Connect with us

Fintech

Fintech thrives post-COVID-19 with customer growth above 50% – Fintech Switzerland Digital Finance News

FinCrypt Staff

Published

on

Fintech thrives post-COVID-19 with customer growth above 50% - Fintech Switzerland Digital Finance News

Of Fintechnews Switzerland
May 13, 2024

Post-COVID-19, the global fintech sector has maintained its growth trajectory, driven by both growing consumer interest in fintech offerings and improved accessibility to digital financial services.

The results of a study conducted by the Cambridge Center for Alternative Finance (CCAF) and the World Economic Forum (WEF) revealed that the fintech sector has seen strong customer take-up since the pandemic, achieving a higher average annual growth rate to 50% in most major sectors, from 2020 to 2022.

The survey, which questioned Over 200 fintech companies across five verticals and six retail-facing regions found that fintech companies continued to expand post-COVID-19. With the exception of digital capital raising, which saw a significant decline related to a challenging environment and rising interest rates, all verticals have seen robust year-over-year (YoY) customer growth rates since 2020.

Notably, insurtech saw notable growth, particularly between 2020 and 2021 (-76%), but saw a slight decline between 2021 and 2022 (-66%). This decline is largely attributed to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on insurtech in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs), where higher value claims, a higher number of claims and a greater number of insurance policy expiries. Digital payments have also shown continued growth, increasing slightly between 2021 and 2022 from 53% to 57% and reflecting continued growth catalyzed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Customer growth rate 2020-21 and 2021-22 - by business model

Customer growth rate 2020-21 and 2021-22 – by business model, Source: The Future of Global Fintech: Towards Resilient and Inclusive Growth, Cambridge Center for Alternative Finance and the World Economic Forum, January 2024

Strong customer growth was observed in various regions, except Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where rates were comparatively lower at 42% between 2020 and 2021 and then at 36% between 2021 and 2022, likely due to infrastructure challenges exacerbated during the pandemic. The North America, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions have emerged as leaders in customer growth, driven by increasing digitalisation and structured regulations around digital payment methods, banking and credit.

The study findings also reveal that consumer demand (51%) was the primary driver of growth, a consistent trend across all regions.

Customer growth rate 2020-21 and 2021-22 - by region

Customer growth rate 2020-21 and 2021-22 – by region, Source: The Future of Global Fintech: Towards Resilient and Inclusive Growth, Cambridge Center for Alternative Finance and the World Economic Forum, January 2024

The challenges faced by fintech companies

Despite positive growth trends, fintech companies are also facing challenges. Macroeconomic factors, an unfavorable regulatory environment and an inadequate financing environment were identified as the main factors hindering growth, noted by 56%, 47% and 40% of respondents respectively, in the context of global inflation and interest rates all over the world.

Interestingly, while the challenges are diverse, regulatory concerns have consistently been ranked among the top three factors impacting fintech growth, reinforcing how critical regulation is to fintech growth.

Factors that support or hinder fintechs' ability to grow

Factors that support or hinder fintechs’ ability to grow, Source: The Future of Global Fintech: Towards Resilient and Inclusive Growth, Cambridge Center for Alternative Finance and the World Economic Forum, January 2024

Regionally, fintech companies have faced different challenges, suggesting regional variations. European (52%) and North American (45%) fintech companies cited a highly competitive market as the main challenge for expanding their services to additional or new client sectors, while those in the MENA region highlighted high compliance requirements (52%) ). In Asia-Pacific (APAC), fintech companies identified consumer education as the most prevalent challenge (59%), followed by a highly competitive market (45%) and high compliance requirements (36%).

