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FinTech Consultation – Expertvuw
Advisory · Fintech Regulation

Fintech Regulatory Consultation in India

Last updated: 2 October 2026

Before building a lending, payments or wealth product, you need to know which regulator applies, whether a licence or partnership is needed, and what the rules say about customer data, KYC and outsourcing. We map your business model against RBI, SEBI and data protection requirements and set out the options. Licences and approvals are decided by the regulator.

Overview

Why fintechs need regulatory mapping first

In India, whether a fintech product is regulated usually depends on what it does, not on what it is called. Lending to customers, holding customer funds, issuing wallets, collecting payments for merchants, sharing financial data, or advising on investments each fall under a specific regulatory framework.

The main frameworks include the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 for payment aggregators and prepaid payment instruments, the RBI (Digital Lending) Directions, 2025 for lending through apps and platforms, the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 for non-banking financial companies and account aggregators, SEBI regulations for investment advice, research and distribution, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 for customer data. Anti-money laundering reporting under the PMLA applies to many regulated entities.

Many fintechs start by partnering with a regulated entity rather than applying for their own licence. That route has its own obligations, particularly for lending service providers under the digital lending rules. A consultation sets out which route fits your model and what it involves.

Based on the RBI Act, 1934, the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, RBI directions, SEBI regulations and the DPDP Act, 2023. Last updated: 27 September 2026.

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What This Service Covers

Questions the consultation answers

1

Does my product need an RBI or SEBI licence?

2

Can I operate through a partnership with a bank or regulated lender?

3

What applies to me as a lending service provider?

4

What are the capital, governance and technology requirements for a licence?

5

What do KYC, data protection and outsourcing rules require?

Key facts at a glance

Payments

Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007

Digital lending

RBI (Digital Lending) Directions, 2025

Lending and account aggregation

Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934

Investment advice and research

SEBI regulations

Customer data

Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023

Final decision

Licences and approvals are granted by the regulator

Common Questions

What the consultation gives you

A clear written view of where your product sits, so product, legal and fundraising decisions are made on the same basis.

Model-based mapping

Each feature of your product is mapped to the rule that applies.

Options compared

Own licence, partnership or restructuring the product, with pros and cons.

Next steps

Documents, capital and timelines for the chosen route, subject to the regulator's decision.

Documents & Process

Related services

Related services.

Digital Lending Compliance

Compliance for lenders and lending service providers.

Payment Aggregator Authorisation

Application to RBI for payment aggregators.

PPI Licence

Authorisation for prepaid payment instruments.

Account Aggregator Licence

Registration as an account aggregator.

Documents Required

Documents we need from you

About the business

Existing documents

Our Process

How the consultation works

1

Discovery call

We understand the product, customers and flow of funds.

2

Document review

Agreements, policies and user flows are reviewed.

3

Regulatory mapping

Each activity is mapped to the applicable law and directions.

4

Options note

Licence, partnership and product-change options are compared.

5

Discussion

We walk through the note and answer questions.

6

Implementation support

Applications, policies and compliance frameworks for the chosen route.

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After the Consultation

After the consultation

Typical next steps:

Licence application

Preparation of the application and supporting documents for the regulator.

Partnership compliance

Agreements and processes aligned with the regulated entity's obligations.

Policies

KYC, grievance redressal, data protection and outsourcing policies.

Ongoing compliance

Returns, audits and reporting, with independent professionals where required.

Get in Touch

Share your query and our team will reply during business hours.






    FAQs

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does every fintech need an RBI licence?

    No. It depends on the activity. Some models operate through partnerships with regulated entities, while others, such as payment aggregation or lending on own books, need authorisation or registration.

    An entity that acts on behalf of a regulated lender in customer acquisition, underwriting support, collection or other functions. Lending service providers have specific obligations under the RBI’s digital lending directions.

    Yes. The Act applies to digital personal data. Its rules were notified in November 2025, with most core obligations applying from May 2027.

    No. Licences and registrations are granted or refused by the regulator. We help you prepare a complete and accurate application.

    No. Expertvuw is not a registered investment adviser. We advise on regulatory structure, not on investments.

    About Expertvuw

    Who handles your case

    CS Chetna Shoor, Company Secretary and Director, Expertvuw

    CS Chetna Shoor

    ACS – Director, Expertvuw Management Pvt Ltd

    Advisory and company secretarial work is handled by Expertvuw’s team. Audits, certifications and representation that the law reserves for Chartered Accountants, advocates or other licensed professionals are provided by independent professionals engaged for your case.

    Expertvuw Management Pvt Ltd