Fintech
The top 3 Fintech megatrends of 2024 – Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News
Of Fintechnews Switzerland
May 24, 2024
2023 represented a reset year in the venture capital (VC) ecosystem, as investments saw their first significant decline since 2017. In 2024, investors expect gradual growth in both the number and size of funding rounds compared to 2023, with huge opportunities for fintech. startups in the fields of generative artificial intelligence (gen AI), sustainable finance, business-to-business (B2B) solutions and tokenization, says a new report from American VC firm Plug and Play.
The “Fintech Megatrends 2024” report, released in March 2024, shares the top fintech trends to watch out for this year, drawing on market research and interviews with VCs and investors from Plug and Play, LBBW Venture Capital, BlackFin Tech, Elevator Ventures, Breega, Illuminate Financial, Auxxo, DB1, Fidelity International Strategic Ventures, HV Capital and Dawn Capital.
Sustainable finance
While significant efforts have been made to reduce greenhouse gases, global progress towards net-zero emissions is lagging, with CO2 emissions from energy and industry growing by 60% since 1992.
second to a Guardian investigation.
These challenges are providing opportunities for sustainable finance startups to tap into, with Plug and Play highlighting renewable energy, carbon capture and accounting technologies, circular economy solutions, and precision agriculture technologies as promising verticals .
The VC firm also sees significant opportunities in the voluntary carbon market (VCM). VCM, which allows entities to purchase carbon credits to offset greenhouse gas emissions, it was appreciated to $2 billion in 2021. By 2030, the market is expected to reach $40 billion, with industries such as banking, oil and gas, and airlines expected to remain major users of VCM. In this space, technological solutions that improve market transparency and efficiency through automated verification and predictive analytics are expected to gain momentum.
The company also expects greater demand for transparent, standardized and accurate ESG data, fueling the growth of startups in the sector. This will happen in the context of stricter regulations on ESG standards and requirements.
Integration of generative artificial intelligence and RPA
Gen AI, a type of AI technology capable of producing various forms of content, including text, images, audio, and synthetic data, emerged prominently in 2023, driven by the excitement following the introduction of OpenAI’s ChatGPT eventually of 2022.
Despite the ensuing frenzy, enterprise adoption of AI systems lagged behind expectations in 2023, with a survey of around 600 Coatue business leaders, suggesting that while 60% of businesses planned to adopt AI in 2023, less than 10% had succeeded in doing so.
This slow adoption is attributed to challenges such as the complexity of integrating AI with existing systems, lack of accuracy, and insufficient quality data. These obstacles present opportunities for fintech startups to help businesses embed AI into their systems more effectively.
Plug and Play also expects increased demand for robotic process automation (RPA) this year as banks look to cut costs and reduce their workforces. RPA involves the use of automated “bots” to handle repetitive, high-volume, low-complexity tasks typically performed by employees, improving efficiency, reducing overall costs, and enabling continuous error-free operation. Over the past decade, RPA has emerged as a leading technology in business-to-business (B2B) software technology. This growth is expected to continue, with Forrester waiting the market size will reach $22 billion in 2025.
B2B tech and fintech CFOs
CFO technology, a fintech subsector dedicated to assisting CFOs and finance teams in managing their financial operations more efficiently, is another trend to look forward to this year. The industry is expected to grow on the back of technological advances, evolving business needs and increasingly complex regulatory environments.
Finance teams face significant challenges in managing and analyzing data due to its heterogeneous nature and complex interconnections. The process involves collecting and cleansing data from various sources, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, human resource management systems, invoicing tools, customers and suppliers, a tedious and time-consuming process that distracts from more strategic activities. Additionally, normalizing and reconciling data between systems is time-consuming, and getting budget input from numerous stakeholders leads to inefficiencies and errors.
CFO technology will emerge to address these challenges by providing a comprehensive suite of tools designed to improve accuracy, efficiency, compliance and strategic decision making within the finance function. They will improve collaboration and enable finance teams to take a more proactive approach across the entire value chain. These tools will cover areas such as ERP, accounting, payroll, spend management and compliance, Plug and Play says.
Tokenization, alternative assets among the main Wealthtech trends
In the wealthtech segment, asset tokenization is expected to gain traction this year due to the technology’s potential to increase liquidity, simplify trading and open up new investment opportunities. This trend will be driven by increased adoption by banking incumbents such as JP Morgan and ABN AMRO, who are developing infrastructure to support the trend. Plutoneo, a blockchain consultancy based in Germany, projects that the European security token market will grow by 81% annually over the next five years and reach €918 billion by 2026.
The democratization of alternative assets is another important trend to watch out for in 2024 and beyond. These assets, which include private equity funds, luxury goods, art and real estate, offer diversification and new investment opportunities for both institutional and retail investors. Fintech companies are leading this trend by making private banking accessible to a broader audience.
Ultimately, indexing is set to become a hot trend in fintech in 2024, driven by the rapid growth and needs of the Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) market. Many asset managers lack the sophisticated in-house capabilities necessary for index development and benchmarking, a gap that creates opportunities for indexing-innovative fintech startups to provide the infrastructure needed to design and maintain these custom indexes. Their services will be particularly crucial for the growing segment of thematic ETFs, which require specialized and dynamic indexing solutions.
Next generation compliance tools
Finally, next-generation compliance tools are expected to gain prominence and experience significant growth this year onwards, as financial crimes and fraudulent transactions continue to pose threats to the financial system and global economies.
Plug and Play predicts a new wave of regtech startups will emerge. These startups will lead the “compliance 2.0 wave,” leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence models to spot intricate fraudulent schemes. They will focus on integrating know-your-customer (KYC), know-your-business (KYB) and anti-money laundering (AML) functionality within a single platform. This integration will facilitate ongoing customer monitoring, streamline the onboarding process and ensure ongoing anti-fraud checks.
EY estimates that the annual cost of money laundering and associated crimes ranges from $1.4 trillion to $3.5 trillion.
featured image credit: edited by freepik
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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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