Financial technology is the new technology and innovation which aim to contend with conventional financial practices in the efficient delivery of financial instruments. It is a fast-emerging field that makes use of advanced technology to enhance financial activities in finance. This includes technological change and application of computing power to better management of financial transactions. It also involves the creation of new financial instruments through technological innovations.
Financial technology includes such processes as electronic money management, internet banking, digital asset management, real time accounting, improved data security, and improved financial services delivery. These processes are aimed at ensuring that customers get better value for their money and are not cheated in any way. The key objective of fintech is to challenge the traditional model of banking through more efficient and effective service delivery. Financial technology integrates various techniques and innovations to make financial activities more convenient, smooth and effective. However, the process of introducing these innovations can only be successful if the market players are able to develop and strengthen their relationships with each other.
The relationship among financial institutions and startups in this area is a crucial ingredient for success. Startup companies usually seek to enter a long-term strategic partnership with established banks and other financial institutions so as to sustain growth and develop their business. The relationship can either be based on a free or a paid agreement. Most of the times, free agreements are sought by startups as this helps them gain experience and acquire the necessary expertise which they need in the highly competitive field of financial services industry. However, free agreement arrangements do not help in identifying and solving problems of common clients. As a result, startups are then required to seek commercialization assistance from traditional banking institutions.
Apart from assisting startups in the development of new products, financial technology fintech also enables consumers to make better use of their money and reduce their financial risks. In this context, the company providing financial services also becomes a direct channel between consumers and financial institutions. Therefore, when a consumer requires services from a bank, he/she does not have to go through the intermediaries of traditional banks anymore.
The main function of financial services technology fintech is to enable direct access of consumers’ monetary data from banks to online sources. This allows users to generate reports on their own or send the generated reports to someone who is a knowledgeable consumer. Moreover, through online banking, consumers are able to secure their financial data from unauthorized third parties. Hence, this helps to build stronger and more secure relationships with both customers and banks.
Due to the above mentioned advantages, fintech has provided a boost to the overall economy of India. A stronger financial services sector helps the economy to pull out of the recession which has affected many industries. Moreover, as the focus turns to improving the quality of life, consumers are more likely to embrace fintech solutions. The best thing about fintech is that it makes its presence felt gradually. Thus, it is easy for consumers to adapt to these new ways of doing business, which ultimately leads to the success of all businesses irrespective of size and sector.