The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced rules on co-lending by banks and non-bank financial companies (NBFCs) to priority sectors. The primary goal of the revised scheme, renamed “Co-Lending Model” (CLM), is to increase credit flow to the unserved and underserved sectors of the economy and make funds available to the ultimate beneficiary at an affordable cost, taking into account the lower cost of funds from banks and the greater reach of NBFCs. How did co-lending grow? In 2020, the capacity of MSMEs plummeted from 75% to 13%, with around 69% of MSMEs unable to survive for more than 3 months. This was the year the RBI authorized banks to partner with NBFCs through co-lending. The funds were distributed 80-20 in this case, with banks providing the vast majority of the funds. This agreement simplifies the loan process for developing businesses and MSMEs. Benefits of co-lending Co-lending in the financial services industry provides several benefits to banks, NBFCs, and consumers. To Banks Co-lending allows banks to extend their credit to key sectors. Banks can benefit from NBFCs’ experience and reach in specific market niches by cooperating with them. Allows banks to benefit from product developments and lower interest rates, thereby extending their lending portfolio. Assists banks in meeting regulatory criteria such as priority sector lending standards. Allows banks to expand their presence in underdeveloped areas by bridging the credit gap and providing financial services to potential consumers. To NBFCs NBFCs might use their expertise in particular sectors to target underserved customers. By collaborating with banks, NBFCs have access to lower-cost capital and a larger customer base. This enables NBFCs to offer attractive interest rates and customized loan solutions, increasing credit flow to priority sectors and boosting financial inclusion initiatives. The technical interventions and digital penetration of their partner banks can assist NBFCs. Co-lending arrangements enable NBFCs to maximize their potential consumer reach while also contributing to the market’s credit deficit. To customers This agreement benefits consumers immensely, especially underserved clients who may have restricted access to finance. You can get a variety of loan products and enjoy low-interest rates. The process is speedier since it shortens the time between loan approvals and payouts. It is also critical to guaranteeing loan availability in underrepresented industries and rural locations. Allows small enterprises and individuals to obtain low-cost financing. Future of Co-lending: A key tool for economic growth According to recent trends and co-lending targets, the peak of co-lending is still to come. The RBI launched co-lending to increase financial flow to priority industries, which are SMEs in India. As the Indian SME market is expected to be worth $300–400 billion by 2025, co-lending is the way to go in order to ensure credit access to these growing enterprises and, as a result, aim to unlock a trillion-dollar opportunity in terms of digital lending. Finally, the co-lending strategy could solve the country’s multi-trillion-dollar liquidity problem. The process was facilitated by the thriving Indian fintech industry. The highly prospective and good results of co-lending have made it an appealing choice for banks, NBFCs, and large-scale investors alike. The market for digital lending platforms is expected to reach USD 26.6 billion by 2028. And, with increasing innovation in the field of fintech and artificial intelligence, the expansion of finance alternatives in unanticipated ways is still to come.
