10 Leading CFOs in India 2025

SMBC Group Set to Acquire Majority Stake in YES BANK

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), one of Japan’s leading multinational financial services groups, is in advanced discussions to acquire a controlling stake in Yes Bank. Yes Bank is India’s sixth largest private lender.

The estimated value of the acquisition is around $1.7 billion. SMBC is set to acquire a controlling stake of up to 51%, which would make it one of the largest mergers and acquisition deals in the history of Indian private banking. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reportedly given a verbal assurance to SMBC to retain a controlling stake.

Furthermore, the existing foreign direct investment (FDI) rules restrict any foreign banks from taking a controlling stake in Indian lenders.
In 2022, Yes Bank underwent some significant restructuring. It was coordinated by the RBI and supported by a consortium of local lenders, including the State Bank of India (SBI), which holds a 24% stake. The pioneers of the banking sector – ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank, and Life Insurance Corporation of India – LIC hold altogether 11.34% as stakeholders. Advent International and The Carlyle Group. are some private equity firms that hold stakes of 9.20% and 6.84%, respectively.

This is a strategic move by SMBC to expand in India, as the organisation also invested in Fullerton India Credit Company Ltd. and acquired a 74.9% stake worth $2 billion in 2021.

SMBC entered the Indian market in December 2021 and has opened branches in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. In 2024, SMBC has opened a branch in the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).

This estimated acquisition by SMBC paves the way for the other stakeholder banks. Additionally, it gives Yes Bank a competitive advantage in the banking sector. The banking industry is changing rapidly, and with this potential acquisition, Yes Bank will enter a new chapter.

YES BANK Acquisition

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), one of Japan’s leading multinational financial services groups, is in advanced discussions to acquire a controlling stake in Yes Bank. Yes Bank is India’s sixth largest private lender.

The estimated value of the acquisition is around $1.7 billion. SMBC is set to acquire a controlling stake of up to 51%, which would make it one of the largest mergers and acquisition deals in the history of Indian private banking. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reportedly given a verbal assurance to SMBC to retain a controlling stake.

Furthermore, the existing foreign direct investment (FDI) rules restrict any foreign banks from taking a controlling stake in Indian lenders.
In 2022, Yes Bank underwent some significant restructuring. It was coordinated by the RBI and supported by a consortium of local lenders, including the State Bank of India (SBI), which holds a 24% stake. The pioneers of the banking sector – ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank, and Life Insurance Corporation of India – LIC hold altogether 11.34% as stakeholders. Advent International and The Carlyle Group. are some private equity firms that hold stakes of 9.20% and 6.84%, respectively.

This is a strategic move by SMBC to expand in India, as the organisation also invested in Fullerton India Credit Company Ltd. and acquired a 74.9% stake worth $2 billion in 2021.

SMBC entered the Indian market in December 2021 and has opened branches in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. In 2024, SMBC has opened a branch in the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).

This estimated acquisition by SMBC paves the way for the other stakeholder banks. Additionally, it gives Yes Bank a competitive advantage in the banking sector. The banking industry is changing rapidly, and with this potential acquisition, Yes Bank will enter a new chapter.