Embedded finance can widen credit access, but housing loans will remain high-touch: NBFC leaders
Digital distribution, vernacular technology and co-lending partnerships are creating new opportunities for NBFCs to expand credit access. However, executives at the ETBFSI NBFC Leaders’ Retreat 2026 said housing finance will continue to require human engagement, while better land records, property valuation and technology integration remain critical to scaling lending.
Embedded finance and digital distribution are opening new avenues for India’s lending industry to reach underserved borrowers, particularly in smaller towns. However, while technology can simplify onboarding and accelerate credit processing, complex products such as housing finance will continue to depend on customer trust, reliable property records and human engagement. Industry leaders at a trialogue chat at the ETBFSI NBFC Leaders’ Retreat 2026, moderated by Sneha Jha, Editor – Special Projects, ETCIO, said the next phase of lending growth would depend on expanding digital distribution without compromising underwriting discipline, customer experience and governance. Advt
Digital distribution must balance scale with customer access For IIFL Finance , expanding retail credit requires a combination of physical distribution, technology investment and standardised lending processes. Mayank Sharma, President, IIFL Finance, said technology has become essential to delivering consistent customer experiences across metropolitan cities and smaller towns. However, digital distribution is not merely about increasing the number of platforms through which financial products are offered. Lenders must also ensure that credit checks, regulatory controls and monitoring remain consistent across customer journeys.
IIFL Finance combines local employees, vernacular-language interfaces and simplified onboarding to reach customers with limited familiarity with formal financial services.
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