Rishi Rathi’s Post

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Product Manager - Payments @ Wells Fargo | IIM Bangalore

In a significant pivot, the Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) app, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), is set to join forces with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This collaboration represents a crucial strategy to boost BHIM's visibility & usage against the reigning heavyweights of India's digital payments market, PhonePe and Google Pay. Launched with significant expectations in 2016, BHIM has struggled to secure a foothold in a market dominated by its rivals, which command a staggering 85% share. Despite being built on the robust Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platform, BHIM has lagged due to relatively lower adoption rates. The reasons are multifaceted, including insufficient marketing and consumer misconceptions about payment app interoperability. The entry into ONDC is poised to be a game-changer for BHIM. ONDC's ecosystem offers a non-discriminatory platform that allows for a more leveled playing field in digital commerce. By integrating with ONDC, BHIM is not just a payment tool but becomes a gateway for users to engage in a broader range of e-commerce activities such as ordering food, groceries, and apparel. This move is expected to enhance the app's utility and appeal, potentially increasing its user base. Recent trends indicate a revival in BHIM's adoption, possibly fueled by regulatory actions affecting competitors like Paytm and strategic hires such as Rahul Handa, a former ONDC executive, who is now steering BHIM's growth strategies. Yet, the challenges ahead are daunting. Consumer trust & behavior are not swiftly altered, and BHIM will need to work hard to dispel existing perceptions and incentivize both consumers & merchants. However, relying solely on ONDC might not be sufficient. A more aggressive approach involving tailored marketing strategies, enhanced consumer incentives, and robust merchant engagement is crucial. Furthermore, operating a successful B2C payment service poses unique challenges, especially for an entity like NPCI, which traditionally operates in the B2B sphere. The organization will need to adapt to the dynamics of direct consumer interaction, requiring shifts in strategy, operations, and perhaps even culture. As BHIM repositions itself within this competitive landscape, the broader implications for the market are significant. A stronger BHIM could lead to more equitable market conditions, reduced risks of market concentration, and enhanced innovation in digital payment solutions. Ultimately, the success of this integration could serve as a case study in how strategic collaborations and adaptive business models can reshape market dynamics in technology-driven industries. The journey of BHIM 2.0 will be one to watch, as it tests the waters of consumer preferences and market realities in the evolving digital commerce space in India.

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