Samsung Wallet Redefines Digital Payments in India with UPI Onboarding, Biometric Authentication, and Tap & Pay Upgrades

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced significant innovations to Samsung Wallet - a versatile platform that allows Galaxy users to organize digital keys, payment methods, identification cards and more in one secure application. The breakthrough features are designed to transform how millions of Galaxy users can set up new devices, manage payments and transact digitally. With seamless UPI onboarding as part of device setup, PIN-free biometric authentication, and enhanced Tap & Pay support — including FOREX cards and online card payments — Samsung Wallet is accelerating its mission to become the universal and secure gateway to your digital life.

We are thrilled to introduce these breakthrough innovations to Samsung Wallet. With the new updates, Samsung Wallet is no longer just a digital wallet, it has become a universal and secure gateway for digital payments, travel essentials, identity cards, and digital keys. From the moment users set up their new Galaxy device to the way they pay, transact, and travel, we are removing barriers and redefining convenience, said Madhur Chaturvedi, Senior Director, Services & Apps Business, Samsung India. 

UPI Onboarding Built-In with New Device Setup – Catalysing Rapid Adoption

Samsung is the first Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to enable onboarding of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) accounts through Samsung Wallet as part of the new-device setup experience on Galaxy smartphones. By integrating UPI registration early in the setup journey, users can be payment-ready from the moment they power on their new Galaxy device. This friction-free experience ensures quick and seamless adoption of UPI on Galaxy devices, further boosting digital payments in India and simplifying the path from out-of-box to pay-ready.

Samsung Wallet, Biometric Authentication for UPI — No PIN Needed Every time

Samsung Wallet’s authentication experience has been enhanced with the introduction of biometric verification — device fingerprint and facial recognition — eliminating the need for PIN entry for everyday use. Users will soon be able to access the app and make UPI payments using just their Galaxy device’s fingerprint or face recognition. The upgrade not only streamlines access but also enhances security and convenience, reducing manual input and minimizing friction during payment flows. With this added authentication method, Samsung Wallet makes secure payments as effortless as unlocking your phone.

Online Credit and Debit Card Payments at Key Merchants

Samsung Wallet will soon support direct online usage of stored credit and debit cards across a wide set of key merchants. Users will be able to seamlessly pay for goods and services online using the credit and debit cards safely tokenised in their Samsung Wallet—no need to manually key in card details, making checkout faster and more secure.

FOREX Cards and New Partnerships for Samsung Wallet Tap & Pay

In addition to Samsung Wallet already supporting credit and debit cards from leading banks and card issuers, the digital payments experience is enhanced beyond borders as Samsung Wallet will support FOREX cards for Tap & Pay, powered by WSFx Global Pay Limited, enabling Galaxy users to make seamless international transactions with a simple tap. Additionally, Samsung has onboarded AU Bank cards for Tap & Pay, further expanding its network of banking partners and supported card issuers.

Samsung Wallet & Availability

Samsung Wallet is a versatile platform that allows Galaxy users to organize Digital Keys, Payment methods, Identification cards and more in one secure application. Samsung Wallet features a seamless interface protected by defense-grade security from Samsung Knox. It integrates with the Galaxy ecosystem, providing powerful connectivity and fortified security for users in their everyday lives. The new features will begin rolling out across supported Galaxy devices soon.

Infibeam’s Subsidiary to Power Escrow and Cross-Border Payments at India’s Global Finance Hub

Infibeam Avenues Ltd (NSE: INFIBEAM, BSE: 539807), a leading listed AI-fintech company, today announced that the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has granted in-principle approval to its wholly-owned subsidiary, IA Fintech IFSC Private Ltd (IA Fintech), to operate as a Payment Service Provider (PSP) in the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City – International Financial Services Centre (GIFT-IFSC).

GIFT-IFSC, based in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, is India’s premier special economic zone (SEZ) and a strategic international financial hub designed to host global financial operations that traditionally take place in centers such as London, Dubai, or Singapore. The IFSCA, a Government of India’s unified regulatory body, oversees and promotes all financial products, institutions, and services within the GIFT- IFSC or SEZ ecosystem.

With this in-principle approval, IA Fintech is set to deliver a broad suite of digital payment and cross-border financial services to businesses operating within GIFT-IFSC and international markets. These services will include escrow account operations, cross-border money transfer facilitation, and merchant acquisition — supporting enterprises with faster, more efficient, and regulated payment solutions.

“We are delighted with this approval and deeply grateful to the IFSCA for their trust in our fintech capabilities,” said Mr Vishal Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director, Infibeam Avenues Ltd. “This opportunity marks an important expansion of our business, creating a new and high-potential revenue stream that can meaningfully contribute to our overall growth.”

Upon obtaining final authorization and meeting statutory requirements, IA Fintech will be permitted to:

• Provide escrow services for secured financial settlements.
• Enable cross-border remittances into and out of the GIFT-IFSC/SEZ area.
• Facilitate payment processing and settlement for merchants.

Currently, many firms within GIFT-IFSC rely on traditional correspondent banking arrangements for international payments, involving multi-step routing through overseas banks via Nostro accounts and SWIFT networks. This process can take up to 36–48 hours and often incurs higher costs. IA Fintech’s PSP framework aims to streamline these transactions through advanced digital settlement infrastructure, ensuring near-instant, cost-effective, and transparent cross-border transactions.

The GIFT-IFSC ecosystem continues to grow rapidly — hosting over 16 Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), 75 broker-dealers, 16 bullion trading entities, 23 aircraft leasing companies, 9 ship leasing firms, 118 qualified jeweler firms notified by IFSCA, 94 fund management firms and others. Collectively, these enterprises represent a significant addressable market for IA Fintech’s regulated digital payment services.

According to estimates, GIFT-IFSC is positioned to capture over USD 500 billion in financial opportunities spanning external commercial borrowings, trade finance, HNI wealth management, ESG pools, and lease financing across aviation and maritime sectors. For instance, trade finance transaction volumes have more than doubled — rising from USD 20 billion in FY22 to USD 46 billion in FY25.

IA Fintech as a regulated payment service providers intent to play a pivotal role in transforming GIFT-IFSC into a global fintech and cross-border payments hub, enabling faster financial flows, digital commerce efficiency, and greater competitiveness for Indian and international enterprises operating within the GIFT-IFSC/SEZ area.

Paytm Enables UPI Payments for NRIs Across 12 Countries Using International Mobile Numbers

• NRIs from 12 countries can now send money instantly and pay any UPI merchant through the Paytm app using international numbers linked to NRE or NRO accounts, without the need for a local Indian SIM card. 
• Offers exclusive features such as downloading UPI statements, automatic spend classification and spend analysis, ability to hide payments, checking total balance across bank accounts linked to Paytm UPI, generating AI Rap song on recent spends, available only on the Paytm app. 
• Reinforces Paytm’s commitment to financial inclusion and accessibility, enabling Indians around the world to participate in India’s mobile payment revolution. 

Paytm (One 97 Communications Limited), India’s full stack merchant payments leader serving MSMEs and enterprises, a leading financial services distribution company, and the pioneer of mobile payments, QR codes, and Soundbox, today announced that Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from 12 countries can now login with their international mobile numbers to the Paytm app for seamless UPI payments through NRE or NRO accounts. 

