Japan’s SMBC Reportedly in Talks to Invest in Yes Bank
May 6 2025: Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), a major Japanese financial institution, is reportedly exploring the acquisition of a significant stake in India’s Yes Bank. According to sources familiar with the matter, SMBC may initially invest through a strategic minority share and could later initiate an open offer to expand its holding—potentially seeking a controlling interest.
This prospective deal signals SMBC’s growing interest in expanding its footprint in India's rapidly evolving financial sector. It also aligns with broader Japan-India economic cooperation, especially in banking, finance, and infrastructure.
Should the investment proceed, it would represent one of the most notable foreign entries into India’s private banking space in recent years, highlighting international confidence in the sector's long-term growth potential.