Feb 15, 2024
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has prohibited Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) from accepting further deposits, top-ups, or credit transactions into its accounts or wallets starting February 29. This includes transactions for prepaid instruments like FASTags and National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC) cards.
PPBL is also barred from conducting banking services such as AEPS, IMPS, bill payments, and UPI transactions. The subsidiary is instructed to terminate nodal accounts of its parent company and Paytm Payments Services by February 29, and settle all pipeline transactions by March 29.
Equity researchers expect the restrictions to have medium to long-term implications on Paytm's revenue and profitability. The severe limitations on PPBL could hinder Paytm's ability to retain customers and offer payment and loan products.
Paytm plans to work with other banks instead of PPBL and expand third-party bank partnerships for merchant acquiring services. The transition involves finding partner banks, assessing commercial viability, and facilitating account-to-account migration.
Concerns arise regarding Paytm's licensing as RBI guidelines prohibit payments banks from undertaking lending activities directly. PPBL offers credit-dispensing products from third parties, raising questions about compliance with regulatory guidelines.
There are concerns about Paytm's governance structure and related party transactions, with Paytm owning 49% of PPBL and founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma holding the remainder. The company insists that PPBL is run independently, but regulatory scrutiny persists.
The RBI's actions follow previous penalties against PPBL for flouting KYC norms and concerns about money laundering. Regulatory pressure mounts as Paytm faces potential investigations and re-evaluation of relationships with lending partners. CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma has been directed by the finance minister to comply with regulations.