Tag: Airtel Payments Bank

  • BharatPe brings Shilpi Kapoor on board

    BharatPe brings Shilpi Kapoor on board

    MUMBAI: BharatPe has roped in seasoned marketer Shilpi Kapoor as its new head of marketing, marking a strategic move as the fintech player sharpens its brand play and digital growth strategy.

    With over two decades of experience across powerhouse brands, Kapoor joins BharatPe from Airtel Payments Bank, where she served as chief marketing officer and helped position it as one of India’s leading digital financial institutions. Her standout contributions included creating the ‘Safe second account’ category and scaling the bank’s active user base to over 100 million.

    Before Airtel, Kapoor made her mark at American Express, Renault, Godfrey Phillips, Bharti Airtel, and Coca-Cola, driving some of the most memorable brand stories in recent years. From leading Amex’s ‘Don’t Live Life Without It’ campaign to launching Renault KWID into India’s fast lane, her track record reflects a flair for insight-led, high-impact marketing.

    At BharatPe, Kapoor will oversee brand strategy, integrated marketing, and digital engagement across the company’s growing portfolio.

    BharatPe CEO Nalin Negi said, “We are building a digital-first financial ecosystem that merchants and consumers can trust. Shilpi’s expertise in scaling iconic brands will help us deepen engagement and drive our next phase of growth.”

    Sharing her excitement, Kapoor said, “BharatPe has been a game-changer for digital commerce in India. My goal is to strengthen its brand trust and cultural relevance while empowering millions of merchants and consumers nationwide.”

    Her appointment underscores BharatPe’s focus on consumer-centric storytelling and brand-led growth, as the fintech firm gears up to expand its footprint in India’s rapidly evolving digital finance landscape.

    With Kapoor at the helm of marketing, BharatPe seems ready to add a fresh coat of brand brilliance to its growth story.
     

  • Shivam Ranjan takes the global brand head role at Motorola Mobility

    Shivam Ranjan takes the global brand head role at Motorola Mobility

    MUMBAI:  Motorola Mobility, a Lenovo company, has announced the appointment of Shivam Ranjan as its new global head of brand, Motorola. Ranjan, expressing “immense gratitude and humility,” will now oversee worldwide brand strategy and end-to-end marketing communications for all Motorola products, software, and services.

    This promotion follows Ranjan’s significant contributions to Motorola Mobility’s growth in the Asia Pacific region, where he most recently served as head of marketing for two and a half years. During this period, he was responsible for marketing across key markets including India, Australia, Japan, Korea, and Indonesia.

    Prior to that, he spent five years and eight months as head of marketing for Motorola India, where he managed all aspects of marketing, public relations, brand management, and alliances for smartphones, tablets, consumer appliances, home audio, and televisions. His tenure saw him lead product marketing, digital and ATL communication, media planning, and CRM for numerous launches and campaigns.

    Ranjan acknowledged the instrumental guidance of his mentor and manager, Prashanth Mani, whose leadership in APAC he credited with shaping his professional journey. He also extended “heartfelt thanks” to Ruben Castano and Sergio Buniac for entrusting him with this global responsibility.

    With over 15 years of diverse experience spanning marketing, brand management, corporate communication, strategy, business development, project management, and IT, Ranjan brings a wealth of expertise to his new role.

    Before his nearly six-year stint at Motorola Mobility, he held senior marketing and brand roles at Airtel Payments Bank and Samsung Electronics, where he spearheaded 360-degree communication strategies for product launches and managed significant marketing budgets. His earlier career also includes roles in business strategy and IT. An MBA from a top global B-school, Ranjan’s appointment signals Motorola’s commitment to further strengthening its global brand presence.

  • Airtel Payments Bank empowers 100,000 women to lead banking revolution

    Airtel Payments Bank empowers 100,000 women to lead banking revolution

    MUMBAI: Money talks, but not everyone gets to hear it. Airtel Payments Bank is changing that, one woman at a time. On this International Women’s Day, the bank is making a bold statement—financial empowerment isn’t just for the boardrooms; it starts at the grassroots. With an army of 100,000 women business correspondents (BCs) now in action, Airtel Payments Bank is rewriting the rules of banking accessibility in India.

