Catholic Syrian Bank Ltd. - CSB Bank Limited - 1960 dated India Banking Stock Certificate

Banking Stock printed by Oriental Printers, Trichur with 1 revenue stamp. One of the oldest banks in India.

CSB Bank Limited, formerly known as the Catholic Syrian Bank, is one of the oldest private sector banks in India, with a history spanning over a century. Established in 1920 and headquartered in Thrissur, Kerala, the bank initially served the local community, particularly those affiliated with the Syrian Catholic faith, before expanding its operations nationwide. For several decades, it maintained a strong presence in Southern India, establishing a reputation for personalized service and a focus on small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), retail customers, and the agricultural sector. Its enduring legacy is rooted in traditional banking principles, which enabled it to navigate the evolving financial landscape of post-independence India.

A pivotal moment for the institution occurred in 2018 when Fairfax India Holdings Corporation, led by Prem Watsa, acquired a controlling stake in the bank. This marked the first instance when the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) permitted a foreign investment firm to acquire a majority share in a local bank. Following this capital infusion, the bank underwent a rebranding process to reflect its modernized identity and broader national aspirations. Presently, the bank is engaged in a digital transformation, optimizing its operations and expanding its gold loan and corporate banking portfolios. Despite these contemporary transformations, it maintains a deep connection to its origins, harmonizing a legacy of trust with a renewed emphasis on technology-driven growth.