GFF 2025: India’s FinTech Frontier Showcases Innovation, Inclusion, and Global Confidence

The Global FinTech Festival (GFF) 2025, hosted at the Jio Convention Centre, concluded with resounding success, spotlighting India’s rising influence in the global FinTech landscape. With over 80,000 attendees, 800+ speakers, and delegations from across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, GFF proved to be more than just a tech gathering—it was a testament to India's leadership in digital finance.

From UPI to Tokenisation: India Sets the Agenda

Over three days, the festival buzzed with product launches, ecosystem announcements, and regulatory insights. From biometric payments powered by NPCI to discussions on CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) innovations by the RBI, the narrative was clear: India is shaping the future of finance.

Nandan Nilekani, chairman of Infosys, unveiled that the much-anticipated Finternet platform—designed to tokenize assets like real estate and gold—will go live in 2026. “Just as UPI transformed money movement, tokenisation will reshape the future of asset ownership,” he stated.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, in light of 22 new reforms, emphasized the need for FinTechs to develop last-mile inclusive products and think globally. With India accounting for over 50% of global real-time payment volumes, the RBI's role in FinTech governance continues to gain international attention.

A significant diplomatic moment came when UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined Indian PM Narendra Modi on the GFF stage. Starmer applauded India’s economic trajectory, calling it “the world's next third-largest economy.” Modi, in turn, highlighted India's JAM trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) and advocated deeper adoption of AI for inclusive growth.

Wearables, AI, and the TechFin Transition

The expo floor was a tech-lover’s dream. Attendees explored voice-activated sunglasses that accept payments, chip-enabled fingernails, and wearable tech like rings, bracelets, and belts that redefine contactless transactions.

The convergence of Meta AI and WhatsApp services further hinted at a future where consumer interactions are seamless, intelligent, and voice-first.

The discussion is also shifting from FinTech to TechFin—where technology companies drive financial services innovation, reversing the traditional narrative. But with this shift comes a caution: how sustainable are AI-driven services, particularly in terms of energy consumption and operational efficiency?

With thousands moving between exhibition halls and keynote sessions, the venue pulsed with energy. BFSI firms like Multipl, CRIF, and Protean arranged shuttle services to ease traffic. Nearby restaurants and venues saw packed tables as companies hosted private networking dinners.

Still, there were moments of pause. The Global South—a big focus at GFF 2024—was noticeably underrepresented this year. The lack of updates on Indian FinTech expansion in Africa or Latin America raised questions.

Investors present admitted they are ready with “dry powder” but noted a scarcity of investible FinTechs at late-stage maturity. As more startups eye IPOs, experts stressed that "aspiration must be backed by potential."

As lights dimmed on the final day, teams packed up booths and attendees headed out—exhausted, inspired, and likely clocking over 10,000 steps navigating the expansive venue. The key takeaway: India is not just part of the FinTech conversation—it’s leading it.