RBI Advocates Use of Digital Public Infrastructure to Expand MSME Credit Access

Key Facts

• Date: 22 June 2026
• Speaker: RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra
• Context: Pre-International MSME Day event in Kochi
• Outstanding MSME credit by scheduled commercial banks as of 31 December 2025: ₹36.79 trillion
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) platforms emphasized: Account Aggregator framework, Unified Lending Interface (ULI), Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS), GST data trails, Aadhaar-enabled authentication

Background & Context

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) promotes Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to improve formal credit access for MSMEs. DPI refers to shared digital systems that help with identity verification, payment processing, data exchange, and service delivery at scale. MSMEs often face challenges in accessing credit due to lack of collateral and formal documentation. The RBI highlights several digital frameworks to facilitate seamless, consent-based, and standardized lending processes:

• Account Aggregator framework: A consent-driven and secure data-sharing system within India's financial data ecosystem, which facilitated around ₹3.5 trillion in lending during FY 2025-26 and holds potential for further growth.
• Unified Lending Interface (ULI): A digital platform enabling lenders to assess MSME borrowers through consolidated, digitally available information such as GST filings, bank statements, utility, and land records using a single consent-based interface.
• Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS): An electronic platform that helps MSMEs discount their invoices to improve cash flows.
• GST data trails & Aadhaar-enabled authentication: Provide verified financial and identity data useful for credit risk assessment and faster borrower verification.

RBI also emphasized the need to accelerate schemes like Priority Sector Lending, MUDRA, PM-SWANIDHI, PM Vishwakarma, and Credit Guarantee Schemes to promote MSME credit.

Why This Matters for Exams

The RBI's push for digital public infrastructure integration in MSME lending is an important financial sector reform topic. It illustrates India's approach to leveraging technology for inclusive growth and financial inclusion. Candidates may be asked about recent RBI initiatives, digital platforms supporting MSME finance, definitions of DPI concepts, and government schemes. Figures like loan amounts, dates, and key platforms are likely exam points.

Points to Remember

• RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra's remarks were made on 22 June 2026 in Kochi before International MSME Day.
• Credit outstanding to MSMEs by scheduled commercial banks was ₹36.79 trillion as of 31 December 2025.
• The Account Aggregator framework enabled ₹3.5 trillion of lending in FY26 and remains a pivotal digital tool for MSME lending expansion.
• ULI provides a unified, consent-based digital platform to streamline credit evaluation.
• TReDS enables invoice discounting, aiding MSME liquidity.
• GST data and Aadhaar help in digital verification and credit access.
• Priority Sector Lending and other government schemes complement RBI's digital credit push.