Tag: banks
Fintech and Digital Currencies: Exploring the Potential of Central Bank Digital Currencies
The emergence of financial technology (fintech) in recent years has transformed the way we conduct financial transactions. The rise of digital currencies is one of the most significant developments in the fintech industry. While cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin have gained popularity, central banks around the world are investigating the possibilities of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). So, here we explore the potential of CDBCs. Financial Inclusion and Banking Service Access CBDCs have the ability to address the difficulties of financial inclusion by offering universal access to basic financial services. Individuals who do not have traditional bank accounts can use CBDCs to get a digital wallet that is directly linked to the central bank, allowing them to engage in the digital economy and access important financial services. This empowers unbanked and underbanked people while also encouraging economic growth and decreasing disparities. Efficiency and Cost-cutting CBDCs can streamline financial transactions by minimizing middlemen and associated expenses by harnessing the benefits of block chain technology. Real-time settlement and instant peer-to-peer transactions are conceivable, removing the need for third-party payment processors and lowering transaction fees. This increased efficiency can benefit firms, consumers, and governments alike, boosting economic growth and decreasing friction in the financial system. Financial Stability and Regulation CBDCs strengthen central banks’ visibility and control over financial transactions. The use of block chain technology allows for increased monitoring capabilities, which aid in the discovery of illegal acts such as money laundering and fraud. Furthermore, CBDCs can serve as an additional policy tool for managing monetary policy, thereby enhancing financial stability and resilience. Transactions and Remittances Across Borders CBDCs have the potential to make cross-border transactions more efficient, transparent, and cost-effective. CBDCs can efficiently facilitate remittances, which are critical for many developing economies, by decreasing fees and delays associated with traditional money transfer systems. This has the potential to boost economic growth and enhance the livelihoods of individuals and families who rely on remittances. Innovation and the Fintech Ecosystem CBDCs can promote innovation in the fintech environment. CBDCs enable the development of smart contracts and decentralized apps (DApps) by offering a programmable infrastructure, thereby opening up new possibilities for automated financial services and novel financial solutions. This fosters technical developments and a thriving fintech sector. Key Principles of CDBCs Indian Digital Currency Program The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched a digital rupee pilot programme in the wholesale sector, on November 1, 2022. Our Indian Digital Currency (IDC) would be used as a cryptocurrency in our country. This digital money would give our country’s economy a boost and help it grow. What is the RBI’s take on CBDC? A redesigned and computerized form of physical currency, similar to sovereign paper currency. Exchangeable at par with present currency and acknowledged as a medium of payment. A lawful tender and a safe deposit of value. Conclusion Central Bank digital currencies have the potential to transform the financial landscape, providing several benefits ranging from financial inclusion and efficiency to improved regulatory supervision. However, CBDC deployment necessitates careful consideration of a number of aspects, including privacy problems, cybersecurity, scalability, and interoperability with existing financial systems. Collaboration between policymakers, financial institutions, and technological specialists is critical as central banks throughout the world continue to explore and trial CBDC projects. To exploit the revolutionary potential of CBDCs while resolving issues and ensuring that digital currencies contribute to a more egalitarian, efficient, and sustainable financial future, an inclusive and transparent strategy is required.
How the changing Economy forces Banks to Rethink Fintech Partnerships?
The fast-paced advancement of financial technology (fintech) has disrupted the old banking landscape, compelling banks to rethink their strategies and adapt to a changing economic environment. Fintech firms challenge traditional banking methods by bringing agility, innovation, and customer-centric solutions. Banks are recognizing the need to reconsider their approach to fintech collaborations as the economy advances. Such collaborations, which can take many forms, can provide clear benefits to both parties: fintechs gain market legitimacy and access to capital to accelerate their growth, while banks typically gain access to more advanced technology to help them meet customer demands for improved and more personalized experiences. Evolving Customer Expectations Customer expectations have shifted in the digital age, with customers seeking personalized, convenient, and efficient financial services. Fintech firms have excelled at matching these expectations by providing user-friendly interfaces, quick and frictionless transactions, and customized financial products. Banks must embrace fintech collaborations to expand their digital capabilities and deliver the seamless client experiences expected in today’s economy in order to remain competitive. Enhanced Product Innovation Fintech firms are renowned for their agility and ability to develop and market new financial products and services quickly. Banks have access to a larger pool of ideas, technology, and skills by cooperating with fintech start-ups. These collaborations allow banks to shorten their product development cycles and bring new and innovative solutions to market more quickly. Banks can promote product innovation and remain ahead of the competition by embracing fintech partnerships. Addressing New Market Segments The changing economy has resulted in the emergence of new market niches and consumer needs that may fall outside the typical banking scope. Fintech firms are well-positioned to target these new segments due to their rapid operations and concentration on specialised consumer niches. Banks can enter these sectors by collaborating with fintech firms, expanding their reach, and uncovering new growth potential. Agility in a Competitive Landscape The banking industry is under increased competition from non-traditional firms such as huge software companies and challenger banks, as well as other banks. Fintech collaborations enable banks to improve their agility and competitiveness by leveraging innovative technology, data analytics, and process automation. These agreements enable banks to adapt more effectively to market developments, achieve operational economies, and provide better goods and services to clients. Regulatory Compliance and Risk Mitigation The shifting economic landscape has resulted in tougher regulatory requirements and a greater emphasis on risk management. Fintech collaborations can help banks navigate this complexity by employing technologies that help with regulatory compliance, risk assessment, and monitoring. Banks can increase their risk management practices and maintain adherence to developing compliance regulations by cooperating with fintech firms specializing in regulatory technology (Regtech). The changing economy has prompted banks to reconsider their strategies and embrace fintech partnerships. Banks can satisfy growing client expectations, promote product innovation, expand into new market segments, improve agility, and handle regulatory compliance and risk management concerns by cooperating with fintech firms. Fintech collaborations allow banks to utilize the capabilities of both traditional banking and fintech innovation, resulting in a more customer-centric, efficient, and competitive financial services ecosystem. As the economy evolves, building and maintaining these partnerships will be critical for banks to remain at the forefront of the industry.
