UAE Central Bank approves Emirates NBD’s proposed stake acquisition in RBL Bank

Private sector lender RBL Bank Ltd on Wednesday (March 25) said Emirates NBD Bank (P.J.S.C) has received approval from the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates for its proposed acquisition of a majority stake in the bank.The approval was communicated through a letter dated March 24, 2026, received by the investor on March 25, 2026. The approval also covers the proposed amalgamation of Emirates NBD’s existing operations in India into RBL Bank. The bank said the approval is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals.

The proposed transaction has already received approval from the Competition Commission of India, clearing a key regulatory hurdle.Also Read: RBL Bank shares remain in focus on three important triggers

Under the proposed deal, Emirates NBD plans to acquire a majority stake in RBL Bank, primarily through a preferential issue of shares that would give the Dubai-based lender about 60% of the bank’s expanded equity capital.The transaction will also include a mandatory open offer for up to 26% of shares from public shareholders, in line with India’s takeover regulations. The final shareholding will remain within the 74% cap on foreign ownership in private banks.

The Dubai-headquartered lender currently operates in India through three branch offices. RBL also has an IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) in GIFT City, which functions as an overseas branch.

Emirates NBD is a public joint stock company listed on the Dubai Financial Market and offers services across retail banking, corporate and institutional banking, Islamic banking, investment banking, private banking, asset management, treasury and brokerage.

Also Read: RBL Bank Q3 | Net profit at ₹214 crore, asset quality improves

Shares of RBL Bank Ltd ended at ₹303.80, up by ₹7.45, or 2.51%, on the BSE.