Vijaya Bank to focus more on branch expansion

With the Govt. directive to drive up CASA levels ,Vijaya Bank wants to place more emphasis on opening new branches.In 2010, the Bank plans to open about 100 branches,which it believes would give a boost to its CASA (current account savings account) ratio.According to the Executive Director,Vijaya Bank,with more technology driven products such as RTGS,NEFT and speed clearing in the payment and settlement arena, the float funds historically available to banks will continue to get reduced. However, with the daily interest regime ,customers are now comfortable keeping funds in savings account,which also meant easy liquidity and help Bank maintain its CASA level. The Bank's current CASA stands at 24.24%, and it targets a 25% CASA level this year.(BL 30082010)