Digital Lending Boom in India: Industry Growth, Small-Ticket Loans, and Employment Surge

Headline: Fintech Lending Industry Shows Increasing Disbursements and a Promising Future.

Introduction:

The fintech lending industry is revolutionizing the financial sector by increasing access to credit and offering innovative digital experiences. The industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with more consumers turning to digital lending platforms for their financing needs. As the industry continues to disrupt traditional banking, it is important to understand its growth and the promises it holds for the future.

According to a recent report by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and EY, digital lending volumes grew by 131%, from 3.10 crore loans disbursed in FY21-22 to 7.26 crore loans disbursed in FY22-23. The report shows a significant increase in the adoption of digital lending platforms by Indian consumers. This growth is attributed to several factors, including the government’s push for digitization, the introduction of new fintech lending companies, and increased awareness and trust in digital lending platforms.

The total value of loans disbursed also increased by about 129% compared to FY21-22, growing from Rs 35,940 crore to Rs 92,848 crore. This increase in the total value of loans disbursed is an excellent indication of the growth of digital lending in India. It showcases the potential for these digital platforms to cater to the needs of a vast and diverse population.

The report highlights significant variation in ticket sizes across companies as they focus on different customer needs and market segments. While some companies offer small-ticket loans that meet the day-to-day financing needs of consumers, others cater to more significant expenses such as education or home renovation. The variation in ticket sizes is evidence of the industry’s potential to cater to the diverse needs of Indian consumers at all levels.

Small-ticket loans:
At an aggregate level, the majority of loans are for small-ticket loans of less than Rs. 25,000, meeting customers’ needs. This is a crucial aspect of the digital lending industry in India because many individuals lack access to formal credit channels. Digital lending platforms provide those individuals with much-needed credit access, thereby improving their financial well-being.

Employment Growth in Fintech Lending:
Bucking the layoff trend in many other tech sectors, fintech lending experienced a remarkable increase in employment with member companies reporting a 42% growth in employment in FY22-23 over the previous year, according to the CII-EY report. This growth in employment is a direct result of the industry’s overall growth and the need for more manpower to support businesses.

Outsourced Employees:
According to the report, the share of outsourced employees remains one-fifth of the employee base. However, this share of outsourced employees is gradually decreasing as companies are shifting towards hiring more permanent staff. This trend is a positive sign for the industry’s long-term prospects since it indicates employers’ commitment to creating stable jobs.

The total number of employees in fintech lending companies increased significantly from 10,779 in FY21-22 to 15,326 in FY22-23, representing a growth percentage of 42%. This employment growth is evidence of fintech lending’s rapid growth and its potential to create numerous employment opportunities in the future.

Factors Influencing Disbursement Volume:
The drop in disbursement volume between FY21-22 and FY22-23 is influenced by various factors. The report states that individual companies have moved to different market segments, increased their ticket size, and focused on regulatory changes. These factors have caused fluctuations in the industry’s disbursement volumes.

The promising future of the fintech lending industry in India is evident from the significant growth in digital lending volumes, the increase in the total value of loans disbursed, and the trend towards creating stable employment opportunities. These are all encouraging signs of the industry’s potential. The fintech industry is steadily disrupting the traditional banking industry and providing equal opportunities for everyone to access credit. With such potential for growth, the fintech industry is poised to play a crucial role in India’s financial growth and development.

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