FinTech is an abbreviation for “financial technology.” The term describes the software technology that augments, streamlines, digitizes, or disrupts traditional financial services. It refers to software, algorithms, and applications that are used on desktop and mobile platforms and can include everything from mobile payment apps to complex blockchain networks.
How does it work? Fintech simplifies financial transactions for consumers as well as businesses by making such transactions more accessible and affordable. Fintech companies apply AI and big data as well as encrypted blockchain technology to facilitate highly secure transactions and have completely redefined how companies transfer, store, and protect the digital currency. From insurance and investment companies to mobile payment apps, FinTech has been a game changer that is threatening traditional financial institutions.
The basic concept of fintech has been around for quite some time and has now taken center stage. The origins of the fintech concept can be traced back to the 1800s, with the pan-telegraph, which was mostly used to verify signatures for banking transactions, being developed in the 1860s. Diners Club Inc. introduced credit cards in the 1950s, which was probably the first direct interaction customers had with Fintech. This technology advanced more quickly in the 1960s, influencing and changing the financial sector. In 1960, Quotron, a company based in Los Angeles, offered stockbrokers and money managers stock market quotes on an electronic screen instead of the printed ticker tape.
Over the years, this technology has grown in response to various developments.
Digital Banking
It continues to grow, and access is easier than ever before. The simplicity and convenience will drive this further with additional growth. The global digital banking platform is likely to grow at a compounded annual rate of 11.5% (CAGR) by 2026.
Blockchain
This technology has been growing and will continue to dominate the news as more and more industries turn to advanced data encryption and decentralized transactions.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
These technologies have changed how FinTech companies can scale and redefine the services they offer. It can also help reduce operational costs, increase the value provided to clients, and even help detect fraud.
Sectors and companies using FinTech
Mobile Payments
Various services have been developed that allow consumers to make and collect payments on mobile devices or online, like PayPal, Venmo, Airpay, etc.
Insurance
Businesses looking for ways to improve their operations can adopt FinTech technology. Fintech has made it simpler to implement new solutions that can help a company grow and generate better revenues.
Crowdfunding
Platforms like Patreon allow users to send and receive money on their platform and also allow businesses and individuals to gather funding from various sources on the same platform.
Investment Management
Fintech applications have made it simple and easier for individuals to invest in the stock market on their mobile devices.
Benefits of FinTech App Development
Access to More Resources
FinTech creates algorithms and ecosystems for businesses to accept payments for their services in a seamless manner. Using FinTech, businesses and enterprises get access to an array of resources, distribution channels, and other investment platforms. Unlike legacy financial systems and traditional banks, the FinTech sector offers a low entry threshold, which makes it easy for businesses to thrive. With open banking APIs, nonbanking companies (NBFCs) can easily launch products.
Reduced Costs
One of the most significant advantages of FinTech application development is the reduction of development and maintenance costs. While other application development has a margin for error while coding, FinTech application coding is done using different frameworks that allow developers to reuse the code for different applications. It not only decreases the time spent writing code but also allows developers to focus on other aspects of app development like design, security, speed, etc.
Market Reach
FinTech app development is a mobile-first solution that can be of help to businesses as it can reach a wider audience via mobile devices of various types. Mobile apps are more convenient for customers as they can stay updated with the latest information. The financial market is also ready to accept mobile apps for routine financial transactions, which can reach a huge volume as these apps can be used by everyone who has a mobile device.
Automated Accounting
Transparent financial operations and support are the key elements of a business. A clear understanding of the financial health of the business allows the business to make informed decisions. While many businesses may not have a dedicated bookkeeper or accountant, FinTech applications are helping fill this void and streamline a part of the financial workload. Many FinTech services offer online invoicing inventory keeping, accounts payable, and even cash flow projections.
Financial Inclusion
FinTech applications promote financial inclusion and deepening. It can enhance and transform a customer’s experience by providing excellent financial services. Such inclusion can improve access to banking services and save money.
Convenience
The advantage of fintech applications for businesses also lies in the convenience they can provide to their customers. Mobile connectivity has increased efficiency and made transacting via mobile devices easier, which provides transparency and convenience. The use of fintech has made it possible to access information easily.
Loan Applications
Online loan applications are authorized by loan providers using digital-only authorizations for same-day loan funding. This is possible only due to FinTech innovations, which make it easy to obtain loans for different time durations. Lenders are available online, and customers can receive immediate assistance.
FinTech apps provide cost-effective and efficient solutions for businesses and clients. A FinTech solution development team can develop a tailored solution for business activities.
A professional and security-oriented programmer having more than 6 years of experience in designing, implementing, testing and supporting mobile apps developed. Being techno geek, I love to read & share about the latest updates in technology including but not limited to IoTs, AI, application development, etc. In my free time, I like to play football, watch movies and explore new places. I have been learning mobile app development since 2012. With having a good understanding of programming languages, I develop native as well as web apps for both iOS & Android using latest tools & technologies. I am also having experience in both front-end & back-end development.
