Fintech

8 Ways AI is Reinventing the Fintech Landscape

<img src="https://m2p-website-file.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/m2p-website-file/marketing-cms/m2p-blog/2025/02/2000x1000-100-1.webp" alt="Top fintech trends and predictions for 2025" title="" width="100%" height="358">As we step into 2025, the global fintech market is buzzing with excitement and possibilities. The industry is expected to hit a staggering $340 billion this year, and the pace of innovation shows no signs of slowing down. At M2P Fintech, we closely watch how technologies like AI, machine learning, and RPA are transforming the way we experience financial services.&nbsp; That being said, from AI-powered wealth management tools to the new innovations in neobanking, here are 10 key predictions we believe will shape the future of fintech in 2025.&nbsp;<h2 class="heading-node" id="fbqcyqbu6" style="text-align: justify">1. Embedded Finance will surge&nbsp;</h2>Embedded finance industry is projected to rise drastically in 2025, and in the upcoming years, it is estimated that embedded finance market will grow from $115.8 billion in 2024 to $251.5 billion by 2029 globally. This industry has diverse applications, from payments and banking to investing and beyond.&nbsp; Embedded finance will play a pivotal role in digital businesses, as the consumer seeks a more seamless and integrated experience. Embedded finance in India is expected to flourish from $5.8 billion in 2024 to $28.6 billion by 2029.&nbsp; Trends that are likely to shape this space include AI and automation, blockchain and smart contracts, PSD3 regulations, and connected industries. As more consumers realize the convenience and value of embedded finance, its adoption will continue to rise.&nbsp;<h2 class="heading-node" id="opuf2tynx" style="text-align: justify">2. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to expand its role&nbsp;</h2>Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in financial services is set to evolve beyond the basic automation in 2025. Driven by trends such as hyper-automation, advanced AI integration, and the emergence of RPA-as-a-service, the global RPA market is projected to reach $13.87 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 24.31%. In India specifically, the market for RPA is anticipated to reach $787.3 million by 2032.&nbsp;&nbsp; With more and more organizations prioritizing cost savings, high productivity, and a neat customer experience to meet the demands, making the market for automation is expected to expand wider. This growth enables FIs to automate complex processes and enhance operational efficiency and customer service, all while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.&nbsp;<h2 class="heading-node" id="wmnaqoqt2" style="text-align: justify">3. Wealthtech industry is on an upward trajectory&nbsp;</h2>The wealthtech industry is primed to experience rapid expansion in 2025 with a projection to reach $12.07 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 13.9%. &nbsp; The combined wealth of millennials and Gen Z, along with their preference for digital-first solutions, will drive innovations in the wealth management space. The integration of wealth management with gaming and social media will enhance the adaptability of the wealthtech platform.&nbsp; The rise of digital portfolios, rather than the physical assets, marks the investments in the financial instruments, which now make up 33% of India’s GDP. Especially post-pandemic, the usage of mutual funds and demat account inflows reached unprecedented levels.&nbsp;&nbsp; Looking forward to 2025, India’s wealthtech market carries immense potential; traditional hubs like Delhi and Mumbai continue to drive growth. Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities offer untapped markets for first-time investors who are eager to invest in these digital portfolios according to their risks and needs.&nbsp;<h2 class="heading-node" id="t77na0rlb" style="text-align: justify">&nbsp;4. Blockchain to take the lead&nbsp;</h2>The finance industry will gain more momentum in the blockchain race, as the technology is heavily focused on cheaper and faster financial transactions across borders. In the future, the adoption of blockchain will rise significantly to build more transparent and secure financial systems.&nbsp;&nbsp; At a CAGR of 82.2%, experts anticipate the global blockchain market to reach $1,235.72 billion by 2030. As consumers across the world need secure transactions, the opportunity for blockchain technology will immensely grow in the near future. Security and transparency, decentralization, and efficiency will boost the rise of blockchain technology.&nbsp;&nbsp; India’s blockchain market is predicted to reach revenue of $53,182.9 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 89.4%. Scalability, regulation, complexity, energy consumption, and security are the major challenges blockchain technology must overcome for its growth.&nbsp;<h2 class="heading-node" id="pil7my7iz" style="text-align: justify">5. AI will transform the industry&nbsp;</h2>This year, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to revolutionize the fintech industry by improving operational efficiency and customer experiences. Projections indicate that the market for AI in fintech will reach $31.71 billion in 2027, steered by factors such as threat prevention, preventive analysis, demand for personalized user experience, high security, and faster transactions on the go.&nbsp;&nbsp; On the other hand, experts predict that India's market will reach $8.30 billion in 2025, at a CAGR of 27.86% to reach a market volume of $28.36 billion by 2030. By leveraging AI, fintech companies aim to create more inclusive financial ecosystems, ultimately making financial services more accessible and responsive to diverse consumer needs.&nbsp;<img src="https://m2p-website-file.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/m2p-website-file/marketing-cms/m2p-blog/2025/02/2000x1000-copy-100-1.webp" alt="Top fintech trends and predictions for 2025" title="" width="100%" height="358"><h2 class="heading-node" id="487atgitr" style="text-align: justify">6. Internet of Things (IOT) in fintech is set to snowball&nbsp;</h2>By 2029, the global IoT market is projected to reach $1.56 trillion with a 10.49% increase in market volume. With advancements in 5G connectivity, digital twin technology, edge computing, AI and ML, and blockchain, the rise of IoT looks promising. &nbsp; The Indian market of IoT is projected to expand to $49.82 billion by 2029. From smart payments to data-driven risk management, the IOT-fintech synergy is about reimagining financial services by creating personalization, security, efficiency, and accessibility for the consumers.&nbsp;&nbsp; The combination of IoT and fintech presents a unique opportunity that could transform the way customers bank, insure, invest, and transact financial opportunities.<h2 class="heading-node" id="srnqnt96b" style="text-align: justify">7. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) will mature&nbsp;</h2>BNPL is expected to thrive in 2025, with the global market reaching $344 billion. Financial analysts attribute this growth to several factors, including the rising adoption of digital wallets and mobile payments, improved credit assessment models, increased regulatory oversight, and growing consumer demand for flexible and inclusive payment options.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In India, the BNPL market is set to experience notable market expansion, estimated to reach $17.96 billion by the end of 2025. Surge in e-commerce, digital P2M payments, and increase in millennial and Gen Z consumer spending capacity would fuel this growth.&nbsp; While the competition among payment service providers is expected to drive innovation and accessibility, analysts suggest high interest rates and associated fees can potentially hinder growth and adoption.&nbsp;&nbsp; As the sector matures, it is likely to undergo consolidation, with market players focusing more on responsible lending practices. This shift will be driven by growing scrutiny from financial regulators, ensuring that BNPL services remain sustainable and consumer friendly.