Biggest cross-border bank deal in India as Emirates NBD invests $3B

In a landmark transaction for India’s banking industry, Middle Eastern banking giant Emirates NBD has announced the acquisition of a 60% stake in RBL Bank, a prominent Indian private sector lender, for $3.05 billion. 

The acquisition, reported by Sandrine Zimra for Mena Today, marks the largest cross-border acquisition ever in India’s financial services sector.

According to the statement released by RBL Bank to Indian stock exchanges, Emirates NBD will invest 268.53 billion Indian rupees through a preferential issue of shares, positioning the Dubai-based bank as the controlling stakeholder in the Indian lender.

The move comes as part of a broader trend of foreign strategic investments in India’s banking sector. Earlier this year, Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation agreed to purchase up to 25% of Yes Bank, signaling increasing global confidence in India’s banking and fintech landscape.

For Emirates NBD, this deal represents a significant expansion into one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies, tapping into a vast consumer base and leveraging India’s digital banking transformation. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals in both countries.

The RBL Bank acquisition by Emirates NBD is expected to bring capital strength, international best practices, and regional integration to the Indian lender, as it positions itself for further growth amid increasing competition and digital disruption in the Indian market.