SBI MD flags need for regulator-led UPI ‘pause’ mechanism, highlights AI push in banking and fraud control

State Bank of India Managing Director (Corporate Banking and Subsidiaries) Ashwini Kumar Tewari on Wednesday said the banking system in India is looking at ways and means to help customers retrieve funds in cases of fraud or inadvertent transactions, but stressed that any move to introduce any mechanism must come from regulators such as RBI and NPCI.

Referring to suggestions that UPI payments could be held temporarily before settlement, Tewari said there have been suggestions from a few quarters. "Nothing has moved ahead so far. This falls under the domain of RBI and NPCI, and they will have to decide it. No single bank can decide upon it, whether a UPI payment can be freezed for 30 minutes (or so and so). Deliberations are underway, with suggestions from many. Nothing has been finalised yet," he said, talking to reporters here.

Tewari also detailed the extensive integration of artificial intelligence across the banking sector. "Banking sector is using AI, largely in three to four areas, serving customers in choosing products - we can fine-tune, in other words, hyper-personalisation, protection from fraud risks and for cyber security, better marketing, and AI chatbots for customers and staff. AI is being used in all areas. AI can process large data and give solutions quickly, which otherwise may take time to do it manually," he added.

He emphasised that managing the risks associated with emerging technologies is essential. "Every technology has its own upside and downside, and as banks, we need to make our customers more aware, and stay ahead of the curve in terms of technology models vis-a-vis fraudsters, so that misuse of AI can be stopped," he noted.

His remarks come as digital payment volumes rise and regulators weigh potential mechanisms to strengthen customer protection.