

Reputational risk, or the risk to our business, earnings and capital from negative publicity, is inherent in our business. The reputation of the financial services industry in general has been closely monitored as a result of the financial crisis and other matters affecting the financial services industry. Negative public opinion about the financial services industry generally or us specifically could adversely affect our ability to attract and retain customers, and may expose us to litigation and regulatory action. Negative publicity can result from our actual or alleged conduct in any number of activities, including lending practices, mortgage servicing and foreclosure practices, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions and related disclosure, sharing or inadequate protection of customer information, and actions taken by government regulators and community organizations in response to that conduct. Although we take steps to minimize reputational risk in dealing with customers and other constituencies, we, as a large financial services organization with a high industry profile, are inherently exposed to this risk.

We face cyber threats, such as hacking, phishing and trojans, attempting to exploit our network to disrupt services to customers and/or theft of sensitive internal Bank data or customer information. This may cause damage to our reputation and adversely impact our business and financial results.

We offer internet banking services to our customers. Our internet banking channel includes multiple services such as electronic funds transfer, bill payment services, usage of credit cards on-line, requesting account statements, and requesting check books. We are therefore exposed to various cyber threats such as: a) phishing and trojans targeting our customers, whereby fraudsters send unsolicited mails to our customers seeking account-sensitive information or infecting customer computers in an attempt to search and export account-sensitive information; b) hacking, whereby attackers seek to hack into our website with the primary intention of causing reputational damage to us by disrupting services; and c) data theft whereby cyber criminals attempt to intrude into our network with the intention of stealing our data or information or to extort money. Attempted cyber threats fluctuate in frequency but are generally increasing in frequency. There is also the risk of our customers incorrectly blaming us and terminating their accounts with us for a cyber-incident which might have occurred on their own system or with that of an unrelated third party. Any cyber security breach could also subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny and expose us to civil litigation and related financial liability.

Our business is highly competitive, which makes it challenging for us to offer competitive prices to retain existing customers and solicit new business, and our strategy depends on our ability to compete effectively.

We face strong competition in all areas of our business, and some of our competitors are larger than we are. We compete directly with large public and private sector banks, some of which are larger than we are based on certain metrics such as customer assets and deposits, branch network and capital. These banks are becoming more competitive as they improve their customer services and technology. In addition, we compete directly with foreign banks, which include some of the largest multinational financial companies in the world. See “—We may face increased competition as a result of revised guidelines that relax restrictions on the presence of foreign banks in India and a proposal by the RBI to grant fresh banking licenses for the establishment of new banks in the private sector which could cause us to lose existing business or be unable to compete effectively for new business.” In addition, new entrants into the financial services industry, including companies in the financial technology (“Fintech”) sector, may further intensify competition in the business environments, especially in the digital business environment, in which we operate, and as a result, we may be forced to adapt our business to compete more effectively. There can be no assurance that we will be able to respond effectively to current or future competition. Due to competitive pressures, we may be unable to successfully execute our growth strategy and offer products and services at reasonable returns and this may adversely impact our business. If we are unable to retain and attract new customers, our revenue and net income will decline, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition. See “Business—Competition”.

We may face increased competition as a result of revised guidelines that relax restrictions on the presence of foreign banks in India and a proposal by the RBI to grant fresh banking licenses for the establishment of new banks in the private sector which could cause us to lose existing business or be unable to compete effectively for new business.

The Government of India regulates foreign ownership in private sector banks. Foreign ownership up to 49% of the paid-up capital is permitted in Indian private sector banks under the automatic route and this limit can be increased up to 74% with prior approval of the concerned authority. However, under the Banking Regulation Act a shareholder cannot exercise voting rights in excess of 10% of the total voting rights. The ceiling on voting rights may be increased in a phased manner up to 26% by the RBI. The RBI has also from time to time issued various circulars and regulations regarding ownership of private banks and licensing of new private sector banks in India. See “Supervision and Regulation—Entry of new banks in the private sector”.

In February 2013, the RBI released guidelines for the licensing of new banks in the private sector. The RBI permitted private sector entities owned and controlled by Indian residents and entities in the public sector in India to apply to the RBI for a license to operate a bank through a wholly-owned non-operative financial holding company (NOFHC) route, subject to compliance with certain specified criteria. Such a NOFHC was permitted to be the holding company of the bank as well as any other financial services entity, with the objective that the holding company ring-fences the regulated financial services entities in the group, including the bank, from other activities of the group. Pursuant to these guidelines, IDFC Bank and Bandhan Bank commenced banking operations in fiscal 2016.

In November 2014, the RBI released guidelines for the licensing of payments banks and small finance banks in the private sector. In August 2015, the RBI granted “in-principle” approval to eleven applicants to set up payments banks. Of the eleven approved applicants, three withdrew their applications citing business concerns. As of now, there are three operational payments banks in India. In September 2015, the RBI also granted “in-principle” approval to ten applicants to set up small finance banks. All ten applicants have received their final license. Some of these small finance banks have commenced their operations in fiscal 2017.

In May 2016, the RBI also issued the Reserve Bank of India (Ownership in Private Sector Banks) Directions, 2016. These guidelines prescribe requirements regarding shareholding and voting rights in relation to all private sector banks licensed by the RBI to operate in India. See “Supervision and Regulation—Entry of new banks in the private sector”.

Any growth in the presence of foreign banks or new banks in the private sector may increase the competition that we face and, as a result, have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.

If the goodwill recorded in connection with our acquisitions becomes impaired, we may be required to record impairment charges, which would decrease our net income and total assets.

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we have accounted for our acquisitions using the purchase method of accounting. We recorded the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the assets and liabilities of the acquired companies as goodwill. U.S. GAAP requires us to test goodwill for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill may be impaired. Goodwill is tested by initially estimating fair value of the reporting unit and then comparing it against the carrying amount including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, we are required to record an impairment loss. The amount of impairment and the remaining amount of goodwill, if any, is determined by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit as of the test date against the carrying value of the assets and liabilities of that reporting unit as of the same date. See Note 2u, “Business Combination” in our consolidated financial statements.

Many of our branches have been recently added to our branch network and are not operating with the same efficiency as compared to the rest of our existing branches, which adversely affects our profitability.

As at March 31, 2012, we had 2,544 branches and as at March 31, 2017, we had 4,715 branches, a significant increase in the number of branches. Some of the newly added branches are currently operating at a lower efficiency level as compared with our established branches. While we believe that the newly added branches will achieve the productivity benchmark set for our entire network over time, the success in achieving our benchmark level of efficiency and productivity will depend on various internal and external factors, some of which are not under our control. The sub-optimal performance of the newly added branches, if continued over an extended period of time, would have a material adverse effect on our profitability.

Deficiencies in accuracy and completeness of information about customers and counterparties may adversely impact us.

We rely on accuracy and completeness of information about customers and counterparties while carrying out transactions with them or on their behalf. We may also rely on representations as to the accuracy and completeness of such information. For example, we may rely on reports of independent auditors with respect to financial statements, and decide to extend credit based on the assumption that the customer’s audited financial statements conform to generally accepted accounting principles and present fairly, in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the customer. Our financial condition and results of operations could be negatively impacted by reliance on information that is inaccurate or materially misleading. This may affect the quality of information available to us about the credit history of our borrowers, especially individuals and small businesses. As a result, our ability to effectively manage our credit risk may be adversely affected.

We present our financial information differently in other markets or in certain reporting contexts.

In India, our equity shares are traded on the BSE Limited (the “BSE”) and National Stock Exchange of India Limited (the “NSE”). Under Indian laws and rules, we are required to report our financial results in India in Indian GAAP. Because of the difference in accounting principles and presentation, certain financial information available in our required filings in the United States may be presented differently than in the financial information we provide under Indian GAAP.

Additionally, we make available information on our website and in our presentations in order to provide investors a view of our business through metrics similar to what our management uses to measure our performance. Some of the information we make available from time to time may be in relation to our unconsolidated or our consolidated results under Indian GAAP or under U.S. GAAP. Potential investors should read any notes or disclaimers to such financial information when evaluating our performance to confirm how the information is being presented, since the information that may have been prepared with a different presentation may not be directly comparable.

Scheduled commercial banks in India, including us, insurers/ insurance companies and non-banking financial companies, will be required to prepare financial statements under IFRS or a variation thereof, Indian Accounting Standards, as per the implementation roadmap drawn up by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. In addition, we may adopt IFRS for the purposes of our filings pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). If we do, we may be adversely affected by this transition.

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs, in its press release dated January 18, 2016, issued a roadmap for the implementation of Indian Accounting Standards (“IND-AS”) converged with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”) with certain carve-outs for scheduled commercial banks, insurance companies and non-banking financial companies (the “2016 Roadmap”). The 2016 Roadmap requires such institutions to prepare IND-AS-based financial statements for accounting periods commencing on or after April 1, 2018, and to prepare comparative financial information for accounting periods commencing on or after April 1, 2017. The RBI, in its circular dated February 11, 2016, requires all scheduled commercial banks to comply with IND-AS for financial statements for the periods stated above. The RBI does not permit banks to adopt IND-AS earlier than these timelines. Recently, in June 2017, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (“IRDA”) deferred the effective date for implementation of IND-AS accounting model in the insurance sector by two years.

In conjunction with the implementation of IND-AS for our local Indian results, we may adopt IFRS for the purposes of our filings pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of, and our reports pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 under, the Exchange Act. Should we choose to do so, our first year of reporting in accordance with IFRS would be for the accounting period commencing on April 1, 2018 and, as such, we would be permitted to file two years, rather than three years, of statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows prepared in accordance with IFRS.

The new accounting standards are expected to change, among other things, our methodologies for estimating allowances for probable loan losses and classifying and valuing our investment portfolio, as well as our revenue recognition policy. It is possible that our financial condition, results of operations and changes in shareholders’ equity may appear materially different under IND-AS or IFRS than under Indian or U.S. GAAP, respectively. Further, during the transition to reporting under the new standards, we may encounter difficulties in the ongoing implementation of the new standards and development of our management information systems. Given the increased competition for the small number of IFRS-experienced accounting personnel in India, it may be difficult for us to employ the appropriate accounting personnel to assist us in preparing IND-AS or IFRS financial statements. Moreover, there is no significant body of established practice from which we may draw when forming judgments regarding the application of the new accounting standards. There can be no assurance that the Bank’s controls and procedures will be effective in these circumstances or that a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting will not occur. Further, failure to successfully adopt IND-AS or IFRS could adversely affect the Bank’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Relating to Investments in Indian Companies

Financial instability in other countries may cause increased volatility in the Indian financial market.

The Indian market and the Indian economy are influenced by the economic and market conditions in other countries, particularly the emerging market countries in Asia. Financial turmoil in Asia, Russia and elsewhere in the world in recent years has affected the Indian economy. Although economic conditions are different in each country, investors’ reactions to developments in one country can have adverse effects on the securities of companies in other countries, including India. A loss of investor confidence in the financial systems of other markets may cause increased volatility in the Indian financial market and, more generally, in the Indian economy. Any financial instability or disruptions could also have a negative impact on the Indian economy and could harm the Bank’s business, its future financial performance and the prices of its equity shares and ADSs.

The global credit and equity markets have experienced substantial dislocations, liquidity disruptions and market corrections in recent years. In particular, sub-prime mortgage loans in the United States have experienced increased rates of delinquency, foreclosure and loss. The recent history of financial crises which have affected both emerging and developed economies has given rise to heightened liquidity and credit concerns and caused an increase in volatility in the global credit and financial markets. Developments in the Eurozone have further exacerbated concerns relating to liquidity and volatility in global capital markets.

Developments in the Eurozone during the past couple of years have exacerbated the ongoing global economic crisis. Large budget deficits and rising public debts have triggered sovereign debt crisis in multiple European countries that resulted in the bailout of certain economies and increased the risk of government debt defaults, forcing governments to undertake aggressive budget cuts and austerity measures. On the back of this crisis, the U.K. voted to leave the European Union in 2016, prompting a plunge in the sterling and a credit rating downgrade. The outcome of the U.K. referendum created fear of potential further exits from the European Economic and Monetary Union. Some of these apprehensions have been alleviated by favorable outcomes of the Dutch and French elections results. However, the terms of the U.K.’s exit from the European Union are yet to be negotiated and this uncertainty regarding the future of the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union could keep financial markets on edge. In addition, the sovereign ratings of various European Union countries have been downgraded since 2012. Financial markets and the supply of credit could continue to be negatively impacted by ongoing concerns surrounding the sovereign debts and fiscal deficits of European countries, the possibility of further downgrades of, or defaults on, sovereign debt, concerns regarding a slowdown in growth in certain economies and the adoption of negative interest rates in developed economies, as well as uncertainties regarding the stability and overall standing of the European Monetary Union. These and other related events have had a significant impact on the global credit and financial markets as a whole, including reduced liquidity, greater volatility, the widening of credit spreads and a lack of price transparency.

In response to such developments, legislators and financial regulators in the United States, Europe and other jurisdictions, including India, have implemented several policy measures designed to add stability to the financial markets. However, the overall impact of these and other legislative and regulatory efforts on the global financial markets is uncertain, and they may not have the intended stabilizing effects. In the event that the current adverse conditions in the global credit markets continue or if there is any significant financial disruption, this could cause increased volatility in the Indian financial market and have an adverse effect on our business, future financial performance and the trading price of our equity shares.

Any adverse change in India’s credit rating, or the credit rating of any country in which our foreign branches are located, by an international rating agency could adversely affect our business and profitability.

The Bank is rated BBB- by Standard & Poor’s (S&P), an international rating agency, while the Bank’s medium term notes program is rated Baa3 by Moody’s, another international rating agency. In the case of the international rating agencies, the ratings of all Indian banks are capped at the sovereign rating (that is, BBB- by S&P and Baa3 by Moody’s). In India, the Bank is rated AAA by CRISIL, CARE and India Ratings (the Indian arm of Fitch Ratings), which are the highest credit ratings assigned on the domestic scale.

There is a risk that the Bank’s ratings may be downgraded when the rating agencies revise their outlook on India’s sovereign rating or when there is a significant deterioration in the Bank’s existing financial strength and business position. The Bank’s rating may also be revised when the rating agencies undertake changes to their rating methodologies. For instance, in April 2015, Moody’s revised its bank rating methodology and the assessment of government support to banks, following which the ratings of several banks globally, including Indian banks, were revised. Following this methodology change, the Bank’s rating was revised to Baa3 from Baa2 so as to cap it at the Indian sovereign rating.

In addition, the rating of our foreign branches may be impacted by the sovereign rating of the country in which those branches are located, particularly if the sovereign rating is below India’s rating. Any revision to the sovereign rating of the countries in which our branches are located to below India’s rating could impact the rating of our foreign branches and any securities issued from those branches. In fiscal 2016, declining oil prices caused the credit ratings of many oil exporting countries to be downgraded. In February 2016, S&P lowered its long- and short-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings on the Kingdom of Bahrain to BB/B (stable) from BBB-/A3 (negative). We have outstanding bonds issued from our Bahrain branch. The rating criteria published by S&P restrict the rating of any bond issued in a jurisdiction to the host country rating. As such, following Bahrain’s sovereign credit rating downgrade, S&P placed the long-term issue rating of the senior unsecured bonds issued by our Bahrain branch on CreditWatch with negative implications. Subsequent to the rating action, we put a structure in place guaranteeing payment on these bonds by our Hong Kong branch or one of our Indian branches should our Bahrain branch be unable to service these bonds. In July 2016, S&P removed these bonds from CreditWatch with negative implications and affirmed the senior unsecured bonds’ BBB- long-term issue rating.

