Vodafone India seeks payments bank licence

New Delhi, February 3

Vodafone India today said it has applied for a payments bank licence and is exploring options for partnerships for the proposed banking venture.

“Vodafone has filed an application with RBI for the Payments Bank licence. We are exploring options for partnerships,” the company said.

Corporates, including RIL, Aditya Birla, Bharti Airtel and Future Group, are among at least a dozen entities that have also sought licence from RBI to set up payment or small finance banks, two niche banking models introduced to push financial inclusion and saving habits.

The deadline for submitting the applications with RBI for such licenses ended yesterday and a final call on these would be taken by the central bank in due course. — PTI