SBI Unveils $500 Million Loan Initiative for Women Empowerment Ahead of International Women's Day

The State Bank of India has announced a landmark $500 million syndicated social term loan dedicated to women's empowerment, coinciding with International Women's Day. This initiative aims to bridge the gender gap and aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 5. SBI Chairman C S Setty emphasized the bank's commitment to fostering women empowerment as a key aspect of sustainable development. This loan is expected to be the largest gender-themed loan globally, marking a significant milestone in sustainable finance for Indian financial institutions. Read on to learn more about this groundbreaking initiative.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 7, 2026, 16:46 IST

SBI Launches Groundbreaking Loan for Women Empowerment

New Delhi: On the eve of International Women's Day, the State Bank of India (SBI), the nation's top lender, announced a significant $500 million syndicated social term loan aimed at empowering women, which includes a greenshoe option.

This initiative marks a pivotal moment for SBI and the global landscape of ESG financing, as highlighted in the bank's official statement.

The funding is designed to enhance social impact and reflects SBI's dedication to bridging the gender gap, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.

SBI Chairman C S Setty remarked, "On this Women's Day, we are proud to declare our commitment to women empowerment as a fundamental aspect of sustainable development."

This innovative social loan underscores the bank's adherence to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, particularly in creating opportunities for women.

"We believe that genuine progress is not solely about economic advancement but also about fostering positive social change, empowering women, and cultivating an inclusive society for all stakeholders," he added.

This transaction is a first for SBI, aimed at promoting gender equality and inclusive economic growth, and is anticipated to be the largest gender-focused loan globally, marking a significant step in sustainable finance by an Indian financial institution.