DGIN - From Cash To Clicks: The Unstoppable Rise Of Digital Payments In India

2023-08-23 04:50:00 ET

Summary

• India's transition from a cash-centric economy to a digital payments powerhouse is revolutionizing the financial landscape.
• The government's efforts to formalize the economy and promote digital payments have led to a significant shift in consumer behavior.
• Companies like TCS and Airtel are capitalizing on the opportunities in India's digital payments landscape.

India's audacious leap from a cash-centric economy to a pioneering digital payments powerhouse is revolutionizing the financial landscape.

India's digitization journey has revolutionized multiple sectors and transformed the lives of its citizens. With a particular focus on digital payments, India has ushered in a new era of financial accessibility, convenience, and security. However, while impressive strides have been made, India's digital payment ecosystem represents a colossal market with vast potential, teeming with opportunities for innovative fintech startups and tech giants alike. Recognizing this, the Indian government is actively fostering an environment conducive to growth, focusing on initiatives aimed at digital literacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory frameworks. The evolution of this sector will undeniably play a crucial role in defining the trajectory of India's broader digitization journey, driving economic growth, and creating a more inclusive financial landscape.

Remember when Cash was King?

India's informal economy is estimated to be a staggering 43.1% ¹ of the nation's GDP PPP (purchasing power parity), which translates to approximately $4,272 billion. Until recently, cash was king, accounting for 72% of all consumer purchase spending in 2017. However, that dynamic has decisively shifted in favor of digital payments—and this shift is due in large part to the government’s efforts to digitize its economy.

India’s Market Share of Payment Methods at Point of Sale ((POS))

The Government’s Effort to Formalize the Economy

The government has encouraged the introduction of payment acceptance systems in an effort to formalize more of the economy and increase tax compliance. It recently instituted policies to reduce the supply of cash and set standards to make it easy for third-party mobile wallets to connect with bank accounts and transfer money between parties, referred to as Unified Payments Interface (or UPI) wallets.

Through the establishment of UPI, third-party mobile wallets can now seamlessly connect with bank accounts and facilitate money transfers. The interoperability of the UPI system has further accelerated digital payments, with payment apps facilitating billions of transactions monthly. With the highest digital payments adoption rate of 87% among the public compared to the global average of 64%, India has gained the third place in digital payments, after US and China, attesting to India’s untapped market. ²

India UPI Monthly Transactions

A closer look at the government's initiative reveals strategies aimed at formalizing the economy and promoting digital payments to enhance financial inclusion, transparency, and economic growth. Noteworthy steps include the demonetization in 2016 aimed at curbing corruption, the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax ((GST)) in 2017 for streamlined tax compliance, the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system to eliminate subsidy leakages, and the Jan Dhan Yojana in 2014 for financial inclusion. Furthermore, the Aadhaar biometric identification system has significantly contributed to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of various government schemes and services.

Companies Capitalizing on Digital Payments Opportunities

Several businesses in India are capitalizing on the enormous potential offered by digital payments, and Tata Consultancy Services ((TCS)) is at the forefront. As a leading global IT services, consulting, and business solutions organization, TCS has been instrumental in leveraging its technology prowess to make a significant impact in the digital payments realm.

Notably, TCS's Merchant Solutions have been revolutionizing how businesses accept digital payments. The firm provides comprehensive solutions, including point-of-sale ((POS)) systems, mobile payment acceptance, and e-commerce payment integration. This initiative not only streamlines businesses' payment processes but also elevates customer experience by providing them with more flexible payment options.

Furthermore, TCS has showcased its expertise in developing Mobile Wallet Solutions. These platforms have been pivotal in promoting digital payments, as they allow customers to transact using their smartphones. From peer-to-peer transfers and bill payments to mobile recharges and banking services, TCS's mobile wallet solutions serve as an all-in-one digital payments hub.

Another significant player making waves in the digital payments landscape is Bharti Airtel Ltd, commonly known as Airtel. As one of India's largest telecommunications companies, Airtel has expanded beyond its core business and established a strong foothold in the digital payments sector.

Airtel's foray into digital payments started with the introduction of Airtel Payments Bank. This venture allows customers to open a savings account with minimal documentation and transact directly through a mobile app, making money transfers, bill payments, and recharges a breeze.

To further its commitment to digital payments, Airtel introduced the Airtel Money Wallet, a digital wallet service that enables users to store money digitally and make payments for a vast array of services. Whether it's paying bills, recharging mobile plans, booking tickets, or shopping at partner merchants, the Airtel Money Wallet has it covered.

Recognizing the widespread adoption of the Unified Payments Interface ((UPI)), Airtel integrated its payment services with the UPI platform. This strategic move allows users to link their Airtel Payments Bank accounts and execute seamless peer-to-peer transactions. With UPI, Airtel's customers can send and receive money with ease, and also make payments to merchants.

The ingenuity and dynamism shown by companies like TCS and Airtel highlights the exciting opportunities in India's digital payments landscape.

Investing in India with VanEck

India's audacious leap from a cash-centric economy to a pioneering digital payments powerhouse is revolutionizing the financial landscape. India is rapidly transforming into an investment hub that can’t be overlooked with its booming digital sector, combined with a strong equity market drawing global attention and fueling this interest.

VanEck Digital India ETF ( DGIN ) offers exposure to companies involved in the digitization of the Indian economy.

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

¹ Source: India .

² Impact of the Budget 2023: Hastening the PACE of Digital Revolution.

^* Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. (TCS IN) comprised 6.84% of DGIN’s NAV as of 8/21/2023.

^* Bharti Airtel comprised 6.32% of DGIN’s NAV as of 8/21/2023.

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