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Fintech Evolution in the Middle East and Africa: Insights from Finastra at the Dubai Fintech Summit

FinCrypt Staff

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Finastra

To the Dubai Fintech Summit, Mark Walker, editorial director of The Fintech Times, chatted with Siobhan Byron, Executive Vice President of Universal Banking at Window, AND Karim El Mourabet, Head of MEA Solutions Consulting, Universal Banking at Finastra, to discuss the dynamics of financial technology in the Middle East and Africa.

The conversation highlighted Finastra’s longstanding presence in the region, the rapid growth of the fintech sector, and the unique opportunities and challenges facing the region’s diverse markets.

Finastra’s long-standing commitment and market potential

Byron and El Mourabet outlined Finastra’s deep-rooted presence in the Middle East, which dates back more than 35 years. This long-term commitment has fostered strong relationships and positioned the company as a key player in the region.

El Mourabet highlighted that Finastra’s historical footprint has allowed it to maintain its relevance despite the growing number of fintech competitors. Byron noted the significant growth potential in the Middle East, driven by substantial market opportunities and strategic initiatives such as Vision 2030, that prioritizes innovation and aligns well with Finastra’s mission to advance open finance.

Regulatory framework and consumer behaviour

The discussion also delved into the regulatory landscape and consumer behavior in the Middle East and Africa. Byron noted that the regulatory environment in the Middle East, particularly in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, is more stringent than in Europe.

This stringent regulation for banks, coupled with credit scoring systems, provides a solid framework for fintechs to operate. El Mourabet added that Middle Eastern consumer behavior tends to favor spending beyond basic necessities, in contrast to the more conservative spending habits seen in Europe. This difference in consumer behavior has driven the adoption of buy now, pay later (BNPL) solutions, with luxury brands being early adopters in the region.

Challenges and opportunities in Africa

Addressing the African market, El Mourabet highlighted significant challenges, including limited access to credit and varying consumer behaviors. For example, credit scoring systems are often non-existent in many African countries, and access to funds remains a major barrier. However, digital banking initiatives have begun to fill these gaps.

El Mourabet cited the example of Zambia, where the launch of digital banking has facilitated widespread access to financial services across the country’s many territories. This digital transformation highlights the potential of financial technology to reach underserved and unbanked populations, promoting financial inclusion.

Technology Adoption and Financial Inclusion

Byron shared success stories from other regions to illustrate the transformative power of digital banking. In the Philippines, Finastra enabled Tonik Bank to launch a digital platform that reached over one million customers in 24 months. This rapid adoption is indicative of the larger trend of digital and mobile technologies accelerating financial inclusion. Byron also shared the example of BKN301 expanding into MEA, further highlighting the scalability and impact of digital banking solutions.

The Role of Mobile and Agency Banking

El Mourabet elaborated on the different banking models that are gaining traction in the region, including mobile banking and agency banking. In areas with high smartphone penetration, mobile banking is becoming increasingly popular. However, in regions where smartphone access is limited, agency banking, which involves local agents providing banking services, is proving effective. This model is particularly relevant in rural and underserved areas, offering a practical solution to the challenges of physical banking infrastructure.

Regulatory and innovation dynamics

The conversation also touched on the regulatory and innovation dynamics in the Middle East compared to Europe. Byron noted that Europe is more regulatoryly advanced than the MEA in approving cloud solutions in areas like core banking, which are mission-critical systems. However, the region has innovative government initiatives that are helping drive the open finance and fintech ecosystem. This proactive approach is evident in initiatives like Vision 2030, which aim to drive rapid growth and innovation in the sector.

Observations from the Dubai Fintech Summit

Reflecting on the summit, both Byron and El Mourabet expressed admiration for the vibrant fintech scene in the Middle East. They highlighted the impressive breadth and diversity of innovations showcased, from big players like Mastercard to emerging startups. El Mourabet stressed the importance of exploring smaller, more innovative fintech companies, which often present disruptive ideas and solutions.

Our discussion with Finastra executives at the Dubai Fintech Summit highlighted the dynamic and evolving nature of the fintech sector in the Middle East and Africa. With strong historical foundations, evolving regulatory environments, strategic government initiatives and innovative approaches to financial inclusion, the region presents significant opportunities for growth and development in the fintech landscape.

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We are the editorial team of FinCrypt, where seriousness meets clarity in cryptocurrency analysis. With a robust team of finance and blockchain technology experts, we are dedicated to meticulously exploring complex crypto markets with detailed assessments and an unbiased approach. Our mission is to democratize access to knowledge of emerging financial technologies, ensuring they are understandable and accessible to all. In every article on FinCrypt, we strive to provide content that not only educates, but also empowers our readers, facilitating their integration into the financial digital age.