Indian banks migrating to digital channels; more on the evolution
The evolution of Indian banks migrating to digital channels can be traced back to the early 2000s when the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) started promoting the use of electronic payment systems. The introduction of the National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT) in 2005 and the Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) in 2010 were significant steps toward the digitization of payments. However, the real push towards digital banking in India came with the demonetization drive in November 2016. The sudden withdrawal of high-value currency notes led to a surge in digital payments, forcing banks to ramp up their digital infrastructure and services. Since then, there has been a significant increase in the adoption of digital channels by Indian banks. Today, most banks in India offer a range of digital services, including mobile banking, internet banking and digital wallets. Customers can access their accounts, transfer funds, pay bills and even apply for loans online or through mobile apps. Banks also invest heavily in artificial intelligence, chatbots and other digital technologies to enhance customer experience and streamline operations. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the adoption of digital banking in India as customers increasingly relied on online channels to conduct their banking transactions. Banks responded by launching new digital products and services, such as video KYC (Know Your Customer) and virtual credit cards. Examples of Banks that have revamped their offerings approach Indian banks are increasingly adopting digital channels to provide a more convenient and efficient banking experience to their customers. Whether it was Internet banking to reduce touchpoints or mobile banking to bring services to your fingertips, the transformation has been massive. Building on the evolution, Indian banks also proactively introduced altering service designs and encouraged the use of contactless payments through technologies like the NFC, QR codes, mobile wallets, etc. Today, urban India experiences the provision to make payments to street vendors too through digital methods. It is a vision to convert India into a digital-first country from a cash-heavy economy and joining force with the banks to achieve the said vision is Fintechs. Collaborating with Fintechs has accelerated the entire process whether in terms of internal operations of the bank or external aspects. The evolution of Indian banks migrating to digital channels has been rapid and transformative and the trend is expected to continue as more customers shift towards digital banking.
The Significance of Regional Rural Banks in India
The Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) were established in India in 1975 with the objective of developing its rural economy through inclusive banking services. RRBs are jointly owned by the Government of India (GoI), the respective state government and a sponsor bank with the intention to elevate and empower the population under their governance. When the foundation of RRBs was laid by the Narsimham committee, 5 RRBs were set up with a total authorized capital of Rs 1 crore which was later increased to Rs 5 crore. The 5 commercial banks picked to sponsor RRBs were Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India, Syndicate Bank, United Bank of India and United Commercial Bank. The equities of rural banks were divided in a proportion of 50:35:15 among the Central Government, the Sponsor Bank and the concerned State Government, respectively. With a clear intention to upraise rural areas, RRBs were put in place to ensure the following responsibilities were undertaken and achieved – Taking the banking services to the doorstep of rural masses, particularly in unbanked and underserved rural areas. Identify the financial need, especially in rural areas. Making available institutional credit to the weaker section of society who had by far little or no access to cheaper loans and had been depending on informal credit sources. To enhance banking and financing facilities in backward, unbanked or underserved areas. Mobilize rural savings and channel them for supporting productive activities in rural areas. To provide finance to the weaker sections of society like small farmers, rural artisans, small producers, rural labourers, etc. To create a supplementary channel for the flow of the central money market to the rural areas through refinances. To provide finance to co-operative societies, Primary Credit societies and Agricultural marketing societies. Generating employment opportunities in rural areas and bringing down the cost of providing credit to rural areas. Enhance and improve banking facilities in semi-urban, rural and other untapped markets. If driven correctly, the elevation will also result in attaining financial inclusion since it has the capability to tap the rural population till the last mile. Apart from this, it ensures a financial safety net for the customers willing to avail of services from RRBs while increasing the supply of money and mobilizing savings in the rural market. The safety net encourages public confidence in the financial system and thus helps to increase its network so as to reach every segment and level of society. Understanding the significance of RRBs RRBs have played a pivotal role in driving financial inclusion in rural areas where the population was largely underserved. Bringing banking services to their doorstep was