Bandhan Financial Services, the promoter of Bandhan Bank, plans to reduce its stake in the lender gradually to comply with Reserve Bank of India regulations, instead of making a large stake sale in a single transaction.
Under the bank’s licensing agreement with the RBI, the promoter is required to bring its shareholding in Bandhan Bank down to 26% by 2030.
“There is sufficient time. We have no plans for a bulk offloading in one go,” Bandhan Bank chairman Chandra Shekhar Ghosh told The Economic Times.
The promoter’s holding in Bandhan Bank stood at 37.54% at the end of June, down from 38.98% three months earlier. Its holding was 39.74% at the end of 2025. The recent reduction in stake is believed to have taken place through sales in the open market.
Bandhan Financial Services’ Business
Bandhan Financial Services primarily manages its investments and operates through two subsidiaries, Bandhan Financial Holdings and Bandhan Technologies.
Bandhan Financial Holdings serves as the holding company for Bandhan Bank, Bandhan AMC, Bandhan Mutual Fund Trustee, Bandhan Investment Managers (Mauritius) and Bandhan Life Insurance.
As of March 31, 2026, Bandhan Financial Services held a 59.98% stake in Bandhan AMC and a 97.16% stake in Bandhan Life Insurance Company.
Stock Split Proposal
Alongside the planned stake reduction, Bandhan Financial Services has proposed a stock split of its equity shares.
Under the proposal, each existing equity share with a face value of Rs 10 would be split into five shares with a face value of Rs 2 each.
Shareholders are scheduled to consider the proposal at the company’s annual general meeting on September 22.
A stock split could make the company’s shares more accessible to retail investors by reducing the face value and corresponding market price per share, which could also be relevant if the company eventually pursues a public listing.
The proposed stock split and the gradual reduction in Bandhan Financial Services’ stake in Bandhan Bank are part of the promoter’s efforts to align its shareholding structure with the applicable regulatory requirements.
-By Shivani Solanki
