Foreign Ownership in Indian Banks Under Scrutiny; Possible Regulatory Changes Ahead

RBI’s fresh stance on foreign bank ownership sparks trader interest as voting rights and PSU FPI caps face potential overhaul

Mumbai, July 18 – Foreign ownership limits in Indian banks are back in focus after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) signaled a possible rethink on long-standing restrictions, including the 26% cap on voting rights and 20% FPI ceiling in PSU banks. The developments come amid heightened interest in State Bank of India’s QIP, renewed talks around IDBI Bank’s divestment, and rising foreign appetite for Indian banking assets.

On July 18, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said the central bank is “reviewing all bank ownership rules,” a rare and significant admission that could pave the way for policy changes impacting foreign direct investment (FDI) and foreign portfolio investment (FPI) norms across the sector.

Market Reaction & Technical View

While no immediate policy change has been announced, speculation around relaxed foreign ownership caps boosted short-term trader sentiment on PSU bank stocks earlier this week. However, on Thursday, the Nifty PSU Bank index gave up gains, slipping 0.6% after three sessions of accumulation. Traders booked profits in SBI, Union Bank, and Bank of Baroda, anticipating a drawn-out regulatory process.

F&O data showed rising open interest in SBI July calls at ₹840 and ₹860 strike prices, hinting at positioning for a potential upside if ownership reforms are confirmed. Technical analysts peg ₹826 as key support and ₹856–₹860 as immediate resistance.

“Any clarity from RBI or the Finance Ministry could act as a strong short-term trigger,” said a trader at a domestic brokerage.

Check This:

• State Bank Of India Stock Price
• Union Bank Stock Price
• Bank of Baroda Stock Price

Sectoral Impact & FPI Flow Potential

The debate centers on two core issues:

1. Raising the 20% FPI limit in PSU banks, currently enshrined in the Bank Nationalisation Act.

2. Easing the 26% voting cap on a single entity—even if it holds a majority stake—under the Banking Regulation Act.

According to IIFL Alternate Research, removing the 20% FPI ceiling could unlock $1.8 billion in passive inflows into PSU banks. SBI, for instance, could see $1.45 billion in index flows as its current FPI holding is just 11%.

Meanwhile, private banks may attract strategic foreign interest if voting rights are raised to 51% in specific scenarios—potentially benefiting names like Yes Bank, IDBI Bank, and other mid-sized players open to buyouts.

Trading View & What to Watch Next

Policy clarity remains the key near-term trigger. Traders should monitor upcoming RBI statements and parliamentary sessions for cues on legislative amendments to the Banking Companies Act and Banking Regulation Act.

Watchlist:

• SBI (₹840 breakout level, passive flow potential)

• IDBI Bank (stake sale candidate, FDI interest from global banks)

• Yes Bank (possible strategic buy-in by SMBC, 26% stake under discussion)

Also Read : IPO-Bound Lenskart Posts $755 Million Revenue in FY25, Holds Over $200 Million in Cash