Payment banks have been making waves in the financial industry, and it's essential to stay up-to-date on the latest developments. In this section, we'll dive into the key updates and insights from the world of payment banks.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been actively involved in shaping the payment bank landscape, issuing guidelines to ensure these banks operate smoothly. One notable guideline is the cap on deposit amounts, set at ₹1 lakh per customer.
Payment banks are required to maintain a minimum of ₹5,000 crore as a liquidity buffer, a move aimed at ensuring customer deposits are accessible at all times. This requirement is a significant aspect of the RBI's oversight.
The RBI has also emphasized the importance of interoperability among payment banks, enabling seamless transactions between different banks. This interoperability will help streamline the payment process and reduce the risk of errors.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma Resigns
Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the founder and CEO of Paytm, has resigned from his position as part-time non-executive chairman of Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL).
He resigned amid RBI’s clampdown on the fintech firm over compliance issues. This move suggests that the company is facing significant challenges in maintaining regulatory compliance.
Paytm Payments Bank Limited is a significant player in the fintech industry, and Sharma's resignation may have implications for the company's future operations.
PPBL Updates
Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the founder and CEO of Paytm, has resigned from his position as part-time non-executive chairman of Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) amid RBI's clampdown on the fintech firm over compliance issues.
The RBI's clampdown on PPBL led to Sharma's resignation from the board.
Resigns from PPBL Board
Vijay Shekhar Sharma resigned from his position as part-time non-executive chairman of Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL).
He was the founder and CEO of Paytm, a fintech firm.
Sharma resigned amid RBI's clampdown on PPBL over compliance issues.
Schedule Status
PPBL can now participate in government and other large corporations issued Request for Proposals (RFP), primary auctions, fixed-rate and variable rate repos, and reverse repos, along with participation in the marginal standing facility.
This opens up new opportunities for PPBL to expand its services and reach more customers.
Government Appointments
India Post Payments Bank is a state-owned entity, under the department of posts, with 100% government equity.
The bank is governed by the Reserve Bank of India, which oversees its operations.
J Venkatramu has been appointed as the MD, CEO of India Post Payments Bank, marking a significant development in the payment banking space.
This appointment is expected to bring new expertise and leadership to the bank, helping it to better serve its customers.
The bank's government ownership and RBI governance ensure that it operates with a high level of transparency and accountability.
Airtel News
Airtel Payments Bank is on a mission to expand its merchant base to 25 lakh in a matter of months. This is a significant step towards making digital payments more accessible to a wider audience.
The bank has introduced two new features, 'Smart ePOS' and 'On-Demand Settlement', to attract more merchants and make transactions smoother.
Airtel Payments Bank has already made a strong start by opening over 10,000 accounts in just two days during a pilot project in Rajasthan. This shows the potential for digital banking to reach a large number of people quickly.
The bank has also announced the roll out of pilot banking services in Rajasthan, offering a 7.25% interest rate to customers. This is a competitive rate that could attract customers looking for a high-yield savings account.
Regulatory Actions
The RBI took action against Paytm Payments Bank, ordering it to stop taking deposits after February 29. This means Paytm Payments Bank can no longer accept new deposits or conduct credit transactions.
Paytm Payments Bank can still credit interest, cashbacks, or refunds in customers' accounts. However, topping up customer accounts, prepaid instruments, wallets, or cards for paying road tolls is not allowed after February 29.
The RBI has also directed Paytm Payments Bank to terminate its nodal accounts by February 29. This means Paytm Payments Bank will not be able to offer fund transfers through the Unified Payment Interface.
Customers can still withdraw or utilize their existing balances without restrictions. They can also use their existing balances for transactions, including prepaid instruments, FASTags, and National Common Mobility Cards.
However, topping up these services with fresh funds is not allowed after February 29. Paytm's wallet application and UPI services linked to other banks' accounts are unlikely to be impacted by this decision.
Fino Paytech
Fino Paytech has raised Rs 149 crore from ICICI Lombard and ICICI Prudential.
This significant investment clears the way for Fino Paytech to seek the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) final nod to become a majority domestic investors-owned entity.
Fino Paytech is a payments bank licensee that has been working towards achieving this milestone.
The investment from ICICI Lombard and ICICI Prudential is a major boost for Fino Paytech.
This development is expected to have a positive impact on Fino Paytech's future growth and expansion plans.
