How banks, fintechs & NBFCs can navigate India’s increasing regulatory pressures

India's fintech sector is under increased scrutiny as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) intensifies regulations and penalties for non-compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) protocols. This heightened oversight follows a significant rise in reported financial frauds, particularly related to credit cards and online transactions, prompting the RBI to enforce stricter controls under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. High-profile cases include Paytm, which faced severe restrictions and penalties due to KYC failures, and other entities like HDFC Bank and IIFL Finance, which also encountered regulatory actions for various compliance lapses. As the fintech industry in India rapidly expands, projected to reach USD 1.5 trillion by 2025, companies must enhance their KYC processes, invest in advanced fraud prevention technologies, prioritize data security, and conduct regular compliance audits to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape. By doing so, fintechs can avoid penalties and foster growth while maintaining adherence to regulatory standards.