&nbsp;<h2 class="heading-node" id="jectuj0x1" style="text-align: justify">8. Open Banking to become more popular&nbsp;</h2>The state of open banking in 2025 looks incredibly promising and transformative. Open banking is set to become more popular in regions like the UK and Europe, making the global open banking payments transactions value increase to $330 billion by 2027.&nbsp;&nbsp; On the other hand, with financial institutions, regulators, and fintechs working together, the sector will see significant developments, enabling secured data sharing and collaboration between financial institutions, customers, and companies.&nbsp;&nbsp; In India, the open banking market is forecasted to reach a revenue of $7,485.8 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 29.8%. Further, financial analysts predict that artificial intelligence will play a crucial role in open banking by improving fraud detection, offering more accurate financial analytics, and providing personalized recommendations.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<h2 class="heading-node" id="wpoc6ue18" style="text-align: justify">9. Neobanking sector will flourish&nbsp;</h2>2025 looks like a promising year with stellar growth and innovation for the neobanking market. Emerging trends such as the increasing adoption of AI, digital partnerships, shared banking, personal finance combined with market expansion, a digital-first approach, personalized services, and the integration of blockchain technology are expected to fuel this growth.&nbsp;&nbsp; The low-cost model for end customers, which offers extremely low monthly fees for banking services like minimum balance maintenance, withdrawals, and deposits, will propel the global neobanking market to reach $394.6 billion by 2026.&nbsp;&nbsp; While the neobanking market in India is set to reach $138.70 billion in 2025, its success is based on the adoption by millennials, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and those who have high income and earnings.&nbsp;<h2 class="heading-node" id="nttnp100z" style="text-align: justify">10. Gamification market is expected to boom&nbsp;</h2>Gamification is emerging as a pivotal trend in the fintech sector, significantly enhancing customer engagement and retention. This trend is expected to strengthen substantially in 2025, driven by increased adoption across various sectors, including banking and retail, as businesses leverage gamification to enhance customer experiences and foster loyalty.&nbsp;&nbsp; In India, the gamification trend is gaining momentum as fintech apps are adopting gamification strategies that resonate with local users. Elements such as rewards points, badges, and challenges motivate users to engage more deeply with apps. This not only enhances user engagement but also promotes financial literacy among the younger demographic.&nbsp; Want to stay ahead of these fintech trends?&nbsp;&nbsp; Explore how <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/contact-us/?activeKey=1">M2P Fintech</a> can help you leverage fintech for your business.&nbsp; <a class="link fui-Link ___1idfs5o f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh ftqa4ok f2hkw1w fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1h8hb77 f1x7u7e9 f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://m2pfintech.com/newsletter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to our newsletter and get the latest fintech news, views, and insights, directly to your inbox. Follow us on&nbsp;<a class="link fui-Link ___1idfs5o f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh ftqa4ok f2hkw1w fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1h8hb77 f1x7u7e9 f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/m2pfintech/mycompany/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LinkedIn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a class="link fui-Link ___1idfs5o f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh ftqa4ok f2hkw1w fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1h8hb77 f1x7u7e9 f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://twitter.com/m2pfintech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a> for insightful fintech bytes curated for curious minds like you.

Top 10 Fintech Predictions for 2025

50 Fintech Buzzwords Explained

<img src="https://m2p-website-file.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/m2p-website-file/marketing-cms/m2p-blog/2023/01/Fintech-trends-banner-2.webp" alt="M2P Fintech" title="" width="100%" height="358">2022 was a rollercoaster for the fintech industry. Macroeconomic upheavals, intensifying competition, and regulatory headwinds contributed to the great fintech reset. However, with advances in technology innovation, increasing digital adoption, and improving public infrastructure, the industry overcame hurdles and emerged stronger. Swimming against the tide with turnaround strategies and course corrections, fintech businesses collaborated, consolidated, and diversified to enable sustainable and accessible financial solutions without compromising on people, compliance, and growth. Now, the future of fintech is bright. Blurring boundaries and transforming the way people transact, fintech has been a beacon of hope to many. People across all walks of life and in remote corners without access to fancy smartphones and devices have been able to access digital banking and financial services just by using biometrics and other fintech-led payments. Fintech companies have played a phenomenal role in facilitating this financial inclusion without greater emphasis on security, speed, or convenience. Valued at around $132 billion in 2022,&nbsp;the fintech industry is estimated to grow at 25% CAGR to reach <a class="link" href="https://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/fintech-market">$324 billion</a> in 2027. The ability to improve accessibility, drive inclusion, enhance customer experience, and reduce costs are key drivers behind the growth projection.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/future-of-core-banking-systems/">Core Banking</a>, <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/rbis-new-digital-lending-guidelines-will-it-be-a-game-changer/">Digital Lending</a>, <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/factors-and-psychology-behind-the-great-bnpl-allure/">Buy Now Pay Later</a> (BNPL), <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/upi-the-driver-of-economic-growth-and-inclusion/">Unified Payments Interface (UPI),</a> Credit Cards, and other <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/ready-to-sneak-peek-into-global-cashless-societies/">Cashless</a> Payment modes dominated markets, while Blockchain emerged resilient with RBI adopting the technology for CBDC. Collaborations, consolidations, and platformizations last year set a great tone for 2023.<h2 class="heading-node" id="qp5iitvs9" style="text-align: justify">Trends we can expect in 2023</h2>Consistent customer-centric innovations, partnerships between banks and fintechs, regulatory interventions, and better accessibility - all point towards a promising future for fintech. Here are a few trends we can expect to see in 2023.<ul class="list-node" id="jxu8ecnrq"><li><a class="link" href="#embeddedfinance">Embedded Finance</a></li><li><a class="link" href="#sf">Sustainable Fintech</a></li><li><a class="link" href="#af">Alternative Financing</a></li><li><a class="link" href="#sa">Super Apps</a></li><li><a class="link" href="#ai">Artificial Intelligence</a></li><li><a class="link" href="#cp">Contactless Payments</a></li><li><a class="link" href="#bc">Blockchain</a></li><li><a class="link" href="#mv">Metaverse</a></li></ul><h3 class="heading-node" id="embeddedfinance" style="text-align: justify">1. Embedded Finance &nbsp;</h3><a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/embedded-finance-101-the-bridge-connecting-tech-and-financial-services/">Embedded finance</a> will see exponential growth in 2023 with emerging models that will help businesses thrive. Valued at over <a class="link" href="https://www.simon-torrance.com/blog/EmbeddedFinance1#:~:text=Embedded%20Finance%20offers%20one%20of%20the%20most%20exciting,value%20of%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20top%20thirty%20banks%20today.">7 trillion-dollar</a>, embedded finance enables smooth integration of financial services into non-financial platforms or applications. Subsets of embedded finance viz., embedded credit, embedded payments, embedded insurance, and embedded banking will majorly benefit SMEs, MSMEs, and other app-based businesses by helping them scale product offerings and customer lifetime value while monetizing their customer base. As the embedded finance space grows, businesses will have the leeway to lower expenses, increase revenue streams, and innovate to deliver personalized, customer-centric products and services, while fintechs handle the heavy lifting on technology, compliance, and delivery.