Shares of Bandhan Bank fell as much as 12.5% to their day’s low of Rs 154 on the BSE on Monday after The Economic Times reported that Bandhan Financial Services is exploring exit options for its long term investors, including GIC Ventures and International Finance Corporation.

The report said the company has appointed Jefferies to assess investor interest, particularly from private equity funds. The board of Bandhan Financial discussed the matter during a meeting held on Monday, two people familiar with the discussions told the publication.

The move is also in line with regulatory requirements that mandate Bandhan Financial to reduce the promoter’s stake in the bank to 26% by 2030.

According to people aware of the discussions, the board evaluated two potential routes for investor exits. One option involves selling the stake held by existing investors to private equity funds, while the other could involve launching an initial public offering.

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Board members also noted that a sale to private equity investors could potentially secure a higher valuation for Bandhan Financial Services. The company currently holds a 39.74% stake in Bandhan Bank and also has an asset management company, a life insurance business and a technology company within its group.

Bandhan Bank Q3 snapshot

The lender reported a sharp 52% year-on-year decline in its December quarter net profit at Rs 206 crore, compared with Rs 426 crore in the same period last year. Net interest income (NII) also declined 4.5% YoY to Rs 2,688 crore from Rs 2,814 crore.On a sequential basis, however, performance improved substantially. Profit after tax surged 84% QoQ from Rs 112 crore in Q2FY26, while NII rose 4% quarter-on-quarter from Rs 2,589 crore. Net interest margin (NIM) for the quarter stood at 5.9%, marginally higher than 5.8% in the previous quarter. Operating profit increased 10% QoQ to Rs 1,445 crore in Q3FY26 from Rs 1,310 crore in Q2FY26.

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As of December 31, 2025, total deposits stood at Rs 1.57 lakh crore, compared to Rs 1.41 lakh crore a year ago, registering an 11% YoY growth. CASA deposits were Rs 42,730 crore, with the CASA ratio at 27%. The combined CASA and retail term deposit ratio remained healthy at over 72% of total deposits.

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