The Future of Banking offers a global and practical blueprint for reimagining the modern financial institution. At a time when digital transformation alone is no longer sufficient, this book focuses on rebuilding trust, driving inclusive access, and enabling resilient institutional architecture.
Written by a senior banking leader with over three decades of experience across Barclays (UK), HDFC Bank (India), and Phoenix Empire Ltd (UK), the book brings together lived insight, global strategy, and cross-market applicability. It blends academic depth with real-world execution, offering a comprehensive roadmap for future-ready banking institutions.
The book is structured into ten chapters, each with ten modular sections, which enables clarity, flexibility, and progression. In doing so, the volume allows readers to engage with both high-level transformation themes and hands-on implementation models. It bridges the gap between academic vision and practitioner execution, offering a robust architecture for leaders navigating systemic disruption, ESG mandates, and hybrid infrastructure needs on a global scale.
Table of Contents:
1. The Changing Bank 2. The New Leadership 3. The Everyday Bank 4. The Human Foundation 5. The Core Transformed 6. The Power of Partnerships 7. The Age of Intelligence 8. The Architecture of Trust 9. The Promise of Inclusion 10. The Century Ahead: The Capstone of The Future of Banking: A Global Blueprint for the Bank of Tomorrow
About the Author :
Gulzar Singh is a globally respected banking leader with three decades of executive experience across Barclays UK, HDFC Bank India, Capgemini, and fintech ventures. Dr. Singh has held leadership roles across digital transformation, operations, financial crime, ESG strategy, and regulatory reform and is a Chartered Fellow of six leading UK professional institutes, including the Chartered Banker Institute, LIBF, and the Chartered Management Institute.
Review :
“I have known Gulzar since our MBA days, when his clarity of thought and commitment to big ideas were already evident. To see that same conviction now reflected in The Future of Banking: A Global Blueprint for the Bank of Tomorrow is deeply inspiring. The book provides a timely and globally relevant framework for trust, resilience, and inclusion, while remaining practical and grounded in real-world experience. It is both a vision and a blueprint for the institutions of tomorrow.” Shri Vishwajit Pratapsingh Rane, Cabinet Minister, Government of Goa, India (Health, Agriculture, Urban Development, Town & Country Planning, Women & Child Development, Forests)
“I have known Gulzar Singh personally and professionally for many years, and have witnessed his leadership in both institutional banking and broader governance contexts. The Future of Banking: A Global Blueprint for the Bank of Tomorrow is not just a vision but a call to action - addressing financial inclusion, institutional trust, and systemic reform with rare clarity and conviction. This work is globally relevant and deeply rooted in practical experience, making it a timely and important contribution for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars alike.” Shri Karan Bir Singh (KBS Sidhu), Indian Administrative Services, Former Special Chief Secretary, Government of Punjab, India
“I have had the privilege of personally witnessing Gulzar Singh’s leadership journey, from his role as Head of Retail Banking at HDFC Bank, where he forged innovative partnerships with public institutions, to his broader vision of trust and inclusion in finance. The Future of Banking: A Global Blueprint for the Bank of Tomorrow reflects the same integrity, conviction, and clarity I have long associated with him. It is a timely and compelling call for resilient institutions that balance financial innovation with public purpose.” Shri Jayanto Narayan Choudhury, Indian Police Service, Former Director General, NSG; Former DGP Assam Police; Independent Director Gail India
“I have long admired Gulzar Singh’s disciplined thought and leadership rooted in real-world practice. The Future of Banking: A Global Blueprint for the Bank of Tomorrow reflects his ability to blend the strategic mindset of a banker with the conscience of a public servant. His work is a timely call to design financial systems anchored in trust, ethics, and responsibility. I endorse this book not only as a mentor but as someone who believes that the future of any sector must be built by leaders who embody both competence and conscience.” Air Marshal K.S. Bhatia, PVSM, AVSM & Bar, Former Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Indian Air Force
“In every generation, a few voices rise above the noise - not by volume, but by clarity. The Future of Banking: A Global Blueprint for the Bank of Tomorrow is such a voice. Dr. Gulzar Singh has written more than a book on banking; he has authored a strategic blueprint for an age of transition where disruption, regulation, and societal expectations collide. What sets this work apart is its conscience - it never loses sight of the human element while addressing the architecture of trust. I commend this book to all those shaping the future of institutions and public life.” Major General Surjit Singh, AVSM, VSM, FNAE, Veteran, Engineer, Member, Indian National Academy of Engineering
"The principles of integrity, professionalism, and lifelong learning remain at the heart of banking. In an era of rapid technological change, these values provide the foundation for building trust and delivering meaningful service to customers and communities alike, ensuring the profession continues to serve society effectively.
I had the opportunity to work with Dr Gulzar Singh during his journey towards becoming a Fellow at the Chartered Banker Institute in Edinburgh. His dedication, intellectual curiosity, and ability to engage with complex issues left a strong impression on me.
This book, The Future of Banking arrives at an important time for the industry, offering perspectives on how banking can adapt to emerging challenges while remaining anchored in its core purpose. It is a timely and thoughtful contribution to the conversation on the future of our profession." Warwick Browning, FCBI, Assessor at Chartered Banker Institute, Scotland.