<h3 class="heading-node" id="sf" style="text-align: justify">2. Sustainable Fintech</h3>As the world heads towards net-zero and decarbonization by 2030, fintechs need to take sustainability seriously. In 2023, financial health, <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/how-m2p-maps-sustainability-with-finance/">sustainable practices,</a> and environmental well-being will be deeply interconnected. A recent Eurogroup survey shows us that 67% of consumers demand sustainability engagement from their bank. &nbsp;And according to a study by Cornerstone Advisors, 70% of Gen-Z and Millennial consumers wanted to track their carbon footprint. Customers are eager to understand how their spending habits affect climate change and if their financial service provider invests in businesses that harm the environment. Being transparent with sustainability practices, incentivizing sustainable engagement, and introducing metrics to track climate impact, could be starting steps to transform businesses into <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/climate-fintech-fintechs-leading-the-green-tech/">green powerhouses</a>.<h3 class="heading-node" id="af" style="text-align: justify">3. Alternative Financing &nbsp;</h3>There was a time when traditional financial players dominated the lending industry. But those times are changing now. Secure alternative financing options from non-banking fintech companies are emerging rapidly. In fact, the alternative financing industry is valued at <a class="link" href="https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/alternative-financing-market-report">$6.62 billion</a> and is expected to grow at 20% in 2023. The lending industry is democratized with co-lending business models to serve versatile customers, SMEs, MSMEs, and businesses across size and scale.&nbsp;With more core lending players entering the game, evolving regulatory frameworks, and a vast consumer base in need and with access to equitable financial instruments, the alternative financing market is ripe for the taking.<h3 class="heading-node" id="sa" style="text-align: justify">4. Super Apps&nbsp;</h3>2023 will the year for <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/super-apps-in-consumer-banking-what-role-does-open-banking-play/">super apps</a>. It will be the swiss army knife for businesses as it consolidates multiple applications and eliminates the need for customers and employees to toggle between disparate applications. Just one super app will be able to provide enhanced mobile-first experiences across an aggregated range of services for the growing digital-native generation. Gartner predicts that by 2027, more than 50% of the global population will be active users of super apps. So, it's high time financial businesses leverage the first-mover advantage and develop super apps that fuses the beneficial attributes of an app, platform and digital ecosystem.<h3 class="heading-node" id="ai" style="text-align: justify">5. Artificial Intelligence (AI)</h3>High on data and customer experience, fintech industry will rely heavily on AI for analytics, decision-making, and customer support. Facilitating seamless onboarding, compliance, product customizations, and payments, AI will be the game changer that reduces overhead cost and operational risk along with improving security, and sorting legacy issues. Valued at <a class="link" href="https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/artificial-intelligence-in-fintech-market-report">$9.4 bn</a>, <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/how-is-ai-changing-the-financial-industry-top-6-use-cases-in-fintech-and-banking/">AI in fintech</a> holds a 16.5% growth potential. And Machine Learning (ML)-based models have been adopted by companies in the financial space to ace real-time target marketing and risk management. But here’s the billion-dollar question. Will AI ever replace humans in fintech? We don’t think so. &nbsp;Complement yes. But not replace.<h3 class="heading-node" id="cp" style="text-align: justify">6. Contactless Payments</h3>The pandemic made contactless payments and shopping the new norm. And there’s no turning back from there.&nbsp; Offering immense speed, security, hygiene, and convenience, technologies like NFC, RFID, and QR codes have simplified checkouts and have taken the payments industry by storm. Valued at $2.2 bn, the contactless payments market is expected to grow at 20% CAGR to reach <a class="link" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220106005590/en/The-Worldwide-Contactless-Payment-Industry-is-Expected-to-Reach-12.6-Billion-by-2030---ResearchAndMarkets.com">$12 bn</a> by 2030. As research firms predict exponential growth in wearables, smart devices and contactless cards, fintechs must keep up with the demand for contactless payments.<h3 class="heading-node" id="bc" style="text-align: justify">7. Blockchain</h3>The future of <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/blockchain-and-fintech-use-cases-and-applications/">blockchain</a> is solid despite setbacks like the crypto crash. Its inherent strength in security, transparency, speed, cost efficiency, and efficient storage will play out as Web3 and <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/central-bank-digital-currency-cbdc-101-a-primer/">CBDC</a> adoption increases. Blockchain-based data sharing, smart contracts, payment tracking, peer-to-peer lending, encryptions, decentralized architectures and ecosystems, and cybersecurity will be key emerging trends in 2023. The fintech blockchain market size is expected to hit <a class="link" href="https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/fintech-blockchain-market-38566589.html#:~:text=The%20FinTech%20blockchain%20market%20is%20expected%20to%20grow,Rate%20%28CAGR%29%20of%2075.9%25%20during%20the%20forecast%20period.">$6.2 mn</a> by the end of 2023. So, it's high time fintechs give blockchain some mndspace.<h3 class="heading-node" id="mv" style="text-align: justify">8. Metaverse</h3>Sparking some of the hottest tech discussions, metaverse shook the world with its decentralized, community-owned, virtual utopia. &nbsp;Though in the early developmental stages, metaverse is considered to be the next big evolution in the world of fintech, with the potential to transform how people work, shop, live, and transact. According to a recent Goldman Sachs research, metaverse could give rise to a <a class="link" href="https://newseu.cgtn.com/news/2022-06-13/Metaverse-valued-at-12-trillion-a-year-to-the-global-economy-1aKNYwIjyp2/index.html">$12 trillion</a> virtual economy with intense activity around cross-border payments, financial assets creation, safekeeping and trading. Leveraging Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), this virtual phenomenon enables fun and personalized banking and transactions. But the flipside of metaverse is the security concerns that may arise, which if addressed will hold massive promises for the fintech industry. With this we conclude our fintech trends for 2023. While it is challenging to predict exactly how fintech will unfold, we can say with reasonable certainty that 2023 will be an interesting one for the industry, India, and the world. What do you think of these trends? Let us know in the comments! Have a great 2023! Stay connected for the latest fintech news, views, updates, and more.<a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/newsletter/">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to our newsletter and get the latest fintech news, views, and insights, directly to your inbox. Follow us on&nbsp;<a class="link" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/m2pfintech/mycompany/">LinkedIn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a class="link" href="https://twitter.com/m2pfintech">Twitter</a>&nbsp;for insightful fintech tales curated for curious minds like you.

