Just take this simple fact: On the ATM front, UTI Bank's network at a shade over 220 is higher than that of HDFC Bank or ICICI Bank. Now can, UTI Global Bank deliver on the retail side?

Prima facie, a few like IndusInd Bank's senior vice president N Suresh Pai think so. "The Unit Trust of India (UTI) has an embedded corporate and retail business. UTI Bank has access to UTI's unit holders. That is a huge base to tap into. Again, GTB was much more sharper in retail than UTI Bank in retail. The merged entity will be a much focussed one in retail, and will give an edge to UTI which is a universal financial conglomerate".

It is interesting to note that of institutions-promoted banks, UTI Global Bank will have a more complete suite of products to offer - be it corporate or retail. This has much to do with parent UTI's business lines.

Comparatively, while the HDFC group had all along an embedded retail culture; ICICI group is a largely corporate banking, and term finance; both these players had to learn one line of business anew. Not so in the case of UTI Global Bank. HSBC Securities' head of research Vasudeo Joshi said: "Consumers will be the beneficiary. With GTB's superior technology and backing of UTI, retail customers will benefit. In terms of ATMs, deposits, and loan portfolio, these banks are comparable".