With this launch, NRIs can use Paytm UPI for everyday payments and money transfers to friends and family in India. They can pay at shops, restaurants, and local businesses across the country by simply scanning a UPI QR code or shop online on Indian apps and websites. This seamless experience is now possible without international payment gateways or currency conversions. NRIs can also transfer funds between their own accounts or send money instantly to any UPI ID or UPI linked mobile number, removing remittance delays and high forex charges. The convenience of Paytm UPI is now available wherever NRIs are, whether living abroad or visiting India, without the need for a local Indian SIM card.

The service, powered by NPCI, is available for Indians residing in 12 countries including Singapore, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, USA, Saudi Arabia, UAE (United Arab Emirates), UK (United Kingdom), France, and Malaysia. It brings greater convenience to global Indians by allowing them to stay financially connected with India even while living abroad. Currently available in beta, the rollout to all eligible users will happen in the coming days.

NRIs will also benefit from Paytm’s continuous innovations, as it is the only payments app that offers exclusive features such as downloading UPI statements in PDF or Excel, automatic spend classification and spend analysis, ability to hide payments, checking total balance across bank accounts linked with Paytm UPI, generating AI Rap song on recent spends with Paytm Playback among others. Together, these capabilities provide a comprehensive, seamless, and trusted payments experience on Paytm.

Paytm Spokesperson said, “We started Paytm with the dream of building technology made in India, for India, and now for every Indian around the world. Enabling NRIs to use Paytm UPI with their international mobile numbers is another step in that journey. It keeps Indians connected to India’s growing mobile payments ecosystem, no matter where they live.”

Here’s how an NRI can start making UPI payments in India through Paytm

• Download and open the Paytm app. 
• Login with international mobile number. 
• Verify the number via SMS and link the bank account to start making payments instantly

This reinforces Paytm’s commitment to financial inclusion and accessibility, ensuring that Indians around the world continue to be part of India’s mobile payment revolution built on trust and technology.

NPCI Unveils Agentic AI-Powered IoT Payments via UPI, Signaling India’s Next Leap in Intelligent Commerce

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) today showcased a live demonstration of Agentic AI-based IoT Payments powered by UPI, highlighting the next phase of seamless, intelligent digital transactions.

Image - X/Kushal Jasani

The demonstration was presented in the presence of Shri Nandan Nilekani, Co-Founder & Chairman, Infosys and Hon. Advisor to NPCI on Innovations & Public Policy. The feature, which is currently in the pilot stage, showcased how users can discover and order items seamlessly from merchants through AI platforms such as Gemini, bringing greater convenience and personalization to digital commerce.

The solution is enabled by user-authorized AI chatbots, agents, and applications capable of initiating UPI payments based on contextual triggers, voice or text commands, and user-defined routines. These AI-powered systems can operate across devices, ensuring secure, efficient, and intuitive payment experiences.

Shri Nandan Nilekani

This demonstration marks a significant step toward the convergence of AI, and digital payments, underscoring NPCI’s commitment to driving innovation and shaping the future of India’s digital economy.

The demonstration was attended by Shri Nandan Nilekani, Co-Founder & Chairman of Infosys and Hon. Advisor to NPCI on Innovations & Public Policy, underscoring the strategic importance of this innovation in India’s fintech roadmap.

From Discovery to Payment: AI Agents Take the Lead

The pilot illustrated how user-authorized AI chatbots and applications—such as those powered by Gemini—can autonomously discover products, place orders, and initiate payments via UPI. These agents respond to contextual triggers, voice or text commands, and user-defined routines, offering a frictionless and personalized commerce experience.

“Agentic AI is redefining digital payments by making them intuitive, secure, and context-aware,” said an NPCI spokesperson. “This is not just a technical upgrade—it’s a shift toward intelligent commerce.”

A New Era of Seamless Transactions

The solution enables payments across IoT devices, allowing users to interact with smart platforms—from wearables to home assistants—without manual intervention. By integrating AI with UPI’s robust infrastructure, NPCI aims to simplify everyday transactions while enhancing security and personalization.

This initiative complements NPCI’s broader push toward biometric authentication and risk-based models, including recent rollouts of fingerprint and facial recognition for UPI payments.

Strategic Vision for India’s Digital Economy

The demonstration reflects NPCI’s commitment to shaping the future of India’s digital economy through innovation. Speaking at the event, Nilekani emphasized the convergence of AI and payments as a critical frontier for financial inclusion and user empowerment.

As the pilot progresses, NPCI plans to expand the capabilities of Agentic AI across sectors, potentially transforming retail, mobility, and public services.

BharatPe Launches BharatPeX to Reinvent Enterprise Payments with AI and In-App UPI

BharatPe, India’s leading fintech company, today unveiled BharatPeX, its new PAPG-online brand that brings an ‘X-factor’ to how enterprises run payments. It combines a modern online payment gateway (Cards, Net Banking, UPI) with an implementation-first model that helps clients ship in-app UPI experiences faster, keep customer data within their own apps, and materially lift success rates.

Highlights

• More than a gateway, it's an implementation squad plus an AI layer that de-risks compliance, compresses go-live timelines to a third, and lifts success rates while keeping customer data with the merchant. That’s the X-factor.
• Next-gen payments stack. Built in Bharat, built for Bharat (and beyond): Full-stack collections and payouts designed for ecommerce, fintech, and enterprise scale.
• BharatPeX.AI — expertise on tap: A first-of-its-kind virtual assistant delivering instant answers, journey prototypes (e.g., UPI Autopay, UPI Circle, UPI International) and reusable sample code to accelerate builds.
• Compliance-first, bank-ready: Strong NPCI/bank navigation, secure-by-design architecture, and resilient rails powering reliable pay-ins, payouts, and BBPS.
• Own the UPI experience: Seamless UPI (in-app via UPI Plug-in or a TPAP pathway), plus Cards, Net Banking, Wallets, and Credit on UPI—all tuned for higher conversion.
• A dedicated triad for every client: Named Product, Tech, and Bank/NPCI points-of-contact partner end-to-end to make onboarding simple and integration effort ~1/3rd of typical cycles.

With technology and artificial intelligence at its core, the service comes bundled with BharatPeX.AI, which empowers enterprises with expertise on tap. The AI assistant provides clients with 24/7, consistent guidance on features, eligibility, and go-live steps across BharatPeX, NPCI, and partner banks. It also provides journey prototypes (e.g., UPI Autopay, UPI Circle, UPI International) and can generate sample code that teams can reuse.

Sandeep Indurkar, CEO – Payments, BharatPe, said, “Most enterprises want world-class payment systems but are wary of compliance, bank coordination, and long development cycles. With BharatPeX, we remove that friction. We don’t stop at an API—we deploy a specialist team and an AI-driven virtual assistant so our clients can enable UPI Plug-in or even scale to becoming TPAP-enabled—owning the user journey, the data, and the outcomes, which in turn lets them offer a seamless collections service and payment experience to their customers.” The company has already begun onboarding e-commerce, fintech, and enterprise clients in phases.

Designed to power growth at scale, BharatPeX combines collections, payouts, and enterprise-grade support into a single, secure platform, simplifying payments while multiplying impact. It promises outcome-oriented enablement, higher success rates, reduced go-to-market time, and data ownership for the merchant.

