Sharma highlighted the need to redirect human efforts towards core product development as AI continues to take over more and more repeatable tasks.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma, founder of Paytm, warns that the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on human work is inevitable. This technology will soon become the centre of everyday business operations, and even CFOs could replace employees across functions.
“Sometimes or later we have to start using AI as an employee or as a CFO,” Sharma said at a recent AI-focused event in the capital. According to a report by TOI, his comments reflect the growth trends of technology leaders who view large-scale automation as both economic needs and opportunities.
Sharma highlighted the need to redirect human efforts towards core product development as AI continues to take over more and more repeatable tasks. He says that companies that cannot integrate AI into processes will have a hard time competing in the evolving landscape.
From FinTech to AI-First
The PAYTM chief outlined his broader vision of converting Paytm's parent company, One97 Communications, into an AI-first organization. The pivot will be driven in part by operational restrictions imposed by the Reserve Bank of India on Paytm Payments Bank amid internal restructuring and recent layoffs.
ET reported that Paytm's sales team personnel fell by about 3,500 on No. 4 Fy24, bringing the total to 36,521. Despite the cuts, Sharma remains optimistic about AI as a changeable force. “AI may automate many roles, but it also creates new roles,” he said.
a Rap Song In Track the cost
As part of its push towards AI innovation, Sharma has also announced a quirky upcoming feature: a rap song-based cost tracker. The new Passbook feature allows users to receive RAP-style summary of monthly expenses generated using Paytm's transaction data. Although the official launch date has not been shared, Sharma said the feature will be available to users “soon.”
This creative use of AI is positioned as part of PAYTM's customer engagement strategy in a busy UPI and digital finance ecosystem.
UPI Performance and Strategic Moves
In June 2025, PAYTM came in third in the UPI rankings, recording 1.27 billion transactions worth Rs 1.34 lakh, occupying 6.9% of the volume and 5.6% of the transaction value. Following behind PhonePe and Google Pay, both continue to dominate UPI traffic.
Despite a net loss of 540 crores strengthened in FY24 in the fourth quarter, Sharma remains bullish on Paytm's tech-driven future. Earlier this year, the company also partnered with US AI startup Prplexity to integrate search and language AI tools into its apps.
AI migration is underway
Sharma's remarks add to the growing narrative about AI restructuring India's tech sector. Paytm can prove important to the ability to innovate through AI as it navigates regulatory headwinds and strengthens competition.
“We don't just chase growth. Let's build a foundation product that can stand the test of time. AI is the foundation of that,” Sharma said.
