RBI Allows SBI Mutual Fund To Buy Up To 9.99% Stake In RBL Bank Within A Year
February 25, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India has granted approval to SBI Mutual Fund to acquire up to 9.99% shareholding in RBL Bank Limited within a one-year timeframe from the approval date of February 25, 2026. The approval comes with specific regulatory conditions and compliance requirements across multiple frameworks including Banking Regulation Act and SEBI regulations.
RBL Bank has received regulatory approval for a significant shareholding acquisition by SBI Mutual Fund. The Reserve Bank of India granted permission on February 25, 2026, allowing SBI Mutual Fund to acquire up to 9.99% of the bank's paid-up share capital or voting rights within a one-year timeframe.
RBI Approval Details
The central bank's approval comes in response to an application submitted by SBI Mutual Fund for the proposed acquisition. The approval is comprehensive, covering the aggregate holding limit and establishing clear parameters for the investment with a defined timeline.
Parameter: Details Maximum Holding Allowed: Up to 9.99% of paid-up share capital or voting rights Approval Date: February 25, 2026 Acquisition Timeline: One year from approval date Current SBI MF Holding: 1.88% as of February 20, 2026
Regulatory Conditions and Compliance
The RBI approval comes with specific regulatory conditions that SBI Mutual Fund must adhere to throughout the acquisition process. The approval mandates compliance with multiple regulatory frameworks:
Banking Regulation Act, 1949
Reserve Bank of India (Commercial Banks – Acquisition and Holding of Shares or Voting Rights) Directions, 2025
Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999
Securities and Exchange Board of India regulations
Other applicable statutes and guidelines
Shareholding Management Requirements
The approval includes specific provisions for managing the shareholding percentage. SBI Mutual Fund must ensure that its aggregate holding does not exceed the 9.99% threshold at any time. Additionally, if the mutual fund's holding falls below 5% at any point, prior RBI approval will be required to increase it back to 5% or more of the paid-up share capital or voting rights.
Current Investment Position
As disclosed in the regulatory filing, SBI Mutual Fund currently holds 1.88% of RBL Bank's equity share capital as of February 20, 2026. This existing position provides a foundation for the potential expansion up to the newly approved 9.99% limit within the stipulated one-year period.
Disclosure and Transparency
In compliance with SEBI Listing Regulations, specifically Regulation 46(2), RBL Bank has made this information available on its official website. The disclosure ensures transparency for all stakeholders regarding this significant potential shareholding change.
RBL Bank has announced that it has received regulatory approval from the Reserve Bank of India for the re-appointment of Mr. Chandan Sinha as Non-Executive Chairman. The approval marks a significant milestone in the bank's leadership continuity and governance structure.
RBI Approval Details
The Reserve Bank of India conveyed its approval through a letter dated February 23, 2026, following the bank's application under Section 10B (1A) (i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The approval covers Mr. Sinha's re-appointment for a second term as Non-Executive (Part-Time) Chairman.
Parameter: Details Appointment Period: May 21, 2026 to May 20, 2029 Term Duration: Three years Position: Non-Executive (Part-Time) Chairman DIN: 06921244 Regulatory Status: Not debarred by SEBI or other authorities
Professional Background
Mr. Chandan Sinha brings extensive experience to his role, with over 35 years as a career central banker and more than 40 years of association with banking and financial services. His distinguished career includes serving as an Executive Director of the Reserve Bank of India, demonstrating his deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and banking operations.
Following his retirement from RBI, Mr. Sinha served as Interim Director at the Centre for Advanced Financial Research and Learning (CAFRAL). His diverse experience spans multiple key positions including:
Chief Investment Officer of Postal Life Insurance (Government of India)
Director at Indian Institute of Bank Management
Chief Dealer at Securities Trading Corporation of India
RBI nominee director on State Bank of India's board
Nominee Director of RBI on boards of Allahabad Bank, Union Bank of India, ECGC, and Reserve Bank Information Technology Ltd. (ReBIT)
Educational Qualifications
Mr. Sinha's academic credentials include a Master's degree in Physics from St. Stephens College, Delhi University. His professional qualifications encompass an MBA in Finance from Patna University and CAIIB certification, providing him with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in financial management.
Regulatory Compliance
The bank has confirmed that Mr. Sinha maintains good standing with regulatory authorities and is not debarred from holding directorial positions by SEBI or any other regulatory body. The disclosure has been made in compliance with Regulation 30 of the SEBI Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements Regulations, 2015, ensuring transparency for stakeholders.
The bank has also confirmed that Mr. Sinha is not related to any other director of the bank, maintaining independence in the board structure. This re-appointment reinforces the bank's commitment to experienced leadership and regulatory compliance in its governance framework.
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