What makes BharatPeX different:

1. Payments expertise, not just a gateway: A dedicated (Product/Tech/Relationship) squad partners with each client to design, integrate, and scale collections and payouts. The team navigates NPCI processes and partner banks, simplifying onboarding and cutting implementation effort to roughly one-third of typical cycles.
2. In-app UPI at the core: While UPI already drives a large share of ecommerce transactions, most merchants still have to divert users to third party apps, losing visibility and control. BharatPeX helps clients run in-app UPI flows (via UPI Plug-in or TPAP), boosting success rates and ensuring customer data stays with the client.
3. Built for eCommerce, fintech, and enterprises: From checkout orchestration to complex payout needs, BharatPeX is designed for scale and governed by a compliance-first approach aligned to applicable RBI/NPCI guidelines.

With BharatPeX, BharatPe positions itself as the go-to partner for enterprises navigating the fast-evolving digital economy, reinforcing India’s place at the global forefront of payments innovation.

BharatPe is the only fintech company in India with an NBFC license (Trillion Loans), a stake in a Small Finance Bank (Unity SFB), and an Online Payment Aggregator license.

Why should merchants adopt BharatPeX?Command the user experience:

• Keep users in-app; reduce drop-offs and dependency on third-party apps
• Own the data: Maintain visibility on key customer markers to drive retention and LTV
• Ship faster: Cut integration effort to ~1/3rd with guided implementation and sample code
• Scale confidently: A single partner to handle tech, bank coordination, and compliance nuances
• Go beyond payments: Identify revenue opportunities tied to better payment experiences and customer delight

About BharatPeX:

BharatPeX is BharatPe’s online PAPG brand, purpose-built to bring the X-factor to enterprise payments by combining a full-stack gateway with hands-on implementation and AI-assisted expertise.

About BharatPe:

BharatPe (brand name of Resilient Innovations Pvt Ltd) was founded in 2018 to make financial inclusion a reality for Indian merchants. In 2018, it launched India’s first UPI interoperable QR code, the first zero MDR payment acceptance service. In 2020, post-Covid, BharatPe also launched a card acceptance terminal – BharatPe Swipe. Currently, with a registered network of over 1.7 crores merchants across 450+ cities, the company is one of the leading players in UPI offline transactions, processing 450 million+ UPI transactions per month. BharatPe processes payments of a monthly Transaction Processed Value of ₹12,000 crores. BharatPe Money (brand name of Resilient Digi Services Private Limited), a BharatPe Group Company, has already facilitated the disbursement of loans of over US$ 2 billion, in partnership with NBFCs. BharatPe’s POS business processes payments of over ₹27,000 crores annually on its 125,000+ machines.

RBI Deputy Governor Unveils 3 Groundbreaking Digital Payment Innovations at Global Fintech Fest 2025

1. UPI Multi-Signatory
2. Small Value Transactions using Wearable Glasses via UPI Lite and
3. Forex on Bharat Connect

The Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor Shri T. Rabi Sankar, announced the launch of three key digital payment innovations at the Global Fintech Fest 2025. The new offerings are ‘UPI Multi-Signatory’, ‘Small Value Transactions using Wearable Glasses via UPI Lite’ and ‘Forex on Bharat Connect’.

UPI Multi-Signatory 

The RBI Deputy Governor announced the launch of the Multi-Signatory Accounts feature on UPI to enables multi-signatory/ joint accounts on UPI that require authorisation from one or more signatories to perform UPI payments seamlessly. Signatories can conveniently use a any UPI app to manage linked bank accounts, making the process more convenient, hassle free and enhancing transaction speed. This feature is fully interoperable, allowing initiators to use any UPI or bank apps, while signatories can approve via any UPI or bank app. By eliminating the delays, it improves efficiency and creates complete transparency through digital records of approvals and payments.

This is the first time UPI is extending approval-based payment capabilities to joint/ multi-signatory account holders. Corporates, MSMEs, start-ups, trusts, and joint account holders can now use UPI for vendor payments, recurring payments, reimbursements, etc. that require authorisation from one or more users/ signatories.

Small Value Transactions Using Wearable Glasses via UPI Lite 

The RBI Deputy Governor also announced the launch of ‘Small Value Transactions using Wearable Glasses via UPI Lite’. UPI Lite is designed for small-value, high-frequency payments with enhanced success rates and minimal dependency on core banking infrastructure. With this integration, users can complete hands-free and secure transactions by simply scanning a QR, authenticate and complete payments through voice on Smart Glasses, without needing a phone or entering a PIN. The solution is aimed at everyday payments such as retail, food, and transit, encouraging greater digital payment penetration. This feature addresses customers’ growing demand for seamless, frictionless payments that integrate effortlessly into their always-connected, on-the-go digital lifestyle. This launch marks the first time UPI is extended to the wearable ecosystem, representing a step towards ‘ambient payments’ by enabling seamless digital payments. It also benefits banks and PSPs by reducing core banking system load through off-CBS wallet execution. Embedding UPI Lite on Smart Glasses enhances convenience for consumers and strengthens India’s leadership in digital payment innovation globally.

Forex on Bharat Connect

The event also featured the launch of linkage of FX Retail Platform with Bharat Connect, enabling retail customers to access foreign currency (USD) through their preferred payment/banking apps integrated with the Bharat Connect (BBPS) platform.

The product, launched by NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd. (NBBL) in collaboration with the Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL) and under the guidance of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), ensures transparent pricing with real-time, competitive rates sourced from the CCIL-managed FX-Retail platform. Customers can seamlessly buy USD for three delivery modes – Currency notes, Forex Card Load or Outward Remittance and fulfill digitally on Bank’s platform or visit a Bank Branch post purchase of forex.

This integration allows individual customers of participating Authorised Dealer Category-I which are Axis Bank, Federal bank, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India and Yes Bank to register, view ‘Best Price’ in real time, and complete purchase of US Dollars digitally. It enhances convenience, security, and transparency for customers while addressing long-standing challenges such as physical documentation, inconsistent markup pricing, prolonged processing times, and long banking queues. The collaboration between NBBL, CCIL, banks and select apps is a step forward in expanding access to regulated forex services, promoting financial inclusion, and strengthening India’s digital payments ecosystem.

Apple Pay Comes to India via Razorpay

Razorpay has officially integrated Apple Pay into its international payments suite, becoming the first Indian payment aggregator to do so. This allows eligible Indian merchants to accept seamless, biometric-authenticated payments from global customers using Apple Pay.

Key Highlights:

• Global Reach: Apple Pay has over 500 million users worldwide, with 90% of U.S. merchants already accepting it.
• Merchant Impact: Early adopters include Mokobara, Akasa Air, Sabyasachi, House of Masaba, and others.
• Checkout Revolution:
  • 58% boost in conversion rates
  • 45% faster checkout times
  • 12% increase in average order value
• Frictionless Payments: No CVV, OTP, or manual card entry—just Face ID or Touch ID for instant authentication.
• Cross-Border Compliance: Designed to align with India’s cross-border payment regulations, targeting supported geographies.

