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As 2025 comes to a close, Indian households and investors have navigated a year of significant financial reforms. From digital identity overhauls and UPI tweaks to middle-class-friendly tax reforms, these changes have reshaped daily money management, investment decisions, and retirement planning. Here’s a look at the most impactful policy updates and what they mean for your wallet.
Aadhaar goes fully digital
India’s identity backbone saw major changes this year, with a focus on privacy, convenience, and fraud prevention.
· Online updates now fully digital (November 2025): Core details such as name, address, date of birth, and mobile number can now be updated online via the UIDAI portal or mAadhaar app, removing the need for in-person visits.
Implication: Faster KYC updates mean quicker bank account openings, loan approvals, and investment transactions.
· No more photocopies (late 2025): Offline verifications now require QR code scanning through the Aadhaar Verify app. Entities using Aadhaar for verification must register with UIDAI.Implication: Reduces risks of identity theft and ensures smoother verification for travel, rentals, or subsidies.
· Expanded enrollment rules (August 2025): Virtual updates for NRIs and enhanced data security protocols were introduced.
Implication: Easier access for overseas transactions, including remittances and investments.
Tip: Link your Aadhaar to PAN for seamless ITR filing and familiarise yourself with QR-based verification. ALSO READ | Retirement investing in 2025: Key returns, hard lessons & the 2026 outlook
UPI
UPI continued to dominate digital payments, with over 15 billion monthly transactions mid-year, prompting stricter safeguards and efficiency upgrades.
· Balance inquiry limits and auto-display (August 2025): Daily balance checks capped at 50, with automatic post-transaction balance display to prevent fraud. Transfers above Rs 1 lakh now require biometric or multi-factor authentication.
· Biometric autopay and multi-signatory support: AutoPay renewals need biometric confirmation, joint wallets and AI fraud alerts help secure recurring payments. Wallet top-ups above Rs 10,000 attract nominal fees.
· High-value transaction security (April 2025 onwards): Faster transaction responses and AI monitoring for suspicious activity improve safety for e-commerce shoppers and remittance senders.
Tip: Review recurring payments regularly and use fingerprint or face ID for high-value transfers to minimise risk. ALSO READ | Year-end travel sees Indians spend on comfort and pilgrimages: Report
Tax reforms
The 2025-26 Union Budget offered measures to simplify taxation and increase disposable income.
· New tax slabs: Zero tax for incomes up to Rs 12 lakh, with subsequent slabs at 5 per cent (Rs 12-15 lakh) and 10 per cent (Rs 15-20 lakh). Salaried taxpayers get an additional Rs 50,000 standard deduction.
