Digital financial services network reports monthly gold loan disbursal run-rate exceeding ₹100 crore across semi-urban and rural markets

PayNearby, a branchless banking and digital financial services network, reported gold loan disbursals of ₹550 crore in FY26 through MSME retailers operating primarily in semi-urban and rural markets.

According to the company, ₹100 crore was disbursed during March 2026 alone. The company stated that it is expanding access to formal credit in underserved regions through its gold loan distribution model.

PayNearby said gold loans are being used by households, small business owners, and micro-entrepreneurs to access funds for business needs, emergencies, and short-term financial requirements. Since gold is widely accepted as collateral, borrowers are able to access formal credit with limited documentation.

Through its retailer network, the company enables customers to initiate gold loan applications outside traditional banking branch locations, while verification and final disbursement are completed at partner branches.

The company stated that customers can access funds within as little as two hours, making gold loans suitable for urgent financing requirements. As a secured lending product, gold loans are also being used to support household spending and micro-enterprise activities.

PayNearby noted that the model is also increasing participation from women borrowers. The company stated that household gold assets are helping women access credit and support income-generation activities.

Speaking on the development, Rajat Agarwal, Chief Business Officer - Enterprise and Financial Assets, PayNearby, said, “Access to timely and affordable credit remains a key need across Bharat. Gold loans, backed by a trusted household asset, offer a simple way to address this need. Through our network, we are enabling customers to access formal credit closer to them, with speed and ease. We also see strong potential to work with more banks and NBFC partners to scale this further, using a plug-and-play model that combines reach, trust and technology.”

PayNearby stated that it continues to partner with banks and NBFCs to expand gold loan access across Bharat through its retailer distribution network and assisted financial services model.