Fino Paytech is now one step closer to achieving its goal of becoming a majority domestic investors-owned entity.
Airtel vs We
Airtel Payments Bank, one of the first payments banks in India, is now operational. It offers a range of services including deposits and loans.
Airtel Payments Bank offers interest rates, but the exact rate is not mentioned in the article. Paytm Payments Bank, on the other hand, offers 4% interest on deposits.
Unlike Paytm Payments Bank, Airtel Payments Bank does not mention holding deposits in government bonds. This could be a key difference between the two banks.
While Airtel Payments Bank offers loans, the article does not provide more information on the loan process or interest rates.
Investments
Paytm is investing heavily in banking and financial services, pumping in Rs 10,000 crore to expand its reach.
This investment is a direct result of the government's decision to scrap old notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 in November last year, which has been a game-changer for Paytm.
Fino Paytech, a payments bank licensee, has raised Rs 149 crore from ICICI Lombard and ICICI Prudential, clearing the way for it to seek the RBI's final nod as a majority domestic investors-owned entity.
This significant investment will help Fino Paytech become a majority domestic investors-owned entity.
26 Companies Seek Collaboration
26 companies want to collaborate with India Post Payments Bank, which is a big step towards expanding its services.
They can accept demand deposits only, meaning customers can open savings and current accounts with them.
Initially, each individual customer will be restricted to holding a maximum balance of Rs 100,000.
Launches and Services
Paytm Payments Bank has made history by launching the UPI LITE feature, which allows for multiple small-value UPI transactions. This innovative feature is a game-changer for users who frequently make small transactions.
India Post Payments Bank has started pilot services in Raipur and Ranchi, marking the beginning of its operations in these cities. This move aims to bring financial services to the doorstep of rural India.
Paytm Payments Bank's UPI LITE feature is enabled by the National Payments Corporation of India, making it a secure and reliable option for users. This feature is a testament to the bank's commitment to providing convenient and accessible financial services.
India Post Payments Bank has received a payments bank licence from the Reserve Bank of India, paving the way for its commercial rollout. This licence is a significant milestone for the bank, marking its entry into the payments banking space.
Recruitment and Incorporation
India Post Payments Bank is getting ready to start operations in 2017. The bank aims to start operations by that year.
The recruitment drive for senior level management employees has already begun. India Post Payments Bank has commenced the process of recruiting CEOs, MDs, and other senior level management employees.
The bank has received its certificate of incorporation from the Registrar of Companies, setting the stage for its operations to begin in 2017.
Recruitment Process Begins
India Post Payments Bank has started its recruitment process for senior level management employees.
The bank aims to start operations by 2017, making this process a crucial step towards achieving its goal.
Positions available include CEOs, MDs, and others, indicating a wide range of roles that need to be filled.
The recruitment drive is a significant milestone for the bank, showing its commitment to establishing a strong leadership team.
The bank's focus on senior level management suggests that it's looking for experienced professionals to guide its operations.
Incorporated, 2017
India Post Payments Bank was incorporated in 2017, marking a significant development in the banking sector.
The bank received its certificate of incorporation from the Registrar of Companies, setting the stage for its operations to begin in 2017.
This milestone was a crucial step towards making the bank operational and ready to serve its customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are payment banks safe?
Payment banks employ robust security measures, including biometric authentication and fraud detection, to safeguard digital transactions. With multiple layers of protection in place, you can trust that your transactions are secure.
What is the new payment system for banks?
The Federal Reserve's FedNow Service is a new instant payment system that allows banks and credit unions to offer fast and convenient payment services to their customers. This system aims to make everyday payments quicker and more accessible for American households and businesses.
Which is the leading payment bank?
There is no single leading payment bank in India, as the market is dominated by multiple players including Airtel Payment Bank, India Post Payment Bank, Fino Payments Bank, NSDL Payment Bank, and Jio Payment Bank. Each of these banks has its unique features and offerings, making them popular among different customer segments.
Sources
- https://www.paymentsdive.com/topic/banking/
- https://www.livemint.com/topic/payment-bank
- https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/paytm-payments-bank-meltdown-its-meaning-explained/article67810645.ece
- https://www.zeebiz.com/topics/payments-bank-0
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/business/rbis-action-against-paytm-payments-bank-explained-101706710181580.html
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