8 Fintech Trends to Look Out for in 2023

<img src="https://m2p-website-file.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/m2p-website-file/marketing-cms/m2p-blog/2022/07/BlogBanner_for-medium.webp" alt="M2P Fintech" title="" width="100%" height="358">Sustainability is broader than climate change. It is about building a society where upcoming generations can thrive. Today, the world is at a crucial juncture where sustainable decisions with long-term benefits are the need of the hour. The global movement toward building an agile, resilient economy has gathered pace. The financial services sector and worldwide regulators play a vital role in enabling a buoyant society by leveraging innovations and regulations in sustainable finance.Every year, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, otherwise known as the Conference of Parties (COP), gathers to deliberate solutions to climate change risks and access progress. Sitting at the heart of the hydrocarbon industry, the UAE has been elected to host COP28 in 2023. The nation’s investments in energy diversification and its highest level of climate ambition have resulted in the opportunity to accelerate economic growth, job creation, gender equality, and youth empowerment. The UAE has always encouraged financial ecosystems driven by technological advancements blended with climate-smart solutions. As a burgeoning fintech hub, the UAE is set to spearhead the quest for sustainability.<h2 class="heading-node" id="721f" style="text-align: justify">UAE’s commitment to sustainable finance</h2>As a global financial center, the United Arab Emirates acknowledges the role of sustainable finance in achieving economic growth, climatic goals, and energy diversification objectives. Subsequently, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) launched the UAE Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG) in 2019. The stakeholders include the UAE ministries, regulatory authorities, and other government bodies responsible for developing ecologically sustainable finance policies. In November 2021, the SFWG released a public statement of its commitment to sustainability objectives by adhering to the Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative and establishing sustainable finance policies.Sustainable finance is a cornerstone in empowering the UAE and broader stakeholders to attain net-zero emissions targets. The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in Abu Dhabi are leading the way in accelerating the expansion of sustainable finance in the UAE. They are set to foster a thriving ecosystem for sustainable finance by enabling private capital investments. This is expected to improve the financial system’s stability, boost transparency, and achieve long-term sustainable development benefits.<h2 class="heading-node" id="e565" style="text-align: justify">Sustainable fintech alliance</h2>The MENA Fintech Association (MFTA), the leading voice and nexus of the Fintech community in the region, launched the Sustainable Fintech Alliance to foster MENA Fintechs in becoming leaders of sustainable approaches. MFTA aspires to help its members embrace and integrate sustainability as part of their organizations’ culture and values and create positive impacts in the wake of the increasingly acute environmental and social challenges.M2P is one of the founding partners of MFTA alongside Mastercard, Checkout.com, Codebase Technologies, YAP, Marshal, BPC, Taptap Send, and GPS. The partners are in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and The London Institute of Banking and Finance MENA (LIBF). Together, the Alliance believes in harnessing the technological revolution and innovation to redesign financial services to reinforce sustainability.<h2 class="heading-node" id="5512" style="text-align: justify">Sustainability framework</h2>Sustainable finance is considered a strategy to facilitate projects that mitigate and manage threats associated with the broad range of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks.Against this backdrop, the DIFC devised a general Sustainability Framework to address existing gaps and challenges related to mainstream sustainable finance practices. It also seeks to augment the demand and supply of sustainable finance products and low-carbon, climate-resilient investment projects.The four strategic pillars underpinning the framework are Social, Environmental, Governance, and Government Alignment. The framework is designed to scale up the development of a business environment for diversified and innovative sustainable finance products. Another strategic intent of the framework is to empower the mobilization of private capital towards environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient investments.<h2 class="heading-node" id="a3fe" style="text-align: justify">M2P’s allegiance to sustainability</h2>As an earnest member of the MFTA, M2P is committed to implementing credible and transparent sustainability initiatives across global operations. Our team is constantly striving to innovate programs that are commensurate with the local culture, tradition, and governmental policies. We believe this will help us embrace the finesse of the Sustainability Framework and positively contribute toward the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Net Zero pledges.To mark our first step on the road to sustainability, we launched the “Better Half Program”, exclusive to our Indian offices. This program extends a hand to women who aspire to resume their careers after a break.<h2 class="heading-node" id="ec41" style="text-align: justify">Better-Half Program, a positive social impact</h2>We at M2P believe in creating a positive social impact by giving a chance to women looking to return to the workforce after a break. The break could be for any reason. We respect their choices and feel they deserve the opportunity to develop their careers.Recognizing the unique challenges women in India face after taking a career break, we launched the “Better Half Program.”- a formal employment program that helps women restart their careers and ease into professional life, starting with half a day’s work duration.Helping women hone their skills and be prepared for ‘Better’ career prospects and ‘Half’ a day of work is the rationale behind naming the program ‘Better-Half’. The better-half program facilitates a smooth re-entry to a full-time job through a gradual ramp-up of work hours.M2P is the world’s first company to make half-a-day work mainstream with benefits.Better-Half is a carefully curated program to restart one’s professional journey. Those selected are expected to contribute 5 hours in a day, making us the first company to make half-a-day work mainstream. The program is packed with all benefits that accrue to a person seeking full-time employment, including formal upskilling and participation in ESOPs.In addition, the program offers access to on-the-job projects, learning opportunities, and the possibility to work in a multi-disciplinary team. It extends community support, and those selected are mentored by experienced managers culminating in a chance to convert into a full-time role at the end of 12 months or whenever the participant decides to convert.<h2 class="heading-node" id="e9cc" style="text-align: justify">Fusing sustainability into fin and tech</h2>With over 1000 M2Peers globally, we aim to drive sustainable value through our digital products and effective ESG practices. Our vision and persistent efforts have enabled our customers to make headway toward a cashless ecosystem that fosters a financially inclusive society. We believe in investing transparent and consistent effort towards positive climate change, people advocacy, gender equality, racial diversity, and much more.Want more insights into our sustainability efforts? Write to us at&nbsp;<a class="link au mf" href="mailto:business@m2pfintech.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener ugc nofollow">business@m2pfintech.com</a><a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/newsletter/">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to our newsletter and get the latest fintech news, views, and insights, directly to your inbox. Follow us on&nbsp;<a class="link" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/m2pfintech/mycompany/">LinkedIn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a class="link" href="https://twitter.com/m2pfintech">Twitter</a>&nbsp;for insightful fintech tales curated for curious minds like you.

