Yes Bank

In a significant development within India’s banking and investment landscape, U.S.-based private equity giant Carlyle Group has pared down its stake in Yes Bank by 2.6% via open market transactions, securing Rs. 1,774.89 crore. This divestment comes on the heels of an even larger strategic realignment — a landmark Rs. 13,483 crore investment by Japan's Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), which is set to become Yes Bank’s single-largest shareholder.

In a strategic move signaling a reshaping of its investment priorities, the State Bank of India (SBI) has announced the sale of a 13.19% stake in Yes Bank to Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) for a total consideration of Rs. 8,888.97 crore. The divestment involves over 413 crore shares, priced at Rs. 21.50 apiece, and is contingent on statutory approvals. This marks a significant shift for SBI, which currently holds a 24% equity stake in Yes Bank.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has levied monetary penalties on Deutsche Bank AG’s India operations and Yes Bank for breaching specific regulatory guidelines. Deutsche Bank was fined Rs. 50 lakh for failing to adhere to norms related to the central repository of large common exposures across banks. Yes Bank, meanwhile, faced a penalty of Rs. 29.60 lakh for lapses in the presentation and disclosure of financial statements. The central bank clarified that the penalties stem from compliance deficiencies and do not reflect on the legitimacy of customer transactions or agreements.

HDFC Bank and Yes Bank, two prominent private sector lenders in India, have reported their financial results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024–25, showcasing contrasting trajectories. HDFC Bank has demonstrated robust growth, with a 6.6% increase in standalone net profit to ₹17,616 crore, driven by strong net interest income and improved asset quality. In contrast, Yes Bank reported a 63% surge in net profit to ₹738 crore, benefiting from a significant reduction in provisions and a strategic focus on high-yield retail assets.

Yes Bank delivered a strong financial performance in the final quarter of FY25, posting a 63% year-on-year increase in net profit to Rs. 738 crore, primarily driven by a significant decline in provisions. For the full fiscal year, net profit surged 92.3% to Rs. 2,406 crore. The bank also reported moderate growth in net interest income and deposit base, while maintaining a cautious approach to retail lending. Despite trimming savings account interest rates, the CASA ratio improved.

Yes Bank has been slapped with a tax demand of Rs 244.20 crore for the assessment year 2016-17, following a reassessment order that the bank claims incorrectly inflated the tax liability. The demand stems from a rectification order issued by the Jurisdictional Assessing Officer (JAO), which recalculated the income and tax payable. Yes Bank has disputed the demand, arguing that the recalculated tax assessment lacks justification. The bank intends to file a rectification application with the JAO and pursue further remedies, including an appeal, to contest the levy of the additional tax.