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Getting Into FinTech: Emerging Trends and Career Paths Fairfield University News

FinCrypt Staff

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A red and blue graphic showing numbers and icons related to financial technology such as binary code, a relational database, a box plot, a bar graph, and a globe.

The dynamic landscape of the financial technology (FinTech) ecosystem has undergone rapid growth, giving rise to a myriad of innovative financial products and opportunities that extend beyond the boundaries of traditional finance.

In this article, Fairfield University Professor of Practice David Mangini, a distinguished financial technology expert, shares his insights into the transformative forces shaping the financial services industry. With a rich background that includes payments, digital currency, digital monetary systems, regulatory governance and strategic consultancy for central banks, Mangini brings real depth to his analysis. Drawing on this wealth of experience, he shares insights into the evolution of FinTech, shedding light on its influence on traditional banking, the emergence of startups and the indispensable role played by regulatory agencies. He also offers valuable insights into thriving career paths in the FinTech sector, accentuating the key roles of data analytics and artificial intelligence.

Why is FinTech such an innovative and important sector?

“FinTech” is changing the way all financial services are offered. Innovations in this technology improve the delivery of many banking and payment services and create new services that bring new value to providers and customers. Innovations range from the creation of new assets and digitalized currencies to the definition of new business models. FinTech innovations reshape the channels that connect these products and services to the market.

FinTech, a term often heard today, has been the basis of numerous innovations in financial services and has been on the rise since the 2008 financial crisis. FinTech is rapidly evolving right now because the technology that drives it is also rapidly evolving . New ways to develop and launch financial services have meant that innovators can quickly create and launch new services, and the expansion of mobile Internet access has meant that these services can reach anyone with a mobile phone. Key to this development was the opportunity to leverage cloud-based infrastructure available “as a service” from multiple sources.

The importance of FinTech is that it has the power to reshape the financial services market. New technologies allow new competitors to enter existing markets to offer new combinations of services that can appeal to a wide range of user groups. This increases competition and allows startups to generate new services according to new business models. This financial technology ecosystem expands choices for everyone. In particular, the use of these new technologies extends the reach of financial services to many populations that have been beyond the reach of the traditional industry, as is the case with microlending, which makes small loans to people or businesses that would otherwise not have access to such services. They.

Tell us about your background and how you got started in FinTech.

My FinTech journey has spanned several completely unexpected phases in my career. My FinTech career began in telecommunications engineering when I was involved in the design and implementation of some of the first cellular phone networks in the northeastern United States. My background in network technology and telecommunications led me to join IBM in the global communications sector, where we developed solutions for IBM telecommunications clients around the world. This included some of the first mobile payment systems, such as the M-Pesa solution that started in Kenya and was hugely successful. In the early 2000s, Kenyans had limited access to traditional financial institutions for monetary transactions. However, they had cell phones with access to mobile networks. A collaborative effort between public and private organizations created the M-Pesa solution, enabling money transfers via mobile phones. Since its inception, M-Pesa has expanded beyond Kenya and has over 56 million customers.

As payments technology evolved, I stayed involved as new projects using blockchain were introduced. It was then that Bitcoin and other very early cryptocurrencies were the focus of many experiments. Clearly, technology was driving many new innovations that had yet to find practical application. Digital currencies were also evolving as a possible form of national currencies issued by central banks.

This progression led to my involvement in several early projects at IBM to advance payment systems, early blockchain projects targeting enterprise applications and mobile payments.

Program director David Mangini

Tell us about one of your positions in FinTech.

Around 2015 I became an advisor to a FinTech startup in Switzerland that had developed a technology platform to allow central banks to issue their own sovereign currency in digital form. These are now known as central bank digital currencies. Until that time, central banks issued national currency exclusively in physical form in the form of banknotes and coins.

My role was to advise this startup in its efforts to educate central banks on the intersection of technology with the policies and processes of using central bank money in digital payments. This required a comprehensive understanding of the cooperative nature between technological innovation and regulated institutions. The focus is on how technology is used to advance governments’ policies and social objectives within their regulatory framework.

I have traveled around the world, meeting with institutions such as the Bank for International Settlements, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the central banks of many countries to educate them about FinTech and how it combines with their money issuing policies and processes . After several years of collaboration with this startup, we brought their design concept into one of the first successful pilot implementations of a Central Bank digital currency with Banco Central del Uruguay in 2017.

Throughout these experiences, I have seen how technology evolves to create new opportunities and capabilities that can reach all segments of society across the established financial system.

What are the three best career paths in FinTech?

The financial sector has always offered a wide range of career opportunities, and this also applies to the wide range of emerging jobs in the FinTech sector. The top 3 FinTech-rich career paths include:

Startups: New businesses are constantly emerging to develop and offer services to new user groups in new ways. KPMG reports that the amount of venture capital funding for FinTech startups exceeded $115 billion in 2021. This rich investment area is creating FinTech career opportunities for those driven by startup excitement.

Consolidated institutions: No company in the financial sector is immune to FinTech. Established institutions across the industry recognize that FinTech offers new opportunities for efficiency, new services and expansion. Every major financial institution has established significant internal development funding to fuel their FinTech incubators. In addition to dedicated FinTech teams internally, these same institutions actively work with external startups in many collaborative projects.

Regulatory agencies: Policy makers and regulators play a crucial role in the development of FinTech. For any FinTech innovation to achieve widespread adoption, it must conform to the goals of orderly market functioning, consumer protection, and serving social good. There has been a strong recent trend for many regulators to dedicate dedicated resources to work alongside the FinTech sector to help guide and shape development. An important method here is the use of Regulatory Sandboxes that allow entrepreneurs to build and demonstrate their service in closed, private environments together with regulatory authorities.

What are the emerging FinTech trends?

FinTech is advancing rapidly on several fronts. The two largest areas are Data analysis AND Artificial Intelligence (AI). Data is the fuel through which many new services take shape and add value to existing services. Knowledge of data management and interpretation and privacy controls are critical to the advancement of FinTech. Insights derived from banking and payment data can be leveraged to increase the value of various other services.

Artificial intelligence will have applications in all institutions involved in FinTech. For financial services providers, AI will provide new insights into the connections between usage patterns. AI will be a powerful tool for regulators to identify money laundering and other oversight and compliance actions.

What is (one) piece of advice you would give to someone considering a career in FinTech?

There is more than one right answer on how to start a career in FinTech. The space is so large and the skills to learn are so many that I can’t think of a wrong way to get started in this field. Even taking the exciting and somewhat risky step of joining a startup will still be of great personal benefit. You’ll gain valuable skills and increase your marketability, whether the particular startup you join thrives or not. Likewise, established institutions are not sitting idly by as FinTech happens around them. Even more traditional institutions actively involve their internal teams in FinTech projects.

How does Fairfield University prepare graduates for careers in FinTech?

FinTech is constantly developing and expanding. This dynamic field offers many FinTech job opportunities for students to advance their careers. Embraced by both startups and established institutions, FinTech has opened up a very wide range of career paths.

THE Masters in FinTech program focuses on the impact FinTech has in changing the market structure for banking, payments, digital assets and currencies. Technology has brought an explosion of creativity in new ways to disrupt the market and bring services to more people in new ways. Data analytics training is an integral part of the program and provides expertise on the critical role of data as the lifeblood of new services.

The program highlights the role of FinTech in bringing new capabilities to finance and banking within the regulatory framework, ensuring that the benefits of FinTech can be adopted across society. Ethical adoption of technology in the financial sector will continue to serve society and serve as a driver for dynamic FinTech careers.

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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

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Aveni, Investment Management, AI, NLP, UK

By Gloria Methri

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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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