Key Points

The Reserve Bank of India has introduced three groundbreaking digital payment features. Multi-signatory UPI accounts will allow joint authorization for enhanced security. Wearable glasses will enable completely hands-free transactions using voice commands. Retail customers can now access foreign currency through their preferred banking apps via Bharat Connect integration.

Key Points: RBI Deputy Governor Launches UPI Wearables Forex Innovations

  • Multi-signatory UPI accounts require authorization from multiple users for secure payments
  • Wearable glasses enable hands-free payments via voice authentication without phones
  • Forex access integrated with Bharat Connect platform for retail customers
  • UPI Lite designed for small-value transactions with high success rates
2 min read

RBI Deputy Governor launches new digital payment innovations at GFF 2025

RBI Deputy Governor T. Rabi Sankar unveils UPI multi-signatory accounts, wearable glasses payments, and forex on Bharat Connect at Global Fintech Fest 2025

"This new facility marks the first time UPI is extended to the wearable ecosystem - RBI Announcement"

Mumbai, Oct 7

Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor T. Rabi Sankar on Tuesday announced the launch of three key digital payment innovations-- UPI Multi-Signatory, Small Value Transactions using wearable glasses via UPI Lite, and forex on Bharat Connect -- at the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2025.

The Multi-Signatory Accounts feature will enable multi-signatory or joint accounts on UPI that require authorisation from one or more signatories to perform UPI payments seamlessly.

Signatories can conveniently use any UPI app to manage linked bank accounts, making the process more convenient and hassle-free, and enhancing transaction speed.

This feature is fully interoperable, allowing initiators to use any UPI or bank apps, while signatories can approve through any UPI or bank app.

The Small Value Transactions using Wearable Glasses via UPI Lite will allow users to complete hands-free and secure transactions by simply scanning a QR, authenticate and complete payments through voice on Smart Glasses, without needing a phone or entering a PIN.

UPI Lite is designed for small-value, high-frequency payments with enhanced success rates and minimal dependency on core banking infrastructure.

The solution is aimed at everyday payments such as retail, food, and transit, encouraging greater digital payment penetration. This new facility marks the first time UPI is extended to the wearable ecosystem, representing a step towards ‘ambient payments’ by enabling seamless digital payments.

The Deputy Governor also launched the linkage of the FX Retail Platform with Bharat Connect, enabling retail customers to access foreign currency through their preferred payment or banking apps integrated with the Bharat Connect (BBPS) platform.

The product, launched by NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd. (NBBL) in collaboration with the Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL) and under the guidance of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), ensures transparent pricing with real-time, competitive rates sourced from the CCIL-managed FX-Retail platform.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Wearable glasses for payments? Sounds futuristic but I'm concerned about privacy and security. What if someone records my voice? Need more details on safety measures before I trust this.
A
Arjun K
As someone who travels frequently, the forex on Bharat Connect is brilliant! No more running to forex counters or paying hidden charges. Digital India is truly happening! ✈️💳
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Sarah B
Great innovations but I hope they focus on making these accessible to rural areas too. Many small towns still struggle with basic UPI. Let's ensure inclusive digital growth.
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Vikram M
UPI Lite for small transactions is exactly what we needed! No more failed payments for chai or samosa purchases. This will boost digital adoption at local shops. Well done RBI! 🎉
M
Michael C
Impressive to see India leading in fintech innovation. The interoperability across different UPI apps is a smart move - no vendor lock-in. Other countries should learn from this approach.

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