The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has selected five entities for the test phase of the regulatory sandbox’s fifth cohort, which is theme-neutral. This follows the announcement made in October last year. The RBI received 22 applications for this cohort.
The entities selected include Connectingdot Consultancy, Epifi Technologies, Finagg Technologies, Indian Banks’ Digital Infrastructure Company (IBDIC), and Signzy Technologies. These companies offer various services, including risk categorization in loan portfolios, digital account opening for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) through video Know Your Customer (KYC), MSME financing, and unassisted video KYC.
Notably, the RBI has permitted two fintech companies—Signzy (which has no RBI licenses) and Fi (which only has an NBFC license in a subsidiary)—to run these experiments. This indicates the regulator’s openness to collaborating with fintechs, provided they adhere to the established rules.
Regulatory Sandbox Benefits
A regulatory sandbox provides a controlled environment for the live testing of new products or services where regulators may permit certain relaxations for limited testing purposes. The process involves several stages: preliminary screening, application assessment and shortlisting, test design and integration, and testing and evaluation.
The sandbox enables regulators, financial service providers, and customers to conduct field tests, gather evidence on the benefits and challenges of new financial innovations, and monitor and manage associated risks. Target applicants include fintechs, banks, and companies partnering with or supporting financial services businesses.
The regulatory sandbox aims to foster responsible innovation in financial services, enhance efficiency, and benefit consumers. According to the RBI, the sandbox’s primary benefit is ‘learning by doing’ on all sides, which could lead to better consumer outcomes through a wider range of products and services, reduced costs, and improved access to financial services.
Also read: RBI unveils UPI Lite with e-Mandate Framework for Automatic Balance Replenishment
Commencement of Testing
The selected entities will commence testing their solutions in August 2024. The solutions are as follows:
- Connectingdot Consultancy aims to predict loan defaults accurately by segregating loan portfolios into high, medium, and low-risk categories.
- Epifi Technologies allows the digital opening of NRE/NRO accounts through video KYC and identity validations, enabling a seamless account opening experience for NRIs.
- Finagg Technologies proposes a blockchain-based deep-tier vendor financing solution for MSMEs within the procurement supply chain of large enterprises.
- Indian Banks’ Digital Infrastructure Company (IBDIC) offers a solution to make easy and affordable credit accessible to lower-tier/small MSMEs.
- Signzy Technologies provides an unassisted video KYC solution, allowing users to complete video KYC steps independently without the involvement of officials from regulated entities.
The regulatory sandbox initiative underscores the RBI’s commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring that new financial products and services are tested for safety and efficacy in a controlled environment.
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