[Guest Post] FinTech’s effect on Financial Services in 2019

by Stephen Harkey

Financial technology (FinTech) solutions are expected to have an exceptional year in 2019, predominantly with new solutions designed to assist the unbanked and underbanked populations.

According to media sources, there are suspected to be an estimated 1.7 billion adults across the world who do not presently enjoy access to traditional financial services. This equates to 31% of the adult populace who are not currently leveraging financial services, products and benefits from a traditional bank account.

This means that 31% of the world’s adult population are unable to borrow money, lawfully save funds, or invest finances. They are simply not capable to gain access to the global money system that allows for economic freedom. What’s worse, because of their limited means to financial services, their current options are very predacious in nature when they do need access to cash or funds.

Financial Independence Worldwide

Financial services are fundamental to empowering certain groups of people, age groups, and specific populations such as women. Financial services pave the way towards getting out of poverty, as well as offering economic independence, growth and balancing inequality. With greater financial options, women gain economic empowerment and stronger financial decision-making, as well as important tools to invest in personal or family livelihood.

Unbanked and underbanked normally pay their bills in cash. If they need to borrow money it is usually from a local money lender at an elevated interest rate, and the majority of this population pay steep interest when they are able to secure a line of credit, especially from a retailer.

Being unbanked and underbanked does not mean that they are poor, it just means that these individuals do not meet the minimum requirement for opening an account and do not have any credit history or assets to support a loan. Traditionally, these individuals have been serviced through financial products such as microfinance, vouchers, prepaid or stored-value cards, and rechargeable cards – none of which offer the same opportunities for a full financial experience.

FinTech Complications

Innovative FinTech solutions in 2019 may help. Suppliers of FinTech solutions are poised to offer a complete SAAS-based financial ecosystem that provides virtual bank-like services to the unbanked and underbanked of the world without the need for an established bank account. These providers can even build these offerings around digital wallet apps that are accessible through either mobile phone or computer, and allow users to make online purchases, as well as to transfer money, pay bills, and deposit money, all without requiring a traditional bank account or credit check.

These can also be linked directly to a prepaid Mastercard credit card, allowing customers the ability to spend their money online and with retailers worldwide.

Communication and Technology Intertwine

Furthermore, technology and mobile communications will continue to play leading roles in FinTech solutions for unbanked and underbanked populations in 2019. The continued expansion of mobile usage is a leading reason why. Media estimates show that roughly 66% of the international population of unbanked adults have access to a mobile device. This is crucial since many of today’s financial tools and offerings for this population are driven by mobile technology and advanced apps that deliver new financial systems to these individuals, enabling even more adoption of broader services.

Today’s innovative providers are developing financial ecosystems that will help lead the cashless revolution, and aid people who have been unable to get a traditional bank account.

All of this innovation of financial service offerings means these populations will no longer have restrictions when in need for financial services, securing loans, transferring funds or making purchases, and they will be able to enjoy the same financial freedoms offered by traditional financial service providers.

Author Bio

Stephen Harkey

Stephen Harkey is the Chief Marketing Officer of ViViPAY, a subsidiary of ViVi Holdings, a U.S.-based “FinTech” financial technology company that has developed a complete ecosystem of financial solutions and is committed to the digital inclusion of basic banking services for the entire population. It aggregates the branches of technology, telecommunications and payment processing in one cohesive, intuitive platform that uses “AI” Artificial Intelligence and Private Blockchain technology to guarantee security.

Image via ViVi Holdings PR firm Merit Mile