With the recent approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an Online Payment Aggregator, Hitachi Payment Services is set to begin a new chapter in India's financial technology narrative, one that promises to enhance the versatility and reach of digital payments across the nation.
Hitachi Payment Services has long been a cornerstone in India’s digital payment infrastructure, processing over 2.5 billion digital transactions annually for leading banks and fintech firms.
This new authorization allows the company to offer an expanded suite of payment options, including UPI, Netbanking, Cards, and Wallets, alongside innovative services such as EMI, Paylater, BNPL, and link-based payments. These advancements are set to provide merchants with a comprehensive and adaptable payment platform, empowering businesses of all sizes to seamlessly integrate digital transactions into their operations.
Anuj Khosla, Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Business at Hitachi Payment Services, aptly described this milestone as a catalyst for innovation and growth:
“Receiving the Payment Aggregator licence is an important milestone for us and we are grateful to the RBI for their trust and approval. Receiving the licence is not just a validation of our capabilities, but a catalyst for us to bring innovative solutions and broaden our offerings. Our state-of-the-art platforms and end-to-end services coupled with our expanded capabilities, uniquely positions us to cater to the diverse needs of banks and fintechs, enhance merchant adoption and make digital payments more pervasive.”
One of the most intriguing aspects of this development is the potential impact on consumer behavior and merchant strategies.
The inclusion of value-added services such as BNPL and link-based payments could revolutionize the way consumers interact with digital payments. BNPL, in particular, has gained significant traction globally, allowing consumers to purchase goods and services with the flexibility of deferred payments. This service, along with other innovative payment solutions, is likely to drive higher consumer engagement and spending, benefiting merchants and the broader economy.
Moreover, the company’s commitment to innovation is exemplified by its Accelerator Program – HPX, launched in 2023 to collaborate with fintech startups across India. This initiative underscores Hitachi’s dedication to fostering digital payment innovation and nurturing the next generation of fintech solutions. By partnering with emerging startups, Hitachi Payment Services aims to stay at the forefront of technological advancements, ensuring that its platforms remain cutting-edge and responsive to the evolving needs of the market.
The approval to operate as an Online Payment Aggregator also enhances Hitachi’s ability to offer secure and advanced payment solutions.
With a robust nationwide payment infrastructure already in place, the company is well-equipped to handle the increasing volume and complexity of digital transactions. This is particularly important in a country like India, where the rapid adoption of digital payments has necessitated reliable and scalable payment solutions. Hitachi’s track record in providing secure and efficient payment services positions it as a trusted partner for banks and fintechs, further solidifying its role in the digital payments ecosystem.
This development also aligns with the broader goals of the Indian government and the RBI to promote financial inclusion and digital literacy. By providing a comprehensive and user-friendly payment platform, Hitachi Payment Services is contributing to the democratization of digital payments, making it easier for individuals and businesses to embrace the benefits of a cashless economy. The company’s efforts to enhance merchant adoption and expand the reach of digital payments are in line with national initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth and fostering a more inclusive financial system.
The RBI’s approval for Hitachi Payment Services to operate as an Online Payment Aggregator marks a significant milestone in India’s digital payment revolution.
India’s digital payment ecosystem is on the cusp of a transformative leap. This authorization paves the way for a new era of innovation and growth in the digital payments space, transforming the way merchants and consumers engage with digital transactions, driving higher engagement and contributing to the broader goals of financial inclusion and economic development in India.
