An analysis of Internet banking offerings and its determinants in India

Abstract

PurposeThis exploratory study is an attempt to present the present status of Internet banking in India and the extent of Internet banking services offered by Internet banks. In addition, it seeks to examine the factors affecting the extent of Internet banking services.Design/methodology/approachThe data for this study are based on a survey of bank websites explored during July 2008. The sample consists of 82 banks operating in India at 31 March 2007. Multiple regression technique is employed to explore the determinants of the extent of Internet banking services.FindingsThe results show that the private and foreign Internet banks have performed well in offering a wider range and more advanced services of Internet banking in comparison with public sector banks. Among the determinants affecting the extent of Internet banking services, size of the bank, experience of the bank in offering Internet banking, financing pattern and ownership of the bank are found to be significant.Research limitations/implicationsThe primary limitation of the study is the scope and size of its sample as well as other variables (e.g. market, environmental, regulatory etc.) which may have an effect on the decision of the banks to offer a wide range of Internet banking services.Originality/valueThe purpose of the study is to help fill significant gaps in knowledge about the Internet banking landscape in India. The findings are expected to be of great use to the government, regulators, commercial banks, other financial institutions, e.g. co‐operative banks planning to offer Internet banking, bank customers and researchers. The bankers as well as society at large will come to know where the banks lag in terms of adoption of Internet banking and in providing different products and services. An understanding of the factors affecting the extent of Internet banking services is essential both for economists studying the determinants of growth and for the creators and producers of such technologies. Moreover, this paper contributes to the empirical literature on diffusion of financial innovations, particularly Internet banking, in a developing country, i.e. India.