In a rapidly evolving fintech landscape, innovation and technology are at the forefront of transformation. This month, Maxcode made an impact at the Amsterdam Fintech Week with our presentation on the future of finance. As we explore the insights and key takeaways from this presentation, it’s worth noting how these insights align with the challenges faced by fintech decision-makers, as revealed by the Maxcode Tech Survey. Let’s connect the dots between the innovative ideas presented and the real-world challenges in the fintech sector.
The impact of technology
According to the Maxcode Tech Survey, polling fintech decision-makers, 32% of companies have compliance as a critical expense, 60% are facing cybersecurity challenges, and 62% have cited recruiting and keeping top technology talent as one of the challenges facing their organization. Among all these challenges, there is still an immense amount of interest in tech advancements, as 90% of respondents believe technology to be the key to innovation.
While the rest of the 10% might realize this sooner or later, there is this concept nowadays that, to be successful, a company needs to be tech first – but does that mean companies need to manage their own private data centre, as well as choose and handle their own tech stacks? Is it a bigger bite than some can chew? And how can the big techs handle it?
To simplify it, we have identified 5 key areas, some which can be seen as technical hygiene factors, and some that are pure innovation. Each of these 5 areas, separately and together, can help your company become technically future proof.
Cloud computing and DevOps: unleashing the power
In the relentless pursuit of technological excellence, the first checkpoint on our journey to fintech success is cloud computing and DevOps. This is the low-hanging fruit, the foundation upon which many have already built their future. You might say, “If you’re not using DevOps strategies to get to the cloud… you better have a damn good reason for it!”
It seems like a no-brainer, but insights from the Maxcode Tech Survey reveal that there is still a lot to gain. Many fintech companies are yet to make the leap to the cloud and implement DevOps practices. The cloud offers accessibility, reliability, and cost-efficiency that can’t be ignored. But let’s be clear; it’s not just about provisioning virtual machines. That’s merely a surface-level solution. What we’re advocating for is a cloud-native approach – one that embraces reactivity, scalability, and self-management.
By adopting cloud computing and DevOps practices, fintech companies can expect a host of benefits, including improved cost efficiency, scalability, and flexibility. Enhanced security and simplified regulatory compliance are also on the table, along with robust disaster recovery and business continuation tools. And let’s not forget the invaluable improvement in customer experience and reactivity that comes with this transformation.
Introducing a culture of DevSecOps
As fintech companies thrive on digital ecosystems, they become prime targets for cyberattacks. Their treasure troves of critical data, high-profile clientele, and reliance on open-source software make them especially attractive to malicious actors. Achieving cybersecurity in fintech requires a multifaceted approach.
It begins with introducing a culture of DevSecOps – an extension of DevOps that incorporates shared responsibility for security early in the development process. In essence, it is a “shift left” mindset, emphasizing secure-by-design principles from the outset. Regular security audits and assessments should be part of the routine, alongside strict access controls and anti-phishing measures. Fintech companies should also rely on multiple endpoint security and intelligence platforms to fortify their defenses against evolving threats.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just the realm of popular chatbots like ChatGPT; it’s a game-changer with diverse use cases that are opening new pathways for innovation in fintech. AI-backed credit scoring functionality, for instance, goes beyond analyzing static variables and historical data, by factoring in current income, employment opportunities, and the potential ability to earn. This in turn reveals a more accurate indication on whether a person is able to return a debt, minimizing risk and increasing financial predictability.
Additionally, AI is all about finding patterns and, of course, anomalies in said patterns. Coupled with personalized spending profiles (considering habits, product preferences, purchase schedules and locations) fintechs can quickly roll out features that detect fraud, security breaches and user errors. Lastly, smarter and smarter virtual assistants are rolled out on a daily basis, streamlining customer interactions on all levels.
Robotic Process Automation: unlocking efficiency and accuracy
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) introduces a new dimension to efficiency and accuracy in fintech operations. RPA software robots mimic human actions, reducing operational costs and minimizing the risk of user errors. The applications of RPA are vast and include customer onboarding, invoice automation, email sorting, account opening, fraud tracking, order monitoring, tax reporting, and much more.
Fintech companies can reap significant advantages from RPA, including improved due diligence, more accurate customer risk profiles, enhanced anti-money laundering (AML) screening and investigation, and simplified compliance.
APIs, Open data & Big Data
APIs, open data, and big data – the engines that power the fintech world – are more impactful than ever.
APIs facilitate seamless integration with various financial institutions and third-party services, enabling fintechs to offer a broader range of services and access to financial data. Leveraging open data offers valuable financial information, empowering organizations to build data-driven solutions. Furthermore, Big Data equips fintechs with the ability to process vast datasets, uncovering patterns and trends that lead to more accurate risk assessments, fraud detection, and personalized financial recommendations.
Engineers at heart, we at Maxcode believe in data-driven API courtesy as the new currency of collaboration. Web platform builders should provide access to their data and APIs, fostering reciprocity and innovation within the fintech ecosystem. By embracing openness, fintech companies can participate in and contribute to the ongoing innovation wave. In this interconnected world, APIs, open data, and big data are the connectors that keep the fintech industry at the forefront of innovation and accessibility.
Conclusion
As we rev up the engines of fintech innovation, Maxcode’s presentation at the Amsterdam Fintech Week sheds light on the key areas that are steering the future of finance. These insights, complemented by findings from the Maxcode Tech Survey, underscore the importance of technology in driving fintech success. From embracing cloud computing and DevOps practices to fortifying cybersecurity through a culture of DevSecOps, and harnessing the power of AI and RPA, fintech companies are poised for transformation.
However, the road to success is not just about technology; it’s also about access to talent and the ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape. Are you equipped to be the agile contender in the race for financial innovation? The choices you make today will determine your position on the podium of openness, efficiency, and innovation in the fintech world. So, rev your engines, fintech enthusiasts, and let’s accelerate toward a future of financial excellence.
About Adrian Marinica
Adrian Marinică is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Maxcode. In this role, he is accountable for the company’s strategy, development, and delivery of complex software to fintech partners. Adrian is a proven leader with years of experience in managing diverse product strategies, and in working closely with partners to drive software innovation.
