Banker to wealthy Indians, too

Customers can meet in the Sapphire conference room, keep their valuables in the Topaz locker room and freshen up in the Opal dressing room. This is State Bank of India's(SBI) 'by invitation" 4000 sq.ft. branch called "Kohinoor Banjara", which will cater to Hyderabad's swish set.Minimum opening balance :Rs 1 crore. The country's largest lender is carrying out a curious experiment on the assorted group of people that make up wealthy India. This crorepati branch in the tony Hyderabad neighbourhood of Banjara Hills will offer frills that include personalised relationship managers, a round-the-clock locker facility, doorstep pick-up and drops. However, wealth management, advisory and related services-considered derigueur for private banking-will be provided only at the branch. The Bank has set itself an ambitious target as far as clientele is concerned, from prosperous Hyderabad businessmen to Tollywood film stars. It acquired 25-30 clients within four days of operations,a SBI executive said. Predictably, SBI's crorepati branch has created a buzz within banking circles.(BS 21092010)