The Indian fintech landscape has undergone a paradigm shift in recent years, attracting professionals and entrepreneurs from diverse sectors. My decision to join a fintech startup in India stemmed from the exceptional growth potential, unique challenges, and the opportunity to impact millions of lives positively. This blog post details my journey and outlines the key factors that lured me into the thriving fintech ecosystem in India.
A booming market
India’s fintech sector has been witnessing an exponential growth trajectory, driven by a combination of factors such as a young, tech-savvy population, increasing smartphone penetration, and supportive government initiatives. According to a report by PwC India and ASSOCHAM, the Indian fintech market is expected to reach a whopping $150 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 20-25%. This astounding growth potential was a major factor that prompted me to plunge into fintech.
The rise of digital payments
Digital payments have been at the forefront of the fintech revolution in India, and their adoption has skyrocketed in recent years. A report by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) states that digital transactions in the country have grown by 55% in volume and 76% in value between 2016-17 and 2020-21. This shift towards a cashless society piqued my interest in fintech and presented an opportunity to contribute to the digital transformation of the Indian financial landscape.
Financial inclusion
Financial inclusion is a cornerstone of the Indian government’s vision to empower its citizens. Despite having the second-largest unbanked population in the world, India has made significant strides toward financial inclusion. A study by the World Bank reveals that between 2014 and 2017, the percentage of Indian adults with a bank account increased from 53% to 80%. This improvement can be largely attributed to the government’s ‘Jan Dhan Yojana’ initiative and the proliferation of fintech solutions. The potential to contribute to the financial empowerment of the Indian populace was a strong motivation for me to join a fintech startup.
Innovation and collaboration
A spirit of innovation and collaboration characterizes India’s fintech ecosystem. As Nandan Nilekani, Co-founder and Chairman of Infosys, aptly puts it, “The future of fintech in India will be defined by the power of collaboration – between banks, fintech, regulators, and the government.” This collaborative spirit creates an environment that fosters creativity and problem-solving, making the Indian fintech space an exciting and fulfilling place to work. Over the past couple of years, I have met plenty of players across different industries, and believe me when I say everyone is extremely willing to cooperate and collaborate.
A dynamic regulatory environment
The Indian government and regulatory bodies have played a crucial role in the growth and development of the fintech sector. Initiatives like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), the regulatory sandbox by the RBI, and the introduction of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act have provided a conducive environment for fintech startups to thrive. This progressive regulatory landscape was an important factor that drew me to the Indian fintech sector.
Learning from industry leaders
India’s fintech landscape is home to numerous industry leaders who have successfully built innovative solutions and disrupted traditional financial systems. Quotes from some of these leaders capture the essence of the Indian fintech story:
Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder and CEO of Paytm, emphasizes the importance of digital payments: “The mobile wallet is the most powerful tool that can bring the unbanked into the formal economy and contribute to the growth of the nation.”
Harshil Mathur, CEO and Co-founder of Razorpay, highlights the significance of a customer-centric approach: “Fintech companies need to be agile and keep evolving with customer.
Now you know, why I decided to join a startup in the Fintech industry. What about you?
