GFF 2025: Sitharaman issues directives to boost India’s Fintech firms

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while addressing the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2025 on Tuesday, laid out four key directives for India’s fintech companies, urging them to focus on core fundamentals, strengthen trust and inclusion, collaborate closely with regulators, and bridge existing gaps in the financial ecosystem.Sitharaman called on fintech firms to prioritize fundamentals such as revenue growth, innovative product offerings, and strong risk and compliance systems.“As many of the fintechs mature, they may be champions of meeting heightened expectations around financial performance and regulatory compliance while continuing to innovate amid emerging competition,” she said.The minister added that maintaining a focus on business fundamentals gives firms the resilience to continue innovating. “Firms that balance innovation with sound business practices can pivot faster and remain more responsible,” she noted.

This is a good moment to reflect on what kind of financial future we wish to build and how do we get there.

Fintechs must essentially focus on the fundamentals such as revenue growth, innovative product offerings, profitability, risk and compliance capabilities.

Responsible… pic.twitter.com/RbAlD9fwYb

— Nirmala Sitharaman Office (@nsitharamanoffc) October 7, 2025

Emphasizing the need for responsible innovation, Sitharaman said that the fintech ecosystem also faces “real challenges” stemming from rapid digitalization — including cybersecurity threats, digital fraud, and unethical lending practices.“As millions of citizens join the formal financial system, the focus must expand beyond innovation towards trust, safety, and inclusion,” she said.She stressed that regulations must evolve alongside technology to ensure that the fintech revolution remains secure, responsible, and sustainable over the long term.The Finance Minister’s directives reflect the government’s push for a balanced approach to fintech growth, combining innovation and inclusivity with accountability and sound governance. The message at GFF 2025 underscores India’s aim to position itself as a global fintech leader driven by trust, transparency, and long-term sustainability.

(Business Correspondent)