Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the charismatic founder of Paytm, has resigned from his roles as Non-Executive Chairman and Board Member of Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL).
This decision follows regulatory pressure from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which mandated the winding down of PPBL’s operations by March 15 due to persistent non-compliances and significant supervisory concerns.
In an official statement released by the company, it was revealed that Vijay Shekhar Sharma’s departure aims to facilitate a smooth transition amidst the regulatory directives. Additionally, One 97 Communications Ltd (OCL), the parent company of Paytm, has withdrawn its nominee from the PPBL Board, further signaling a shift in leadership dynamics.
Reconstituted Board
The reconstitution of the PPBL Board involves the appointment of esteemed individuals, including retired IAS officers Debendranath Sarangi and Rajni Sekhri Sibal, former executive director of Bank of Baroda Ashok Kumar Garg, and former chairman of the Central Bank of India Srinivasan Sridhar. This move suggests a concerted effort to bolster the bank’s governance structure and address the regulatory concerns raised by the RBI.
The RBI’s decision to suspend PPBL’s operations underscores the importance of compliance and adherence to regulatory standards in the financial services sector. It serves as a stark reminder for companies operating in this space to prioritize regulatory compliance and risk management to ensure the stability and integrity of the banking system.
The appointment of seasoned professionals to the PPBL Board reflects a strategic initiative to restore confidence among stakeholders and navigate the challenging regulatory landscape effectively. Moving forward, the reconstituted Board will play a pivotal role in overseeing PPBL’s operations and implementing necessary reforms to address the regulatory deficiencies highlighted by the RBI.
As PPBL prepares for a transition under new leadership, the company remains committed to its mission of providing innovative financial services to its customers while upholding the highest standards of regulatory compliance and corporate governance.