
In India’s ever-changing financial technology (FinTech) platform, both big institutions and new startups must understand the rules they
Who’s Watching:
India has a bunch of different groups keeping an eye on fintech. The main ones are:
Reserve Bank of India (RBI): They look after lots of fintech stuff like grouping accounts, lending between individuals, digital money, and payments.
Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI): They’re in charge of making sure stock markets and investment advice are all fair and square.
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY): They handle all the electronic and digital transactions.
Ministry of Corporate Affairs: They’re all about making sure companies follow the rules.
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI): They make sure fintech companies selling insurance are doing it the right way.
The RBI mostly keeps an eye on fintech companies that lend money, handle payments, and do stuff with digital cash.
What’s Allowed:
There are a bunch of financial activities in India, and each one needs special permission. Some of them are:
Investment Advice: If you’re telling people where to put their money, you need a special license from SEBI.
Lending Money and Taking Deposits: Banks, finance companies, and other groups need permission and have to follow certain rules about how much money they have and how they lend it.
Payment Services: Anyone handling digital money needs approval from the RBI.
Trading Foreign Money: Only certain groups can do this, and there are strict rules to follow to make sure it’s done safely.
Lending to Regular People:
Lending money to everyday people has rules to make sure it’s done safely. Banks, finance companies, and others need to follow these rules to lend money to regular folks.
Peer-to-Peer Lending and Online Marketplaces:
Websites that help people lend money to each other online have to follow rules set by the RBI. They need to register and meet certain requirements to protect people’s money.
Crowdfunding and Selling Invoices:
Raising money from the public or trading invoices has rules too. While there aren’t specific rules for crowdfunding yet, there are existing laws that apply. Platforms like the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) need the RBI’s approval to operate.
Handling Payments and Sharing Data:
Anyone handling digital payments needs permission from the RBI. As e-wallets and digital payments grow, rules keep evolving to keep transactions safe. Laws about sharing banking data with other companies are still being figured out.
Selling Insurance and Sharing Credit Info:
Fintech companies selling insurance need to follow rules set by IRDAI. They have to be clear and honest when selling policies. Companies sharing credit info need to get certified by the RBI and follow certain rules.
In Summary:
Understanding India’s fintech rules means knowing who’s in charge and what activities need permission. Following these rules is important for keeping the financial system safe and fair. As fintech keeps changing, collaboration between regulators, businesses, and innovators will be key to keep growing and including everyone in India’s financial future.