Speeches & Media Interactions

Distinguished guests, participants, ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon At the outset, let me thank the organisers for inviting me and giving me an opportunity to deliver the valedictory address and share some of my thoughts on a subject which continues to engage national as well as global attention. I believe there would have been fruitful deliberations on the topics of green and sustainable finance and the role of financial institutions, opportunities and challenges, aligning of regulatory and policy worlds, facilitating global financing, and integration of climate change aspects in credit risks of the financial institutions. Each of these topics require detailed deliberations and collectively they form the building blocks for creation of a robust ecosystem for green and sustainable finance for the economy and financial system at large.

I am very happy to be here amongst you in this historic location. I thank CII and USISPF for giving me this opportunity to be present here and share my thoughts. Both CII and USISPF have played important roles in fostering partnerships in trade, technology, investment and innovation between India and USA. I compliment them for their efforts in strengthening the bond between two important economies. In my remarks today, I wish to present my perspective on how India is poised to be a dynamic powerhouse of opportunities, innovation, and sustainable growth in the years to come.

It is a pleasure to be here at the 24th FIMMDA-PDAI Annual Conference in Bali, an island that shares a deep and rich heritage with India, marked by centuries of cultural and commercial ties. 2. The past year has been eventful for financial markets globally. The initial optimism that global central banks were poised for synchronised easing of interest rates, seemingly reaching the final

Shared Vision, Shared Responsibility – Strengthening NBFCs (Speech by Shri Swaminathan J, Deputy Governor at the Conference of Non-Banking Financial Companies held at Chennai on March 28, 2025) CA Shri Charanjot Singh Nanda, President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India; Chairpersons of the Audit Committee of the Boards, MDs & CEOs of NBFCs, and Statutory Auditors of NBFCs, Executive Directors from RBI and my colleagues from the Reserve Bank of India, Ladies and Gentlemen. A very good morning to all of you.

A strong and resilient financial system is the bedrock on which the edifice of economic prosperity of a nation is built. Reserve Bank of India is the custodian of our financial system. It completed 90 years of its journey yesterday. The theme for our 90th year was ‘Stability, Trust and Growth’.

Her Excellency, the President of India, Hon'ble Governor of Maharashtra, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Hon'ble Union Minister of Communications, Hon'ble Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, distinguished invitees, representatives of the media, and my colleagues from the Reserve Bank, past and present.

It is a pleasure to be here at the Private Sector Collaborative Forum (PSCF) 2025 of the Financial Action Task Force. I am happy to note that this is the first time that the forum is being held in India. I thank FATF for giving us this opportunity. In my previous role as the Secretary in the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, I had the opportunity of being closely associated with the FATF during our mutual evaluation last year.

I am delighted to participate in this year’s Annual Conference of the RBI Ombudsmen. The Reserve Bank has been organising this conference on or around the World Consumer Rights Day, that is, 15th March. World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated every year with the aim of raising global awareness about consumer rights and needs. We organise this conference to reflect on our achievements with regard to consumer services and to deliberate on how to improve services and reduce grievances. We need to improve consumer services, not only because it is our duty to do so, but because it is in our selfish interest to do so. In this age of competition, we would not survive long if we do not provide quality service to our consumers.

I am delighted to be present here and be part of this important event on climate change which continues to draw attention in the national and international discourse. I would not dwell in detail about the perils of climate change since this audience is already well aware about its impact not only on the real economy, but also the financial system, as well as our day-to-day lives. Climate related changes are perceptible, clear, and visible. They are intensifying and threatening ecosystems, livelihoods, and economies. It is our individual and collective responsibility, to work together effectively and contribute to the global efforts to mitigate the risks associated with climate change and ensure that the Indian financial system remains resilient.

Digital Payments – Background and benefits 1. Payments are the lifeblood of commerce, enabling the flow of goods and services in an economy. They connect people, empower individuals and businesses, and drive economic growth. Quick, secure and reliable payments at affordable prices are the bedrock for a vibrant economy. Payments through digital modes support economic growth. They also deepen financial inclusion by overcoming barriers like high transaction costs and geographical limitations . In effect, digital payments are not just convenient but are also a powerful tool for economic empowerment and growth.