The young and energetic Managing Director of Bank of Baroda New Zealand, Mr. Sandeep Khetan, has a clear and confident message — Bank of Baroda is here to stay and is committed to providing customers in New Zealand with banking solutions that are smarter, stronger, and more rewarding than any other financial institution. With his forward-thinking leadership and community-first approach, Mr. Khetan is ushering in a new era of growth and trust for the bank in Aotearoa.
Founded in 1908, Bank of Baroda has grown into one of India’s most respected and trusted financial institutions. It is the second-largest public sector bank in India, after the State Bank of India, and has built a reputation over more than a century for reliability, innovation, and integrity. Today, the bank operates in 17 countries through 82 international offices, with an extensive domestic network of 8,426 branches in India. This global reach underscores its stature as a truly international bank that connects millions of customers across continents.
In New Zealand, Bank of Baroda currently operates two branches — one in Auckland and one in Wellington — serving a growing base of customers from diverse backgrounds. Mr. Khetan emphasised that these branches are not just financial institutions but cultural bridges linking the Indian diaspora and local New Zealanders through shared values of trust, transparency, and service.
Mr. Khetan, who is often seen participating in community gatherings and cultural festivals across New Zealand, believes that connecting directly with people is the foundation of long-term trust. “Our involvement in community events reflects our vision to stay connected with the people we serve,” he said. “Our goal is to reach every community and share our world-class financial products — offerings that are innovative, reliable, and deliver real value.”
His hands-on approach has helped strengthen the bank’s image as not only a financial institution but also an integral part of the Indian community’s growth story in New Zealand.
Under Mr. Khetan’s leadership, Bank of Baroda New Zealand has introduced some of the most competitive banking products and interest rates in the country. The bank currently offers 1.5% interest on savings accounts, with an additional 0.5% for senior citizens aged 60 and above, making it one of the best savings options in New Zealand.
On fixed deposits, customers receive 0.1% extra returns, with one-year deposits earning the highest interest. The bank has eliminated account maintenance charges, transaction fees, and credit/debit card fees, ensuring a transparent, customer-friendly experience.
The Rapid Transfer facility allows customers to send money to India any number of times without service charges, making it convenient and cost-effective for the Indian diaspora.
For students, the bank offers a zero-balance account with no minimum deposit requirement, while still earning 1.5% interest on balances, calculated on an accumulative basis — an ideal start for young savers.
Bank of Baroda New Zealand also leads in digital convenience, enabling customers to conduct transactions via mobile and internet banking. Opening NRE (Non-Resident External) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) accounts can be done entirely online, either through a New Zealand branch or any branch in India.
Funds can be transferred securely between India and New Zealand under RBI guidelines, ensuring full compliance and peace of mind.
The bank also offers a full suite of loan products, including home, business, and property development loans, all at interest rates comparable to major New Zealand banks. Customers can also avail loans against fixed deposits, providing easy access to funds in times of need without breaking their savings.
One of the strongest reasons to bank with Bank of Baroda is the Government of India’s full guarantee on all the bank’s liabilities and deposits. “Every cent deposited with Bank of Baroda is absolutely safe,” Mr. Khetan assured. “Your money is backed by the Government of India, which adds an extra layer of confidence and trust.”
Speaking about the bank’s strong community engagement, Mr. Khetan said, “We want to raise awareness among the Indian diaspora about our unique products and services. At the same time, our presence at community events is our way of giving back — by supporting local initiatives and celebrating our shared heritage.”
With its strong global foundation, customer-first approach, and growing footprint in New Zealand, Bank of Baroda continues to build bridges of trust and prosperity. Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Sandeep Khetan, the bank is not only expanding its operations but also strengthening its relationship with every customer, proving that Bank of Baroda is truly here to stay, serve, and grow with New Zealand. –as told to Yugal Parashar