Strategic Context:

• This move follows Razorpay’s reverse flip to India and its international expansion into Singapore and Malaysia.
• The integration is seen as a strategic step toward IPO readiness and global merchant enablement, especially for Indian brands scaling abroad.

Apple Pay is officially supported in several Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and Phillipines.

Despite Apple’s rapid growth in India’s premium smartphone segment, Apple Pay is not officially supported for domestic transactions. India mandates local data storage and PIN-based authentication for digital payments, which conflicts with Apple Pay’s biometric-first model.

India’s digital payment space is dominated by UPI-based apps like PhonePe, Google PAY, BHIM and Paytm, making it tough for Apple Pay to gain traction. Apple’s small market share and exclusive device compatibility reduce incentives for Indian merchants to support Apple Pay.

However, Razorpay has enabled Apple Pay for international transactions, allowing Indian merchants to accept payments from global Apple Pay users in supported geographies.

Country	Apple Pay Status
Singapore	✅ Fully supported
Malaysia	✅ Supported via Curlec (Razorpay’s acquisition)
Vietnam	✅ Supported
Thailand	✅ Supported
Indonesia	❌ Not officially supported
Philippines	❌ Not officially supported

Viyona Fintech Wins NPCI TPAP Approval to Expand UPI Payments in Tier II, III & Rural Markets

Hyderabad headquartered Startup Viyona Fintech, One of India’s fastest-growing digital payment platforms, and the developer of GRAAMPAY and the Viyona Pay app has been granted approval by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to operate as a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP).

This approval accelerates Viyona’s growth plans to offer Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services in collaboration with partner banks, further expanding access to digital payments across Tier II, Tier III, and underserved rural markets in India.

“This approval reflects NPCI’s confidence in our fintech applications to make UPI payments more accessible for farmers, shopkeepers, and households. Through GRAAMPAY and the Farmers Marketplace, we are focused on providing simple and secure financial tools that support both urban and underserved rural communities,” said Ravindranath Yarlagadda, Founder of Viyona Fintech.

Viyona’s flagship product GRAAMPAY, is designed to address the unmet digital payment needs in rural India. The platform enables farmers, small merchants, and local communities to carry out digital collections, payouts, and UPI transactions. It also supports rural e-commerce and promotes financial literacy through a network of Village-Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs).

As part of its expansion strategy, Viyona is preparing to launch a Farmers Marketplace within its GRAAMPAY platform. The new feature will connect farmers directly with buyers, aiming to improve price transparency, speed up settlements, and expand access to UPI-based payments.

Viyona Fintech provides a range of UPI-based financial transaction services, including PayIn, PayOut, Virtual Account Numbers, and UPI switching. Its platform is designed to help users manage payment collections, disbursements, and reconciliation processes while ensuring security and operational efficiency.

About Viyona Fintech: Viyona Fintech is a digital payments platform offering innovative UPI-based solutions, including UPI Autopay, UPI Lite, and Credit Card on UPI services. With a strong focus on financial inclusion, accessibility, and regulatory compliance, Viyona empowers individuals, merchants, and communities by delivering transparent, reliable, and easy-to-use digital financial services across India.

Why e-commerce Companies In India are Upgrading to Smarter Payment Gateways

Indian e-commerce has witnessed rapid growth in recent years as more consumers move online for everything from essentials to luxury items. At the heart of every successful transaction is a payment gateway in India that enables fast secure payments while meeting rising expectations for convenience and reliability.

As competition increases and customer habits evolve, e-commerce companies are recognising the need for smarter payment gateways in India. These solutions offer multiple payment options and advanced security while enabling instant refunds, real-time analytics and seamless integration with various sales platforms.

The right payment gateway can boost sales, reduce abandoned carts and enhance brand trust. Knowing the reasons behind business upgrades to payment infrastructure is essential for staying ahead in an evolving marketplace.

The changing face of Indian e-commerce

The Indian e-commerce sector has evolved beyond simply offering products online. Today's shoppers expect fast checkouts, flexible payment options and complete security for their data. As mobile shopping becomes the norm and digital wallets, UPI and Buy Now Pay Later grow in popularity, businesses need a payment gateway that can keep up with evolving innovations.

Legacy payment gateways were built for basic card processing and standard bank transfers. In contrast, a modern payment gateway in India delivers a superior experience by supporting multiple payment modes, instant refunds and advanced security features. E-commerce businesses are now recognising that their choice of payment partner is as critical as their product range or website design.

Why the right payment gateway matters for e-commerce success

A smooth and dependable payment process is key to earning customer trust and increasing conversions in online retail. As customers demand faster checkouts and greater security, choosing the right payment gateway has become critical for e-commerce businesses looking to stay ahead. The right partner helps reduce abandoned carts, supports multiple payment options and strengthens brand loyalty.

With competition growing and technology advancing quickly, businesses cannot afford to overlook their payment infrastructure. An efficient payment gateway streamlines operations and helps maintain compliance with evolving regulations. Upgrading your gateway is an investment that supports growth, improves customer satisfaction and gives your e-commerce brand a distinct advantage in the marketplace.

Key features driving the shift to smarter payment gateways in India

As e-commerce in India evolves, businesses must choose payment solutions that meet both customer expectations and operational demands. The latest payment gateways in India come packed with features that make every transaction faster, safer and easier for both merchants and buyers.

Below are the essential advantages that set smarter payment gateways apart from older solutions:

Faster and smoother checkouts

Speed is crucial in e-commerce. A modern payment gateway in India is built to reduce checkout friction with quick load times, fewer redirects and support for one-click payments for returning customers.

With a large portion of Indian shoppers now transacting via smartphones, mobile-optimised payment flows are essential. A seamless experience ensures customers can complete purchases without hassle, directly increasing conversion rates and reducing the likelihood of abandoned carts.

Support for new payment methods

Today's shoppers expect a variety of ways to pay. An advanced payment gateway enables credit or debit cards alongside UPI, digital wallets, EMI, Pay Later and net banking.

By bringing these options together in a single interface, businesses can meet the needs of diverse audiences. This flexibility is especially important for younger buyers and shoppers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities who often prefer UPI or wallets over traditional cards.

Reliability and high success rates

Payment failures cause frustration and may deter repeat purchases. Smarter payment gateways in India use features such as intelligent routing, backup servers and real-time error monitoring to ensure high success rates for transactions. Many leading providers now publish their uptime and performance statistics giving e-commerce brands the data needed to choose a reliable partner.

Fraud prevention and security

With increased online transactions comes increased risk. A payment gateway must prioritise security through PCI DSS compliance, tokenisation, two-factor authentication and live fraud monitoring. These measures protect both customer data and business revenue, building trust and long-term loyalty.

Instant refunds and easy settlements

Efficient handling of refunds and settlements is a critical part of customer service. Some of the best payment gateways in India allow for instant or same-day refunds, real-time settlement dashboards and automated reconciliation. This helps businesses manage cash flow, speeds up returns for buyers and keeps communication transparent.

Advanced analytics and seamless integration

Informed decisions come from actionable insights. Leading payment gateways in India provide real-time analytics dashboards, advanced integration with ERP or accounting software and detailed transaction reports. These tools empower companies to optimise payment processes, spot trends and address issues quickly.

