The country's largest public sector bank, State Bank of India (SBI), on Saturday launched a $500 million (approximately Rs 4,597 crore) Syndicated Social Term Loan Facility.
This loan has been specifically launched to promote women's empowerment.
According to the bank, the loan includes a greenshoe option, and this move is considered a significant achievement for the bank as well as in the global ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) financing space.
Initiative Aims to Accelerate Social Impact
SBI stated that this initiative aims to accelerate social impact, promote gender equality, and support initiatives that reduce gender inequality.
The bank stated that this initiative will contribute to advancing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 - "Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls."
SBI Chairman C.S. Setty said he was proud to announce this historic social loan on the occasion of International Women's Day. He said this initiative reflects the bank's commitment to women's empowerment for sustainable development.
He stated that real progress is not achieved solely through economic growth, but through positive social change, empowering women, and building an inclusive society for all.
This is SBI's first major social loan transaction of this kind and is considered the largest women-related loan globally. It also reflects India's growing role in the field of sustainable finance.
According to the bank, this loan will support programs and projects related to gender equality and inclusive economic development in various sectors. MUFG served as the original mandated lead arranger, underwriter, bookrunner, and sole social loan coordinator for this transaction.
SBI shares closed lower on Friday
SBI shares closed at ₹1,139.80 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) on Friday, down 2.5 percent.
SBI is one of the largest home loan lenders in the country and has helped nearly 3 million Indian families fulfill their homeownership dreams.
Not only this, the bank's home loan portfolio has exceeded ₹9 lakh crore. As of December 31, 2025, SBI had a deposit base of over ₹57 lakh crore, a CASA ratio of 39.13 percent, and total advances (loans) of over ₹46.8 lakh crore.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Dainik Jagran. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.