Going forward, the sovereign ratings outlook for India will remain dependent on the growth of the economy and the inflation environment, as well as exercise of adequate fiscal restraint by the government. Any adverse change in India’s credit rating, or the credit rating of any country in which our foreign branches are located, by international rating agencies may adversely impact our business financial position and liquidity, limit our access to capital markets, and increase our cost of borrowing.

Any volatility in the exchange rate may lead to a decline in India’s foreign exchange reserves and may affect liquidity and interest rates in the Indian economy, which could adversely impact us.

Capital flows have picked up substantially during fiscal 2017, reflecting a reassessment of investor expectations about future domestic growth prospects following the election of a pro-reform government in 2014. While the Current Account Deficit (“CAD”) remained a main area of concern over fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2013, it shrunk sharply in fiscal 2014 to 1.7% of GDP, and fell further in fiscal 2016 to 0.7% of GDP, respectively. It is likely to remain at around 1% in fiscal 2017 as well. A sharp contraction in the oil imports bill on the back of a near fifty percent decline in global crude prices was the main reason behind the improvement in the current account position. During fiscal 2014, the rupee came under immense and sustained selling pressure driven by growing anxiety about domestic growth prospects and global risk aversion. The rupee depreciated in fiscal 2014 by 10.1% against the U.S. dollar. Investor expectations that reforms implemented by India’s government will lead to an improvement in the long-term growth outlook helped to improve the rupee’s performance, reducing the depreciation trend to 3.85% in fiscal 2015. During fiscal 2016 the rupee depreciated by 6.32% primarily reflecting global risk aversion and a strong U.S. dollar. However, in line with other emerging markets, which experienced currency appreciation in fiscal 2017, the Indian rupee also appreciated by 2.1% against the U.S. dollar. Going forward, the Indian rupee may be impacted by factors such as: (a) the tightening in U.S. monetary policy, (b) the rise in protectionist voices across the world (c) uncertainty surrounding the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, (d) the slower pace of growth in China, and (e) the prospect of an normal monsoon season, which could revive rural demand. Further, global risk aversion could mean a continuation of the rotation of global fund flows from emerging markets to U.S. markets over the medium term. However, the Indian rupee may be less vulnerable than other emerging market currencies on the back of an improvement in the CAD and a moderation in inflation rates. Nevertheless, it remains a possibility that the RBI will intervene in the foreign exchange markets to stamp out excess volatility in the exchange rate in the event of potential shocks, such as an increase in U.S. interest rates or a break-down in the negotiations between EU and U.K. policymakers. Any such intervention by the RBI may result in a decline in India’s foreign exchange reserves and, subsequently, reduce the amount of liquidity in the domestic financial system, which would, in turn, cause domestic interest rates to rise.

Further, any increased volatility in capital flows may also affect monetary policy decision-making. For instance, a period of net capital outflows might force the RBI to keep monetary policy tighter than optimal to guard against currency depreciation.

Political instability or changes in the government in India could delay the liberalization of the Indian economy and adversely affect economic conditions in India generally, which would impact our financial results and prospects.

Since 1991, successive Indian governments have pursued policies of economic liberalization, including significantly relaxing restrictions on the private sector. Nevertheless, the roles of the Indian central and state governments in the Indian economy as producers, consumers and regulators remain significant as independent factors in the Indian economy. The election of a pro-business majority government in May 2014 has marked a distinct increase in expectations for policy and economic reforms among certain aspects of the Indian economy. There is no guarantee that the current government will be able to enact an optimal set of reforms or that any such reforms would continue or succeed if there were a change in the current majority leadership in the government in the future. There is also no guarantee that the government will announce an optimal set of reforms or policies in the future. In November 2016, the government undertook demonetization of high denomination notes of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000. Short-term disruptions that the “cash squeeze” caused, weighed down on the economy. The rate of economic liberalization is subject to change and specific laws and policies affecting banking and finance companies, foreign investment, currency exchange and other matters affecting investment in our securities are continuously evolving as well. In addition, the GST was implemented in India in July 2017 and replaced multiple cascading taxes levied by the Indian central and state governments. Any significant change in India’s economic liberalization, deregulation policies or other major economic reforms could adversely affect business and economic conditions in India generally and our business in particular.

Terrorist attacks, civil unrest and other acts of violence or war involving India and other countries would negatively affect the Indian market where our shares trade and lead to a loss of confidence and impair travel, which could reduce our customers’ appetite for our products and services.

Terrorist attacks, such as those in Mumbai in November 2008, and other acts of violence or war may negatively affect the Indian markets on which our equity shares trade and also adversely affect the worldwide financial markets. These acts may also result in a loss of business confidence, make travel and other services more difficult and, as a result, ultimately adversely affect our business. In addition, any deterioration in relations between India and Pakistan or between India and China might result in investor concern about stability in the region, which could adversely affect the price of our equity shares and ADSs.

India has also witnessed civil disturbances in recent years and future civil unrest as well as other adverse social, economic and political events in India could have an adverse impact on us. Such incidents also create a greater perception that investment in Indian companies involves a higher degree of risk, which could have an adverse impact on our business and the price of our equity shares and ADSs.

Investors may have difficulty enforcing foreign judgments in India against the Bank or its management.

We are a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of India. Substantially all of the Bank’s directors and executive officers and some of the experts named herein are residents of India and a substantial portion of the assets of the Bank and such persons are located in India. As a result, it may not be possible for investors to effect service of process on the Bank or such persons in jurisdictions outside of India, or to enforce against them judgments obtained in courts outside of India predicated upon civil liabilities of the Bank or such directors and executive officers under laws other than Indian Law.

In addition, India is not a party to any international treaty in relation to the recognition or enforcement of foreign judgments. Recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments is provided for under section 13 and section 44A of the Indian Civil Procedure Code (the “Civil Procedure Code”). Section 44A of the Civil Procedure Code provides that where a foreign judgment has been rendered by a superior court in any country or territory outside India that the government has, by notification, declared to be a reciprocating territory, that judgment may be enforced in India by proceedings in execution as if it had been rendered by the relevant court in India. However, section 44A of the Civil Procedure Code is applicable only to monetary decrees not being in the nature of any amounts payable in respect of taxes or other charges of a like nature or in respect of a fine or other penalty and is not applicable to arbitration awards.

The United States has not been declared by the government to be a reciprocating territory for the purposes of section 44A of the Civil Procedure Code. However, the United Kingdom has been declared by the government to be a reciprocating territory and the High Courts in England as the relevant superior courts. A judgment of a court in a jurisdiction which is not a reciprocating territory, such as the United States, may be enforced only by a new suit upon the judgment and not by proceedings in execution. Section 13 of the Civil Procedure Code provides that a foreign judgment shall be conclusive as to any matter thereby directly adjudicated upon except: (i) where it has not been pronounced by a court of competent jurisdiction; (ii) where it has not been given on the merits of the case; (iii) where it appears on the face of the proceedings to be founded on an incorrect view of international law or a refusal to recognize the law of India in cases where such law is applicable; (iv) where the proceedings in which the judgment was obtained were opposed to natural justice; (v) where it has been obtained by fraud; or (vi) where it sustains a claim founded on a breach of any law in force in India. The suit must be brought in India within three years from the date of the judgment in the same manner as any other suit filed to enforce a civil liability in India. It is unlikely that a court in India would award damages on the same basis as a foreign court if an action is brought in India. Furthermore, it is unlikely that an Indian court would enforce a foreign judgment if it viewed the amount of damages awarded as excessive or inconsistent with Indian practice. A party seeking to enforce a foreign judgment in India is required to obtain approval from the RBI to repatriate outside India any amount recovered pursuant to execution. Any judgment in a foreign currency would be converted into Indian rupees on the date of the judgment and not on the date of the payment. The Bank cannot predict whether a suit brought in an Indian court will be disposed of in a timely manner or be subject to considerable delays.

Risks Relating to the ADSs and Equity Shares

Historically, our ADSs have traded at a premium to the trading prices of our underlying equity shares, a situation which may not continue.

Historically, our ADSs have traded on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) at a premium to the trading prices of our underlying equity shares on the Indian stock exchanges. See “Price Range of Our American Depositary Shares and Equity Shares” for the underlying data. We believe that this price premium has resulted from the relatively small portion of our market capitalization previously represented by ADSs, restrictions imposed by Indian law on the conversion of equity shares into ADSs, and an apparent preference for investors to trade dollar-denominated securities. Over time, some of the restrictions on issuance of ADSs imposed by Indian law have been relaxed and we expect that other restrictions may be relaxed in the future. It is possible that in the future our ADSs will not trade at any premium to our equity shares and could even trade at a discount to our equity shares.

Investors in ADSs will not be able to vote.

Investors in ADSs will have no voting rights, unlike holders of the equity shares. Under the deposit agreement, the depositary will abstain from voting the equity shares represented by the ADSs. If you wish, you may withdraw the equity shares underlying the ADSs and seek to vote (subject to Indian restrictions on foreign ownership) the equity shares you obtain upon withdrawal. However, this withdrawal process may be subject to delays and additional costs and you may not be able to redeposit the equity shares. For a discussion of the legal restrictions triggered by a withdrawal of the equity shares from the depositary facility upon surrender of ADSs, see “Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Indian Securities” and “Description of American Depositary Shares—Voting Rights”.

Your ability to withdraw equity shares from the depositary facility is uncertain and may be subject to delays.

India’s restrictions on foreign ownership of Indian companies limit the number of equity shares that may be owned by foreign investors and generally require government approval for foreign investments. Investors who withdraw equity shares from the ADS depositary facility for the purpose of selling such equity shares will be subject to Indian regulatory restrictions on foreign ownership upon withdrawal. The withdrawal process may be subject to delays. For a discussion of the legal restrictions triggered by a withdrawal of equity shares from the depositary facility upon surrender of ADSs, see “Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Indian Securities”.

Restrictions on deposit of equity shares in the depositary facility could adversely affect the price of our ADSs.

Under current Indian regulations, an ADS holder who surrenders ADSs and withdraws equity shares may deposit those equity shares again in the depositary facility in exchange for ADSs. An investor who has purchased equity shares in the Indian market may also deposit those equity shares in the ADS program. However, the deposit of equity shares may be subject to securities law restrictions and the restriction that the cumulative aggregate number of equity shares that can be deposited as of any time cannot exceed the cumulative aggregate number represented by ADSs converted into underlying equity shares as of such time. These restrictions increase the risk that the market price of our ADSs will be below that of the equity shares.

There is a limited market for the ADSs.

Although our ADSs are listed and traded on the NYSE, any trading market for our ADSs may not be sustained, and there is no assurance that the present price of our ADSs will correspond to the future price at which our ADSs will trade in the public market. Indian legal restrictions may also limit the supply of ADSs. The only way to add to the supply of ADSs would be through an additional issuance. We cannot guarantee that a market for the ADSs will continue.

Conditions in the Indian securities market may affect the price or liquidity of our equity shares and ADSs.

The Indian securities markets are smaller and more volatile than securities markets in more developed economies. The Indian stock exchanges have in the past experienced substantial fluctuations in the prices of listed securities. Currently, prices of securities listed on Indian exchanges are displaying signs of volatility linked among other factors to the uncertainty in the global markets and the rising inflationary and interest rate pressures domestically. The governing bodies of the Indian stock exchanges have from time to time imposed restrictions on trading in certain securities, limitations on price movements and margin requirements. Future fluctuations or trading restrictions could have a material adverse effect on the price of our equity shares and ADSs.

Settlement of trades of equity shares on Indian stock exchanges may be subject to delays.

The equity shares represented by our ADSs are listed on the NSE and BSE. Settlement on these stock exchanges may be subject to delays and an investor in equity shares withdrawn from the depositary facility upon surrender of ADSs may not be able to settle trades on these stock exchanges in a timely manner.

You may be subject to Indian taxes arising out of capital gains

Generally, capital gains, whether short-term or long-term, arising on the sale of the underlying equity shares in India are subject to Indian capital gains tax. Investors are advised to consult their own tax advisers and to carefully consider the potential tax consequences of an investment in ADSs. See also “Taxation”.

You may be unable to exercise preemptive rights available to other shareholders.

A company incorporated in India must offer its holders of equity shares preemptive rights to subscribe and pay for a proportionate number of shares to maintain their existing ownership percentages prior to the issuance of any new equity shares, unless these rights have been waived by at least 75.0% of the company’s shareholders present and voting at a shareholders’ general meeting. U.S. investors in our ADSs may be unable to exercise preemptive rights for our equity shares underlying our ADSs unless a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) is effective with respect to those rights or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act is available. Our decision to file a registration statement will depend on the costs and potential liabilities associated with any registration statement as well as the perceived benefits of enabling U.S. investors in our ADSs to exercise their preemptive rights and any other factors we consider appropriate at the time. We do not commit to filing a registration statement under those circumstances. If we issue any securities in the future, these securities may be issued to the depositary, which may sell these securities in the securities markets in India for the benefit of the investors in our ADSs. There can be no assurance as to the value, if any, the depositary would receive upon the sale of these securities. To the extent that investors in our ADSs are unable to exercise preemptive rights, their proportional interests in us would be reduced.

Financial difficulty and other problems in certain financial institutions in India could adversely affect our business and the price of our ADSs and equity shares.

We are exposed to the risks of the Indian financial system by being a part of the system which may be affected by the financial difficulties faced by certain Indian financial institutions because the commercial soundness of many financial institutions may be closely related as a result of credit, trading, clearing or other relationships. Such “systemic risk”, may adversely affect financial intermediaries, such as clearing agencies, banks, securities firms and exchanges with which we interact on a daily basis. Any such difficulties or instability of the Indian financial system in general could create an adverse market perception about Indian financial institutions and banks and adversely affect our business. Our transactions with these financial institutions expose us to various risks in the event of default by a counterparty, which can be exacerbated during periods of market illiquidity.

Because the equity shares underlying our ADSs are quoted in rupees in India, you may be subject to potential losses arising out of exchange rate risk on the Indian rupee and risks associated with the conversion of rupee proceeds into foreign currency.

Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Indian rupee may affect the value of your investment in our ADSs. Specifically, if the relative value of the Indian rupee to the U.S. dollar declines, each of the following values will also decline:

•

the U.S. dollar equivalent of the Indian rupee trading price of our equity shares in India and, indirectly, the U.S. dollar trading price of our ADSs in the United States;

•

the U.S. dollar equivalent of the proceeds that you would receive upon the sale in India of any equity shares that you withdraw from the depositary; and

•

the U.S. dollar equivalent of cash dividends, if any, paid in Indian rupees on the equity shares represented by our ADSs.

There may be less information available on Indian securities markets than securities markets in developed countries.

There is a difference between the level of regulation and monitoring of the Indian securities markets and the activities of investors, brokers and other participants and that of markets in the United States and other developed economies. The SEBI and the stock exchanges are responsible for improving disclosure and other regulatory standards for the Indian securities markets. The SEBI has issued regulations and guidelines on disclosure requirements, insider trading and other matters. There may, however, be less publicly available information about Indian companies than is regularly made available by public companies in developed economies.

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act withholding may affect payments on the equity shares and the ADSs.

Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”) (provisions commonly known as “FATCA” or the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) impose (a) certain reporting and due diligence requirements on foreign financial institutions and, (b) potentially require such foreign financial institutions to deduct a 30% withholding tax from (i) certain payments from sources within the United States, and (ii) “foreign passthru payments” (which is not yet defined in current guidance) made to certain non-U.S. financial institutions that do not comply with such reporting and due diligence requirements or certain other payees that do not provide required information. The United States has entered into a number of intergovernmental agreements (“IGAs”) with other jurisdictions which may modify the operation of this withholding. The Bank as well as relevant intermediaries such as custodians and depositary participants are classified as financial institutions for these purposes. Given that India has entered into a Model 1 IGA with the United States for giving effect to FATCA, Indian financial institutions such as the Bank are also required to comply with FATCA, based on the terms of the IGA and relevant rules made pursuant thereto.

Under current guidance it is not clear whether or to what extent payments on ADSs or equity shares will be considered “foreign passthru payments” subject to FATCA withholding or the extent to which withholding on “foreign passthru payments” will be required under the applicable IGA. Investors should consult their own tax advisers on how the FATCA rules may apply to payments they receive in respect of the ADSs or equity shares.

Should any withholding tax in respect of FATCA be deducted or withheld from any payments arising to any investor, neither the Bank nor any other person will pay additional amounts as a result of the deduction or withholding.

PRICE RANGE OF OUR AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES AND EQUITY SHARES

Our ADSs, each representing three equity shares, par value Rs. 2.0 per equity share, are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “HDB”. Our equity shares, including those underlying the ADSs, are listed on the NSE under the symbol “HDFCBANK” and the BSE under the code 500180. Our fiscal quarters end on June 30 of each year for the first quarter, September 30 for the second quarter, December 31 for the third quarter and March 31 for the fourth quarter.

Trading Prices of Our ADSs on the NYSE

The following table shows:

•

the reported high and low prices for our ADSs in U.S. dollars on the NYSE; and

•

the average daily trading volume for our ADSs on the NYSE.


	Price per ADS				Average daily ADS trading volume
Fiscal	High		Low		(Number of ADSs)
2013	US$	43.0	US$	27.3		698,845
2014		43.8		26.6		949,054
2015		64.0		39.3		1,008,525
2016
First Quarter		61.8		54.2		816,835
Second Quarter		64.1		51.6		813,647
Third Quarter		65.4		56.1		702,302
Fourth Quarter		62.0		51.1		780,966
2017
First Quarter		67.1		59.8		629,663
Second Quarter		74.0		65.1		598,900
Third Quarter		73.5		59.1		796,168
Fourth Quarter		75.3		59.0		868,821
Most Recent Six Months
January 2017		69.8		59.0		1,047,330
February 2017		73.3		68.9		822,011
March 2017		75.3		70.7		752,265
April 2017		81.7		75.0		821,226
May 2017		87.8		79.3		694,077
June 2017		89.8		85.9		818,162
July 1, 2017 to July 21, 2017		92.2		87.1		486,035

The closing price for our ADSs on the NYSE was US$ 91.6 per ADS on July 21, 2017.

Trading Prices of Our Equity Shares on the National Stock Exchange

The following table shows:

•

the reported high and low market prices for our equity shares in rupees on the NSE;

•

the imputed high and low prices for our equity shares translated into U.S. dollars, based on the noon buying rate in the city of New York for cable transfers in Indian rupees at U.S.$1.00 = Rs. 64.85 on March 31, 2017; and

•

the average daily trading volume for our equity shares on the NSE.


	Price per equity share				Price per equity share				Average daily equity share trading volume
	High		Low		High		Low		Average daily equity share trading volume
Fiscal Year
2013	Rs.	705.5	Rs.	482.2	US$	10.9	US$	7.4		2,660,099
2014		760.8		528.0		11.7		8.1		3,143,188
2015		1109.3		707.3		17.1		10.9		1,985,588
2016
First Quarter		1072.0		944.2		16.5		14.6		1,662,475
Second Quarter		1128.0		977.0		15.1		15.1		1,455,951
Third Quarter		1124.0		1,040.1		16.0		16.0		1,156,124
Fourth Quarter		1108.0		928.0		14.3		14.3		1,556,754
2017
First Quarter		1195.0		1,042.9		18.4		16.1		1,317,863
Second Quarter		1318.5		1,160.9		20.3		17.9		1,360,800
Third Quarter		1300.1		1,158.0		20.0		17.9		1,313,337
Fourth Quarter		1480.0		1,183.1		22.8		18.2		3,243,900
Most Recent Six Months
January 2017		1,300.0		1,183.1		20.0		18.2		1,564,445
February 2017		1,454.0		1,280.5		22.4		19.7		6,950,170
March 2017		1,480.0		1,369.0		22.8		21.1		1,646,147
April 2017		1,574.0		1,425.1		24.3		22.0		1,855,800
May 2017		1,648.0		1,522.6		25.4		23.5		1,139,803
June 2017		1,716.0		1,620.6		26.5		25.0		1,113,147
July 1, 2017 to July 21, 2017		1,748.0		1,645.0		27.0		25.4		934,449

The closing price for our equity shares on the National Stock Exchange was Rs. 1,703.1 per share on July 21, 2017.

As of March 31, 2017, there were 481,983 holders of record of our equity shares, including the shares underlying ADSs and GDRs, of which 503 had registered addresses in the United States and held an aggregate of 771,183 equity shares representing 0.10% of our shareholders. In our books only, the depositary, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., is the shareholder with respect to equity shares underlying the ADSs and GDRs.

Upon our acquisition of Centurion Bank of Punjab (“CBoP”) in 2008, CBoP had global depository receipts (GDRs) outstanding, representing the right to receive shares in CBoP, which, upon the consummation of the acquisition, converted into our GDRs, representing the right to receive our shares. As of March 31, 2017, there were 22,891,290 GDRs outstanding, representing 11,445,645 shares of the Bank (in aggregate 0.45% of our paid-up capital).

DESCRIPTION OF EQUITY SHARES

The Company

We are registered under Corporate Identity Number L65920MH1994PLC080618 with the Registrar of Companies, Maharashtra State, India. Our Memorandum of Association permits us to engage in a wide variety of activities, including all the activities in which we currently engage or intend to engage, as well as other activities in which we currently have no intention of engaging.

Dividends

Under Indian law, a company pays dividends upon a recommendation by its board of directors and approval by a majority of its shareholders at the annual general meeting of shareholders held within six months of the end of each fiscal year. The shareholders have the right to decrease but not increase the dividend amount recommended by the Board of Directors. Dividends are generally declared as a percentage of par value (on a per share basis) and distributed and paid to shareholders. The Companies Act provides that shares of a company of the same class must receive equal dividend treatment.

These distributions and payments are required to be deposited into a separate bank account within 5 days of the declaration of such dividend and paid to shareholders within 30 days of the annual general meeting where the resolution for declaration of dividends is approved.

The Companies Act states that any dividends that remain unpaid or unclaimed after that period are to be transferred to a special bank account. Any money that remains unclaimed for seven years from the date of the transfer is to be transferred by us to a fund, called the Investor Education and Protection Fund, created by the Government of India.

Our Articles authorize our Board of Directors to declare interim dividends, the amount of which must be deposited in a separate bank account within five days and paid to the shareholders within 30 days of the declaration.

Under the Companies Act, final dividends payable can be paid only in cash to the registered shareholder at a record date fixed prior to the relevant annual general meeting, to his order or to the order of his banker.

Before paying any dividend on our shares, we are required under the Indian Banking Regulation Act to write off all capitalized expenses (including preliminary expenses, organization expenses, share-selling commission, brokerage, amounts of losses incurred and any other item of expenditure not represented by tangible assets). We are permitted to declare dividends of up to 35.0% of net profit calculated under Indian GAAP without prior RBI approval subject to compliance with certain prescribed requirements. Further, upon compliance with the prescribed requirements, we are also permitted to declare interim dividends subject to the above-mentioned cap computed for the relevant accounting period.

Dividends may only be paid out of our profits for the relevant year and in certain contingencies out of the reserves of the company. Before declaring dividends, we are required by the RBI to transfer 25% of our net profits (calculated under Indian GAAP) of each year to a reserve fund.

Bonus Shares

In addition to permitting dividends to be paid out of current or retained earnings calculated under Indian GAAP, the Companies Act permits our Board of Directors, subject to the approval of our shareholders, to distribute to the shareholders, in the form of fully paid-up bonus equity shares, an amount transferred from the company’s free reserves, securities premium account or the capital redemption reserve account. Bonus equity shares can be distributed only with the prior approval of the RBI. These bonus equity shares must be distributed to shareholders in proportion to the number of equity shares owned by them.

Bonus shares can only be issued if the company has not defaulted in payments of statutory dues or principal/interest payments on fixed deposits or debt securities issued by it. Bonus shares must not be issued in lieu of dividend.

Preemptive Rights and Issue of Additional Shares

The Companies Act gives shareholders the right to subscribe for new shares in proportion to their existing shareholdings unless otherwise determined by a resolution passed by three-fourths of the shareholders present and voting at a general meeting. Under the Companies Act and our Articles, in the event of an issuance of securities, subject to the limitations set forth above, we must first offer the new shares to the holders of equity shares on a fixed record date. The offer, required to be made by notice, must include:

•

the right, exercisable by the shareholders of record, to renounce the shares offered in favor of any other person;

•

the number of shares offered; and

•

the period of the offer, which may not be less than 15 days from the date of the offer and shall not exceed 30 days. If the offer is not accepted, it is deemed to have been declined.

Our Board of Directors is permitted to distribute equity shares not accepted by existing shareholders in the manner it deems beneficial for us in accordance with our Articles. Holders of ADSs may not be able to participate in any such offer. See “Description of American Depositary Shares—Share Dividends and Other Distributions ”.

General Meetings of Shareholders

There are two types of general meetings of shareholders: annual general meetings and extraordinary general meetings. We are required to convene our annual general meeting within six months after the end of each fiscal year. We may convene an extraordinary general meeting when necessary or at the request of the shareholders holding on the date of the request at least 10% of our paid up capital. A general meeting is generally convened by our company secretary in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors. Written notice or notice via email or other permitted electronic means stating the agenda of the meeting must be given at least 21 clear days prior to the date set for the general meeting to the shareholders whose names are in the register at the record date. Shorter notice is permitted if consent is received from 95% of the members entitled to vote. Those shareholders who are not registered at the record date do not receive notice of this meeting and are not entitled to attend or vote at this meeting.

The annual general meeting is held in Mumbai, the city in which our registered office is located. General meetings other than the annual general meeting may be held at any location if so determined by a resolution of our Board of Directors.

Voting Rights

A shareholder has one vote for each equity share and voting may be on a poll or through electronic means or postal ballot. In terms of Section 12 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 as amended with effect from January 18, 2013 by the Banking Laws Amendment Act, 2012, no person holding shares in a banking company shall, in respect of any shares held by such person, exercise voting rights on poll in excess of 10% of the total voting rights of all the shareholders of the banking company, provided that the RBI may increase, in a phased manner, such ceiling on voting rights from 10% to 26%. The Master Direction—Ownership in Private Sector Banks, Directions, 2016, issued by the RBI on May 12, 2016, states that the current level of ceiling on voting rights is 15%.

Unless the Articles provide for a larger number, the quorum for a general meeting is: (a) five members present (in person or by proxy) if the number of members as on the date of the meeting is not more than one thousand; (b) fifteen members present (in person or by proxy) if the number of members as on the date of the meeting is more than one thousand but not more than five thousand; and (c) thirty members present (in person or by proxy) if the number of members as on the date of the meeting exceeds five thousand. Generally, resolutions may be passed by simple majority of the shareholders present and voting at any general meeting. However, resolutions such as an amendment to the organizational documents, commencement of a new line of business, an issue of additional equity shares (which is not a preemptive issue) and reductions of share capital, require that the votes cast in favor of the resolution (whether by show of hands or on a poll) are not less than three times the number of votes, if any, cast against the resolution. As provided in our Articles, a shareholder may exercise his voting rights by proxy to be given in the form prescribed by us. This proxy, however, is required to be lodged with us at least 48 hours before the time of the relevant meeting. A shareholder may, by a single power of attorney, grant general power of representation covering several general meetings. A corporate shareholder is also entitled to nominate a representative to attend and vote on its behalf at all general meetings. The Companies Act provides for the passing of resolutions in relation to certain matters specified by the Government of India, by means of a postal ballot. A listed company intending to pass a resolution relating to certain specified matters (such as alteration of its organizational documents, change in registered office issuing of shares with different voting or dividend rights, buy-back of shares, etc.) is required to obtain the consent of shareholders by means of a postal ballot instead of by way of a resolution passed in a general meeting. A notice to all the shareholders must be sent along with a draft resolution explaining the reasons therefore and requesting the shareholders to send their assent or dissent in writing on a postal ballot within a period of 30 days from the date of dispatch of the notice. Shareholders may exercise their right to vote at general meetings, through postal ballot by sending their votes through the postal arrangements or through electronic means (e-voting), for which separate facilities are provided to the shareholders.

ADS holders have no voting rights with respect to the deposited shares.

Annual Report

At least 21 days before an annual general meeting, we must circulate either a detailed or abridged version of our Indian GAAP audited financial accounts, together with the Directors’ Report and the Auditor’s Report, to the shareholders along with a notice convening the annual general meeting. We are also required under the Companies Act to make available upon the request of any shareholder our complete balance sheet and profit and loss account. The above-mentioned documents must also be made available for inspection at its registered office during working hours for a period of 21 days before the date of the annual general meeting. A statement containing the salient features of these documents in a prescribed manner (or copies of these documents) is required to be sent to every member of the company and to every debenture trustee at least 21 days before the date of the annual general meeting. Under the Companies Act, we must file with the Registrar of Companies our Indian GAAP balance sheet and profit and loss account within 30 days of the conclusion of the annual general meeting and our annual return within 60 days of the conclusion of that meeting.

Register of Shareholders, Record Dates and Transfer of Shares

The equity shares are in registered form. We maintain a register of our shareholders in Mumbai. We register transfers of equity shares on the register of shareholders upon presentation of certificates in respect of the transfer of equity shares held in physical form together with a transfer deed duly executed by the transferor and transferee. These transfer deeds are subject to stamp duty, which has been fixed at 0.25% of the transfer price.

For the purpose of determining equity shares entitled to annual dividends, the register of shareholders is closed for a period prior to the annual general meeting. The Companies Act and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 permit us, pursuant to a resolution of our Board of Directors and upon at least seven days’ advance notice to the stock exchanges, to set the record date and close the register of shareholders after seven days’ public notice for not more than 30 days at a time, and for not more than 45 days in a year, in order for us to determine which shareholders are entitled to certain rights pertaining to the equity shares. Trading of equity shares and delivery of certificates in respect of the equity shares may, however, continue after the register of shareholders is closed.

Transfer of Shares

Shares held through depositories are transferred in the form of book entries or in electronic form in accordance with the regulations laid down by the SEBI. These regulations provide the regime for the functioning of the depositories and the participants and set out the manner in which the records are to be kept and maintained and the safeguards to be followed in this system. Transfers of beneficial ownership of shares held through a depositary are exempt from stamp duty.

The SEBI requires that our equity shares for trading and settlement purposes be in book-entry form for all investors, except for transactions that are not made on a stock exchange and transactions that are not required to be reported to the stock exchange. Transfers of equity shares in book-entry form require both the seller and the purchaser of the equity shares to establish accounts with depositary participants appointed by depositories established under the Depositaries Act, 1996. Charges for opening an account with a depositary participant, transaction charges for each trade and custodian charges for securities held in each account vary depending upon the practice of each depositary participant. Upon delivery, the equity shares shall be registered in the name of the relevant depositary on our books and this depositary shall enter the name of the investor in its records as the beneficial owner. The transfer of beneficial ownership shall be done through the records of the depositary. The beneficial owner shall be entitled to all rights and benefits and subject to all liabilities in respect of his securities held by a depositary.

