SBI seeks regulator's approval to let banks fund listed company acquisitions, citing low NPAs now.

• SBI will formally request IBA, urging the regulator to begin with transparent, shareholder‑approved listed acquisitions immediately.
• Banks are barred from merger financing, forcing companies to depend on NBFCs or bond issuance.
• BCG notes that low NPAs enable relaxing norms, suggesting that safeguards start with the listed firms' land financing.