PayNearby announces new appointments to its Board of Directors

By Leandra Monteiro

PayNearby, an Indian branchless banking network has announced the appointment of Mr. Abhaya Prasad Hota, former MD & CEO, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and former in-charge of DPSS in Reserve Bank of India and Mr. Mohan Tanksale, ex-CEO of Indian Banks’ Association and ex-CMD of Central Bank of India to the company’s Board of Directors.

The new appointments keep in line with PayNearby’s mission to create a strong governance at its core while accelerating to the next phase of growth. Mr. Hota and Mr. Tanksale will serve as Independent Directors to strengthen PayNearby’s vision to deepen financial inclusion and democratise digital payments in the country.

The new board appointments bring with them a depth of thought leadership in the field of digital payments, financial inclusion and banking and have played instrumental roles in the digital payments and digital banking industry in the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Anand Kumar Bajaj, Founder, MD & CEO, PayNearby said, “It’s a momentous occasion for PayNearby to welcome Mr. A. P. Hota and Mr. Mohan Tanksale on our board. Their guidance in the form of independent directors will help us establish stronger governance as we move to the next phase of growth and scale. Their decades of work and commitment to the cause of financial inclusion and democratizing digital payments will lend valuable guidance in our journey. The ‘Digital India’ agenda of bringing high-end technology to the bottom of the pyramid has been exemplified and powered by these two stalwarts. We are certain that they will guide us on an orbit-shifting path towards bringing financial liberation for the country at a much accelerated pace than before. We are privileged to be able to call on the experience of Mr. Hota and Mr. Tanksale.”

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. A. P. Hota said, “I am delighted to be a part of the PayNearby family, which has been pioneering financial inclusion through their expansive retail network and stable technology architecture. I hope to help catalyse their growth and forward-looking vision in a strategic manner while working with like-minded people and focusing on driving last-mile connectivity for digital payments.”

Mr. Mohan Tanksale said, “It is an exciting time in PayNearby’s journey. The company is well positioned to move to the next stage of expansion, where it is able to financially empower the lives of every unserved Indian. I feel privileged to join the PayNearby team as an independent board director. PayNearby has dedicated itself to bringing affordable financial services to the bottom of the pyramid and I hope to do my best to guide them and take PayNearby to greater heights while fast-tracking inclusive growth.”