🗞️ Why in News The government launched EASE 9.0 (Enhanced Access and Service Excellence) — the ninth edition of the PSB reform agenda — on March 3, 2026. A key new focus is the Global Capability Centre (GCC) strategy for public sector banks, with SBI having already set up India’s first PSB-GCC in Karnataka.
PSB Reforms EASE 9.0
Background: What is EASE?
EASE (Enhanced Access and Service Excellence) is a comprehensive reform agenda for Public Sector Banks (PSBs) in India. It was launched in January 2018 as a joint initiative between the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and the Ministry of Finance. The agenda emerged from the broader Ease of Doing Business drive and the need to professionalise PSBs following the NPA (Non-Performing Asset) crisis of 2015-18.
Each annual edition of EASE builds on the previous year’s themes and introduces new focus areas. Progress on EASE parameters is measured and publicly ranked, creating competitive pressure among PSBs.
EASE 9.0 — RISE Framework
EASE 9.0 is structured around the RISE pillars:
| Pillar | Full Form | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| R | Responsible Banking | ESG integration, governance, risk management |
| I | Inclusive Finance | Financial inclusion, Jan Dhan deepening, credit to underserved |
| S | Smart Operations | Technology, automation, AI in banking |
| E | Eco-system Development | GCC strategy, fintech partnerships, cross-sector collaboration |
GCC Strategy — The New Frontier
The Global Capability Centre (GCC) strategy is the headline initiative of EASE 9.0. GCCs are offshore units established by companies to handle high-value functions — analytics, technology, legal, finance, HR — for their global operations. Previously called “captive centres,” GCCs now go beyond back-office work to include AI/ML development, cybersecurity, and product engineering.
Why PSBs Need GCCs:
- Access to specialised technology talent without full outsourcing
- Build internal AI and data analytics capability
- Reduce dependence on expensive third-party IT vendors
- Compete with private sector banks (HDFC, ICICI) that already have in-house tech labs
State Bank of India (SBI) has taken the lead — establishing India’s first PSB-GCC in Karnataka (Bengaluru). The Karnataka location leverages the city’s deep talent pool in software, data science, and fintech.
India’s GCC Sector
India is the global leader in GCC establishments, driven by its combination of English-speaking talent, lower labour costs, and mature IT infrastructure.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Total GCCs in India | 1,900+ (across all sectors) |
| BFSI sector GCCs | 185–190 entities |
| India GCC revenue (2024) | ~$46 billion |
| Projected revenue (2032) | $125 billion |
| Projected workforce (2032) | 4.5 million+ |
| Top GCC cities | Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, NCR |
The BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, Insurance) sector accounts for a significant share of GCC activity — with global banks like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Citi, and HSBC all running large India GCCs. EASE 9.0 aims to position PSBs alongside these private/foreign banks in the GCC ecosystem.
Evolution of EASE Reforms
| Edition | Year | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| EASE 1.0 | 2018 | NPA resolution, credit discipline, governance |
| EASE 2.0 | 2019 | Tech-enabled banking, digital products |
| EASE 3.0 | 2020 | Digital and data-led banking during COVID |
| EASE 4.0 | 2021 | Collaborative banking, fintech tie-ups |
| EASE 5.0 | 2022 | Purpose-driven banking, ESG integration |
| EASE 6.0 | 2023 | AI-powered customer service |
| EASE 7.0 | 2024 | Cybersecurity, fraud prevention |
| EASE 8.0 | 2025 | Green finance, sustainability banking |
| EASE 9.0 | 2026 | GCC strategy, RISE pillars |
PSB Landscape
India has 12 public sector banks (post-consolidation). The PSB consolidation happened in two phases:
Phase 1 (April 2019): Bank of Baroda + Vijaya Bank + Dena Bank → Bank of Baroda
Phase 2 (April 1, 2020): 10 PSBs merged into 4:
- Oriental Bank of Commerce + United Bank of India → Punjab National Bank
- Syndicate Bank → Canara Bank
- Andhra Bank + Corporation Bank → Union Bank of India
- Allahabad Bank → Indian Bank
The State Bank of India remains India’s largest bank by assets, followed by Punjab National Bank and Bank of Baroda among PSBs.
UPSC Angle — GS-3: IBA (Indian Banks’ Association): Founded 1946; represents all scheduled banks. GCCs are distinguishable from BPOs — BPOs do process outsourcing; GCCs are owned subsidiaries. PSB consolidation (2019-20) reduced PSB count from 27 to 12. The NPA crisis (GNPA peaked at 11.5% in 2018) was the backdrop for EASE reforms.
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: EASE 9.0, IBA, RISE pillars, GCC (definition, India’s position), SBI Karnataka GCC, PSB count (12), BFSI GCC entities. Mains GS-3: Banking sector reforms — NPA resolution, PSB consolidation, tech modernisation; India’s GCC advantage; financial inclusion and PSB mandates.
📌 Facts Corner — Knowledgepedia
EASE 9.0 — Core Data:
- Full form: Enhanced Access and Service Excellence
- Edition: 9th (launched March 3, 2026)
- Joint initiative: IBA (Indian Banks’ Association) + Ministry of Finance
- Framework: RISE (Responsible, Inclusive, Smart, Eco-system)
- Key new focus: GCC Strategy for public sector banks
- Pioneer: SBI — first PSB-GCC in Karnataka (Bengaluru)
- EASE series started: January 2018
India’s GCC Sector:
- Total GCCs in India: 1,900+
- BFSI GCCs: 185–190 entities
- Revenue target by 2032: $125 billion
- Workforce target by 2032: 4.5 million
- Top cities: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, NCR
- GCC ≠ BPO: GCCs are owned subsidiaries doing high-value work; BPOs are outsourced vendors
PSB Landscape:
- Number of PSBs: 12 (post-2019-20 consolidation, from 27)
- Largest PSB: SBI (by assets, market cap, branches)
- IBA: Indian Banks’ Association — founded 1946; represents all scheduled commercial banks
NPA Context (EASE Origins):
- Gross NPA peak: 11.5% (2018) — triggered banking sector reforms
- Net NPA (2025): ~2% (improved significantly)
- SARFAESI Act (2002): Enables banks to recover NPAs without court intervention
- IBC (2016): Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code — key NPA resolution tool alongside EASE
Other Relevant Facts:
- PSB consolidation: Phase 1 (April 2019, 3 into 1: BoB + Vijaya + Dena → BoB); Phase 2 (April 2020, 10 into 4: OBC+UBI→PNB, Syndicate→Canara, Andhra+Corp→Union, Allahabad→Indian Bank); net: 27 → 12 PSBs
- All PSBs are now EASE-ranked publicly — creates competitive accountability
- EASE ranking criteria include: customer service scores, digital transaction share, credit growth, HR metrics
- ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance): Integrated into EASE since 5.0 (2022)
Sources: Drishti IAS, IBA, PIB
