Wednesday, February 5

Payments

payments

AU Small Finance Bank for Universal Bank License? : RBI Circular Sparks Discussions
Banking, BFSI, Goverment Notice/Circulars, NBFC, Payments

AU Small Finance Bank for Universal Bank License? : RBI Circular Sparks Discussions

In a recent development, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a circular that has set the stage for AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) to deliberate on its potential eligibility and feasibility for a universal bank license. This move has generated significant interest and speculation within the banking industry. The circular has caught the attention of stakeholders, investors, and market participants, as it holds the potential to reshape the landscape of banking in India. In this article, we will explore the implications of the RBI circular and its potential impact on AU SFB. Let’s understand AU Small Finance Bank AU Small Finance Bank, a Jaipur-based financial institution, began operations as an NBFC-MFI (Non-Banking Financial Company - Microfinance Institution) in 1996. Over ...
Talkcharge Ordered to Cease PPI Operations and Refund Balances: RBI’s Strict Directive
BFSI, Cyber Crime, Fintech, Goverment Notice/Circulars, Payments, Startups

Talkcharge Ordered to Cease PPI Operations and Refund Balances: RBI’s Strict Directive

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently taken decisive action against fintech firm Talkcharge Technologies. In an order dated April 2, 2024, the central bank directed Talkcharge to halt the issuance and operation of its Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs), commonly known as wallets. The reason behind this stern directive? Talkcharge was found to be issuing wallets without proper authorization. Regulatory Intervention The RBI’s move came after it observed that Talkcharg was flouting regulatory guidelines by offering wallets to customers without obtaining the necessary permissions. As a result, the central bank has instructed the Gurugram-based firm to refund the balances held in these wallets to customers by May 17, 2024. This deadline serves as a clear mandate for Talkcha...
India’s Journey from Crisis to Confidence: Decoding the Shaktikanta Das’s Vision
BFSI, Banking, Blog, Digital Lending, Finance, Fintech, Goverment Notice/Circulars, NBFC, Payments, Review, Technology

India’s Journey from Crisis to Confidence: Decoding the Shaktikanta Das’s Vision

In a recent speech, Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das outlined India's remarkable journey from crisis to confidence. Drawing on historical events and economic data, Das paints a picture of a nation that has overcome numerous challenges to emerge as a global economic powerhouse. Overcoming the 1991 Crisis Das begins by acknowledging the various crises India has faced in recent decades, including the 1991 balance of payments crisis, the 2008 global financial crisis, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasizes the crucial role played by the RBI in steering the economy through these turbulent times. The 1991 balance of payments crisis was a defining moment for India. With dwindling foreign exchange reserves and a ballooning fiscal deficit, the country faced the threa...
Deep Dive into Challenges Faced by Fintech Companies in Selecting IT Services Vendors
Fintech, Blog, Global BFSI, Payments, Technology

Deep Dive into Challenges Faced by Fintech Companies in Selecting IT Services Vendors

The fintech industry has experienced explosive growth in recent years, driven by technological advancements and the increasing demand for innovative financial services. This rapid growth has created a significant demand for IT services to support various functions, including run, build, digital, and product engineering. However, selecting the right IT services vendor can be a complex and challenging process for fintech companies. Unique Challenges faced by Fintech Companies: Fintech companies operate in a highly regulated and competitive environment, with stringent security and compliance requirements. They also face the challenge of rapidly evolving technologies, requiring IT services vendors with expertise in cutting-edge solutions. Additionally, fintech companies often have complex le...
Thunes Announces Acquisition of Tilia LLC to Boost U.S. Growth and Online Gaming Market Presence
Global BFSI, Fintech, Payments, Startups

Thunes Announces Acquisition of Tilia LLC to Boost U.S. Growth and Online Gaming Market Presence

Thunes Announces Agreement to Acquire Tilia LLC Thunes, the global cross-border payments company, has taken a significant step to enhance its foothold in the United States and tap into the burgeoning online gaming market. The company recently finalized a definitive agreement to acquire Tilia LLC, an all-in-one payments platform. Tilia LLC, licensed in 48 U.S. states and territories, specializes in providing payment solutions for various digital realms, including online games, virtual worlds, creator economies, and in-app purchases. With this strategic acquisition, Thunes aims to accelerate its growth trajectory and expand its services within the U.S. Key Highlights of the Acquisition: Enhanced Payment Solutions: Thunes’ global network, which facilitates real-t...
Stablecoins: Promises vs. Reality: BIS report
CBDC, Fintech, Global BFSI, International Reports, Payments, Technology

