DFS Secretary Launches Initiatives to Simplify Digital Payment Experience at GFF 2025

The Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Shri M. Nagaraju, IAS, has announced the launch of three new digital feature offerings at the Global Fintech Festival (GFF) 2025. These new offerings are  UPI with On-Device Biometric Authentication for a seamless, secure and user-friendly alternative to PIN-based UPI authentication, Aadhaar based Face Authentication in UPI to enable Aadhaar-linked biometric authentication for Setting or Re-setting UPI PIN, and the addition of a new mode for Cash Withdrawal through Micro ATMs using UPI at UPI Cash Points (Business Correspondent touchpoints).

UPI with On-device Biometric Authentication

Launched by the DFS Secretary, the On-Device Authentication for UPI, enables customers to authenticate UPI payments directly through their smartphone’s built-in security options such as fingerprint or face unlock as an alternative to manually entering the UPI PIN.

The facility will be made available to customers who choose to opt in, giving them control over their preferred mode of authentication. It aims to make payments faster and more secure by reducing the need for repeated PIN entries. Each transaction is independently verified by the Issuing bank using robust cryptographic checks, ensuring the highest level of safety while keeping the experience simple and seamless.

Aadhaar based Face Authentication in UPI

This new feature launched by the DFS Secretary, offers users a new and secure way to set or reset their UPI PIN directly within UPI apps. Until now, creating a UPI PIN required entering debit card details or going through Aadhaar OTP verification. With Aadhaar based Face Authentication for UPI PIN, onboarding becomes faster, simpler, and more inclusive, especially for first-time users, senior citizens, and those without easy access to cards.

The solution leverages UIDAI’s FaceRD App for Aadhaar-based facial verification, eliminating the need to manage multiple OTPs or card details enhancing both convenience and security. The same shall be extended later for transactions with additional authentication.

Cash Withdrawal through Micro ATMs using UPI at UPI Cash Points (Business Correspondent touchpoints)

The DFS Secretary introduced UPI as a new mode for making cash withdrawals through Micro ATMs at UPI Cash Points. This launch marks an important step toward making cash withdrawal process more inclusive and user-friendly by leveraging UPI’s versatile digital payment ecosystem. It supplements Aadhaar biometric-based AePS and card-based transactions by offering customers a convenient alternative of simply scanning the dynamic QR code displayed by the Business Correspondent (BC) and authorizing the transaction through their UPI App.

This initiative is aimed at advancing financial inclusion by improving access to cash for customers, particularly in underserved areas. This adds to the existing UPI-enabled facilities for cash deposits and withdrawals through ATMs, offering customers greater convenience and options.