Neobank Fi closes banking services on its platform

12 Mar 2026, 04:48 PM

Fi had launched banking services in partnership with Federal Bank in 2021.

Team Head&Tale

Neobank startup Fi, which is backed by venture capital firms including Peak XV Partners, has shut down digital banking services on its platform, instead directing users to access them through partner Federal Bank's digital banking channels.

The fintech startup informed its customers over email that the savings deposits they made through its platform were now no longer accessible there, but could be safely managed through its partner bank's mobile app, media reports said.

Fi had launched banking services in partnership with Federal Bank in 2021.

This development comes after Fi's cofounder Sujith Narayan suggested last month that his company will be closing some products to realign itself away from digital first consumer banking, its earlier focus.

"We asked where we do our strongest work, and where we can build something that truly lasts. The answers kept pointing in one direction - deep technology, AI, and building complex systems for startups & large enterprises alike," Narayan said in a LinkedIn post in February.

Fi was founded in 2019 by Narayan and Sumit Gwalani with the goal of making digital first banking ‘more thoughtful and human’ for users. It brought in simpler onboarding processes, used gamification to encourage saving practices, and promoted financial literacy amongst its user base of mostly young Indian users. 

Fi has raised $169 million over multiple rounds from investors, as per Tracxn data. Apart from Peak XV Partners, other investors in the startup include Ribbit Capital, B Capital and Alpha Wave Global.

Who Reads Us

I enjoy reading The Head and Tale for their coverage on the Fintech landscape. The reporting is incisive and honest,  and it demonstrates a sharp understanding of the industry and the issues that concern it. I'd like to extend my best wishes to Arti for her continued success.

Rahul Chari, Co-Founder and CTO, PhonePe
Rahul Chari Co-Founder And CTO, PhonePe

Well-researched, informative and analysis based reporting makes an interesting read. 'The Head and Tale' news portal has been demonstrating this quite well covering fintech and emerging tech sectors. Their timely updates, exclusive stories and different perspectives on these sectors help me stay informed. Kudos to Arti Singh for pursuing her passion and best wishes to the team.

Rishi Gupta, MD & CEO, Fino Payments Bank
Rishi Gupta MD & CEO, Fino Payments Bank

The Head and Tale stands out for its deep industry knowledge and impressive network of sources. I especially appreciate that the reporting remains independent, rarely resorting to paid puff pieces, making it a publication I can genuinely trust. Having followed Arti’s work for years, I’ve come to rely on The Head and Tale for its unparalleled insight and truly independent coverage. Arti’s long-standing presence in the sector means her reporting is always informed, with access few can match.

Lizzie Chapman, co-founder, ZestMoney
Lizzie Chapman Co-founder, ZestMoney

What I really appreciate about The Head and Tale is that it doesn’t just report the news, it interprets it. The stories are well-researched, comprehensive, and bold. Arti brings a fearless lens to reporting, often asking the uncomfortable but necessary questions. She makes you pause, reflect, and rethink what it all means for the payments and fintech ecosystem. It’s rare to find journalism that’s this sharp, timely, and relevant to the work we do every day.

Mohit Bedi, co-founder, Kiwi
Mohit Bedi Co-founder, Kiwi

I’ve always valued journalism that goes beyond surface-level headlines. The Head and Tale does exactly that - it connects the dots, asks the tough questions, and brings clarity to the shifts shaping our evolving industry. I’ve even encouraged my team members to subscribe, because staying informed through credible, deeply reported stories is as important as building products. For me, The Head and Tale has become part of essential reading.

Cofounder of IPO-bound leading fintech lending company
Cofounder of IPO-bound leading fintech lending company