Archive · 8 Jun 2025
Payments Banks Face Struggles Amidst Revenue Declines and Regulatory Shifts
Imagine banks that help people who don't usually use banks.
These 'payments banks' were supposed to help, but they're having a tough time.
They aren't making as much money because fewer people are using their services for things like sending money or using ATMs.
New rules and apps like UPI are also causing problems.
Banks want to lend small amounts of money, hoping this will help them do better and serve more people.
Payments banks struggle due to declining revenue and limited operations.
Established to promote financial inclusion, they account for less than 1% of all bank deposits.
Remittance, AePS, and micro-ATM businesses face revenue declines.
RBI's stricter KYC norms and rise of UPI impact operations.
Industry seeks permission for small-ticket loans to improve viability.
- Who
- Payments banks, the RBI, and industry officials.
- What
- Payments banks are struggling financially due to revenue declines in key business areas.
- When
- Since their establishment in 2016-2018 and as of the reporting in June 2025.
- Where
- India
- Why
- Declining revenue, stricter regulations, and changing payment preferences.
- Initial RBI Approvals
- 11 Payments Banks
- Current Active Banks
- 6
- Fino Payments Bank Revenue Decline (Remittance)
- ₹455 crore to ₹341 crore (FY24 to FY25)
- Fino Payments Bank Revenue (AePS)
- ₹120 crore (FY25)
- Industry Users
- Nearly 20 crore per month