India is entering a new phase of its “digital financial journey”, with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) outlining a series of fintech initiatives that were unveiled at the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2026.
The central bank said the developments aim to build a financial system that is more trusted, connected, inclusive and ready for future use.
Also Read: GFF’26: PM Modi Calls for Next-Gen Fintech Push with AI, Tokenisation and Quantum
RBI Puts Financial Inclusion and Security at the Centre
At GFF 2026, held under the theme “Potential to Impact – Agentic AI | Tokenisation | Quantum– Trusted, Connected, Global Systems for Inclusive Finance”, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra launched several initiatives.
The RBI said the new developments are intended to improve digital financial experiences while strengthening the foundations for responsible fintech innovation.
“Fintech companies have become important partners in India’s financial ecosystem and will have a growing role in expanding financial inclusion,” said Sanjay Malhotra, Governor, RBI.
RBI is working with fintech firms & financial institutions to make financial services more accessible, reduce digital fraud and lower the cost of banking and financial services, he further added.
“Financial inclusion, customer-centricity and the development of a secure digital financial system remain key priorities for the RBI,” noted Malhotra.
He noted that technology can take financial services beyond traditional banking channels & bring them closer to people in villages and households.
Also Read: RBI Tightens AI Rules for Banks, Seeks End to ‘Black Box’ Systems with New Governance Framework
Tokenised Bonds, UPI and Aadhaar-Based Payments Get New Push
One of the important launches at GFF was India’s first tokenised corporate bond pilot.
The move marks a step towards using blockchain & central bank digital currency (CBDC) for securities & asset settlements.
The fest also introduced an open-source Android ATM designed to allow instant RuPay card & merchant UPI QR issuance.
Another launch enabled Credit Line on UPI for some government-backed credit schemes. The event also launched an Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) Three-Party Cash Deposit facility.
The RBI eyes stronger collaboration between fintech companies & financial sector institutions for wider financial inclusion & more customer-focused services.
The key message from GFF 2026 is clear: India’s next digital finance phase will focus on expanding access and making financial services safer, simpler & more inclusive.
Samarjit Kaur is a journalist and communications professional covering technology & emerging digital trends. With a focus on clarity and context, she reports on developments shaping industries and governance. When not reporting, she chooses to plug-in and relax on her playlists and plan her next bucket-list trips!
