Facebook-owned WhatsApp, despite facing regulatory hurdles for payment application on its platform, is finalising its India leadership team and Amit Lakhotia, former Paytm vice-president is likely to become the head of the services, reported The Economic Times.

According to ET sources, WhatsApp head Chris Daniels, during his recent visits to India, interviewed potential candidates for the team.

Sriraman Jagannathan, former India head of Amazon’s financial services, was also in the race, the report said.

However, when asked by ET, WhatsApp refused to comment on the report. It said, “We do not comment on our hiring process, and we have not named anyone for these roles.”

WhatsApp Application Service Limited, as the India corporate office is known, is registered in Hyderabad with Rakesh Rewari and Anne Hoge Milken as its directors, the report added.