Signal Desk · Markets

IDBI Bank sale to Fairfax awaits RBI approval, says DIPAM

2026-10-16 · 1 source · Economic Times Banking Finance

In short

DIPAM says the sale of IDBI Bank to Fairfax Financial Holdings may be finished by the end of FY27, but it still needs RBI approval. Fairfax is expected to buy 60.72% from the government and LIC for about Rs 53,000 crore.

This matters because it is a major bank privatisation move. The report does not say when the RBI will decide or whether all closing conditions are done.

What the reporting says

DIPAM said the strategic sale of IDBI Bank to Fairfax Financial Holdings is expected to be completed by the end of FY27, subject to RBI approval, according to the publisher-supplied summary. Fairfax is set to buy a 60.72% stake from the government and LIC for about Rs 53,000 crore, which the government describes as a major privatisation step. The remaining approval and completion timeline remain the key unknowns.

Why it matters

The reported sale would transfer control of IDBI Bank through a 60.72% stake purchase worth about Rs 53,000 crore, making RBI approval the main remaining hurdle. If completed, the deal would mark a major privatisation step for the bank and affect government and LIC holdings. The summary does not state the exact closing date beyond FY27 or any conditions beyond the RBI nod.

Touches: IDBI Bank, Fairfax Financial Holdings, LIC, Banking, Markets, Government

Sources