India’s Fintech Power Meets UK’s Financial Expertise: NSE CEO on Game-Changing FTA

A New Era for Global Finance Begins with India-UK Synergy

In a compelling endorsement of cross-border cooperation, Ashish Chauhan, the CEO of India’s National Stock Exchange (NSE), hailed the newly signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the United Kingdom as a transformational step for global finance. Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Chauhan emphasized how the fusion of India’s high-tech financial innovations and the UK’s expertise in long-term fund management could reshape global financial markets.

India’s High-Tech Financial Muscle

India’s ascent as a fintech powerhouse continues to attract international attention, particularly with systems like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Chauhan pointed out that UPI has not only revolutionized digital transactions in India but also become a global benchmark.

“Indian companies bring a tremendous amount of high tech into the financial sector. India is the most innovative country in the world today in terms of fintech,” said Chauhan.

“We now handle 50% of all mobile payments globally through UPI and 50% of all stock market trades globally through NSE,” he said.

The UK’s Experience in Structuring & Stability

While India contributes cutting-edge technology and an expansive talent pool, the UK brings centuries of experience in financial structuring, regulatory governance, and long-term asset management. This combination, Chauhan noted, offers a uniquely powerful alliance for shaping the future of global finance.

The UK’s established legal and capital market structures, combined with India’s digital agility, create an ideal ecosystem for innovative financial models that could scale across both developed and emerging economies.

India’s Global Financial Workforce Is Already Here

Chauhan also highlighted the growing dependence of global institutions on India’s skilled workforce. Companies like the Bank of New York and Fidelity Investments maintain large operational hubs in Indian cities, supporting trillions in assets without even having a formal banking presence in the country.

“Bank of New York manages $50 trillion in custody and employs 40,000–50,000 people in Pune. Fidelity has about 50,000 in Bangalore,” Chauhan stated.

These examples show how India’s fintech capabilities already play a crucial behind-the-scenes role in powering global finance.

The FTA: A Strategic Pivot from Multilateralism

Chauhan also offered a broader geopolitical perspective, noting that this India-UK deal is emblematic of a new era of strategic bilateralism. As multilateral trade frameworks face political headwinds—particularly post-Donald Trump’s presidency—nations are seeking more agile and targeted economic partnerships.

“This is the first deal that signals a gradual shift away from multilateralism,” he said, suggesting that future trade agreements may increasingly rely on specialized, bilateral pacts tailored to innovation and mutual strengths.

What This Means for the Future

The India-UK FTA isn’t just a trade document—it’s a strategic playbook. By aligning India’s fintech talent and scalable infrastructure with the UK’s institutional know-how, both countries are betting on a future where cross-border finance is faster, smarter, and more inclusive.

As financial markets become increasingly tech-driven, this collaboration is poised to set global benchmarks. With India’s innovation and the UK’s legacy, the partnership offers a promising blueprint for how East and West can jointly lead the financial systems of tomorrow.

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