The spotlight is on Yes Bank share price after a wave of high-profile stake sales and acquisitions reshaped the bank’s ownership. From SBI’s large divestment to Bandhan Bank and Federal Bank trimming exposure, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) stepping in as the dominant foreign investor, this private lender is buzzing with activity.
With these ongoing developments underway, let’s take a look at the key details investors should track today.
SBI cuts stake, SMBC steps in
India’s largest lender, State Bank of India (SBI), has offloaded 13.18% stake in Yes Bank to Japan’s SMBC for nearly Rs 8,889 crore. Post-transaction, SBI still remains a major shareholder with around 10.8% stake.
Moreover, this also marks the largest cross-border divestment deal ever in India’s banking sector.
SMBC’s growing hold in Yes Bank
Another major development is that SMBC, part of the $2 trillion Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG), has been steadily building its presence in Yes Bank. The Japanese major is now close to hitting the RBI-approved limit of 24.99% shareholding.
With its latest purchase, SMBC will also secure the right to nominate two non-executive directors on the board. This also strengthens its influence over Yes Bank’s future direction.
More stake sale by Indian banks
It is also interesting to note that it is not just SBI making moves. Bandhan Bank sold 15.39 crore shares for Rs 331 crore, cutting its stake from 0.70% to 0.21%.
Federal Bank also sold 16.63 crore shares worth around Rs 357 crore. Both transactions were executed at Rs 21.50 per share.
SMFG’s India strategy
More interesting to understand is that while SMBC is deepening its India play with Yes Bank, its parent SMFG has exited its small 1.65% holding in Kotak Mahindra Bank for about JPY 106 billion. This can be described as a portfolio reallocation move, even as SMFG continues its wealth management and investment banking alliance with Kotak, a partnership dating back to 2010.
Yes Bank share performance
The share price of Yes Bank has delivered a 10% return over the last five days. On a six-month basis, the stock has gained 28%. However, on a yearly basis, the private lender’s shares have posted a negative return of 9%. So far in 2025, the stock is up 7%.
Bandhan share performance
Bandhan Bank, on the other hand, is trading 2% higher in early trade today. On a six-month basis, the share price of Bandhan Bank has gained 19%, while on a yearly basis, the private lender’s shares are up 4%.
SBI share performance
SBI’s share price has gained 4% in the last five days. Over the past six months, the stock has delivered a 16% return, while so far in 2025, it is up 8%.