For this week’s research article, we dive into new insights on fintech market, banking, insurance, payments, trends, diversity in fintech and more. Happy reading!
Fintechs, Finance Firms Snap Up Media Companies to Gain Audience (Fintech News)
This past year has seen banks, financial services companies and fintech startups snapping up media companies, realizing the merits of owning their audience to gain exposure, sell more products and become more profitable. An extensive research paper by business analytics and market intelligence company CB Insights looks at finance companies’ possible motives and ambitions in acquiring media companies, delving into the recent deals that occurred. The report highlights that while there is a number of reasons for purchasing media and community, perhaps the biggest benefit is that it drives the cost of acquiring a new client to much lower levels. The reason for that is quite obvious: these platforms already have an audience and traffic, allowing brands to get access to a large pool of prospects pretty much overnight. Read more.
Study tour to learn about disruptive fintech (News UCT)
The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) MPhil in Financial Technology class of 2021, along with the newly established Algorand–UCT Financial Innovation Hub, recently travelled to Zug and Zürich in Switzerland to learn more about disruptive fintech technologies. Also known as “Crypto Valley”, Zug is home to the world’s leading blockchain companies and foundations. Recent reports estimate that there are 960 crypto and blockchain start-ups in Switzerland, making it the most ideal location to learn from the worlds greatest. The group were hosted by companies such as Flovtec, Vereign AG, Cardano Foundation, Algotrader and Bitcoin Suisse. During the sessions with these companies, students were given an opportunity to hear from founders and senior executives about the growing blockchain ecosystem in Switzerland. Read more.
The inevitability of risk: why spend management is key for business in unpredictable times (Fintech Futures)
Every company is subject to a degree of financial risk and the past few years has taught business owners, and their respective finance teams, that uncertainty is the new certainty. With supply chain issues, staffing shortages and the back and forth between office and remote working, it’s understandable that businesses can feel they are losing control. If businesses are to face the challenges that come their way with confidence, teams need to be prepared to face new challenges head-on and adapt – whatever the scenario. Read more.
Male Workers Currently Outnumber Females 2-to-1 in the UK Fintech Industry, Report Finds (Bloomberg)
The UK’s fintech industry must attract more women to its workforce and create a more inclusive environment in the fight for talent, according to new research that shows the burgeoning sector has less gender diversity than the broader finance industry. Male workers currently outnumber females 2-to-1 in the UK fintech industry, trade body Innovate Finance and consulting firm EY said in a report, citing Tech Nation, a network for entrepreneurs. Women made up 44% of the wider finance sector’s overall workforce in 2019, according to Catalyst, a nonprofit advocating for more women-friendly workplaces. Read more.
Tech Trend Report 2022 ‘Looking ahead’ (Rabobank)
The Technology Trend Report of 2021 was, in fact, a break from the trend. We switched from listing the new technologies to delving into their impact on major social themes. It turned out to be spot on, appealing much more to our readers. This year we are taking it even further: straight into the future; how tech can help us build the future we strive for. Read more.
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