THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
APRIL 11, 2026
Axis Bank, one of the
largest private sector banks in India, has entered into a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of
India (FHRAI), one of the country’s apex hospitality industry bodies, in a strategic
move aimed at enhancing financial accessibility and transaction efficiency for
businesses across India’s rapidly expanding tourism and hospitality ecosystem.
The MoU, signed in
the presence of senior representatives from both organisations, enables Axis
Bank to engage more closely with FHRAI’s extensive member base nationwide,
reinforcing collaboration with hospitality enterprises spanning diverse
segments and geographies. The partnership is expected to create a stronger financial
support framework for hotels, restaurants, banquet operators, caterers, and
allied businesses, helping them adapt to evolving market dynamics and growth
opportunities.
Under the
partnership, Axis Bank will offer a comprehensive suite of banking and
transaction solutions tailored to the sector’s unique requirements. These
include a specialised current account proposition with transaction banking
benefits such as concessions on POS rentals, cash management services, and
payment solution setup fees. FHRAI members may also gain access to customised
financial offerings, subject to eligibility and specific business requirements,
enabling improved liquidity management and operational efficiency.
Commenting on the
partnership, Vijay Shetty, President & Head – Commercial Banking Group,
Axis Bank, said, "The hospitality sector continues to witness sustained
underlying demand, driven by rising income levels, domestic travel, government
focus, and improving infrastructure. At Axis Bank, we are deepening our focus
on this sector through a more ecosystem-led approach. Our partnership with
FHRAI is a step towards engaging more meaningfully with the industry and
delivering relevant, sector-aligned financial solutions. Axis Bank and FHRAI
also look forward to exploring opportunities for engagements through future
FHRAI engagements, with a focus on mutual value creation.”
Speaking on the
development, Sreekesh P, Executive Vice President & Regional Branch Banking
Head North 3 said, “The hospitality ecosystem, particularly across Uttar
Pradesh, presents a diverse and dynamic opportunity spanning hotels, banquet
operators, caterers, and allied segments. Through this collaboration with
FHRAI, we see an opportunity to strengthen our on-ground engagement with
businesses and build deeper relationships by driving consistent engagement with
the sector.”
Sharing his
perspective on the partnership, Surendra Jaiswal, President, FHRAI, said: “We
are pleased to partner with Axis Bank in strengthening engagement between the banking
and hospitality sectors. As the industry continues to evolve, access to
relevant and sector-aligned financial solutions will be important for our
members. This collaboration is expected to facilitate greater awareness,
access, and engagement opportunities for hospitality businesses across the
country.”
As part of this
engagement, Axis Bank also participated in FHRAI’s Wedding & MICE Tourism
Conclave in Lucknow, showcasing its sector-focused capabilities through a
targeted presentation and on-ground presence. The collaboration reinforces Axis
Bank’s continued commitment to empowering hospitality businesses with
structured financing, working capital support, term loans, and dedicated
relationship management, enabling enterprises — particularly small and
mid-sized establishments — to navigate cost fluctuations while scaling
sustainably in a competitive marketplace.