Regulatory compliance

Staying compliant with changing regulations is non-negotiable. Smarter payment gateways support automated GST invoicing, tax reporting and always stay updated with the latest RBI and data privacy mandates. This automation simplifies business operations and lets e-commerce brands focus on growth.

Upgrade your payment experience with a smarter payment gateway

Switching to a smarter payment gateway in India is no longer just an option for e-commerce companies aiming to grow in India's fast-changing retail environment. The right gateway supports multiple payment methods, provides strong security and ensures rapid checkouts across all devices. It delivers real-time insights to help businesses adapt quickly to market demands and regulatory changes. A modern payment gateway is a strategic partner that powers business growth, customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

Payment gateways like Pine Labs Online offer the advanced solutions today's e-commerce brands need to stay ahead. As consumer expectations keep rising, an advanced and flexible payment gateway in India gives your business the advantage to grow and succeed with confidence.

BHIM App Partners with Sony TV’s KBC to Promote Digital Payments Through Exclusive Game Show Week

• BHIM Payments App, Bharat Ka Apna Payments App Collaborates with Sony Entertainment Television to launch an exclusive ‘Golden Week’ in Kaun Banega Crorepati

BHIM App, India’s homegrown payment app developed by NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL), has partnered with Sony Entertainment Television to deepen the reach of safe, secure digital payments across the country through the most iconic game show Kaun Banega Crorepati,, Sony Entertainment Television is introducing, for the first time to a digital payment platform, a special one-week edition of the KBC Game Show, curated exclusively for BHIM Payments App users.

This collaboration is designed to enable users of BHIM Payments App across India, to get a Golden Opportunity to play the game with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. The registration window for the ‘Golden Week’ opens from September 1, 2025 till October 10, 2025 exclusively for BHIM Payment App Users. Ten selected users of the BHIM Payments App will receive an exclusive opportunity to appear on the show, and participate in the Fastest Finger First round. A dedicated week of 5 Episodes Game Show will be organized and telecasted on Sony Entertainment Television with these 10 contestants

How to Participate:

Viewers are invited to Download / Update BHIM Payments App and register through a dedicated ‘KBC Golden Week with BHIM’ section within the app. To submit their registration successfully, viewer has to answer simple question, fill their basic details and submit. All successful entries will undergo the standard screening process of KBC. The shortlisted 10 candidates will then come to the KBC set and play Fastest Finger First in the Golden Week with BHIM and get a chance to reach the Hot Seat of KBC to play the game with Amitabh Bachchan. During the ‘Golden Week with BHIM’, only those (10) users who have come through the BHIM payments app will be featured.

This resonates with Brand’s overall purpose of trust and inclusiveness and the initiative will help BHIM to create familiarity (trust) and confidence in using UPI through an experience that is interactive, rewarding, and deeply local. The more BHIM app users experience the app and participate in the registration process, higher are their chances of getting shortlisted.

This first of its kind format on the show encourages citizens to not only test their knowledge but also experience the simplicity and trust of the homegrown BHIM Payment App. This initiative is designed to reach beyond digital-first users encouraging participation from families, first-time digital adopters, and citizens in Tier 2,Tier 3 cities and towns, through a platform they already know and trust.

Lalitha Nataraj, CEO, NBSL, added, “At BHIM, our mission is to become the most trusted payment apps of India and become their choice of app for any digital payments small or big. Partnering with an Iconic platform like KBC allows us to take this message into homes across the country especially in regions where awareness and comfort with digital payments are still evolving. KBC has, over the years, earned the trust of millions of families, and this association helps us build on that trust to encourage every member of the family to use BHIM Payments App for safe and secure payments. We are delighted to collaborate with Kaun Banega Crorepati and extend this golden opportunity to our app users.

For more information, visit https://www.bhimupi.org.in/, follow on [Insta - @bhim_npci, X – NPCI_BHIM, YT - BHIMNPCI]

As BHIM’s official media partner, Madison Media has crafted the high-impact outreach strategy. Abhik Banerjee, COO, Madison Media, said: “We are delighted to welcome the BHIM Payments App as a partner for this landmark collaboration with Kaun Banega Crorepati. For decades, KBC has been a platform that unites the nation, inspires millions, and captures the hearts of viewers from every corner of India. That makes it the perfect stage for BHIM – Bharat Ka Apna Payments App to connect with audiences in a truly meaningful way.

This association marks BHIM’s first-ever integration with KBC, and we wanted to go beyond just brand presence. Working closely with Sony, we have designed an interactive experience that invites viewers, even first-time BHIM users to get a golden opportunity to participate in the iconic KBC and reach to the famous Hot Seat. With BHIM payments app, the user gets easy, safe and instant payment solutions, while being part of one of India’s most-loved and talked about shows.

For us, this partnership is about more than visibility via TV presence. It is about creating opportunities, encouraging participation, and offering every Indian citizen a rewarding reason to engage with BHIM Payments App.”

About NPCI BHIM Services Limited:

NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL) was incorporated in 2024, as a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). NBSL aims to enhance the adoption of digital payments through the Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) platform and committed to providing a seamless, secure, and user-friendly payment experience to individuals and businesses across India.

NBSL facilitates quick and efficient digital transactions, offering an accessible and reliable payment solution for all. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, NBSL aims to drive financial inclusion and support India’s journey toward becoming a fully digital economy.

For more information, visit: - https://www.bhimupi.org.in/

6 Ways in Which BHIM Payment App Helps Users in Their Digital Payments Journey

Digital payments are no longer limited to big cities, they’ve become a part of daily life across India, from metros to remote villages. As more people turn to payment apps for everyday needs, digital money management is evolving. It’s no longer just about sending or receiving money; it’s about tracking expenses, staying updated on bills, and having the tools to make informed financial decisions with ease and confidence.

Here are six ways users can take meaningful steps toward financial freedom, using BHIM Payments App:

1. Make Payments in a Language You’re Comfortable With

BHIM Payments App supports more than 15 Indian languages including Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, and Odia. This makes it easier for users to navigate the app and complete transactions in their preferred language, especially helpful for shopkeepers, senior citizens, or first-time users in Tier 2 and 3 cities. Using an app that communicates in a known language builds comfort and trust, making digital transactions feel less intimidating.

2. Transact Even with Weak Internet Connectivity

The app is built to work even in areas with low or unstable internet, making it practical for users in rural regions or those who often face network issues. It helps ensure that important payments can still go through, whether at a local market or during daily business hours.

3. Track and Manage Spending Without Extra Effort

BHIM Payments App includes features like Spends Analytics, which gives users a simple monthly view of where their money is going. The Split Expenses option lets people easily share costs with friends or family, useful for roommates, joint travel, or shared groceries, without needing to track it manually.

4. Coordinate Family Expenses in One Place

With Family Mode, users can onboard family members, assign specific payments, and view shared expenses. Whether it’s a couple managing bills or siblings taking care of household expenses, this feature helps keep everyone informed and organised.

5. Allow Trusted People to Help with Payments, While Staying in Control

The UPI Circle feature lets users create a trusted network of individuals who can initiate payments on their behalf, with every transaction requiring the primary user’s approval. It’s especially helpful for elderly users who rely on caregivers or busy parents who want to let their children or household help handle daily payments like groceries or utility bills, all while maintaining full visibility and control over each transaction.

