Currently there are 16 banks operating in Iran, out of which six are private banks. Among the state-owned banks, Saderat, Melli, Mellat, Sepah, Tejarat and Refah-Kargaran are commercial banks while Bank Maskan, Export Development Bank, Bank of Industry and Mine and Bank Keshavarzi are specialized banks. All private banks are commercial banks. In March 2006 all private banks and non-bank credit institutions together held approx. 10% of the total bank assets in Iran, still substantially less than the 16% market share of BSI.

Amongst all Iranian banks, BSI has the largest network of branches in- and out-side Iran. This provides the Bank with a clear competitive advantage in terms of accessibility and range of services.