The 24-carat gold coins are in denominations of 5 grams, 8 grams and 10 grams, allo of which are imported from Switzerland and with 999.9 fineness. The coins will be distributed across the bank's 149 retail branches.

Gold retailing is part of the bank's overall strategy to be a key provider of end-to-end investment products and services. Gold as an asset class is a key alternative investment avenue for individual investors and also acts as a natural hedge against other asset classes, said the firm. 

According to the World Gold Council, India is the highest consumer of gold commanding 20 per cent of the world market share. In 2011, the country imported 966 tonnes of gold. The Council expects that by 2010, the cumulative annual demand for gold in India would reach 1,200 tonnes per year. 

ING Vysya Bank serves over two million clients across the country through its 526 branches, 28 satellite offices and 427 ATMs. It has around 7,000 staff.