Payment Aggregator License

A “NBFC- Payment Aggregator License” ensures secure data sharing and adherence to RBI regulations for managing financial information aggregation

In the rapidly evolving financial landscape, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) are increasingly exploring new avenues to enhance their service offerings. One such opportunity lies in obtaining a Payment Aggregator (PA) license. This guide aims to provide a detailed overview of what a Payment Aggregator license entails, its benefits, and the process of obtaining one.

 

Why NBFCs Should Consider a Payment Aggregator License

  • Enhanced Service Offerings: By becoming a licensed Payment Aggregator, NBFCs can offer a comprehensive suite of payment solutions to their clients, thereby increasing their value proposition.
  • Revenue Diversification: Payment processing can become a significant revenue stream, complementing traditional lending and financial services.
  • Customer Convenience: Providing a seamless payment experience can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Operating under a PA license ensures adherence to regulatory standards set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), fostering trust and credibility.
 

Steps to Obtain a Payment Aggregator License

  • Understand the Regulatory Framework: Familiarize yourself with the RBI guidelines on Payment Aggregators and Payment Gateways. These guidelines outline the eligibility criteria, operational standards, and compliance requirements.
  • Prepare the Application: Gather all necessary documents, including your business plan, financial statements, and details of your technology infrastructure. Ensure that your application demonstrates your capability to manage payment processing securely and efficiently.
  • Submit the Application: Submit your application to the RBI along with the required fee. The RBI will review your application and may request additional information or clarifications.
  • Compliance and Audits: Once your application is approved, you must comply with ongoing regulatory requirements, including regular audits and reporting.

Key Considerations

  • Security: Implement robust security measures to protect sensitive payment data and prevent fraud.
  • Technology: Invest in reliable and scalable technology to handle high transaction volumes and ensure uptime.
  • Customer Support: Provide excellent customer support to address any issues or concerns promptly.
  • Partnerships: Collaborate with banks, payment gateways, and other financial institutions to expand your payment network.

FAQ's

A payment aggregator is a service provider through which mobile payments and e-commerce merchants can process payment transactions. An aggregator allows a merchant to accept card payments and bank transfers without opening a merchant account with a bank or credit card association.

A payment aggregator license in India is a regulatory authorization that allows businesses to facilitate online payment transactions between merchants and customers.

Payment aggregators work by providing a single platform for merchants to accept various online payment methods such as cards, UPI, and digital wallets.

All applicant entities engaged in the business of facilitating online payments are required to obtain a payment aggregator license in India.

The documents needed for a non-banking financial company due diligence are as follows:
– The NBFC certificate of registration by the RBI.
– The GST and Permanent Account Number (PAN).
– Tax Deduction Account Number (TAN) registration ID.
– Incorporation documents, including MOA, AOA, company charter, net owned fund certified by a CA, and a registered business office address agreement (lease or rental).
– A resolution of the board of directors.
– Minutes of meetings on important decisions.
– Audited financial statements of auditors
– Net worth of the NBFC certified by a chartered accountant.

The process to start a payment aggregator business in India requires compliance with the following steps, as provided below:
Step 1: Understand Regulatory Framework
Step 2: Incorporate Your Company
Step 3: Comply with Capital Adequacy
Step 4: Prepare Application Documents
Step 5: File Application Form
Step 6: Conduct Regulatory Review & Compliance
Step 7: Obtain a License from the RBI

No, UPI is not a payment aggregator; on the contrary, it is a real-time payment system that facilitates direct bank-to-bank transfers through mobile applications.

The benefits of obtaining a payment aggregator license are as follows:
-Helps businesses to bridge the gap between merchants and clients
-Enables simplifying online transactions by integrating multiple payment options
-Ensures efficient processing and completion of payment transactions
-Helps competition and clients with more options for making payments
-Plays an important role in creating a smooth settlement process
-Helps enhance the regulatory trust and credibility among customers
-Provides a competitive edge, allowing faster integration with merchants and payment networks
-Allows access to real-time reporting and analytics
-Helps lower initial costs, expenses, and enhances customer satisfaction

Obtaining a payment aggregator license takes around 4 to 6 months, based on the complexity of your application, completeness of the documents, and the RBI’s internal processing timeline.

In case your payment aggregator license is rejected by the RBI, you will be required to cease operations and gradually wind down your payment aggregation activities within a specified period, typically 180 days from the date of its rejection.

The examples of entities registered as a payment aggregator in India are Razorpay, Paytm, PhonePe, Cashfree, and PayU.

Yes, banks can operate as a payment aggregator, i.e., a bank payment aggregator, which is distinct from third-party payment aggregators in India.


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