Mumbai, March 4, 2025 – In a strategic move to strengthen its financial ecosystem, Jio Financial Services Ltd (JFSL) has announced the acquisition of 7.9 crore shares of Jio Payments Bank Ltd (JPBL) from State Bank of India (SBI) for a total consideration of ₹104.54 crore. This deal will result in JPBL becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of JFSL, further consolidating the company’s position in the digital banking and payments sector.
Jio Financial to Gain Full Ownership of Jio Payments Bank
Prior to this acquisition, JFSL already held an 82.17% stake in JPBL, with the remaining shares owned by SBI, as part of their joint venture agreement. With this purchase, JFSL will take complete control of JPBL, allowing for greater strategic alignment and operational integration within the broader Jio financial services ecosystem.
In a filing with stock exchanges, JFSL stated:
“The acquisition is subject to approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is expected to be completed within 45 days post receipt of RBI approval.”
Stock Market Reaction: JFSL Shares Surge 3%
Following the announcement, JFSL shares reacted positively, climbing 3% to ₹207 per share on the NSE at 2:45 PM on March 4. This reflects investor confidence in the company’s expansion strategy and its ambitions in the financial services sector.
Why This Acquisition Matters for Jio Financial Services
The move to fully acquire Jio Payments Bank aligns with Jio Financial Services’ broader vision to expand its footprint in the digital banking, payments, and financial services space. With complete ownership, JFSL can now streamline operations, introduce new financial products, and integrate payment banking services into its growing fintech ecosystem.
This acquisition also comes at a time when India’s digital banking and fintech sector is witnessing rapid growth, fueled by increasing adoption of UPI, digital wallets, and online payment solutions.
Jio Financial Services’ Expanding Presence in Fintech and Financial Markets
Jio Financial Services, which was spun off from Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) in 2023, has been actively expanding its presence across multiple financial services domains, including:
- Investing and Financing: JFSL provides investment and lending solutions.
- Insurance Broking: The company is entering the insurance sector, offering broking services across life, health, and general insurance.
- Payment Bank Services: Through Jio Payments Bank, JFSL is targeting digital banking solutions for consumers and businesses.
- Payment Aggregator and Payment Gateway Services: Enabling seamless digital transactions across e-commerce and merchant platforms.
Recent Developments in Jio Financial’s Growth Strategy
Launch of JioFinance App (May 2024):
- JFSL introduced a pilot version of the ‘JioFinance’ app, offering UPI, digital banking, and other financial services.
- This app is expected to play a crucial role in competing with established fintech giants like Paytm, PhonePe, and Google Pay.
Partnership with BlackRock (April 2024):
- JFSL collaborated with global investment management firm BlackRock Inc. to launch a wealth management and broking business in India.
- This partnership is set to offer investment products, mutual funds, and advisory services, positioning JFSL as a key player in the wealth management sector.
Entry into Lending and NBFC Business:
- JFSL has been actively pursuing lending opportunities, with plans to launch a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) to provide loans to individuals and businesses.
- The company aims to leverage Jio’s vast customer base and digital infrastructure to disrupt traditional lending models.
How This Acquisition Strengthens JFSL’s Market Position
With full control over Jio Payments Bank, JFSL is now positioned to:
- Expand its digital banking portfolio by offering enhanced UPI services, digital savings accounts, and payment solutions.
- Accelerate financial inclusion efforts by integrating Jio’s extensive telecom and retail customer base into its banking services.
- Compete more aggressively with established payment banks and fintech players, including Paytm Payments Bank, Airtel Payments Bank, and traditional banking giants.
- Leverage Jio’s technological infrastructure to introduce AI-driven financial products, personalized banking solutions, and embedded finance offerings.
Regulatory Approval and Next Steps
While the acquisition is a significant step, it is subject to regulatory approvals from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Given that JPBL operates under India’s stringent digital banking regulations, JFSL will need to ensure compliance with RBI’s capital adequacy, KYC, and operational guidelines before completing the deal.
If approved, the transition to a wholly-owned subsidiary structure is expected to be completed within 45 days, allowing JFSL to fully integrate JPBL into its broader financial ecosystem.
Conclusion: A Strategic Move to Dominate India’s Digital Banking Space
Jio Financial Services’ decision to fully acquire Jio Payments Bank from SBI marks a significant milestone in its fintech journey. With Jio’s vast digital ecosystem, this move will help JFSL expand its presence in India’s fast-growing financial services sector.
As the company strengthens its position in digital banking, lending, insurance, and wealth management, it is poised to become a formidable competitor to established financial players in India.
With the Indian fintech market projected to grow exponentially, JFSL’s latest acquisition could play a crucial role in shaping the future of digital banking and financial services in the country.
