Fintech in the 21st Century+ Understanding the feasibility of a Cashless Economy with reference to Bengaluru

Abstract : Financial technology (FinTech) has transformed India's financial transaction systems, which support the national move towards a cashless economy. This research examines the economy’s potential for becoming fully cashless through investigating how technology-based payment systems spread among student and resident populations, and working adults. A combination of surveys supported by data analysis serves as the approach to understand the public's financial behaviour and obstacles to total financial digitisation. This transition gained momentum because of convenience factors, together with government initiatives and mobile banking solutions, as well as the widespread UPI adoption. The research study recognises major hurdles, which include unreliable internet connectivity and cyber threats, along with basic technological incompetence and societal biases to rely on cash even in unregulated markets. Digital payment systems play a crucial role in urban financial transactions, but the implementation of a fully cashless economy faces many behavioural and infrastructural barriers. The population still heavily depends on cash payments for specific transactions because the financial education needs improvement, and networks require better infrastructure and cybersecurity protection. The analysis suggests that sustainable payment systems will combine digital and cash transactions until present obstacles are eliminated. India must pursue a path to complete digital financial operations through efforts to eliminate digital inequalities as well as raise trust in financial tech solutions while expanding services throughout all economic sectors.