Page 33 - Banking Finance February 2024

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factor authentication and encryption protocols safeguarding Ecosystem Development: UPI's success will stimulate the
user data and funds. growth of a robust fintech ecosystem in India, fostering
innovation in financial services.
Cost-Effective: UPI transactions are cost-effective, often
incurring minimal or zero transaction charges, encouraging Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC): A
small businesses and individuals to embrace digital
payments. New Frontier
The exploration of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)
The Impact of UPI represents the next phase of India's digital journey. CBDC is
a digital form of a nation's fiat currency, issued and regulated
The transformative impact of UPI on India's economy cannot by the central bank. In 2022, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
be understated: introduced the Digital Rupee, offering two versions: CBDC-
Financial Inclusion: UPI has been a driving force behind
Wholesale and CBDC- Retail.
financial inclusion, granting access to banking services and
digital transactions for millions of previously unbanked
CBDC-W is primarily intended for select financial institutions,
individuals.
while CBDC-R is accessible to a wider audience. However,
the adoption of CBDC has been slower than anticipated.
Cashless Economy: UPI has significantly contributed to
India's journey toward a cashless economy, reducing
To promote its digital currency, the e-rupee, the RBI is
dependence on physical cash and enhancing transaction collaborating with financial institutions to introduce new
transparency and accountability. features, aiming to encourage adoption within the Indian
financial ecosystem. Retail CBDC transactions, though
Fostering Digital Entrepreneurship: Small businesses, start- gaining some traction, currently average around 18,000
ups, and entrepreneurs have thrived due to UPI's ease of transactions per day, falling short of the RBI's target.
use and low transaction costs, empowering them to accept
digital payments and expand their operations. Proposed features for the e-rupee include enabling offline
digital transactions and integrating it with India's widely used
Government Initiatives: UPI has seamlessly integrated into Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to enhance convenience
various government initiatives, such as Direct Benefit and accessibility.
Transfer (DBT) schemes, facilitating the efficient and
transparent disbursement of subsidies and welfare The RBI is also encouraging interoperability with UPI for the
payments. e-rupee through a QR code system, streamlining
transactions and making digital currency usage easier for
The Future of UPI individuals and businesses. Several major banks have already
The future of UPI holds great promise: implemented this system.
International Expansion: UPI has ventured into
international markets and is poised for further global Key Features of CBDC
expansion, solidifying its status as a digital payment Efficiency and Security: CBDC offers increased transaction
standard. efficiency and security, reducing risks associated with physical
currency and traditional banking.
Integration with Emerging Technologies: UPI is expected
to integrate with emerging technologies like blockchain and Financial Inclusion: Like UPI, CBDC has the potential to
artificial intelligence, enhancing transaction security and further financial inclusion by providing a secure digital means
efficiency. of accessing and transacting with the official currency.

Enhanced Merchant Services: UPI is likely to offer Monetary Policy Tools: CBDC equips the central bank with
enhanced features for merchants, including loyalty additional tools to implement monetary policy effectively,
programs, invoicing, and inventory management. including influencing interest rates and money supply.

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