Mumbai: Niyo, a travel fintech platform transforming the cross-border payment and travel banking experience for outbound Indian travellers, has taken a significant step towards scaling its forex business. In a strategic move, its parent company Finnew Solutions has acquired Kanji Forex, a reputed player in the foreign exchange space.
Concurrently, Niyo has appointed veteran banker Amit Talwar as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Niyo Forex (Powered by Kanji Forex Pvt Ltd).
This development marks a key milestone in Niyo’s ambition to build India’s most comprehensive and customer-friendly global banking experience. The acquisition will enable Niyo to deliver a full-stack forex offering across FX Cash, FX Cards, and outward remittances, as per the terms of their AD Category 2 license. The company also plans to expand Kanji Forex’s physical presence across India and explore strategic B2B partnerships to deepen market reach.
Established in 1935, Kanji Forex (also known as Kanji Pitamber & Co.) is one of India’s oldest and most respected institutional brokers and money changers. Based in Mumbai, the company has played a pioneering role in the Indian forex ecosystem, including being among the first to offer foreign currency options services to both Indian and globally active banks.
Amit Talwar brings over 27 years of banking experience across Transaction Banking, Global Remittances, and Unsecured Lending. Prior to joining Niyo Forex, he served as EVP & Head – Transaction Banking at IndusInd Bank, where he led multiple high-impact initiatives, including scaling international remittance corridors, implementing blockchain-based solutions, and rolling out new Cash Management offerings. His career also includes nearly nine years with ICICI Bank group entities in India and the UK.
Vinay Bagri, CEO and Co-founder of Niyo, said, “At Niyo, we have been pioneers in democratising cross-border card solutions. The acquisition of Kanji Forex is a pivotal step in our journey to offer a full-suite global banking platform. Amit’s deep banking & cross-border payments expertise with proven leadership skills make him the ideal choice to lead our forex business into becoming the market & category leader.”
Amit Talwar, CEO, Niyo Forex (Powered by Kanji Forex Pvt Ltd) said, “Over the years, Niyo has built a strong top-of-mind recall as a digital-first travel banking brand. With Kanji now part of the Niyo family, Niyo Forex is uniquely positioned to offer integrated forex solutions across digital and physical touchpoints. I am excited to lead this next phase of growth, which will focus on branch expansion, product innovation, and partnerships to serve India’s growing global citizens.”
This move aligns with Niyo’s broader strategy to simplify international banking for Indian consumers—especially leisure travellers, students and parents, and working professionals—through intuitive digital products, transparent pricing, and nationwide accessibility.
