Iryna BilykOver the years, the adaptation of software solutions has been widespread across a whole lot of industries. Financial services have not been an exception for technology innovation and digital transformation. Finance-based organizations have always been on the lookout for emerging technology that enhances their efficiency, speed, and customer experience. The impact of technology on financial services cannot be overlooked now, and it will only increase in the future.
The applications of software solutions in the industry have enabled financial technology (FinTech) firms to develop innovative solutions. For instance, it has led to the development of online payment systems, better risk management, cybersecurity solutions, advanced analytics, cloud processes for better collaboration, etc. These have proved pivotal for financial services to thrive.
There are several examples of financial services companies whose massive success has been attributed to the large-scale adoption of software solutions. These include the China-based company Ant Financial, which has grown to be one of the most valuable startups in the world thanks to its implementation of technology.
In this article, we will cover the implementation of technology in the financial services industry, its benefits, and how it is used. Read on.
What are the benefits of technology in financial services?
No doubt, the advent of technology in the financial services sector has several benefits. The global finance sector would not have grown to the current size without the use of software solutions. Discussed below are some of the advantages that technology has brought into financial services.
Coverage
Mobile connectivity technology has enabled almost everyone to access open banking services easily. It is in sharp contrast to the traditional banking system that allowed only for limited coverage, usually only in big cities and towns. Nowadays, signing up for financial services is just as easy as a few clicks on business phones or tablets. Technology has enabled FinTech companies to even break geographical barriers in terms of coverage.
Convenience
Financial services technology also brings much-needed convenience to users as opposed to the traditional banking ecosystem. In recent years, it has become possible to do almost everything through mobile banking technology. It includes signing up for the service, making customer inquiries, payments, accessing loans, and transferring funds. Financial technology companies, such as Square Inc, have user-friendly mobile applications that enable customers to access their services from anywhere at any time. Technology has enabled conveniences like buy now pay later for customers, which while not generating immediate cash for companies, adds to their net credit sales. Such apps have eliminated the need for consumers to queue up at brick-and-mortar banking premises before they can get services.
Speed
The other benefit of financial technology solutions is that they are quick. Transactions are completed in seconds. It is crucial, especially in this fast-paced world where time is of the essence. Traditional banking systems’ processes could easily take days to complete. However, that is no longer the case nowadays, thanks to FinTech solutions.
Safety
Technology also addresses safety and security concerns in the financial services sector. The banking system comprises loopholes, which make it risky and prone to theft. However, the development of software solutions in the financial services industry has come up with fraud and breach detection methodologies that ensure one’s funds and private data are safe and secure.
Customer experience
Overall, financial technologies have managed to enhance customer experience. Smart contracts, mobile payment systems such as Venmo and credit card platforms like PayPal, contactless payments like with QR code generator, and chatbots systems have greatly made the client’s life much easier. Other technological wonders include no security deposit credit cards available to everyone. There has also been a significant reduction in human error. Most queries can be handled online in the comfort of one’s home.
Artificial intelligence technologies have also greatly enhanced the customer experience in financial services. It has enabled personalized experience through its use of big data. No doubt, customer experience remains one of the top advantages of tech in finance, considering that clients take up a central role in the entire system.
How is the technology used in financial services?
Technology has been used in the financial services sector in a variety of ways. These are described in depth below.
Big data and AI
Big data in finance refers to the petabytes of unstructured and structured data that is obtained by banks and other financial institutions from online platforms. Artificial intelligence and machine learning systems are used in financial services to carry out tasks, such as risk assessment and fraud detection. The technology is also useful in the financial services industry when it comes to AI-driven support, predictive analytics, reverse ETL applications and personalized experiences.
Blockchain and cryptocurrencies
Blockchain technology has advanced a whole new digital sector or finance. The technology has further strengthened the entire financial technology ecosystem. It has led to the development of cryptocurrency solutions, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. They have become powerful tools for wealth management. Blockchain has also transformed regular financial transactions into entirely transparent ones, paving the way for a fully democratized financial landscape. The technology has also been hailed for its tight security characteristics that have led to increased confidence in online financial services.
Digital banking
For years, digital banking has been among the front-leading applications of the financial technology revolution. There has been a sharp decline in traditional banking, with consumers gradually embracing the digital one due to its convenience and efficiency. The FinTech trend in the exponential adoption of digital banking solutions has also been a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Lockdown regulations affect most regions. According to research, some areas have experienced an increase in FinTech apps use by over 72%. The technology has enabled people to do various banking activities, such as making payments, taking loans, transferring funds from almost anywhere.
