Top 5 Current Fintech Trends [2022 - 2025] (2024)

In today’s era, technology has penetrated every aspect of our lives, with no exception to the finance sector. Financial Technology, popularly known as Fintech, has seen massive growth over the last decade. Let us look at the fintech trends in India over the past years and speculate on the future of the Fintech industry.

Evolution of Fintech in India

The emergence of mobile payment platforms and the introduction of UPI have changed how business is done in India, making money transfers hassle-free. Fintech companies use technology to establish direct connections between borrowers and investors through P2P platforms and digital lending services. Meanwhile, insurtech startups use digital tools to make buying insurance easier, improve products, and improve the customer experience. These innovations lead to making financial services more accessible and useful for citizens. Overall, digitalization in fintech is reshaping India's financial landscape, improving efficiency, and empowering consumers and businesses.

According to BFSI, India tops the chart of fintech adoption rate worldwide at 87%, whereas the global average rate is 64%. The COVID-19 pandemic played a considerable part in the growth of these trends in the fintech industry. Nonetheless, consumers have embraced and adapted to these fintech trends in their day-to-day lives.

In 2017, UPI processed more than 100 million transactions worth INR 67 billion, which increased to INR 125.95 trillion by the end of 2022. (Source: NIC)

What’s more, these figures are just a peek into the payment industry in India. The market share of fintech companies has expanded significantly and is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of more than 10%.

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Current Biggest Trends in Fintech

It is evident from these statistics that fintech industry trends play a huge role in shaping our lives. Let us look at the latest developments in fintech and current trends in finance.

1. Open Banking (or BaaS, Banking as a Service)

Open banking is among the hottest fintech trends in the industry. It enables secure data sharing and collaboration between financial institutions, technology companies, and customers. Users can allow their financial data to be accessed by authorized third-party service providers and leverage personalized solutions such as budgeting apps, investment platforms, and loan marketplaces.

Facebook and Instagram are leading this fintech trend with services like marketing and shopping, but many others are in line. Open banking has been widely recognized and well-integrated into financial ecosystems over the past few years and will continue to be among the top fintech trends in 2023 and after.

2. Embedded Finance

Embedded Finance involves fluidly incorporating financial services and products into non-financial platforms, like e-commerce websites, mobile apps, or other digital landscapes. Technological advancements, such as Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and cloud computing, have contributed to the rapid growth of embedded finance.

Various industries, including e-commerce, ride-sharing, healthcare, and social media platforms, are assimilating embedded finance to offer a more comprehensive customer experience.

Open banking users globally are expected to increase at an average annual rate of about 50 percent from 2020 to 2024. In the year 2020, there were 24.7 million open banking users globally, and this figure is poised to reach 132.2 million by 2024.

3. Internet of Things (IoT)

Internet of Things, or IoT, refers to the network of physical objects or "things' equipped with internet connectivity, software, and sensors. Without human interference, these devices collect and exchange data in real-time and perform specific actions, including financial transactions, fraud detection, and credit scoring.

As one of the most revolutionary fintech trends, Iot has expanded the reach of financial services, achieving enhanced customer satisfying experiences, and facilitated innovative solutions. IoT's impact on the fintech industry growth is poised to increase manifold in the upcoming years.

4. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI and ML are one of the major key trends in fintech. Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to stimulating machines with human intelligence and enabling them to perform functions that need human reasoning. Machine Learning (ML) is a subset of AI that allows devices and systems to learn from data using algorithms and improve without explicit programming.

The fintech industry has leveraged AI and ML to automate tasks such as managing client data, detecting human errors, recommending management strategies, preventing fraud, and performing quality checks. Chatbots and self-learning apps can provide insights into customer behavior and help improve financial services. AI is also used for checking the quality in Business Process Outsourcing.

As of 2023, the AI in Fintech Market size is approximately USD 42.83 billion and is forecast to reach USD 49.43 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 2.91% during the forecast period (2023-2028).

5. Neobanking

Online banks that operate without physical branches are among the growing fintech trends in India. These digital-only banks, also known as Neobanks, offer everything a traditional bank offers: online account opening, virtual bank cards, instant payments, budgeting tools, and much more.

According to research, the global market size of Neo and Challenger Banks was USD 18,604 million in 2018, which is expected to increase at a CAGR of 46.5% and reach USD 1394,648 million by 2026.

6. Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)

This emerging fintech trend allows users to make purchases and defer the payment over time. With BNPL, customers can split the total amount into smaller, interest-free instalments, usually over a fixed period. It has gained popularity due to its simplicity, quick approval process, and the absence of interest charges if paid on time.

In 2021, BNPL was used in deals worth $120 billion worldwide and is anticipated to touch $576 billion by 2026.

7. Alternative lending (or P2P lending)

Alternative lending is a fintech trend that refers to unconventional lending models and platforms that provide access to credit apart from traditional banks. It includes peer-to-peer lending, crowdfunding, and online lending marketplaces.

According to market research, the alternative lending market is projected to grow significantly by 2026. This growth is driven by factors such as increasing demand for fast and accessible credit, technological advancements, and the ability of alternative lenders to serve underserved or overlooked borrowers.

