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Key Technologies to Reshape Finance Industry

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Did you know that 88% of financial institutions fear losing business to fintech companies? Or that 75% of consumers now use at least one fintech app or platform? The financial services landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by rapid technological advancements. As we approach 2024, the industry stands at a crossroads of challenge and opportunity.

While economic predictions remain cautiously optimistic, with J.P. Morgan forecasting slight deceleration, the financial sector is gearing up to face potential disruptors head-on. From quantum computing and artificial intelligence to decentralized finance and biometric security, a wave of emerging technologies is set to reshape how we bank, invest, and manage our money. In this rapidly evolving landscape, even Flutter app development company are playing a crucial role, creating innovative mobile solutions that are transforming how users interact with financial services on their smartphones.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 7 technology trends that are revolutionizing financial services. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a curious consumer, understanding these innovations is crucial. They’re not just buzzwords – they represent the future of finance, promising enhanced efficiency, personalized experiences, and unprecedented accessibility. Join us as we dive into the digital transformation that’s making dusty bank lobbies and endless queues a thing of the past.

7 Key Emerging Finance Technologies

  • Artificial Intelligence

It’s estimated that AI could generate up to $1 trillion in annual value for global banking. Financial institutions are shifting to an AI-first mindset to fend off competition from tech firms. Automation and advanced analytics will enhance financial modeling, while knowledge graphs will identify patterns across diverse data sources. 

Privacy-focused analytics, such as federated learning and advanced encryption, will protect consumer data. AI applications will span customer service, fraud detection, and operational efficiency, allowing banks to innovate rapidly. By leveraging underused customer behavior data, banks can unlock ecosystem-based financing and collaborate with non-financial partners for seamless customer experiences.

  • Cloud Technology

By 2021, 54% of financial services companies had adopted cloud technology, and by 2024, it is expected to become a key emerging technology in the sector. However, rising costs driven by increased demand—partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic—pose significant challenges.

Companies may face cost overruns from unplanned adoptions, poor merger integrations, and data egress fees. To successfully adopt or optimize cloud technology, financial firms should seek external support, ensuring a smooth transition and leveraging expert insights to create a tailored cloud ecosystem. This approach will enhance personalization and improve brand profiles in a competitive market.

  • Blockchain

Blockchain technology, while still in its infancy, holds immense promise for secure and transparent transactions in the financial sector. As the backbone of Bitcoin, it has attracted attention from major banks like JP Morgan Chase and is viewed as a transformative opportunity. For instance, Accenture estimates that investment banks could save up to $10 billion by adopting blockchain for clearing and settlement processes. 

Despite its potential, adoption remains low, particularly among smaller institutions that struggle to develop solutions independently. However, as blockchain continues to gain traction, it is poised to revolutionize payments, fraud reduction, loan processing, and smart contracts in the near future.

  • Machine Learning (ML)

Machine Learning (ML) is revolutionizing the financial industry by personalizing customer experiences, forecasting future financial needs, and automating risk assessments. For instance, an ML-driven financial advisor can analyze your spending patterns, identifying trends and habits that may not be immediately apparent. 

Based on this analysis, it can recommend a customized savings plan designed specifically to help you achieve your financial goals. This tailored approach not only enhances your financial decision-making but also empowers you to take control of your finances with confidence, ensuring a more secure financial future.

  • Banking of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) has become a staple in technology, and its next evolution is the Banking of Things (BoT), which aims to revolutionize the financial services sector. BoT integrates wireless technologies like RFID and Bluetooth with payment systems, enabling seamless cardless transactions. 

In 2024, we anticipate a shift towards contactless payments as the preferred method among consumers. This transition will be supported by mobile payment options and technologies such as NFC and QR codes, which are already popular in markets like China. While challenges exist for traditional banks, BoT presents significant opportunities for innovation and democratization within financial services.

  • Open Banking

Open banking introduces a transformative approach to banking, allowing customers to securely share their financial data with third-party providers via APIs. This innovation enables features like account aggregation, where users can view multiple accounts from various banks in one place. While this presents numerous benefits, such as enhanced financial management and personalized services, it also raises challenges related to data sharing.

To maximize the advantages of open banking, financial institutions must adhere to three key principles: first, consumers should maintain full control over their data and provide explicit consent for sharing. Second, customers need seamless access to their financial data, enabling easy transfers between competing services. Lastly, authorized third parties must be able to access this data to develop innovative offerings, fostering a competitive landscape that benefits consumers.

  • No-code and low-code

No-code development platforms (NCDPs) enable users to create applications through intuitive graphical interfaces, minimizing the need for traditional coding skills. These platforms are gaining traction as they can significantly reduce the reliance on costly software talent while accelerating cloud-based application development. NCDPs combine component reuse, domain-specific languages, and customizable workflows, aligning with advancements in cloud computing and DevOps.

Financial institutions benefit greatly from NCDPs by automating compliance processes and quickly adapting to market changes. Companies like Google Cloud are investing in no-code solutions like Unqork and AppSheet, empowering non-technical staff to develop applications efficiently. This shift allows organizations to allocate resources to multiple projects, enhancing their competitiveness against fintech startups.

Conclusion

Technology is rapidly changing the financial industry. Many small financial companies are already using new tech to create innovative products and services. Big banks will need to adapt quickly to keep up. In the future, technology will continue to evolve, but at different speeds for different people. TechAhead, a mobile app development agency will stay at the forefront of this change. They use the latest tech to help their clients succeed. If you want to learn more about how technology can transform your financial business, follow their blog and social media.