As the demand for app and internet based financial services continue to increase, it’s becoming clear that FinTech isn’t just a buzzword, but rather an exciting space filled with both opportunity and risks. So, what are the key trends in the market right now and what should we keep a look out for the rest of 2022?
-
Seamless investing and saving
Investment and savings apps are challenging major banks whose best offering is low interest-bearing savings accounts. These apps round up spare change from everyday purchases and automatically invest them into stock/ETF portfolios without you even needing to click a button.
-
Ethical investing
Ethically minded investors have a strong appetite for sustainable and socially responsible investments. Many investment platforms and apps now offer green investing and the ability to see an investment’s environmental impact. Ethical investing also helps companies to grow their corporate social responsibility programs and influence business operations based on the values and ethics of their users.
-
Better payment solutions for SMEs
The pandemic not only accelerated financial digitalization, but also the growth of international e-commerce. Cross-border payments are growing at twice the rate of domestic e-commerce, with 75% of UK online shoppers buying from overseas retailers and marketplaces.
Digital payment solutions are already available for overseas purchases, but many SME businesses struggle to find a simple and affordable banking solution for cross-border payments.
Payment platforms and BaaS (banking as a service) companies offering payments infrastructure have emerged to offer solutions (e.g. forex services and domestic and international payments) to provide SMEs with a simpler way to deal with these transactions.
-
Higher compliance standards and regulations
The rapid growth of the FinTech market have led regulators to question how compliance and standards are keeping pace. In 2022, we can expect to see a ramp up in compliance regulations to ensure the right controls are in place and that customers are protected.
-
Blurring lines between crypto and mainstream financial markets
A number of mainstream financial institutions are now investing into blockchain technology.
According to a reputable financial advisory company in their 2021 Global Blockchain Survey, 76% of executives believed ‘digital assets will serve as a strong alternative to, or outright replacement, for fiat currencies in the next 5-10 years’. Other companies are also looking at how they can use blockchain technology for currency funds and order processing. This is unsurprising given the benefits of blockchain in securing transactions.
Investment banks have also begun adding crypto assets or funds to their investment offerings.
As a response, regulators are now coming up with solutions for a framework for crypto and decentralized finance.
The FinTech landscape is ever-changing, and the risks presented in the space are, too. At CFC, we’ve created a policy that is built specifically for the evolving capabilities of FinTech organizations.
If you would like to learn more about FinTech policies by CFC, don’t hesitate to contact our team at financialinstitutions@cfc.com.