    Airtel Payments Bank has long been at the forefront of bringing banking to the unbanked. With a sprawling network of 500,000+ banking points, the bank has reached the deepest corners of India, making financial services as accessible as the local kirana store. But the real game-changer? Women. These BCs are more than just intermediaries; they are financial lifelines, helping communities access essential services like account opening, fund transfers, bill payments, and micro-loans.

    “Women have always been at the heart of our mission to bring financial services to every corner of the country,” said Airtel Payments Bank COO Ganesh Ananthanarayanan. “Through our women BC network, we are not only promoting financial inclusion but also empowering women to become change makers in their communities. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate their incredible contributions to advancing banking access, especially in remote areas. We are committed to growing this network even further and bringing more women into the financial mainstream.”

    Over 80 per cent of these correspondents operate in tier three towns and beyond, proving that financial inclusion isn’t just a corporate buzzword—it’s a movement. By focusing on training and upskilling women entrepreneurs, Airtel Payments Bank is not just creating jobs; it’s unlocking financial independence for thousands of women who, in turn, empower millions.

    Looking ahead, Airtel Payments Bank plans to continue scaling this initiative, bringing even more women into the fold. Because when women hold the purse strings, entire communities thrive.

  • Airtel Payments Bank collaborates with Noise and NPCI

    Airtel Payments Bank collaborates with Noise and NPCI

    Mumbai: Airtel Payments Bank in collaboration with Noise, smartwatch and connected lifestyle brand, and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), announced the launch of its upcoming cutting-edge NCMC (National Common Mobility Card)-enabled Smartwatch, integrated with the RuPay chip.

    The Bank showcased the prototypes of this state-of-the-art smartwatch at the Global Fintech Fest 2024. This innovative smartwatch, conceptualized by Noise, brings the future of payments to the user’s wrist, blending advanced lifestyle features with the convenience of NCMC-enabled tap-and-pay transactions.

    This launch marks the second phase of the successful partnership between Airtel Payments Bank and Noise, building on the initial efforts to redefine on-the-go payments directly from their smartwatches. Elevating the experience further, this NCMC-enabled smartwatch is set to augment the potential of smart wearables by integrating seamless transactions into daily lives and redefining the future of connected living.

    The Airtel Payments Bank Smartwatch is engineered to revolutionize payments, offering unparalleled ease and accessibility. With NCMC integration, users will enjoy the convenience of tap-and-pay transactions at merchant locations as well as NCMC-enabled transit payments across metro systems, buses, parking facilities and more nationwide. Additionally, it supports the issuance of transport concessions and monthly passes, where applicable, by transport operators, making daily commutes hassle-free.

    Crafted with an embedded RuPay chip in the dial, this smartwatch allows users to indulge in a more secure and flexible lifestyle experience. It offers effortless swapping of watchstraps, providing seamless customization to complement any occasion, personal style, or mood.

    Airtel Payments Bank chief operating officer Ganesh Ananthanarayanan said, “We are delighted to introduce the NCMC-enabled Smartwatch, a product that embodies our commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions. This smartwatch not only simplifies financial transactions but also enriches the daily lives of our users with its advanced features. We believe this launch will set a new standard in the wearable payment devices market as well.”

    Noise co-founder Amit Khatri said, “At Noise, we are committed to transforming consumers’ lives meaningfully by relentlessly expanding the capabilities of smart wearables through future-forward innovation. As we enter this second phase of our partnership with Airtel Payments Bank, our collaboration with NPCI marks a significant step forward in this journey. By integrating NCMC into our smartwatch, we are not just unlocking new potential for wearables but also pioneering a new era of digital payments in India.”

    The Airtel Payments Bank Smartwatch is designed for a lifestyle, offering a range of functionalities tailored to modern needs. It will soon be available for purchase through both the online and retail platforms of the Bank. 