indeed a revolutionary step that set the rails for other financial institutions to join forces. This has further also led to the creation of employment opportunities in rural areas. With more financial service providers tapping the said market, rural individuals are able to launch and grow small-scale businesses that are leading to employment opportunities at large. Furthermore, it is a known fact that infrastructure is a challenge in rural areas and hence, many financial institutions, banks, NBFCs, etc. refrain from catering to rural needs. The acquisition cost coupled with the infrastructure cost and slow growth has forever been a hindrance. However, RRBs are bridging the gap by simply existing in rural areas and giving other banks and NBFCs a push in terms of infrastructural assistance. This has further helped in the development of industries, agriculture, small-scale businesses, etc. The entire existence of RRBs has helped in bringing financial stability to rural areas by channelizing their savings into productive investments and by also providing credit facilities to small-scale entrepreneurs. In spite of all the pros we’ve understood until now, RRBs have their own set of challenges, here’s what – Over the years, the GoI has played a significant role in involving other institutions and individuals to build on this goal. Whether it was establishing NABARD to support sustainable growth or currently formulating a roadmap to introduce 22 more RRBs, the GoI is working tirelessly to uplift the segment in conjunction with RRBs. As per data, the government has contributed Rs 4,084 crores towards RRB recapitalization in 2021-22, of which Rs 3,197 crores has been released to 21 lenders with a focus on financial inclusion by leveraging technology. Collaborating with technology has been a ‘super move’ that will take the growth trajectory at twice the speed. However, for now, RRBs have been instrumental in bringing banking services to rural areas, promoting agricultural development, creating employment opportunities, developing rural infrastructure, and providing financial stability to the rural financial system. They continue to play a significant role in the development of the rural economy in India.
What Is Credit Risk Evaluation?
The retail loan industry in India is growing rapidly. Compared to March 2021, the retail loans increased by 50% in March 2022. NBFCs are mainly responsible for this huge surge in the growth of personal lending. Issuing credit cards also grew by 13%. Lenders are more willing to increase loans and credits mainly because of the change in the credit underwriting process. From March 2021 to March 2022, ₹24 crore loan was disbursed. Traditionally, credit limit evaluation is a manual process. People looked at income slips, loan repayment receipts, and other documents to evaluate the credit limit of a person. This type of evaluation was heavily biased and based on the individual’s perception of lending. For example, two businesses in Delhi and Jabalpur would not get the same credit limit even if their income and financial status is the same. Geographical locations too played a critical role in credit limit because someone from Delhi will get a higher credit limit than someone from Jabalpur. Modern and technology-based credit evaluation approach takes the guesswork out of the process. Standardized metrics are used and numerous different financial parameters are considered for approving credit limits. Now, people in second-tier cities will also have access to higher credit limits, irrespective of where they are located. Fintech companies use advanced automated APIs to evaluate creditworthiness solely based on financial status. This has allowed financial institutions to offer loans symmetrically throughout. Credit Risk Evaluation Benefits For Banks Credit risk evaluation models that rely on historical data are inaccurate and outdated. Improved and streamlined evaluation models are the need of the hour for banks and NBFCs that are competing to improve loan offerings. Automated evaluation models can predict customer behaviors and tap into new data sources. It opens up new market segments, increasing the reach of financial institutions. Revenue increase – When the new dynamic model of credit underwriting is employed, data from multiple sources are fetched to calculate creditworthiness. Based on new models, banks can increase their revenue by 5% to 15%. This is possible by lowering the cost of acquisition, increasing acceptance rates, and offering a good customer experience. Reduce credit-loss rates – If the evaluation model can predict and pick out customers more likely to default, banks can reduce their credit losses by 20% to 40%. This can greatly help banks to improve their capital and diversity service offerings. Improved efficiency – Automated data extraction, evaluation ML models, and case prioritisation can improve banking efficiency by 20% to 40%. Low-risk cases can be processed quickly. High-risk cases are analyzed more thoroughly based on improved evaluation models. How To Implement New-Age Credit Evaluation Models? Fintech in the banking sector involves automating banking processes to create an agile environment. The best way to develop a credit evaluation model is to expand data sources and mine existing data to find credit signals. Use A Modular Architecture Credit risk evaluation varies on a case-by-case basis. Hierarchical architecture is not suitable anymore. Modular architecture for credit risk evaluation models allows fintech companies to add or remove data sources