Since inception, fintech startups in New Zealand have been growing at an exponential pace. During downturns in global markets, financial institutions need to diversify their investment portfolio by focusing on technology start-ups. These innovative financial players are injecting new life into an industry that is experiencing challenges in the current economic slowdown. Through innovation, fintech players are extracting value from traditionally risk-taking financial instruments. By doing so, they are helping society by increasing competitiveness. By identifying risk and capitalising on it, they are helping to reduce financial volatility and improving the overall economic performance of the economy.
The biggest beneficiaries of these financial services start-ups are consumers. Most New Zealanders are used to paying high costs for financial services. In fact, the average individual spends twice as much on annual fees and commissions to financial institutions as other people in the same country. In reaction, consumers are embracing cutting-edge technology solutions that allow them to make better use of their money. In turn, the largest biotech industry in New Zealand is creating jobs in Auckland, helping the economy grow at a fast pace.
Most of the best fintech startups in New Zealand are based in Auckland, but there are several examples elsewhere as well. For example, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) released a report earlier this year that highlighted the areas where the sector should focus its attention in order to increase its profit margin and reduce the cost of finance. Among the four areas touched in the report were professional banking, superannuation and asset management companies, and the country’s largest banks. The banks in the RBNZ report include Bank of New Zealand (BNZ), Credit Union Mutual Funds (CRIM), and a number of international banks.
The next area in which New Zealand is experiencing growth in the fintech startup space is in the realm of online lending. In fact, online lending is currently the fastest growing segment of the overall lending industry. In addition to traditional bricks-and-mortar storefront financial institutions, many people now utilize online lending services via third party websites. Some of these third party sites are part of an offshore lender network, while others operate independently. Regardless of which type of online lender you choose, you can expect to find a wide range of products, such as personal loans, business loans, vehicle loans, home equity loans, and payday loans.
Another area in which New Zealand is poised to benefit from the growth of biotech startups is in the realm of digital analytics. According to the forecast released by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, the number of people using digital analytics to track their spending will rise from 250 million in 2021 to 500 million in 2021. Digital analytics will allow consumers to track not only their spending habits but also to identify opportunities to save money. It is expected that this number will increase even more as the Baby Boomer generation ages and they begin to spend more on things such as food, clothes, and travel.
A third area where fintech startups are poised to gain ground is within the realm of financial technology company solutions. One of the largest companies in the world today, MasterCard, is currently providing mobile payment options for millions of consumers across the globe. The company is currently undergoing its own wave of consolidation, purchasing its payment processing business from PayPal. This acquisition will allow MasterCard to streamline its payment processing processes and become more accessible to small merchants around the world. Further, MasterCard is currently in the process of developing its own application for the BlackBerry, which will allow merchants to take their payments directly from the mobile platform.
Finally, New Zealanders can look to companies like Horizon Securities for insights into the fintech market. The company provides a number of different digital banking products to meet the needs of its clients, which include online account management, investment products, and savings accounts. While most of the services offered by Horizon are provided at no cost, the company does offer a banking license for those who wish to offer their digital banking services for an additional fee. In addition, users of its financial service can purchase the Horizon Wallet, which allows them to make purchases using major credit and debit cards, as well as manage their investments through a self-directed IRA. Like MasterCard, users of Horizon’s Wallet can also request a virtual check from the company whenever they want, and they can use the funds in their account to do just about anything.
With more companies entering the markets for financial services in North America, it is important to remember that just because a company is relatively new or has only been in business for a short period of time, does not mean that it cannot be successful. Many of these New Zealand startups have been around for over a decade and continue to operate successfully each and every day. What’s most important is for investors to take a look at the history of the company and then ask whether there is something in the company’s overall structure or portfolio that would make it stand out from the crowd and create a need for individual investors.
Wanda Rich has been the Editor-in-Chief of Global Banking & Finance Review since 2011, playing a pivotal role in shaping the publication’s content and direction. Under her leadership, the magazine has expanded its global reach and established itself as a trusted source of information and analysis across various financial sectors. She is known for conducting exclusive interviews with industry leaders and oversees the Global Banking & Finance Awards, which recognize innovation and leadership in finance. In addition to Global Banking & Finance Review, Wanda also serves as editor for numerous other platforms, including Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.