Best telco to ace “Financial Services”: Bharti Airtel (Asia Pacific telecom service provider winners 2022)

Summary

This report examines how leading telecom operators are expanding into financial services, with a focus on Bharti Airtel’s achievements in the Asia Pacific region. As telcos seek new growth opportunities beyond core connectivity, financial services—including neobanking, digital payments, and inclusive banking—have become a strategic priority. The report explores the unique advantages telecom companies possess, such as extensive customer bases, broad mobile and internet reach, and the ability to bundle services, which position them to compete with traditional banks, especially in emerging markets. A detailed case study of Airtel Payments Bank highlights how Bharti Airtel leverages its retail network to deliver banking services to underbanked and rural populations in India. The report outlines the range of financial products offered, such as pension schemes for workers in the unorganised sector, and discusses the impact of these services on financial inclusion. It also addresses the broader competitive landscape, identifying the criteria used to evaluate Asia Pacific telecom service providers in their pursuit of financial services excellence. Key questions addressed include: What strategies enable telcos to succeed in financial services? How do neobanks like Airtel Payments Bank drive financial inclusion? What are the critical success factors for telecom-led banking in emerging markets? The report is essential reading for telecom executives, fintech strategists, and anyone interested in the convergence of telecommunications and financial services.