State Bank of India (SBI) and Yes Bank are on the verge of finalizing a strategic tie-up with Japanese financial giant Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) which could see SMBC buying a 20% stake in Yes Bank. This potential deal is a major development in the Indian banking sector as it shows that foreign investors are increasingly interested in the Indian financial sector.
SBI, which took over Yes Bank in 2020 and currently owns about 24% of the bank, is expected to sell down its stake to around 10% as part of this deal. This is seen as part of SBI’s long-term plan to gradually exit its emergency role in stabilizing Yes Bank while ensuring that the bank continues to recover.
Yes Bank’s stock surged by over 8% after early reports of the deal emerged, indicating positive investor sentiment. If the deal is finalized, SMBC’s entry will not only bring in capital but also global banking expertise which can help accelerate Yes Bank’s turnaround.
Although both banks have not officially confirmed the deal, insider sources indicate that the deal is in the final stages and is pending regulatory approvals. This could change the future of Yes Bank and reinforce India’s position as a hotspot for global banking investments.