  • Noise collaborates with Airtel Payments Bank and Mastercard to launch new way to pay

    Noise collaborates with Airtel Payments Bank and Mastercard to launch new way to pay

    Mumbai:  Airtel Payments Bank collaborated with Noise, a smartwatch brand, and Mastercard, a global technology company in the payments space, to unveil A New Way to Pay. The entities have come together to launch the Bank’s Airtel Payments Bank Smart Watch aimed at revolutionizing contactless payments, to redefine and make contactless payments accessible to a larger consumer base. Bringing the power of, Tap and Pay to every wrist, the initiative will empower users to unlock the full potential of smart wearables and democratise convenient financial solutions, enabling users to stay ahead of the curve and enjoy the benefits of the future of payments.

    These smartwatches, developed by Noise and enabled by Airtel Payments Bank will boost Tap and Pay capabilities, and enhance the experience for users by bringing the convenience of contactless payments through the smart wearables. The smartwatch will empower Airtel Payments Bank’s customers to do more with their wearables, making it a one-stop solution for their daily lifestyle needs. The new smartwatch is now available to be purchased at Rs 2,999.  

    Customers who have a savings account with Airtel Payments Bank can purchase this smartwatch from the Airtel Thanks App. Customers who are new to the bank can order the smartwatch immediately by opening a bank account digitally on Airtel Thanks App. They can then activate the watch by linking it to their savings bank account via the Thanks App in just one minute. Once linked, users can immediately commence making payments by simply tapping the watch on Point of Sale (POS) machines with the Tap and Pay facility. A customer would be able to make payments between Rs 1 to INR 25,000 per day using the Airtel Payments Bank Smart Watch.  

    The smartwatch has been conceptualized and meticulously crafted by Noise, India’s leading smartwatch brand, celebrated for offering a perfect synergy between state-of-the-art technology and functionalities that enhance a convenient lifestyle. Equipped with an array of health and productivity features and industry-forward innovation, the smartwatch is designed with an appealing 1.85-inch square dial to enhance the user experience further by enabling contactless payments directly from the wearable.

    The smart watch’s NFC chip supported by the Mastercard network will further empower people to do more with their wearable, making the smartwatch a one-stop solution for all their lifestyle needs. The NFC chip-enabled smartwatches are designed to seamlessly support contactless payments at retail outlets, POS terminals, and various other touchpoints, making financial transactions more inclusive and convenient for all.

    Speaking on the launch, Airtel Payments Bank COO Ganesh Ananthanarayanan said, “Urban digital customers now have a seamless solution for on-the-go digital payments through our partnership with Noise and Mastercard. The Airtel Payments Bank Smart Watch revolutionizes how customers engage in contactless payments, offering unparalleled convenience. With this innovation, customers can effortlessly make transactions without the hassle of carrying extra cards or using their phones for small payments. Our collaboration with Noise reflects our commitment to addressing the evolving needs of urban digital consumers. By integrating contactless payment capabilities into wearable technology, we empower customers with greater freedom and flexibility in their daily transactions. This smartwatch is the first wearable device that the bank has launched. The Bank will be coming up with more options and innovative payment solutions to enhance the digital banking experience, ensuring convenience and security for our valued customers.”

    Speaking on the partnership and the innovation in the Smart Watch, Noise co-founder Amit Khatri said, “At Noise, innovation is our driving force, guiding us to constantly meet evolving consumer needs. We are thrilled to partner with Airtel Payments Bank. It marks a significant stride in redefining the smart wearable experience, exemplifying our potential to disrupt and bring forth yet another industry-forward innovation: Tap and Pay functionality in smartwatches. Through the Tap and Pay functionality powered by NFC chips on the Mastercard network, we aim to simplify the payment process and enhance convenience by unlocking a new way for users to interact with their devices. From conceptualization to bringing the idea to life, the Airtel Payments Bank Smart Watch, born from this partnership, reflects on our commitment to delivering meaningful innovation that ensures that every interaction with our product upgrades and enriches their lives.”

