The fintech industry is rapidly evolving and disrupting traditional financial systems. In this article, we bring you the latest research insights to help you stay ahead of the curve and understand the future of financial technology. Enjoy researching!

Global Economics Intelligence executive summary, July 2023 (McKinsey)

July’s World Economic Outlook Update from the IMF projects global growth to fall from an estimated 3.5% in 2022 to 3.0% in both 2023 and 2024 (Exhibit 1). The report states, “While the forecast for 2023 is modestly higher than predicted in the April 2023 World Economic Outlook, it remains weak by historical standards.” Meanwhile, the IMF expects global headline inflation to fall from 8.7% in 2022 to 6.8% in 2023 and 5.2% in 2024. It anticipates that underlying (core) inflation will decline more gradually, with forecasts for inflation in 2024 revised upward. Read more

Unlocking Open Banking – is VRP the key to profitability? (Payments, Cards & Mobile) 

Open Banking services are taking off world-wide. But questions remain about how some players – especially banks – can make money out of this new era. As Variable Recurring Payments (VRP) come on stream this year, we can expect Open Banking to accelerate. Exclusive Payments Cards & Mobile research for a private client reveals that Open Banking implementations are soaring in some European countries. From the UK to the Nordics and Baltics, we’re starting to see solutions in-market and consumer adoption rise. As we’ll see, though, this take-up is far from uniform across the continent. Read more

Global survey shows limited understanding of CBDC (Payments, Cards & Mobile) 

A global survey on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) released by the CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, examines the possible implications for capital markets and investment practitioners if central banks develop and launch digital versions of fiat currencies. The global survey of CFA Institute members found limited understanding of and support for CBDCs. A plurality of 42% of respondents believe that central banks should launch CBDCs, while 34% disagreed. Only 13% said they had a strong understanding of CBDCs. Read more

European startup bankruptcies lie low while new company creation stalls (PitchBook)

VC-backed bankruptcies in Europe remain low this year, but increasing pressure on venture investments has slowed first-time financings. Some 156 VC-backed companies have filed for bankruptcy since the beginning of the year, according to PitchBook data. If that pace holds, the annual total will fall below 2022’s figure. The slowdown in VC investments that began last year caused some concern that companies faced with rising operating costs would begin to run out of money, but the increase in bankruptcies has yet to materialize. Read more

Soaring inflation could benefit B2B BNPL market (Fintech Nexus)

Heightened inflation has increased pressure on SMEs in the UK following almost three years of challenging conditions. Financing has become critical for a sector that continues to face problems with access to funding through traditional sources such as banks. According to Nucleus Finance, 64% of retail, wholesale, and hospitality SMEs are concerned about access to finance in the new year. As economic conditions worsen, some are concerned that access will likely become more challenging. Although the Autumn statement released earlier this month outlined some measures of business support, this access to finance may be critical to the success of many. Read more

Soft POS saves money, drive sales and builds relationships (Payments, Cards & Mobile) 

Capterra surveyed 200 retailers of all sizes for their views on the benefits of soft POS systems. The results were clear – more than four in five agreed or strongly agreed that soft POS systems were more cost effective (89%), helped drive more sales (84%) and made it easier to access and interpret customer sales data for marketing and affinity purposes (88%). These factors help to explain why soft POS system use grew by 23% last year alone, according to Financesonline.com – with the soft POS market set to exceed $27.7 billion worldwide by 2030. Read more

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