State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest commercial lender, on Saturday announced the launch of a $500 million syndicated social term loan facility aimed at supporting women’s economic empowerment across India.

The facility, which includes a greenshoe option, is dedicated exclusively to financing initiatives that promote women’s participation in the economy, SBI said in a release. The transaction is expected to be the largest gender-themed loan globally, marking a significant step in sustainable and socially responsible financing.

“This syndicated transaction is a milestone for SBI and the global ESG financing landscape, for the noble cause of women empowerment,” the PSU bank said in the release.

As per the bank, the loan is aligned with environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles and is designed to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.

Announcing the initiative on International Women’s Day, SBI Chairman C. S. Setty said the programme reflects the bank’s commitment to promoting inclusive growth.

“We are deeply committed to fostering women’s empowerment as a cornerstone of sustainable development. This landmark social loan embodies our dedication to ESG principles, with a sharp focus on creating opportunities for women,” Setty said.

He added that economic progress must go beyond financial growth and include social transformation through greater participation of women in the economy.

According to the bank, the financing initiative aims to accelerate social impact by supporting programmes that reduce the gender gap and enhance economic opportunities for women across the country.

“The transaction is first of its kind by SBI, aimed at supporting gender equality and inclusive economic growth, and it is expected to be the largest gender‑themed loan globally, representing a landmark initiative in sustainable finance by an Indian financial institution,” the release noted.

MUFG is acting as the original mandated lead arranger, underwriter and bookrunner, as well as the sole social loan coordinator for the transaction.

SBI is one of the largest mortgage lender in the country which has so far fulfilled the home buying dreams of around 30 lakh Indian families. The home loan portfolio of the bank has crossed ₹ 9 lakh crore.

Ranked as the 4th most trustworthy Bank in the world by Newsweek, SBI commands a market share of 27.9% and 19.2% in home loans and auto loans, respectively.

As of December 31, 2025, SBI had deposits of over ₹57 lakh crore with a CASA ratio of 39.13% and advances exceeding ₹46.8 lakh crore.