SoftBank seeks $10B margin loan backed by OpenAI stake
Synopsis
SoftBank is in discussions to secure a $10 billion margin loan backed by its OpenAI stake, according to people familiar with the matter. The financing would allow the company to access funds without selling shares. Talks are ongoing and terms may change. The development comes as global investment in artificial intelligence remains strong, with high valuations supporting the use of AI-linked assets in structured financing.
SoftBank is discussing a $10 billion margin loan backed by its OpenAI stake, allowing it to raise funds without selling shares. Talks with lenders are ongoing. The move reflects strong artificial intelligence valuations and continued global investment in the sector, alongside improving financial performance at SoftBank.
Key Highlights
- SoftBank in talks to raise $10 billion loan backed by OpenAI stake
- Margin loan structure allows liquidity without selling equity holdings
- Global AI funding remains above $50 billion annually, led by major economies
- SoftBank posted ¥950 billion profit for nine months ending December 2025
SoftBank Group is in talks to raise about $10 billion through a margin loan backed by its stake in OpenAI. The proposed financing would allow the company to unlock liquidity without selling shares in the artificial intelligence firm.
The discussions are ongoing with global lenders, and the size and structure of the loan could change. SoftBank has not issued an official comment on the reported plan.
Collateral strategy tied to AI holdings
The deal would be structured as a margin loan, where equity holdings are pledged as collateral. In this case, SoftBank’s OpenAI stake would determine borrowing capacity and risk exposure.
Such financing has become more common among large investment firms holding high-value technology assets. It allows access to cash while maintaining exposure to companies benefiting from the rising demand for AI tools.
AI funding momentum supports valuations
The move comes as artificial intelligence investment remains strong. According to CB Insights, global AI funding has stayed above $50 billion annually in recent years, with the United States leading activity, followed by China and the United Kingdom.
OpenAI remains central to this trend, backed by major technology partnerships and continued enterprise adoption of generative AI systems. Industry estimates from McKinsey & Company suggest generative AI could add up to $4.4 trillion annually to the global economy.
Financial backdrop and recent performance
SoftBank reported a net profit of about ¥950 billion ($6.2 billion) for the nine months ending December 2025, driven by gains in its investment portfolio.
Its Vision Fund segment has shown improvement after earlier losses tied to global technology market declines.
The reported loan discussions come as large investors reassess capital strategies amid volatile equity markets and sustained interest in AI-linked assets. Market participants note that margin loans can carry risks if asset values fall, potentially requiring additional collateral.
FAQs
Q1. What is SoftBank planning with its OpenAI stake?
SoftBank is exploring a $10 billion margin loan using its OpenAI shares as collateral.
Q2. How does a margin loan work in this case?
It allows SoftBank to borrow money against its OpenAI stake without selling the shares.
Q3. Why are AI stakes being used for financing?
Strong valuations and investor demand for AI companies make these holdings valuable collateral.
Q4. Is the SoftBank loan deal finalised?
No, discussions are ongoing and the final terms may still change.
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Pooja Malik is a business journalist with over six years of experience covering startups, entrepreneurship, and emerging trends. She has previously worked with leading media platforms such as YourStory Media and BW BusinessWorld, where she reported on business, policy, and market developments. Currently, she serves as Editor at The Inspirepreneur Magazine, where she writes and edits stories across business, lifestyle, and travel, with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and reader relevance.
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