India’s fintech landscape is evolving rapidly, yet millions of consumers across semi-urban and rural regions continue to depend on trusted physical touchpoints for financial services. FindiBANKIT has emerged as a key player in bridging this gap through its assisted banking model, empowering local merchants while expanding access to essential banking, payment, and lifestyle services. In this interview, Amit Nigam, Executive Director and CEO of FindiBANKIT, shares insights into the company’s business model, the evolving role of cash, growth in travel bookings, and the future of fintech-driven financial inclusion in India.
Q1. Could you tell us more about FindiBANKIT and the business model it operates on within India’s fintech and assisted banking ecosystem?
FindiBANKIT is a fintech platform that operates on an assisted banking model, designed to bring essential financial and lifestyle services to underserved communities across India. With a network of over 2.76 lakh retail outlets spanning 36 states and union territories, the company enables local merchants to act as distribution partners for services such as domestic money transfer, AePS (Aadhaar-enabled Payment System), microATMs, utility bill payments, insurance, and travel bookings.
This model not only expands financial inclusion but also creates income opportunities for merchants, who earn commissions while providing access to banking and fintech solutions in semi-urban and rural regions. By combining technology with human-assisted delivery, FindiBANKIT bridges the gap between digital services and communities that still rely on physical touchpoints for trust and convenience.
Q2. How are travel booking services helping local merchants strengthen customer engagement and diversify their offerings?
FindiBANKIT’s travel booking services, covering rail, air, bus, and hotel reservations, allow local merchants to diversify their offerings beyond traditional financial services. By integrating travel solutions into their outlets, merchants become one-stop hubs for customers seeking convenience in both financial and lifestyle needs.
This not only increases customer traffic but also strengthens customer engagement, as users can access multiple services in a single visit. For merchants, travel bookings provide an additional revenue stream and enhance customer loyalty, while for consumers, it creates trusted access points for travel services in areas where online booking adoption may be limited.
Q3. How is the demand for cash evolving alongside the rapid growth of digital payments in India?
Despite the rapid growth of digital payments in India, cash continues to play a critical role in the country’s economy. Demand for cash remains strong, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, among small businesses, and for everyday transactions where accessibility and immediate liquidity are important.
Rather than being replaced by digital payments, cash is evolving alongside them. The continued increase in currency circulation highlights that millions of Indians still rely on cash as a trusted and convenient payment method. As India’s financial ecosystem expands, cash remains an essential pillar of financial inclusion, ensuring that banking and payment services reach every segment of society.
“At Bankit, we view cash and digital payments as complementary channels that together support a more inclusive and accessible financial ecosystem.”
Q4. What role do white-labelled ATMs play in expanding access to banking services in semi-urban and rural regions?
FindiBANKIT offers franchise opportunities for white-labelled ATMs under the “Findi ATM” WLA model, enabling merchants to convert unused spaces into 24/7 financial service points. These ATMs provide cash withdrawals and other ATM services.
For semi-urban and rural regions, they play a critical role in expanding access to banking services where traditional bank branches are limited. Merchants benefit by earning up to ₹50,000 per month, while communities gain reliable access to essential financial services, reducing dependency on distant banking infrastructure.
Q5. What trends are you observing in rail and flight ticket bookings, particularly from smaller cities and emerging markets?
At FindiBANKIT, we are seeing strong growth in rail and flight ticket bookings from Tier 2, Tier 3, and rural markets. A key trend is the growing preference for assisted travel bookings through trusted local retailers.
For many customers, convenience goes beyond digital access. They prefer getting tickets booked by a familiar local agent who can provide quick assistance, help compare options, and eliminate the need to travel long distances or wait in queues. This trusted, personalized support is especially valuable for first-time digital users and customers who prefer human interaction.
While rail bookings continue to dominate due to affordability and reach, flight bookings are also increasing as regional connectivity improves. Through BANKIT’s retailer network, we are making travel services more accessible while creating additional income opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Q6. How are fintech platforms evolving beyond payments and banking to meet the changing everyday needs of consumers?
FindiBANKIT has expanded beyond core payments and banking into services such as insurance, PAN card applications, utility bill payments, and travel solutions. This evolution reflects a broader fintech trend where platforms are positioning themselves as everyday enablers, offering convenience across financial, lifestyle, and utility needs.
By integrating diverse services into a single ecosystem, fintech platforms are meeting consumer expectations for accessibility, trust, and convenience, especially in regions where digital adoption is still growing.
Q7. What are FindiBANKIT’s key priorities for growth, expansion, and service innovation going forward?
At FindiBANKIT, our growth strategy is focused on expanding last-mile financial access, strengthening our retailer network, and driving innovation through technology-led services.
As we scale, our priority is to make essential financial and digital services more accessible across Bharat while empowering local entrepreneurs and contributing to India’s broader financial inclusion journey.