Mumbai, April 8, 2025
Poonawalla Fincorp Limited (NSE: POONAWALLA | BSE: 524000), a non-deposit-taking NBFC promoted by the Cyrus Poonawalla Group, has announced the official launch of its Shopkeeper Loan Business, targeting India’s vast network of small retailers and kirana stores. This initiative underscores the company’s strategic focus on MSME and consumer lending, aimed at enhancing financial inclusion across semi-urban and rural India.Supporting India’s Traditional Retail Sector
The new offering is tailored to address the persistent credit challenges faced by small merchants, including working capital shortages, inventory constraints, and limited access to organized financing. With this launch, Poonawalla Fincorp seeks to bridge the financing gap and enable long-term sustainability for the country’s traditional trade segment.Expansion Strategy and Operational Rollout
In the first phase, the company is setting up operations in 44 locations, backed by institutional systems designed for a customer-centric experience. This marks the fourth new business vertical launched by the firm as part of its broader strategic expansion in the MSME segment.Key Highlights
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| New Business Vertical | Shopkeeper Loan |
| Target Segment | Small Retailers and Kirana Stores |
| Phase 1 Coverage | 44 Locations Across India |
| Current AUM (as of Mar 31, 2025) | ₹35,550 crore |
| Workforce | ~2,560 employees (as of Dec 31, 2024) |
| NBFC Classification | ND-SI-NBFC (Registered with RBI) |
Strategic Outlook
Poonawalla Fincorp is focused on becoming the lender of choice for India’s self-employed and MSME segments. With the Shopkeeper Loan, the company is reinforcing its risk-first and customer-centric approach, while also leveraging opportunities in a traditionally underserved market.By simplifying lending and delivering personalized experiences, the firm aims to scale its presence while contributing to financial empowerment and local economic development across India.