The requirement to hold the equity shares in book-entry form will apply to the ADS holders when the equity shares are withdrawn from the depositary facility upon surrender of the ADSs. In order to trade the equity shares in the Indian market, the withdrawing ADS holder will be required to comply with the procedures described above.

Our equity shares are freely transferable, subject to the provisions of the Companies Act under which, if a transfer of equity shares contravenes the provisions of Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 or the regulations issued under it or any other law in force at the time, the National Company Law Tribunal may, on application made by us, a depositary incorporated in India, an investor, the SEBI or certain other parties, direct a rectification of the register of records. It is a condition of our listing that we transfer equity shares and deliver share certificates duly endorsed for the transfer within 15 days of the date of lodgment of transfer. If a company without sufficient cause refuses to register a transfer of equity shares within 30 days from the date on which the instrument of transfer is delivered to the company, the transferee may appeal to the National Company Law Tribunal seeking to register the transfer of equity shares. The National Company Law Tribunal may, in its discretion, issue an interim order suspending the voting rights attached to the relevant equity shares before completing its investigation of the alleged contravention. Our Articles provide for certain restrictions on the transfer of equity shares, including granting power to the Board of Directors in certain circumstances, to refuse to register or acknowledge transfer of equity shares or other securities issued by us. Furthermore, the RBI requires us to obtain its approval before registering a transfer of equity shares in favor of a person which together with equity shares already held by him represent more than 5.0% of our share capital.

Our transfer agent, Datamatics Financial Services Limited, is located in Mumbai. Certain foreign exchange control and security regulations apply to the transfer of equity shares by a non-resident or a foreigner.

Disclosure of Ownership Interest

The provisions of the Companies Act generally require beneficial owners of equity shares of Indian companies that are not holders of record to declare to the company details of the holder of record and holders of record to declare details of the beneficial owner. While it is unclear whether these provisions apply to holders of an Indian company’s ADSs, investors who exchange ADSs for equity shares are subject to this provision. Failure to comply with these provisions would not affect the obligation of a company to register a transfer of equity shares or to pay any dividends to the registered holder of any equity shares in respect of which this declaration has not been made, but any person who fails to make the required declaration may be liable for an initial fine of up to Rs. 50,000 coupled with a further fine of up to Rs. 1,000 for each day this failure continues. However, under the Banking Regulation Act, a registered holder of any equity shares, except in certain conditions, shall not be liable to any suit or proceeding on the ground that the title to those equity shares vests in another person.

Acquisition by the Issuer of Its Own Shares

The Companies Act permits a company to acquire its own equity shares and reduce its capital under certain circumstances. Such reduction of capital requires compliance with buy-back provisions specified in the Companies Act and by the SEBI.

ADS holders will be eligible to participate in a buy-back in certain cases. An ADS holder may acquire equity shares by withdrawing them from the depositary facility and then sell those equity shares back to us. ADS holders should note that equity shares withdrawn from the depositary facility may only be redeposited into the depositary facility under certain circumstances.

There can be no assurance that the equity shares offered by an ADS investor in any buy-back of shares by us will be accepted by us. The position regarding participation of ADS holders in a buy-back is not clear. ADS investors are advised to consult their Indian legal advisers prior to participating in any buy-back by us, including in relation to any regulatory approvals and tax issues relating to the buy-back.

Liquidation Rights

Subject to the rights of depositors, creditors and employees, in the event of our winding up, the holders of the equity shares are entitled to be repaid the amounts of capital paid up or credited as paid up on these equity shares. All surplus assets remaining belong to the holders of the equity shares in proportion to the amount paid up or credited as paid up on these equity shares, respectively, at the commencement of the winding up.

Acquisition of the Undertaking by the Government

Under the Banking Regulation Act, the Government may, after consultation with the RBI, in the interest of our depositors or banking policy or better provision of credit generally or to a particular community or area, acquire our banking business. The RBI may acquire our business if it is satisfied that we have failed to comply with the directions given to us by the RBI or that our business is being managed in a manner detrimental to the interest of our depositors. Similarly, the Government of India may also acquire our business based on a report by the RBI.

Takeover Code

Under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisitions of Shares & Takeovers) Regulations, 2011, as amended (the “Takeover Code”), upon the acquisition of shares which taken together with the shares/voting rights already held aggregates 5% or more of the outstanding shares or voting rights of a publicly listed Indian company, a purchaser is required to notify the company and all the stock exchanges on which the shares of such company are listed. Such notification is also required when a person holds 5% or more of the outstanding shares or voting rights in a target company and there is a change in his holding either due to purchase or disposal of shares of 2% or more of the outstanding shares/voting rights in the target company or if such change results in shareholding falling below 5%, if there has been a change from the previous disclosure.

No acquisition of shares/voting rights by an acquirer in a target company which entitles the acquirer, together with persons acting in concert with them, to 25% or more of such shares or voting rights is permissible unless the acquirer makes a public announcement of an open offer for acquiring the shares of the target company in the manner provided in the Takeover Code. The public announcement of an open offer is also mandatory where an acquirer who, together with persons acting in concert with them, holds 25% of the shares/voting rights in the target company, but less than the maximum permissible non-public shareholding, seeks to acquire an additional 5% or more of the shares/voting rights in the target company during any fiscal year. However, the Takeover Code applies only to shares or securities convertible into shares which carry a voting right. This provision will apply to an ADS holder only once he or she converts the ADSs into the underlying equity shares.

In terms of the Takeover Code, the acquirer or holder of shares/voting rights in a target company shall in accordance with the “Continual Disclosure” requirements disclose to the target company and the stock exchanges the details of holdings of equity shares/voting rights if such holding of shares/voting rights is 25% or more of the outstanding shares/aggregate voting rights as at March 31 every year.

DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES

American Depositary Shares

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as depositary, issued the American Depositary Shares, or ADSs. Each ADS represents an ownership interest in three equity shares, which we have deposited with the custodian, as agent of the depositary, under the deposit agreement among ourselves, the depositary and each ADR holder. In the future, each ADS will also represent any securities, cash or other property deposited with the depositary but which it has not distributed directly to an ADR holder. The ADSs are evidenced by what is known as American Depositary Receipts or ADRs.

The depositary’s office is located at 4 New York Plaza, Floor 12, New York, NY 10004.

Investors may hold ADSs either directly or indirectly through their broker or other financial institution. If an investor holds ADSs directly, by having an ADR certificate evidencing a specific number of ADSs registered in his name on the books of the depositary, or by holding an ADS in the depositary’s direct registration system, he is an ADR holder. This description assumes that the investor holds his ADSs directly. If an investor holds the ADSs through his broker or financial institution nominee, he must rely on the procedures of such broker or financial institution to assert the rights of an ADR holder described in this section. Investors should consult with their broker or financial institution to find out what these procedures are.

Because the depositary’s nominee will actually be the registered owner of the shares, investors must rely on the depositary to exercise the rights of a shareholder on their behalf. The obligations of the depositary and its agents are set out in the deposit agreement. The deposit agreement and the ADSs are governed by New York law.

The following is a summary of the material terms of the deposit agreement. Because it is a summary, it does not contain all the information that may be important to investors. For more complete information, investors should read the entire deposit agreement and the form of ADR, which contains the terms of the ADSs. Investors can read a copy of the amended and restated deposit agreement, which was filed as an exhibit to the registration statement on Form F-6 on September 9, 2015. Investors may also obtain a copy of the amended and restated deposit agreement at the Securities and Exchange Commission Office, Public Reference Room, which is located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Investors may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

Share Dividends and Other Distributions

We may make various types of distributions with respect to our securities. The depositary has agreed to pay to the investor the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on shares or other deposited securities, after deducting its charges and expenses. The investor will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of deposited securities that the investor’s ADSs represent. To the extent practicable, the depositary will deliver such distributions to ADR holders in proportion to their interests in the following manner:

Cash

The depositary will distribute any U.S. dollars available to it resulting from a cash dividend or other cash distribution if this is practicable and can be done in a reasonable manner. The depositary will distribute this cash in a practicable manner, and may deduct any taxes required to be withheld, any expenses of converting foreign currency and transferring funds to the United States and other expenses and adjustments. If exchange rates fluctuate during a time when the depositary cannot convert a foreign currency, investors may lose some or all of the value of the distribution.

Shares

In the case of a distribution in shares, the depositary will issue additional ADRs to evidence the number of ADSs representing such shares. Only whole ADSs will be issued. The depositary will sell any shares which would result in fractional ADSs and distribute the net proceeds to the ADR holders entitled to them.

Rights to Receive Additional Shares

In the case of a distribution of rights to subscribe for additional shares or other rights, if we provide satisfactory evidence that the depositary may lawfully distribute the rights, the depositary may arrange for ADR holders to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of the rights. However, if we do not furnish such evidence, the depositary may:

•

sell the rights, if practicable, and distribute the net proceeds as cash; or

•

if it is not practicable to sell the rights, allow the rights to lapse, in which case ADR holders will receive nothing.

We have no obligation to file a registration statement under the Securities Act in order to make any rights available to ADR holders or furnish evidence that the depositary may lawfully make any rights available to ADR holders.

Other Distributions

In the case of a distribution of securities or property other than those described above, the depositary may either:

•

distribute such securities or property in any manner it deems equitable and practicable; or

•

to the extent the depositary deems distribution of such securities or property not to be equitable and practicable, sell such securities or property and distribute any net proceeds in the same way it distributes cash; or

Any U.S. dollars will be distributed by checks drawn on a bank in the United States for whole dollars and cents (fractional cents will be withheld without liability for interest and handled by the depositary in accordance with its then current practices).

The depositary may choose, after consultation with us, if practicable, any practical method of distribution for any specific ADR holder, including the distribution of foreign currency, securities or property, or it may retain those items, without paying interest on or investing them, on behalf of the ADR holder as deposited securities, in which case the ADSs will also represent the retained items.

The depositary is not responsible if it fails to determine that any distribution or action is lawful or reasonably practicable.

We cannot assure investors that the depositary will be able to convert any currency at a specified exchange rate or sell any property, rights, shares or other securities at a specified price, or that any of such transactions can be completed within a specified time period. All purchases and sales of securities will be handled by the depositary in accordance with its then current policies, which are currently set forth in the “Depositary Receipt Sale and Purchase of Security” section of https://www.adr.com/Investors/FindOutAboutDRs, the location and contents of which the depositary shall be solely responsible for.

Deposit, Withdrawal and Cancellation

The depositary issues ADSs upon the deposit of shares or evidence of rights to receive shares with the custodian after payment of the fees and expenses owing to the depositary in connection with such issuance.

Except for shares that we deposit, no shares may be deposited by persons located in India, residents of India or for, or on the account of, such persons. Under current Indian laws and regulations, the depositary cannot accept deposits of outstanding shares and issue ADRs evidencing ADSs representing such shares without prior approval of the Government of India. However, an investor who surrenders an ADS and withdraws shares may be permitted to redeposit those shares in the depositary facility in exchange for ADSs and the depositary may accept deposits of outstanding shares purchased by a non-resident of India on the local stock exchange and issue ADSs representing those shares. However, in each case, the number of shares re-deposited or deposited cannot exceed the number represented by ADSs converted into underlying shares.

Shares deposited in the future with the custodian must be accompanied by certain documents, including instruments showing that such shares have been properly transferred or endorsed to the person on whose behalf the deposit is being made. To the extent delivery of certificates is impracticable, the shares may be deposited by any other delivery means reasonably acceptable to the depositary or custodian, including by way of crediting the shares to an account maintained by the custodian with us or an accredited intermediary acting as registrar for the shares.

We will inform the depositary if any of the shares permitted to be deposited do not rank pari passu with other deposited securities and the depositary will arrange for the issuance of temporary ADSs representing such shares until such time as the shares become fully fungible with the other deposited securities.

The custodian will hold all deposited shares for the account of the depositary. ADR holders thus have no direct ownership interest in the shares and only have such rights as are contained in the deposit agreement. The custodian will also hold any additional securities, property and cash received on or in substitution for the deposited shares. The deposited shares and any such additional items are referred to as “deposited securities”.

Upon each deposit of shares, receipt of related delivery documentation and compliance with the other provisions of the deposit agreement, including the payment of the fees and charges of the depositary and any taxes or other fees or charges owing, the depositary will issue an ADR or ADRs in the name of the person entitled thereto evidencing the number of ADSs to which such person is entitled. All ADSs issued will be evidenced by way of registration in the depositary’s direct registration system, unless certificated ADRs are specifically requested by the holder. Rather than receiving a certificate, registered holders will receive periodic statements from the depositary showing the number of ADSs to which they are entitled. Certificated ADRs will be delivered at the depositary’s designated transfer office.

When an investor turns in his ADR certificate at the depositary’s office, or provides proper instructions and documentation in the case of direct registration ADSs, the depositary will, upon payment of certain applicable fees, charges and taxes, deliver the underlying shares. Delivery of deposited securities in certificated form will be made at the custodian’s office or, at the investor’s risk and expense, the depositary may deliver such deposited securities at such other place as may be requested by the investor. A stamp duty will be payable by the relevant ADR holder in respect of any withdrawal of shares, unless the shares are held in dematerialized form. Any subsequent transfer by the holder of the shares after withdrawal will require the approval of the Reserve Bank of India, which approval must be obtained by the purchaser and us under the provisions of the Foreign Management Regulation Act, 1999 unless the transfer is on a stock exchange or in connection with an offer under the Indian takeover regulations.

The depositary may only restrict the withdrawal of deposited securities in connection with:

•

temporary delays caused by closing the Bank’s transfer books or those of the depositary or the deposit of shares in connection with voting at a shareholders’ meeting, or the payment of dividends;

•

the payment of fees, taxes and similar charges; or

•

compliance with any U.S. or foreign laws or governmental regulations relating to the ADRs or to the withdrawal of deposited securities.

This right of withdrawal may not be limited by any other provision of the deposit agreement.

Voting Rights

Investors who hold ADRs have no voting rights with respect to the deposited equity shares. The depositary will abstain from exercising the voting rights of the deposited equity shares. The RBI examined the matter relating to the exercise of voting rights by the depositary and issued a circular dated February 5, 2007 pursuant to which the Bank furnished to the RBI a copy of its agreement with the depositary. We have given an undertaking to the RBI stating that we will not recognize voting by the depositary if the vote given by the depositary is in contravention of its agreement with us and that we or the depositary will not bring about any change in our depositary agreement without the prior approval of the RBI.

Equity shares which have been withdrawn from the depositary facility and transferred on our register of shareholders to a person other than the depositary or its nominee may be voted by that person. However, such shareholders may not receive sufficient advance notice of shareholder meetings to enable them to withdraw the underlying shares and vote at such meetings.

Record Dates

The depositary may, after consultation with us, if practicable, fix record dates for the determination of the ADR holders, who will be entitled or obligated (as the case may be) to receive any distribution on or in respect of deposited securities, or to pay the fee assessed by the depositary for administration of the ADR program and any expenses provided for in the ADR, subject to the provisions of the deposit agreement.

Reports and Other Communications

The depositary will make available for inspection by ADR holders at the offices of the depositary and at the transfer office any written communications from us which are both received by the custodian or its nominee as a holder of deposited securities and made generally available to the holders of deposited securities. The depositary will distribute copies of such communications, or English translations or summaries thereof, to ADR holders when furnished by us.

