Vijay Shekhar Sharma: From architect of fintech powerhouse to controversies

Vijay Shekhar Sharma, one of the most recognised faces of India’s fintech industry, has seen a fair share of controversies.

Sharma launched Paytm – an acronym for ‘pay through mobile’ – offering mobile recharges. He launched wallet services in 2011 but the big push came with the 2016 demonetisation. He took out front-page ads in top newspapers with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s photo, calling demonetisation the “boldest decision in the financial history of independent India”.