OJK outlines bank ownership scrutiny after BCA takeover rumours
BCA has denied social media claims that businessman Andi Syamsuddin Arsyad, known as Haji Isam, plans to acquire its shares.
Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority (OJK) said it would assess any transaction that could change a bank’s controlling shareholder under applicable regulations, responding to rumours of a takeover of PT Bank Central Asia Tbk. (BBCA) that the bank has denied.
In a written statement dated 15 October 2026, OJK chief executive of banking supervision Dian Ediana Rae said scrutiny of ownership changes at large banks would extend beyond the share transaction itself.
The regulator would examine banking risks, lending concentration, related-party transactions and governance. It would also review a bank’s connections with business groups controlled by its shareholders to guard against an accumulation of risks affecting the bank.
For significant changes in control, OJK would assess implications for industry competition, business strategy, lending, liquidity, capital and governance. Dian said adequate capital and liquidity, alongside prudent practices, continued to support the stability of Indonesia’s banking industry.
The rumours circulating on social media concerned a purported plan by Andi Syamsuddin Arsyad, also known as Haji Isam, to acquire BCA shares. In a statement dated 25 September 2026, BCA’s EVP Corporate Communication & Social Responsibility, Hera F. Haryn, said the information was untrue.
Dian said OJK would continue monitoring ownership changes, consolidation and corporate actions in banking to ensure they proceed soundly without disrupting financial system stability.
