If someone has asked this question couple of years ago about the next big thing in fin-tech, I probably would have said blockchain and distributed ledger systems (thinking of paperwork it could replace!). “Next big thing” depends upon where – North America or Western Europe, China, or “developing economies” such as in Africa or South America? However, if I think about financial services broadly, trends begin to reveal themselves.
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The most prominent theme experts are seeing in the financial services industry is the rise of digital banking. As a consequence, the digitisation and automation of financial services in small business banking is potentially a significant opportunity. Another significant area is digital and mobile banking to provide basic access to financial services (2.3 billion adults do not have a bank account).
Trends impacting the financial services industry;
- Low or negative interest rates
- Debt-fuelled economic growth
- Pressure to reduce operating costs meaning automation is increasingly more attractive
- How to retain/maintain customer relationships and keen attention to service
- In general, an industry with a future-oriented lens that is focused on managing risks ahead of innovation
- Customers are expecting more digital and mobile offerings of financial services
- Branch networks are shrinking
Lending, credit cards, and mortgages will continue to be large market opportunities. Financial institutions will be looking for ways to reduce costs and increase their margins on these products, creating fertile ground for fin-tech solutions.
Taking a look at the type of fin-tech opportunities I’ve been seeing over the past year to 18 months as an investor, I’ve seen a few business-to-business solutions including automating workflow, introducing algorithmic predictive cashflow analysis for small businesses, and digitising underwriting and pricing financial products for small business lending. These opportunities mainly centre around the same recurring theme – financial activities are costly for small businesses due to lack of scale, coupled with small and medium-sized enterprises being drivers of economic growth, which means financial institutions need more cost-efficient and effective ways of serving this market. Financial technology is the direction this is heading.
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Two billion adults worldwide do not have bank accounts. This represents a completely new market opportunity for many financial institutions. Mobile money accounts can drive financial inclusion and accessibility, as seen in Sub-Saharan Africa. Especially if you consider people in rural areas or with limited time or connections to the already shrinking branch network, digital and mobile banking are potential solutions.
Maybe there are also other significant opportunities in fin-tech around these activities.
What happens in the financial industry?
| Financial Services Activity | Examples |
|---|---|
| Storing Money | – Deposit-taking – Trust services – Retail banking – Business banking |
| Money Management | – Currency activities – Investments – Financial management |
| Financing Activity | – Lending – Financing – Capital funding |
| Payments | – Interbank transfers – Accounts payable and receivable – Credit cards |
What are the activities needed to make the above services/benefits possible?
- Trust and compliance
- Record keeping
- Automating administrative tasks such as application forms
- Movement of money
- Payments
- Transfers between institutions and accounts
- Transfers of money from institutions to individuals, companies, and organizations
- Decision-making
- Data gathering
- Prediction and learning loops
- Algorithmic decision-making
- Building capital, generating income
- Relationship building and management
Best fin-tech app in USA:
MoneyLion:
MoneyLion is a financial technology company but not a bank. RoarMoney℠ demand deposit account provided by, and MoneyLion Debit Mastercard® issued by, Pathward, National Association, Member FDIC.
Robinhood:
Robinhood Markets, Inc. is an American financial services company. Its headquarter is in Menlo Park, California, that facilitates commission-free trades of stocks, exchange-traded funds and cryptocurrencies via a mobile app introduced in March 2015.
Chime:
Chime is a financial technology company founded on the premise that basic banking services should be helpful, easy and free. We want to profit with our members, not from them.
Nubank:
Nubank is a Brazilian neobank and the largest fintech bank in Latin America. Its headquarters are located in São Paulo, Brazil.
Mint:
Mint brings together everything from spending, balances, and budgets to your credit score and more. Access your financial life in one powerful app.
Revolut:
From your everyday spending, to planning for your future with savings and investments, Revolut helps you get more from your money.
Coinbase:
Coinbase is a distributed company; all employees operate via remote work and the company lacks a physical headquarters. It is the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the United States by trading volume.
N26:
N26 is The Mobile Bank, helping you manage your bank account on-the-go, track your expenses and set aside money in real-time.
Tellus:
With Tellus, your money is within hand’s reach. Every dollar you deposit is backed by real assets – not stock or crypto.
Conclusion
The financial services industry is witnessing significant trends that are shaping the future of fintech. Digital banking is on the rise, with a focus on small business banking and providing basic access to financial services for the unbanked population. Automation and cost reduction are becoming attractive options for financial institutions, while customer service and innovation remain crucial. Lending, credit cards, and mortgages continue to be market opportunities for fintech solutions. Additionally, the potential of mobile money accounts for financial inclusion and accessibility, particularly in rural areas, is gaining attention. Trust and compliance, record-keeping, automating administrative tasks, data gathering, algorithmic decision-making, and relationship building are key activities needed to enable these services. Some of the best fintech apps in the USA include MoneyLion, Robinhood, Chime, Nubank, Mint, Revolut, Coinbase, N26, and Tellus, catering to various financial needs and preferences.
