Fintech
When financial technology meets fun to create online opportunities
When it comes to the heady world of global finance, the topics we could delve into are almost limitless. From the chatter on the NASDAQ to the latest vicissitudes of the FTSE, from the growing use of the euro as new countries join it, to the value of the mighty US dollar, and these are just a few pearls of conversation to start with.
One discussion that will always be relevant in the current climate is the impact of the digital revolution on finance. What has technology done to change global finance, what impact has it had on various sectors, and what opportunities have been and are continually being created?
That last sentence above and what it details is, in itself, a complex topic. Even so, it is a topic that always deserves further content and deserves a deeper dive into what this all means for global finance and the industries that are growing as a direct result of such fiscal and technological advances. To begin with, let’s take the online casino sector as an example. Without technology this wouldn’t be an industry but, and this is important, without FinTech it would never have become a multi-billion dollar industry like it is now. Whether it’s playing poker on the phone in London to pass the time on the road, enjoying some roulette on your tablet on the train to Paris just for fun, or playing online slots in Canada for real money on your laptop as a weekend pastime, this is an industry that has harnessed the power of FinTech and combined it, very successfully, with the opportunities that online entertainment has to offer. In fact, it has taken the land-based casino landscape and brought it to the online masses.
Of course there’s more to discuss, but you might be starting to see my point. As the title suggests, from the world of high finance to the Five Card draw, the meeting of fintech and online entertainment has been a perfect marriage, so to speak. But how far have FinTech technological advances brought the world of online entertainment opportunities, and how are these two digital developments so seemingly and intrinsically linked? Well, if we think about the fact that both FinTech and online entertainment are global giants that complement each other, this could be a good starting point.
Digital developments lead to increased revenues from online entertainment
I think it’s fair to say that the digital developments that have not only brought the Internet to the world, but made it an everyday reality for billions of users, have created a wealth of opportunities for many around the world. By this, to be clear, I mean opportunities both for those in any type of digital or online business, and for those who enjoy online entertainment as a pastime. Think about it for a moment and you will probably be able to name, almost immediately, a form of online entertainment or a pastime that you enjoy, and even the last tax transaction you made that was made possible by digital development. Well, you’ve already thought of more than one, I suspect.
For tech entrepreneurs, everything from the world of eCommerce to iGaming has created an entirely new industry that combines FinTech and virtual entertainment. Likewise, for anyone, and there are billions of us, who love to enjoy online entertainment, the options are too numerous to count and the variety of virtual entertainment options almost endless. Check someone out web content focused on financeyou’ll soon see the convergence between technology and online gaming, for example, and how these two sectors overlap and, in many ways, fuel each other’s rise to greater heights.
The fun revenue comes to those who are creating these virtual playgrounds, and without the FinTech element, some of these sites, apps, and forms of digital revenue drivers wouldn’t even exist.
The future looks bright for digital finance and related sectors
I don’t have a crystal ball and I don’t have the ability to predict the future with certainty. If I did, my financial future would be that of a lottery win, but I digress. What I can do, however, is look at the present, at how we got here, and suggest the trajectory that might be likely when it comes to digital finance and the growth of some related industries. As discussed previously, one of the many ways FinTech is used is to protect and preserve the integrity of financial transactions and activities. Whether it’s trading stocks and shares online or making daily contactless payments, booking a holiday online or playing poker in a global online tournament, the security offered by FinTech is increasingly sophisticated. Ultimately, this makes the world of online entertainment, especially when payments or tax transactions are involved, safer and more inviting.
Furthermore, this is a big deal for many in the FinTech world. Of course, there are many digital finance sectors that are thriving, growing and becoming global success stories. When you look at the number of Fintech startups, however, you will soon see that it is part of the digital finance sector that is doing particularly well. On top of that, eCommerce continues to grow, the number of digital transactions made each day globally continues to grow exponentially, and online entertainment platforms are becoming increasingly difficult to count.
From companies processing such payments to those investing in online leisure, it seems to me that when FinTech meets fun, the opportunities are almost endless, and this could be the future for this and all other related industries, both within and outside of finance. .
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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