6. Get Reminders for Important Financial Tasks

The Action Needed section offers reminders for pending bills, low balance alerts, or UPI Lite activation. These gentle nudges reduce the risk of missing important payments and help users stay updated without needing to track everything manually. Additionally, users can also pay electricity, water, and other utility bills directly through the app, with no additional charges or hidden fees, making it a convenient way to manage monthly expenses.

In a growing digital economy, having access to simple, reliable tools is key to managing money independently. Features like these are helping users across Bharat take important steps toward financial freedom.

Navi Technologies Launches Brand Campaign Celebrating Meteoric Rise of Navi UPI

Navi Technologies Limited, one of India’s fastest-growing financial services companies, unveiled its new brand campaign spotlighting the rapid growth of its flagship payments product Navi UPI.

Titled “Some things grow unbelievably fast”, the campaign highlights Navi UPI’s swift climb to become India’s fastest growing UPI app* in just two years since launch.

The campaign aims to build strong consumer recall and reinforce Navi UPI’s position as a high-performing, home-grown disruptor in the country’s digital payments landscape. 

Conceptualised by Sideways, the campaign launched with two tongue-in-cheek TVCs that use surreal, humorous analogies to depict unexpected, rapid transformation - a nod to the pace of Navi UPI’s growth.

Rajiv Naresh, CEO, Navi Technologies, said, “We’ve let Navi UPI’s growth speak for itself until now. This campaign puts a spotlight on that journey and captures our momentum in a way that’s simple and memorable. Navi UPI has reached millions in two years, but what we’re building is bigger - a sustained, fast-scaling payments destination for Indians.”

Mr. Abhijit Avasthi, Founder of Sideways, added, “The objective was to stand out with our ads from the other UPI players in the market. The fact that Navi is unlike any other UPI app is the reason why it has grown so fast. After that, it was just a matter of sprinkling some quirk and making something memorable. Having a client that placed their trust in us was the cherry on the cake.”

The campaign launched with high-impact placements on leading OTT platforms JioHotstar and Sony LIV during the India vs. England test match. This is followed by a rich mix across YouTube, digital platforms, print and connected TV properties.

The films serve as the foundation for a broader, multi-phase storytelling rollout over the coming quarter, with a variety of additional assets - including static, video, and contextual formats - to be introduced across digital, offline and ATL channels.

Watch the campaign films:

Film 1 -

Film 2 - 

*Disclaimer: “Fastest-growing UPI app in market share since launch (Sept ’23) among top 10 UPI apps in India.”

About Navi UPI

Navi UPI is offered by Navi Technologies Limited as an NPCI-approved Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP). Designed for fast, secure, and seamless digital transactions, Navi UPI enables instant money transfers, merchant payments, and bill settlements with just a few taps. As part of Navi’s mission to make financial services accessible and hassle-free, Navi UPI provides a reliable and efficient payment experience, ensuring convenience for millions of users across India.

For more information, visit website: https://navi.com/navi-upi

SEBI’s New UPI Rule = Safer Investor Payments | Verified IDs, Green Icons, No Guesswork

SEBI’s latest initiative—“Adoption of Standardised, Validated and Exclusive UPI IDs for Payment Collection by SEBI Registered Intermediaries from Investors”—is a major step toward enhancing transparency and security in India’s securities market. Here's a structured breakdown:

Objective

To ensure secure, verified, and transparent fund transfers from investors to SEBI-registered intermediaries by introducing a standardized UPI framework.

Key Features

Exclusive UPI Handles:

All SEBI-registered intermediaries must use UPI IDs with the handle @valid<bankname> (e.g., abc.brk@validhdfc).

Segment-Specific Suffixes:

UPI IDs will include suffixes like .brk for brokers or .mf for mutual funds, ensuring clarity and traceability.

Green Triangle Icon:

Verified UPI transactions will display a “thumbs-up inside a green triangle” icon, signaling legitimacy.

SEBI Check Functionality (Coming Soon):

Investors can verify UPI IDs and bank details via QR code or manual entry.

Milestone	Date
Circular Issued	June 11, 2025
UPI IDs Available to Investors	October 1, 2025
Transition Deadline for Intermediaries	~Early December 2025 (T+180 days)

Stakeholder Responsibilities

Intermediaries:

Must obtain new UPI IDs, update contact details, and educate investors.

Self-Certified Syndicate Banks:

Must verify intermediaries before issuing UPI IDs using SEBI’s prescribed utility.

Investors:

Optional adoption, but encouraged for secure transactions. Existing SIPs remain unaffected; new ones must use the new UPI IDs.

Legal Backing

Issued under Section 11(1) of the SEBI Act, 1992, reinforcing SEBI’s mandate to protect investor interests and regulate the securities market.

PayPal World Debuts: UPI Goes Global in Cross-Border Payments Revolution

PayPal has just announced a major leap in global payments with the launch of PayPal World, a cross-border platform that integrates India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI)—a move poised to reshape international commerce.

What Is PayPal World?

A global interoperability platform connecting major digital wallets and payment systems.

Launch partners include:

• NPCI International Payments Limited (India’s UPI operator)
• Tenpay Global (Tencent’s Weixin Pay, China)
• Mercado Pago (Latin America)
• Venmo (PayPal’s social payments app)

UPI Goes Global

• UPI, which accounts for 85% of India’s retail digital payments, will now be usable for international transactions via PayPal World.

Indian users can:

• Pay on foreign e-commerce sites using UPI.
• Send money abroad without needing cards or remittance apps.
• Use PayPal to pay via UPI in rupees, even when shopping globally.

Key Features

Interoperability: Users can pay using their local wallets across borders.

No extra merchant integration: Businesses automatically accept new wallets added to the platform.

Venmo-PayPal Interoperability: Users can send money between the two globally.

Future-ready: Supports stablecoins, AI-driven shopping, and dynamic payment buttons.

Strategic Implications

• Positions India’s UPI as a blueprint for global digital payments, with ongoing talks in Africa and South America.
• Enhances PayPal’s reach to 2 billion+ users across high-growth markets.
• Bridges fragmented payment infrastructures, simplifying remittances and e-commerce.

NPCI Expands UPI-PayNow Corridor with 13 New Banks, Boosting Cross-Border Access Between India and Singapore

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) the international arm of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has further enhanced the UPI-PayNow real-time payment linkage by adding 13 more banks on the platform, extending its reach and simplifying cross-border remittances between India and Singapore. With this development, which will go live on July 17, 2025, users in both countries can remit funds to a wider base, making the service more accessible and convenient.

The expanded network for remittances to India now includes 19 banks – Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, Federal Bank, HDFC Bank, IDFC FIRST Bank, IndusInd Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Punjab National Bank, South Indian Bank, and UCO Bank alongside Axis Bank, DBS Bank India, ICICI Bank, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, and State Bank of India.

Recipients in India can receive remittances from Singapore in their accounts held with any of these 19 banks through their preferred UPI enabled apps such as BHIM, Google Pay and PhonePe, as well as bank apps. Outward remittances from India to Singapore is available through Canara Bank, HDFC Bank and Karur Vysya Bank along with ICICI Bank, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank and State Bank of India. In Singapore, customers of DBS SG and Liquid Group can avail this service.

