Established in 1937, Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) is a leading bank based in Chennai, India. IOB had the distinction of simultaneously commencing operations in three branches at Karaikudi, Chennai, and Yangon (Myanmar). Since IOB aimed to encourage overseas banking and foreign exchange operations, it soon opened its branches in Penang and Singapore. Today, Indian Overseas Bank boasts of a vast domain in banking sector with over 1400 domestic branches and 6 branches overseas.

IOB was the first bank to venture into consumer credit, as it introduced the popular Personal Loan scheme. In 1964, the Bank started computerization in the areas of inter-branch reconciliation and provident fund accounts. Indian Overseas Bank was one of the 14 major banks which were nationalized in 1969. After nationalization, the Bank emphasized on opening its branches in rural parts of India. In 1979, IOB opened a Foreign Currency Banking Unit in the free trade zone in Colombo.

In the year 2000, Indian Overseas Band undertook an initial public offering (IPO) that brought the government's share in the bank's equity down to 75%. The equity shares of IOB are listed in the Madras Stock Exchange (Regional), Bombay Stock Exchange, and National Stock Exchange of India Ltd., Mumbai. Since its inception, IOB has absorbed various banks including the latest — Bharat Overseas Bank — in 2007.

The Bank's IT department has developed software, which is used by its 1200 branches to provide online banking to customers. Indian Overseas Bank also has a network of about 500 ATMs throughout India. Its International VISA Debit Card is accepted at all ATMs belonging to the Cash Tree and NFS networks. IOB also offers Internet Banking; it's one of the banks that the Govt. of India has approved for online payment of taxes.

Indian Overseas Bank offers investment options like Mutual Funds and Shares. It provides a wide range of consumer and commercial banking services, including Savings Account, Current Account, Depositary Services, VISA Cards, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Online Banking, Any Branch Banking, Home Loans, NRI Account, Agricultural Loans, Payment of Bills / Taxes, Provident Fund Scheme, Forex Collection Services, Retail Loans, etc.