UPI MDR Needed To Fight Cyber Threats With AI: NPCI Chief Dilip Asbe

A market-driven economic model for UPI is essential to fund escalating cybersecurity, scalability, and infrastructure costs, UPI operator NPCI’s MD and CEO Dilip Asbe said. Speaking at the 13th SBI Banking & Economics Conclave 2026, Asbe defended the move to introduce merchant discount rate (MDR) charges on UPI . The MDR regime will come into effect from October 15.