Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Fino Payments Bank Asserts GST Compliance, Appoints Interim Head After CEO’s Arrest

The lender says the DGGI investigation is focused on external programme managers, not the bank’s tax practices.

Overview

  • MD and CEO Rishi Gupta was arrested on February 27 under Sections 132(1)(a) and 132(1)(i) of the CGST and SGST Acts by the DGGI in Hyderabad.
  • In a March 2 filing, the bank denied GST evasion and fake invoicing, said it has paid due taxes on fees, and stated it does not foresee financial liability at this stage.
  • CFO Ketan Merchant is serving as interim head for day-to-day operations, and management reports the bank remains operationally stable.
  • Customer balances of about Rs 2,250 crore as of February 27 remain intact, with enhanced risk controls including VPA-based monitoring and no current accounts for programme managers.
  • Fino continues preparations to convert to a small finance bank within the RBI’s 18-month window and says these plans are unchanged as the case remains sub judice and regulators review details.