HDFC Bank shares climb as RBI approves LIC's larger stake

Thursday’s market session saw a noticeable uptick in the shares of HDFC Bank after the Reserve Bank of India granted permission for LIC to raise its ownership to a ceiling of 9.99 percent. The life insurer, which currently controls 4.11 percent of the bank’s paid‑up capital, can now pursue a substantial increase, though any purchase will be governed by RBI conditions, SEBI statutes and other regulatory frameworks. The announcement sent both LIC and HDFC Bank stocks higher. LIC’s equity rose more than 1.7 percent, closing around ₹420.15 and briefly reaching ₹421, within a 52‑week range of ₹360.75 to ₹468.48. HDFC Bank’s share price climbed close to 1 percent, ending near ₹725.80 and touching a high of ₹728.30, while its 52‑week low and high stand at ₹722 and ₹1,020.50 respectively. The development is being hailed as a pivotal moment for the Indian financial ecosystem, reflecting the strategic importance of LIC’s institutional investment role and HDFC Bank’s stature among private‑sector lenders.