Skip to main content

Emerging FinTech

Beyond traditional Fintech and Proptech, a new wave of financial technologies is emerging, poised to reshape how we interact with money and financial services. These include the Internet of Things (IoT) and Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) applications.

Internet of Things (IoT) in Fintech

  • Definition:
    • The IoT refers to a network of physical devices embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity, enabling them to collect and exchange data.
  • Applications in Financial Services:
    • IoT can create new sources of data and insights for developing personalized financial products and services.
    • Examples:
      • Credit Risk Assessment: IoT devices can monitor real-time data related to an individual's financial behavior, aiding in credit risk assessment.
      • Customer Behavior Tracking: IoT can track customer purchasing patterns, providing valuable insights for targeted financial products.
      • Fraud Detection: IoT devices can detect anomalies in financial transactions, enhancing fraud detection capabilities.
  • Explanation:
    • By connecting everyday objects, IoT generates a wealth of data that can be analyzed to provide more accurate and timely financial services.

Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) in Fintech

  • Definition:
    • AR overlays digital information onto the real world, while VR creates immersive digital environments.
  • Applications in Financial Services:
    • AR/VR can enhance customer engagement, marketing, and financial education.
    • Examples:
      • Virtual Branches: AR can create virtual branches, allowing customers to interact with bank employees and access financial services from home.
      • Financial Product Visualization: AR/VR can enable customers to visualize financial products and services, such as investment portfolios.
      • Financial Education: AR/VR can create immersive educational experiences, helping customers understand complex financial concepts.
      • Investment Modeling: VR can create investment scenarios for customers to test.
  • Explanation:
    • AR/VR provides interactive and engaging experiences, making financial services more accessible and understandable.

Challenges and Concerns

  • Data Privacy and Security:
    • IoT and AR/VR technologies collect and use sensitive financial data, raising concerns about privacy and security.
    • Explanation: Protecting customer data from unauthorized access and cyberattacks is critical.
  • User Experience and Accessibility:
    • Developing user-friendly and accessible IoT and AR/VR applications can be challenging.
    • Explanation: Ensuring that these technologies are usable by all customers, regardless of their technical abilities, is essential.
  • Infrastructure and Development Costs:
    • Implementing IoT and AR/VR technologies requires significant investments in infrastructure, software development, and user testing.
    • Explanation: These costs can be a barrier to adoption, particularly for smaller financial institutions.
  • Regulatory Uncertainty:
    • As these technologies are still emerging, the regulatory landscape is still developing.