Mumbai, March 07: State Bank of India (SBI) has launched a $500 million (around ₹4,597 crore) Syndicated Social Term Loan Facility dedicated to women’s empowerment, marking a significant development in global ESG financing.
The facility, which includes a greenshoe option, is aimed at promoting gender equality and supporting initiatives that help reduce the gender gap. The bank said the initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls.
Announcing the initiative on International Women’s Day, SBI Chairman C. S. Setty said the landmark social loan reflects the bank’s commitment to advancing women’s empowerment as a key pillar of sustainable development.
He added that long-term progress requires not only economic growth but also meaningful social transformation through inclusive opportunities and empowerment of women across sectors.
The transaction is the first gender-focused syndicated social loan by SBI and is expected to be the largest gender-themed loan globally, highlighting India’s growing presence in sustainable and social finance.
The bank said the proceeds from the facility will support projects and programmes promoting gender equality and inclusive economic growth across multiple sectors.
