Origin and Development of UPI:
UPI was designed as a real-time payment system to facilitate inter-bank transactions, combining multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application, making payments as easy as sending a text message. By the end of its first year, UPI handled over 21 million transactions, a promising start for a nascent technology. However, it was the Indian government's push towards digital payments during the demonetization period of 2016, along with UPI's seamless user experience, that catapulted its popularity.
The system allows transactions between different banks using just a phone number or a virtual payment address, without needing to disclose bank details. It quickly gained traction due to its speed, convenience, and the ability to work across different banks and platforms.
Present National Scale:
As of 2023, UPI has become the backbone of digital payments in India. In FY 2022-2023, UPI processed over 83 billion transactions, totaling a staggering ₹139 lakh crore (around $1.7 trillion USD). UPI’s transaction volume grew at an exponential rate, with average monthly transactions reaching 9 billion by mid-2023. UPI currently accounts for over 75% of retail digital transactions in India, surpassing all other payment methods.
The platform has integrated with more than 380 banks and has expanded to include features like recurring payments, overdraft accounts, and international remittances. UPI is supported by both major tech companies and financial institutions, with apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and others driving its growth.
In addition to banks, UPI is now a key enabler for India's thriving e-commerce sector, SMEs, and local businesses. The widespread adoption by merchants, from street vendors to large enterprises, reflects the scale of UPI's penetration across the nation.
International Expansion:
Acknowledging its massive success domestically, the Indian government has started promoting UPI internationally, and it has already been launched in several countries. The collaboration between India and the UAE, facilitated by Prime Minister Modi and Sheikh Mohammed, saw the introduction of UPI in the UAE in 2022. UPI is now accepted in Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, and more countries are expected to integrate this system in the coming years.
The Future of UPI – Next 10 Years Outlook:
Looking ahead, UPI's potential for international growth is immense. With its seamless cross-border payment capabilities, the platform is positioned to become a global player in digital payments. Over the next 10 years, India envisions expanding UPI into numerous countries, particularly focusing on regions like the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa. With BRICS nations and other emerging economies showing interest, UPI could facilitate international trade and remittances, allowing transactions between multiple currencies with ease.
India is also working on linking UPI with global payment networks like SWIFT to enable UPI users to send money to any part of the world using their mobile phones. The outlook for cross-border remittances, which amounted to $89 billion in 2022, can see a significant boost through the use of UPI, reducing costs and delays in money transfers.
By 2030, UPI is projected to process $5-7 trillion USD annually, driven by both domestic growth and international adoption. The system is also likely to introduce more advanced features, such as multi-currency transactions, international bill payments, and digital identity verification across borders, enhancing global financial connectivity.
In India alone, UPI's future trajectory points towards processing over 100 billion transactions monthly as more sectors, including education, healthcare, and government services, integrate UPI payments for enhanced transparency and efficiency. The platform's versatility means that it could play a critical role in reducing the reliance on cash, further driving financial inclusion across rural and underserved regions.
Conclusion:
With its exponential growth in India and promising international prospects, UPI is set to revolutionize global digital payments over the next decade. Prime Minister Modi’s push for increased financial integration among BRICS countries, with UPI at the forefront, presents a unique opportunity for the world to benefit from India’s digital innovation. The cross-border expansion of UPI, combined with its continued domestic dominance, will make it a cornerstone of financial technology on a global scale, fostering economic cooperation, reducing transaction costs, and increasing the speed of financial transactions across borders.
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