You are not present in France to this day

Aged forty-nine years, Chanda Kochhar is the CEO of ICICI since 2009. Second Indian Bank with more than 2,000 agencies, ICICI Bank's first private, present in larger projects of infrastructure to small farmers.

Several countries of Europe and their banking sectors are currently in a difficult situation. Fear the impact of this crisis

We now live in a world with multiple speeds, with economies that will grow very quickly, others at moderate speed, others not at all. This creates volatility. But my impression is that these European countries passing through a difficult situation are also searching for solutions. All these austerity measures they take, hope it's going to walk. The world won't collapse. The situation is very different from 2007-2008. All this has happened was completely unexpected. Today, everyone spends his time to inquire into the problems to come, what countries will be affected, what kind of difficulties will appear... At the time, it is better prepared to new crises.

The Indian banking sector is also experiencing a crisis, with the funding against bribes scandal. Do you fear for the reputation of Indian banks

It must see that these loans would have anyway been granted, even if the manner in which this has been done is rather unfortunate. I expect so not to any systemic impact on the balance sheet of banks. What is the image of the sector, is not a good thing, of course. But his strength was demonstrated during the period where banks in most other countries passed through difficult times. That's it, the image of Indian banks abroad.

Your bank was known for its very rapid growth. The crisis has given a brake. Hope you find your rate of growth of 40 per year

After years of aggressive growth, we decided in 2008 that, as global growth slowed, we would make our own consolidation. We have adjusted our business by reducing the share of credits without security, by increasing the share of deposits of individuals, etc. So now we are stronger. Are we going rates of 40 I am not sure. We need to focus on a sustainable and profitable long-term growth. With the Indian economy on growth of 9-10, the banking sector can certainly grow at 25 per year. This is what it takes to enable banks to finance the economy. And if the sector is growing at 25, we aim a little more to ICICI, of course.

What is your international strategy

An international, we we are particularly occupied our Indian customers so far: the Indians who live abroad, the companies settled outside our borders. Now, we are interested in global companies who want to work with the India. We have products and systems of first order to propose, for their projects of expansion or entry into the Indian market.

You are not present in France to this day. Do you have projects

We are involved in France, because we have funded the entry of some Indian companies. Before entering in France, the next step will be to look at French companies wishing to do business in India. This is a phase that begins just.

You are the biggest private bank in a market dominated by the public sector. Should it evolve

New Indian private banks began their financial transactions that there are about fifteen years. Previously, the public was almost 100 of the market. Since then, private banks are cut a niche and have good prospects for growth. As regards the evolution of State-owned banks, it will be a decision of the authorities...

Foreign banks say that it is very difficult to grow in India...

I do not agree. The Indian banking industry is very open. Some foreign banks are here for dozens of years. They have plenty of opportunities, including in the management of funds or insurance. Moreover, foreign banks play an important role in the niches they have selected. The only thing that is not open, it is the opportunity to purchase an Indian Bank. And there are ongoing discussions on the structure of foreign banks, there will be changes.

Would be good that they are only in niches

The competition is a good thing and translates into better service for customers. And with the growth we expect, there is room for everyone. I do not fear that someone take me my share of the pie, cake increases non-stop!

What do you think of the crisis the Indian microfinance, which was supposed be a model

It is always a model! Microfinance institutions have served a market which was not affected by other financial organizations. But with the growth experienced by the sector, there were practices that, in some cases, a little wrong. Nevertheless, that the model is still useful, even if it must adapt to a new phase of growth.

During the global financial crisis, the India is very well emerged. Are there lessons to be drawn in terms of regulation

Indeed, we had in place a conservative regulation that prevented us to very complex securitisation operations, operations to enormous leverage effect, etc. We had no rules telling us how provide our loans, but the Indian banking sector lent always on the risk-taking, earnings. This is not because the value of a property climbed without judgment that we multiplied the mortgage credits, while the client was not appropriate income. This has avoided the creation of a situation of "subprime" type

The entire interview on lesechos.fr