Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

International Holding Company (IHC), based in Abu Dhabi, is among parties reportedly in early-stage discussions about investing in Bandhan Financial Services Limited (BFSL), Bandhan Bank’s promoter. The Economic Times reported on October 13, 2026, that BFSL was seeking strategic investors for a 25–32% stake. This is preliminary, attributed reporting—not a confirmed purchase of Bandhan Bank shares or an announced deal.

Why did Bandhan Bank shares jump?

The headline’s claim of an 8% jump cannot be independently confirmed from the available dated price information. The Economic Times report says Bandhan Bank shares ended Monday at ₹157 and were up 13.32% year to date, but it does not establish which date or price comparison produced the 8% figure, or whether it refers to an intraday high or a closing-price move. Those are different measurements, so the 8% figure should not be treated as a verified closing gain without a dated exchange record.

The report also says the shares had fallen sharply after Bandhan Bank cut its FY27 return-on-assets guidance following its June-quarter results in July. That is relevant background to the market reaction, but it does not verify the size or timing of the move attributed to the stake-talk report.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Are Abu Dhabi investors buying Bandhan Bank?

Not according to any confirmed transaction announcement in the report. The reported discussions concern BFSL, the promoter, rather than a direct purchase of the listed bank’s shares. The Economic Times, citing people aware of the development, says IHC was among parties in early discussions and that BFSL was working with Jefferies to find strategic investors for a 25–32% stake. The stated aim was to give early financial investors an exit opportunity.

#1 Best Overall
2 Pack Expense Tracker Ledger Book- Finance Book for Home Budget Tracking, Business Bookkeeping -Home Budget notebook, Finance Planner- Expense Ledger for Small Business Bookkeeping (100 Pages 2 Pack)
  • PERFECT FOR RECORD KEEPING: The 2 Pack account ledger books are versatile and can be used to track finances, budgets, expenses, and other business or personal records. They are perfect for individuals, or small business owners who need a reliable and efficient way to keep track of their finances. With 100 pages, customers can record transactions over an extended period, making it a handy tool for bill planner, weekly budget planner, monthly budget planner.
  • COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT: The Budget Planner is compact and lightweight with each book weighing 7 ounces and measuring 8.5 x 6.25 inch, making them easy to carry around. You can take the budget notebook in a bag or briefcase, making them ideal for on-the-go use. This feature ensures that you can access your records at any time, whether you are at work or on the move.
  • PREMIUM QUALITY: Elegant style with the words ''Account Tracker'' embossed in fancy Gold Foils. Water-proof and scratch resistant hard cover. Coil ring binding is a practical design feature that enhances the functionality of the account ledger books. It allows pages to turn smoothly and easily, making it effortless to flip through the book while keeping pages in place. The ring binding also ensures that pages won't fall out, preventing the loss of vital information.
  • DURABLE WATER-PROOF COVER WITH GOLD FOIL LETTERS: The words ''Account Tracker'' embossed in shiny Gold Foil letters gives it a professional and fancy look that can fit in any setting. Additionally, the durable cover is scratch resistant, It provides a durable layer of protection that can withstand daily wear and tear, making it suitable for long-term use.

Other entities reportedly canvassed included First Abu Dhabi Bank, Qatar Investment Authority, Carlyle and EQT. Being named as an entity approached does not establish that it made an offer, joined negotiations or agreed to invest. The report says discussions are at an early stage and may not result in a transaction.

Who is selling a stake in Bandhan’s promoter?

The Economic Times reported that GIC and IFC together held 30.3% of BFSL at the end of March and were seeking a full or partial exit. People cited by the newspaper estimated that combined stake could be worth $500–600 million. That figure is a reported estimate, not an agreed valuation or confirmed sale price.

Separately, the report says Bandhan Financial Holdings held 37.5% of Bandhan Bank at the end of June. These figures describe stakes at different entities and dates: GIC and IFC’s reported combined holding in BFSL, and Bandhan Financial Holdings’ holding in the bank. They should not be read as the same shareholding.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What is the RBI promoter stake limit for Bandhan Bank?

The Economic Times says the bank’s licensing agreement with the Reserve Bank of India requires the promoter holding to be reduced to 26% by 2030. It reported the holding at 37.5% at the end of June. A possible investor entry at BFSL and the required reduction in the bank-level promoter holding are related to the ownership story, but the report does not say that the reported talks have completed or that they alone would satisfy the licensing requirement.

What explains the bank’s recent operating outlook?

The newspaper reported that Bandhan cut its FY27 loan-growth guidance to the lower end of its previous 14–15% range. It cited concerns involving costs, net interest margin, asset quality, supply chains, energy costs and the monsoon. This outlook is a separate part of the investment context: it may affect how investors assess the bank, but it does not establish the terms or prospects of a BFSL stake sale.

The Economic Times quoted JP Morgan analysts Anuj Singla and Harsh Wardhan Modi as saying Bandhan described the growth cut as pre-emptive and that on-the-ground asset-quality trends remained benign, including improving delinquency trends in newer and older loan vintages. The analysts also said the bank retained credit-cost guidance of 1.6–1.8%. This is the analysts’ characterization as quoted by the newspaper, not a direct statement from the bank.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Is the Bandhan Bank stake deal confirmed?

No. Bandhan founder and chairman Chandra Shekhar Ghosh told The Economic Times, “We don’t comment on market speculation.” A First Abu Dhabi Bank spokesperson told the newspaper, “As a matter of policy, we do not comment on individual client relationships, transactions, or market speculation.” Neither response confirms a transaction.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The newspaper also quoted an unnamed investor examining the deal saying, “Discussions are picking up momentum, but the contours are evolving.” The investor described the transaction as complicated and partly dependent on regulators. That comment indicates uncertainty, not a binding agreement, confirmed buyer or regulatory approval. The report does not identify confirmed competing bids or disclose agreed price, governance rights or completion conditions.

Where to check for an official update

For confirmation, look for a dated company or stock-exchange disclosure rather than relying on reports of discussions. Bandhan Bank’s investor-relations page lists exchange disclosures, shareholding patterns, annual reports and quarterly results. The NSE corporate-filings page lists announcements for the BANDHANBNK ticker. Any later filing should be read for which entity is involved, the stake being transferred, the parties, conditions and approvals; a report that investors were approached is not itself a filing or completed transaction.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.