    Highlighting the significance of this collaboration, Mastercard division president of South Asia Gautam Aggarwal said, “Today’s aspirational consumers are always on the lookout for unique multifaceted solutions that are quick, easy, efficient, and convenient. Contactless technology is a digital catalyst for a new set of consumer experiences. Mastercard has been partnering with the world’s leading global brands in the wearable segment to bring contactless payments to life. The company is delighted to collaborate with Airtel Payments Bank and Noise to jointly power the launch of this innovative smartwatch, which will act as a comprehensive lifestyle solution. Backed by Mastercard’s promise of safe and secure transactions, it will provide users with an enhanced and secure payment experience.”

    While helping users unlock contactless payment functionality on the Smart Watch, which is equipped with Bluetooth calling capability, and boasts a long-lasting battery life of up to 10 days. Additionally, the SmartWatch offers access to a collection of 150 cloud-based watch faces and supports 130 different sports modes. With an IP68 water resistance, it can withstand water exposure. The watch features a 1.85-inch TFT LCD with 550 nits brightness and is available in both black and blue colour options. Furthermore, it includes a Stress Monitor feature to help users track and manage their stress levels effectively. Additionally, the SmartWatch features SpO2 Monitoring, enabling users to monitor their blood oxygen saturation levels for better health insights and tracking. It is available in black, grey, and blue colour options.

    The smartwatch is just the start of this long-term partnership between Airtel Payments Bank and Noise, and the brands are working together to come up with the next phase of innovations on wearables, empowering India with Smart Payment Solutions. 

  • Airtel Payments Bank appoints Anuj Bansal as chief financial officer

    Airtel Payments Bank appoints Anuj Bansal as chief financial officer

    Mumbai: Airtel Payments Bank, India’s only profitable multi-segment fintech operating at scale with a banking license, today announced the appointment of Anuj Bansal as its chief financial officer.

    Anuj will be responsible for overall financial strategy, including corporate financial planning, budgeting, supply chain, and treasury management. He will be a part of the Bank’s Executive Committee and will be working closely with Anubrata Biswas, MD and CEO of Airtel Payments Bank.

    Anuj has been recognised amongst the ‘Top 100 finance professionals’ across India by CFO India in December 2020.

    Commenting on the appointment, Airtel Payments Bank MD and CEO Anubrata Biswas said, “Airtel Payments Bank is rapidly expanding across all its lines of business and equally so in its depth and breadth of talent. Adding Anuj with his vast experience across different industries combined with his deep domain knowledge will play a vital role in further powering the Bank’s unique position in India.”

    Airtel Payments Bank chief financial officer Anuj Bansal said, “Airtel Payments Bank with its unique business model has been serving the financial needs of the country. It’s differentiated positioning gives it an advantage to be relevant and purposeful for Indian digital customers and that has ensured sustainable growth for it over the years. I look forward to collaborating with the team to support the Bank in achieving its strategic goals and expansion plans.”

    Anuj brings over 23 years of progressive experience in financial services and other sectors such as the automobile sector. His areas of expertise include business planning, investor relations, strategy formulation, global financial operations, finance & accounting management, and treasury Management.

    Before joining Airtel Payments Bank, Anuj was with MasterCard India as Vice President – Financial Planning & Analysis, where he led the Business Finance Centre to support the global FP&A operations for the organisation. Prior to this, he worked with Max New York Life Insurance (now Max Life), Aviva Life Insurance Co. India Ltd., Royal Enfield (Unit of Eicher Motors) and others.

    Anuj is a Chartered Accountant and an alumnus of Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University, where he acquired his degree in Bachelor of Commerce. 

  • Four brands enter the most advertised brands list in week 10 of 2017

    BENGALURU: Four brands entered the list of top 10 brands in terms of television ad insertions for week 10 (Saturday, 4 March 2017 to Friday, 10 March 2017) of 2017. The new brands to enter the list of most the 10 advertised brands per week on television in week 10 were: One brand from the phone/phone services/apps genre(Vodafone Play App); Reliance Trends from the Apparel genre, a genre that entered the top 10 brands list for the first time in the top 10 lists; and two brands from the Automobile (2 wheeler) genre- Hero Duet, and Hero Splendor Range.

