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As per reports, citing sources, the State Bank of India has requested a loan of $1.25 billion. If approved, this could become the largest dollar-denominated bank loan from India’s financial sector in 2024.

SBI Joins Surge in Foreign Currency Loans Amid Tightened Regulations

The loan is being increased for general corporate purposes through its branch at the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City. On this matter SBI is yet to comment.

According to sources, Bloomberg reported that, CTBC Bank, HSBC Holdings Plc, and Taipei Fubon Bank are arranging a five-year loan, which comprises an interest margin of 92.5 basis points more than the risk-free Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR).

Amid stricter domestic regulations, non-banking finance companies (NBFCs), or “shadow banks,” have been leading the charge in raising foreign currency loans this year. Now, the State Bank of India is adding to the growing list of local borrowers tapping into this trend.

Indian NBFCs Secure Foreign Loans Amid Decline in Dollar-Denominated Borrowing

Cholamandalam Investment & Finance Co. has recently secured a $300 million syndicated term loan, becoming the latest Indian NBFC to do so. Meanwhile, Union Bank of India’s Sydney branch is marketing a three-year loan worth A$125 million ($81 million). In addition, Bank of Baroda is working on raising a $750 million loan.

Despite the surge in activity, India’s total dollar-denominated loan volume has declined by 27%, falling to $14.2 billion in 2024. This drop is primarily attributed to a lack of large corporate borrowings, according to Bloomberg data.