The Next Wave of FinTech: Trends and Transformations

By Satyajit Kanekar

India’s fintech market is experiencing rapid growth, positioning itself as one of the world’s largest. The latest projection suggests that by 2030, it will reach a valuation of $2.1 trillion, making it the second-largest in the Asia-Pacific region.

This growth is driven by India’s robust regulatory framework, supported by proactive government policies. In 2023, the lending technology sector led the way with 58 deals, representing a significant 21% share of total deals, followed by  WealthTech and RegTech, with 41 and 39 deals respectively. This showcases the industry’s diverse landscape of innovation.

With over 2100 fintech companies currently operating in India, the country ranks as the world’s third-largest provider of fintech services. Moreover, 67% of these companies have emerged in the past five years, highlighting the dynamic entrepreneurial culture propelling innovation in India’s fintech sector.

In this article, let’s explore the trends and changes that are undergoing or will undergo in the upcoming phase of FinTech in India.

The Evolution of Financial Technologies

Over the past two decades, the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector has witnessed unprecedented restructuring with the advent of advanced technologies such as blockchain, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and peer-to-peer (P2P) lending. As BFSI entities embrace innovative strategies, another wave of change is on the horizon.

1) The Digital Revolution:

The FinTech-driven digital revolution has laid a robust foundation, ushering in groundbreaking financial products that reshape the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) landscape. Leveraging platforms like websites, mobile apps, peer-to-peer payments, and integrated payment technologies have transformed customer interactions, enabling convenient and secure digital transactions via mobile wallets.

2) Blockchain in FinTech:

Blockchain technology stands at the brink of revolutionizing the banking sector, akin to how the internet reshaped media landscapes. The global blockchain market will reach $67.4 billion by 2026. Acknowledged for its transparency, robust security measures, and cost efficiency, blockchain is swiftly gaining ground within financial institutions. As awareness grows regarding blockchain’s potential to fortify security, curtail expenses, and amplify customer contentment, its adoption across the industry is becoming increasingly inevitable. The increase in blockchain investment by financial service providers over the upcoming years underscores the rapidly growing momentum towards the extensive adoption of this revolutionary technology.

3) Open Banking:

Open Banking has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 11.4 million transactions in the last year. It is a transformative concept aimed at revolutionizing the financial industry by advocating for open access to bank data. The goal of Open Banking is to dismantle traditional barriers that restrict access to financial information, empowering individuals and businesses to retain full control over their financial data.

In an Open Banking environment, banks and financial institutions are encouraged to offer secure and standardized Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for third-party developers to access customer data with explicit consent. This fosters a connected network of financial institutions, fintech startups, and other third-party providers collaborating to deliver innovative and personalized financial services to consumers.

4) AI in FinTech:

The transformative impact of AI on the financial services sector is indisputable. Beyond mere hype, AI emerges as a pivotal force reshaping industry dynamics. According to a recent PwC study, an overwhelming majority of decision-makers within financial services are actively allocating significant resources to AI initiatives, recognizing its pivotal role as a strategic asset.

AI-powered solutions are revolutionizing decision-making frameworks, streamlining operational tasks, and tailoring customer interactions to unprecedented levels. Consequently, these advancements yield tangible benefits, driving heightened efficiency and bolstering competitive edges within the sector. As AI continues to evolve, its integration promises to redefine the landscape of financial services in profound ways.

5) Data Analytics Driving Real-Time Decisions:

The fusion of big data and analytics is indispensable in the banking sector, enabling institutions to respond promptly to customer behavior, spending patterns, and feedback. Real-time data analytics drives decision-making processes across various fronts, including sales optimization, fraud prevention, risk evaluation, and precision marketing. The strategic deployment of data analytics enhances operational efficiency and fosters deeper customer relationships, paving the way for sustainable growth.

The Road Ahead

The rise of the fintech segment has not only streamlined business and finance but has also enhanced the overall customer journey.

With technology’s continuous progression, the BFSI sector must remain agile, welcoming advancements to retain competitiveness in this ever-changing environment. The horizon holds more transformative changes, and entities that swiftly adjust to the evolving fintech ecosystem will undoubtedly flourish in the financial realm.

(The author is Satyajit Kanekar, Co-founder & CEO of Mobileware Technologies, and the views expressed in this article are his own)