India, Dec. 9 -- India's banking landscape has undergone a seismic shift over the past decade - from the days of manual passbooks and crowded branches to today's reality of biometric authentication, mobile-first experiences, and instant digital transactions. This evolution was not just technological - it was transformational, extending the reach of financial services into the remotest corners of the country.

A pivotal moment in this journey came in 2015, when the Reserve Bank of India introduced payments banks as a new class of institutions designed to foster financial inclusion. These financial institutions could accept deposits (now up to INR 2 lakh), enable digital payments, and operate without physical branches-making them ideal for ...