Banking software innovator Vegapay has partnered with YES BANK, one of India’s leading private-sector banks, to introduce a groundbreaking ‘Credit Line on UPI’ platform. This initiative aims to revolutionize access to credit in India by leveraging the extensive reach of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

Expanding Credit Access with UPI

Despite UPI’s rapid adoption—boasting over 350 million active users and processing 14 billion transactions monthly—formal credit access remains limited. Currently, only 15–20% of Indians have access to credit cards. The ‘Credit Line on UPI’ seeks to address this gap by offering seamless, flexible credit solutions to both new and existing customers.

Features of the Credit Line

Through the platform, YES BANK can customize credit offerings, including:

• Interest-free or interest-bearing options
• Flexible EMIs
• Tailored rules using an intuitive and user-friendly interface

This flexibility is designed to cater to a diverse customer base, allowing users to choose credit solutions that best fit their financial situations.

Industry Potential

With UPI transactions projected to grow by 57% annually through FY 2024 and UPI-linked credit products expected to exceed $50 billion by 2025, this collaboration is set to play a pivotal role in reshaping India’s credit landscape.

Market Growth Insights

Recent data indicates that UPI transactions reached a total value of ₹20.64 trillion in July 2024, reflecting a 45% year-on-year growth. The increasing volume of UPI transactions highlights the potential for integrating credit services directly into this widely used payment method.

Rajan Pental, Executive Director at YES BANK, emphasized the significance of the initiative:

“UPI reshaped India’s digital payments, yet extending formal credit remains a challenge. YES BANK processes one in every three digital transactions in India. With ‘Credit Line on UPI,’ we aim to lead the charge in building a credit-driven future for millions.”

Technology-Driven Financial Inclusion

The platform offers a customizable app and an intuitive dashboard, enabling banks to integrate it seamlessly into their existing systems. This efficiency minimizes the data required from customers, streamlining the credit process for both users and institutions.

Gaurav Mittal, CEO of Vegapay, highlighted the platform’s adaptability and scalability:

“We empower financial institutions to launch a Credit Line on UPI within weeks, enabling swift adaptation to market demands and supporting thousands of transactions per second.”

Enhancing User Experience

The integration of credit lines with UPI aims to simplify access to funds, allowing users to make purchases directly using their available credit without the need for separate applications or lengthy approval processes.

Industry Endorsements

Nalin Bansal, Chief of Fintechs at NPCI, praised the initiative:

“This partnership sets a new industry standard and exemplifies the transformative potential of UPI for driving financial inclusion. Vegapay and YES BANK’s efforts enhance the credit experience for both existing and new customers.”

Broader Implications

The collaboration is expected not only to improve access to credit but also to foster greater financial literacy among users as they engage with these new financial products.

Bridging the Credit Divide

By leveraging UPI’s massive reach and advanced technology, Vegapay and YES BANK aim to bridge India’s credit divide, fostering financial inclusion and empowering millions to access formal credit conveniently and efficiently. This initiative aligns with India’s broader goals of enhancing digital payment solutions while ensuring that financial services are accessible to all segments of society.

Conclusion

The introduction of ‘Credit Line on UPI’ marks a significant step towards integrating credit services within one of India’s most popular payment platforms. As Vegapay and YES BANK work together to implement this innovative solution, they are poised to transform how consumers access credit in India, thereby contributing to a more inclusive financial ecosystem.

Homegrown lending platform Stashfin has announced the appointment of Aparna Bihany as its Senior Vice President (SVP) for Lending. With over 20 years of experience in the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector, Bihany is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s growth strategy and enhancing its lending operations.

Driving Innovation and Growth

In her new role, Aparna Bihany will focus on designing and implementing innovative lending solutions tailored to meet diverse customer needs. She will also oversee the optimization of operational processes and work towards enhancing customer experiences across Stashfin’s lending portfolio.

Previous Experience

Bihany brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles, including her tenure at Paytm, where her strategic initiatives expanded the customer base and diversified the company’s offerings. Her background includes significant positions at various financial institutions, where she honed her skills in digital lending, risk management, and product development.

Leadership Perspective

Welcoming Bihany to the team, Tushar Aggarwal, Founder and CEO of Stashfin, stated:

“We are thrilled to have Aparna join the Stashfin family. Her extensive expertise and strategic vision will be instrumental as we continue to grow and innovate in the financial services sector.”

