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Poonawalla Fincorp goes full throttle: 24/7 digital loans now open for MSMEs
MUMBAI: Poonawalla Fincorp is giving Indian MSMEs a serious leg-up with a slick new digital tool in their financial arsenal—‘Business Loan 24/7,’ a fully online, branch-free business loan available any time of day, all days of the week.
This isn’t just another fintech gimmick. It’s a proper game-changer. Backed by a pioneering digital risk assessment model and designed specifically for micro, small, and medium enterprises, the new loan product promises instant approval, flexible repayment, and a completely paperless ride from start to finish.
“We believe that with India’s $4 trillion economy, MSMEs will be one of the most robust credit growth segments over the next 10 years, and our assumptions are based on India’s strong financial infrastructure—credit bureau data, GST information, account aggregators, and strong risk analytics. This product, which we will gradually build into the portfolio in a sensible, risk-calibrated manner, will be an industry,” says Poonawalla Fincorp managing director &n chief executive officer Arvind Kapil.
PFL’s digital model taps into India’s public digital infrastructure to vet borrowers using data-driven insights, not just legacy credit parameters. That means smarter risk assessment, faster decisioning, and credit that’s tailored—not templated.
This move follows the successful rollout of PFL’s earlier 24/7 loan product for salaried professionals. With MSMEs now in its sights, the non-banking finance company wants to become the go-to lender for India’s credit-hungry entrepreneurs—especially in tier two and tier three towns where access to capital still moves at snail mail speed.
Part of the Cyrus Poonawalla Group, PFL boasts a ?35,631 crore loan book and a presence in 18 states and two union territories. With this new offering, it’s revving up to drive deeper into India’s growth engine—one digital disbursement at a time.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
