Sunday, March 9

Finance

IMF’s Debt Alarm: Climate Finance Urgency Remains Unresolved
Economics, Finance, Global BFSI, International Reports

IMF’s Debt Alarm: Climate Finance Urgency Remains Unresolved

Recent report by the Debt Relief for Green and Inclusive Recovery Project (DRGR) warned that 47 emerging and developing market economies may struggle to allocate funds for climate adaptation and development without risking default in the next five years. The annual World Bank and IMF meetings have concluded, leaving behind a sense of urgency and concern. Despite the pressing need to mobilize trillions of dollars for combating climate change, these high-profile gatherings failed to produce a concrete plan. The absence of a clear climate finance strategy raises critical questions about our ability to address the global climate crisis. The Missing Climate Finance Blueprint At the heart of the issue lies the lack of a robust climate finance plan. As the world grapples with risin...
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana Achieves Milestone: 3.3 Crore Bank Accounts Opened, Cash Level Surges by Rs 36K Crore in FY24
Banking, Finance, Payments

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana Achieves Milestone: 3.3 Crore Bank Accounts Opened, Cash Level Surges by Rs 36K Crore in FY24

In a remarkable achievement, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has witnessed tremendous growth in the financial year 2024, with the opening of 3.3 crore new bank accounts. This surge in account openings has propelled the cumulative tally to a staggering 519.5 million accounts. Furthermore, the cash level in these accounts has risen by an impressive Rs 36,000 crore, indicating a substantial increase in financial activity and savings among the unbanked population. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) The total balance across the Jan Dhan accounts has reached a significant milestone of Rs 2,34,997 crore, reflecting the growing confidence of individuals in the banking system. Comparing the figures to the previous year, the total balance has shown a robust growth from Rs 1,98,844 c...
SBI Urges Government to Grant Full Tax Exemption on Rs 2.7 Lakh Crore Interest Earned by Senior Citizen Deposits
Banking, Finance, NBFC

SBI Urges Government to Grant Full Tax Exemption on Rs 2.7 Lakh Crore Interest Earned by Senior Citizen Deposits

State Bank of India (SBI), one of India's largest public sector banks, is urging the government to provide a full tax rebate on the interest earned by senior citizens on their deposits. The bank estimates that senior citizens have earned a staggering Rs 2.7 lakh crore in interest, and by assuming an average tax payment of 10%, approximately Rs 27,106 crore could be collected as tax revenue. SBI argues that granting a full tax rebate on these earnings would not impact the government's fiscal deficit and would be a fair measure to support senior citizens. Rising Deposit Rates and Special Schemes: The surge in deposit rates, coupled with higher interest rate differentials for senior citizens, has led to a significant increase in deposit accretion among this demographic. SBI highlights the s...
33% of Indian Consumers Unaware of Risks Posed by Illegal Loan Apps: New Study
Digital Lending, Cyber Crime, Finance, Lending

33% of Indian Consumers Unaware of Risks Posed by Illegal Loan Apps: New Study

A recent report by the Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE) has shed light on the concerning issue of Indian consumers being tricked by illegal loan apps. Despite efforts to raise awareness and enhance consumer protection measures, the report reveals that a significant number of consumers still lack knowledge about digital loans and struggle to identify illegal lending applications. The findings highlight the urgent need for action to address these gaps and safeguard consumers from fraudulent practices. Limited Knowledge and Detection Challenges: According to the report, one-third of high-confidence customers in India have limited understanding of their digital loans and face difficulties in identifying illegal loan apps. Many consumers are unaware of key facts and grievan...
Fintech Funding Trends: A Closer Look at Q1 2024
Economics, Finance, Fintech

Fintech Funding Trends: A Closer Look at Q1 2024

The first quarter of 2024 has been a rollercoaster ride for the fintech industry. Amidst regulatory changes, economic shifts, and investor caution, fintech funding dynamics have undergone significant transformations. In this article, we delve into the numbers, dissect the trends, and explore what lies ahead for fintech startups. Decline in Year-on-Year Fintech Funding According to the Fintech India report released by data intelligence platform Tracxn, funding during the January-March quarter dried up year on year across various stages: Seed Stage: A staggering 77% decline, with funding plummeting to $9.9 million. Early Stage: A 42% drop, resulting in $147 million. Late Stage: A substantial 60% fall, leaving $394 million on the table compared to ...
Hidden Fees and Deceptive Tactics: UPI Users Beware!
Fintech, Finance

Hidden Fees and Deceptive Tactics: UPI Users Beware!

