In a landmark move ahead of International Women’s Day, State Bank of India (SBI), the nation’s largest public sector bank, has unveiled a massive $500 million syndicated social term loan facility. Valued at approximately ₹4,597 crore, this initiative is laser-focused on accelerating women’s empowerment across India.
The facility incorporates a greenshoe option, marking a significant milestone in global ESG financing. SBI officials emphasized that the loan aims to amplify social impact, promote gender equality, and support projects tackling gender disparities.
This pioneering effort aligns seamlessly with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5: achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. SBI Chairman CS Setty announced the facility with pride, stating it underscores the bank’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development through women’s upliftment.
“True progress isn’t just economic growth; it’s about driving positive social change, empowering women, and building an inclusive society for everyone,” Setty remarked.
As India’s first major social loan transaction of this scale, it positions the country as a frontrunner in sustainable finance globally, particularly for women-centric initiatives. The funds will back diverse programs fostering gender parity and inclusive economic growth in various sectors.
MUFG played a pivotal role as the original mandated lead arranger, underwriter, bookrunner, and sole social loan coordinator. Meanwhile, SBI continues to dominate the home loan market, having enabled homeownership dreams for nearly 30 lakh families with a portfolio exceeding ₹9 lakh crore. The bank’s deposit base stands robust at over ₹57 lakh crore as of December 31, 2025, with a CASA ratio of 39.13% and total advances surpassing ₹46.8 lakh crore.
This bold step not only bolsters SBI’s ESG credentials but also sets a new benchmark for corporate social responsibility in Indian banking, inspiring peers to follow suit in the pursuit of equitable progress.