Fees and Charges for Holders of American Depositary Shares

The depositary collects the following fees from holders of ADRs or intermediaries acting on their behalf:


Category		Depositary actions	Associated fee
(a)	Issuing ADSs	Issuing ADSs upon deposits of shares, issuances in respect of share distributions, rights and other distributions, stock dividends, stock splits, mergers, exchanges of securities or any other transaction or event or other distribution affecting the ADSs or the deposited securities.	US$5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) issued or delivered.

(b)	Distributing dividends	Distribution of cash.	US$0.02 or less per ADS.

(c)	Distributing or selling securities	Distribution to ADR holders of securities received by the depositary or net proceeds from the sale of such securities.	US$5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof), the fee being in an amount equal to the fee for the execution and delivery of ADSs which would have been charged as a result of the deposit of such securities.

(d)	Cancellation or reduction of ADSs	Acceptance of ADSs surrendered for withdrawal of deposited shares, or the cancellation or reduction of ADSs for any other reason.	US$5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) reduced, canceled or surrendered (as the case may be).

(e)	Transferring, splitting or combining ADRs	Transfer, split or combination of depositary receipts.	US$1.50 per ADR.

(f)	General depositary services	Services performed by the depositary in administering the ADRs.	US$0.01 per ADS per calendar year (or portion thereof).



(g)	Other	Fees, charges and expenses incurred on behalf of holders in connection with:	The amount of such fees, charges and expenses incurred by the depositary and/or any of its agents.

		• compliance with foreign exchange control regulations or any law or regulation relating to foreign investment;

		• the servicing of shares or other deposited securities;

		• the sale of securities;

		• the delivery of deposited securities;

		• the depositary’s or its custodian’s compliance with applicable law, rule or regulation;

		• stock transfer or other taxes and other governmental charges;

		• cable, telex and facsimile transmission and delivery charges;

		• transfer or registration fees for the registration or transfer of deposited securities on any applicable register in connection with the deposit or withdrawal of deposited securities;

		• the conversion of foreign currency into U.S. dollars (which are deducted by the depositary out of such foreign currency); or

		• the fees of any division, branch or affiliate of the depositary utilized by the depositary to direct, manage and/or execute any public or private sale of securities under the deposit agreement.

As provided in the deposit agreement, the depositary may collect its fees for making cash and other distributions to holders by deducting fees from distributable amounts or by selling a portion of the distributable property. The depositary may generally refuse to provide services until its fees for those services are paid.

Fees Paid by the Depositary to us

Direct and Indirect Payments

The depositary has agreed to contribute certain reasonable direct and indirect expenses related to our ADS program incurred by us in connection with the program. Under certain circumstances, we may be required to repay to the depositary amounts contributed by them.

The table below sets forth the contribution received by us from the depositary towards our direct and indirect expenses during fiscal 2017.


Category	Contribution received
Legal, accounting fees and other expenses incurred in connection with our ADS program	US$	4,230,946.17 (approximately Rs. 284.4 million)

Payment of Taxes

ADR holders must pay any tax or other governmental charge payable by the custodian or the depositary on any ADS or ADR, deposited security or distribution, and by holding or having held an ADR, the holder and all prior holders, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify, defend and save harmless the depositary and its agents. If an ADR holder owes any tax or other governmental charge, the depositary may:

•

deduct the amount thereof from any cash distributions; or

•

sell deposited securities and deduct the amount owing from the net proceeds of such sale.

In either case the ADR holder remains liable for any shortfall. Additionally, if any tax or governmental charge is unpaid, the depositary may also refuse to effect any registration, registration of transfer, split-up or combination of deposited securities or withdrawal of deposited securities (except under limited circumstances mandated by securities regulations). If any tax or governmental charge is required to be withheld on any non-cash distribution, the depositary may sell the distributed property or securities to pay such taxes and distribute any remaining net proceeds to the ADR holders entitled to them.

Reclassifications, Recapitalizations and Mergers

If we take certain actions that affect the deposited securities, including (1) any change in par value, split-up, consolidation, cancellation or other reclassification of deposited securities or (2) any recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, liquidation, receivership, bankruptcy or sale of all or substantially all of our assets, then the depositary may choose to:

•

amend the form of ADR;

•

distribute additional or amended ADRs;

•

distribute cash, securities or other property it has received in connection with such actions;

•

sell any securities or property received and distribute the proceeds as cash; or

•

take no action.

If the depositary does not choose any of the above options, any of the cash, securities or other property it receives will constitute part of the deposited securities and each ADS will then represent a proportionate interest in such property.

Amendment and Termination

We may agree with the depositary to amend the deposit agreement and the ADSs without the consent of ADR holders for any reason. ADR holders must be given at least 30 days’ notice of any amendment that imposes or increases any fees or charges (other than stock transfer or other taxes and other governmental charges, transfer or registration fees, cable, telex or facsimile transmission costs, delivery costs or other such expenses), or prejudices any substantial existing right of ADR holders. If an ADR holder continues to hold an ADR or ADRs after being notified of these changes, the ADR holder is deemed to agree to, and be bound by, such amendment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an amendment can become effective before notice is given if this is necessary to ensure compliance with a new law, rule or regulation.

No amendment will impair an ADR holder’s right to surrender its ADSs and receive the underlying securities, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law. If a governmental or regulatory body adopts new laws, rules or regulations which require the deposit agreement or the ADS to be amended, the Bank and the depositary may make the necessary amendments, which could take effect before an ADR holder receives notice thereof.

The depositary may terminate the deposit agreement by giving the ADR holders at least 30 days’ prior notice and it must do so at our request. After termination, the depositary’s only responsibility will be (i) to deliver deposited securities to ADR holders who surrender their ADRs, and (ii) to hold or sell distributions received on deposited securities. As soon as practicable after the expiration of six months from the termination date, the depositary will sell the remaining deposited securities and hold the net proceeds of such sales, together with any other cash then held by it under the deposit agreement, in trust for the ADR holders who have not yet surrendered their ADRs. After making those sales, the depositary shall have no obligations except to account for such proceeds and other cash. The depositary will not be required to invest such proceeds or pay interest on them.

Limitations on Obligations and Liability to ADR Holders

The deposit agreement expressly limits the obligations and liability of the depositary, ourselves and our respective agents. Neither we nor the depositary nor any such agent will be liable if:

•

any present or future law, rule, regulation, fiat, order or decree of the United States, the Republic of India or any other country, or of any governmental or regulatory authority or securities exchange or market or automated quotation system, the provisions of or regulation governing any deposited securities, any present or future provision of our charter, any act of God, war, terrorism, nationalization or other circumstance beyond its control shall prevent or delay, or shall cause it to be subject to any civil or criminal penalty in connection with any act which the deposit agreement or the ADRs provide shall be done or performed by it;

•

it exercises or fails to exercise discretion under the deposit agreement or the ADR;

•

it takes any action or inaction in reliance upon the advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting shares for deposit, any registered holder of ADRs, or any other person believed by it to be competent to give such advice or information;

•

it performs its obligations under the deposit agreement without gross negligence or willful misconduct; or

•

it relies upon any written notice, request, direction, instruction or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, presented or given by the proper party or parties.

Neither the depositary nor its agents have any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit or other proceeding in respect of any deposited securities or the ADRs. We and our agents shall only be obligated to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit or other proceeding in respect of any deposited securities or the ADRs, which in our opinion may involve us in expense or liability, if indemnity satisfactory to us against all expense (including fees and disbursements of counsel) and liability is furnished as often as we require.

The depositary will not be liable for the price received in connection with any sale of securities or any delay or omission to act nor will the depositary be responsible for any error or delay in action, omission to act, default or negligence on the part of the party retained in connection with any sale or proposed sale of securities.

The depositary may own and deal in any class of securities and in ADRs.

Disclosure of Interest in ADSs

From time to time we may request ADR holders and beneficial owners of ADSs to provide information as to:

•

the capacity in which they own or owned ADSs;

•

the identity of any other persons then or previously interested in such ADSs; and

•

the nature of such interest and various other matters.

Investors in ADSs agree to provide any information requested by us or the depositary pursuant to the deposit agreement. The depositary has agreed to use reasonable efforts, without risk, liability or expense on the part of the depositary, to comply with written instructions received from us requesting that it forward any such requests to investors in ADSs and other holders and beneficial owners and to forward to us any responses to such requests to the extent permitted by applicable law.

We may restrict transfers of the shares where any such transfer might result in ownership of shares in contravention of, or exceeding the limits under, applicable law or our organizational documents. We may also instruct ADR holders that we are restricting the transfers of ADSs where such a transfer may result in the total number of shares represented by the ADSs beneficially owned by ADR holders contravening or exceeding the limits under the applicable law or our organizational documents. We reserve the right to instruct ADR holders to deliver their ADSs for cancellation and withdrawal of the shares underlying such ADSs and holders agree to comply with such instructions.

Requirements for Depositary Actions

We, the depositary or the custodian may refuse to:

•

issue, register or transfer an ADR or ADRs;

•

effect a split-up or combination of ADRs;

•

deliver distributions on any such ADRs; or

•

permit the withdrawal of deposited securities (unless the deposit agreement provides otherwise), until the following conditions have been met:

•

the holder has paid all taxes, governmental charges and fees and expenses as required in the deposit agreement;

•

the holder has provided the depositary with any information it may deem necessary or proper, including, without limitation, proof of identity and the genuineness of any signature, and information as to citizenship, residence, exchange control approval, beneficial ownership of any securities, compliance with applicable law, regulations, provisions of or governing deposited securities and terms of the deposit agreement and the ADRs; and

•

the holder has complied with such regulations as the depositary may establish consistent with the deposit agreement.

The depositary may also suspend the issuance of ADSs, the deposit of shares, the registration, transfer, split-up or combination of ADRs, or the withdrawal of deposited securities (unless the deposit agreement provides otherwise), if the register for ADRs or any deposited securities is closed or if any such action is deemed advisable by the depositary.

Books of Depositary

The depositary or its agent will maintain a register for the registration, registration of transfer, combination and split-up of ADRs, which, in the case of registered ADRs, shall include the depositary’s direct registration system. ADR holders may inspect the depositary’s designated records at all reasonable times. Such register may be closed at any time from time to time, when deemed expedient by the depositary.

The depositary will maintain facilities for the delivery and receipt of ADRs.

Pre-release of ADSs

The depositary may issue ADSs prior to the receipt of shares and deliver shares prior to the receipt of ADSs for the withdrawal of deposited securities. Each such transaction is called a pre-release of the ADSs. A pre-release is closed out as soon as the underlying shares (or other ADSs) are delivered to the depositary. The depositary may pre-release ADSs only if:

•

the person or entity to whom ADSs or shares will be delivered:

•

represents that, at the time of the pre-release, the applicant or its customer owns the shares or ADSs to be delivered;

•

agrees to indicate the depositary as owner of such shares or ADSs in its records and to hold such shares or ADSs in trust for the depositary until they have been delivered to the depositary or custodian;

•

unconditionally guarantees to deliver the shares or ADSs to the depositary or custodian, as applicable;

•

agrees to any additional restrictions or requirements that the depositary deems appropriate; and

•

the depositary has received collateral for the full market value of the pre-released ADSs or shares.

In general, the number of pre-released ADSs and shares is limited to 30% of all ADSs outstanding at any given time (without giving effect to those ADSs issued prior to the receipt of shares). However, the depositary may change or disregard such limit from time to time as it deems appropriate. The depositary may also set limits with respect to the number of ADSs and shares involved in pre-release transactions with any one person on a case-by-case basis as it deems appropriate. The depositary may retain for its own account any compensation received by it in conjunction with pre-release transactions, including earnings on collateral but excluding the collateral itself.

The Depositary

The depositary is JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., a commercial bank offering a wide range of banking services to its customers both domestically and internationally. JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association is a wholly-owned bank subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase & Co., a Delaware corporation.

DIVIDEND POLICY

We have paid dividends every year since fiscal 1997. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the dividend per equity share and the total amount of dividends declared on the equity shares, both exclusive of dividend tax. All dividends were paid in rupees.


	Dividend per equity share				Total amount of dividends declared
					(in millions)
Relating to Fiscal Year
2013	Rs.	5.50	US$	0.085	Rs.	13,090.8	US$	201.9
2014		6.85		0.106		16,433.5		253.4
2015		8.00		0.123		20,052.0		309.2
2016		9.50		0.146		24,017.8		370.4
2017		11.00		0.170		28,188.0		434.7

Our dividends are generally declared and paid in the fiscal year following the year to which they relate. Under Indian law, a company pays dividends upon a recommendation by its board of directors and approval by a majority of the shareholders at the annual general meeting of shareholders held within six months of the end of each fiscal year. The shareholders have the right to decrease but not to increase the dividend amount recommended by the Board of Directors.

We pay a 17.64% direct tax in respect of dividends paid by us. In addition, we pay a 12.0% surcharge on 17.64% direct tax and an add-on education cess at the rate of 3.0% of the total dividend distribution tax and surcharge. These are direct taxes paid by us; these taxes are not payable by shareholders and are not withheld or deducted from the dividend payments set forth above. The tax rates imposed on us in respect of dividends paid in prior periods varied. Further, as per the provisions of Section 115BBDA, if the dividend income of a certain specified resident exceeds Rs. 1.0 million, such dividend would be taxed at the rate of 10% on any amount exceeding Rs. 1.0 million in the hand of the shareholder.

Future dividends will depend on our revenues, cash flows, financial condition (including capital position) and other factors. ADS holders will be entitled to receive dividends payable in respect of the equity shares represented by ADSs. One ADS represents three equity shares. Cash dividends in respect of the equity shares represented by ADSs will be paid to the depositary in Indian rupees and, except in certain instances, will be converted by the depositary into U.S. dollars. The depositary will distribute these proceeds to ADS holders. The equity shares represented by ADSs will rank equally with all other equity shares in respect of dividends.

For a description of regulation of dividends, see “Supervision and Regulation—Special Provisions of the Banking Regulation Act—Restrictions on Payment of Dividends”.

SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

The following tables set forth our selected financial and other data. Our selected income statement data for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 and the selected balance sheet data as of March 31, 2016 and 2017 are derived from our audited financial statements included in this report. Our selected balance sheet data as of March 31, 2013, March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015 and selected income statement data for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2014 are derived from our audited financial statements not included in this report.

For the convenience of the reader, the selected financial data as of and for the year ended March 31, 2017 have been translated into U.S. dollars at the rate on such date of Rs. 64.85 per US$1.00. The U.S. dollar equivalent information should not be construed to imply that the real amounts represent, or could have been or could be converted into, U.S. dollars at such rates or at any other rate.

You should read the following data with the more detailed information contained in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our financial statements. Footnotes to the following data appear below the final table.


