Thursday, November 21

Banking

banking

Revolutionizing Digital Payments: RBI’s New Rule on UPI Payments from PPI Wallets via Third-Party Apps and the Impact on Payment Service Providers
Banking, Fintech, Payments

Revolutionizing Digital Payments: RBI’s New Rule on UPI Payments from PPI Wallets via Third-Party Apps and the Impact on Payment Service Providers

A Boost for Paytm and Digital Payments? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently proposed a new policy that will allow Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) to be linked through third-party UPI applications, enabling PPI wallet holders to make UPI payments more conveniently. This move is expected to enhance customer convenience and boost the adoption of digital payments for small value transactions. Currently, UPI payments from bank accounts can be made using a bank's UPI application or any third-party UPI application. However, PPI wallet holders can only make UPI transactions using the web or mobile application provided by the PPI issuer. By permitting the linking of PPIs through third-party UPI applications, the RBI aims to provide more flexibility to PPI wallet holders in...
Understanding RBI’s New Credit Card Rules: Refunds and Bill Adjustments
Banking, Fintech, Payments

Understanding RBI’s New Credit Card Rules: Refunds and Bill Adjustments

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently introduced changes to credit card regulations, impacting how refunds and failed transactions are handled. As a credit card user, it’s essential to grasp these modifications. Let’s break it down in simple terms. 1. Credit Card Refunds Explained What Is a Credit Card Refund? After making a purchase with your credit card, you might find yourself dissatisfied with the product or service. In such cases, you can cancel the transaction and request a refund. The merchant from whom you made the purchase will refund the money to you. How Does a Refund Work? Merchant Refund: Typically, the merchant credits the refund back to your original mode of payment. If you paid using your credit card, the refund will be credited to that card. Impact on...
350,000 Daily Smishing Attacks: The Silent Threat via SMS
BFSI, Banking, Payments

350,000 Daily Smishing Attacks: The Silent Threat via SMS

Did you know that SMS click-through rates are a staggering 20%, compared to email’s 3-5%? This disparity has made SMS a prime target for smishing attacks, with an average of 350,000 incidents occurring daily1. But what exactly is smishing, and why are these attacks so prevalent? What Is Smishing? Smishing refers to phishing attacks that utilize SMS as their medium. In these attacks, cybercriminals pose as legitimate organizations and trick people into giving away confidential and sensitive information. The term “smishing” combines “SMS” (short message service) and “phishing.” How Do Smishing Attacks Work? Impersonation: Attackers send fraudulent SMS messages that appear to come from organizations individuals are already associated with, such as their bank, uni...
$30 Billion Relief for Merchants?Understanding the Significance of the Settlement in addressing merchant fee concerns
Banking, Global BFSI, Payments

$30 Billion Relief for Merchants?Understanding the Significance of the Settlement in addressing merchant fee concerns

In a groundbreaking development, global payment giants Visa and Mastercard have agreed to a historic $30 billion settlement that is set to have a significant impact on merchant fees. The settlement, announced recently, aims to address long-standing concerns raised by merchants regarding the high transaction costs imposed by these payment networks. This article explores the key provisions of the settlement and examines how businesses can harness this newfound power to foster a more competitive landscape and deliver better value to consumers. Swipe Fee Reduction for Merchants: One of the significant changes resulting from the settlement is the reduction in swipe fees. Visa and Mastercard have agreed to lower the fees by four basis points, providing immediate relief to businesses. This redu...
Safeguard Your Digital Transactions using 8 Simple Techniques
Banking, Fintech, Payments

Safeguard Your Digital Transactions using 8 Simple Techniques

Safer Ways to Conduct Digital Transactions In an increasingly digital world, secure online transactions are essential to protect your financial information and personal data. Whether you’re shopping online, paying bills, or transferring money, following best practices ensures a safer experience. Here are some crucial steps to enhance the security of your digital transactions: 1. Use Unique Passwords Why? A strong password is your first line of defense against unauthorized access. What to Do: Create unique passwords for each online account. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or common words. Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Consider using a reliable password manager to securely store your passwords. ...
International Transactions on Credit Card: 2 simple ways to Disable it
Banking, Payments

International Transactions on Credit Card: 2 simple ways to Disable it

In today’s interconnected world, credit cards and digital transactions have become an essential part of our financial lives. They offer convenience, security, and flexibility. However, with the increasing prevalence of online transactions and global travel, it’s crucial to understand the risks associated with international credit card usage. In this article, we’ll delve into why international transactions pose a higher risk and explore steps to safeguard your finances by disabling them. Why Is the Risk Higher on International Transactions? Lack of 2-Factor Authentication (2FA): In India, domestic credit card transactions require 2-factor authentication (2FA). This means that both a PIN (for point-of-sale transactions) and an OTP (for online transactions) are necessary for adde...
Axis Bank Credit Card Fraud: 5 Actions to Take Immediately
Payments, Banking

Axis Bank Credit Card Fraud: 5 Actions to Take Immediately

The recent Axis Bank credit card fraud fiasco has left many customers in India concerned and vulnerable to fraudulent international transactions. It is crucial for affected individuals to take immediate action to safeguard their financial interests and protect themselves from further harm. This article aims to provide an overview of the situation and offer guidance on the necessary steps to mitigate the risks associated with this incident. Understanding the Axis Bank Credit Card Fraud: Axis Bank, one of India's leading financial institutions, recently faced a significant security breach resulting in fraudulent international transactions on some of its customers' credit cards. This incident has raised concerns among the affected individuals, as unauthorized transactions can have severe fi...
IBA’s New Captain: MV Rao Charts Course for Financial Excellence
Banking, BFSI

IBA’s New Captain: MV Rao Charts Course for Financial Excellence

MV Rao Takes the Helm at IBA In a significant development, MV Rao has been chosen to lead the IBA (Indian Banks’ Association. His appointment as Chairman was confirmed during a meeting of the IBA’s Managing Committee on Thursday, March 21, 2024. This prestigious role places him at the forefront of shaping policies and strategies for the banking sector. Prior to his current role as the Managing Director & CEO of Central Bank of India, MV Rao served as the Executive Director of Canara Bank for over three years. During his tenure at Canara Bank, he played a pivotal role in the bank’s progress and was instrumental in the amalgamation of Syndicate Bank with Canara Bank. Deputy Chairmen Appointed Alongside MV Rao, the IBA has also appointed three Deputy Chairmen: ...
The Evolving Landscape of the Banking Industry in the UAE: 5 Key Insights
Banking

The Evolving Landscape of the Banking Industry in the UAE: 5 Key Insights

Imagine a bustling financial landscape where innovation meets resilience, where global integration drives economic growth, and where traditional banking merges seamlessly with digital advancements. This is the story of the banking industry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). UAE Banking Industry: A Journey Through Growth and Innovation In this article, we will explore the main findings and insights from a comprehensive report on the UAE banking industry, shedding light on the operational insights, digital trends, and market analysis that have shaped this dynamic sector. For a more in-depth understanding, we highly recommend referring to the original report by Majid Dodehaki. Original Report: Banking Industry in the UAE Growth and Resilience: The UAE has emerged as a global financial ...