On the occasion of International Women's Day, private sector South Indian Bank (SIB) launched an "all-women" branch in Thrissur, the Cultural Capital of Kerala.

"All women" branch implies that all the employees working in the branch would be women. The branch was formally inaugurated by the wife of noted film actor Innocent, Alice Innocent on March 8th.

The branch will not only be "all-lady managed branch" but also extend advice and personal guidance to women on inculcating the saving habits.

Speaking at the launch, SIB's CEO and MD, V A Joseph said that the bank aims to empower women by indulging them into saving habits.

Others that were present at the opening of the branch include actor Innocent and investment analyst T S Anantharaman.

Recently the bank has also had a tie-up with the ING Life, part of the ING Group, the world's largest financial services provider, to collect insurance policy renewal payments from the customers of ING Life.

Announcing the launch, Chief Operating Officer of ING Life, Mr Ashwin B said, "I am delighted to announce our tie-up with South Indian Bank. To us, this is a significant association of two powerful financial institutions which value-adds to our esteemed customers across the country. Our customers will now find it extremely convenient to pay their renewal premiums, thus making life easier for them. The robust branch network of South Indian Bank is a major strength in our service backbone."