	Year ended March 31,
	2013		2014		2015		2016		2017		2017
	(in millions, except per equity share data and ADS data)
Selected income statement data:
Interest and dividend revenue	Rs.	353,878.5	Rs.	422,211.3	Rs.	500,787.2	Rs.	625,428.6	Rs.	725,554.3	US$	11,188.1
Interest expense		196,802.0		229,639.2		264,610.9		333,067.1		373,758.7		5,763.4
Net interest revenue		157,076.5		192,572.1		236,176.3		292,361.5		351,795.6		5,424.7
Provisions for credit losses		12,688.0		17,428.1		17,000.2		21,531.3		37,951.4		585.2
Net interest revenue after provisions for credit losses		144,388.5		175,144.0		219,176.1		270,830.2		313,844.2		4,839.5
Non-interest revenue, net		65,177.4		70,834.5		79,821.5		96,833.9		110,326.1		1,701.3
Net revenue		209,565.9		245,978.5		298,997.6		367,664.1		424,170.3		6,540.8
Non-interest expense		117,591.1		124,228.1		144,973.0		182,077.3		204,204.8		3,148.8
Income before income tax expense		91,974.8		121,750.4		154,024.6		185,586.8		219,965.5		3,392.0
Income tax expense		29,840.1		42,304.2		54,519.9		67,536.9		79,224.9		1,221.7
Net income before noncontrolling interest		62,134.7		79,446.2		99,504.7		118,049.9		140,740.6		2,170.3
Less: Net income attributable to shareholders of noncontrolling interest		315.3		126.5		267.0		134.6		210.8		3.3
Net income attributable to HDFC Bank Limited	Rs.	61,819.4	Rs.	79,319.7	Rs.	99,237.7	Rs.	117,915.3	Rs.	140,529.8	US$	2,167.0
Per equity share data:
Earnings per equity share, basic	Rs.	26.18	Rs.	33.18	Rs.	40.94	Rs.	46.84	Rs.	55.23	US$	0.85
Earnings per equity share, diluted		25.91		32.94		40.55		46.33		54.57		0.84
Dividends per share		5.50		6.85		8.00		9.50		11.00		0.17
Book value⁽¹⁾		196.89		221.71		299.32		343.85		400.41		6.17
Equity share data:
Equity shares outstanding at end of period		2,379.4		2,399.1		2,506.5		2,528.2		2,562.5		2,562.5
Weighted average equity shares outstanding—basic		2,361.0		2,390.3		2,423.8		2,517.4		2,544.3		2,544.3
Weighted average equity shares outstanding—diluted		2,386.1		2,408.1		2,447.3		2,545.4		2,575.4		2,575.4
ADS data (where one ADS represents three shares):
Earnings per ADS—basic		78.54		99.54		122.82		140.52		165.69		2.55
Earnings per ADS—diluted		77.73		98.82		121.65		138.99		163.71		2.52


	As of March 31,
	2013		2014		2015		2016		2017		2017
	(in millions)
Selected balance sheet data:
Cash and cash equivalents	Rs.	218,740.2	Rs.	370,835.2	Rs.	341,124.3	Rs.	377,671.7	Rs.	430,708.6	US$	6,641.6
Term placements⁽²⁾		199,265.7		176,481.7		169,989.5		148,899.8		131,069.5		2,021.1
Loans, net of allowance		2,504,551.6		3,185,648.1		3,896,115.0		4,935,474.3		5,910,412.8		91,139.7
Investments:
Investments held for trading		87,383.5		65,077.9		61,292.8		71,860.9		35,363.7		545.3
Investments available for sale		1,018,071.5		908,824.3		1,504,412.8		1,878,684.4		2,111,385.6		32,558.0
Total		1,105,455.0		973,902.2		1,565,705.6		1,950,545.3		2,146,749.3		33,103.3
Total assets	Rs.	4,370,906.1	Rs.	5,125,407.3	Rs.	6,259,015.8	Rs.	7,736,723.3	Rs.	9,066,980.5	US$	139,814.7
Long-term debt		295,219.7		395,208.6		457,934.4		522,313.5		730,920.7		11,270.9
Short-term borrowings		145,617.2		150,775.5		214,191.9		253,562.4		322,265.6		4,969.4
Total deposits		2,960,533.9		3,670,000.1		4,501,710.8		5,457,860.3		6,431,322.9		99,172.3
Of which:
Interest-bearing deposits		2,438,262.0		3,057,154.5		3,768,678.8		4,575,414.5		5,277,644.0		81,382.3
Non-interest bearing deposits		522,271.9		612,845.6		733,032.0		882,445.8		1,153,678.9		17,790.0
Total liabilities		3,900,528.2		4,592,406.6		5,507,448.2		6,865,928.1		8,039,079.4		123,964.2
Noncontrolling interest		1,903.6		1,094.0		1,315.5		1,485.0		1,847.5		28.5
HDFC Bank Limited shareholders’ equity		468,474.3		531,906.7		750,252.1		869,310.2		1,026,053.6		15,822.0
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	Rs.	4,370,906.1	Rs.	5,125,407.3	Rs.	6,259,015.8	Rs.	7,736,723.3	Rs.	9,066,980.5	US$	139,814.7

	Year ended March 31,
	2013		2014		2015		2016		2017		2017
	(in millions)
Period average⁽³⁾
Interest-earning assets	Rs.	3,403,617.4	Rs.	4,110,169.4	Rs.	4,878,731.8	Rs.	6,334,288.6	Rs.	7,584,354.9	US$	116,952.3
Loans, net of allowance		2,328,320.6		2,839,477.7		3,408,315.6		4,278,152.9		5,156,042.6		79,507.2
Total assets		3,774,632.3		4,505,119.5		5,289,353.5		6,776,037.8		8,099,122.2		125,890.1
Interest-bearing deposits		2,245,452.4		2,737,895.6		3,365,392.5		4,301,515.1		5,053,872.7		77,931.7
Non-interest bearing deposits		414,590.2		448,165.2		519,675.4		620,340.4		784,108.7		12,091.1
Total deposits		2,660,042.6		3,186,060.8		3,885,067.9		4,921,855.5		5,837,981.4		90,022.8
Interest-bearing liabilities		2,721,847.0		3,362,570.1		3,944,982.9		5,130,083.6		6,104,324.6		94,129.9
Long-term debt		234,489.1		296,782.8		449,057.2		485,713.4		646,512.9		9,969.4
Short-term borrowings		241,905.5		327,891.7		130,533.2		342,855.1		403,939.0		6,228.8
Total liabilities		3,338,592.5		3,997,363.1		4,673,939.3		5,955,268.7		7,155,571.9		110,340.4
Total shareholders’ equity		436,039.8		507,756.4		615,414.2		820,769.1		943,550.3		14,549.7


	As of or for the year ended March 31,
	2013		2014		2015		2016		2017
	(in percentage)
Profitability:
Net income attributable to HDFC Bank Limited as a percentage of:
Average total assets		1.6		1.8		1.9		1.7		1.7
Average total shareholders’ equity		14.2		15.6		16.1		14.4		14.9
Dividend payout ratio⁽⁴⁾		21.2		20.7		20.2		20.4		20.1
Spread⁽⁵⁾		4.1		4.2		4.3		4.1		4.1
Net interest margin⁽⁶⁾		4.6		4.7		4.8		4.6		4.6
Cost-to-net revenue ratio⁽⁷⁾		56.1		50.5		48.5		49.5		48.1
Cost-to-average assets ratio⁽⁸⁾		3.1		2.8		2.7		2.7		2.5
Capital:
Total capital adequacy ratio⁽⁹⁾		16.80		16.07		16.79		15.53		14.55
Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio⁽⁹⁾		11.08		11.77		13.66		13.22		12.79
Tier 2 capital adequacy ratio⁽⁹⁾		5.72		4.30		3.13		2.31		1.76
Average total shareholders’ equity as a percentage of average total assets		11.6		11.3		11.6		12.1		11.7
Asset quality:
Gross non-performing customer assets as a percentage of gross customer assets⁽¹⁰⁾		0.8		1.2		1.0		1.0		1.3
Net non-performing customer assets as a percentage of net customer assets⁽¹⁰⁾		0.2		0.6		0.4		0.4		0.6
Total allowance for credit losses as a percentage of gross non-performing credit assets		159.4		143.5		120.4		108.3		94.6

(1)	Represents the difference between total assets and total liabilities, reduced by noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries, divided by the number of shares outstanding at the end of each reporting period.

(2)	Includes placements with banks and financial institutions with original maturities of greater than three months.

(3)	Average balances are the average of daily outstanding amounts.

(4)	Represents the ratio of total dividends payable on equity shares relating to each fiscal year, excluding the dividend distribution tax, as a percentage of net income of that year. Dividends declared each year are typically paid in the following fiscal year. See “Dividend Policy ”

(5)

Represents the difference between yield on average interest-earning assets and cost of average interest-bearing liabilities. Yield on average interest-earning assets is the ratio of interest revenue to average interest-earning assets. Cost of average interest-bearing liabilities is the ratio of interest expense to average interest-bearing liabilities. For purposes of calculating spread, interest-bearing liabilities includes non-interest bearing current accounts.

(6)

Represents the ratio of net interest revenue to average interest-earning assets. The difference in net interest margin and spread arises due to the difference in the amount of average interest-earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities. If average interest-earning assets exceed average interest-bearing liabilities, the net interest margin is greater than the spread. If average interest-bearing liabilities exceed average interest-earning assets, the net interest margin is less than the spread.

(7)	Represents the ratio of non-interest expense to the sum of net interest revenue after provision for credit losses and non-interest revenue.

(8)	Represents the ratio of non-interest expense to average total assets.

(9)

Total, Tier I and Tier II capital adequacy ratios for fiscal 2013 have been calculated in accordance with RBI guidelines (New Capital Adequacy Framework, generally referred to as “Basel II”) and capital adequacy ratios for fiscals 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 have been calculated in accordance with RBI guidelines (Basel III Capital Regulations, generally referred to as “Basel III”) and therefore are not directly comparable. See also “Supervision and Regulation”.

(10)	Customer assets consist of loans and credit substitutes.

SELECTED STATISTICAL INFORMATION

The following information should be read together with our financial statements included in this report as well as “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”. Certain amounts presented in this section are in accordance with U.S. GAAP and certain figures are presented according to RBI guidelines where noted. Footnotes appear at the end of each related section of tables.

Average Balance Sheet

The table below presents the average balances for our assets and liabilities together with the related interest revenue and expense amounts, resulting in the presentation of the average yields and cost for each period. The average balance is the daily average of balances outstanding. The average yield on average interest-earning assets is the ratio of interest revenue to average interest-earning assets. The average cost of average interest-bearing liabilities is the ratio of interest expense to average interest-bearing liabilities. The average balances of loans include non-performing loans and are net of allowance for credit losses.


	Year ended March 31,
	2015							2016							2017
	Average balance		Interest revenue/ expense		Average yield/ cost			Average balance		Interest revenue/ expense		Average yield/ cost			Average balance		Interest revenue/ expense		Average yield/ cost
	(in millions, except percentages)
Assets:
Interest-earning assets:
Cash equivalents⁽¹⁾	Rs.	85,560.4	Rs.	3,217.0		3.8	%	Rs.	77,428.7	Rs.	3,339.8		4.3	%	Rs.	135,626.9	Rs.	5,792.1		4.3	%
Term placements		165,848.3		10,053.0		6.1			157,896.4		9,548.0		6.0			140,172.9		7,415.0		5.3
Investments available for sale		1,135,060.9		94,129.1		8.3			1,718,127.8		136,062.4		7.9			2,062,484.8		154,618.6		7.5
Investments held for trading		83,946.6		5,123.4		6.1			102,682.8		5,659.9		5.5			90,027.7		5,041.8		5.6
Loans, net:
Retail loans		2,344,964.3		282,799.0		12.1			3,023,627.7		354,229.3		11.7			3,641,118.5		418,143.7		11.5
Wholesale loans		1,063,351.3		105,465.7		9.9			1,254,525.2		116,589.2		9.3			1,514,924.1		134,543.1		8.9
Total interest-earning assets:	Rs.	4,878,731.8	Rs.	500,787.2		10.3	%	Rs.	6,334,288.6	Rs.	625,428.6		9.9	%	Rs.	7,584,354.9	Rs.	725,554.3		9.6	%
Non-interest-earning assets:
Cash		199,948.0							247,757.0							309,118.0
Property and equipment		31,481.4							34,786.6							37,805.7
Other assets		179,192.3							159,205.6							167,843.6
Total non-interest earning assets		410,621.7							441,749.2							514,767.3
Total assets	Rs.	5,289,353.5	Rs.	500,787.2		9.5	%	Rs.	6,776,037.8	Rs.	625,428.6		9.2	%	Rs.	8,099,122.2	Rs.	725,554.3		9.0	%
Liabilities:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Savings account deposits	Rs.	1,054,374.0	Rs.	42,031.0		4.0	%	Rs.	1,258,166.0	Rs.	50,336.0		4.0	%	Rs.	1,598,619.0	Rs.	63,784.0		4.0	%
Time deposits		2,311,018.5		185,290.9		8.0			3,043,349.1		233,428.7		7.7			3,455,253.7		244,294.3		7.1
Short-term borrowings⁽²⁾		130,533.2		7,341.0		5.6			342,855.1		16,491.4		4.8			403,939.0		21,899.3		5.4
Long-term debt		449,057.2		29,948.0		6.7			485,713.4		32,811.0		6.8			646,512.9		43,781.1		6.8
Total interest-bearing liabilities	Rs.	3,944,982.9	Rs.	264,610.9		6.7	%	Rs.	5,130,083.6	Rs.	333,067.1		6.5	%	Rs.	6,104,324.6	Rs.	373,758.7		6.1	%
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Non-interest-bearing deposits		519,675.4							620,340.4							784,108.7
Other liabilities		209,281.0							204,844.7							267,138.6
Total non-interest-bearing liabilities		728,956.4							825,185.1							1,051,247.3
Total liabilities	Rs.	4,673,939.3	Rs.	264,610.9		5.7	%	Rs.	5,955,268.7	Rs.	333,067.1		5.6	%	Rs.	7,155,571.9	Rs.	373,758.7		5.2	%
Total shareholders’ equity		615,414.2							820,769.1							943,550.3
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	Rs.	5,289,353.5	Rs.	264,610.9		5.0	%	Rs.	6,776,037.8	Rs.	333,067.1		4.9	%	Rs.	8,099,122.2	Rs.	373,758.7		4.6	%

(1)	Includes securities purchased under agreements to resell.

(2)	Includes securities sold under repurchase agreements.

Analysis of Changes in Interest Revenue and Interest Expense

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the allocation of the changes in our interest revenue and interest expense between average balance and average rate.


	Fiscal 2016 vs. Fiscal 2015 Increase (decrease)⁽¹⁾ due to									Fiscal 2017 vs. Fiscal 2016 Increase (decrease)⁽¹⁾ due to
	Net change			Change in Average balance			Change in average rate			Net change			Change in Average balance			Change in average rate
							(in millions)
Interest revenue:
Cash equivalents	Rs.	122.8		Rs.	(305.7	)	Rs.	428.5		Rs.	2,452.3		Rs.	2,510.3		Rs.	(58.0	)
Term placements		(505.0	)		(482.0	)		(23.0	)		(2,133.0	)		(1,071.7	)		(1,061.3	)
Investments available for sale		41,933.3			47,967.1			(6,033.8	)		18,556.2			27,564.1			(9,007.9	)
Investments held for trading		536.5			1,143.5			(607.0	)		(618.1	)		(697.6	)		79.5
Loans, net:
Retail loans		71,430.3			81,845.7			(10,415.4	)		63,914.4			72,341.4			(8,427.0	)
Wholesale loans		11,123.5			18,961.1			(7,837.6	)		17,953.9			24,200.2			(6,246.3	)
Total interest-earning assets	Rs.	124,641.4		Rs.	149,129.7		Rs.	(24,488.3	)	Rs.	100,125.7		Rs.	124,846.7		Rs.	(24,721.0	)
Interest expense:
Savings account deposits	Rs.	8,305.0		Rs.	8,305.0		Rs.	—		Rs.	13,448.0		Rs.	13,448.0		Rs.	—
Time deposits		48,137.8			58,716.2			(10,578.4	)		10,865.6			31,593.6			(20,728.0	)
Short-term borrowings		9,150.4			11,940.7			(2,790.3	)		5,407.9			2,938.1			2,469.8
Long-term debt		2,863.0			2,444.6			418.4			10,970.1			10,862.4			107.7
Total interest-bearing liabilities	Rs.	68,456.2		Rs.	81,406.5		Rs.	(12,950.3	)	Rs.	40,691.6		Rs.	58,842.1		Rs.	(18,150.5)
Net interest revenue	Rs.	56,185.2		Rs.	67,723.2		Rs.	(11,538.0	)	Rs.	59,434.1		Rs.	66,004.6		Rs.	(6,570.5)

(1)	The changes in net interest revenue between periods have been reflected as attributed either to average balance or average rate changes. For purposes of this table, changes which are due to both average balance and average rate have been allocated solely to changes in average rate.

