DBS Bank India launches 'DBS Study Abroad Total Assist'

India, 18 Dec 2024 - DBS Bank India has launched ‘DBS Study Abroad Total Assist,’ a unique offering designed to support DBS Treasures customers and their families through their overseas education journey.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, over 1.3 million Indian students pursued higher education overseas in 2024[i], a figure that has nearly doubled over the past six years. Recognising this rising trend, the bank has introduced ‘DBS Study Abroad Total Assist,’ a holistic solution that addresses the banking needs and key concerns of students and parents, including support for managing finances, and protection against unexpected costs.

Key features[ii] of the proposition include:

• Same-day[iii], zero-fee international remittances: Parents can transfer funds abroad without incurring any bank fees, empowering them to prioritise their children’s needs and avoid concerns about hidden costs.
• Comprehensive student travel insurance: Students receive robust coverage against unexpected events such as illness, lost baggage, and accidents, with protection up to USD 1 million.
• Education loans: Families can access education loans starting at just 10.25% per annum[iv] through Credila Financial Services Limited (formerly known as HDFC Credila Financial Services Limited), helping to ease the financial burden of higher education.
• Zero forex markup on overseas spending: The DBS Treasures VISA Infinite Debit Card enables cost-effective transactions worldwide with no forex markup.
• Remote overseas bank account opening[v]: Students traveling to Singapore can open an overseas bank account remotely, receiving their debit card before departure for a smooth transition.

Leveraging the bank’s cross-border and digital capabilities, ‘DBS Study Abroad Total Assist’ streamlines the entire process with a fully digital and paperless experience, allowing customers to manage all their financial requirements conveniently through the digibank app.

Prashant Joshi, Managing Director and Head of Consumer Banking Group, DBS Bank India, said, "Navigating the complexities of global education – from managing finances to adapting to new cultures – can be a challenge. ‘DBS Study Abroad Total Assist’ aims to make this journey smoother and more fulfilling. We understand that our customers need the right support, and we empower them to pursue opportunities for their children with confidence. For 30 years, we have been a trusted partner for our customers in India, and we will continue to design solutions that enable them to live more fully, bank more efficiently, and focus on what truly matters to them."

Through its premium banking offering, DBS Treasures, the bank offers a range of exclusive lifestyle privileges and signature benefits. Recently, the bank announced an enhanced DBS Treasures proposition for its customers in India, leveraging its strong presence across Asia. Designed specifically for NRIs and HNIs, customers can now avail premium banking in all of DBS’s six key markets in Asia as being a DBS Treasures customer in one market gives them the same privileges in all DBS markets. The offering also includes preferential FX rates for international fund transfers, waived service fees, and zero ATM withdrawal fees. These benefits are available to customers across six key DBS markets: Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, India, and China.

To learn more about the offering, customers can visit any DBS India branch or explore the website:https://www.dbs.com/in/treasures/dbs-forms/banking/remittances/study-abroad-total-assist-form.page

 

 

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About DBS

DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world. In 2024, CRISIL Ratings reaffirmed its ‘CRISIL AAA/Stable’ rating on the corporate credit facility of DBS Bank India Ltd (DBIL). The rating on the certificate of deposits programme was also reaffirmed at ‘CRISIL A1+’.

 

Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia“ award by Global Finance for 16 consecutive years from 2009 to 2024. In line with its focus on responsible banking, DBS was named the Best Bank for Sustainable Finance – India by Global Finance in 2024. Additionally, DBS Bank was ranked among the top 3 on Forbes' list of the World's Best Banks in India for three consecutive years, from 2020 to 2022.

 

DBS Bank has been present in India for 30 years, opening its first office in Mumbai in 1994. DBS Bank India Limited is the first among the large foreign banks in India to start operating as a wholly owned, locally incorporated subsidiary of a leading global bank. As a trusted partner, DBS provides a range of banking services for large, medium, and small enterprises and individual consumers in India, focusing on a seamless customer experience that helps them ‘Live more, Bank less’. In November 2020, Lakshmi Vilas Bank was merged with DBS Bank India Limited.

 

DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers as it banks the Asian way and understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting businesses for impact: enterprises with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping underserved communities with future-ready skills and helping them to build food resilience.

 

With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.

 

Media Contacts:

DBS Bank India Rohini Rego rohinirego@dbs.com 99305 49207

Adfactors PR Kashni Kadakia kashni.kadakia@adfactorspr.com 9820562269

 

[i] https://www.mea.gov.in/lok-sabha.htm?dtl/38014/QUESTION+No894+INDIAN+STUDENTS+STUDYING+ABROAD

[ii] https://www.dbs.com/digibank/in/banking/remittances/study-abroad-total-assist

[iii] Same day transfers are applicable only when transaction is initiated before the cut off time (i.e., before 11:30 AM IST) for corridor countries

[iv] The overseas education loan is offered by Credila Financial Services Limited (formerly known as HDFC Credila Financial Services Limited). DBS Bank facilitates this process by referring interested customers to the Company.

[v] Facilitation of remote account opening is currently available for Singapore.