By Abhay Ray 
Introduction
Flipkart has successfully secured a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), allowing it to facilitate lending business independently. This license allows Flipkart to provide loans directly to both customers and sellers on its platform. It marks a pivotal moment in the e-commerce journey that has so far depended on third-party. Flipkart Finance Private Limited received its registration certificate in March 2025, making Flipkart the first major Indian e-commerce firm to gain such authorization.
Currently, Flipkart collaborates with financial institutions like Axis Bank and IDFC First Bank to offer consumer loans. The new NBFC license enables Flipkart to independently enter the lending market. Flipkart is reportedly planning to offer loans directly via its e-commerce website and its fintech application – super.money. Walmart acquired a majority stake in Flipkart in 2018 at a deal worth $16 billion.
Big Achievement for Flipkart
Flipkart already offers facilities like ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ (BNPL) and EMI through third-party financial institutions on its platform. Now, with the NBFC license, the company can start giving loan facility independently without depending on any external financial institution. This move will further strengthen Flipkart against competitors like Amazon, which has already entered the financial services in India.
Small Businesses will Benefit
Through this license, Flipkart will provide cheap and easy loans to its customers, which will further improve the shopping experience. Also, the business of millions of small and medium sellers on Flipkart will be strengthened, they will be able to get loans to expand their business. This step can be especially beneficial for small businesses in rural and towns.
The Company will also Provide Digital Loans
Flipkart has not yet clarified how it will implement its lending business, but it is believed that the company will focus on digital loans, personal loans and special financial products for sellers. In addition, Flipkart can make risk assessment and loan distribution more efficient by using its data and technological capabilities
This move can give Flipkart a significant position in India’s fast-growing digital lending market, which is also in line with the government’s Digital India and financial inclusion vision.
Boosting Profitability and Financial Services
Flipkart’s move into direct lending is anticipated to enhance its profitability while improving financial services for its extensive user base. The company plans to integrate lending solutions into its e-commerce platform and the Super Money fintech app, offering personal loans and credit options to both buyers and sellers.
India’s Lending Market Growth
A PwC report highlights that India’s lending market has grown significantly over the past five years, from FY18 to FY23, with a CAGR of 14.8 percent. From FY21 to FY24, the number and value of loans disbursed by FinTechs have increased dramatically, with a CAGR of 81% (from 1.72 crores to 10.19 crore) and 46% (from INR 0.47 lakh crore to INR 1.46 lakh crore), respectively. The growth is attributed to innovations by FinTechs, leveraging technology to expand their reach, automate operations, and improve credit access. PwC report states that a significant majority of digital lending, amounting to 96% of the value of disbursed digital loans by FinTechs, has been in the form of personal loans predominantly below INR 5,000.
Conclusion
Flipkart’s acquisition of an NBFC license marks a major strategic shift, allowing it to independently offer loans to both customers and sellers. This move strengthens its competitive position, enhances profitability, and supports the government’s Digital India and financial inclusion goals. By leveraging its technology and customer data, Flipkart aims to offer digital and personal loans, particularly benefiting small and rural businesses. As India’s digital lending market continues to grow rapidly, Flipkart is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, transforming from a pure e-commerce player into a significant fintech force.
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