HDFC, a financial services company, was established in 1977 with its headquarters in Mumbai. Key people who laid the foundation of the company include Hasmukhbai Parekh. In 2000, various mutual fund schemes under HDFC Asset Management company, and a set of life insurance schemes under the name HDFC Standard Life Insurance were launched. The corporation is the first private sector company in India to have launched life insurance products.

HDFC owns and operates several products under its name. Major products offered by the corporation include mortgage, life insurance, general insurance, and mutual funds. The company provides financial assistance for the purchase and construction of residential houses. Besides housing development, the financial services company also offers a variety of products under its life insurance and general insurance wings. HDFC is also known for offering various mutual funds through its mutual funds subsidiary. In the corporate sector, HDFC, Ltd. has a host of insurance products across different domains including property, marine, aviation, and liability insurance to name a few.

HDFC, Ltd. has 396 outlets covering its distribution network. The network houses roughly 109 offices in the HDFC Sales Division. HDFC, Ltd. also operates overseas to cater to NRIs and has its offices located in international destinations like London, Singapore, and Dubai. In addition, constant and consistent marketing efforts have allowed the corporation to expand its distribution network, which currently covers 90 locations across the globe.