    This paper must be read with a caveat: It deals only with the players present in Broadcast Audience Research Councilof India (BARC) top 10 lists of advertisers and brandsper week. The sums/percentages of other advertisers/brands other than those indicated in BARC’s top 10 lists have not been considered/mentioned in this paper during the period under consideration and those numbers could be more/higher.

    Further, Phone Services brands such as Reliance’s JioDigital Life, Phone Wallets of Phone Banking Services brands such as Airtel Payments Bank, Phone App brands such as Vodafone Play App, Phone devices brands such as Vivo V5 Plus have been grouped under one genre – Phones. Jewellery and Apparel genres have been indicated separately.

    Three brands each from FMCG and phone genres, two brands from the automobile genre, and one brand each from the apparel and the jewellery genres made it to BARC’s weekly  top 10 most advertised brands list in terms of television spots.

    Jio Digital Life was the most advertised brand in week 10 of 2017 with 11,303television ad Insertions or spots replacing Airtel Payments Bank which was the most advertised brand in week 9. Airtel Payments Bank was the second most advertised brand in week 10 with 9,412 Insertions, followed by the new player to list the of most advertised brands in a week – Vodafone Play App with 8,796 ad insertions. FMCG brand Colgate Dental Cream with 8,198 ad spots was at fourth place in the list for week 10.

    Please refer to the chart below for the list of most advertised brands in week 10 of 2017:

    public://f1_0.jpg
    Analysis of BARC’s weekly lists of the top most advertised brands during the first 10 weeks of 2017 shows that five FMCG, three Phone and one each from Politics and Online genres brands were the most advertised during the period.

    The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was the most advertised brand during the first ten weeks of 2017 with combined 71,450 insertions and appeared for five weeks (frequency 5) during the first 10 weeks of 2017 in the list of top 10 brands across genres. Surf Excel Easy Wash with combined ad insertions of 38,382 and a frequency of 6 appeared in the list to top 10 brands per week in terms of ad insertions for the most number of times.

    Airtel Payments Bank was the second most advertised brand during the 10 week period with a frequency of 5 and total of 45,818 insertions. Please refer to the list below for the list of Top 10 most advertised brands across genre in weeks 1 to 10 of 2017.
    public://f2_0.jpg

     

     

     

  • Former PayU exec Saranjeet Singh joins Airtel Payments Bank as digital marketing head

    Former PayU exec Saranjeet Singh joins Airtel Payments Bank as digital marketing head

    MUMBAI: After his stint at the payment gateway company PayU India that spanned around three years, Saranjeet Singh has joined Airtel Payments Bank starting July 016.

    Singh will be responsible for sketching out the business’ digital marketing strategy with key focus on the service’s tentative launch in and around September 2016.

    As per industry insiders, he is currently reporting to the COO Shweta Aprameya, who was the founder of YTS Solutions that Airtel had acquired and rechristened as Airtel Money about a year ago. Earlier last month, Airtel’s senior executive Shashi Arora’s movement from its DTH business to Airtel Payments Bank as CEO created quite a buzz in the industry.

    With few months left for the its official launch, as well as that of its several competitions , Airtel Payments Bank is seeing major influx of talent from within the market.

  • Former PayU exec Saranjeet Singh joins Airtel Payments Bank as digital marketing head

    Former PayU exec Saranjeet Singh joins Airtel Payments Bank as digital marketing head

    MUMBAI: After his stint at the payment gateway company PayU India that spanned around three years, Saranjeet Singh has joined Airtel Payments Bank starting July 016.

    Singh will be responsible for sketching out the business’ digital marketing strategy with key focus on the service’s tentative launch in and around September 2016.

    As per industry insiders, he is currently reporting to the COO Shweta Aprameya, who was the founder of YTS Solutions that Airtel had acquired and rechristened as Airtel Money about a year ago. Earlier last month, Airtel’s senior executive Shashi Arora’s movement from its DTH business to Airtel Payments Bank as CEO created quite a buzz in the industry.

    With few months left for the its official launch, as well as that of its several competitions , Airtel Payments Bank is seeing major influx of talent from within the market.