Why Indian financial regulators need a glide path for fintech industry

The fintech industry in India has grown by leaps and bounds, transforming the way financial services are delivered and accessed.

India has undoubtedly emerged as a significant innovator in the global payments space, achieving cutting-edge advancements with relatively low-cost investments in the quickest time. This progress is underpinned by political leadership, driven by the imperative of achieving financial inclusion. Given the vast population segment that was historically unbanked or belonged to the low-income and economically weaker sections, this push for innovation in payments has been pivotal in reshaping the Indian economy, as much as the digital economy space. The nation's journey in the payments sector exemplifies how innovative solutions can bridge economic disparities and bring financial services to the masses.

However, it’s crucial to recognise that the fintech sector extends far beyond payments. It encompasses a wide spectrum of financial services and innovations, from lending platforms to wealth management solutions, insurance technology, and more. To harness the full potential of fintech, financial regulators must actively engage with this sector. Fintech innovations hold the promise of greater financial inclusivity, improved efficiency, and enhanced customer experiences. By facilitating a conducive environment for fintechs to innovate responsibly, regulators can help drive positive transformation in the financial industry while ensuring that consumer protection and regulatory standards remain paramount.

In recent years, the fintech industry in India has grown by leaps and bounds, transforming the way financial services are delivered and accessed. While this growth has been nothing short of remarkable, it is crucial for regulators to adapt and evolve alongside this dynamic sector.

Need For Oversight

Fintech is not just about payments space or technology vendors; it encompasses a broad spectrum of financial services. Therefore, regulators need to envision fintech companies as regulated entities, deserving careful oversight and guidance. Indeed, the concerns of financial regulators regarding fintechs, encompassing governance norms, digital security, and adherence to rigorous risk management standards, are entirely valid. However, it's essential for regulators to recognise that engaging proactively with fintechs is imperative to gain firsthand insights into the capabilities and innovations within this industry.

Looking ahead, there's a strong probability that in the next decade, our financial markets will undergo a digital transformation beyond our current imagination. As technology continues to advance rapidly, regulators must proactively prepare themselves to effectively oversee and regulate these increasingly digital financial markets. Adapting to this digital future will require swift action and a proactive approach to ensure the integrity and stability of financial systems in the years to come.

It is evident that the RBI has emerged as a clear leader among Indian financial regulators, with their approach to digital finance, as much as digital in finance. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has made some strides in innovation, but there's untapped potential for gathering real-time market intelligence and enhancing supervision of the markets it oversees. The asset management space, in particular, presents opportunities for further innovation. In contrast, the insurance sector lags significantly behind its financial counterparts. To truly foster innovation, regulators like the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) must catch up and play a more active role in shaping the future of insurance tech.

Comparing these regulatory bodies to the evolution of web governance, we can draw parallels: IRDAI seems to be in "web1", SEBI in "web2", and RBI is fast moving towards "web3". However, the larger concern for these regulators should not be just keeping pace with technological advancements but also building their internal capabilities and bench strength.

There are also legitimate concerns surrounding the regulatory access for fintech innovators. One prevailing worry is the possibility of a nuanced lobby orchestrated by incumbent licensed entities to slow down fintech progress, especially towards bringing them to mainstream licensing. But then one would assume that we will soon see a shift in the culture of assessing capability based on the age of digital entrepreneurs and instead focus on the merits and potential risks associated with their innovations.

Reliance On Global Consulting Firms

Another observation is that of the financial regulators’ dependence on global consulting firms for capabilities and strategies to navigate the digital landscape is not a sustainable long-term approach. India prides itself on innovation and home-grown talent, and it's time for regulators to tap into these resources. Indian financial regulators should exercise caution when relying solely on global consulting firms for their knowledge and insights. While these firms undoubtedly possess valuable expertise, there is a risk of conflicts of interest when they serve multiple clients, including financial institutions, domestically and in foreign markets. To maintain the integrity and independence of regulatory decisions, Indian financial authorities should prioritise a diverse range of information sources, including internal expertise and local insights. This approach can help safeguard against undue influence and ensure that regulatory decisions are made in the best interests of the broader financial system and the Indian economy as a whole.

For our nation to truly claim its position as an innovation hub, it's imperative that its regulatory bodies lead by example. They must bolster their expertise and capabilities to effectively regulate and nurture the fintech ecosystem. Only then will India's regulatory landscape be well-equipped to support and facilitate the continued growth and innovation of fintech in the country.

Srinath Sridharan is author, policy researcher and corporate advisor. Twitter: @ssmumbai. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.