Yields, Spreads and Margins

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the yields, spreads and interest margins on our interest-earning assets.


	Year ended March 31,
	2015			2016			2017
	(in millions, except percentages)
Interest revenue	Rs.	500,787.2		Rs.	625,428.6		Rs.	725,554.3
Average interest-earning assets		4,878,731.8			6,334,288.6			7,584,354.9
Interest expense		264,610.9			333,067.1			373,758.7
Average interest-bearing liabilities		3,944,982.9			5,130,083.6			6,104,324.6
Average total assets		5,289,353.5			6,776,037.8			8,099,122.2
Average interest-earning assets as a percentage of average total assets		92.2	%		93.5	%		93.6	%
Average interest-bearing liabilities as a percentage of average total assets		74.6	%		75.7	%		75.4	%
Average interest-earning assets as a percentage of average interest-bearing liabilities		123.7	%		123.5	%		124.2	%
Yield		10.3	%		9.9	%		9.6	%
Cost of funds⁽¹⁾		5.7	%		5.6	%		5.2	%
Spread⁽²⁾		4.3	%		4.1	%		4.1	%
Net interest margin⁽³⁾		4.8	%		4.6	%		4.6	%

(1)	Excludes total shareholders’ equity.

(2)

Represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities. The yield on average interest-earning assets is the ratio of interest revenue to average interest-earning assets. The cost of average interest-bearing liabilities is the ratio of interest expense to average interest-bearing liabilities. For purposes of calculating spread, interest-bearing liabilities include non-interest bearing current accounts.

(3)

The net interest margin is the ratio of net interest revenue to average interest-earning assets. The difference in the net interest margin and spread arises due to the difference in the amount of average interest-earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities. If average interest-earning assets exceed average interest-bearing liabilities, the net interest margin is greater than the spread. If average interest-bearing liabilities exceed average interest-earning assets, the net interest margin is less than the spread.

Return on Equity and Assets

The following table presents selected financial ratios for the periods indicated.


	Year ended March 31,
	2015			2016			2017
	(in millions, except percentages)
Net income	Rs.	99,237.7		Rs.	117,915.3		Rs.	140,529.8
Average total assets		5,289,353.5			6,776,037.8			8,099,122.2
Average total shareholders’ equity		615,414.2			820,769.1			943,550.3
Net income as a percentage of average total assets		1.9	%		1.7	%		1.7	%
Net income as a percentage of average total shareholders’ equity		16.1	%		14.4	%		14.9	%
Average total shareholders’ equity as a percentage of average total assets		11.6	%		12.1	%		11.7	%
Dividend payout-ratio		20.2	%		20.4	%		20.1	%

Investment Portfolio

Available for Sale Investments

The following tables set forth, as of the dates indicated, information related to our investments available for sale.

At March 31,

2015

2016

2017

Amortized
Cost

Gross
unrealized
gain

Gross
unrealized
loss

Fair value

Amortized
cost

Gross
unrealized
gain

Gross
unrealized
loss

Fair value

Amortized
cost

Gross
unrealized
gain

Gross
unrealized
loss

Fair Value

(in millions)

Government securities

Rs.1,205,655.3

Rs.15,917.7

Rs. 1,242.7

Rs.1,220,330.3

Rs.1,536,017.9

Rs.15,978.2

Rs.168.0

Rs.1,551,828.1

Rs.1,619,137.6

Rs.40,733.3

Rs.2,811.3

Rs.1,657,059.6

Other debt securities

257,847.7

412.6

178.9

258,081.4

305,696.6

335.8

235.4

305,797.0

429,973.5

1,041.4

749.9

430,265.0

Total debt securities⁽¹⁾

Rs.1,463,503.0

Rs.16,330.3

Rs. 1,421.6

Rs.1,478,411.7

Rs.1,841,714.5

Rs.16,314.0

Rs.403.4

Rs.1,857,625.1

Rs.2,049,111.1

Rs.41,774.7

Rs.3,561.2

Rs.2,087,324.6

Non-debt securities⁽²⁾

25,582.4

871.2

452.5

26,001.1

20,836.4

653.7

430.8

21,059.3

23,648.3

861.5

448.8

24,061.0

Total

Rs.1,489,085.4

Rs.17,201.5

Rs. 1,874.1

Rs.1,504,412.8

Rs.1,862,550.9

Rs.16,967.7

Rs.834.2

Rs.1,878,684.4

Rs.2,072,759.4

Rs.42,636.2

Rs.4,010.0

Rs.2,111,385.6

(1)	Excludes asset and mortgage-backed securities.

(2)	Includes asset and mortgage-backed securities.

Held for Trading Investments

The following table sets forth, as of the dates indicated, information related to our investments held for trading:


	At March 31,
	2015								2016								2017
	Amortized cost		Gross unrealized gain		Gross unrealized loss		Fair value		Amortized cost		Gross unrealized gain		Gross unrealized loss		Fair value		Amortized cost		Gross unrealized gain		Gross unrealized loss		Fair value
	(in millions)
Government securities	Rs.	60,239.5	Rs.	53.5	Rs.	0.2	Rs.	60,292.8	Rs.	56,954.3	Rs.	41.9	Rs.	—	Rs.	56,996.2	Rs.	18,230.8	Rs.	38.5	Rs.	1.5	Rs.	18,267.8
Other debt securities		1,000.0		—		—		1,000.0		14,749.1		115.6		—		14,864.7		17,106.4		5.1		15.6		17,095.9
Total debt securities	Rs.	61,239.5	Rs.	53.5	Rs.	0.2	Rs.	61,292.8	Rs.	71,703.4	Rs.	157.5	Rs.	—	Rs.	71,860.9	Rs.	35,337.2	Rs.	43.6	Rs.	17.1	Rs.	35,363.7
Non-debt securities		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total	Rs.	61,239.5	Rs.	53.5	Rs.	0.2	Rs.	61,292.8	Rs.	71,703.4	Rs.	157.5	Rs.	—	Rs.	71,860.9	Rs.	35,337.2	Rs.	43.6	Rs.	17.1	Rs.	35,363.7

Residual Maturity Profile

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, an analysis of the residual maturity profile of our investments in government and other debt securities classified as available-for-sale securities and their market yields.


	At March 31, 2017
	Up to one year					One to five years					Five to ten years					More than ten years
	Amount		Yield			Amount		Yield			Amount		Yield			Amount		Yield
	(in millions, except percentages)
Government securities	Rs.	360,537.9		5.7	%	Rs.	274,938.7		6.6	%	Rs.	668,929.9		7.0	%	Rs.	352,653.1		7.4	%
Other debt securities		260,419.6		6.6			150,981.2		7.3			18,864.2		8.3			—		—
Total debt securities, fair value	Rs.	620,957.5		6.1	%	Rs.	425,919.9		6.9	%	Rs.	687,794.1		7.0	%	Rs.	352,653.1		7.4	%
Total amortized cost	Rs.	620,229.0				Rs.	416,960.1				Rs.	669,331.6				Rs.	342,590.4		—

Funding

Our funding operations are designed to ensure stability, low cost of funding and effective liquidity management. The primary source of funding is deposits raised from retail customers, which were 80% and 79% of total deposits, as of March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2017, respectively. Wholesale banking deposits represented 20% and 21% of total deposits, as of March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2017, respectively.

Total Deposits

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our average outstanding deposits and the percentage composition by each category of deposits. The average cost (interest expense divided by the average of the daily balance for the relevant period) of savings deposits was 4.0% in fiscals 2015, 2016 and 2017. The average cost of time deposits was 8.0% in fiscal 2015, 7.7% in fiscal 2016 and 7.1% in fiscal 2017. The average deposits for the periods set forth are as follows:


	Year ended March 31,
	2015					2016					2017
	Amount		% of total			Amount		% of total			Amount		% of total
	(in millions, except percentages)
Current deposits	Rs.	519,675.4		13.4	%	Rs.	620,340.4		12.6	%	Rs.	784,108.7		13.4	%
Savings deposits		1,054,374.0		27.1			1,258,166.0		25.6			1,598,619.0		27.4
Time deposits		2,311,018.5		59.5			3,043,349.1		61.8			3,455,253.7		59.2
Total	Rs.	3,885,067.9		100.0	%	Rs.	4,921,855.5		100.0	%	Rs.	5,837,981.4		100.0	%

As of March 31, 2017, individual time deposits in excess of Rs. 0.1 million had a balance to maturity profile as follows:

At March 31, 2017

Up to three months

Three to six months

Six to twelve months

More than one year

(in millions)

Balance to maturity for time deposits exceeding Rs. 0.1 million each

Rs.

949,982.7

Rs.

597,366.7

Rs.

1,027,801.1

Rs.

586,428.6

Short-term Borrowings

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information related to our short-term borrowings, which are comprised primarily of money-market borrowings. Short-term borrowings include securities sold under repurchase agreements.


	Years ended March 31,
	2015			2016			2017
	(in millions, except percentages)
Period end	Rs.	264,191.9		Rs.	559,622.4		Rs.	322,265.6
Average balance during the period	Rs.	130,533.2		Rs.	342,855.1		Rs.	403,939.0
Maximum outstanding	Rs.	341,571.4		Rs.	613,882.4		Rs.	696,832.3
Average interest rate during the period⁽¹⁾		5.6	%		4.8	%		5.4	%
Average interest rate at period end⁽²⁾		4.0	%		5.2	%		3.4	%

(1)	Represents the ratio of interest expense on short-term borrowings to the average of daily balances of short-term borrowings.

(2)	Represents the weighted average rate of short-term borrowings outstanding as of March 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Subordinated Debt

We also obtain funds from the issuance of unsecured non-convertible subordinated debt securities, which qualify as Tier 1 or Tier 2 risk-based capital under the RBI’s guidelines for assessing capital adequacy. Subordinated debt (Lower Tier 2 capital), Upper Tier 2 capital and Innovative Perpetual Debt Instruments outstanding as of March 31, 2017 were Rs. 121.22 billion (previous year: Rs. 121.42 billion), Rs. 27.80 billion (previous year: Rs. 40.78 billion), and Rs. Nil (previous year: Rs. 2.00 billion), respectively. The breakup of the same is shown hereunder:


Type	Currency		Year of issue		Year of maturity		Average tenor (years)		Interest rate (%)		Year of call		Step-up rate (%)			Face value (Rupees in billions)
Lower Tier II		INR		2003-04		2017-18		13.3		6.00		—		—			0.05
Lower Tier II		INR		2008-09		2018-19		10.0		10.70		—		—			11.50
Lower Tier II		INR		2008-09		2018-19		10.0		9.75		—		—			1.50
Lower Tier II		INR		2011-12		2026-27		15.0		9.48		2021-22		—			36.50
Lower Tier II		INR		2012-13		2027-28		15.2		9.45		2022-23		—			34.77
Lower Tier II		INR		2012-13		2022-23		10.0		8.95		2017-18		—			5.65
Lower Tier II		INR		2012-13		2022-23		10.0		9.10		2017-18		—			14.05
Lower Tier II		INR		2016-17		2026-27		10.0		8.05		—		—			1.70
Lower Tier II		INR		2016-17		2026-27		10.0		8.79		—		—			2.20
Lower Tier II		INR		2014-15		2024-25		10.0		9.55		—		—			2.00
Lower Tier II		INR		2014-15		2024-25		10.0		9.55		—		—			1.00
Lower Tier II		INR		2014-15		2024-25		10.0		9.70		—		—			2.00
Lower Tier II		INR		2013-14		2023-24		10.0		10.19		—		—			0.80
Lower Tier II		INR		2013-14		2023-24		10.0		10.05		—		—			0.50
Lower Tier II		INR		2013-14		2023-24		10.0		10.20		—		—			1.00
Lower Tier II		INR		2012-13		2022-23		10.0		9.60		—		—			2.00
Lower Tier II		INR		2012-13		2022-23		10.0		9.70		—		—			1.50
Lower Tier II		INR		2012-13		2022-23		10.0		10.20		—		—			2.50
Upper Tier II		INR		2007-08		2022-23		15.0		10.84		2017-18		5 Year G Sec Yield +3.5	%		1.00
Upper Tier II		INR		2008-09		2023-24		15.0		10.85		2018-19		11.35			5.78
Upper Tier II		INR		2008-09		2023-24		15.0		9.95		2018-19		10.45			2.00
Upper Tier II		INR		2008-09		2023-24		15.0		9.85		2018-19		10.35			7.97
Upper Tier II		INR		2010-11		2025-26		15.0		8.70		2020-21		9.20			11.05

We have a right to redeem certain of the issuances as noted above under “year of call”. If not called, the interest rate on some of the debt instruments increases to the step-up rate.

Asset Liability Gap

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our asset-liability gap position:


	As of March 31, 2017⁽¹⁾
	0-28 days			29-90 days			91-180 days			6-12 months			Total within one year			Over 1 year to 3 years			Over 3 years to 5 years			Over 5 years			Total
	(in millions, except percentages)
Cash and cash equivalents⁽²⁾⁽³⁾		199,641.2			16,338.1			19,832.3			28,745.2			264,556.8			110,924.3			5,670.7			49,556.8			430,708.6
Term placements		1,000.0			2,516.6			13,389.0			11,938.7			28,844.3			35,642.5			40,542.8			26,039.9			131,069.5
Investments held for trading⁽⁴⁾		18,240.1			17,123.6			—			—			35,363.7			—			—			—			35,363.7
Investments available for sale⁽⁵⁾⁽⁶⁾		592,961.2			203,978.8			137,295.3			203,329.2			1,137,564.5			594,986.1			80,006.2			298,828.8			2,111,385.6
Securities purchased under agreement to resell		50,000.0			—			—			—			50,000.0			—			—			—			50,000.0
Loans, net⁽⁷⁾⁽⁸⁾		525,816.3			531,357.0			504,972.2			676,438.5			2,238,584.0			2,583,593.2			606,237.4			481,998.2			5,910,412.8
Accrued interest receivable		37,760.6			19,200.6			7,170.5			2,951.1			67,082.8			248.6			25.2			—			67,356.6
Other assets⁽¹³⁾		323.8			1,451.7			376.6			—			2,152.1			206,561.2			—			—			208,713.3
Total financial assets		1,425,743.2			791,966.4			683,035.9			923,402.7			3,824,148.2			3,531,955.9			732,482.3			856,423.7			8,945,010.1
Deposits^(9)(10)		672,288.8			484,831.9			439,465.3			695,895.3			2,292,481.3			2,875,837.3			134,946.2			1,128,058.1			6,431,322.9
Debt⁽¹¹⁾		101,202.7			111,634.6			122,747.4			191,725.5			527,310.2			282,934.8			63,532.3			179,409.0			1,053,186.3
Securities sold under repurchase agreements		—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—
Other Liabilities^(12)(13)		278,357.5			34,214.9			3,737.1			7,225.1			323,534.6			230,996.8			38.8			—			554,570.2
Total financial liabilities		1,051,849.0			630,681.4			565,949.8			894,845.9			3,143,326.1			3,389,768.9			198,517.3			1,307,467.1			8,039,079.4
Asset/liability gap		373,894.2			161,285.0			117,086.1			28,556.8			680,822.1			142,187.0			533,965.0			(451,043.4	)		905,930.7
Cumulative gap		373,894.2			535,179.2			652,265.3			680,822.1			680,822.1			823,009.1			1,356,974.1			905,930.7			905,930.7
Cumulative gap as a percentage of total financial assets		26.2	%		24.1	%		22.5	%		17.8	%		17.8	%		11.2	%		16.8	%		10.1	%		10.1	%

(1)	Assets and liabilities are classified into the applicable maturity categories based on residual maturity unless specifically mentioned.