How M2P Maps Sustainability with Finance?

<img src="https://m2p-website-file.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/m2p-website-file/marketing-cms/m2p-blog/2022/07/July-Blog-Banner-V3_1_Main-Banner.webp" alt="M2P Fintech" title="" width="100%" height="253">Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed the physics of financial services. It has altered centers of gravity, isolated vulnerable bonds, and changed traits that are imperative to building a successful business. The ability to leverage data to drive process and talent optimization, product performance, and personalized interactions is now considered critical to driving value and efficiency.By combining technology and robust data, AI delivers insight-driven decisions to resolve challenges. Financial services companies are becoming future-ready by harnessing the power of AI and Machine Learning (ML) to enhance operational efficiency, mitigate risk exposure, and customize product development, distribution, and customer experience.<blockquote class="block-node" id="ll5niu0xi">According to PWC reports, AI will boost global GDP up to $15.7 trillion by 2030 and 45% of total economic gains will arise from AI-driven product enhancements that stimulate consumer demand.</blockquote><h2 class="heading-node" id="fec6" style="text-align: justify">Growth Potential of AI in Finance</h2>Artificial Intelligence in the global financial technology market is expected to grow at <a class="link" href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ai-in-fintech-global-market-to-reach-24-17-billion-by-2026--301615420.html">27.6% CAGR and reach $24.17 billion in 2026</a>. The growth projection is attributed to its ability to increase security and efficiency, personalize customer experience, automate services, and unlock several other growth opportunities.91% of financial services companies reported driving critical business outcomes by leveraging AI investments (Source: <a class="link" href="https://www.nvidia.com/content/dam/en-zz/Solutions/industries/finance/ai-financial-services-report-2022/fsi-survey-report-2022-web-1.pdf">Nvidia Report</a>). Here are the benefits they realized.<img src="https://m2p-website-file.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/m2p-website-file/marketing-cms/m2p-blog/2022/07/July-Blog-Banner-V3_1_Benefits-of-AI-Chart.webp" alt="M2P Fintech" title="" width="100%" height="253">AI-led data analysis and reporting surpass human intelligence to cut costs, accelerate revenue, and optimize service quality and product efficiency. It creates operational efficiency, predicts customer preference, detects fraud, and plans market expansions. Although some industry voices expect AI to replace 9% of all jobs by 2030, fintech companies are optimistic that AI will expand their workforce by 19%.<h2 class="heading-node" id="21fd" style="text-align: justify">How AI Transforms Banking &amp; Fintech</h2>Millennial and Gen Z customers prefer newer and faster technology over traditional systems. AI-based products and services enable FIs to meet the demands of today’s digital-age customers. It helps them enhance user experience through customized products and services.Listed below are sample AI-enabled services that global banks use to enhance customer experience.· Smile-to-pay facial scanning to initiate transaction· Micro-expression analysis with virtual loan officers· Conversational bots for basic servicing requests· Humanoid robots in branches to serve customers· <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/5-reasons-why-banks-need-behavioral-biometrics/">Biometrics </a>to authenticate and authorize· Machine vision and natural language processing to scan and process documents· Machine learning to identify risk patterns and cybersecurity incidents· Real-time transaction analysis for risk monitoringAI technologies augment the overall customer experience by offering personalized recommendations, insights, and suggestions. In short, AI powers banks, insurers, asset managers, and fintechs to outperform peers, boost customer lifetime value, and increase market share.<h2 class="heading-node" id="fb07" style="text-align: justify">Top 6 Use Cases of AI in Fintech and Banking</h2>Over 75% of businesses use high-performance computing (HPC), machine learning, and deep learning for AI applications. While retail banking and capital markets benefit from deep learning, fintech firms rely on machine learning for the use cases below.<ol class="list-node" id="mglp0g4e6"><li>Transaction Fraud Detection</li><li>Conversational Chatbots</li><li>Robo-Advisors — Portfolio Optimization</li><li>Regulatory Intelligence</li><li>Credit Decisioning</li><li>Algorithmic Trading</li></ol>Transaction fraud detectionFinancial firms leverage AI and ML to identify, investigate, and mitigate transaction fraud, <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/how-to-combat-money-laundering-2/">money laundering</a>, and <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/crack-the-kyc-jigsaw-ease-onboarding-compliance/">KYC</a> discrepancies efficiently. Analyzing large datasets and user behavior, AI can decode risk factors and help reduce chargebacks, fake accounts, spam, account takeovers, and any other <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/prevent-cnp-frauds-with-pci-3ds/">CNP</a> frauds in real-time. The fraud detection use case is critical in banking, card transactions, insurance, and lending platforms, to name a few.Conversational chatbotsChatbots and virtual agents fall under the conversational AI use case. They are quite different from conventional chatbots. By leveraging Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning (ML) processes, they can understand customer intent, troubleshoot issues, and make small talk based on context. In financial companies, they can be used to collect customer information, deliver support, resolve queries, and redirect escalations to customer service representatives. These chatbots can be used across multiple channels and can deliver support via audio, video, and text.Robo-advisors — portfolio optimizationBuilding a strong financial portfolio is critical to maximizing returns on investments. Optimizing the portfolio helps balance the risk-to-reward ratio. AI-enabled Robo-advisors use predictive analysis to foresee future returns by analyzing the trends in the financial market. Investment companies can use this feature to make data-driven decisions that increase sales, optimize resource utilization, and improve operational capabilities. Robo-advisors are less priced options than conventional financial advisors. Even novices can drive value from investments with the help of Robo-advisors.Regulatory intelligenceThe banking and fintech sector must constantly update operations to stay compliant with governments and regulators. Using AI-led automation, compliance obligations are simplified, streamlined, and automated. The personalized, role-based dashboards provide regulatory intelligence for data-driven decisions at a lesser cost and time. Finance companies can stay up to date on compliance status and keep abreast with the latest regulations.Credit decisioning engineAI-based credit scoring can help expedite the assessment of creditworthiness and lending decisions. AI-led credit scoring models analyze real-time indicators such as current income, employment opportunities, and potential ability to earn, in addition to credit history, transaction patterns, work experience, and online behavior. This enables a sensitized and customized credit score assessment and inclusive lending decisions.Algorithmic tradingTrading is all about making profitable transaction decisions. AI-driven algorithmic trading uses pre-trade analytics and trading strategies to make lucrative transactions and groom efficient traders. Assimilating its own data using machine learning methods, AI-based algorithmic trading delivers real-time forecasts based on the analysis of price change patterns, currency values, global indices, raw materials, and other macro/micro indicators. It is super accurate in detecting market anomalies and helps reduce operational and trading risks.Now, these are not all. Apart from the use cases discussed above, AI can also help automate and expedite <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/steps-in-credit-underwriting-why-using-an-alternative-source-of-data-and-behavior-metrics-will-be-of-help/">underwriting</a>, customer acquisition, and marketing optimization.To know more about the use of AI in banking and fintech, write to us at&nbsp;<a class="link au nr" href="mailto:business@m2pfintech.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener ugc nofollow">business@m2pfintech.com</a><a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/newsletter/">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to our newsletter and get the latest fintech news, views, and insights, directly to your inbox.Follow us on&nbsp;<a class="link" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/m2pfintech/mycompany/">LinkedIn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a class="link" href="https://twitter.com/m2pfintech">Twitter</a>&nbsp;for insightful fintech tales curated for curious minds like you.

