iWorld
Xapads collaborates with Disney+ Hotstar
Mumbai: The dynamic changes in how people consume content have created exciting prospects for streaming platforms to connect with audiences in innovative ways. In India, Disney+ Hotstar, a leader in the streaming space, is seizing this opportunity by collaborating with Xapads to enhance its capabilities in Connected TV (CTV) advertising. The association between Xapads and Disney+ Hotstar is set to unlock new possibilities for advertisers in the MENA region.
As CTV continues to gain momentum, this collaboration underscores Disney+ Hotstar’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the evolving media landscape. Known for its extensive content library spanning movies, TV shows, live sports, and capturing the hearts of millions of dedicated viewers, together Xapads and Disney+ Hotstar will offer a distinct opportunity for advertisers to connect with the streaming platform’s diverse audience and revolutionize the way brands connect with their target audience.
Expressing great excitement about the opportunities ahead, Xapads, COO Ramneek Chadha believes that, ‘ The powerful position Disney+ Hotstar holds in the streaming realm, combined with the proficiency in digital advertising, will bring outstanding outcomes for advertisers and create a more engaging and tailored viewing experience for the audience. Advertisers will gain direct entry to premium CTV and connected device audiences within the top 10 metropolitan areas.’
Talking about the collaboration, Disney+ Hotstar head of ads Dhruv Dhawan said, “At Disney+ Hotstar, we are always looking for newer ways to enable our advertisers to make the most of our ads solutions. Our collaboration with Xapads will enable us to make strides in the Mena region, enabling us to grow our advertiser base.”
Xapads country head, MENA Gagan Uppal said, “This will bridge the gap between brands and the audience, making content and advertising more engaging and accessible than ever before. Advertisers will gain exclusive access to premium inventory, while the audience can enjoy interesting content and live streaming of matches. Looking forward to witnessing the incredible stories and experiences that will unfold as a result of this development”.
Together with Xapads, Disney+ Hotstar is poised to lead the charge in CTV advertising innovation, offering a new era of opportunities for brands and viewers in the MENA region.
iWorld
Airtel bets big on digital lending with Rs 20,000 Cr NBFC push
Telecom giant aims to transform India’s credit scene with a high-scale NBFC plan
NEW DELHI: Bharati Airtel is taking a bold step into the financial world. The telecom giant has announced plans to supercharge its Non-Banking Financial Company, Airtel Money Limited, with a whopping Rs 20,000 crore over the coming years.
Airtel will fund 70 per cent of the capital, with the remaining 30 per cent coming from the promoter group via Bharti Enterprises Limited. The move is designed to narrow India’s credit gap and bring simple, secure digital lending to more consumers.
The company is not starting from scratch. Its existing digital lending platform has already disbursed over Rs 9,000 crore, backed by smart underwriting, disciplined portfolio management, and real-time risk monitoring. With 500 plus data scientists and robust analytics, Airtel claims it has built one of the country’s most trusted lending service provider models.
Bharti Airtel executive vice chairman Gopal Vittal said, “Our success over the past two years shows how technology, data, and customer trust can create impact at a national scale. With this NBFC expansion, we aim to build a future-ready digital lending business that stands for trust, innovation, and inclusion.”
Airtel Money received its NBFC licence from the Reserve Bank of India on 13 February 2026. The expansion taps into India’s fast-growing financial sector, where formal credit accounts for just 53 per cent of GDP, highlighting huge room for growth.
The NBFC’s operations will integrate seamlessly with Airtel’s existing lending platform, keeping processes clear for customers while delivering a smooth experience. By leveraging its vast telecom customer base, Airtel aims to set a new benchmark in digital financial services and make lending accessible, simple, and reliable.
The Reserve Bank of India has noted that while Airtel Money has a valid registration certificate, it does not guarantee the company’s financial soundness or the repayment of liabilities.