Most challenging factors in extending services to additional or new customer segments: Top drivers by region

Most challenging factors in expanding services to additional or new customer segments: key drivers by region, Source: The Future of Global Fintech: Towards Resilient and Inclusive Growth, Cambridge Center for Alternative Finance and the World Economic Forum, January 2024

Promote financial inclusion

The study findings also highlight the role of fintech in promoting financial inclusion. Globally, female, low-income, and rural or remote customers made up a substantial portion of the fintech customer base, averaging 39%, 40%, and 27%, contributing 39%, 26%, and 31% of the total, respectively. total value of transactions. This trend has been consistent across advanced economies (EAs) and EMDEs, with small disparities.

Regionally, fintech firms in SSA and MENA had the highest percentages of low-income and rural or remote customers, with 47% and 46% representation for low-income customers, as well as 34% and 32% for rural or remote customers. segments, respectively.

MENA countries have also been the first to challenge gender biases, with women making up 45% of fintech companies’ total customer base, followed closely by APAC and North America at 42% and 41% respectively . Women from MENA also contributed nine percentage points more to transaction values ​​than the representation of their customer base and accounted for 54% of overall transaction values. In contrast, European fintech companies reported the lowest percentage of female transactions, at 28%.

AI, digital economy and integrated finance as the main trends in the sector

Looking to the future, fintech companies have identified artificial intelligence (AI) as the most relevant topic for the development of the sector in the next five years. Almost all verticals have recognized the importance of AI in bringing about changes in business models, customer engagement and regulatory frameworks.

Integrated finance, the digital economy and open banking are all almost tied as the second most relevant factors (53-54%). Companies surveyed said they expect the use of digital platforms to continue to grow, which will ultimately drive the digital economy and, in turn, the rise of integrated financial products. Ultimately, open banking and open finance are expected to play a critical role in enabling data sharing at scale with customer consent, fueling further innovations in business models and new products.

According to Fintech, the most relevant, relevant and least important topics for the development of the fintech sector in the next five years

The most relevant, relevant and least important topics for the development of the fintech sector in the next five years, according to fintech companies, Source: The Future of Global Fintech: Towards Resilient and Inclusive Growth, Cambridge Center for Alternative Finance and the World Economic Forum, January 2024

Featured image credit: Edited by freepik

Receive the most interesting news from Fintech Switzerland once a month in your inbox

Source

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.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Información básica sobre protección de datos Ver más

  • Responsable: Miguel Mamador.
  • Finalidad:  Moderar los comentarios.
  • Legitimación:  Por consentimiento del interesado.
  • Destinatarios y encargados de tratamiento:  No se ceden o comunican datos a terceros para prestar este servicio. El Titular ha contratado los servicios de alojamiento web a Banahosting que actúa como encargado de tratamiento.
  • Derechos: Acceder, rectificar y suprimir los datos.
  • Información Adicional: Puede consultar la información detallada en la Política de Privacidad.

Fintech

US Agencies Request Information on Bank-Fintech Dealings

FinCrypt Staff

Published

on

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.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER

And get exclusive articles on the stock markets



Source

Continue Reading

Fintech

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

FinCrypt Staff

Published

on

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

Related Articles

Source

Continue Reading

Fintech

M2P Fintech About to Raise $80M

FinCrypt Staff

Published

on

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.

Source

Continue Reading

Fintech

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

FinCrypt Staff

Published

on

Aveni, Investment Management, AI, NLP, UK

By Gloria Methri

Today

  • To come
  • 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.”

Previous Article

Network International and Biz2X Sign Partnership for SME Financing

to know more

IBSi Daily News Analysis

cloud,

SMBs Leverage Cloud to Gain Competitive Advantage, Study Shows

to know more

IBSi FinTech Magazine

  • The Most Trusted FinTech Magazine Since 1991
  • Digital monthly issue
  • Over 60 pages of research, analysis, interviews, opinions and rankings
  • Global coverage

subscribe now

Source

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 FINCRYPT.INFO. All rights reserved. This website provides educational content and highlights that investing involves risks. It is essential to conduct thorough research before investing and to be prepared to assume potential losses. Be sure to fully understand the risks involved before making investment decisions. Important: We do not provide financial or investment advice. All content is presented for educational purposes only.