The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted in-principle approval to PayPal Payments Pvt Ltd and Worldline ePayments India to operate as cross-border payment aggregators, marking a significant step forward in India’s digital payment ecosystem. This authorization enables both companies to facilitate online transactions for the import and export of goods and services, directly supporting Indian exporters, importers, and businesses engaged in global commerce.
This regulatory move aligns with the RBI’s updated framework, which mandates that payment aggregators offering cross-border services must secure separate approvals, replacing the decade-old Online Payment Gateway Service Provider (OPGSP) licensing regime. The new framework aims to streamline cross-border payment flows, enhance compliance with foreign exchange regulations, and ensure timely settlements for international transactions.
PayPal’s Role in Empowering Indian Exporters:
PayPal Payments Pvt Ltd, the Indian subsidiary of the global fintech giant PayPal Holdings Inc, has received the RBI’s in-principle nod specifically for cross-border exports. This approval allows PayPal to continue providing secure and regulated payment solutions that enable Indian small businesses, freelancers, and enterprises to access approximately 200 international markets more efficiently.
Nath Parameshwaran, Senior Director of Government Relations at PayPal India, emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating, “The in-principle PA-CB-E approval by RBI reflects the strength of India’s regulatory vision and the progress toward seamless, secure cross-border transactions. As India grows into a global export hub, PayPal remains committed to empowering Indian businesses with trusted digital payment solutions.”
With India’s outbound shipments reaching USD 73.8 billion in April 2025, PayPal’s authorization is timely and expected to bolster the country’s export momentum by simplifying payment processes and improving customer experiences through localized product innovations.
Worldline’s Comprehensive Cross-Border Payment Capabilities:
Worldline ePayments India has received full approval from the RBI to operate as an Export-Import Payment Aggregator – Cross-Border (PA-CB E&I). This license enables Worldline to facilitate online cross-border transactions for both imports and exports of goods and services, positioning the company as a key player in India’s growing international trade payments landscape.
Ramesh Narasimhan, CEO of Worldline India, highlighted the company’s longstanding commitment to the Indian market: “Having been active in India for over two decades, we have secured a leading position across sectors including eCommerce, BFSI, retail, utilities, education, travel, and hospitality. This approval from RBI is a strong affirmation of our dedication to regulatory compliance and the importance of a secure and well-regulated payments ecosystem.”
In addition to the cross-border license, Worldline also holds authorizations to operate as a domestic Payment Aggregator and Bharat Bill Payment Operating Unit (BBPOU), enabling it to provide seamless payment solutions for a wide range of merchants across India.
Implications for India’s Digital Payment and Export Ecosystem:
The RBI’s approvals for PayPal and Worldline underscore the growing importance of regulated cross-border payment infrastructure in India’s digital economy. By formalizing and strengthening the framework for cross-border payment aggregators, the RBI aims to promote transparency, enhance customer due diligence, and ensure adherence to foreign exchange rules.
This regulatory clarity is expected to encourage more fintech companies to enter or expand in the cross-border payments space, thereby strengthening innovation and competition. It also supports India’s ambition to become a global export hub, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and freelancers who rely heavily on digital payment platforms to access international markets.
With the rise of global e-commerce and digital services exports, streamlined cross-border payment processes will be critical to sustaining growth. The RBI’s move to replace the older OPGSP licensing with a dedicated PA-CB framework reflects its commitment to keeping pace with evolving technology and market needs.
The in-principle approvals granted to PayPal and Worldline mark a pivotal development in India’s payment ecosystem. These authorizations not only enhance the capabilities of two major payment players but also signal a broader push toward secure, efficient, and compliant cross-border digital transactions that will benefit Indian businesses and the economy at large.
