CCI rules out cartelisation among banks in fixing savings interest rates

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ruled out cartelisation among banks in fixing savings interest rates, after finding the rates are based on independent assessment of market conditions rather than any collusive arrangement.

The fair trade watchdog examined the parallel behaviour of banks in offering similar savings bank interest rates and levying similar service charges on a suo motu basis. It also looked at the role, if any, played by the Indian Banks' Association in determining these rates and charges.

The regulator was “prima facie satisfied” that under the aegis of the IBA, a majority of banks were acting in concert