RBL Bank Banks On Chess Starlet Gukesh Dommaraju’s Endorsement

Indian private bank RBL Bank has struck an endorsement deal with homegrown chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju.

The 18-year-old grandmaster—the third youngest in the world to attain a rating of 2700—has become a brand ambassador of RBL Bank, in the latter’s bid to engage its customers, including youth.  

R Subramaniakumar – MD & CEO, RBL Bank, enthusing, “In life, as in chess, every move counts – and at RBL Bank, we understand the importance of helping our customers make the right financial moves. Partnering with Gukesh is a perfect strategic alignment for us, as his exceptional ability to think several moves ahead mirrors our approach to thoughtful financial planning.”

“His journey from a prodigy to a grandmaster reflects the kind of strategic excellence we aim to bring to our customers’ financial lives. RBL Bank family and RBL Bank customers extend our heartfelt wishes for Gukesh’s victory at the World Chess Championship 2024.”

Sharing his thoughts on the partnership, Dommaraju added, “This partnership with RBL Bank represents a significant move in my journey. The Bank’s approach to helping customers align their financial goals with precision and foresight reminds me of a winning strategy.”

“Their commitment to building customer wealth with stability through innovative solutions shows the same level of strategic thinking that chess demands. I am excited to partner with an institution that understands that success, whether in chess or in financial planning, comes from thinking ahead and making wise moves at the right time.”

Meanwhile, the in-form Dommaraju had slipped against reigning world chess champion Ding Liren in the first big match of the 2024 FIDE World Championship in Singapore, and hopes to fare better in the second game this afternoon.  

According to ASN data, RBL Bank has been quiet in the Asian sponsorship landscape since December 2018, withdrawing from backing the Bengaluru Midnight Marathon in a deal worth US$51k for the previous year’s edition. Prior to that, it had a major deal with IPL franchise Delhi Capitals worth US$400k, and it had withdrawn from that arrangement in April 2017.