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Tag: Fintech Innovation

  • 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.

  • Paytm and RBL Bank band together to supercharge merchant payments

    Paytm and RBL Bank band together to supercharge merchant payments

    MUMBAI: Cash? So last decade. Paytm has joined forces with RBL Bank to make digital payments even smoother, smarter, and—dare we say—unavoidable. With this powerhouse partnership, RBL Bank’s merchant network will now have access to Paytm’s pioneering soundbox and advanced card machines, making transactions faster, easier, and, most importantly, 100 per cent cashless.

    Paytm’s soundbox has already revolutionised in-store payments by offering instant audio confirmations for every transaction. But the innovation doesn’t stop there. The NFC Card Soundbox takes it a step further, allowing tap and pay transactions using debit and credit cards—yes, even for international tourists. Say goodbye to the days of customers fumbling for exact change.

    The Paytm Card Machines (EDC devices) give merchants even more flexibility by accepting UPI, Rupay credit card on UPI, UPI lite, debit cards, credit cards, and even EMI options from leading banks. And in case you were wondering, the soundbox supports 11 languages because, let’s face it, digital payments should be accessible in every tongue.

    Merchants using Paytm’s technology get access to the Paytm for Business Dashboard, a game-changer that allows them to track transactions in real-time and enjoy instant settlements. More transparency. More control. Less waiting around.

    “Our goal is to simplify payments for merchants by providing cutting-edge solutions that enhance efficiency and trust. Partnering with RBL Bank allows us to expand the reach of our pioneering Soundbox and card machines, ensuring businesses of all sizes can accept digital payments with ease. With instant settlements, EMI options, and diverse payment methods, we continue to innovate and support businesses in their digital growth journey,” said Paytm CBO – offline payments Ripunjai Gaur.

    From L to R: Paytm CBO – offline payments Ripunjai Gaur; RBL Bank president & head - branch banking & retail liabilities Narendra Agrawal

    “We are pleased to collaborate with Paytm to offer merchants on our network with advanced and innovative online payment solutions. This partnership aligns with our vision of enabling seamless, secure, and efficient transactions. With innovative offerings like Tap and Pay-enabled NFC Card Soundbox and feature-rich Paytm Card Machines, we are committed to supporting businesses in their digital transformation journey,” said RBL Bank president & head – branch banking & retail liabilities Narendra Agrawal.

    This isn’t just a partnership—it’s a digital revolution for businesses looking to ditch cash and embrace the future of payments. With secure, seamless, and instant payment solutions, merchants across the country can streamline transactions and scale their businesses with confidence.

    So, is cash finally dead? Not yet. But with Paytm and RBL Bank leading the charge, it might just become an endangered species.

  • Angel One names Ambarish Kenghe as group CEO

    Angel One names Ambarish Kenghe as group CEO

    MUMBAI: Known affectionately in fintech circles as AK-no, not the Indian cinema stalwarts Anil Kapoor or Anurag Kashyap-Ambarish Kenghe is poised to script his own blockbuster.

    Angel One has unveiled its ace move, appointing Kenghe as group CEO effective March 2025, marking a bold step in its quest to revolutionise the fintech space. This leadership shake-up signals Angel One’s unyielding commitment to innovation, cementing its role as a trailblazer in the ever-evolving digital financial ecosystem.

    Kenghe is a renowned technology and product leader with a distinguished career spanning fintech, e-commerce, and consumer electronics. Most recently, as Google Pay APAC vice president & general manager, he played a critical role in expanding Google Pay’s footprint and strengthening India’s UPI ecosystem. He also contributed significantly to the development of Chromecast and Google TV.

    Before joining Google, AK served at Myntra as chief product officer, where he led AI/ML-driven innovations that transformed fashion e-commerce. Earlier in his career, he was a strategy consultant at Bain & Company in San Francisco and a high-speed switching engineer at Cisco Systems in San Jose. A prolific inventor with four patents, AK’s academic achievements include degrees from UC Berkeley, Purdue University, IIT Kanpur, and AMU.

    Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Kenghe said, “I am truly honoured to be part of Angel One, a brand that has been at the forefront of transforming India’s fintech landscape. With its focus on innovation and customer-centricity, Angel One has built a strong foundation. I am eager to work with the talented team to drive the next phase of growth and empower users with advanced financial solutions.”

    Angel One chairman & MD, Dinesh Thakkar welcomed Kenghe with optimism, stating, “Ambarish’s appointment as CEO marks an exciting new era for Angel One. With his proven track record of driving innovation and deep expertise in the industry, he is the visionary leader we need to propel us into our next chapter of growth. At Angel One, we believe strong leadership shapes the future of fintech. Ambarish’s guidance will position us not only to keep pace with the ever-changing financial landscape but also to lead the charge in transforming how financial services are delivered, empowering our customers with groundbreaking solutions and unparalleled value.”

    Angel One continues to drive the fintech revolution, with this leadership appointment reflecting its commitment to providing groundbreaking, customer-centric financial solutions.