Aggarwal emphasized that Bihany’s leadership will be crucial in navigating the rapidly evolving fintech landscape and enhancing Stashfin’s competitive edge.

Proven Expertise in Digital Lending

Aparna Bihany has an impressive career trajectory, with key roles at organizations like Clix Capital, IndusInd Bank, and ICICI Bank. Her expertise spans digital lending, risk management, and portfolio growth, making her a valuable addition to Stashfin’s leadership team.

Commitment to Customer Empowerment

Expressing her enthusiasm about joining Stashfin, Bihany said:

“I am excited to join Stashfin and contribute to its mission of empowering individuals financially. I look forward to leveraging my expertise to drive growth and enhance customer experiences.”

Her focus on customer-centric solutions aligns well with Stashfin’s commitment to providing accessible financial products.

About Stashfin

Founded in 2016 by Tushar Aggarwal, Stashfin has emerged as a leading player in the lending space. The company offers a range of financial products, including personal loans and credit lines tailored to meet the needs of its diverse customer base.

Recent Funding Milestone

In March 2023, Stashfin raised $100 million in a debt funding round led by InnoVen Capital and Trifecta Capital, further cementing its position as a key innovator in the financial services ecosystem. This funding is expected to enhance its technological capabilities and expand its lending operations.

Conclusion

With Bihany’s appointment, Stashfin aims to accelerate its mission to provide seamless and customer-centric lending solutions. Her extensive experience in the BFSI sector is expected to drive innovation within the company, positioning it for sustained growth in an increasingly competitive market. As Stashfin continues to evolve, it remains committed to empowering individuals with accessible financial solutions tailored to their needs.

PhonePe has announced a significant leadership change with Binny Bansal, co-founder of Flipkart, stepping down from its Board of Directors. Simultaneously, the fintech company has appointed Manish Sabharwal, Vice-Chairman of staffing firm TeamLease Services, as an Independent Director and Chair of its Audit Committee.

Leadership Transition

In his new role, Manish Sabharwal will oversee the integrity and effectiveness of PhonePe’s financial reporting, internal controls, and risk management processes. His extensive experience in the finance and staffing sectors positions him well to guide PhonePe through its next phase of growth.

Acknowledgment of Contributions

Sameer Nigam, CEO and Founder of PhonePe, expressed gratitude to Binny Bansal for his critical contributions to the company:

“Binny has been one of PhonePe’s earliest and staunchest supporters. His active engagement, strategic guidance, and personal mentorship have profoundly enriched our discussions. He will be missed!”

Welcoming Manish to the board, Nigam added:

“Manish’s exceptional understanding of India’s macroeconomy and his leadership in shaping policies around education, employment, and employability will be instrumental as PhonePe moves forward with its vision for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.”

Manish Sabharwal’s Credentials

Manish Sabharwal brings a wealth of experience to PhonePe’s board. His notable credentials include:

• Independent Director on the Reserve Bank of India’s Board: Providing oversight on monetary policy and financial stability.
• Member of the Advisory Board: Serving on the Advisory Board of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in India.
• Governing Board Member: Active participation in the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), contributing to economic research and policy formulation.

These roles highlight his deep understanding of economic frameworks and governance, which will be beneficial for PhonePe as it navigates regulatory landscapes.

Strategic Timing

This leadership change coincides with PhonePe’s recent reverse-flip to India, a strategic move aimed at aligning its operations with its commitment to the Indian market. The reverse-flip involved shifting its corporate structure back from Singapore to India, reinforcing its focus on local growth and compliance.

Future Outlook

The addition of Manish Sabharwal is expected to bolster PhonePe’s strategic capabilities as it continues to expand its footprint in the fintech ecosystem. With plans to go public in the coming years, strong governance will be crucial for building investor confidence.

Conclusion

Zomato’s inclusion in the Sensex is a significant milestone, reflecting the growing influence of tech-driven, new-age companies in India’s financial markets. As it joins the ranks of established blue-chip companies, this move is expected to attract more institutional investments and enhance its visibility among investors. The changes to various indices highlight an evolving landscape in India’s stock market, where innovative companies are gaining recognition alongside traditional industries.