Actually 2021 has been a fruitful year for the fintech domain. Some segments experienced difficulties in the pandemic circumstances, while for other fintech companies, COVID-19 acted as a catalyst, speeding up the process of shifting to digital from both companies and customers who expect to have direct access to services through their smartphones no matter where they are. So, let’s have a look at several trends that will continue to impact the fintech domain, from the current industry leaders to the smallest, most agile startups, over the nearest time.

Mobile banking

Taking into account that there are more than six billion mobile phones in the world nowadays, this device should become the target point of banks to put their services into the hands of customers in literal sense.

There are many reasons for this – besides being economically cheaper for banks to provide digital services, it also provides customers with a better experience as they have constant access to their banks. And of course, in such a way service providers have an always-on connection to us and get access to vast data on customers’ lifestyles and behavior which may be used for many purposes, from offering us customized products and services to decreasing the amount of fraud through biometric security measures. Throughout 2022 we will see banks and financial service providers increasingly using mobile phones to deploy chatbots, cardless banking and personalized communications.

Speaking of online banking, it is worth mentioning Neo Banking as a new, global fintech trend that aims to simplify financial transactions between users and companies. In general Neo Bank is a company that provides all traditional banking services online, without physical representative offices. Since neo banks operate 100% online, users can instantly get the necessary information or perform any operation.

Advantages of neo banking:

• Low startup costs — Neo Bank does not require large investments to launch, due to fewer regulatory requirements.
• Fast response time — when a client applies, most requests are processed automatically, without involving employees. Thanks to this, the user can get the necessary service within a few minutes.
• Convenience — Neo banking clients receive services 24/7 and from anywhere in the world.

Artificial intelligence

The fintech industry needs an effective tool to collect, structure and store information. Artificial intelligence is among them.

• AI “studies” the typical behavior of users in the application. In case a fraudster gets access to the app AI notices deviant behavior and warns the client and the bank of the threat.
• There are many smart virtual assistants that are created based on AI. Among them are chatbots that assist customers in solving problems around the clock.
• The algorithm of AI helps to foresee business results which helps the manager to adjust the development strategy of a company. Focusing on the AI predictions, the manager improves the work of the company and operations to lead the organization to the intended goal.

Blockchain

Today blockchain is frequently discussed in terms of its relation to cryptocurrencies. However, currently we may see much more of blockchain’s real potential. In general, blockchain is a secure system that allows for transactions, financial and otherwise, to be carried out. Blockchain implies that every transaction is recorded in a separate block attached to the previous blocks of the network. All the participants have access to it. And the user can not change, delete or forge the info entered by others. A transaction is possible only if one gets the approval of more than 50% of the participants.

Blockchain establishes procedures within the bank:

• It records the data automatically: how the money was received, where it came from, how and for what purposes it was spent.
• It protects the banking domain from fraudsters as every transaction is recorded and is impossible to be changed, which means that it is easy to identify a hacker who is trying to commit a crime.
• It protects users against errors in transactions because they are checked by all nodes in the network.
• Blockchain makes international payments and transfers faster and with a minimum commission.

Cloud computing

Banks and fintech-related businesses were already switching to the cloud when covid struck, but the pandemic was a huge catalyst of cloud implementation. Among the benefits which cloud brings are:

• Scalability at a time when digital services are increasingly in demand by customers, as well as security and resilience.
• Cloud technology is simpler and cost-effective for projects based on other breakthrough technologies such as mobile, blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI).

The amount of the super apps will increase

The most profound paradigm shift emerging this year comes from the fintech aiming to provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ app or super-app. These are mobile applications that combine several services. Mobile banking and marketplace, chats and payment services, taxi ordering services and personal assistants can get along in them. The number of variations is limited only by the imagination of developers and the needs of customers.

Eastern regions have already seen much success with apps like WeChat (China)  and Alipay (China) which contain many products and micro-applications from transferring money and paying for purchases to games, entertainment and booking tickets.

Conclusion

These are just part of the huge amount of tech trends that are modifying financial services. They provide consumers with new and innovative solutions while bringing new opportunities to banks and the financial sector. By relying on IT, banks and lending firms save money, reduce operational errors, and protect customer privacy. By following FinTech trends, businesses maintain a competitive edge in a constantly changing market.