Currently, RBL Bank shares are stable at around ₹260. The share has shown a 65% increase this year, reflecting the bank's b financial position and promising growth prospects.
Mumbai-based private sector bank RBL Bank Limited clarified in a significant statement on Wednesday, July 2nd, that reports of Dubai-based banking company Emirates NBD acquiring a minority stake in the bank were completely baseless and false. Speaking to CNBC-TV18, a spokesperson for the bank stated that the reports circulating in the media were based on speculation and lacked any factual basis.
Following the bank's clarification, the stock market saw a slight fluctuation, but after that, the bank's shares again rose with strength and closed in the green for the fifth consecutive trading day.
Share Shows Strength in 8 out of 9 Days
RBL Bank shares are currently trading around ₹260, and have registered a growth of approximately 65 percent since the beginning of 2025. The bank's shares have shown strength in seven out of the last eight trading sessions, reflecting investor confidence and the bank's current position.
Discussion of Emirates NBD's Interest
Earlier, media reports had suggested that Dubai-based bank Emirates NBD was looking to enter the Indian banking sector and, in this context, was considering the option of acquiring a minority stake in RBL Bank. This report also claimed that Emirates NBD was also eyeing IDBI Bank and planning to invest there as well.
Limit on Foreign Investment in the Indian Banking Sector
Currently, in India, any foreign bank or institution is only allowed to hold a maximum of 15 percent stake in any Indian bank. However, in special cases, this limit can be increased with the permission of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
There have been examples in the past where foreign investors have been allowed to hold a larger stake in Indian banks. Canada's Fairfax Financial was given a large stake in CSB Bank, and Singapore's DBS was approved for a merger with Lakshmi Vilas Bank.
SMBC Has Also Shown Interest
Japanese banking company SMBC has also recently sought permission from the RBI to acquire a 20 percent stake in Yes Bank. Meanwhile, discussions regarding the review of banking sector regulations are also in full swing. Finance Secretary Sanjay Malhotra recently said that banking ownership rules are being reviewed to clarify avenues for foreign investor participation.
Brokerage House Citi Expresses Confidence
Earlier this week, brokerage firm Citi issued a 90-day positive catalyst watch for RBL Bank. According to the report, an improvement is being seen in the bank's credit cost, which is likely to improve the Return on Assets (RoA) by 45 to 50 basis points. This directly means that the bank can further improve its earnings and profitability.
Reasons for the Strong Performance of the Share
RBL Bank has succeeded in controlling its NPAs (Non-Performing Assets) in the past few months. Also, the bank has established itself better in the retail and MSME sectors through a b digital platform. Due to this, the bank's balance sheet has strengthened, and investor confidence has also increased.
Market analysts believe that the rise seen in the bank's shares is not just based on any rumor or news of an external investor, but rather due to the bank's internal financial position, better management, and a continuously growing customer base.
Investors' Eyes Remain Focused
After the clarification given by the bank, it has become clear that there are no plans for any kind of stake sale at present. But, considering the way the bank has improved itself in the last one year and moved towards growth, the market's eyes will remain on it in the future.
