Paytm

Shares of One97 Communications, the parent firm of digital payments leader Paytm, fell sharply on May 13 after reports surfaced that Chinese fintech giant Ant Group intends to divest up to 4 percent of its stake—valued at approximately Rs. 2,066 crore—through bulk deals on Indian stock exchanges. The development triggered a nearly 5 percent decline in Paytm’s share price during morning trade on both the BSE and NSE.

One97 Communications Ltd (OCL), the parent company of Paytm, along with its CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma and his brother Ajay Shekhar Sharma, have reached a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) regarding a case involving the company’s Employee Stock Options (ESOPs). The settlement includes a total payment of Rs 2.8 crore and the cancellation of ESOPs granted to the Sharma brothers.

Fintech major One97 Communications Ltd., the parent company of Paytm, is on the cusp of turning profitable as early as the next quarter, signaling a potential turning point for one of India’s most closely watched digital payments companies. Despite a consolidated loss of Rs. 545 crore in Q4 FY25, largely due to non-operational expenses, the firm has reported encouraging operational metrics, including an Rs. 81 crore profit before ESOP-related charges.

Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Managing Director and CEO of One97 Communications, voluntarily surrendered 2.1 crore shares valued at approximately Rs 1,800 crore. These shares were granted to him as part of the company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) following its listing. The surrendered shares will return to the ESOP pool under the company’s 2019 scheme. This decision, while impactful on the company’s books, will trigger a one-time non-cash expense adjustment of Rs 492 crore in the fourth quarter of FY25, affecting the financials and ESOP structure going forward.