MAM
Fino Payments Bank appoints Streetlight Media as its strategic communication agency
Mumbai: Fino Payments Bank, a subsidiary of Fino Paytech Ltd, which is backed by marquee investors like Bharat Petroleum, ICICI group, Blackstone, IFC, Intel, and LIC, among others, and is the only listed payment bank and first profitable payment bank, has appointed Streetlight Media as its strategic communication partner. The agency secured the account based on previous work experience following its association with the bank since 2018, and the brand will be serviced from its Mumbai office.
Frugal innovation is the key that has given fintech a leadership position at the middle of the pyramid, primarily comprising of emerging India customers. The Mumbai-based Bank operates on an asset-light business model that principally relies on fee and commission-based income generated from merchant network. It has appointed Streetlight Media as its strategic communication agency because of its extensive rural reach, commitments, and ability to deliver strategic outcomes.
As per the mandate, Streetlight Media will develop and execute Fino’s new-age communication strategy, manage and engage media spread across metros and smaller towns in Bharat. The agency will use its PR experience to improve the brand’s image, increase market visibility, and establish deep connections with the target audience. Combined with Fino’s history of innovation in the fintech sector, this partnership will solidify the brand’s position as a market leader in the fintech space.
“The team at Streetlight Media has displayed excellent understanding of our business, which is so critical for effective PR campaigns. As a partner, they have been agile, passionate, and resourceful. Their contribution to the overall visibility of the brand Fino Payments Bank both in national and regional media has been significant. With Streetlight we are in safe hands.” said Fino Payments Bank CMO Anand Bhatia.
Streetlight Media MD Tushar Santra added, “Since incorporation of Streetlight Media in 2009, we have focused on creating a unique blend to fulfill the vision of many enterprises. Our dedicated team with journalism experience will mark this partnership an exciting phase for both organizations. Our knowledge, performance, and strategic approach to the constantly changing media sector perfectly connect with Fino’s vision and objectives.”
Brands
Maharashtra panel orders Lodha to refund Rs 5 crore to homebuyers
Consumer court flags unfair practices in long-running property dispute case
MUMBAI: In a sharp rebuke to one of India’s biggest real estate players, the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Macrotech Developers to refund nearly Rs 5 crore to a senior citizen couple, Uttam and Anindita Chatterjee. The ruling, delivered on March 13, 2026, calls out the developer for “deficiency in service” and “unfair trade practices”, bringing closure to a dispute that has stretched over a decade.
The case traces back to 2015, when the couple booked a 3-BHK flat at World Towers in Lower Parel for Rs 12.22 crore, with possession promised within a year. What followed was a series of changes that complicated matters. After deciding to exit the project, they were persuaded to shift to a 4-BHK in another development priced at Rs 8 crore, with delivery scheduled for 2018. However, within months, the price was allegedly increased to Rs 10 crore. After demonetisation reshaped the market, similar flats were reportedly being offered at lower prices, but the couple were not given the benefit.
Despite paying over Rs 2.83 crore, the couple neither received possession nor clarity. Instead, in 2018, the developer unilaterally cancelled the booking, retained part of the amount as earnest money, and argued that the buyers were investors rather than consumers. The commission rejected this claim, observing that casual references to “investment” do not take away consumer rights when the purchase intent is residential.
The bench also held that the developer could not penalise buyers for payment delays while failing to meet its own delivery commitments. It noted the lack of formal documentation for revised terms and termed the prolonged retention of funds without delivering a home as exploitative.
As part of its order, the commission directed the developer to refund Rs 2.83 crore paid by the couple, along with interest at 10 per cent per annum, amounting to around Rs 2.12 crore. In addition, Rs 1 lakh has been awarded for mental agony and Rs 50,000 towards litigation costs, taking the total payout to over Rs 5 crore. The developer has been asked to comply within two months.
For now, the ruling serves as a reminder that in real estate, shifting terms and delayed promises can carry a significant cost.