The UPI-PayNow service was launched as a joint initiative between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). It facilitates real-time cross-border fund transfers between individuals, where Indian users can receive funds via UPI ID and send funds to users in Singapore via their mobile number or Virtual Payment Address (VPAs). As the world’s first cloud-based, real-time cross-border payment system, the initiative is a pioneering step in global payment connectivity.

This development is particularly beneficial for the Indian diaspora in Singapore, including migrant workers and students, bringing the ease of digital payments to everyday remittances. UPI is already accepted via QR codes at select merchant outlets in Singapore, further extending its utility.

Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO, NPCI International said, “The expansion of the UPI-PayNow linkage marks a step forward in strengthening cross-border payment infrastructure. By enabling access to more banks in India, we are deepening the reach of real-time remittances and supporting greater financial connectivity between the two countries. This brings added convenience to users through a seamless and trusted platform”.

UPI-PayNow integration enables real-time cross-border remittance transactions, with funds reaching the recipient’s bank account within seconds. The service leverages strong security protocols to ensure safe and reliable transfers. It is ideal for small and frequent remittances, providing users with a convenient and cost-effective way to send and receive money anytime.

About NPCI International:

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) was incorporated on April 3, 2020, as a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). As NPCI’s international arm, NIPL is devoted to deploying NPCI’s indigenous, successful real-time payment system—Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and card scheme (RuPay) outside of India. NPCI has successfully developed and proved its products and technological capabilities in the domestic market by transforming the payment segment in India. Currently, there are several countries that seek to establish a real-time payment system or a domestic card scheme. NIPL, with its knowledge and experience, can offer these countries technological assistance through licensing and consulting for building real-time payment systems to meet the rapidly evolving needs of fast-growing global businesses. NIPL focuses on transforming payments across the globe through technology and innovation. It will not only enable payments for Indians but also support other countries by enhancing their payment capabilities using technological assistance, consulting, and infrastructure.

For more information visit, nipl.com

Countries Where UPI Is Currently Accepted

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is going global —and it’s making quite the splash! As of 2025, here’s a list of countries where UPI is either live, widely accepted, or in advanced stages of integration:

Countries Where UPI Is Currently Accepted

1. France – First European country to adopt UPI; started at the Eiffel Tower
2. United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Accepted at 60,000+ retail outlets via NeoPay
3. Bhutan – First country outside India to adopt UPI in 2021
4. Nepal – Integrated with Nepal’s national payment systems
5. Mauritius – UPI and RuPay services launched in 2024
6. Sri Lanka – Accepted at airports and retail outlets
7. Singapore – Linked with PayNow; accepted at 8,000–30,000+ merchants
8. Cyprus – Newly added in 2025 after PM Modi’s visit

Countries in Progress or Planning Integration

1. Malaysia – Expected rollout in 2025
2. Qatar – Targeted for expansion in 2025
3. Thailand – Integration underway
4. United Kingdom – Ongoing rollout at select merchants
5. Oman – MoU signed; UPI and RuPay integration planned
6. Maldives – Partnerships in progress

UPI’s international expansion is powered by NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), which partners with local banks and payment networks to enable QR-based and POS transactions.

If you’re traveling, you’ll need to activate UPI International in your app and check with your bank for forex charges.

NPCI Shares 5 Key Tips to Spread Awareness About Safe Digital Payments

Digital payments have made everyday transactions faster, easier, and more accessible for millions of users across India. As this convenience grows, it is important for users to remain aware and informed. Safe payment practices are simple to follow and go a long way in ensuring secure digital experiences.

1. Always check before you pay: Before making any payment, check the name that appears on the screen. Make sure it is the person or business you want to pay. Taking a few seconds to confirm can help avoid mistakes.
2. Use only trusted payment Apps and websites: Make payments only through official and well-known Apps or websites. Do not download Apps or click on links sent by people you do not know or trust.
3. Do not share your PIN or OTP with anyone: Your UPI PIN, OTP, or bank details are private and confidential. Never share them with anyone, even if they say they are from a bank or police or any government office.
4. Do not rush into any payment: If someone asks you to make a payment quickly or share your details urgently, take a moment. You can always say you will check and call back. It is okay to take your time.
5. Keep payment alerts on and check them often: Turn on SMS and App notifications for your payments. Read each alert carefully. If something looks wrong, contact your bank or payment App immediately.

By adopting a few mindful habits, every user can ensure they take charge of their digital safety. With awareness and responsible use, digital payments can continue to be a trusted and empowering part of daily life. Report suspicious number to the national cybercrime helpline by dialling 1930 or the Department of Telecommunication (https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/sfc/). Save messages, take screenshots and document interactions. This can help authorities if you need to file a report.

Adani’s Fintech Foray: Decoding the Paytm Talks and the Race for India’s Super-App Crown

Conversations in boardrooms from Mumbai to Abu Dhabi are buzzing: Adani’s next frontier could be payments. For veterans who’ve lived through UPI’s explosive rise, the pursuit of Paytm isn’t just another M&A story—it’s a calculated move on a digital chessboard.

After ports, airports and power plants, Gautam Adani is quietly steering his empire toward digital finance—and according to trusted reports Adani is targeting one of the sector’s earliest disruptors: Paytm.

1. The Sub-25% Play: Influence Without the Open-Offer Drag

Navigating SEBI’s takeover regulations is second nature to you. Adani’s bid to cap the stake just below 25% in One97 Communications buys boardroom influence and strategic access—without triggering the costly open-offer requirement that kicks in at 25%+. It’s a familiar trick, yet few execute it at this scale.

Why sub-25%? Any investor crossing the 25% threshold under SEBI rules must launch an open offer for at least 26% of public shares—an expensive, time-consuming process. By structuring the deal just below that line, Adani can secure board influence and strategic access without triggering a mandatory takeover bid.  

2. Why Paytm Still Matters to Payments Insiders

Paytm’s ecosystem isn’t just about QR codes or P2P transfers. It’s a sprawling network of mini-loans, insurance referrals and bill payments.

More than just UPI, Paytm still commands mindshare. From QR-code scans in chai shops to utility-bill payments and movie tickets, its app touches hundreds of millions of Indians every month.

For Adani, plugging into Paytm infrastructure could shave off years of go-to-market effort:

• Instant Reach – Leverage Paytm’s 350 M+ MAUs to accelerate customer acquisition.
• Revenue Cross-Sell – Bundle payments, lending and commerce into the Adani One super-app.

3. Adani One: More Than a Wallet

Veteran payments pros will spot the parallels with other super-app forays. Adani One aims to unify:

• UPI and BBPS bill payments
• Co-branded credit cards (partnering with banks and networks)
• Embedded lending, insurance and wealth products
• ONDC-enabled marketplace services

Launch with Paytm’s rails under the hood and you’ve got an instant contender against Google Pay, PhonePe and Jio Financial.

4. Gulf Partners: Capital and Governance Muscle

Seasoned dealmakers know the value of co-investors. By inviting Gulf sovereigns and PE funds, Adani spreads the equity load and bolsters governance optics—critical when you’re integrating a startup culture into a ₹900 K-crore conglomerate.

• Capital Leverage – Lowers Adani’s equity commitment, unlocking more runway.
• Governance Uplift – Institutional partners bring boardroom rigor and regulatory comfort.