based on the creditor risk. Using this model, banks can gather financial information from multiple data sources and assign scores based on the importance of data to evaluate creditworthiness. Gather Data From Multiple Data Sources The decision-making model should have a predictive analysis capacity to evaluate credit risk. The future risk of a creditor can be evaluated using historical data. Apart from traditional data, use non-traditional and external data for underwriting. Use Data Mining To Identify Credit Signals While the data sources are useful, the true potential of credit risk evaluation models can only be unlocked with proper data mining tools. Data from multiple sources must be pulled together, compared and analysed to identify credit signals. Modern-day ML models can take incomplete or partial banking data and predict the customers’ outlook for categorisation. This helps in segmentation based on geographical location, past financial history, etc. Leverage Fintech Expertise While credit risk evaluation is crucial, NBFCs need not spend their resources building a brand-new credit risk evaluation model. They can leverage the technical and cloud expertise of fintech partners to build upon the evaluation model they already have. As the new models are modular, banks can determine the type of evaluation modules necessary based on the target market.
What are Neobanks and how do they change the FinTech market?
From the years 2021 to 2025, the global fintech market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 23.58%. Contributing to this growth is the concept of Neobanks. With the advent of new technologies and automation taking every industry by storm, the Neobanks industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 53.4% from 2022 to 2030. The Fintech industry has come a long way from the traditional means of banking; now, with the advent of state-of-the-art technologies, the sector has seen a significant amount of transformations. People have become habitual to the 10-minute grocery deliveries and expect the same with their transactions. The traditional methods of banking, i.e., standing in long queues, and filling up a huge pile of paperwork, was a tiresome and monotonous task. However, with the incorporation of Neobanks, these tasks have been eliminated. Let’s understand in detail how these technologically advanced Neobanks have transformed the Fintech market. How has Neobanks changed the Fintech market? Ever since their implementation, Neobanks have made banking operations easier and focused on giving customers an overall efficient experience. In recent years, venture capital firms have paid significant attention to neobanks and invested heavily in them. Furthermore, with the various segments available on the Neobanks applications, the segment of a savings account by the year 2028 is expected to grow at a sizeable market share. Over the course of time, the Neobank platform has upgraded and launched new products as a means to alter the course of the entire fintech market. Much like the savings account service of the Neobank platform, the segment of personal application is estimated to grow rapidly till the year 2028. With the state-of-the-art technological concept and ease in banking operations, Neobanks have changed the Fintech market. However, before the advent of the Neobanks, the banking sector was disrupted due to the pandemic and other external factors. Source: https://www.finextra.com/blogposting/21843/how-neobanks-are-defining-the-future-of-banking Further, Neobanks have a significant amount of impact on rural areas. Neobanks, or digital banks, have the potential to greatly benefit rural markets that traditional brick-and-mortar banks have underserved. People living in rural areas who have to travel long distances to carry out their banking operations can reap the benefits of a Neobank. Neobanks have further transformed the whole Customer experience by implementing convenience, a user-friendly interface and an element of personalisation. Neobanks are often more agile than traditional banks and able to introduce new features and services more quickly. They also tend to focus on using technology to improve the customer experience. The increased competition among neobanks is transforming traditional banks through digital transformation. There has been an improvement in traditional banks’ apps, seamless integration of digital and in-person experiences, more services offered, and the elimination of overdraft fees. There are benefits to consumers on all levels as a result of this shift. The more competition in banking, the more exciting innovations that will emerge, the more online features and access consumers will have, and the greater financial inclusion they will experience. Financial services like budgeting apps and savings tools are becoming more accessible to traditionally underserved consumers. These tools assist customers in improving their financial health and building real wealth. Conclusion From automated services to enhanced customer experience, Neobanks have greatly impacted the Fintech market. Moreover, they can act as a key to becoming profitable entities by convincing traditional banks to invest in new-age technology and streamline processes so customers can experience seamless and swift services. In the digital age, customers have different expectations from banks, which is why neo-banks are filling the gap between traditional banks and the digital era. In the near future, they may surpass conventional banks in terms of efficiency and profitability.