Digital payment technologies
The digitization of financial services has also resulted in a disruptive change within the sector. Nowadays, there are software solutions in place that enable people to make payments online using their smartphones. It has helped further advance the globe toward a cashless society. The digital payment technologies front has largely been enabled through mobile connectivity, allowing companies to effortlessly share PDF invoices with clients, allow customers to set up recurring billing, and much more.
Security solutions
No doubt, security and privacy are of the utmost importance in the financial services sector. New technologies have been roped in to enhance these. As more people begin to use FinTech solutions, the safety of their funds, personal data, and transactions becomes a matter of prime concern. Several new technologies have been invented to ensure that modern-day financial services are secure. These include biometric data, tokenization, and encryption. Technological tools ensure that all requirements regarding the use of data privacy are met. Besides, they also automate requests for tampering with users’ personal data. The tools are also used for system security testing, fraud detection, code review and audit, and advanced risk systems. These have enabled the modern banking system to be more breach-proof as compared to the traditional one.
Analytics and reporting
Data science and analytics play a central role in the financial technology revolution. The ability for FinTech companies to process huge quantities of data and come up with meaningful insights through data analytics has had a massive impact, particularly in the insurance industry, where risk management is everything. Analytics helps financial companies determine individuals’ credit scores, thereby helping decide whether to give them loans or not, for example. This technology has been the backbone behind the rise of the Chinese FinTech giant Ant Group.
Risks management
Technology has also opened up new risk assessment methodologies in the financial services sector. Some big players in the industry have developed a social credit scoring system using big data. It has helped them assess the risks involved before issuing out loans, for example.
One such example is Ant Financial. Their credit scoring system has enabled the company to issue loans even without collateral, thanks to their accurate credit scoring. It is in sharp contrast to the past decades where risk assessment could take weeks or even months. Nowadays, artificial intelligence algorithms can execute the task in real-time, enabling quicker decision-making and better profitability for service providers.
Robo-advisory services
The introduction of technology on financial services has also seen the emergence of Robo advisory services. These are digital investment and wealth management service providers that deploy algorithms to give clients investment advice that is hinged on lowering costs and increasing accessibilities.
They utilize robotic process automation to allocate assets optimally and maintain rewarding investment portfolios for clients. The major benefit of using Robo advisory services is that they are offered at affordable fees and require minimum natural effort.
To sum up, lest look through the technologies once again and find out what it is, what pros and cons it has.
| Technology | Description | Pros | Cons |
| Big Data and AI | Refers to large data collection for risk assessment, fraud detection, AI-driven support, predictive analytics, and personalized experiences. | Improved risk assessment, fraud detection, AI support, predictive analytics. | Data privacy concerns, high implementation costs, reliance on accurate data. |
| Blockchain & Crypto | Blockchain revolutionized finance, enabling cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin & Ethereum, offering wealth management and transparency. | Enhanced security & transparency, democratized financial landscape. | Regulatory challenges, market volatility, scalability issues. |
| Digital Banking | Convenient digital banking for payments, loans, and fund transfers, accelerated by the pandemic. | Accessibility, increased pandemic adoption. | Limited access for some, cybersecurity risks, preference for traditional banking. |
| Digital Payment Tech | Software solutions enabling online payments via smartphones, advancing cashless societies. | Advancement towards cashless society, fast & convenient payments. | Dependency on mobile connectivity, potential security vulnerabilities. |
| Security Solutions | Technologies like biometrics, tokenization, & encryption enhance security and privacy in financial services. | Improved data & transaction security, automated privacy compliance. | Implementation & maintenance costs, balancing security and user experience. |
| Analytics and Reporting | Data science enables better risk management, credit scoring, and decision-making in financial services. | Better risk management, credit scoring, informed decision-making. | Data quality issues, resource-intensive data processing. |
| Risk Management | Advanced risk assessment with technologies like social credit scoring, leading to quicker decision-making & improved profitability. | Enhanced risk assessment accuracy, faster loan processing. | Overreliance on data & algorithms, ethical concerns about data usage. |
| Robo-Advisory Services | Algorithms provide affordable digital investment and wealth management advice. | Lower costs, efficient portfolio management. | Limited human interaction, potential algorithm biases. |
Winding Up
Software development solutions have disrupted a lot of industries, and the financial sector has not been spared. Their world has witnessed a myriad of tech tools being implemented in the financial area. Technology in financial services has great benefits, such as improved security, speed, convenience, coverage, and customer experience. Various technologies have been used in the industry. These include blockchain and cryptocurrencies, big data and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity solutions, and digital banking.
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Svetlana Shevchuk
