Blume Fintech Summit : Future of Fintech - A conversation between Karthik Reddy and Sharad Sharma

The fintech industry is undergoing a swift transformation and expansion, which can sometimes feel overwhelming even to its insiders. As India marches forward in the digital era, it becomes imperative for emerging entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals alike to draw wisdom from experts who have been instrumental in shaping this domain.

The Blume Fintech Summit served as an initiative to facilitate knowledge exchange. This prestigious event aimed to enhance collaboration among the key stakeholders in India's fintech ecosystem. With a specific emphasis on shaping the future of fintech in India, the summit gathered thought leaders, innovators, and visionaries for insightful panel discussions. Attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of the upcoming transformations and opportunities within the fintech sector for the next decade and beyond.

To provide a glimpse into the future, Karthik Reddy engaged in a fireside chat with Sharad Sharma, a renowned figure in the Indian fintech arena. Sharad's contributions to the nation's digitization, particularly within the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) sphere, are commendable. He has been involved in influential initiatives such as UID, UPI, and has co-founded iSPIRT. Throughout their conversation, Sharad discussed various topics, including the evolution of fintech in India, the importance of data governance, and the need for innovative lending paradigms.

Highlighted below are some key takeaways from the session:

India’s Global Fintech Footprint

• The digital finance framework in India is poised for a metamorphosis, with innovations such as UPI predicted to constitute 50% of global digital payments.
• The promising Account Aggregator system, exhibiting a 30% month-on-month escalation, is on course to become a national structure. This surge echoes India's remarkable bank account growth, skyrocketing from 17% to 81% in a decade.

India's Distinctive Data Governance

• Sharma accentuated the international recognition DEPA has garnered for its harmonious blend of innovation and privacy. DEPA emerges as a paradigm of balanced data governance, distinct from US and European models.
• The Bank of International Settlements (BIS) endorsed it in May, highlighting India's prowess in data governance. This nod from BIS emphasizes the global inclination towards the Indian archetype.
• The forthcoming Data Protection and Privacy (DPDP) bill is anticipated to strengthen DEPA, ushering in a formidable techno-legal framework governing data.

The Evolution of Lending in India

• Conventional lending metrics reveal that only 14.8% of MSMEs consistently grow their revenue over two years, and a scant 15% are eligible for a one-year working capital limit. Yet, only 12% capitalize on this, unveiling an immense potential for short-term business loans.

Financial Marketplaces of Tomorrow

• Sharma forecasts the ascendancy of avant-garde financial platforms emphasizing buyers. By cultivating authentic trust, these platforms can penetrate previously uncharted market segments, proffering tailored financial solutions.

Emerging Business Models with Public Infrastructure

• Each novel public infrastructure heralds new business paradigms. Sharma's counsel for fintech aficionados is unequivocal: identify these paradigms, adapt, and harness the innovation wave.

Future of Fintech  session at BFS has emerged as an invaluable repository for those aspiring to comprehend and traverse the ever-evolving fintech terrain of India. His advocacy for adaptability, innovation, and discerning impending industry shifts was palpable.

This segment serves as an invaluable compass for entrepreneurs and industry insiders, delineating a lucid blueprint for India's fintech future. To see the full episode click on the link below.

Upcoming snippets from Blume Fintech Summit:

In our continued commitment to fostering knowledge, we're excited to announce the upcoming release of a series of Blume Fintech Summit episodes. Dive deep into rich insights on Fintech IPOs, understand our thesis on how fintech is a horizontal play, and explore the dynamic of Fintech Vs Incumbents. Stay tuned for these enlightening discussions.

Watch the first episode here: