Shabnam Sinha to Lead Airtel Payments Bank as Mittals Steps Down

Airtel Payments Bank announced a major leadership restructuring, with Sunil Bharti Mittal relinquishing his position as chairman effective September 30, 2026. Mittal, who has led the payments bank for approximately ten years, will exit both his executive role and board seat. The Reserve Bank of India has granted approval for Shabnam Sinha's appointment as the new chairperson for a three-year tenure beginning October 1.

Sinha brings extensive banking and financial services experience to the helm of the payments bank. Her professional background includes significant roles at the World Bank, positioning her with deep expertise in digital financial services architecture and institutional governance. The RBI's regulatory clearance underscores confidence in her credentials to steer the organization during a critical phase of India's digital banking expansion.

Under Sinha's leadership, Airtel Payments Bank is expected to prioritize digital financial services expansion, strengthen risk management frameworks, and enhance accessibility of banking services across its customer base. Her appointment reflects the bank's strategic focus on broadening financial inclusion and deepening digital payment penetration in the Indian market. The transition marks a significant milestone for the payments bank as it navigates evolving regulatory requirements and competitive dynamics in India's fintech landscape.