Equitas Small Finance Bank (ESFB) has entered into a strategic partnership with Bharti AXA Life Insurance (Bharti AXA) to expand access to life insurance for the bank's customers. The tie-up will enable Bharti AXA to distribute a range of protection and savings solutions through ESFB's distribution network and digital channels. The collaboration is intended to broaden product availability and strengthen customer financial security.

Under the arrangement, ESFB will leverage its branch footprint and customer relationships to introduce life insurance options that complement existing banking products. The partnership will involve training frontline staff and aligning sales processes to ensure consistent customer experience and informed product guidance. Digital onboarding and service workflows are expected to facilitate easier policy purchase and servicing.

Executives from both organisations described the alliance as a strategic step to deepen customer engagement and enhance financial inclusion across the bank's markets. The partnership is positioned to enable cross selling of insurance to depositors and borrowers while addressing protection gaps among underserved segments. The companies will monitor uptake and iterate product design to meet evolving needs.

The companies said the arrangement will be implemented in compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practice for disclosure, suitability and claims processing. Operational integration will focus on seamless data exchange, secure customer consent protocols and streamlined customer grievance redressal. Risk management and oversight frameworks will be maintained to safeguard customer interests.

Both partners intend to roll out the offering progressively across ESFB's network and digital channels while observing customer feedback and market response. The collaboration is presented as part of ESFB's broader strategy to augment non-interest revenue streams and for Bharti AXA to expand its bancassurance reach. The arrangement is expected to provide customers with easier access to life cover and related services.