This report presents selected findings from the first set of academic papers produced under this collaboration. This is not a comprehensive summary of all results, but a first body of evidence on how key financial inclusion interventions backed by policy directives of the Reserve Bank of India have translated into household-level outcomes across rural India.

The insights hold critical relevance for fintechs and financial service providers operating in rural and underserved markets. By tracing how specific mechanisms shape user engagement and outcomes, the study informs the design of last-mile service delivery. It also offers clear evidence on why fintechs must design for women, not as an act of goodwill, but as a business imperative. The results of this study strongly validate that women’s inclusion shifts fi nancial behaviour, household outcomes, and long-term value of inclusion, strengthening the case for targeted, gender-intentional solutions.

The insights may be potentially useful to the policymakers and regulators driving financial inclusion in India.