Fintech or financial technology is a term used to describe emerging technology whose aim is to automate and improve the use and delivery of financial services. At its most basic, fintech is used to assist consumers, business owners and companies in better managing different aspects of their lives by using specialized algorithms on their devices. When the term first emerged, it was mainly applied to the technology used by established financial companies in their backend systems. Today, it has shifted to more consumer-oriented services. With this shift, its definition has also had to shift. Today, it includes different sectors and industries such as nonprofits, education, fundraising and nonprofits. Read on to learn everything you have ever wanted to know about fintech .
History of the Financial Technology Industry
Although many believe that fintech is a new tech breakthrough, the reality is that it has existed for quite a while. Its origins go all the way back to the introduction of credit cards in the 1950s. Their introduction eliminated the need for members of the public to carry hard currency.
From here, the sector evolved to include online stock trading services and bank mainframes. PayPal came into the scene decades later (1998), making it one of the first corporations to operate primarily on the internet.
It’s a breakthrough that has further been revolutionized by data encryption, social media and mobile technology. The revolution has led to the introduction of:
- Social media housed payment options and gateways
- Blockchain networks
- Mobile payment applications
All these are in use today by the chevron flooring businesses.
How Does Fintech Work?
Fintech provides consumers and corporations with access to traditional financial services using innovative methods that didn’t exist before. For example, most mobile banking apps now provide their users with on-the-go access to various conventional bank services such as:
- Checking your balances
- Transferring funds on-and-off network
- Depositing a check
Fintech also automates many services relied on by modern businesses, e.g., real estate appraisals and loan underwriting. Combining massive troves of customer data with artificial intelligence enables fintech companies to understand their target audiences. They then use it to power their underwriting, product development and marketing campaigns.
Sub Sectors within Fintech
Financial technology is a field that’s increasingly defined by a growing number of startups and other established names. Overall, fintech has various subsectors, as seen below:
Mobile Banking and Neobanks
Many finance technology companies have made mobile banking their central focus. And, this is because consumers are increasingly demanding easy access to the money in their accounts. They want to be in a position where they can access their funds using a mobile device. This has forced banks to start offering specialized mobile banking features. While this is seen as an attempt to help meet customer demands, these features also aim to ensure that the banks will remain profitable as they face off with neobanks.
Neobanks refer to banks that don’t operate a physical branch location. These banks get to offer payment services, savings and checking accounts on digital infrastructure. Their infrastructure is completely mobile, with some of them allowing third-party applications to access customers’ financial data. This concept is called open banking.
Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency refers to a digital currency that’s decentralized and supported by underlying blockchain technology. The first cryptocurrency was Bitcoin, and it is still the most popular. Although cryptocurrency has faced increased backlash for aiding illegal activities and its environmental impact, it does offer several benefits, such as:
- Increased transparency
- Unrivaled portability
- Increased efficiency
Low transaction costs Considering that they are a core DeFi component, cryptos may help pave the way for the complete replacement of traditional financial institutions.
Machine Learning and Trading
Machine learning has played a crucial role in supporting credit rating processes and accelerating the pace of change within the fintech sector. Apart from this, fintech and chevron flooring companies are using machine learning to analyze huge data sets within a short period. They use this analysis to:
- Make informed decisions
- Predict potential outcomes
- Spot emerging trends
Their continued use has helped give rise to the emergence of Robo-advisors. These advisors are mainly applied to trading decisions and automating investment guidance.
Fintech Regulation
No one body helps in overseeing fintech. As a result, some fintech companies operate on the fringes or outside the existing regulatory oversight. For the remaining firms, their regulation and oversight are done by a combination of local, state and federal agencies. States typically oversee payment, insurance and lending systems. For example, PayPal requires a license to operate in every state and must abide by the set payment transmission rules.
Additional regulation comes from the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. The latter deals with those licensed to operate as banks. As fintech continues to evolve, the question of how it will be regulated remains a hot topic in the financial sector. Regulators have to try and keep up with emerging innovations.
Typical Fintech Users
Fintech users mainly fall under two categories:
Business-to-Business
Chevron flooring businesses use fintech services to obtain financing, loans and additional financial services through smart devices. Moreover, there are customer relationship management services and cloud-based platforms that offer enterprise-oriented services to enable firms to manage their financial data.
Business to Consumer
Several applications today use fintech to allow customers to transfer funds through the internet. They include Apple Pay, Venmo and PayPal. Others, such as Mint, make it easier for users to manage their finances.
What’s the Outlook for Fintech?
Nobody can be sure of what fintech innovations may emerge in the coming days. And, the chaos brought about by the pandemic has not helped make things easier. Like their users, fintech has suffered serious financial setbacks, with many having to furlough their personnel or downsize their operations. As this is happening, the demand for fintech services has continued to soar as businesses rely on this technology to provide their customers with financial services. Luckily, the prevailing economic uncertainty hasn’t dampened the long-term fintech trends. Partnerships and collaboration between fintech and legacy banks appear imminent. Consumers can expect to see the emergence of firms touting headline-worthy services.
Conclusion
Fintech has become entrenched in the financial industry and will continue to disrupt the sector for years to come. Businesses and consumers will continue turning to it for imaginative combinations of data, software and hardware to help them deliver emerging and existing products. With time, it will become entangled within the fabric of the traditional financial society, from where its influence will extend into the future.
Charles Green is an ITAD Business Development Manager at Wisetek UK.