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Fintech

US Agencies Request Information on Bank-Fintech Dealings

FinCrypt Staff

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Summer Trading Network 2016

Federal banking regulators have issued a statement reminding banks of the potential risks associated with third-party arrangements to provide bank deposit products and services.

The agencies support responsible innovation and banks that engage in these arrangements in a safe and fair manner and in compliance with applicable law. While these arrangements may offer benefits, supervisory experience has identified a number of safety and soundness, compliance, and consumer concerns with the management of these arrangements. The statement details potential risks and provides examples of effective risk management practices for these arrangements. Additionally, the statement reminds banks of existing legal requirements, guidance, and related resources and provides insights that the agencies have gained through their oversight. The statement does not establish new supervisory expectations.

Separately, the agencies requested additional information on a broad range of arrangements between banks and fintechs, including for deposit, payment, and lending products and services. The agencies are seeking input on the nature and implications of arrangements between banks and fintechs and effective risk management practices.

The agencies are considering whether to take additional steps to ensure that banks effectively manage the risks associated with these different types of arrangements.

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What changes in financial regulation have impacted the development of financial technology?

FinCrypt Staff

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Block Telegraph Staff

Exploring the complex landscape of global financial regulation, we gather insights from leading fintech leaders, including CEOs and finance experts. From the game-changing impact of PSD2 to the significant role of GDPR in data security, explore the four key regulatory changes that have reshaped fintech development, answering the question: “What changes in financial regulation have impacted fintech development?”

  • PSD2 revolutionizes access to financial technology
  • GDPR Improves Fintech Data Privacy
  • Regulatory Sandboxes Drive Fintech Innovation
  • GDPR Impacts Fintech Data Security

PSD2 revolutionizes access to financial technology

When it comes to regulatory impact on fintech development, nothing comes close to PSD2. This EU regulation has created a new level playing field for market players of all sizes, from fintech startups to established banks. It has had a ripple effect on other markets around the world, inspiring similar regulatory frameworks and driving global innovation in fintech.

The Payment Services Directive (PSD2), the EU law in force since 2018, has revolutionized the fintech industry by requiring banks to provide third-party payment providers (TPPs) with access to payment services and customer account information via open APIs. This has democratized access to financial data, fostering the development of personalized financial instruments and seamless payment solutions. Advanced security measures such as Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) have increased consumer trust, pushing both fintech companies and traditional banks to innovate and collaborate more effectively, resulting in a dynamic and consumer-friendly financial ecosystem.

The impact of PSD2 has extended beyond the EU, inspiring similar regulations around the world. Countries such as the UK, Australia and Canada have launched their own open banking initiatives, spurred by the benefits seen in the EU. PSD2 has highlighted the benefits of open banking, also prompting US financial institutions and fintech companies to explore similar initiatives voluntarily.

This has led to a global wave of fintech innovation, with financial institutions and fintech companies offering more integrated, personalized and secure services. The EU’s leadership in open banking through PSD2 has set a global standard, promoting regulatory harmonization and fostering an interconnected and innovative global financial ecosystem.

Looking ahead, the EU’s PSD3 proposals and Financial Data Access (FIDA) regulations promise to further advance open banking. PSD3 aims to refine and build on PSD2, with a focus on improving transaction security, fraud prevention, and integration between banks and TPPs. FIDA will expand data sharing beyond payment accounts to include areas such as insurance and investments, paving the way for more comprehensive financial products and services.

These developments are set to further enhance connectivity, efficiency and innovation in financial services, cementing open banking as a key component of the global financial infrastructure.

Sebastian Malczyk

General Manager, Technology and Product Consultant Fintech, Insurtech, Miquido

GDPR Improves Fintech Data Privacy

Privacy and data protection have been taken to another level by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), forcing fintech companies to tighten their data management. In compliance with the GDPR, organizations must ensure that personal data is processed fairly, transparently, and securely.

This has led to increased innovation in fintech towards technologies such as encryption and anonymization for data protection. GDPR was described as a top priority in the data protection strategies of 92% of US-based companies surveyed by PwC.

Arid Islam

Financial Expert, Sterlinx Global

Regulatory Sandboxes Drive Fintech Innovation

Since the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) pioneered sandbox regulatory frameworks in 2016 to enable fintech startups to explore new products and services, similar frameworks have been introduced in other countries.

