Chennai, February 3, 2026: Bharti AXA Life Insurance, a subsidiary of Bharti Life Ventures Private Limited (a Bharti Group company), has announced a strategic bancassurance partnership with Equitas Small Finance Bank (Equitas SFB). This collaboration represents a significant step toward expanding life insurance penetration across India, with a special focus on semi-urban and rural markets.
Expanding Access to Protection, Savings and Retirement Solutions
Under the partnership, Bharti AXA Life Insurance will offer its comprehensive portfolio of protection, savings, and retirement solutions to customers of Equitas Small Finance Bank. The initiative aims to support individuals and families in achieving long-term financial security and effective wealth planning.
Customers will be able to seamlessly access these life insurance solutions through Equitas SFB’s extensive phygital distribution network, comprising over 1,042 banking outlets across 18 states and Union Territories, with a strong presence in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra.
Strengthening Insurance Reach Through a Phygital Network
Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Nitin Mehta, Chief Distribution Officer – Partnership Distribution and Head Marketing, Bharti AXA Life Insurance, said:
“Equitas Small Finance Bank has established a strong and differentiated franchise with a proven track record of serving underbanked, semi-urban, and rural communities through its wide branch network and digital capabilities. We are delighted to partner with the Bank as this collaboration will enhance our partnership distribution footprint and enable us to reach customers at scale through its extensive phygital presence. This partnership aligns with our objective of simplifying insurance and making it more accessible, while also supporting IRDAI’s vision of ‘Insurance for All’ by 2047.”
Enhancing Customer Value Through Integrated Financial Solutions
Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Murali Vaidyanathan, Senior President & Country Head – Liabilities, Wealth Management and Digital Banking, Equitas Small Finance Bank, said:
“Enhancing the quality and breadth of services offered to our customers remains a key priority for us. This partnership with Bharti AXA Life Insurance strengthens our product portfolio by offering customers access to a comprehensive range of life insurance solutions that complement their banking needs and long-term financial planning goals.”
Driving Financial Preparedness Across India
By combining Equitas Small Finance Bank’s strong distribution capabilities with Bharti AXA Life Insurance’s deep expertise in life insurance, the partnership aims to promote wider adoption of life insurance solutions and strengthen long-term financial preparedness among customers across India.