5. Market Signals: Denials vs. Price Action

You’ve seen this play before: public denials followed by share spikes. One97’s 5% jump post-rumor suggests the market’s arbitrageurs trust the whispers over formal statements. In fintech, price action often trumps press releases.

6. Stakes for the Payments Ecosystem

A closed deal shifts the competitive landscape:

• For Adani: A shortcut to B2C finance, diversifying away from CAPEX-heavy assets.
• For Paytm: Strategic capital, enterprise integration and product expansion.
• For Incumbents: Fresh rivalry, faster innovation cycles and pressure on margins.

Regulatory clearances, shareholder nods and the cultural integration of startup agility into corporate scale remain the linchpins.

7. Milestones to Watch

• SEBI Filings – Any acquisition over 5% triggers disclosures and waiting periods.
• 25% Threshold Decision – Will Adani test the open-offer waters or steer clear?
• Adani One Rollouts – Early lending and card partnerships will reveal how deep the play goes.
• Co-Investor Announcements – Gulf fund commitments will signal deal momentum.

For payments professionals, the Adani-Paytm dialogue is more than boardroom chatter—it’s a live case study in strategic positioning, regulatory navigation and the art of super-app execution.

Axis Bank, boAt & Mastercard Launch Smartwatch That Lets You Pay with a Tap—No Wallet Needed

Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector Banks in India, today announced that it has collaborated with boAt, India’s No.1 wearable brand, and Mastercard, a global technology leader in payments, to seamlessly integrate tap & pay NFC enabled payments for its newly launched ‘Wave Fortune’, a cutting-edge smartwatch. Priced competitively at ₹3,299 (₹2,599 during special offers), Wave Fortune is designed to empower users with convenience, security, and a next-level smartwatch experience

Axis Bank cardholders can now securely tokenize and store their debit and credit cards on the WAVE Fortune Smartwatch via Crest Pay, boAt’s official payments app and make contactless payments effortlessly. This feature, powered by Mastercard’s tokenization technology and supported by the robust token requestor infrastructure of TAPPY Technologies, allows single-step payment of up to ₹5,000 on a POS device without entering card PIN, ensuring both speed and security.

Powered by Mastercard, the payment system allows users to securely tokenize and store their cards within the smartwatch strap for quick and seamless transactions. Axis Bank credit and debit cardholders on Mastercard and VISA networks will continue to enjoy the rewards and benefits of their linked card while making payments with the Wave Fortune smartwatch.

Commenting on the partnership, Arnika Dixit, President & Head - Cards, Payments and Wealth Management, Axis Bank, said, “At Axis Bank, we have been continuously working on innovation-led partnership models to offer innovative and secure digital banking solutions to customers. In this effort, we are delighted to have partnered with boAt to truly make payments on-the-go, seamlessly integrating contactless payments into people’s day-to-day lives. Bringing in our expertise in tokenized contactless payments, ‘Wave Fortune’, a cutting-edge smartwatch will allow the users with the highest standards of safety and security, combined with a quick and convenient payment experience.”

Sameer Mehta, Co-founder and CEO, boAt, said, "At boAt, we are always striving to push the boundaries of technology to enhance everyday convenience. Our partnership with Axis Bank brings secure, effortless payments to the wrist, making contactless transactions more accessible than ever."

Gautam Aggarwal, Division President, South Asia at Mastercard said, “In the near future, payments will be gesture-based — integrated into our daily routines, with transactions occurring in a frictionless manner. Wearable devices, irrespective of the form factor, will play a key role in this evolution, offering quick and secure payment experiences. As a company committed to shaping this future of commerce, Mastercard is delighted to power the tokenization enabled smartwatch, empowering users to pay with their credit or debit cards.”

Wave Fortune Smartwatch

In addition to its contactless payment functionality, the Wave Fortune smartwatch is designed to keep users connected, stylish, and productive - whether at the gym, on the move, or in business settings. It brings secure, on-the-go payments to the wrist and reflects boAt’s vision of merging convenience with innovation to create lifestyle-driven wearables.

A Display That Shines, Features That Deliver

• Vivid 1.96” HD display with 240x282 resolution and 550 nits brightness for exceptional clarity - even under direct sunlight
• Wake gesture for quick access to time and notifications
• DIY Watch Face Studio to personalize your home screen with images, themes, or artworks

Fitness and Utility 

• Built-InEarn boAt Coins by achieving fitness milestones - redeemable for boAt offers
• Ultra-clear Bluetooth Calling, interactive dial pad, contact saving, and direct access to Crest Pay

The Wave Fortune smartwatch is now available in Active Black on the [boAt website].

Paytm Introduces Personalized UPI IDs to Enhance Payment Privacy and Prevent Mobile Number Exposure

• Enables creation of personalized UPI handles like name@ptyes and name@ptaxis, helping hide mobile numbers and avoid sharing them during payments
• Strengthens privacy and offers a more personalized UPI payment experience

Paytm (One97 Communications Limited), India’s leading payments and financial services distribution company and the pioneer of mobile payments, QR codes, and Soundbox, has introduced personalized UPI IDs, enhancing privacy and offering a more flexible way to make mobile payments. This advancement reflects the company’s commitment to simplifying and securing everyday digital payments.

The new offering allows the selection of personalized UPI IDs such as name@ptyes or name@ptaxis, enabling individuals to send and receive money without revealing their mobile numbers. It is currently live on handles issued by Yes Bank and Axis Bank and will be extended to other banking partners shortly.

Whether you're paying a shopkeeper, settling up with a delivery executive, or transferring money to a new vendor, Paytm remains India’s most trusted and secure way to pay. With personalized UPI IDs, Paytm now offers even greater privacy. When a user sends or receives money using their personalized UPI ID, their mobile number stays hidden from the transaction details. This protects personal information while still allowing individuals to create a unique and easily recognizable payment identity. It's a seamless experience, built for trust, security, and everyday convenience.

Paytm Spokesperson said, “We have introduced personalized UPI IDs to offer more choice and privacy in payments. We heard the feedback from our customers who wanted to keep their mobile numbers private and built this solution to address that need. We remain committed to developing thoughtful innovations that make payments safer and more convenient for all.”

To create a personalized UPI ID on the Paytm app:

• Open the Paytm app
• Tap on the profile icon and go to ‘UPI Settings’
• Select ‘Manage UPI ID’ and choose a personalized ID
• Confirm and activate the new UPI ID as the primary UPI ID to be used for payments

Paytm has introduced seven other key innovations to make mobile payments safer, smarter, and more trusted. These include: (1) the ability to hide or unhide payments for enhanced privacy, (2) Automatic categorization of spends & monthly spend summary to help track and manage expenses, (3) Receive Money widget for quick access to incoming payments on the mobile home screen (4) Scan and Pay widget on the mobile home screen for faster payments, (5) auto top-up for Paytm UPI Lite to ensure seamless low-value payments of upto Rs. 5000, (6) the option to download UPI statements in PDF and Excel formats for better financial tracking, and (7) a consolidated view of total balances across all UPI-linked bank accounts - without having to add up individual balances mentally. Internationally, Paytm now enables UPI payments in the UAE, Singapore, France, Mauritius, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, offering greater convenience to Indian travelers across the globe.