India has introduced three new unified payments interface (UPI) digital features at the Global Fintech Festival (GFF) 2025.  

UPI with On-Device Biometric Authentication allows users to confirm UPI transactions using their smartphone’s biometric capabilities, such as fingerprint scanning or facial recognition, as an alternative to entering a UPI PIN.  

The feature is optional, providing users with the choice of their preferred authentication method. 

The Ministry of Finance has also rolled out Aadhaar based Face Authentication in UPI, which simplifies the process of setting or resetting a PIN by using biometric data linked to Aadhaar.  

This system employs the UIDAI’s FaceRD App for facial recognition, removing the need to handle multiple OTPs or remember card details.  

Plans are in place to expand this feature for use in transactions that require additional layers of authentication. 

Another advancement is the option to withdraw cash using UPI at Micro ATMs, located at UPI Cash Points.  

Customers can now withdraw cash by scanning a QR code presented by a Business Correspondent and approving the transaction through their UPI App.  

This service adds to the existing UPI-enabled cash services at ATMs. 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy Governor launched Multi-Signatory Accounts on UPI, enabling transactions from joint accounts to be performed with the consent of one or more signatories.  

Additionally, the Deputy Governor introduced the concept of ‘Small Value Transactions using Wearable Glasses via UPI Lite’. This allows for small, frequent payments to be made through voice commands on Smart Glasses, bypassing the need for a mobile phone or PIN entry.  

The event also marked the integration of the FX Retail Platform with Bharat Connect, providing retail customers with the ability to access foreign currency transactions (USD) through various payment and banking apps connected to the Bharat Connect (BBPS) platform.