RBL Bank on Tuesday dismissed reports claiming that Emirates NBD Bank PJSC &mdash; the second-largest bank in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) &mdash; is planning to acquire a controlling stake in the Indian private lender.
In a stock exchange filing, RBL Bank stated, &ldquo;The bank is on a growth trajectory and routinely explores opportunities aimed at enhancing shareholder value. However, such discussions do not warrant disclosure under Regulation 30 of the Listing Regulations at this stage.&rdquo;
The bank further clarified, &ldquo;The contents of the aforesaid article are incorrect.&rdquo;
Earlier reports had suggested that Emirates NBD was in advanced talks to invest around ₹15,000 crore in RBL Bank, which would make it the single-largest and controlling shareholder in the institution.
Following the reports, RBL Bank&rsquo;s shares rose as much as 3.3% to ₹299.60 &mdash; their highest level since January 2024 &mdash; before closing 0.71 per cent higher at ₹292.20 on Tuesday.
As per Indian regulations, foreign investment in private sector banks is capped at 74%. 
However, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) restricts any single foreign institution from holding more than 15%, unless special approval is granted.
In a similar precedent, Japan&rsquo;s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) had acquired a 20% stake in Yes Bank from the State Bank of India and other private sector lenders, later increasing its shareholding to 24.22 %

RBL Bank refutes reports of ₹15,000-cr stake buy by UAE’s Emirates NBD

RBL Bank Denies Emirates NBD Stake Talks

RBL Bank refutes reports of ₹15,000-cr stake buy by UAE’s Emirates NBD

October 14, 2025 | 18:15 IST