Fintech funding has witnessed a significant decline since 2021, marking a shift not necessarily towards a downturn but a stabilization. Such a trend opens up avenues for regional and community banks to enter the fintech partnership landscape.
Investments in blockchain and crypto surged from $5.5 billion in 2020 to $30.2 billion in 2021, as reported in a KPMG study, reflecting the robust growth of fintech funding during this period. However, industry experts view this rapid growth as an unpredictable exercise rather than a sustainable future trend.
Current market conditions, characterized by rising interest rates, have prompted investors to adopt a more cautious approach. That said, there are still abundant funds available for investment. In fact, unallocated venture capital funding soared from $530.26 billion in 2022 to $566.61 billion in 2023, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence and Preqin data.
As late-stage fintechs mature and prove their profitability, more banks are likely to leverage these technology solutions, particularly regional and community banks. For instance, almost half of the institutions using CRM, as per recent data from the American Bankers Association, believe there is room for adoption expansion and enhanced understanding of the technology they have already invested in.
Even with decreased funding, fintechs continue to play a pivotal role in the ecosystem by driving innovation and efficiency, meeting customer expectations, and delivering value. Both banks and fintechs can capitalize on this shift in the funding climate. Banks, in particular, can leverage their purchasing and investing power to create strategic opportunities with fintechs who need financial partners.
Another promising development is the rise of banks investing directly in fintech startups. Almost 500 credit unions invested in fintechs last year, with about 30% reporting improved loan volume and productivity by 5% or more as a result. This shift illustrates the viability and potential value of such partnerships.
Despite the allure of new technologies like blockchain and AI, the financial industry values stable, robust technology that can anticipate and mitigate long-term challenges. Such technology solutions often pertain to back-office efficiencies, third-party compliance practices, and fraud prevention – areas where banks excel due to their day-to-day operational familiarity.
In conclusion, the decline in fintech funding has ushered in an era of stabilization that encourages careful, strategic investment. By forging partnerships with fintechs, banks can tap into innovation and efficiency, delivering greater customer satisfaction in an increasingly digitized banking landscape.