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What is Financial Technology (Fintech)?

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What is Fintech?

If you have used your smartphone to make a UPI payment, used phone banking or net banking to make a transaction, renewed your insurance policy online, or are using a trading account/ investing on an online portal, you have made use of fintech! Worry not, fintech, short for financial technology, is basically a catch-all term. It has become deeply integrated into our daily lives, streamlining financial tasks and enhancing accessibility to financial services. Read on to understand in detail what is fintech, what are its types and how it benefits you!

The Evolution of Fintech: From Traditional Banking to Digital Innovation    

The financial industry has transformed with the rise of fintech companies that are changing how we use money. Starting in the late 20th century, banks adopted technology with things like ATMs, credit and debit cards and online banking. After the 2008 financial crisis, fintech startups grew as people began to lose trust in traditional banks, offering faster, more customer-friendly options. 

Mobile technology was a game changer. It further boosted this shift, letting people manage their money and make payments using their smartphones. Popular mobile payment services like PayTM, Phone Pay and Google Pay are now widely used, allowing users to make seamless, contactless payments with a simple tap of their phones.

Key Areas of Fintech Application 

To understand how fintech works, let us now take a look at the various areas where the fintech application is making waves:

  • Payment Processing

One of the biggest effects of fintech applications can be seen in the payment industry. The rise of online and mobile transactions has changed the way people bank, invest, store, move, protect and borrow money. Payment processing also includes services such as debit cards, credit cards and online bill payments. 

  • Online Banking and Neo-Banks

The banking business is changing by the minute. From opening to operating bank accounts, transfer and remittance solutions, uninterrupted payments, and seeking easy credit are some attractive fintech features that are offered by new-age banks. Neo-banks which exist online, do not have any online branch. They may or may not work with a traditional bank. 

  • Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies

Blockchain enables the existence of cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies, functioning like traditional money such as the US dollar, but existing purely online. They are created and stored on the blockchain. They use cryptographic methods and specific protocols to securely verify transactions and regulate the creation of new currency units. Bitcoin is the most famous example of cryptocurrency

  • Investment Platforms and Robo-Advisors 

Robo-advisors, as you may have guessed are robots that advise you! Used widely on automated platforms, these robots offer personalised investment options that are specific to the user. Typically, the robot will ask you some basic questions about your current financial situation and your goals, and will then offer algorithm-driven financial suggestions. Depending on the investment services, the advice may be with little to no human supervision. 

Different Types of Fintech 

Different types of fintech cover an array of cases spread across business-to-business (B2B), business-to-consumer (B2C), and peer-to-peer (P2P) markets. Here are a few examples.

  • Robinhood (Stock Trading) 

Robinhood or Robinhood Markets Inc. is a California-based fintech company that offers commission-free brokerage. This trading platform allows access through their mobile app, which is popular for trades of stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrency. It also features banking services,  cryptocurrency wallets as well as credit cards.

  • Venmo (P2P Payments) 

Available for iPhones as well as Android phones, Venmo is a free peer-to-peer payment app, however, some services levy a fee. Once the app is downloaded, users have the option to link their accounts to a debit card, credit card, or bank account. Once registered, Venmo users can start an exchange of funds with other Venmo users.

  • Klarna (E-commerce)

Founded in Stockholm, Sweden in the year 2005, Klarna today has over 85 million active customers, living in over 45 countries. Klarna Bank AB is a fintech company that offers payment processing services, in the form of ‘buy-now pay-later’, for the e-commerce industry. It helps in the management of store claims and client payments.

  • Wealthfront (Wealth Management)

California-based Wealthfront Inc. is an automated investment service company. Founded in the year 2008, the company has over 1 million clients.  With a stock collection of over 45, it offers the option to buy and sell with zero commission. 

  • Square (Business Payments)

Designed especially for medium and small businesses, Square is a point-of-sale (POS) system. The company offers an all-in-one solution for both in-person and online payment processing, along with a comprehensive set of tools for mobile, retail, and online sales management. Most users will only need to cover Square’s clear, flat-rate processing fees, making it a straightforward option for businesses looking for simplicity and transparency. 

 Additional Read: What is Demat Account: Importance, Features and Types

Benefits of Fintech for Consumers and Businesses 

Building different types of fintech company can be lucrative for founders as well as the consumers, here’s how:

  • Better financial resources 

One of the major benefits of fintech is that these innovations have greatly driven business growth across sectors. For consumers and businesses alike fintechs simplify access to business capital. Fintechs make securing the necessary funds more efficient and streamlined. They also make it easier to connect with potential investors.

  • Quicker and smoother transactions

Other benefits of fintech include quicker and smoother transactions. Fintech is revolutionising financial services, making them faster and more convenient. In any economy, this is a key advantage for consumers as well as businesses, allowing financial activities like payments to be completed with greater speed and ease.

  • Customer satisfaction = Customer retention

By integrating generic and industry-specific fintech solutions, businesses can enhance the customer purchasing experience, leading to higher retention rates. With personalised experiences, businesses can tailor services and product offerings based on customers' past purchases and financial profiles. Thus making it more fruitful for customers as well.

How Fintech is Revolutionising Share Trading and Investments  

 Gone are the days of needing a traditional broker to facilitate trades, fintech solutions enable direct access to markets, real-time data, and instant transactions. Fintech is transforming the world of share trading and investments, making it more accessible, efficient, and personalised for investors. With advancements in technology, fintech platforms now offer user-friendly apps that allow individuals to trade stocks, mutual funds, and ETFs from the comfort of their smartphones. 

