FinTech is all around the media lately, but we need to find out what it is and what disruptive power it has had on traditional banking. Financial technologies, also known as FinTech, have reshaped the banking industry we know today, bringing a new wave of innovations. With all cash payments before, it was unthinkable to make a transaction from one part of the world to the other. Not only that, but it is a matter of a few seconds from the comfort of your home!
Such services are now possible with the infusion of finances and technology. Digital-first, all-in-one financial platforms like swissmoney now give global payment solutions and online banking to thousands of clients worldwide, combining efficiency and security. However, this was hardly the case a couple of years back, when the digital shift was unthinkable for traditional financial institutions.
This raises the question of how the financial landscape changed so drastically, what the most mainstream innovations are, and what the potential future outlook of the banking industry is. This article aims to answer the questions above and provide a narrative to step forward with confidence in the ever-evolving world of FinTech.
A Historical Overview of FinTech and Its Fusion With Traditional Banking
In a historical context, fintech emerged back in the late 19th century. America was at the brim of an industrial revolution, and transferring money, especially when long distances were considered, was a big hassle. Therefore, Western Union devised a solution for customers to send money via telegraphs. Needless to say, the technology was pretty primitive; it used passwords and codebooks, and it was highly inefficient, but it got the job done. Most importantly, it was the first move towards integrating technology into the financial world.
Fast-forward to 2008, when the banking crisis set the stage for a technological revolution. Traditional banking institutions raised interest rates and charged extreme taxes during periods of high inflation. Furthermore, they could hardly manage to address customers’ needs transparently and efficiently. This was when the modern ideas of FinTech and decentralized finance (DeFi) we know today started to gain popularity.
Clients started to distrust traditional financial institutions, as the advancements and opportunities FinTech promised were hard to ignore. The concept of decentralized finance was introduced to the public and quickly became an opposing force to traditional banks.
The Challenges of Traditional Banking to Shift Towards Digital
With the introduction of all-in-one FinTech platforms and DeFi, customer expectations and behaviors changed quickly. Entrepreneurs saw the opportunity in the industry, and new startups started to flood the markets. Soon, companies like Revolut, Stripe, and Strype became real competitors to traditional banks as the demand for digital and mobile banking solutions increased.
The shift towards personalized and user-friendly financial services had happened, and FinTech companies had everything to offer to the new wave of customers. People choose swift online transactions, advanced investment plans, mobile banking, and multi-currency payments over 2-5 business days for processing a transaction and high taxes for services.
FinTech startups challenged traditional banks. Due to the competitive landscape, banks had to adapt quickly, and soon, the whole financial industry was transformed. Collaborations and partnerships between FinTech and traditional banks enhanced the customer experience and addressed problems like security, globalization, and the high barrier to entry.
What FinTech Brough to Traditional Banking: Technological and Financial Innovations
Digital transformation initiatives started when fintech was introduced to the financial industry. Startups, businesses, online stores, platforms, and traditional banks adopted technology to improve customers’ experiences. Some of the most prominent innovations, products, and services are listed below:
Online and Mobile Banking Platforms
Platforms like Revolut, SoFi, Chime, Nubank, and Swiss Money offer a complete package of services. Some benefits people can take advantage of are seamless and easy daily operations, diverse distribution of individual assets, and global on-the-go access to all their assets.
Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have taken the world by storm with their advanced automation and endless capabilities. Although the technology is still under development, we can witness its disruptive potential with the introduction of language models and chatbots in the financial industry.
AI-generated products such as automated trading, personalized investment plans, and investment portfolio building make financial decisions much more efficient, precise, and time-saving. Financial products and services became more personalized with robo-advisors and enhanced customer support. Moreover, banks can benefit from machine learning on a large scale by utilizing it as a powerful analytics tool for credit scoring, risk management, fraud detection, and more.
Decentralized Finance (DeFi), Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
DeFi changed the view people had on traditional finances. Defi uses ledger and blockchain technology, smart contracts, and cryptography to create a financial model that does not rely on intermediaries like banks, brokerages, or exchanges. All these innovative fintech products have changed how people view finances and promise a more secure and avant-garde future.
Although adapting decentralized finance into traditional banking is impossible, some components could be taken to enhance security and increase performance. Still, as an emerging concept, many uncertainties and regulations must be resolved before adopting it.
Regulatory Uncertainty and What The Future Looks for FinTech and Banking
Governments and regulatory bodies play a pivotal role in shaping the future of finance. Although regulations may sometimes be harsh for the industry, proper regulatory compliance is vital for customers’ safety, whether for fintech or traditional banks.
Cybersecurity threats in the digital financial landscape are a growing concern. Technological disruptions that lead to job displacement are another problem that must be addressed before complete digitalization to ensure financial inclusion during the digital transition.
Conclusion
The impact of FinTech on traditional banking has been nothing short of transformative, ushering in a new era of innovation and convenience. From the early days of telegraph-based transactions to the current landscape dominated by digital-first platforms, FinTech has reshaped how we perceive and interact with financial services.
In navigating this transformative journey, FinTech and traditional banking must balance innovation and regulatory compliance. The future of finance lies in the synergy between technological advancements, regulatory frameworks, and a commitment to financial inclusion.