India, Oct. 8 -- The RBI has launched a CBDC retail sandbox to open up access to digital rupee for fintech players and startups.

Until now, only a few pilot banks could test the CBDC through closed systems. With the retail sandbox, fintech players can now access APIs, build prototypes, and test products in a secure, simulated environment.

"The CBDC retail sandbox will give innovators the space to experiment and build on top of the digital rupee," RBI governor Sanjay Malhotra said while announcing the launch at the Global Fintech Fest 2025. "It will help create new use cases, improve customer experience, and add value to ongoing pilots."

Fintechs can either join the sandbox directly or through their partner banks. The RBI said that the ...