HDFC Bank starts drive to draw dollar inflows from NRIs: Report

HDFC Bank is set to open a two-day window to mobilise NRE deposits offering up to 50 basis points higher interest vis-à-vis current rates in the category, Economic Times reported.

The move follows the US Federal Reserve’s scheduled decision on policy rates that are expected to rise up to three-fourth of a percentage point.

HDFC Bank expects overseas Indians to utilise the special window and buy NRE deposits for 12 to 15 months.

The window will be available on July 27 and 28 for NRE fixed deposits where non-resident Indians can invest in rupees, the people cited above said.

“Relationship managers are reaching out to the Indian diaspora across the world, urging them to invest,” one of the persons said.

Currency conversion risks at maturity, however, must be borne by depositors. The deposit plan proposes to pay 6.8% annually.

For 12 to 15 month maturities, HDFC Bank offers 5.75-6.25% to domestic savers for deposit amounts between ₹2 crore and less than ₹5 crore. To be sure, overseas depositors cannot opt for premature withdrawal.

The move comes just ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates. The US central bank is widely expected to raise rates further to restrain inflation. Before that event later this week, HDFC Bank aims to tap the NRI pool of funds, market sources said, potentially prompting other leading banks to follow suit, wrote Economic Times.

“With HDFC Bank taking the lead in offering such a bespoke plan, other banks are expected to follow,” said a banker at an overseas lender.

On July 6, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) permitted banks to garner FCNR (B) and NRE deposits from the Indian diaspora without any interest rate cap. Such relaxations are available until October 31 and November 4, respectively.

The objective is to ensure inbound flows of dollars amid a rush for safe-haven assets worldwide.