Not a lot of people know this fact, but yes, Bank of Baroda actually is the 2nd biggest public sector bank, after SBI, if you look at the market cap data as of 2025. And yes, it is more than a century-old bank in the country, which was started back in 1908 in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. As of right now, it has more than 165 million customers, 8,200+ branches, nearly 80,000 employees and whatnot. But if you still need a good picture of this bank like how it is performing in India, then worry not because we have prepared the SWOT Analysis of Bank of Baroda (BOB) just for you. Here we go then.
Strengths of Bank of Baroda
1. Strong Branch Network
First of all, BOB is among the biggest public sector banks in India, as it has as many as 8,200+ branches, and that’s not it, there are 90 overseas branches too.
2. Full Range of Banking Services
It is not just specific services that Bank of Baroda offers; there is actually a full range of banking services, from savings accounts to business loans, digital payments, and more.
3. Government Backing
Of course, since it is a public sector or nationalised bank, no wonder it has serious government backing, which surely is a plus point.
4. Digital Push with “BoB World”
Other than SBI, Bank of Baroda is a big name that is pushing the whole online banking thing these days and competing with the private sector banks like HDFC and ICICI.
5. Successful Mergers
Because of some recent mergers like with Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank, BOB has kinda expanded its reach and now it is stronger than ever before.
Weaknesses of Bank of Baroda
1. High NPAs (Bad Loans)
Yes, as per some recent reports, BOB has a large number of unpaid loans, which kinda directly affects its profits and growth.
2. Not Enough Global Presence
Sure, there are 90 overseas branches of this bank, but still, the international presence needs more work from this bank.
3. Low Marketing & Branding
Unlike other public and private sector banks, BOB doesn’t invest too much in marketing, and that’s kinda what is limiting its growth right now.
4. Cyber Fraud & Past Scams
You must be aware of the fact that BOB has faced scams like a ₹6,000 crore forex fraud, which damaged its image, no two ways about that.
5. Old Systems
Just like some other public sector banks in the country, BOB has some branches that still use old technology. Without a doubt, the bank needs to upgrade all branches for better service.
Opportunities for Bank of Baroda
1. Digital Banking
Right now, BOB is doing pretty great already in the digital scene, but still, nowadays, more people want to use mobile and internet banking, and that is precisely where BOB can capitalise.
2. Partnering with Fintech
Just like the private sector banks, BOB can come together with Fintech companies and offer something unique to the customers, and that’s better for the revenue growth and profits as well.
3. Growing in Rural India
Sure, BOB already has a good grip of the rural part, but still, it has to work a lot more to make sure that their banking services are available in every part of the country.
4. Offer More Products
Yes, BOB has a full range of services, but still, by adding insurance, mutual funds, and retirement plans, BOB thrives even more.
5. Go Global
As we already talked about this in the weakness segment, see if BOB works on this, it’ll definitely be a big thing, especially in Asia and Africa, where Indian banks are in demand.
6. Support for Small Businesses
More and more banks are now realising the importance of small businesses, so BOB can give loans and services to MSMES and startups, which is also good for the Indian economy as a whole.
Threats to Bank of Baroda
1. Private Bank Competition
It’s not more of a threat, but yes, competition from private sector banks, especially the big names like HDFC and ICICI, is a concern. So, if BOB wants to keep up, well, that’ll need huge investments and too much manpower.
2. Cyber Threats
Well, this is something you can’t hide from in this digital age, and yes, for banks, it is a huge headache that there are hackers and cyber criminals are out there to take advantage of their systems.
3. Changing Rules
We have all witnessed that the RBI can come up with new rules and regulations when they like, and that becomes a big concern for the banks, like, this can very well affect how BOB works or make it spend more to stay compliant.
4. Economic Slowdowns
Oh, these are real things, and when something like this happens, people borrow less, and some can’t repay loans.
5. Talent Loss
Right now, surely, BOB is taking good care of its employees, but it happens when private banks pay better and are more flexible. That’s a thing.
