What Does ‘FinTech’ Mean?

Fintech, a term coined from “financial technology,” is the integration of technological advancements in the finance industry to enhance financial services delivery.

With the world rapidly turning into a digital playground, fintech has become a game-changer in the financial sector, offering more efficient, convenient and cost-effective financial solutions.

In the UK, fintech has gained a significant foothold, with several innovative companies leading the charge. One such example is TransferWise, a money transfer service that uses peer-to-peer technology to facilitate cross-border transactions at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods.

The company has already processed over £4 billion in transactions, saving its customers a whopping £1 billion in banking fees. Another example is Monzo, a mobile-only bank that provides users with real-time spending updates and instant notifications of transactions, making it easier for customers to manage their finances.

In the US, fintech has also taken the financial industry by storm, with several companies leading the charge. One such example is Robinhood, a stock trading app that allows users to trade stocks for free, making it easier and more affordable for average investors to participate in the stock market.

Another example is Square, a financial services company that provides merchants with a mobile point-of-sale system, including a credit card reader that can be attached to a smartphone or tablet. This allows small businesses to accept card payments without the need for expensive and cumbersome traditional point-of-sale systems.

fintech point of sale system

Fintech has revolutionised the financial industry by providing a range of products and services that were previously unavailable or too expensive for the average person. One of the key benefits of fintech is its ability to democratise financial services, making them accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or financial status.

In the UK, the fintech industry is thriving, with several companies leading the charge in innovation and disruption. These include the likes of Revolut, which offers digital banking services, including a prepaid debit card and currency exchange (find out more about Revolut for Business here), and Funding Circle, a peer-to-peer lending platform that connects investors with small businesses seeking loans.

In the US, the fintech industry is also growing rapidly, with several companies making a significant impact in the financial sector. These include the likes of LendingClub, a peer-to-peer lending platform that connects borrowers with investors, and Betterment, a robo-advisor that provides automated investment management services.

In conclusion, fintech is a game-changer in the financial industry, providing innovative and cost-effective solutions to traditional financial services. With the world rapidly turning into a digital playground, fintech is set to continue to grow and evolve, delivering even more benefits and improvements to the financial industry.