Fintech refers generally to the application of computer technology to enrich the delivery of financial services and products through the financial system. The original purpose of fintech was to assist consumers and businesses become more financially secure and efficient, and to make financial data accessible and easy to use. As a result, many consumers are turning to an alternative type of financing that does not involve traditional banks or credit unions. This is especially true for people who do not have good credit, have had problems making payments in the past, or are unable to obtain traditional financing from traditional lenders. For these people, online lenders provide an excellent opportunity to meet their financial needs.
As an example of fintech innovation, one example involves digital currency. Digital currency, also known as digital cash, is a type of online currency that circulates just like conventional money. It can be used like regular cash or withdrawn like a regular card at a participating retailer. Currently, many financial institutions are accepting digital currency through e-commerce websites and at select locations. According to some experts, this trend is likely to continue to grow rapidly as traditional financial institutions look to embrace e-commerce technologies more closely.
Another example of fintech innovation is the adoption of credit card technology by small businesses. This is an important step forward in the effort to reduce fraud and increase security on the part of cardholders. In recent years, credit card companies have implemented measures that try to tighten up consumer identification. At the same time, many businesses have been struggling to meet growth and budget constraints. These factors have made it difficult for companies to effectively process and service credit cards, leading to a rise in fraudulent activity.
As a result, many business owners are searching for companies that can help them improve their customer service and increase customer satisfaction. Many of these fintech investors are working to fill the gap between what existing customers expect and what they can get from major corporations. By identifying potential customers and delivering something that meets or exceeds their expectations, fintech investors can help a business find new customers and increase profitability. This is just one reason why venture capital investors are turning their attention to fintech.
For Chicago area investors, there are some very promising opportunities. One of the most prominent is called Y Combinator, which launched a website called Genfx that is currently being used by some of the country’s best and brightest young entrepreneurs. According to its developers, the genfx platform will help small businesses “cut through the clutter” and find real prospects and opportunities that are currently available on the market.
GenFX was created by former hackers who found that some of the most profitable ventures are actually those that offer a free service. In other words, they’re not just selling information or advertising. In fact, a lot of the best fintech company websites are actually free services that help consumers analyze their financial data. If the data breach was due to a simple data breach of personal information, such as a credit card number, then the site can be temporarily shut down but it will quickly regain momentum as more consumers become aware of the problem. This makes the genfx platform perfect for investors who are looking for a quick return on their investment and those who want to see if a business can compete in an increasingly competitive internet marketing environment.
Another potential investment opportunity comes from the financial services sector itself. A lending platform, called Lending Tree, has recently made headlines with its plan to allow its members the ability to access the popular Twitter social network. According to its founders, the plan is part of an ongoing effort to allow Lending Tree members to “engage” with their customers in real time. The company offers its Twitter followers the ability to “follow” individual borrowers and, with a click of a button, access the borrower’s Twitter account to read posts and get a sense of how helpful they are to a borrower’s overall financial experience. It’s unclear if Lending Tree will be used by other lending platforms or if this will be a service exclusively offered by one of the more well known lending sites.
As with any investment, it’s important for investors to consider all of their options. It can be difficult to separate one investment with the overall investment of a brand new business; however, fintech companies have proven themselves over time to have the intelligence and creativity necessary to achieve impressive growth rates. For those with an eye on the future of technology and trends, the next logical step might be to look into a fintech investment through one of the more established and trusted names in the industry. Not only will investors benefit from the expertise and knowledge of seasoned entrepreneurs, but they’ll also gain invaluable insight and training that could help them further their own interests within the industry.
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.