Finding a #Fintech Strategy
Start-up technology ventures are exploiting Financial Services with a flurry of Fintech firms posing a threat to big banks. Broker-dealer firms, RIA’s, and wealth fund managers are feeling it too.
The staying power of Fintech Firms
New Fin-tech firms are faster at innovation and willing to accept low margins as a cost of entry to the market. They have also benefited from slow-to-react regulatory authorities blinded by the word technology even as many cross over into risk based financial dealings. One strategy of Fintech’s is to offer niche solutions to customers; such as mobile bill payment solutions, peer-to-peer lending, and digital currency. As their subscriber base grows, they offer more and more services, pulling clients away from banks and traditional investment firms and into a fold of multi-layered solutions.
Some say Fintech firms will pull back when regulators catch up and start mandating oversight with examinations, monthly reports, and minimum net capital requirements. More likely, technology firms will come up with innovative technology and reporting features to satisfy regulator cries for control. As a compliance consulting firm, we’re seeing an influx of #regtech solutions, also called regulatory technology, for compliance and audit management.
As emerging trends gain ground, regulators have taken note by releasing a series of recommendations and white papers about the Fintech surge, urging sound risk management and investor protection standards. Why are Fintech firms able to evolve and grow so fast? Economies of limited scope and awesome technical resources are one good reason.
- Private investors and non-public, pre IPO entities give leaders more control
- Limited focus on only one or two good ideas, for now…
- Specialized workforce with technical skill and experience in emerging technology
- Starting with new technology and platforms rather than adding on top of slower legacy platforms and procedures
How to get involved with #Fintech
Securities firm executives are asking themselves how can I get on board with a Fintech strategy that captures the new breed of market share who doesn’t care if they ever talk to a human being at my firm, wants real-time data, and access to their account everywhere they go.
- Get started with your own #FintechStrategy
Determine a goal. Firms first need to decide on a strategy and then discuss action to implement a Fintech business plan. A team should collectively decide the role technology will take such as;
- Reduce overhead costs – (i.e. replace an employee with technology)
- Drive revenue – (i.e. pay per transaction service)
- Add Value, Client Retention – (i.e. convenience services; mobile stock alerts, text transactions)
2) Research Fintech Business Models
Consumers receive value from all kinds of technological advances including; the internet of things, mobile access to the web. They expect access to real-time data, and efficient on the go solutions. Many prefer talking to machines as opposed to people. There’s a variety of Fintech sector firms that securities businesses are suited to launch or participate in.
- Retail Investments – Sigfig, Wealthfront, FutureAdvisor
- Institutional Investments – Stocktwits, SumZero, HedgeSPA
- Financial Research – Stocktagon, Q
- Consumer Banking – Gobank, Simple
- Business Tools – Zen Payroll, Xero Accounting
- Online Lending – Orchard Bank, Lending Club, Prosper
- Personal Finance – HelloWallet, BillGuard, CreditKarma
- Payments – Paypal, Wepay, Stripe
- Equity Financing – Seedinvest, EquityNet
Firms may also choose a less involved strategy like purchasing or investing in a Fintech firm by way of crowd-funding or a strategic partnership. Large banks and technology companies are already doing this. For instance, Google Ventures is heavily invested in the automated robo-advisor service “Robinhood”, while Goldman Sachs is backing “Motif-Investing”. One advantage to this strategy is the technology skill set is already in place.
Understand your target customer. Client investors these days are looking more and more for firms they can engage with. Consumers want real-time insight and advice. They’re highly mobile, active on social media, and enjoy participation in peer-to-peer structures.
3) Planning for Now and Then
In looking at your Fintech plan, think in terms of what you’re capabilities are today and where you would like them to be in the future. From there, draft out a strategy to reach this goal. Consider that the differentiation between Fintech firm types is blurred. Many services cross-over into other unanticipated uses. Anticipate the unexpected. For instance, smarter, faster trade solutions can lead to clients wanting simpler ways to raise money for investing, or access to simulated investment training, or even virtual reality trade exchanges. Online wealth portfolio management services can lead to a need for integrated banking solutions and on demand mobile money platforms.
Take a look at your target market and anticipate what future needs will be or what needs are not being filled today. Develop a vision for your future business model that relies on new revenue drivers. Ask yourself what role technology can play in the business model.
4) Budgeting and Organizational Structure
From there move forward to elements of the Fintech business model considering; budget and cost structure, revenue stream, and changes in overhead or organizational structure. With these elements in place, teams can decide if they want to build or enhance systems already in place, or invest in a Fintech firm. Some firms can develop a strategic partnership to launch their idea.
The best ideas will usually include; cloud computing capability, client pay-as-you-go services, or strategic vendor relationships.
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RND Resources Inc is a compliance and audit consulting firm to the securities industry. We provide scaleable, integrated solutions for risk management and compliance. Visit our website for more details, www.finracompliance.com
Our services include a suite of regulatory compliance services such as;
FINRA New Member or Change applications: NMA, CMA FINRA applications
Financial Reporting - FinOps: FOCUS filing and related schedules, Annual Assessment reports
Compliance Services: Procedures & Policies WSP, Advertising review, Annual Compliance Reviews, Outsourced CCO Principal Service
Audit Services: FINRA regulatory examinations, Certified BD Audits, Custody Audit, AML review, Custody Exams
FINRA Notice, Sanction, Complaints & Arbitration: Respond to regulatory notices, Customer complaint filings, Forensic Accounting, Expert Witness Service
Cybersecurity Consulting: Procedure and planning, vendor management, staff training
Fintech: Regulatory Compliance Consulting and Support Services for Financial Technology firms; Development and strategy consulting for Fintech entry firms. #fintechcompliance
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