SBI’s Balance Sheet Now Bigger Than GDP Of 175 Countries: A Deep Dive Into India’s Banking Giant

India’s largest lender, State Bank of India (SBI), has achieved a historic milestone as its balance sheet size has surpassed the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of nearly 175 countries, highlighting its dominance in Asia’s third-largest economy and the growing global relevance of Indian financial institutions.

According to SBI’s FY25 annual report, the bank’s balance sheet crossed Rs 65 lakh crore ($780 billion) as of March 31, 2025, up from Rs 59.5 lakh crore ($715 billion) in FY24, registering a robust 9.2% year-on-year growth, driven by aggressive credit expansion, stable asset quality, and strong deposit mobilisation.

🔍 What Does This Mean?

SBI’s balance sheet now exceeds the GDP of economies such as:

• Bangladesh ($460 billion)
• Vietnam ($470 billion)
• Pakistan ($350 billion)
• New Zealand ($280 billion)
• Sri Lanka ($95 billion)

In fact, only 20 countries globally have a GDP size larger than SBI’s balance sheet, underscoring its systemic importance not only for India but for regional financial stability.

📊 SBI Balance Sheet Growth Over The Years

(Source: SBI Annual Reports)

🏦 Key Components Of SBI’s FY25 Balance Sheet

🗣️ SBI Chairman Dinesh Kumar Khara’s Statement

Speaking at the annual results briefing, Chairman Dinesh Khara said:

“SBI’s balance sheet crossing Rs 65 lakh crore reflects India’s economic momentum and our ability to drive national credit growth. We aim to sustain profitability with quality growth, digital expansion, and global partnerships.”

💡 How Does SBI Compare To Global Banks?

While SBI is smaller compared to Chinese and US banking giants, its size is equivalent to mid-tier G-SIBs (Global Systemically Important Banks), enhancing its regional financial influence.

🔎 Countries With GDP Smaller Than SBI’s Balance Sheet

Below is a glimpse of countries whose entire GDP is lower than SBI’s balance sheet value:

(Source: IMF World Economic Outlook 2024)

🏆 What Drives SBI’s Size?

1. Pan-India Reach: Over 22,000 branches and 62,000 ATMs, the largest banking network in India.
2. Government Business: Handles majority of government banking transactions, subsidy disbursements, and public sector payroll accounts.
3. Robust Deposit Base: Low-cost CASA deposits providing stable funding.
4. Digital Leadership: YONO app has over 70 million registered users, driving customer acquisition and service penetration.
5. Prudent Asset Quality Management: Gross NPA fell to 2.25% in FY25, its lowest in 12 years.

🗣️ Analysts’ Views

Rajnish Kumar, former SBI Chairman:

“SBI is no longer just a bank; it is an economic institution whose balance sheet underwrites India’s development.”

Kunal Shah, banking analyst at ICICI Securities:

“With upcoming credit offtake in infrastructure, green energy, and MSMEs, SBI will maintain a healthy growth trajectory.”

🔬 Potential Risks Ahead

📈 SBI’s Future Plans

1. Expand global operations in the Middle East, Africa, and ASEAN to support Indian corporates.
2. Increase green lending portfolio to Rs 5 lakh crore by FY30.
3. AI-driven digital banking transformation for hyper-personalised services.
4. IPO of SBI Mutual Fund to unlock value and strengthen capital buffers.

🏦 Importance For India’s Financial Stability

✅ Key Takeaways

• SBI’s balance sheet has crossed Rs 65 lakh crore ($780 billion), making it bigger than the GDP of nearly 175 countries, underscoring its systemic relevance for India and South Asia.
• Driven by strong deposit mobilisation, prudent lending, and digital expansion, SBI continues to be India’s most important bank and financial backbone.
• While challenges from fintechs, global rates, and asset quality remain, SBI’s scale, governance, and public trust position it as a stabilising force amid global banking volatilities.

📌 Disclaimer

This news content is for informational and editorial purposes only. Data has been sourced from SBI annual reports, IMF World Economic Outlook, and financial analyst assessments. Readers are advised to refer to official SBI investor releases for final audited figures and strategic updates.