Flipkart just scored a major financial industry first. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted the e-commerce leader a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) license. Now, Flipkart has become India’s first major online marketplace to secure direct lending rights. This landmark approval fundamentally changes its financial services game.
This authorisation marks a significant shift for the Walmart-owned giant. Previously, Flipkart relied solely on partner banks for loans. Now, it possesses the power to lend from its own substantial balance sheet.
Direct Lending Power
This NBFC license unlocks transformative potential for Flipkart. Immediately, it empowers the platform to offer loans directly. Both consumers browsing products and sellers stocking virtual shelves gain access. Furthermore, Flipkart can now bypass traditional financial partners entirely for lending. Previously, it collaborated with institutions like Axis Bank and IDFC First Bank.
This move promises a substantial profit boost. Analysts expect significant gains from bringing lending operations in-house. Flipkart plans swift integration of these new services. Naturally, its vast e-commerce platform and fintech app, Super.Money, will feature these lending solutions prominently. Buyers could soon see personal loan options at checkout. Simultaneously, sellers might access crucial working capital directly.
Fintech Expansion
This license represents Flipkart’s second major fintech push. Earlier, it successfully launched its own UPI payment system. Flipkart UPI handled 3.47 million transactions in May 2025 alone. Those transactions settled a hefty Rs 195 crore. Therefore, the NBFC license cements its serious ambitions in digital finance.
Moreover, Flipkart is strategically positioning Super.Money. This dedicated fintech arm already offers UPI, digital loans, and credit cards. Now, armed with the NBFC license, Super.Money’s capabilities will expand dramatically. Direct lending becomes a core service. This integrated approach strengthens Flipkart’s financial ecosystem significantly.
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Competition
Flipkart’s landmark move arrives amidst intense rivalry. Significantly, arch-rival Amazon is actively expanding its own financial services. Reports confirm Amazon is acquiring Axio, a specialised lending startup. This acquisition aims to boost Amazon Pay’s lending capabilities. Therefore, India’s digital finance battleground is witnessing escalating competition.
Industry experts understand the license’s strategic value. “Lenders increasingly prefer regulated partners,” noted one fintech founder. “Flipkart’s NBFC licence enables vital co-lending partnerships.” These partnerships could accelerate credit growth massively. Essentially, Flipkart gains flexibility and control previously unavailable.
A Turn for Flipkart
This financial milestone aligns perfectly with other major corporate shifts. Flipkart recently solidified plans for an Indian stock market listing. Furthermore, the company secured board approval for a crucial relocation. Specifically, it will shift its parent holding company from Singapore back to India. This homecoming precedes the anticipated IPO.
Flipkart confirmed the NBFC license development officially. A company spokesperson responded positively to media enquiries. While continuing existing partnerships like the Axis Bank credit card, Flipkart can now internalise lending operations. This transition means part of the loan book moves onto Flipkart’s own balance sheet. Ultimately, the journey towards direct financial services has officially begun for India’s e-commerce pioneer.
Written By Fazal Ul Vahab C H
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