Fintech Brief — March 25, 2026

Today’s Top Stories

1. SEBI Proposes Gift Cards for Mutual Fund Investments

India’s markets regulator SEBI has proposed allowing gift cards or gift prepaid payment instruments (PPIs) for mutual fund investments to improve financial inclusion and onboard new investors. The proposal, outlined in a consultation paper released on March 23, aims to make mutual fund investments more accessible by enabling gifting of investment units through prepaid instruments.

This move aligns with India’s broader financial inclusion objectives and could help attract first-time investors who may be hesitant to make direct investments. SEBI has been actively working on measures to democratize access to capital markets, and this proposal represents another step in that direction. The consultation period will allow market participants to provide feedback before final implementation. ¹

2. India Extends UAE Gold Import Authorizations to June 30

India has extended tariff rate quota (TRQ) authorizations issued in the 2025-26 fiscal year for gold imports under the India-United Arab Emirates trade pact to June 30, 2026. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade announced the extension on March 24, providing relief to importers and helping stabilize gold supply in the domestic market.

The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into effect in 2022, has significantly boosted trade in precious metals between the two nations. Gold imports from the UAE have become increasingly important as India seeks to diversify its sourcing away from traditional markets. The extension provides continuity for traders and helps maintain supply chain stability amid ongoing global uncertainties. ²

3. Workroom Automation Raises ₹6.2 Crore in Seed Funding

Workroom Automation, a Bengaluru-based connected factory platform building the intelligence and automation layer for manufacturing, has raised ₹6.2 crore in a seed funding round led by Equirus InnovateX Fund. The round also saw participation from Astir Ventures, Venture Catalysts Group, and prominent angel investors.

The startup, founded by Abhinav Atthota (CEO) and Rohan Agarwal (CTO), aims to become the single operating system for global manufacturers, offering a core platform with vertical-specific solutions that power end-to-end factory operations. This marks Workroom’s first institutional fundraise since inception and comes at a time when global manufacturers are increasingly looking to move beyond fragmented systems toward intelligent and automated operations. ³

4. Food Delivery Platforms Continue Fee Hikes

Swiggy has increased its platform fee from ₹14.99 to ₹17.58 per order, while Zomato recently raised its fee to ₹14.90. The consecutive fee increases by both major food delivery platforms signal a shift in business models as companies focus on profitability over growth.

The rising costs are being passed on to consumers at a time when food delivery has become an essential service for many urban households. Industry analysts note that the fee hikes could impact order frequency, though both platforms maintain strong market positions. The development also highlights the challenges of sustaining discount-driven growth in the quick commerce sector. ⁴

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