How is AI Changing the Financial Industry? Top 6 Use Cases in Fintech and Banking

<img src="https://m2p-website-file.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/m2p-website-file/marketing-cms/m2p-blog/2022/06/Artboard-1-copy-8-6.webp" alt="M2P Fintech" title="" id="9lksxlzsk" width="100%" height="528">It’s been 3000 years. Not a single day passes without the usage of money.Be it physical or digital, the movement of money signifies value and hope to the millions involved. Money transfer operators, banks, and <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/fintech-101-discover-the-3ws-of-fintech/">fintechs</a> have played a remarkable role in enabling seamless money transfer in a quick, secure, and convenient manner.<h2 class="heading-node" id="19yqmhede" style="text-align: justify">Shift from Cash to <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/ready-to-sneak-peek-into-global-cashless-societies/">Cashless</a></h2>Money was not always fancy as crisp notes and lightweight coins three thousand years ago. It had a humble beginning taking the form of cowrie shells, rail stones, farm produce, and livestock to be used as exchange. Slowly precious metals like gold, silver, and copper were used in trade. Then cash in the form of metal coins and currency notes came into prevalence.<img src="https://m2p-website-file.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/m2p-website-file/marketing-cms/m2p-blog/2022/06/Infographic-1.webp" alt="M2P Fintech" title="" id="zrmpc1bbw" width="100%" height="1321">Today, the world has transitioned from cash to a <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/ready-to-sneak-peek-into-global-cashless-societies/">cashless economy</a>. <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/payment-cards-design-made-simple-heres-what-you-need-to-know/">Payment cards</a>, QR codes, contactless modes, cryptocurrencies, and <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/central-bank-digital-currency-cbdc-101-a-primer/">digital currencies</a> are hogging the limelight as they are super convenient, simple, and secure ways of moving money and making payments.<h2 class="heading-node" id="2421" style="text-align: justify">Evolution of Money Transfer</h2>Changes in customer expectations, the need for enhanced experiences, and the growing cyber security issues demanded an evolution in money transfer. Payment apps, digital wallets, wearables, and real-time payment platforms are doing their best in fulfilling this quest by enabling quick, simple, and secure Peer to Peer (P2P) and Peer to Merchant (P2M) transfers and payments.Curious to know when and how money transfer began?Here you go.<h3 class="heading-node" id="d1f6" style="text-align: justify">Hawala</h3>The hawala system is the oldest form of money transfer that dates back to the 8th century. Known as the “money transfer without money movement,” it was actively used in India, the Middle East, and South Asia.Heavily based on trust between hawala agents, the transfer is usually done without any promissory notes. The hawala agents could be friends, family, or trusted acquaintances who settle debts between parties with cash, property, or services.Here’s how hawala works.The sender gets in contact with a hawala dealer A to transfer money to another country. As soon as the money, commission, and beneficiary details are shared, the sender receives a unique secretive code. Then the hawala dealer A contacts dealer B from the recipient country. Dealer B then delivers the amount to the designated receiver after revealing the secretive code. The unique code will reconfirm if the receiver is the right individual or not.The hawala system is still in use as an alternative to the remittance channels and traditional banking systems.<h3 class="heading-node" id="cfd9" style="text-align: justify">Wire Transfer</h3>Next in line was wire transfer, the electronic mode to transfer money through a global network. It was known for its fast, irreversible, foreign, or domestic electronic money transfers. In the 19th century, Western Union was the first money transfer operator to introduce wire transfers.<img src="https://m2p-website-file.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/m2p-website-file/marketing-cms/m2p-blog/2022/06/Infographic-2-V2.webp" alt="M2P Fintech" title="" id="8tw76fb9s" width="100%" height="661">Here the sender had to reach out to the office with the money, and the operator would send a message and ‘wire’ those funds to the destined location. Codes and passwords were used between the parties involved to ensure security. Soon wire transfer became an integral part of moving or exchanging money internationally, and it still is.<h3 class="heading-node" id="750d" style="text-align: justify"><a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/payment-cards-design-made-simple-heres-what-you-need-to-know/">Payment Cards</a></h3>Metal money was the first precursor to the present-day cards. It was issued by Western Union in 1914. A few years later, in 1928, the Charga-plate was introduced in the US, which was offered by merchants to their regular customers. They became popular among the department stores, as they could issue cards on their own. These were the first transactional cards in history.Later in the year 1946, John C. Biggins of Flatbush National Bank of Brooklyn introduced the “Charg-It” card, which allowed people in a two-square-block radius to charge purchases to the bank. Charg-It was an easy way for consumers to use the card at multiple businesses. Merchant however had to leave sales slips with the bank.Then came the Diners’ Club card in 1950, which was the first real <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/credit-card-processing-a-definitive-guide/">credit card</a>. Called a Charge Card, its cardboard form gained massive popularity and acceptance among users. It charged merchants a 7% fee on every transaction and delivered one monthly bill on dining expenses to the cardholders.A decade later, the turning point in card transactions happened. Banks introduced ATM machines. After this move, cards were used at ATMs to withdraw cash and make deposits.In the early 90s, credit card adoption in India was slow. People who travelled to foreign countries were the only ones to use the Diners cards in India in the 1960s. It nearly took 15 years for the Diners card to reach 8,000 registered users in India.In 1980, the Central bank of India brought in credit cards in association with Visa and Master Card. As a result, debit and credit cards became the dominant source for non-cash payments, which retailers and consumers readily accepted.<h3 class="heading-node" id="4276" style="text-align: justify">SWIFT Transfer</h3>In 1973, SWIFT transfers came into existence. They were typically wire transfers but done via the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT) network. This global messaging network helped improve the speed, transparency, and consistency of payments. It changed the perception of how the credit system worked and became a globally recognized provider of secure financial messaging.<h3 class="heading-node" id="f5e7" style="text-align: justify">Growth of Online and Mobile Money Transfers</h3>In the late 90s and early 2000s, electronic deposits, <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/cross-border-payments-a-swift-money-flow-across-borders/">digital remittances</a>, and mobile money transfers became prominent. The following payment systems facilitated money transfers from anywhere, anytime, without any hassles.<img src="https://m2p-website-file.