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Transforming lending through disruption-free innovation

By Hitesh Sahijwala, Executive Vice-President - Sales & Distribution, Lentra

February 21, 2024 / 14:52 IST

In India, where annual loan disbursements reach trillions of dollars, a significant opportunity unfolds for those ready to navigate the changing financial landscape. According to a recent report from CRIF High Mark published in June 2023, the lending market in India reached INR 198.3 lakh crore.

The substantial unmet credit needs in untapped segments present a stark contrast to global leaders like the United States and China, boasting credit penetration rates of 75% and 55% in the retail sector, respectively, while India grapples with a mere 11%*. For Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the backbone of any thriving economy, India faces a significant credit gap. Behind these percentages lie stories of deferred dreams, stifled businesses, and unfulfilled aspirations.

In the ever-evolving landscape of financial services, Digital Public Infrastructure acts as a catalyst, facilitating the viability of digital lending and connecting aspirations to opportunities. It comes as no surprise that the digital lending market in India is on the cusp of substantial expansion, with projections indicating a surge from $270 billion in 2022 to an impressive $1.3 trillion by 2030**. This remarkable growth translates to a CAGR of 22% over the same period.

The credit gap presents a significant opportunity for financial institutions to address it through digital channels. However, traditional banking systems face hindrances due to legacy issues such as outdated infrastructure and complicated processes. These obstacles make it challenging to meet the expectations of customers accustomed to instant gratification. Slow adoption of digital reforms and reluctance to embrace current data-driven technology hinder informed lending decisions. Legacy systems contribute to increased operational costs and decreased competitiveness, making it challenging to serve evolving customer needs and reach underserved populations.