Till a few years ago, investors had to rely on stockbrokers/ shareholders to access market data and insights. They often had to pay third parties to make informed decisions, which required both time and an initial financial commitment. Now, with the rise of fintech, all of this information is readily available, that too at no cost!

Also, stock market investing was once considered a gamble, where there was no clear way to predict outcomes. The advent of fintech has given the control in the hands of the investors. They can make informed, strategic decisions, thanks to fintech tools that provide accurate data, calculations, and evidence-based forecasts. This access to real-time information reduces risk and makes investing more rewarding.

The Role of Demat Accounts in Fintech Growth  

With the easy and quick demat account opening, fintech is democratising investment opportunities. Through fractional share trading, individuals can now invest in high-priced stocks with smaller amounts of capital, opening doors for more people to participate in markets that were once reserved for wealthier investors.

The last two years have transformed the equities market, particularly with the remarkable growth in the number of demat accounts. Between 2020 and 2021, during the pandemic, the number of demat accounts skyrocketed by 2.2 times, while the combined Assets Under Custody (AUC) also doubled. 

This surge reflects a massive shift toward digital investing as more individuals turned to fintech platforms for trading and investment opportunities. The pandemic created a unique environment where people sought alternative ways to grow their wealth, and demat accounts became a gateway for retail investors to enter the stock market with ease.

Fintech vs Traditional Financial Services: What’s the Difference? 

Let us understand the differences between fintech and traditional financial services:

Details

Fintech Services

Traditional Financial Services

Structure and Function

An innovative and customer-centric concept, fintech allows customers access to banking in a straightforward.
Fintech firms are more flexible and innovation-focused.

Traditional banks operate within a regulatory framework and financial system that often limits their ability to quickly adopt emerging technologies. Banks tend to be more process-driven

Regulations

Fintech companies operate without being bound by a single regulatory authority, which is a key factor behind the surge of fintech startups. This flexibility enables fintech startups to adapt swiftly to client demands and move faster in this high-risk industry.

Traditional Banks in contrast, the global banking system is regulated by a central or national bank in each country. These regulatory bodies require traditional banks to follow strict legal requirements and guidelines to protect clients' funds. 

Risk

Fintech regulations are known for their flexible nature, which can increase the industry's risk.

Traditional banks on the other hand, legacy institutions operate under stricter regulations, which help minimise risks. 

The Future of Fintech: Emerging Trends and Technologies 

The future of fintech is evolving rapidly, driven by cutting-edge technologies and shifting consumer demands. In recent times fintech apps have become a part of life for just about everyone. It is estimated that an average fintech user makes use of a minimum of 3 to 4 apps every day!

The future of fintech is being shaped by emerging trends and technologies like AI, blockchain, and open banking. These innovations are transforming financial services by enhancing data analysis, security, and personalisation. 

Key trends include the rise of digital-only banks, embedded finance, and RegTech, all of which improve efficiency and access. Additionally, the focus on sustainability and green finance is gaining momentum. As fintech evolves, it will continue to drive innovation while balancing regulatory compliance and consumer trust.

Additional Read: Call and Put Options: Meaning, Types & Examples

Conclusion  

Additionally, digital wallets and cryptocurrencies are reshaping payment methods, offering faster, borderless transactions. Open banking is gaining traction, empowering consumers to control their financial data and integrate services from various providers.

Fintech's advantages such as efficiency, lower costs, user-friendly platforms, and innovation make it a more appealing option compared to traditional banks. If traditional banks want to remain competitive, improve customer experience, and expand their reach, embracing financial technology is essential. By integrating modern fintech solutions with their services, legacy banks can attract more users and enhance engagement.

Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.

This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

For All Disclaimers Click Here: https://bit.ly/3Tcsfuc

Frequently Asked Questions

What does fintech mean?

Answer Field

Fintech is made out of two words finance and technology. Fintech meaning can be described as the use of innovative technologies like AI, blockchain, and mobile apps to improve and streamline financial services.

What is fintech famous for?

Answer Field

Fintech is famous for revolutionising the financial industry. It is making finances more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly. Mobile banking, digital wallets, peer-to-peer lending, robo-advisors, and cryptocurrency exchanges are a few popular examples.

How does fintech differ from Wall Street?

Answer Field

Wall Street, located in New York City, is known as a major financial hub. Fintech on the other hand fintech represents a shift towards more democratised and technology-driven financial services.

Why is fintech important for small businesses?

Answer Field

Fintech is crucial for small businesses as it offers faster, more affordable financial services, easier access to credit, and innovative tools for managing payments, accounting, and growth.

How does fintech impact retail investors and the stock market?

Answer Field

The rise of fintech has empowered investors by providing them with tools for accurate data, calculations, and evidence-based forecasts. With real-time information, they can make informed, strategic decisions, reducing risk and enhancing investment outcomes.

What are some examples of fintech businesses?

Answer Field

Some examples of fintech businesses include PayPal, PayTM, Robinhood, LendingClub, Coinbase etc.

How does fintech affect the overall economy and consumer behaviour?

Answer Field

Fintech boosts the overall economy by increasing financial accessibility, enhancing efficiency, and driving innovation. It shifts consumer behaviour towards digital solutions, offering convenience, affordability, and personalised financial services.

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