Evolving Technologies In Finance & Fintech Part I

The fintech industry is slated to address crucial issues and inefficiencies in finance today. But, contrary to expectations, there are many improvements ahead for technologies in finance. It may take some time to optimize the infrastructure and concepts, though. 

Improving Technologies In Finance

Although the finance sector has grown significantly over the past few decades, there is always room for improvement. The increasing reliance on new technologies in finance has made processes, products, and services far more efficient. Unfortunately, it also introduces a higher degree of security concerns, human error, etc. It is a fine line between relying on human and technological input, and fintech should help address some inefficiencies.

Data Security

There is a tremendous amount of personal and other sensitive data worldwide. That information has become more omnipresent following the introduction of more technologies in finance. Securing and protecting that information is a crucial challenge that poses serious issues. Data security remains a problematic endeavor, although there are vast improvements on the horizon.

Virtual security requires a different approach from real-world security measures. For example, no security guards or vaults keep the bad guys out. Instead, the focus shifts to patching vulnerabilities in code before criminals can take advantage of it. Moreover, consumers need to feel safe at all times without degrading service performance or the user experience.

Standard solutions – both on the corporate and user level – include two-factor authentication, data encryption, real-time alerts, and behavior analysis. These methods address security concerns yet will also require other technologies in finance. 

Compliance And Regulation

The concept of compliance and regulation equally applies to using technologies in finance. Fintechs often try different approaches to bring their products and services to consumers. Moreover, they often find cheaper, more efficient, or more reliable ways. Those are all crucial improvements, but companies should never provide them through shortcuts or oversight.

Regulation and compliance also apply to the software side of fintech and finance. Any fintech offering a software-based solution or online product or service must undergo a lengthy approval process. Everything will be peer-reviewed to ensure the approach is above board. In addition, most fintechs have a dedicated legal team for these matters, as requirements and rules can change on a dime. 

Tapping Into The Correct Expertise

Introducing new technologies in finance is an exciting frontier. There is much one can do with software, either on a small or large scale. Mobile efforts are of keen interest to fintech leaders, as it is the biggest market for financial products and services. Moreover, various banks and other traditional institutions do not have a proper mobile solution. Offering an “app version” of the website is not good enough and often leads to inconvenient experiences. 

There is still a lack of mobile app development expertise in the fintech segment. Providing services and products needs to be balanced with an accessible user experience. Moreover, these apps need to support innovative financial technologies, including NFC transactions, geolocation, fingerprint authentication, etc. Finding the right talent to build such applications is tricky, although fintech players are often ahead of banks on that front. 

Integrating AI and Chatbots

The importance of artificial intelligence and chatbots in finance keeps growing. It is one of the crucial pillars of the fintech industry, and these concepts are embraced by traditional players too. Over the next few decades, there will likely be a stronger emphasis on AI in finance. That is a good thing, for the most part, as it leads to more personalized experiences. In addition, AI and chatbots can free up human resources to work on other things. 

Chatbots and AI will remain crucial technologies in finance for years to come. Consumers want convenience, speed, and efficiency. Traditional technologies may not provide those benefits, as processes often rely on human input for every step. Fintechs are more eager to incorporate these technologies, although it is no easy feat. Without the correct expertise and constant maintenance, an AI or chatbot can become a hindrance rather than a benefit.