Digital payments especially UPI have seamlessly integrated into the daily lives of millions of Indians. From paying street vendors to making local store purchases, recharging phones, and booking tickets, UPI (Unified Payments Interface) apps have become an integral part of our financial transactions. However, beneath the convenience lies a web of manipulative practices that exploit unsuspecting users. The Dark Patterns Unveiled : UPI payments The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has identified 13 types of dark patterns employed by UPI payment apps. These patterns are designed to mislead users, violate consumer rights, and maximize profits for the platforms. Let’s delve into these deceptive tactics: False Urgency: Creating a sense of urgency to prompt hast...
Freo’s Financial Revolution: Freo’s Revenue z FY24, attains profitability
Banking, Digital Lending, Finance, Fintech, Payments, Startups

Freo’s Financial Revolution: Freo’s Revenue z FY24, attains profitability

Digital banking Platform Freo, operated by Mwyn Tech, has achieved remarkable growth and profitability. Freo reported gross revenue of Rs 350 crore in FY24. The company has been profitable for the last four months since December 2023. Let’s delve into the key highlights: Impressive Revenue Growth: Freo’s gross revenues have surged 5Xover the past five years, reaching the significant milestone of Rs 350 crore. The company’s contribution margins also soared, from 16% in Q4 FY23 to over 40% in Q4 FY24. Diversified revenue streams: Fee-based revenue now accounts for over 45% of total revenue, alongside the 55% from interest-bearing products. User Base Expansion: Freo’s user base grew from 15 million in FY22 to an impressive 25 million by the end of F...
RBI’s Vigilance Drive: Unauthorised Forex Trading Platforms Under Scrutiny, Banks Called to Action
Fintech, Banking, Finance, Regtech, Wealthtech

RBI’s Vigilance Drive: Unauthorised Forex Trading Platforms Under Scrutiny, Banks Called to Action

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has intensified its efforts to combat unauthorised forex trading platforms, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance among banks. Governor Shaktikanta Das has raised concerns about banking channels being exploited for funding these platforms, prompting the RBI to take decisive action. Framework for Authorisation of Electronic Forex Trading Platforms The RBI has implemented a robust framework for the authorisation of electronic trading platforms since 2018. This framework ensures strict compliance with regulations and is currently being updated to keep pace with technological advancements that have revolutionized financial markets. Cautionary Advice and Alert List: In response to complaints of cheating and fraud associated with unauthorised trading p...
RBI Imposes Penalty on The Uttarakhand Grameen Bank for Regulatory Non-Compliance
Banking, Finance, NBFC

RBI Imposes Penalty on The Uttarakhand Grameen Bank for Regulatory Non-Compliance

Dehradoon. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently wielded its regulatory authority by imposing a monetary penalty of ₹5.00 lakh on The Uttarakhand Grameen Bank located in Dehradun. The penalty comes as a result of the bank's failure to adhere to the provisions outlined in the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. This move by the RBI underscores the importance of regulatory compliance within the banking sector. The penalty, issued on March 27, 2024, stems from the bank's contravention of section 26A(2) in conjunction with section 51 of the BR Act. The statutory inspection of the bank, conducted by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), highlighted non-compliance with statutory provisions, prompting the RBI to initiate necessary action. During the inspection, ...
FinTech Funding Surge: March Records $591 Million in Investments”
Banking, Finance, Fintech, Payments, Startups

FinTech Funding Surge: March Records $591 Million in Investments”

The FinTech sector is buzzing with excitement as the month of March draws to a close. After a relatively quiet period, funding has surged, and investors are placing their bets on promising startups. Let’s dive into the numbers and explore the recent developments in the world of financial technology. A Remarkable Rise in Investments The last month of the new calendar year witnessed a significant rise in investments for the FinTech sector, compared to the previous few months. According to data collated by 1Lattice, FinTech funding experienced an uptick in March, recording an impressive $591 million from 16 funding rounds. This substantial increase comes after a comparatively modest $250.25 millionraised from 13 rounds in the previous month. Key Players and Noteworthy Rou...