Saturday, December 28

Month: March 2024

Paytm Fastag: Tips for Toll Payments Beyond the March 15 Deadline
Fintech

Paytm Fastag: Tips for Toll Payments Beyond the March 15 Deadline

Paytm Fastag users can still pay at toll plazas even after the March 15 deadline. Paytm Payments Bank has been transitioning its users to other banks as per RBI guidelines. Although Paytm has been removed from the list of Fastag issuers by NHAI, users can still use their Paytm Fastag to make payments at toll plazas if they have a sufficient balance in their Fastag wallet. However, since RBI has banned Paytm Payments Bank from accepting deposits, users cannot top up their Paytm-issued Fastags. It is advised for users to seek a refund and discontinue using the Paytm Fastag to avoid any inconvenience. The article provides instructions on how to request a refund through the Paytm app. Paytm Fastag: In recent times, there has been confusion among Paytm Fastag users regarding their ability to ...
How to Participate in Startup Mahakumbh, 2024
Fintech, Startups

How to Participate in Startup Mahakumbh, 2024

Startup Mahakumbh will be a first-of-its-kind event in terms of vision and magnitude, scheduled from March 18-20, 2024, at the iconic Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event is expected to have participation from more than 1000 high-potential startups from India and the globe, with key global and Indian stakeholders such as unicorn startups, global and domestic venture capitalists, corporates, and industry leaders also participating. Join the Startup Mahakumbh Revolution! Participating in the Startup Mahakumbh event is a great way to engage with India’s vibrant startup ecosystem. To participate, you can register as a delegate, exhibitor, visitor, or student. Here’s how you can apply: Visit the official Startup Mahakumbh registration page1. Choose the category that applie...
India’s Health Insurance Sector: Poised to Break the Rs 1 Lakh Crore Barrier
Fintech, Insurtech

India’s Health Insurance Sector: Poised to Break the Rs 1 Lakh Crore Barrier

India’s health insurance sector is on the brink of a significant milestone, with projections indicating it will cross the Rs 1 lakh crore mark in FY24. This anticipated growth is not an isolated event but part of a consistent upward trend in the non-life insurance market, which is expected to grow at a rate of approximately 13-15% in the medium term1. The motor insurance segment has been a strong contributor to this growth, already surpassing the Rs 80,000 crore threshold. The health insurance segment, in particular, is expected to be a primary driver of growth, supported by increasing disposable income levels among consumers and a rise across other segments1. Several factors are contributing to the positive outlook for the health insurance sector: Favorable Regulatory Environment: Re...
RBI Bulletin Forecasts: India’s Growth Potential Beyond 8%
BFSI

RBI Bulletin Forecasts: India’s Growth Potential Beyond 8%

The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) March Bulletin has expressed confidence in India’s economic growth, projecting the country can sustain an 8% annual GDP growth rate, with potential for even higher. The bulletin points to a conducive macroeconomic environment that could serve as a launching pad for further growth. Despite global economic headwinds, India’s GDP growth has averaged above 8% from 2021 to 2024. RBI Projects India Can Exceed 8% Growth Rate The October-December quarter of 2023-24 saw a six-quarter high in real GDP growth, driven by strong domestic momentum, robust indirect taxes, and lower subsidies. The bulletin also cites healthy corporate and bank balance sheets, a modest current account deficit, resilient external buffers, and ongoing fiscal consolidation as key factors su...
NABARD Forecasts Rs 2.43 Lakh Crore Credit Potential for Bihar in FY 2024-25
Fintech

NABARD Forecasts Rs 2.43 Lakh Crore Credit Potential for Bihar in FY 2024-25

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has projected a credit potential of Rs 2,43,093 crore for Bihar in the fiscal year 2024-25. This estimate takes into account the Reserve Bank of India’s priority sector-based guidelines, as well as central and state government policies related to sustainable agriculture and rural development. The State Focus Paper 2024-25 for Bihar, which compiles the assessed credit flow across all 38 districts, was unveiled during NABARD’s credit seminar. Notably, the total credit flow under the priority sector for the specified year is estimated at Rs 2,43,093 crore1234. Development Commissioner Chaitanya Prasad emphasized the importance of credit intensification through specific planning for various sub-sectors within agriculture ...
Why Credit on UPI Struggles to Gain Momentum: Unveiling the Challenges
Fintech, Payments