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/m2p-website-file/marketing-cms/m2p-blog/2022/06/Illustration-NEFT-V2.webp" alt="M2P Fintech" title="" id="llvfslid3" width="100%" height="661"><ul class="list-node" id="4rj8aja12"><li><a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/upi-the-driver-of-economic-growth-and-inclusion/">UPI</a></li></ul>Introduced by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the RBI in 2015, <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/upi-the-driver-of-economic-growth-and-inclusion/">the Unified Payment Interface (UPI)</a> is an easy way to transfer money in real-time from one bank to another. Here, the UPI ID acts as the virtual payment address, and UPI PIN is the security password to authenticate the transaction. These are only two things required to transfer money. UPI eliminates the need to enter complex bank account details to initiate a money transfer.<ul class="list-node" id="u29byozm5"><li>IMPS</li></ul>Immediate Payment Service is an instant fund transfer service and can be simply defined as NEFT+RTGS. It ensures real-time interbank funds transfer in the Indian banking system provided by banks. The cap on transaction limit is set very low to avoid fraudulent complaints. In order to make an IMPS transfer, you just need to know the destination account holder’s IMPS id (MMID) and their mobile number.<ul class="list-node" id="nix10ovkr"><li>RTGS</li></ul>The ‘Systemically Important Payment System,’ Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) System was introduced in 2004. It is a secure electronic fund transfer system that provides real-time online settlements for bank transactions across the country.<ul class="list-node" id="h04bgsk39"><li>NEFT</li></ul>National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT) was introduced in 2005 and soon became one of India’s prominent electronic fund transfer systems. It is the most secure way of transferring funds from one bank account to another. Here, the funds are transferred using the Reserve Bank of India’s NEFT infrastructure, which is a nationwide payment system facilitating safe and secure transactions all over the country.Now, this is not all. There are several other money transfer modes that involve virtual and cryptocurrencies. We’ll cover them in subsequent articles.Feel we’ve missed out on something. Let us know in the comments below.<h2 class="heading-node" id="2754" style="text-align: justify">The road ahead</h2>Newer technologies and <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/api-the-power-that-drives-new-age-banking-ecosystems/">API-based</a> tech stacks are paving the way for quicker, robust, hassle-free money transfer processes. Banks and money transfer operators leverage fintech partnerships to enable great remittance experience, cut costs, and manage backend integrations and tech infrastructure. Robust security verifications and <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/why-is-risk-based-authentication-rba-critical-for-banks/">risk management systems</a> promise a secure, real-time flow of money across borders.Want to know more about digital money transfers? Write to us at&nbsp;<a class="link au md" href="mailto:business@m2pfintech.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener ugc nofollow">business@m2pfintech.com</a><a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/newsletter/">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to our newsletter and get the latest fintech news, views, and insights, directly to your inbox. Follow us on&nbsp;<a class="link" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/m2pfintech/mycompany/">LinkedIn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a class="link" href="https://twitter.com/m2pfintech">Twitter</a>&nbsp;for insightful fintech tales curated for curious minds like you.

Tale of Money Transfers: From Hawala to One-click Remittances

Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) 101- A Primer

<img src="https://m2p-website-file.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/m2p-website-file/marketing-cms/m2p-blog/2022/04/banner1251-2.webp" alt="M2P Fintech" title="" width="100%" height="447">Blockchain is crossing its chasm and it might be stumbling its way towards knocking on the doors of many other industries. Still, the scope of its application and ideas challenges the present technologies in the field. This technology, still young and fresh, continually offers its beneficiaries data transparency, security, and quicker transactions.Awaiting to join hands with fintech <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/the-world-of-apis-how-they-power-fintech/">APIs</a> blockchain promises, to accelerate numerous applications to the front row. Unfortunately, the innovators and investors are not on the same page yet on bringing the dreams of <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/fintech-a-catalyst-for-financial-inclusion/">fintech</a> operations into practice.Still, one cannot overlook the potential of blockchain technology because bitcoin efficacy is proved through the decentralized protocol algorithm of Blockchain.The use cases of Blockchain in Fintech are discussed below along with the deterrents of the operational practices too.<h2 class="heading-node" id="ea1b" style="text-align: justify">What is Blockchain?</h2>Blockchain is a database: digital, decentralized database. A series of blocks containing transaction data, a hash identity, and node details are connected to form a chain. They are linked to their previous block with immutable characteristics. It also facilitates the process of recording, managing, and tracking assets. Assets can be tangible and intangible, and virtually anything of value can be traded on a blockchain network. It reduces risk and costs for all the parties involved.The reason why Blockchain is now on an accelerated trend is that it is fast. As a business runs on information, the quicker it is received. The more accurate the information is, the faster the business reaps results. The security aspect of Blockchain is well coveted as it can be accessed by individuals who have the key. It offers a single view where even a single modification will be known to all the members.<h2 class="heading-node" id="3ca3" style="text-align: justify">How does Blockchain work?</h2>Blockchain records validate and store the data in its database. So, it has the privilege to validate a transaction. However, it does not simply hold the data but also every nuance that happened in the transaction.<ol class="list-node" id="khl9t5q91"><li>User requests for a transaction of any type involved with or without contracts, cryptocurrency, information, or any other records.</li><li>Now the requested information is sent to various nodes of the P2P network (the people involved in the transaction) for validation.</li><li>The validation of the nodes and the user status is recorded and updated by the algorithms.</li><li>Once the transaction is complete, a new block is added with the recorded data to the previous block .</li></ol>Each block contains the following information<ul class="list-node" id="30nibfo2u"><li>A Hash pointer (link to the previous block)</li><li>A timestamp</li><li>Transaction data</li></ul><img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1400/1*ymase2KIJyghd5SKYaPm2Q.png" alt="M2P Fintech" title="" width="100%" height="358"><h2 class="heading-node" id="a369" style="text-align: justify">What gives Blockchain its power?