Dubai-based bank completes acquisition of a majority stake in RBL Bank through a major capital infusion.
Dubai: Emirates NBD has completed its acquisition of a majority stake in India’s RBL Bank through a primary capital infusion of about $2.75 billion (nearly Rs260 billion), marking one of the largest cross-border banking transactions in India.
The transaction gives Emirates NBD a 60% stake in the expanded share capital of RBL Bank, strengthening the Dubai lender’s long-term presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies.
The deal, first announced on October 18, 2025, has now been completed after securing all required regulatory approvals and fulfilling closing conditions.
Biggest foreign investment in Indian banking
The transaction was executed through a preferential share issuance, along with a mandatory open offer to public shareholders of RBL Bank in accordance with Indian regulatory requirements.
Emirates NBD and RBL Bank said the deal represents the largest foreign direct investment in India’s banking sector, the largest equity fundraise in Indian banking, and the first acquisition of a majority stake in a profitable Indian bank by a foreign lender.
The investment is expected to strengthen RBL Bank’s balance sheet, improve its capital position, and support its next phase of growth across corporate, retail, and digital banking segments.
“The successful completion of this landmark transaction reflects the strength of the strategic partnership between the UAE and India, built on decades of cooperation, mutual trust, and shared economic ambitions,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates NBD. “It also underscores the commitment of both nations’ leadership to strengthening trade, investment, and financial ties. Through our partnership with RBL Bank, Emirates NBD is proud to support this vision and further reinforce its role as a trusted financial bridge between the UAE and India.”
Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Emirates NBD, said India remains a core part of the bank’s international strategy.
“This transaction marks a significant milestone for Emirates NBD and reinforces our long-term commitment to India. As one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, India represents a key pillar of our international strategy. Through our partnership with RBL Bank, we are well-positioned to deepen cross-border connectivity and support trade, investment and financial flows between India and the wider region.”
He added that RBL Bank’s established franchise provides Emirates NBD access to a broader Indian banking platform, including universal banking services and a wide distribution network across the country.
