SBI Logo PNG
The SBI logo symbolizes prosperity, longevity, and stability. The bank is closely connected to the country’s culture and nature. The emblem reflects a commitment to the interests of India and its people. The company enriches the region and provides new opportunities for its clients.
SBI: Brand overview
The history of the State Bank of India (SBI) dates back to 1806, when the Bank of Calcutta, later renamed the Bank of Bengal, was established. This institution, along with the Bank of Bombay (1840) and the Bank of Madras (1843), formed the three presidency banks of British India.
A major milestone occurred in 1921 when these three banks merged to create the Imperial Bank of India. Before the Reserve Bank of India was established in 1935, this new entity served as the largest commercial bank in British India and performed several central banking functions. Expanding its branch network across the country, the Imperial Bank laid the foundation for India’s future banking system after independence.
On July 1, 1955, the Imperial Bank transformed, becoming the State Bank of India under a special act of Parliament. The Indian government, through the Reserve Bank of India, acquired a majority stake in the bank to support the economic development of the newly independent nation and extend banking services to rural and remote areas.
Between 1959 and 1963, SBI expanded its reach by merging with eight state-associated banks, including the State Banks of Bikaner, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Mysore, Patiala, Travancore, Indore, and Saurashtra. This consolidation strengthened its position as the largest bank in the country.
The 1970s were marked by the adoption of new technologies and the development of a robust financial network. In 1978, SBI installed its first computer in Kolkata, becoming a pioneer in banking automation in India.
In the 1980s, the bank began its international expansion, opening representative offices and branches in major global financial centers. This decade also saw the introduction of new products and services, such as credit cards and specialized lending programs.
The 1990s, following India’s economic liberalization, were a period of modernization and adaptation to new economic conditions. The bank introduced advanced customer service technologies and expanded its focus on retail banking.
The consolidation of the SBI group began in 2008 with the merger of SBI and the State Bank of Saurashtra. In 2010, the State Bank of Indore was also integrated.
In 2017, the remaining five affiliated banks—the State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, the State Bank of Hyderabad, the State Bank of Mysore, the State Bank of Patiala, and the State Bank of Travancore—merged with SBI. This move established SBI as one of the largest banks in the world in terms of assets and branch network.
From 2018 to 2023, SBI continued modernizing its technology infrastructure by developing mobile and digital banking services. The bank invested heavily in blockchain and artificial intelligence technologies to improve customer experiences and streamline operations.
By 2024, SBI remained India’s largest commercial bank. The bank consistently launched innovative financial products and adapted to the evolving needs of its diverse customer base. The bank is expanding its digital services and enhancing its offerings for various client segments.
Meaning and History
What is SBI?
This major financial institution and India’s largest public sector bank operate globally. The company serves millions of customers, ranging from large corporations to farmers in small towns. With an extensive network of branches and ATMs that reach even the most rural areas of India, the bank plays a significant role in the country’s efforts to promote financial inclusion. Retail banking, corporate finance, asset management, and international banking are just a few services the company offers.
1955 – 1970
The company’s logo is designed in the shape of a gold coin with the circular inscription “State Bank of India” in two languages: English and Hindi, both officially used in the country. An image of a banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) is at the center, and it is known for its longevity. It symbolizes continuous growth and prosperity.
The banyan tree is significant in Indian culture, as Buddha attained enlightenment under its shade. This tree is considered a national symbol, representing resilience and the ability to grow in all directions. Its branches and roots are associated with constant expansion and development.
The bank’s founding year is displayed at the base of the tree, serving as a reminder of its origins and long history of growth, supported by stability and success.
1970 – 2017
The company expanded its operations by gradually incorporating other banks into its structure under the supervision of the Government of India. This milestone is reflected in the new logo, which features the unique concept of a key.
The emblem is built using the bank’s name’s text, forming the key’s vertical shaft. Each letter serves as a visual reference to the teeth of a key, representing the process of uniting banks into a single system under the SBI brand. The name is highlighted in bold font, with a slogan beneath describing the bank’s role as a financial partner for the entire country.
On the right side, a blue vertical stripe symbolizes the key’s head, while a keyhole is depicted on the left. This design conveys accessibility to SBI’s financial services and technologies.
An interesting detail is the shape of the keyhole, which resembles the outline of Kankaria Lake, a well-known artificial reservoir with an adjacent park in India. The blue color reinforces the association with water, drawing a parallel between the reservoir’s fullness and the bank’s gradual expansion into new regions of the country. All these elements are tied to India’s cultural heritage.
Shekhar Kamat from the National Institute of Design designed the logo, which reflects functionality, national symbols, and the themes of unity and progress.
2017 – today
The government decided to streamline the network of state-owned banks by merging subsidiaries into the SBI structure. By 2017, the merger process was completed, marking the debut of a new logo. The design features minimalism and incorporates a blue keyhole and the blue abbreviation of the bank’s name. The emblem reflects the bank’s deep connection to Indian land and culture.
The logo is perceived as a metaphor for a man-made creation that brings prosperity and wealth, like a lake nourishing the garden surrounding it. The shades of blue symbolize peace, harmony, and infinity, emphasizing the bank’s resilience and multifaceted nature.
The emblem combines material and spiritual imagery deeply rooted in the culture and worldview of the Indian people, creating a unique and memorable symbol of the unified banking structure.