</h2>Blockchain destroys cybercrime attacks with its decentralized ledger. The conventional centralized ledger in <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/fintech-a-catalyst-for-financial-inclusion/">Fintech</a> opens pathways to fraudulent activities despite its easy access — vulnerable to&nbsp;cybercrimes. In the case of the Blockchain, the distributed P2P network allows more than one node (device) to validate, authenticate and approve transactions.Moreover, the nodes cannot alter any transaction data without their peer nodes.A decentralized ledger is the core concept of Blockchain technology that makes it completely superior. This operational protocol helps holds numerous features such as embezzlement in check.Blockchain characteristics are flexible enough to bend at few places and remain immutable at other occurrences. Moreover, it comes with complete security compliance, avoids fraud, and is scalable with any form of transaction.Reliability: It removes the double records because it certifies and identifies the transaction of each party.Unchangeable transactions: You cannot edit or remove the transactions but only add. The chronological ordering stores each block with a timestamp.Reduces Frauds: The P2P network validates the transaction request and reduces the chance of embezzlement.Collaboration: Removes the third party from the transaction. The dream of digital banks, neo banks complying with all the strict regulations is possible with blockchain technology.Transparency: Transaction details are public to everyone, including changes (parties involved in the transaction). It solves the credibility and trust challenges of Fintech.<h2 class="heading-node" id="5838" style="text-align: justify">How Blockchain is transforming Fintech?</h2>Blockchain is silently proving its invincibility in the fintech industry. However, underpinning Blockchain is to the transformative growth of Fintech; it is abstained by a large crowd due to operational reality.Ripple connect and Ethereum has found their ways into early adopters door but could not cross the chasm cycle yet. Effectively, the technology contributes to reliable finance systems through robust algorithms: distributed technology in record keeping and transactions with the decentralized protocol eliminating thousands of paperwork.The infant technology is fruitful for Fintech, especially in shaping retail banking services.<ol class="list-node" id="hehe9ly9f"><li>RTP solutions: Sending money will only take a matter of minutes. Implementing RTP has been risky with the traditional banking process, but Blockchain accelerates the implementation process. As a result, irrespective of any app used for money transfer, transactions will happen securely.</li><li><a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/cross-border-payments-a-swift-money-flow-across-borders/">Cross-border Payments:</a>&nbsp;While setting up to collect or fund transfer across other countries, the limitations make the process slow, tiresome and challenging. With Blockchain, the restrictions can be melted. In addition, it is an entirely internet-based operation which removes the need for an additional setup cost.</li><li>Smart Contracts &amp; Recurring Payments:&nbsp;For SaaS &amp; B2B industries, smart contracts will help secure credible transactions that can be released based on a completed action, event, or conditions. It is useful when the goods are delivered, and the funds are released in the logistics.</li></ol><h2 class="heading-node" id="3afc" style="text-align: justify">Blockchain use case scenario in RTP solutions &amp; cross-border payments</h2>From 2017, there are speculations of the use of Blockchain in the fintech field, as of now, no direct confirmation apart from Ripple and Ethereum using their Blockchain in real-time settlements and <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/cross-border-payments-a-swift-money-flow-across-borders/">cross-border payments</a> — a real challenge in retail banking.RTP &amp; <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/forex-cards-international-travel-made-effortless/">international payment</a> processing solutions are slow because of the conjecture of the third parties in stock markets, healthcare, and cryptocurrency. However, blockchain usage can lift the barrier in a few cases if the compliance has been favorable. Thus, it may not remove the third party entirely but speed up the process.In cross-border and RTP solutions, the payment systems still need a third party till the regulations are changed. But with cryptocurrency, the need for the traditional infrastructure banking setup can be overridden. First, the currency of the payer can be converted to bitcoin or any other fiat currencies. Then the payment can be approved by the distributed electronic ledger protocol.Then the receiver will get the settlement in the original currency. It involves an additional step of converting the currency to crypto and then back to the original format. Of course, it increases a few complications. Still, given the present tech innovations in the market, this is an easy pie.A group of consortium banks in Japan is currently running on this tech innovation method to collect international and RTP domestic payments.<h2 class="heading-node" id="0b95" style="text-align: justify">Fintech Blockchain Use cases</h2><h3 class="heading-node" id="c07b" style="text-align: justify">Smart contracts</h3>An exciting branch of Blockchain is the smart contract. The capability of smart contracts is transformative enough to disrupt the automation process in the future. Adding a bit of AI or edge intelligence, smart contracts will be more intelligent: they can trigger AI decisions.In 2016, financial consortium R3 and its member banks completed trade finance prototypes that used smart contracts to process factoring transactions and letters of credit. Smart contracts have high leverage on places where escrow is high. When a synchronized chain of actions happens upon if/ else statements drawn by both parties, it is a win-win situation.<h3 class="heading-node" id="6c71" style="text-align: justify">KYC</h3><a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/know-your-customer-kyc-the-need-for-authentication/">Know Your Customer</a> (KYC) is a regulation now, and it is mandatory for consumers to enjoy frictionless payment advancements. But <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/crack-the-kyc-jigsaw-ease-onboarding-compliance/">overcoming KYC challenges</a>, and establishing the identity of the customer without barging into their privacy is complex. The transparency of Blockchain enables identity verification without disclosing the true identity. It sounds like beating around the bush, but the protocol allows to establish, verify and transact based on digital identities of all the counterfeits.<h3 class="heading-node" id="d839" style="text-align: justify">Escrow — freelance</h3>Freelance opportunities are booming everywhere, thanks to COVID; however, the escrow is high. For a platform like Upwork, satisfying both sides is a requirement without any compromise. The best way to solve these problems is through smart contracts. Transferring the deliverables based on effective agreed rules from both parties can enable a seamless functioning of the whole platform.<h3 class="heading-node" id="d2b7" style="text-align: justify">Recurring Payments</h3>In B2B, the payments usually take 3–4 days to complete, which is quite annoying nowadays. The middlemen in the process are co-dependent with the paperwork, which delays the sales cycle even further. Intelligent contracts can plunge in with the idea of its transparent agreement terms, making recurring payments every month or year easy. The contract triggers the next step of the action only if both the parties are convinced, so it gives complete control to the buyer and the sellerBlockchain is waiting for its massive scaling, and 2021 is the year for its spark plug. The industry is quite busy solving its problems with operational constraints. Yet, we have pretty a trend waiting to breach in soon, at least into the payment ecosystems under the fintech radar.To know more about blockchain, write to us at business@m2pfintech.com.<a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/newsletter/">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to our newsletter and get the latest fintech news, views, and insights, directly to your inbox. 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