The Reserve Bank of India has launched its annual Survey on International Trade in Banking Services (ITBS) for 2025-26. This important survey collects data on financial services offered by Indian and foreign banks operating across borders. Banks must now prepare to submit their responses before the deadline.
Key Details of the RBI International Trade in Banking Services Survey
The RBI has conducted this survey every year since 2006-07. It covers branches, subsidiaries, and joint ventures of Indian banks operating abroad. Additionally, it includes branches and subsidiaries of foreign banks operating within India. The survey captures data based on fees and commissions charged to customers, both explicit and implicit.
Banks can access the survey schedule on the RBI website. They will find it under Regulatory Reporting → List of Returns → ITBS Survey Schedule. Alternatively, banks can locate it under the Forms section via More Links on the RBI homepage. The schedule is available in both Hindi and English.
Therefore, eligible banks should download the form, fill it in carefully, and submit it by email. The deadline for submission is July 31, 2026. Missing this deadline could affect a bank’s compliance record.
Why This Survey Matters for Indian Banking
The ITBS survey plays a crucial role in tracking India’s cross-border banking activity. As a result, policymakers and researchers gain reliable data on international financial service trade. This helps the RBI shape informed policies for the banking sector.
Meanwhile, the survey also gives a clearer picture of how global banking connects with India’s financial system. For example, it reveals how much Indian banks earn from overseas operations through fees and commissions. Such insights are valuable for monitoring financial stability and growth.
Banks with queries can contact the International Banking Division at the Department of Statistics and Information Management (DSIM), RBI, Mumbai. However, all communication should go through the official channels listed below.
Contact:
The Director, International Banking Division, DSIM
Reserve Bank of India, C-9, 6th Floor, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai – 400 051
Phone: 022-2657 1022 / 8649 / 8494 / 8247 / 8498
Source: RBI Press Releases
