Fintech Brief — March 15, 2026
Today’s Top Stories
1. India’s Neobank Fi Discontinues Banking Services
India’s neobank Fi is discontinuing banking services on its platform more than four years after launching them in partnership with Federal Bank. Customers who opened accounts through the Fi app received emails stating that banking services will soon be discontinued, directing them to access their savings accounts through Federal Bank’s mobile app. Founded in 2019 by former Google Pay India executives Sujith Narayanan and Sumit Gwalani, Fi launched its app-based banking service in partnership with Federal Bank in 2021 to offer digital savings accounts and money management tools aimed at younger users. Federal Bank confirmed the partnership ending as part of “business re-alignment,” with new users no longer able to open savings accounts through the Fi app. 1
2. RBI Issues New Draft Directions on Digital Transaction Liability
The Reserve Bank of India has issued Draft Amendment Directions for the ‘Review of Framework of Limiting Customer Liability in Digital Transactions.’ This comes as part of RBI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen consumer protection in the rapidly growing digital payments ecosystem. The RBI also launched the Digital Payments Awareness Week 2026, with the ‘Awareness Program on Digital Payments’ and interactions with Payment Systems Operators (PSOs). These initiatives aim to educate users about safe digital transaction practices while clarifying liability frameworks. 2
3. Flipkart Shifts Headquarters Back to India Ahead of IPO
Indian e-commerce giant Flipkart has moved its headquarters back to India from Singapore as it prepares for a potential IPO in the coming months. The company is targeting a stock market debut in India in the financial year ending March 2027, according to people familiar with the matter. Founded in 2007 in Bengaluru, Flipkart was one of several Indian startups to set up overseas holding structures to attract foreign investment and benefit from tax advantages. The shift back to India reflects changing regulatory dynamics and the growing attractiveness of the Indian market for public listings. 3
4. Global Fintech VC Investment Trends: AI Dominates
AI accounted for 58% of all fintech VC investments in 2025, continuing its dominance into 2026. Experts predict increased capital flows to cybersecurity solutions defending against AI threats, along with payments enablement and automation as money movement speeds up and finds new rails like stablecoins. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s fintech Uzum has reached a $2.3 billion valuation—about 53% higher than just seven months ago—as investors bet on the country’s emerging digital economy. The startup operates digital banking, consumer lending, and express food delivery services. 4
Stay tuned for more fintech updates tomorrow.