Stablecoins: Promises vs. Reality: BIS report

Overview: The paper examines the evolution of the stablecoin market over the past decade and investigates whether stablecoins have truly lived up to their name in terms of stability. Stablecoins are a subcategory of cryptoassets designed to maintain a stable value relative to a specified peg. Key Findings: Classification of Stablecoins:  The authors classify stablecoins into four distinct types: Those backed by fiat currency. Those backed by commodities. Those backed by other cryptoassets. Algorithmic stablecoins (not backed by any specific asset). Volatility and Parity:  While stablecoins backed by fiat currency, commodities, or other cryptoassets have generally been less volatile than traditional cryptoassets, none of them has cons...
Central Bank Digital Currency : A Payments Perspective by World Bank, 2021
Payments, Banking, Blog, CBDC, International Reports, Review

Central Bank Digital Currency : A Payments Perspective by World Bank, 2021

The Guidance Report This document, titled "Central Bank Digital Currency: A Payments Perspective," provides insights and guidance on central bank digital currency (CBDC). It explores CBDC's role in the national payments system and analyzes its various aspects, including reasons for issuance, features, timing, infrastructure, and stakeholders. Lets understand this report in brief: Executive Summary The executive summary provides a concise overview of the document's key findings and policy recommendations. It highlights the importance of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) as a transformative tool in the payments landscape and emphasizes the need for careful consideration of its objectives and potential consequences. Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC): A Transformative Tool in t...
Wise Faces Licensing Hurdles: Discontinues E-Wallet Services in Indonesia
Fintech, Global BFSI, Payments, Regtech

Wise Faces Licensing Hurdles: Discontinues E-Wallet Services in Indonesia

In a recent development, Wise, the popular online money transfer service, has announced its decision to discontinue e-wallet services for its users in Indonesia due to licensing Challenges. Effective from May 23, 2024, Wise users in Indonesia will no longer be able to store funds within the app's e-wallet. This decision comes as a result of regulatory requirements, as Wise currently lacks the necessary license to operate as an electronic money provider in Indonesia, as mandated by Bank Indonesia's regulation. Background: Wise's Entry to Indonesian Market Wise entered the Indonesian market in 2020 and has been backed by its local entity, PT Wise Payments Indonesia, which is licensed by Bank Indonesia as a Fund Transfer Provider. While Wise has been successful in providing core remittance ...
Revolut Empowers 2 Million Young Users Worldwide with its Youth-Focused Financial App
Global BFSI, Fintech, Payments, Startups

Revolut Empowers 2 Million Young Users Worldwide with its Youth-Focused Financial App

Revolut, a global neobank, has recently achieved a significant milestone as its youth-focused financial app surpassed 2 million users worldwide. The app, designed for individuals aged 6-17, is part of Revolut's suite of products aimed at empowering the next generation with financial literacy. With its increasing user base and growing adoption, Revolut's app is playing a crucial role in developing good financial habits among young users from an early age. Empowering Financial Literacy Revolut's <18 app provides young users and their parents with essential tools to effectively manage their finances. The app offers features such as instant spending alerts and budgeting tools, enabling users to develop healthy financial habits from a young age. By promoting financial literacy and responsi...
Decoding RBI’s Draft Guidelines for Payment Aggregators
Fintech, Goverment Notice/Circulars, Payments, Regtech

Decoding RBI’s Draft Guidelines for Payment Aggregators

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently unveiled draft guidelines for payment aggregators (PAs), and industry experts believe that these regulations are both pivotal and timely. Let’s delve into the details and understand why these guidelines are significant. Boosting the PA Ecosystem and Enhancing Trust The proposed regulations aim to bolster the PA ecosystem, improve digital trust, and promote ethical practices. Here are the key takeaways: Level Playing Field: The guidelines ensure a level playing field by defining PAs as entities that onboard merchants and facilitate payment aggregation for goods and services. This includes both online and physical point-of-sale (PoS) payment modes. Notably, the updated definition now includes physical PoS payment providers w...