Fintech
Paytm’s latest moves in the travel sector
Take Skift
Paytm is a major fintech player in India and has a strong user base in smaller cities in India. This user base gives it a slight edge over other OTAs.
—Bulbul Dhawan
Paytm started as a financial services company in India, but is now diversifying its revenue streams, with a focus on travel. The fintech company often refers to itself as an online travel agency and considers travel as a core business segment.
In its latest initiative to enhance its travel offerings, Paytm has entered into a strategic partnership with German intercity bus service company FlixBus, which entered India in February this year.
Want to become an OTA? Officially, Paytm is still a “mobile payments and financial services delivery company,” with a mission to bring 500 million Indians closer to the traditional economy using technology.
However, after his Payments bank (which ignored payments wallets, customer accounts and term deposits) was shut down earlier this year by India’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of India, and the fintech operator began looking for alternative sources of revenue, including travel.
About Paytm websitePaytm Travel is the first segment to appear, allowing customers to book flight, bus or train tickets.
Paytm Chief Commercial Officer Vikash Jalan highlighted the theme of travel in his statement on the partnership with FlixBus: “As a leading company travel aggregatorWe are committed to improving the overall travel experience in India. Our partnership with FlixBus marks a significant step forward in this mission, directly aligning with our core business goals to stimulate growth in the travel sector.”
Last month, Paytm has announced its partnership with travel aggregators Skyscanner, Google Flights and Wego. The move followed a 19% year-on-year increase in flight bookings on Paytm in the January-March quarter this year.
It recently added features like guaranteed seat assistance to its train booking segment and partnered with Samsung to offer flight and bus ticket booking through Samsung Wallet.
Its travel division has also added three new airlines to its lineup: Cambodia Angkor Air, SalamAir and FlyDubai.
Importance of Paytm: Paytm has played a crucial role in India’s digital economy, especially after demonetization in November 2016, where the Indian government discontinued INR 500 and 1,000 notes to curb the issuance of counterfeit currency. The move led to a surge in digital payments in India, with Paytm gaining the first-mover advantage in QR-based mobile payments using its payment wallet.
Paytm’s user base has grown from around 140 million in October 2016 to 270 million a year later, reaching even the remotest parts of the country.
This user base of small cities in India makes Paytm a crucial player, giving it a slight edge over other OTAs.
Visa Applications for France Increase Before Paris Olympics
Online visa platform Atlys has registered a 60% increase in visa applications to France from Indian travellers ahead of the Paris Summer Olympics. Applicants from metropolitan cities including Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore account for the largest share.
There has also been a 45% increase in group visa applications as Indians are planning to travel to the Olympics with their families and friends.
Sports tourism is on the rise in India, as Skift has previously reportedIndian online travel companies have seen up to a 40% increase in demand for global sporting events, including tennis tournaments, the Cricket World Cup, the Olympics and F1.
Atlys also saw a 50% increase in inquiries about sports tourism, with travellers also interested in visiting French sports venues such as the Stade de France and Stade Roland Garros.
Mumbai Airport records 7% growth in passenger traffic
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai has recorded a passenger footfall of over 13.4 million between April and June 2024. This marked a 7% increase over the same quarter last year.
In May alone, the airport handled 4.7 million passengers, CSMIA said in a statement. Mumbai is India’s second busiest airport, after Delhi.
Among domestic markets, Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad were the top three destinations for passengers departing from Mumbai. Internationally, most passengers travelled to Dubai, Singapore and London.
Indian airlines IndiGo, Air India and Vistara held the highest market share in domestic and international traffic at the airport during the quarter, CSMIA said.
Air India collaborates with Bicester Collection
Full-service airline Air India has partnered with luxury retail destination The Bicester Collection. The partnership will allow members of Air India’s Flying Returns loyalty program to earn reward points on shopping and dining at The Bicester Collection’s open-air villages in Europe.
“The demand for luxury shopping among Indians continues to grow at a record pace, with Indians now among the top spenders when travelling across the world,” said Sunil Suresh, Head of Marketing, Loyalty and E-Commerce, Air India.
During the financial year 2023-24, Indians spent $31.7 billion, reaching a New peak in spending abroadOf this, 54%, or $17 billion, was spent on international travel, a 25% increase over the previous year.
Radisson opens Grand Mirage Dhanbad in Jharkhand
Radisson Hotel Group has opened Grand Mirage Dhanbad, a member of Radisson Individuals, in Jharkhand. The hotel has 70 rooms and suites.
The property is part of Radisson’s strategy to focus on tier 2 and tier 3 cities in India for its expansion, as more than 50% of its portfolio of 180 hotels is located in smaller cities.
Executive Vice President and Head of Global Development Elie Younes also shared this with Slip earlier this year, saying: “Our expansion plans for 2024 are ambitious, focusing not only on major metropolitan cities, but also targeting tier 2 and 3 cities to meet the growing demand in these markets.”
Radisson operates 10 brands in India, including Radisson Collection, Radisson Individuals and its recently launched extension Radisson Individuals Retreats.
Photo credit: The fintech company often refers to itself as an online travel agency.
Fintech
US Agencies Request Information on Bank-Fintech Dealings
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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Fintech
What changes in financial regulation have impacted the development of financial technology?
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.
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.
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.
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.
CEO & Co-Founder, Leverage Planning
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Fintech
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.
Fintech
Scottish financial technology firm Aveni secures £11m to expand AI offering
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.”
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