The Secretary of the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, M. Nagaraju, IAS, announced today the launch of three new digital features at the Global Fintech Festival (GFF) 2025.

These new offerings include UPI with On-Device Biometric Authentication for a seamless, secure, and user-friendly alternative to PIN-based UPI authentication. They also feature Aadhaar-based Face Authentication in UPI to enable Aadhaar-linked biometric authentication for setting or resetting a UPI PIN, along with a new mode for cash withdrawal through Micro ATMs using UPI at UPI Cash Points (Business Correspondent touchpoints).

UPI with On-device Biometric Authentication is the first feature launched by the DFS Secretary. The on-device Authentication for UPI allows customers to authenticate UPI payments directly through their smartphone’s built-in security features, like fingerprint or face unlock, as an alternative to manually entering the UPI PIN.

The facility will be available to customers who opt in, giving them control over their preferred authentication method. It aims to make payments faster and more secure by reducing the need for repeated PIN entries. Each transaction is independently verified by the issuing bank using strong cryptographic checks, ensuring the highest safety level while maintaining a simple and seamless experience.

Aadhaar-based Face Authentication in UPI is a new feature, launched by the DFS Secretary, that offers users a new and secure way to set or reset their UPI PIN directly within UPI apps. Until now, creating a UPI PIN required entering debit card details or going through Aadhaar OTP verification. "With Aadhaar-based Face Authentication for UPI PIN, onboarding becomes faster, simpler, and more inclusive, especially for first-time users, senior citizens, and those without easy access to cards," per the press release.

The solution leverages UIDAI’s FaceRD App for Aadhaar-based facial verification, eliminating the need to manage multiple OTPs or card details, enhancing both convenience and security.

The DFS Secretary introduced UPI as a new option for cash withdrawals at Micro ATMs at UPI Cash Points. This launch is a key step toward making the cash withdrawal process more inclusive and user-friendly by utilising UPI’s versatile digital payment system. It complements Aadhaar biometric-based AePS and card-based transactions by providing customers with a simple alternative: scanning the dynamic QR code displayed by the Business Correspondent (BC) and authorising the transaction through their UPI App.