The Disruptive Force of Fintech: How will these Top 5 Trends evolve in 2023?
The Disruptive Force of Fintech: How will these Top 5 Trends evolve in 2023?
The finance industry has undergone a major transformation over the last decade, driven by the rise of fintech. But are these trends here to stay, or just a passing fad? Let's dive into the top five fintech trends and examine their future potential:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning - AI and ML have been hailed as the future of finance, but are they really? While these technologies can automate certain tasks, they still have limitations and can make mistakes. It is predicted that AI and ML will play a major role in finance, but it will not fully replace human decision-making. For example, in recent years, several banks have implemented AI-powered chatbots to provide 24/7 customer service, but human oversight is still required to resolve more complex issues. Moreover, according to a recent survey, about 60% of consumers trust human customer service representatives more than AI-powered chatbots.
- Digital Payments - The convenience factor is driving the shift towards digital payments, but will this trend continue to grow? It is predicted that digital payments will continue to increase in popularity, with more people valuing the speed and ease of digital transactions over traditional methods. For example, mobile payment platforms such as Venmo and PayPal have seen rapid growth in recent years, and there is rumour of Twitter becoming a payments platform. More businesses are now accepting digital payments as a result of the pandemic. In addition, the rise of contactless payments, enabled by near field communication (NFC) technology, has further fuelled the growth of digital payments.
- Blockchain - Blockchain-powered platforms and ecosystems are often touted as the solution to all financial problems. We are through the trough of disillusionment, but we are yet to see wide adoption. It is predicted that blockchain will see widespread use in finance in the coming years, as the technology matures and more people become familiar with it. Several countries are exploring the use of blockchain for central bank digital currencies, which could potentially revolutionize the financial system. Moreover, blockchain has the potential to increase transparency and security in financial transactions, as well as reduce the costs associated with intermediaries. As we have seen with recent events like what happened to FTX for example, the volatility in this space is alarming to many individuals and institutions.
- Open Banking - Open Banking has the potential to change the financial landscape, but will it actually be able to deliver on its promises? It is predicted that open banking will continue to grow, as more financial institutions open up their data to third-party providers and consumers become more comfortable sharing their financial information. In recent years, several countries have implemented open banking initiatives, allowing consumers to easily access and compare financial products and services from multiple providers. Additionally, open banking has the potential to increase competition and drive innovation in the financial industry, as well as provide consumers with more control over their financial data.
- Neobanks - Neobanks have disrupted the traditional banking industry, but are they here to stay? It is predicted that neobanks will continue to challenge traditional banks and win over consumers, but it remains to be seen whether they will be able to compete in the long run with established players in finance. For example, neobanks such as Monzo and N26 have attracted millions of customers with their mobile-first approach and low fees, and traditional banks are starting to respond with their own digital-only offerings. However, the challenge for neobanks will be to maintain their growth and compete with traditional banks, who have the advantage of established customer bases and established trust in the market.
The fintech industry is full of potential, but also full of uncertainties. These 5 trends are set to create the foundation of our future financial landscape, but in 2023 and beyond we will see them disappear into the background for most individuals and institutions with their convergence into, and the rise of, embedded finance. There will be consolidation in the banking ecosystem across traditional banks over the next few years as they compete to remain relevant, and brands will begin to claim ownership of the financial data associated with individuals and institutions. The individuals and institutions in turn will relish in the convenience of a world where they don’t really need to understand the intricacies of the financial ecosystem, they can just focus on doing whatever it is that they’re doing.
