There has been a lot happening across fintech over the past few weeks. Banking, payments, and regulation have all seen meaningful changes, and keeping track of them isn’t always easy. EnFin brings everything together so you can see the key developments in one place.
DPDP Timelines Push Banks to Strengthen Data Privacy Frameworks
As DPDP Act timelines firm up, banks and fintech firms are reinforcing data governance. Key actions include data flow audits, consent management updates, breach response protocols, and internal training, as institutions prepare for stricter compliance, reporting obligations, and customer data rights.
Originally posted by The Economic Times
UPI Payments to Be Enabled for Indian Travellers in Japan
UPI is set to go live in Japan, allowing Indian tourists to pay merchants using QR codes linked to Indian bank accounts. The rollout, supported by NPCI and Japanese partners, reflects UPI’s growing footprint in international digital payments.
Originally posted by Business Standard
SEBI Reviews Boundaries Between Mutual Fund Distribution and Advisory
SEBI has formed a working group to reassess the regulatory separation between mutual fund distributors and registered investment advisers. The move aims to address overlapping roles, compliance complexity, and evolving industry practices within India’s investment ecosystem.
Originally posted by The Hindu Businessline
India-EU Trade Talks Signal Boost for Digital Services and Talent Mobility
The India-EU FTA is expected to expand opportunities for digital trade, services exports, and skilled workforce mobility. The agreement seeks to improve regulatory clarity, cross-border cooperation, and access for Indian firms operating across European markets.
Originally posted by The Economic Times
Economic Survey Highlights SEBI Framework as Model for Regulatory Reform
India’s Economic Survey points to SEBI’s regulatory approach as a benchmark for wider reforms. It highlights the regulator’s emphasis on transparency, market integrity, and investor protection as principles that could inform improvements across other regulatory bodies.
Originally posted by Mint
RBI Outlines Plan to Link BRICS Digital Currencies for Cross-Border Payments
The RBI has proposed exploring interoperability between BRICS nations’ digital currencies to simplify cross-border trade and tourism payments. The move aims to reduce dependence on traditional correspondent banking systems while improving settlement efficiency among member countries through regulated digital currency frameworks.
Originally posted by India Today
Apple Initiates Regulatory Steps for Apple Pay Launch in India
Apple has begun regulatory discussions and engagements with card networks to introduce Apple Pay in India. The move signals Apple’s intent to enter India’s digital payments ecosystem, subject to approvals from regulators and alignment with local payment infrastructure and compliance requirements.
Originally posted by Moneycontrol
ASI Plans Digital Ticketing for Heritage Sites Using BHIM UPI
The Archaeological Survey of India is considering enabling digital ticket bookings at heritage sites through BHIM UPI. The initiative aims to reduce cash handling, streamline visitor entry, and improve transparency in ticketing across monuments managed by ASI.
Originally posted by Business Standard
RBI Projects India as Fastest-Growing Major Economy Amid Global Slowdown
The RBI has reaffirmed that India is expected to remain the world’s fastest-growing major economy despite global economic challenges. Strong domestic demand, investment activity, and structural reforms are cited as key factors supporting sustained growth momentum.
Originally posted by Times of India
BHIM App Records Four-Fold Rise in Monthly Transactions in CY25
The BHIM payments app reported a four-fold increase in monthly transaction volumes during CY25. The growth reflects renewed adoption driven by product improvements, wider merchant acceptance, and continued policy support for UPI-based digital payments.
Originally posted by Business Standard
RBI May Resume Urban Co-operative Bank Licensing With Higher Capital Threshold
The RBI is considering resuming urban co-operative bank licensing after a 22-year pause, proposing a minimum capital requirement of ₹300 crore. The move aims to strengthen governance, financial resilience, and depositor confidence while allowing well-capitalised entities to enter the sector.
Originally posted by Business Standard
Government Plans UPI Expansion Across East Asian Markets
The Indian government is looking to expand UPI’s global footprint across East Asia. The initiative focuses on enabling cross-border retail payments and merchant acceptance, building on UPI’s success in other international markets and strengthening India’s digital payments diplomacy.
Originally posted by Business Standard
RBI Considers Licensing Framework for Corporate Business Correspondents
The RBI may introduce a formal licensing regime for corporate business correspondents to improve oversight and accountability. The proposal aims to bring greater regulatory clarity to entities supporting banks in last-mile financial services delivery, especially in rural and underserved regions.
Originally posted by Business Standard
SEBI Adopts Cost-Benefit Lens for Future Regulatory Changes
SEBI plans to institutionalise cost-benefit analysis for major regulatory changes and has set up an expert panel for the same. The approach is intended to ensure proportional regulation, reduce unintended market impact, and improve transparency in policymaking.
Originally posted by Moneycontrol
SMBC Receives RBI Approval to Establish India Subsidiary
Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation has received RBI approval to set up a wholly owned subsidiary in India. The move follows its investment in Yes Bank and signals deeper engagement by global banks in India’s financial services market.
Originally posted by Mint
SEBI Intensifies Scrutiny of Mutual Fund Portfolio Overlaps
SEBI has stepped up monitoring of portfolio overlaps across mutual fund schemes to protect investors and improve transparency. The regulator is examining excessive similarity between schemes, which may dilute diversification benefits and mislead investors on risk exposure.
Originally posted by Mint
Banks Get Grace Period on Legacy Non-Compliant Related-Party Transactions
Banks have been allowed to continue existing non-compliant related-party transactions until maturity. The relaxation applies only to legacy exposures, while all new transactions must comply with revised norms, helping avoid disruption as institutions transition to tighter governance standards.
Originally posted by The Economic Times
Capital Requirements for NBFC Infrastructure Loans Relaxed
Capital norms for certain infrastructure loans extended by NBFCs have been eased, improving flexibility in capital allocation. The change is expected to support infrastructure financing while maintaining prudential oversight and encouraging sustained credit flow to long-gestation projects.
Originally posted by ET Edge Insights
Delhi Government Appoints RBI as Official Banker for Public Fund Management
The Reserve Bank of India will act as the official banker to the Delhi government, managing public funds, receipts, and payments. The move aims to strengthen cash management, improve transparency, and streamline financial operations through centralised banking oversight.
Originally posted by ET Edge Insights
Digital Gold Buying via UPI Rebounds After Regulatory Pause
UPI-based digital gold purchases recovered in December following a decline in November triggered by regulatory changes. The rebound indicates stabilising transaction flows as platforms adjusted to updated compliance norms governing digital gold issuance and settlement.
Originally posted by Business Standard
NBFCs and HFCs Asked to Tighten Underwriting and Credit Monitoring
NBFCs and housing finance companies have been urged to strengthen underwriting practices and closely monitor asset quality. The guidance comes amid concerns around rising credit risk and emphasises disciplined lending supported by robust risk assessment frameworks.
Originally posted by ET Realty
Multiple NBFC Registrations Cancelled in Regulatory Cleanup Drive
The registration of 35 NBFCs has been cancelled, while 16 others have voluntarily surrendered their licences. The action reflects continued supervisory efforts to remove inactive or non-compliant entities and reinforce stability across the non-banking financial sector.
Originally posted by CNBC TV18
That concludes this edition. Fintech progress continues across regulation, payments, and banking, often quietly but steadily. We’ll keep monitoring these changes through EnFin.
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