Corporate Scandals in India
Yes Bank's Rescue
How Yes Bank grew rapidly through risky lending, hid bad loans, and was placed under a moratorium in March 2020 before an SBI-led rescue.
Yes Bank, founded in 2004, grew rapidly into one of India’s largest private banks.
Risky lending
- It lent heavily to stressed companies and groups others avoided.
- Bad loans were allegedly underreported.
RBI action
- In 2018, the RBI refused to extend founder Rana Kapoor’s term.
- In March 2020, the RBI placed Yes Bank under a moratorium, limiting withdrawals to 50,000 rupees per account.
Rescue
- SBI and other banks invested to rescue Yes Bank.
- The moratorium was lifted within about two weeks.
AT1 bonds
Yes Bank’s AT1 bonds of around 8,400 crore rupees were written off, hurting investors, many of whom said they were mis-sold as safe.
Investigations
Rana Kapoor was arrested in 2020 on money laundering charges.
Lesson
Fast growth through risky lending and hidden bad loans can topple banks.
The withdrawal limit
During the March 2020 moratorium, a Yes Bank customer could withdraw only 50,000 rupees, causing panic and queues.
Thinking private banks can't fail
Yes Bank needed a rescue in 2020.
Key takeaways
- Yes Bank grew fast through risky lending.
- The RBI imposed a moratorium in March 2020.
- SBI led a rescue.
- AT1 bonds of about 8,400 crore were written off.
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