Why Credit on UPI Struggles to Gain Momentum: Unveiling the Challenges

Despite the initial promise, credit transactions on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) have not gained significant traction. The slow adoption can be attributed to several key factors outlined in a recent article. Understanding Why Credit on UPI Lags Behind: One major obstacle is the absence of a defined interchange fee structure for credit on UPI. This lack of clarity creates uncertainty among banks and hinders their willingness to participate fully. Additionally, concerns about possible cannibalization of credit card balances by larger banks have further impeded widespread acceptance. Another deterrent is the imposition of fees, such as the merchant discount rate (MDR), on merchants for credit transactions. Many merchants, accustomed to free UPI payments through bank accounts, sho...
Paytm UPI: 5 Easy Steps to Set Up your Bank Accounts
Fintech

Paytm UPI: 5 Easy Steps to Set Up your Bank Accounts

In a recent development, Paytm Payments Bank has suspended its Paytm UPI and bill payment services in compliance with the directives of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). However, users can still continue using UPI services on the Paytm app by linking their accounts from other banks. Paytm has been granted permission by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to operate as a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP) under the multi-bank model. Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, State Bank of India, and YES Bank will serve as Payment System Provider (PSP) banks to facilitate transactions on the Paytm platform. To set up SBI, ICICI, HDFC, or any other bank account on Paytm UPI, users need to follow these 5 simple and easy steps: Update your Paytm app and open it. Tap on your profile icon l...
Cracking the Code: NPCI’s UPI Guidelines (2024) Demystified
Fintech, Payments

Cracking the Code: NPCI’s UPI Guidelines (2024) Demystified

Here is the brief summary of the  of NPCI Circular on UPI Standardisation guidelines: The National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) has issued guidelines to enhance the uniformity and branding of UPI (Unified Payments Interface) transactions across various platforms. Whether you’re a UPI app, an online merchant, or an offline merchant, compliance with these standards is crucial. Let’s break down the key points: For UPI Apps and Their Banks (PSP Banks): Display UPI ID: Ensure that the UPI ID is prominently visible on both the app home page and the payment home page. “Powered by UPI” Logo: Use the official “Powered by UPI” logo consistently across all app pages that access the UPI platform. Clear Messaging: Include text such as “Send Money to any UPI A...
The Evolution of Compliance in Banking and Fintech: A Reflection, 2024
Fintech, Payments, Regtech

The Evolution of Compliance in Banking and Fintech: A Reflection, 2024

In the dynamic landscape of financial services, compliance has emerged as a cornerstone, ensuring the integrity and stability of banking and fintech operations. The journey, however, has been fraught with lessons, some learned at a high cost. A striking example from 2006 highlights the gravity of compliance: a bank dismissed its entire current account team for opening over 700 accounts using the same template—a practice that was replicated across various banks over the years. As banks embarked on partnerships with fintech companies, the focus on regulatory compliance seemed to wane, overshadowed by business interests. The fintech sector’s vibrancy and innovation made traditional banking institutions appear outdated in comparison. From Template Troubles to Tech Triumphs: The Banking Com...
Paytm’s Market Rally: Hitting the Upper Circuit 2 Days in a Row
Fintech

Paytm’s Market Rally: Hitting the Upper Circuit 2 Days in a Row

Paytm’s stock has seen a notable uptick, hitting the upper circuit for two consecutive sessions, with the latest trading price reported at ₹389.20. This surge comes amidst a broader context of regulatory and business updates that have influenced investor sentiment. In recent news, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has made announcements that could potentially impact Paytm’s operations, leading to a fluctuation in stock prices. Additionally, advisory committees and financial analysts are closely monitoring Paytm’s business strategies and regulatory engagements to assess any potential issues. The Bullish Surge of Paytm: Analyzing Consecutive Upper Circuit Hits Investors are keeping a keen eye on the National Payments Corporation of India’s (NPCI) response to Paytm’s request to become a th...