Paytm Payments Bank Ltd gets NPCI nod after 8 months ban: What this means for digital payments landscape

Paytm payments Bank Limited has regained approval to onboard new UPI users after an 8-month suspension, following regulatory compliance with NPCI guidelines on risk management and data protection.

By: MD IJAJ KHAN
| Updated on: Oct 25 2024, 07:44 IST
Top 5 Paytm alternatives: From PhonePe to Google Pay, check out these UPI apps
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1/5 1. PhonePe: PhonePe offers a seamless and secure way to make payments, transfer money, and recharge mobile phones. With its user-friendly interface and extensive network of merchants, PhonePe simplifies everyday transactions for millions of users across the country. (Bloomberg)
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2/5 2. BHIM: Bhim is another UPI app that aims to facilitate safe, easy and instant digital payments through your mobile phone. It is developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) itself. It allows users to make payments, pay their bills, carry out mobile recharges and more. You can even pay with your voice. (HT)
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3/5 3. Amazon Pay: Amazon Pay offers a comprehensive suite of services for seamless financial transactions. With its integration across the Amazon ecosystem, users can effortlessly shop, pay bills, and recharge mobiles with just a few clicks. Amazon Wallet provides a convenient way to store payment methods and manage transactions securely. (Bloomberg)
Paytm
4/5 4. Google Pay: Google Pay simplifies digital transactions by enabling users to securely send money, pay bills, and shop online. With Google Wallet, it gives secure access to your everyday essentials. Users can store payment methods and manage transactions effortlessly.  (Bloomberg)
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5/5 5. Jio Payments Bank: Jio Payments Bank provides a diverse array of banking and payment solutions via its user-friendly mobile app. Alongside traditional banking features, users can leverage the convenience of Jio Wallet for seamless transactions and secure fund management. (REUTERS)
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PPBL receives NPCI approval to add new UPI users after an eight-month suspension due to compliance issues. (REUTERS)

PPBL (Paytm payments Bank Limited) has been granted approval by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to resume adding new users to its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platform. This comes after an 8-month suspension, which began in early 2024. The approval, issued on October 22, 2024, follows PPBL's adherence to regulatory requirements, including those related to risk management and customer data protection. The company, in a filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), confirmed that it will need to comply with NPCI's guidelines moving forward.

Reasons Behind the Ban

The ban on PPBL's UPI services was initially imposed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in January 2024. The RBI cited issues related to non-compliance with certain operational guidelines, particularly concerning the management of risks and the protection of customer data. Reports suggested that PPBL had not fully met the regulatory standards for safeguarding customer payment information and managing risk processes, leading to the restriction.

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Impact on Market Share

The ban significantly impacted Paytm's ability to onboard new users, which in turn affected its position in the digital payments market. Before the suspension, Paytm held a 13 percent share of UPI transactions in India. However, without the ability to bring in new users, its market share dropped to 8 percent. During this time, competitors such as PhonePe and Google Pay strengthened their dominance in the UPI space. Together, these two platforms now handle around 87 percent of UPI transactions, leaving Paytm with a reduced market presence.

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Future Outlook for Paytm

Now that PPBL can add new UPI users, the company is expected to focus on regaining its market share. However, NPCI's approval comes with strict conditions, including improved risk management practices and stricter data protection measures. Additionally, PPBL must operate under a multi-bank setup for UPI transactions, which could shape its future growth strategy.

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While Paytm faces an uphill battle to reclaim its lost position, the lifting of the ban offers the company a renewed opportunity to expand its UPI user base in India's competitive digital payments market.

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First Published Date: 23 Oct, 17:20 IST
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