Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) is planning to raise its stake in YES Bank to nearly 25%, following the Reserve Bank of India’s approval. SMBC aims to acquire an additional 4.99%, possibly from private equity investors Advent International and Carlyle Group, although discussions remain informal. Advent has denied plans to offload its stake, while Carlyle has not commented. As of June 30, 2025, Advent and Carlyle together held a 13.25% stake in YES Bank.
The RBI recently permitted SMBC to increase its holding from 20% to 24.99%. Previously, SMBC invested ₹13,483 crore to secure a 20% stake—buying 13.19% from SBI and the rest from seven other banks. SBI now holds 10.77% and has no plans to reduce its stake further.
While the proposed stake increase does not trigger an open offer under SEBI rules, it may suggest a strategic move for greater influence. Analysts note uncertainty remains over whether the 25% stake would come with capped or full voting rights.
