Fintech, is the shortened version of the phrase Financial Technology, which is now used to describe companies that provide financial services using modern software and technology.
Some developments in Fintech have improved traditional services, for example mobile banking applications, while some other developments have revolutionized services such as pay-per-mile car insurance or the creation of new ones.
Fintech has been one of the fastest growing sectors, with investment growth, new start-ups and investors putting money into innovative small fintech incubators and accelerators.
New innovations have challenged the traditional way of doing things in financial services, including peer-to-peer lending which means there is now an alternative to bank borrowing and mobile-only stock trading apps that charge no fees.
For some, fintech investments can be at the riskier end of the spectrum, with startups failing to understand the regulatory environment or not properly packaging their products.
However, there are new developments and more innovative technologies being created that can be used in the future.
Ideas like improved data analytics that will help clients improve their investment decisions even further, making this an interesting area to be aware of.
Advances in electronic finance and mobile technology for financial companies, which prompted fintech innovation, emerged after the global financial crisis in 2008.
This development was characterized by the integration of innovation in e-finance, internet technology, social networking services, social media, artificial intelligence and big data analytics.
This challenges many traditional financial institutions, such as banks, to develop their business models in a more pragmatic direction. Additionally, startups saw this as an opportunity to enter the financial services industry.
Fintech is one of the most important innovations in the financial services industry and is driven by economic participation, regulation, politics and information technology. As in banking, the business model for financial technology also focuses on payment services and loans. Additionally, it includes personal financial advisory services, crowdfunding, virtual currencies, and security (eg, cybersecurity).
The term "fintech" can be interpreted as an application of information technology in the fields of finance, financial innovation and digital innovation, as well as start-ups (financial services industry outside of banks).
There are six business models in fintech: insurance services, crowdfunding, payments, lending, wealth management, and capital markets, and it is clear that the higher the level of development of fintech services, the greater the challenges facing companies.
Online loan services have caused controversy in communities, including moral hazards, loan defaults, and information inconsistencies.
Regulators encourage innovation in the financial sector and apply consumer protection and risk management principles for safe and appropriate financial services.
The first challenge is collaboration, the challenge for the future is to develop a practical and methodological framework for fintech, and it remains unclear how consumers will continue to use these services. Furthermore, identifying these factors is not the only way to look at adoption rates.
General knowledge about financial literacy and support from stakeholders can underpin the management of the fintech industry.
Fintech must be able to help transition the economy