IOB Chairman Speech

As Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, I consider it both
a privilege and a responsibility to address you at a time
when the banking sector globally is navigating a period of
significant transition and complexity.

The past year has once again demonstrated that the
operating environment for financial institutions is becoming
increasingly dynamic. Across the world, economies continue
to contend with geopolitical tensions, shifts in trade and
supply chains, evolving monetary conditions, technological
disruption, and heightened uncertainty in financial markets.

At the same time, the banking sector itself is undergoing
profound transformation. The rapid acceleration of digital
adoption, the emergence of artificial intelligence and data-
driven financial services, rising customer expectations,
cyber-security concerns, and evolving regulatory standards
are reshaping the manner in which banks operate and
compete.

In such an environment, long-term institutional resilience
assumes far greater importance than short-term outcomes
alone.

Against this backdrop, the Indian economy has continued
to display notable resilience and stability. India remains
among the fastest-growing major economies in the world,
supported by strong domestic demand, public investment
in infrastructure, continued formalisation of the economy,
expanding digital public infrastructure, and prudent
macroeconomic management.

The Indian banking sector has also continued to strengthen
over recent years. Improvements in capital adequacy, asset
quality, governance frameworks, and operational capabilities
have placed the sector on a significantly stronger footing
than in previous cycles. Public Sector Banks, in particular,
have undergone substantial transformation. Their role
today extends beyond conventional banking; they remain
vital institutions for financial inclusion, credit intermediation,

economic development, and maintaining public confidence
in the financial system.

Indian Overseas Bank has participated meaningfully in
this broader strengthening of the sector. During the year
under review, the Bank continued to make progress across
several important dimensions. The improvement in financial
performance, strengthening of asset quality, enhancement
of operational resilience, and continued focus on customer
service reflect sustained efforts over multiple years.

To support this momentum, the Bank has continued to invest
in technology, digital capabilities, and process improvement
with the objective of improving customer experience,
strengthening efficiency, and enhancing responsiveness in
an increasingly competitive banking environment.

At the same time, it is important to recognise that
sustainable banking cannot be built on growth alone. As
a Board, our emphasis has been on ensuring that growth
remains prudent, governance standards remain strong, and
risk management frameworks remain robust and forward¬
looking.

We have continued to focus on strengthening oversight
mechanisms, compliance culture, and institutional
accountability. In today''s environment, governance is not
merely a regulatory requirement; it is central to maintaining
trust, credibility, and long-term institutional strength.

Equally, risk management in modern banking must extend
beyond traditional credit risks. Operational resilience, cyber¬
security preparedness, technology governance, conduct
standards, and data protection have become equally
critical dimensions of institutional stability. The Board
and the Management remain conscious of these evolving
challenges and continue to work towards strengthening the
Bank''s preparedness and resilience across these areas.

A strong institution is ultimately built not only through
financial performance, but through culture, integrity, and
consistency of purpose.

Looking ahead, while the medium-term outlook for the Indian
economy remains positive, the external environment is likely

to remain uncertain and rapidly evolving. Banks will need to
balance growth aspirations with prudence, innovation with
security, and competitiveness with responsible conduct.

For Indian Overseas Bank, the way forward must
therefore be anchored in a few enduring principles: we
must continuously maintain customer trust, relentlessly
strengthen our governance, build deep operational
resilience, adapt responsibly to technological change, and
create long-term, sustainable value for all our stakeholders.

As a Board, we remain committed to supporting the Bank in
this journey.

Before I conclude, I wish to place on record our sincere
gratitude to the Government of India, particularly the
Ministry of Finance, for its continued guidance and support
to the public sector banking system and to Indian Overseas
Bank.

The Board also deeply values the guidance, oversight,
and regulatory stewardship provided by the Reserve Bank
of India and other regulatory and supervisory authorities,
whose role continues to be critical in maintaining the
stability, integrity, and resilience of the financial system.

I would especially like to acknowledge the efforts and
commitment of the Bank''s employees across our country
and overseas operations. Their dedication and adaptability
continue to play a vital role in the Bank''s progress.

I also thank our shareholders, depositors, valued customers,
and all other stakeholders who continue to repose their
confidence and trust in the Bank.

With the continued support of our stakeholders, the guidance
of our regulators, and the leadership of the management
team, I am confident that Indian Overseas Bank will continue
to strengthen itself as a stable, responsible, and forward¬
looking institution committed to long-term value creation
and national development.

Thank you.

Srinivasan Sridhar

Non-Executive Chairman