RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra called on fintech companies to intensify efforts on AI, tokenisation, and quantum computing to deepen financial inclusion during his address at the Global Fintech Fest 2026 in Mumbai today. He highlighted the success of India’s digital finance transformation, particularly the normalization of digital payments, and emphasized the need to extend financial services to underserved segments, including women entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and small farmers in rural and tier III and IV towns, according to inc42.com.
Malhotra outlined that the digital finance revolution in India has largely been driven by public-private partnerships that balance innovation with public confidence in the financial system. He stressed that traditional financial institutions face economic challenges in serving the informal sector with micro-insurance, small pensions, and small-ticket credit products. Fintech firms, he said, are well-positioned to bridge this gap by leveraging technology to make these smaller financial products viable and to expand access to credit, insurance, and pensions for last-mile customers, as reported by inc42.com.
The governor’s remarks underscore the evolving role of fintech in India’s financial ecosystem, where expanding inclusion remains a priority. The focus on AI and emerging technologies aligns with global trends in fintech innovation. India’s fintech sector, which has seen rapid growth in digital payments and lending, now faces the challenge of reaching economically underserved populations. Malhotra’s call reflects broader policy goals to integrate technology with financial services to support inclusive growth, according to inc42.com.
The Global Fintech Fest 2026 in Mumbai, where Malhotra delivered his address, serves as a platform for stakeholders to discuss the future of fintech in India. The RBI’s emphasis on trust and inclusion highlights regulatory support for fintech innovation aimed at expanding financial access. The event continues through the week, bringing together industry leaders and policymakers to explore these themes, inc42.com reported.