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SoftBank's OpenAI Loan Grows: 21 New Lenders Join $7 Billion Deal

SoftBank's massive $40 billion bridge loan to fund its equity stake in OpenAI is getting bigger. According to sources familiar with the matter, the loan has entered a broad distribution phase, with 21 new financial institutions joining the lending syndicate. Together, they've snapped up about $7 billion of the total quota.

Among the new participants, Abu Dhabi First Bank, Singapore's Government Investment Corporation (GIC), and Standard Chartered each took on nearly $1 billion. The remaining portion was split among several European, Japanese, and Taiwan-based banks. The other $33 billion of the loan is still held by the lead underwriters and core senior lenders, and could be further distributed down the road.

This 12-month bridge loan, signed back in March, is one of the largest of its kind in Asia-Pacific history. Underwriters stand to earn over $100 million in fees from the deal. Even before the open distribution in May, nine banks had already signed on. Some banks have expressed concerns about the risk exposure tied to SoftBank's investment in OpenAI, but all parties involved have declined to comment publicly.

Key Points

  • SoftBank's $40 billion OpenAI bridge loan now includes 21 new lenders sharing $7 billion.
  • Abu Dhabi First Bank, GIC, and Standard Chartered each took nearly $1 billion.
  • The 12-month loan is among the largest bridge financings in Asia-Pacific history.
  • Underwriters could earn over $100 million in fees.
  • Some banks worry about risk, but no public comments have been made.