Financial Technology, or Fintech, is using technology to improve and automate financial service delivery and consumption. Fintech firms use technology to provide financial services in a more efficient, convenient, and cost-effective manner. Fintech companies offer new and inventive methods for managing money, borrowing money, and investing money. This has a significant impact on how individuals engage with their finances.
Fintech Landscape in India
Financial technology has grown dramatically in the recent decade. Following Demonetization in 2016 and the emergence of a cashless economy, various firms developed in the field, increasing digital payments from 10% to 20% of all transactions and establishing new fintech trends in India. The COVID-19 epidemic played a significant role in developing these tendencies in the fintech industry. Consumers, however, have welcomed and adapted to these fintech developments in their daily lives. The fintech industry is constantly evolving, and new trends always emerge.
Here are some of the most promising trends to watch in 2023:
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Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML):
AI/ML is used to automate tasks, improve decision-making, and personalize financial services. For example, AI-powered chatbots can answer customer questions, AI-powered fraud detection systems can identify suspicious transactions, and AI-powered investment advisors can create personalized investment portfolios.
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Blockchain
Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that can record and verify transactions. It can revolutionize the finance industry by enabling secure, transparent, and efficient transactions. For example, blockchain can be used to create decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, which allow users to lend, borrow, and trade money without the need for a third party.
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Open banking
Open banking is a regulatory framework that permits third-party financial service providers to access bank client data. This allows customers to share their financial data with multiple providers, making it easier to compare products and services and get the best deals.
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Regtech
Regtech is the use of technology to help financial institutions comply with regulations. Regtech can help financial institutions to automate compliance processes, identify risks, and manage regulatory changes.
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Embedded Finance
Embedded Finance integrates financial services and products into non-financial platforms such as e-commerce websites, mobile apps, or other digital landscapes. The rapid rise of embedded finance has been aided by technological advancements such as Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and cloud computing.
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Neobanking
Online banks with no physical branches are one of the fastest-growing fintech trends in India. These digital-only banks, also known as Neobanks, provide everything that a regular bank does, including online account opening, virtual bank cards, fast payments, budgeting tools, and more.
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Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL):
Customers can divide the total payment into smaller, interest-free installments with BNPL, usually over a set period. It has grown in popularity because of its ease of use, quick approval process, and lack of interest costs if paid on time.
Fintech is a rapidly rising business that is upending traditional financial services. According to several public sources, the worldwide fintech business was worth $195 billion by the end of 2022. 2023 is shaping to be a historic year in the evolution of digital banking and finance in the country and worldwide.