(2)	Cash on hand is classified in the “0-28” days category.

(3)

Cash and cash equivalents include balances with the RBI to satisfy its cash reserve ratio requirements. These balances are held in the form of overnight cash deposits but we classify these balances as part of the applicable maturity categories on a basis proportionate to the classification of related deposits.

(4)	Securities in the trading book are classified based on the expected time of realization for such investments. Units of open ended mutual funds, if any, are classified in “0-28” days category.

(5)	Securities held towards satisfying the statutory liquidity requirement prescribed by the RBI are classified based on the applicable maturity categories on a basis proportionate to the classification of related deposits.

(6)	Shares in the available-for-sale investment portfolio are classified in the “over 5 years” category. Units of open ended mutual funds, if any, are classified in “0-28” days category.

(7)	Includes net non-performing loans which are classified in the “Over 3 years to 5 years” and “Over 5 years” categories.

(8)	Ambiguous maturity overdrafts are classified under various maturity categories based on a historical behavioral analysis that we have performed to determine the appropriate maturity categorization of such advances.

(9)	Current and savings deposits are classified under various maturity categories based on a historical behavioral analysis that we have performed to determine the appropriate maturity categorization of such deposits.

(10)

Time deposits under Rs. 10 million are classified under various maturity categories based on the historical behavioral analysis that we have performed to determine the appropriate maturity categorization of such deposits taking into account rollovers and premature withdrawals. The rest have been classified under various maturity categories based on the residual maturity.

(11)	Includes short-term borrowings and long-term debt.

(12)	Cash floats are classified under various maturity categories based on the historical behavioral analysis that we have performed to determine the appropriate maturity categorization of such floats.

(13)	Other assets and other liabilities are classified under various maturity categories based on historical behavioral analysis that we have performed to determine the appropriate maturity categorization of such other assets and other liabilities.

For further information on how we manage our asset liability risk, see “Business—Risk Management—Market Risk”.

Loan Portfolio and Credit Substitutes

As of March 31, 2017, our gross loan portfolio amounted to Rs. 5,988.9 billion. As of that date, our gross credit substitutes outstanding were Rs. 419.5 billion. Almost all our gross loans and credit substitutes are to borrowers in India and approximately 90% are denominated in rupees. For a description of our retail and wholesale loan products, see “Business—Retail Banking—Retail Loans and Other Asset Products” and “Business—Wholesale Banking—Commercial Banking Products—Commercial Loan Products and Credit Substitutes”.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our gross loan portfolio classified by product group:

At March 31,

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

(in millions)

Retail loans

Rs.1,729,503.7

Rs.2,188,337.7

Rs.2,720,988.5

Rs.3,458,565.7

Rs.4,048,961.3

Wholesale loans

808,742.1

1,039,923.6

1,222,460.6

1,534,268.7

1,939,948.4

Gross loans

Rs.2,538,245.8

Rs.3,228,261.3

Rs.3,943,449.1

Rs.4,992,834.4

Rs.5,988,909.7

Credit substitutes (at fair value)

46,622.6

65,147.1

195,058.9

297,241.0

419,540.6

Gross loans plus credit substitutes

Rs.2,584,868.4

Rs.3,293,408.4

Rs.4,138,508.0

Rs.5,290,075.4

Rs.6,408,450.3

Maturity and Interest Rate Sensitivity of Loans and Credit Substitutes

The following tables set forth, for the period indicated, the maturity and interest rate sensitivity of our loans and credit substitutes:


	At March 31, 2017
	Due in one year or less		Due in one to five years		Due after five years
	(in millions)
Retail loans	Rs.	1,180,988.2	Rs.	2,521,946.3	Rs.	346,026.8
Wholesale loans		1,057,595.8		689,181.5		193,171.1
Gross loans	Rs.	2,238,584.0	Rs.	3,211,127.8	Rs.	539,197.9
Credit substitutes (at fair value)		258,209.7		142,466.7		18,864.2
Gross loans plus credit substitutes	Rs.	2,496,793.7	Rs.	3,353,594.5	Rs.	558,062.1

	At March 31, 2017
	Due in one year or less		Due in one to five years		Due after five years
	(in millions)
Interest rate classification of loans by maturity:
Variable rates	Rs.	395,202.2	Rs.	1,404,907.9	Rs.	530,597.5
Fixed rates		1,843,381.8		1,806,219.9		8,600.4
Gross loans	Rs.	2,238,584.0	Rs.	3,211,127.8	Rs.	539,197.9
Interest rate classification of credit substitutes by maturity:
Variable rates	Rs.	—	Rs.	—	Rs.	—
Fixed rates		258,209.7		142,466.7		18,864.2
Gross credit substitutes	Rs.	258,209.7	Rs.	142,466.7	Rs.	18,864.2
Interest rate classification of loans and credit substitutes by maturity:
Variable rates	Rs.	395,202.2	Rs.	1,404,907.9	Rs.	530,597.5
Fixed rates		2,101,591.5		1,948,686.6		27,464.6
Gross loans and credit substitutes	Rs.	2,496,793.7	Rs.	3,353,594.5	Rs.	558,062.1

Concentration of Loans and Credit Substitutes

Pursuant to the guidelines of the RBI, our exposure to individual borrowers is limited to 15% of our capital funds (as defined by the RBI and calculated under Indian GAAP), and our exposure to a group of companies under the same management is limited to 40% of our capital funds. In the case of infrastructure projects, such as power, telecommunications, road and port projects, an additional exposure of up to 5% of capital funds is allowed in respect of individual borrowers and up to 10% in respect of group borrowers. We may, in exceptional circumstances and with the approval of our Board of Directors, consider enhancement of exposure to a borrower by a further 5% of capital funds. See “Supervision and Regulation—Credit Exposure Limits”.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our gross loans and fair value of credit substitutes outstanding by the borrower’s industry or economic activity and as a percentage of our gross loans and fair value of credit substitutes (where such percentage exceeds 2.0% of the total). For the purpose of industry-wise classification of retail loans, from fiscal 2015, the end use (i.e., business purpose or personal use) is taken into consideration. Accordingly, exposures to individual and non-individual borrowers, where the credit facilities are for business purposes, are being reported under the industry relating to the activity of the borrower. Where the credit facilities are for personal use, the exposure to the individual borrower is classified under Consumer Loans. From fiscal 2017, Agriculture and allied activities is classified under Agriculture Production - Food, Agriculture Production – Non food , Agriculture – Allied, and Animal Husbandry, respectively. Services are classified under Business Services, and Consumer Services, respectively, and Wholesale Trade is classified under Wholesale Trade - non consumer goods, and Wholesale Trade-consumer goods, respectively. Credit Card receivables and Housing Loans hitherto classified under retail loans are classified under Consumer Loans from fiscal 2017.


	At March 31,
	2013				2014				2015				2016				2017
	(in millions, except percentages)
Consumer Loans	Rs.	—	—	%	Rs.	—	—	%	Rs.	479,467.5	11.6	%	Rs.	670,622.8	12.7	%	Rs.	1,526,978.2	23.8	%
Non-Banking Financial Companies /Financial Intermediaries		58,346.2	2.3			80,993.0	2.5			154,730.5	3.7			220,012.7	4.2			338,599.3	5.3
Retail trade		71,102.3	2.8			90,086.2	2.7			190,434.7	4.6			258,095.4	4.9			323,818.6	5.1
Agriculture Production—Food		—	—			—	—			—	—			—	—			284,748.8	4.4
Automobile & Auto Ancillary		109,667.7	4.2			150,954.5	4.6			215,063.9	5.2			210,699.3	4.0			271,963.5	4.2
Consumer Services		—	—			—	—			—	—			—	—			264,554.4	4.1
Road Transportation		157,938.8	6.1			150,177.4	4.6			131,762.3	3.2			184,398.2	3.5			241,771.3	3.8
Wholesale Trade- Consumer Goods		—	—			—	—			—	—			—	—			237,302.7	3.7
Agriculture Production—Non Food		—	—			—	—			—	—			—	—			202,350.3	3.2
Food & Beverage		70,405.2	2.7			100,588.6	3.1			128,212.4	3.1			155,489.6	2.9			178,848.8	2.8
Real Estate & Property Services		—	—			—	—			91,871.9	2.2			125,193.8	2.4			170,245.8	2.7
Wholesale Trade- Non Consumer Goods		—	—			—	—			—	—			—	—			170,084.4	2.7
Business Services		—	—			—	—			—	—			—	—			161,452.2	2.5
Power		—	—			72,469.7	2.2			112,016.5	2.7			119,207.9	2.3			145,608.7	2.3
Housing Finance Companies		—	—			—	—			—	—			—	—			143,236.6	2.2
Telecom		—	—			—	—			—	—			—	—			129,510.8	2.0
Agriculture—Allied		—	—			—	—			—	—			—	—			129,207.9	2.0
Agriculture and Allied Activities		—	—			155,559.1	4.7			422,894.4	10.2			550,848.4	10.4			—	—
Wholesale Trade		178,552.2	6.9			235,811.8	7.2			314,066.2	7.6			362,316.5	6.8			—	—
Services		73,757.3	2.9			96,580.6	2.9			230,486.5	5.6			310,019.3	5.9			—	—
Iron & Steel		53,229.3	2.1			85,283.2	2.6			86,389.7	2.1			117,845.3	2.2			—	—
Coal & Petroleum Products		—	—			69,725.4	2.1			—	—			—	—			—	—
Others (including unclassified retail)		1,811,869.4	70.0			2,005,178.9	60.8			1,581,111.5	38.2			2,005,326.2	37.8			1,488,168.0	23.2
Total	Rs.	2,584,868.4	100.0	%	Rs.	3,293,408.4	100.0	%	Rs.	4,138,508.0	100.0	%	Rs.	5,290,075.4	100.0	%	Rs.	6,408,450.3	100.0	%

As of March 31, 2017, our ten largest exposures totaled approximately Rs. 568.0 billion and represented 69.0% of our capital funds as per RBI guidelines. The largest group of companies under the same management control accounted for 29.6% of our capital funds as per RBI guidelines.

Directed Lending

The RBI has established guidelines requiring Indian banks to lend 40% of their adjusted net bank credit (“ANBC”), as computed in accordance with RBI guidelines, or the credit equivalent amount of off balance sheet exposures, whichever is higher, as of the corresponding date of the preceding year, to certain sectors called “priority sectors.” Priority sectors are broadly comprised of agriculture, micro enterprises and other PSL, which includes small and medium enterprises, residential mortgages, education, renewal energy and social infrastructure, among others, subject to satisfying certain criteria.

We are required to comply with the PSL requirements as of March 31 of each fiscal year, a date specified by the RBI for reporting. From fiscal 2017, the achievement will be arrived at the end of the financial year based on the average of priority sector target /sub-target achievement as at the end of each quarter. Accordingly, on the basis of average calculation, the bank’s total PSL achievement for fiscal 2017 stood at 43.04%. However, in fiscal 2017 agricultural loans made to small and marginal farmers were 5.53% of ANBC, against the requirement of 8.0%, with a shortfall of Rs. 96.37 billion, and advances to sections termed “weaker” by the RBI were 8.59% against the requirement of 10.0%, with a shortfall of Rs. 55.01 billion. The PSL master circular mentions that Scheduled Commercial Banks having any shortfall in lending to priority sector shall be allocated amounts for contribution to the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (“RIDF”) established with NABARD and other Funds with NABARD, NHB, SIDBI or MUDRA Ltd. , as decided by the RBI from time to time.

We may be required by the RBI to deposit with the Indian Development Banks certain amounts as specified by the RBI in the coming year due to the shortfall in certain sub-categories of priority sector lending targets. As of March 31, 2017, our total investments as directed by RBI in such deposits were Rs. 118.82 billion yielding returns ranging from 4% to 8.25%.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, our directed lending broken down by sector:


	As of March 31,
	2013		2014		2015		2016		2017
	(in millions)
Directed lending:
Agriculture	Rs.	291,689.2	Rs.	324,173.2	Rs.	392,441.4	Rs.	528,672.4	Rs.	631,861.6
Micro small and medium enterprises⁽¹⁾		296,012.3		363,485.8		454,716.8		682,621.9		785,715.9
Other		184,872.3		214,786.0		221,829.8		217,302.5		223,502.7
Total directed lending	Rs.	772,573.8	Rs.	902,445.0	Rs.	1,068,988.0	Rs.	1,428,596.8	Rs.	1,641,080.2

⁽¹⁾	Includes medium enterprises from fiscal 2016

Non-Performing Loans

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information about our non-performing loan portfolio:


	As of March 31,
	2013			2014			2015			2016			2017
	(in millions, except percentages)
Non-performing loans:
Retail loans	Rs.	14,579.1		Rs.	20,928.3		Rs.	25,835.2		Rs.	37,423.0		Rs.	52,704.0
Wholesale loans		6,553.0			8,758.2			13,489.6			15,559.7			30,275.7
Gross non-performing loans	Rs.	21,132.1		Rs.	29,686.5		Rs.	39,324.8		Rs.	52,982.7		Rs.	82,979.7
Allowances for credit losses	Rs.	16,466.9		Rs.	20,649.2		Rs.	24,709.0		Rs.	31,008.1		Rs.	45,730.1
Unallocated allowances for credit losses		17,227.3			21,964.0			22,625.1			26,352.0			32,766.8
Non-performing loans net of specific allowances for credit losses		4,665.2			9,037.3			14,615.8			21,974.6			37,249.6
Gross loan assets		2,538,245.8			3,228,261.3			3,943,449.1			4,992,834.4			5,988,909.7
Net loan assets	Rs.	2,504,551.6		Rs.	3,185,648.1		Rs.	3,896,115.0		Rs.	4,935,474.3		Rs.	5,910,412.8
Gross non-performing loans as a percentage of gross loans		0.8	%		0.9	%		1.0	%		1.1	%		1.4	%
Gross unsecured non-performing loans as a percentage of gross non-performing loans		15.2	%		15.8	%		13.9	%		11.1	%		31.4	%
Gross unsecured non-performing loans as a percentage of gross unsecured loans.		0.6	%		0.7	%		0.6	%		0.5	%		1.7	%
Non-performing loans net of specific allowances for credit losses as a percentage of net loan assets		0.2	%		0.3	%		0.4	%		0.4	%		0.6	%
Specific allowances for credit losses as a percentage of gross non-performing loans		77.9	%		69.6	%		62.8	%		58.5	%		55.1	%
Total allowances for credit losses as a percentage of gross