RBI recognises Unified Fintech Forum as India’s second fintech self-regulator

The Reserve Bank of India has recognised Unified Fintech Forum, formerly the Digital Lenders Association of India, as a fintech self-regulatory organisation. The 120-plus-member body will help shape standards around resilience, cybersecurity, responsible data use and compliance across consumer-facing digital finance.

— Source publishedFri, 11 Sept, 2026, 09:18 IST·First seen Fri, 11 Sept, 2026, 10:06 IST·Source Medianama

What happened

RBI recognised Unified Fintech Forum, formerly the Digital Lenders Association of India, as India’s second fintech self-regulatory organisation. At Global

Key facts

  • second fintech self-regulatory organisation
  • over 120 members
  • September 10, 2026

Why this matters

Retailers using embedded lending, payments or loyalty-finance products should expect stronger industry standards on cybersecurity, data consent and compliance from fintech partners.

What to watch

  • Publication of Unified Fintech Forum codes, membership requirements, enforcement processes or compliance deadlines.
  • RBI statements clarifying how the two recognised fintech SROs will divide coverage, coordinate standards or report member non-compliance.
  • Adoption of common rules on digital-lending consent, alternative-data underwriting, loan-service-provider conduct, collections and customer grievance redressal.
  • Major retailer, marketplace, payment gateway or BNPL provider joining the forum or publicly aligning its policies with forum standards.
  • RBI supervisory actions, cyber incidents or consumer-complaint trends that accelerate mandatory implementation of SRO-led practices.