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RBI Clears Kotak Mahindra Group to Buy Up to 9.99% of AU Small Finance Bank

The nod sets a group-wide cap on Kotak’s ownership that still requires open-market buying under India’s banking and securities rules.

Overview

  • AU Small Finance Bank disclosed Thursday that the Reserve Bank of India, in a May 6 letter, allowed Kotak Mahindra Bank and affiliated funds to take an aggregate stake of up to 9.99%.
  • The approval covers Kotak Mahindra Bank, its subsidiaries, and funds or schemes they manage, which count together toward the 9.99% limit.
  • RBI’s clearance comes with conditions that require compliance with the Banking Regulation Act, FEMA, SEBI norms, and other laws, so no shares change hands until purchases are executed and disclosed.
  • Kotak Flexicap Fund already owns 1.60% of AU SFB as of the March quarter, indicating an existing foothold that could grow within the new cap.
  • Early trading reports were mixed after the filing, with News18 noting shares down near Rs 1,022 and Republic World citing a 1.26% gain to about Rs 1,036.90 as the session progressed.