This has reduced the “crippling effect on innovation” caused by a “one size fits all” regulatory approach, which would also require machines to be built to complete regulatory compliance before any testing. Successful applications within sandboxes give regulators the confidence to move forward and address gaps in laws, regulations, or supervisory approaches. This has led to widespread adoption of new technologies and business models and helped channel private sector dynamism, while keeping consumers protected and imposing appropriate regulatory requirements.

George Blandford

Co-founder, UK Linkology

GDPR Impacts Fintech Data Security

A big change in financial regulations that has had a real impact on fintech is the 2018 EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). I have seen how GDPR has pushed us to focus more on user privacy and data security.

GDPR means we have to handle personal data much more carefully. At Leverage, we have had to step up our game to meet these new rules. We have improved our data encryption and started doing regular security audits. It was a little tricky at first, but it has made our systems much more secure.

For example, we’ve added features that give users more control over their data, like simple consent tools and clear privacy notices. These changes have helped us comply with GDPR and made our customers feel more confident in how we handle their information.

I believe that GDPR has made fintech companies, including us at Leverage, more transparent and secure. It has helped build trust with our users, showing them that we take data protection seriously.

Dr. Rhett Stubbendeck

CEO & Co-Founder, Leverage Planning

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M2P Fintech About to Raise $80M

FinCrypt Staff

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M2P Fintech About to Raise $80M

Application Programming Interface (API) Infrastructure Platform M2P Financial Technology has reached the final round to raise $80 million, at a valuation of $900 million.

Specifically, M2P Fintech, formerly known as Yap, is closing a new funding round involving new and existing investors, according to entrackr.com. The India-based company, which last raised funding two and a half years ago, previously secured $56 million in a round led by Insight Partners, earning a post-money valuation of $650 million.

A source indicated that M2P Fintech is ready to raise $80 million in this new funding round, led by a new investor. Existing backers, including Insight Partners, are also expected to participate. The new funding is expected to go toward enhancing the company’s technology infrastructure and driving growth in domestic and international markets.

What does M2P Fintech do?

M2P Fintech’s API platform enables businesses to provide branded financial services through partnerships with fintech companies while maintaining regulatory compliance. In addition to its operations in India, the company is active in Nepal, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Bahrain, Egypt, and many other countries.

Another source revealed that M2P Fintech’s valuation in this funding round is expected to be between USD 880 million and USD 900 million (post-money). The company has reportedly received a term sheet and the deal is expected to be publicly announced soon. The Tiger Global-backed company has acquired six companies to date, including Goals101, Syntizen, and BSG ITSOFT, to enhance its service offerings.

According to TheKredible, Beenext is the company’s largest shareholder with over 13% ownership, while the co-founders collectively own 34% of the company. Although M2P Fintech has yet to release its FY24 financials, it has reported a significant increase in operating revenue. However, this growth has also been accompanied by a substantial increase in losses.

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Scottish financial technology firm Aveni secures £11m to expand AI offering

FinCrypt Staff

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Aveni, Investment Management, AI, NLP, UK

By Gloria Methri

Today

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  • Aveni Assistance
  • Aveni Detection

Artificial intelligence Financial Technology Aveni has announced one of the largest Series A investments in a Scottish company this year, amounting to £11 million. The investment is led by Puma Private Equity with participation from Par Equity, Lloyds Banking Group and Nationwide.

Aveni combines AI expertise with extensive financial services experience to create large language models (LLMs) and AI products designed specifically for the financial services industry. It is trusted by some of the UK’s leading financial services firms. It has seen significant business growth over the past two years through its conformity and productivity solutions, Aveni Detect and Aveni Assist.

This investment will enable Aveni to build on the success of its existing products, further consolidate its presence in the sector and introduce advanced technologies through FinLLM, a large-scale language model specifically for financial services.

FinLLM is being developed in partnership with new investors Lloyds Banking Group and Nationwide. It is a large, industry-aligned language model that aims to set the standard for transparent, responsible and ethical adoption of generative AI in UK financial services.

Following the investment, the team developing the FinLLM will be based at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, in a state-of-the-art facility.

Joseph Twigg, CEO of Aveniexplained, “The financial services industry doesn’t need AI models that can quote Shakespeare; it needs AI models that deliver transparency, trust, and most importantly, fairness. The way to achieve this is to develop small, highly tuned language models, trained on financial services data, and reviewed by financial services experts for specific financial services use cases. Generative AI is the most significant technological evolution of our generation, and we are in the early stages of adoption. This represents a significant opportunity for Aveni and our partners. The goal with FinLLM is to set a new standard for the controlled, responsible, and ethical adoption of generative AI, outperforming all other generic models in our select financial services use cases.”

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