On Saturday the Board of Directors of Emirates NBD Bank and RBL Bank Ltd at their respective conferences accepted coming into into definitive agreements for ENBD to accumulate controlling stake in RBL Bank by means of a major infusion of ₹26,850 crore. File. | Photo Credit: Bijoy Ghosh

Private sector RBL Bank Ltd’s Employees Union has protested the takeover of the financial institution by UAE’s public sector lender, Emirates NBD for $3 billion and mentioned this was an onslaught by worldwide finance capital.

“In current years, we now have witnessed a regarding pattern of accelerating international management over Indian banks. It started with Laxmi Vilas Bank, acquired by Singapore-based DBS Group. This was adopted by the acquisition of Catholic Syrian Bank by the Canadian agency Fairfax. More not too long ago, Yes Bank is seeing a rising stake being taken over by Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), and now RBL Bank is to be acquired by UAE’s public sector lender, Emirates NBD, mentioned Devidas Tuljapurkar, Chairman, RBL Bank Employees Union. 

“This rising international presence in Indian banking is nothing wanting an onslaught by worldwide finance capital. What makes this growth notably troubling is the irony that it’s unfolding underneath a authorities that usually champions the reason for Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and Swadeshi values. Despite its rhetoric, the federal government seems to be facilitating this regular encroachment,” he mentioned.

Stating that banking is not only one other trade—it’s the very spine of a nation’s financial infrastructure, he mentioned permitting crucial banking establishments to fall into the palms of international entities poses a big threat to India’s monetary sovereignty. 

“Such a transfer might severely undermine the nation’s capacity to independently handle its financial coverage, particularly in occasions of world uncertainty,” he emphasised.

“India’s independence shouldn’t be merely a political idea; it should additionally prolong to financial and monetary domains. Preserving the integrity and autonomy of our banking sector is important to defending that independence. It is crucial that we rethink the course by which we’re headed earlier than it turns into too late to reverse course,” he careworn. 

On Saturday the Board of Directors of Emirates NBD Bank and RBL Bank Ltd at their respective conferences accepted coming into into definitive agreements for ENBD to accumulate controlling stake in RBL Bank by means of a major infusion of ₹26,850 crore ($3 billion).

This makes the deal the biggest ever international direct funding within the Indian monetary providers sector.

The proposed funding will likely be made by way of a preferential situation of as much as 60%.

As a part of this transaction, ENBD may also make a compulsory open supply for the acquisition of as much as 26% stake from the general public shareholders of RBL Bank, as per SEBI’s Takeover Regulations.

The Board of Directors of ENBD and RBL Bank additionally accepted the amalgamation of the India branches of ENBD with and into RBL Bank as required by RBI pointers. 

This amalgamation is anticipated to be accomplished after the execution of the preferential issuance into RBL Bank.

The infusion will considerably strengthen RBL Bank’s steadiness sheet, improve its Tier-1 capital ratio, and supply long-term development capital, additional enabling the Bank to deepen its deposit franchise and broaden its footprint by means of calibrated department community growth, RBL Bank mentioned in a press release.

Shayne Nelson, Group CEO of Emirates NBD mentioned “Our funding in RBL Bank is a testomony to our confidence in India’s vibrant and increasing economic system. This strategic alignment brings collectively RBL Bank’s rising home franchise with Emirates NBD’s regional attain and monetary experience, creating a novel platform for development and innovation.”

“An enhanced presence in India for ENBD, by means of a well-established enterprise like RBL Bank, would additional complement ENBD’s service to clients working all through the MENATSA area. We envisage to help Indian companies, commerce, tasks, and different alternatives all through the area leveraging our community,” he mentioned.

RBL Bank Chairman Chandan Sinha mentioned “This partnership marks a defining second in RBL Bank’s journey of transformation. The entry of Emirates NBD as our strategic shareholder displays the worldwide confidence in India’s banking sector and RBL Bank’s potential inside it. Together, we’re poised to strengthen our capabilities, deepen our buyer franchise, and construct a future-ready establishment anchored in belief, governance, and development”

R. Subramaniakumar, Managing Director &CEO of RBL Bank mentioned “This partnership secures a sturdy and globally revered anchor shareholder, offering a powerful capital base for our future. We are excited in regards to the synergies this alliance will create and are assured that our mixed strengths will ship superior worth to all of the stakeholders of the Bank.”

Published – October 19, 2025 02:30 am IST