The panel of esteemed financial wizards discussed the significant role of lending institutions, particularly Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), in fostering the growth of the Indian economy, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. With a vast network of approximately 8,000 NBFCs/MFIs, there's an opportunity to leverage technology for delivering insurance products and extending financial protection to remote and underserved regions. The discussion revolved around the potential of credit-linked insurance to safeguard borrowers and their families from unforeseen events, ultimately reducing the risk of loan defaults. The panel discussion at the Zopper NXT10 InsurTech Summit 2023 featured industry experts who delved into how shadow banks are addressing the protection gap in rural India.