The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) was a huge disruptor when it first appeared in the fintech scene on 11th April 2016. While some questioned its ability to be widely adopted, it is now a commonplace reality. Street vendors to any upscale mall, every business uses UPI to transact.
According to Geetika Mahandru, President of IndoBevs, UPI has revolutionised digital transactions by making payments easily available nationwide. Mahandru believes that innovation should be at the core of every business and feels that the fintech industry must continue to update itself in order to remain resilient, future-ready, and relevant as consumer preferences and technology change, and UPI Circle has done just that.
In early 2025, India’s internet penetration rate increased from 14% in 2014 to over 55% in early 2025, which gave access to 800 million people. The reason behind this was affordable smartphones, less expensive data, and rural reach. It completely changed how Indians communicate, transact, and obtain information.
It is because of this wide adoption of the internet that the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become a vital component of the nation’s digital economy, with more than 350 million active users nationwide.
In January 2025, UPI processed over 16.99 billion transactions, and by March, monthly transaction values had surpassed ₹24 trillion for the first time. The smooth incorporation of digital payments into daily life demonstrates how India’s digital revolution is being driven by both growing internet access and cutting-edge fintech platforms like UPI.
“UPI has rewritten the rulebook for digital payments in India, not just with scale but with relentless innovation. From making cash nearly obsolete to empowering every smartphone user to pay with a tap, UPI has turned sceptics into believers. And just when you think they’ve thought of everything, along comes UPI Circle – letting you delegate payments to family or trusted contacts.” Says Geetika Mahandru.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) recently unveiled UPI Circle, a new feature that enables a primary UPI user to assign payment rights to reliable secondary users—like friends, family, house helps, or children—without requiring them to have their bank account.
There are two options to use UPI Circle for the primary user. First is the full delegation option, where secondary users are allowed to make payments up to a predetermined amount without additional approval, and partial delegation, where the approval of the primary user is required for each transaction. In both methods, the primary user remains in control.
People who previously relied on others for cash transactions can now safely participate in the digital economy thanks to UPI Circle, which aims to make digital payments more accessible and convenient.
“The UPI system is a true testament to India’s technological prowess—something you won’t find anywhere else in the world. It’s a matter of national pride. We’ve built a fintech ecosystem that empowers every segment of society, from a street vendor to a CEO, making digital payments seamless, secure, and truly inclusive. I believe UPI Circle is a smart innovation tailored for Indian families, reflecting the unique ways households manage money.” Believes Geetika Mahandru.
“This feature seems to be driven by behavioural patterns in Indian families, where it’s common for one person to handle finances on behalf of others or for parents to want to oversee as children learn to manage money.” She adds
UPI Circle not only makes digital payments more accessible for those without bank accounts but also empowers families to stay connected and in control of their finances, showing how innovation can be inspired directly by the everyday needs and habits of Indian households.
“If UPI continues to leverage technology and keep innovation at the core of their operations, I am sure they will remain the biggest disruptor in the fintech sector,” opines Mahandru.