In 2020, the global alternative lending market was valued at around $55 billion. By 2026, it is estimated to reach over $400 billion, with a CAGR of more than 25%.

8. Biometrics

Biometrics has been in use since around 2015, but it has recently gained traction as one of the main trends of fintech. This technology uses unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, voice recognition, or iris scans, to verify and authenticate individuals in financial transactions. The use of biometrics in financial technology has significantly enhanced security, reduced fraud, and improved the user experience.

In 2020, the global biometrics market in the banking and finance sector was approximately $7.5 billion. By the year 2025, it is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 34% and reach $33.5 billion.

9. Gamification

Making finance fun and easy, and encouraging positive financial behaviors, here is one of the biggest trends in fintech- Gamification. Applying game-like elements such as badges and digital rewards, cashback and vouchers, loyalty points, etc., to financial services engages and motivates users.

This fintech trend, valued at around $9.1 billion in 2020, is expected to reach approximately $30.7 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of over 27%.

10. Regulation Technology

Businesses and financial institutions must adhere to numerous regulations and laws like maintaining customer data, accounting records, tax and income reports, etc. Regtech (Regulatory Technology) leverages technology like compliance monitoring, data analytics, risk management tools, and reporting systems to facilitate regulatory compliance in the fintech industry.

The global regtech market is projected to reach approximately $21.7 billion by 2026, valued at around $6.3 billion in 2020.

Also Check: Top Cross-Selling Strategies for Boosting Sales

Key Fintech Trends 2024

2024 will see progress and change. As technology continues to evolve in the way we interact with financial services, many important needs will emerge that drive innovation, efficiency, and inclusion in business. From the integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain to the evolution of regulatory processes and customer preferences, the fintech trends of 2024 will recur in the way we manage, invest, and access financial resources. Let's look at the predictions that will shape the fintech landscape in the coming years.

Financial Inclusion Initiatives

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Rural and Remote Banking Solutions: Fintech firms might develop innovative banking solutions tailored to the needs of rural and remote populations, leveraging mobile technology and agent banking networks to provide access to basic financial services.

Microfinance and Peer-to-Peer Lending Platforms: Peer-to-peer lending platforms and microfinance institutions could expand their reach and impact by leveraging data analytics and digital credit scoring algorithms to serve underserved borrowers.

Insurance for the Unbanked: Insurtech startups could develop microinsurance products targeting low-income households, offering affordable coverage for risks such as health emergencies, crop failure, and natural disasters.

Embedded Finance and Super Apps:

Financial Super Apps: Super apps integrating financial services alongside other utilities like e-commerce, food delivery, and transportation could gain popularity, offering users a seamless and comprehensive digital experience.

Embedded Insurance and Investment: Non-financial platforms might embed insurance and investment products into their offerings, allowing users to purchase policies, invest in mutual funds, or access credit directly from within the app ecosystem.

Open Banking and API Ecosystem:

API-Driven Financial Services: Fintech startups and banks could collaborate to create open banking platforms, allowing third-party developers to build innovative financial products and services using standardized APIs.

Data Aggregation and Personal Finance Management: Open banking APIs could enable consumers to aggregate their financial data from multiple sources, empowering them to gain insights into their spending habits, manage their finances, and access personalized financial advice.

Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)

The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is set to transform the fintech sector, offering avenues for startups specializing in lending technology. Concurrently, the expansion of UPI into credit functionalities could revolutionize lending practices, potentially leading to industry consolidation and optimization. The ONDC enables startups to access a broader customer base, streamline operations, and innovate lending products. Likewise, UPI's integration with credit services facilitates seamless loan disbursem*nts, prompting changes such as market consolidation and heightened innovation in lending technology startups.

Sustainable and Impact Investing:

ESG Integration in Investment Products: Fintech firms may offer investment products that integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, allowing investors to align their portfolios with their values and contribute to sustainable development.

Impact Measurement Tools: Platforms could provide tools and metrics for measuring the social and environmental impact of investment portfolios, enabling investors to track and evaluate their investments' outcomes.

Leverage Squadstack to Stay ahead in the Industry

One of the common factors determining the success of any fintech industry is the quality of customer service they provide. Outsourcing customer support operations frees up companies to focus on their core operations and gain an advantage over their competitors in light of recent trends.

We have partnered with BFSI companies like Upstox and Moneyview. With Squadstack’s integration of technology in telecalling operations and the use of analytics in lead classification, these companies have witnessed a significant increase in connectivity and growth in sales.

Future of the Fintech Industry

By 2025:

The total worth of the global fintech market is approximated to reach a whopping $305 billion. India is expected to become the third-largest Fintech market. India’s fintech industry which stood at $50 billion in 2021, is estimated to hit $150 billion.

Conclusion: Fintech Trends

Fintech is bound to grow and impact the world. There is an enormous potential in the fintech industry waiting to be tapped. The fintech trends mentioned above, and many more to come, will make far-reaching changes in our lives. There is a broad scope of innovation, collaboration, and customer-centric experiences, shaping a more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable financial ecosystem.

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