London, UK - In a momentous occasion, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak inaugurated the London Tech Week, underscoring the nation's standing as an "island of innovation." However, the Prime Minister cautioned against complacency, emphasising the need for swift action in the face of shifting technological landscapes, encompassing AI, quantum computing, synthetic biology, semiconductors, and more. His objective is not only to maintain the UK's position as a leading tech hub but to propel it to new heights, making it the most attractive country globally for tech start-ups, growth, and investments. Driven by a sense of urgency and responsibility, the Prime Minister emphasised that innovation is not just an economic endeavour but a potent force for improving people's lives. Drawing parallels to the transformative power of the industrial revolution, Sunak sees an unprecedented opportunity for human progress.
The fintech industry, a frontrunner in technological advancements, has experienced remarkable growth over the years. From the installation of Barclays' first ATM in the 1970s to the emergence of cryptocurrencies and the subsequent rise of start-ups, fintech has continually evolved. Recent figures from a Global Fintech Market Report by Expert Market Research reveal that the global fintech market surpassed USD 194.1 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach a staggering USD 492.81 billion by 2028, boasting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.8%. These statistics validate the exponential expansion of the global fintech industry.
The financial sector finds itself during a golden age of innovation, driven by technological advancements and trailblazers within the market. Once regarded as a disruptive force, fintech has now transformed into an enabler, working in tandem with traditional finance to create a robust and enduring industry.
To ensure adaptability in the fast-evolving fintech landscape, it becomes imperative to stay abreast of industry trends. With this objective in mind, the UK government has taken proactive steps to foster discussion and collaboration. The Parliament Street Summit, a remarkable event organised by Steven George-Hilley of Centropy PR and Chairman of Parliament Street, convened influential CEOs and business owners from fintech and technology companies worldwide. One of the central themes of the summit was a critical inquiry into whether the fintech "bubble has burst." Esteemed panellists such as Caroline Ruto, Head of Compliance at DKK; Dr. Iwa Salami, Director of the Centre of Fintech at the University of East London; Aaron Carter, Managing Director of Showpiece; Laimonas Noreika, Co-founder and CEO of HeavyFinance; Neh Thaker, Co-founder of HedgeFlows; Steve Hadaway, Chief Revenue Officer of Encompass Corporation; and Jim McCarthy, EVP of Thredd, provided valuable insights on the subject, while attendees of the assembly actively contributed, making the event a resounding success.
The Parliament Society, along with its esteemed members and partners, including Othman Al Omeir, Editor-in-Chief of Elaph - How to Spend it – Financial Times Magazine Arabic, Calley D Edmond of Advancia.Ai Ltd, Nico Cary, Co-Founder & CTO of PassEntry, Josh Shepherd, Co-Founder & COO of PassEntry, Anastasia VonSivers of IvaJewels, and Laura Timm Business Consultant, graced the event with their presence and knowledgeable input.
During the summit, a vision of the future of the fintech industry in 2023 and beyond was explored, shedding light on trends that will greatly enhance accessibility and alleviate stress for businesses and consumers alike. Here are some of the most noteworthy trends:
AI & Machine Learning: The transformative potential of AI technology in banking, payments, investments, and risk management is undeniable. AI and machine learning have the power to revolutionize various aspects of fintech.
Embedded Finance: Embedded finance has gained substantial traction and is poised to dominate the industry in 2023. This category encompasses a broad range of financial services and products integrated into existing frameworks or platforms. Notably, the "Buy Now Pay Later" model is experiencing exceptional growth within embedded finance, enabling customers to split payments over time. Experts predict a staggering 40.4% annual expansion of the embedded financial services market in the coming years.
SaaS (Software as a Service): The SaaS sector is on a promising trajectory, with predictions indicating that it will reach a remarkable milestone of $623 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 18%.
Open Banking: Open banking empowers customers to securely share their financial information with third parties, enhancing control and flexibility over their finances. This technology opens new opportunities for businesses to access untapped markets, create innovative products and services, and improve efficiency through data exchange. Notably, customers gain greater control over their financial data, facilitating seamless transfers between organisations and fostering transparency, choice, and control.
IoT (Internet of Things): IoT allows internet-connected devices to collect and analyse data without human intervention, presenting vast possibilities for the fintech industry. Through IoT, banks can monitor customer activities and automate responses based on predefined preferences or behaviours. Voice recognition technology further bolsters security measures by simplifying authentication processes and making accounts less susceptible to hacking.
Blockchain: Blockchain technology, hailed as one of the most exciting fintech trends, offers a decentralized digital ledger that verifies and records various transactions. It enables secure, direct transfers of digital assets without relying on intermediaries or central authorities. The potential cost savings associated with blockchain's distributed nature, such as reducing the need for costly intermediaries, make it a compelling option for various financial applications, including payments, transfers, and trading. The increased transparency provided by blockchain could also foster trust by minimizing fraud and settlement delays.
In previous sessions of the Parliament Streets gathering, concerns were raised regarding the digital divide in the UK, where over 10 million people still lack access to the internet. As technology advances rapidly, there is a risk of creating a technology-based segregation, not based on race but on access and understanding. It becomes the government's and companies' responsibility to ensure inclusivity, extending support to those left behind by the sophisticated technologies of the modern era.
The UK government's commitment to nurturing the fintech industry, coupled with a vibrant ecosystem of innovative companies and influential thought leaders, positions the country at the forefront of global technological advancements. With a clear focus on embracing emerging trends and fostering inclusivity, the UK is poised to lead the charge into a future defined by technological progress and equitable access to transformative financial services.