The Future Of Online Banking In India
Digital banking in India is expected to grow with a CAGR of 23.1% from 2022 to 2030. NBFC growth is also estimated to hit $5 trillion in 2024. E-Banking existed as an additional service before COVID-19. However, after the pandemic, globally, the concept of Internet banking has changed. Indian banks have achieved phenomenal growth by adopting digital technologies. Banks hope to have a multi-dimensional relationship with customers to improve banking services. Upcoming Digital Banking Trends As digital banking continues to grow, it opens up new opportunities to reach the underserved market. Rural India has numerous small businesses and cottage industries that can thrive well with futuristic funding options. However, it was difficult for banks to reach out to those consumers. The following digital banking trends will bring financial services and products closer to the rural parts of the country as well: Mobile Banking According to a study, 89% of consumers use mobile banking services. Mobile wallets are also increasingly adopted by rural India due to the widespread growth of digitisation. Security is often a major concern for mobile banking users. Mobile banking has reached 5X growth compared to online banking. Mobile banking will gain even more popularity as the number of millennials and Gen Z customers increases. Emerging Trend Of Neobanks Neobanks are growing at a rapid pace in India. These neobanks operate digitally without any physical branches. They are great alternatives to traditional banks, offering innovative products and reaching out to underserved markets. Due to RBI regulations, Neobanks partners with traditional banks to extend customer services. BaaS The banking As A Service (BaaS) sector is causing major disruption in the fintech industry. Instead of building every service from scratch, it is much easier for NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies) to set up Neobanks using the BaaS platform. The neobank technology stack can be customised according to the goals and needs of NBFCs. Partnering with a BaaS provider such as Niyogin, neobanks can offer services using the APIs. They can build on the infrastructure platform already complete with rails that can easily connect with rural customers. Innovative Technologies According to Insider Intelligence Survey, 66% of banking professionals believe that newer technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) will positively impact banking by 2025. AI is now widely used in credit risk evaluation, customer authentication, and customer support. Blockchain technology will also help financial institutions cut down middlemen and reduce operational costs. Challenges For Future Digital-Only Banks Currently, RBI has a strict regulatory framework for digital banks. Digital banks must comply with liquidity standards and capital adequacy similar to commercial banks. Initially, these banks can get a restricted license, and after proving their efficiency, they can upgrade their license. To avail of digital banking services, customers need computer literacy. This is one of the main challenges for digital banks interested in providing services to rural India. Also, the need for secure banking services is also on the rise. The digital banking platform market is expected to reach $1485.5 million by 2028, from $776.7 million in 2021. Currently, 26% of Indians have a digital bank account, which is expected to grow in the future. RBI is also creating a closed sandbox environment for digital banking services. The budget has also carved some space for digital bank units, which is a clear sign of progression for the Indian banking sector. A fintech partner like Niyogin will help banking institutions easily transition from legacy systems to modern and advanced banking technology for futuristic customers.