The use of geospatial intelligence to expand agent networks in rural India

• Sep 10, 2025
• 1 min

MSC supported the Airtel Payments Bank (APB)  to expand its banking agent network across the underserved regions of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Rural India remains costly and difficult to serve, despite ambitious financial inclusion efforts. Rural areas have sparse infrastructure and limited presence of formal banking outlets, which limits access to cash-in/cash-out (CICO) services and prevents the adoption of digital finance. Digital platforms, such as APB, rely heavily on banking agents to bridge this gap. However, when agents are located far away from access points, essential financial services remain outside the reach of underserved communities. MSC’s geospatial intervention targeted this gap head-on.

MSC conducted geospatial analysis to map APB’s current agent distribution and identify service gaps. We developed a location intelligence framework that combined key indicators, such as population density, financial access metrics, and travel distance to banking points. These indicators helped us pinpoint high-priority underserved areas and enabled APB to strategically deploy agents, which eliminated redundancy and ensured optimal coverage.

The targeted approach improved service availability in previously unserved areas, reduced customer travel time, and enhanced community engagement with digital banking. As agents were onboarded in high-need zones, trust in formal financial services increased. APB now operates in more than 500,000 banking points nationwide and has positioned agents in underserved regions, which contributes directly to inclusion goals. The initiative led to more inclusive outcomes and efficient expansion of the agent network.

The Airtel Payments Bank commissioned the project.