Tag: financial inclusion

The pivotal role of digital accessibility for goods and services has become abundantly clear over the past few years. The global economy, now more than ever, relies on the seamless flow of transactions across borders. Whether it involves individuals, businesses, or financial institutions spanning different countries, the realm of cross-border payments has taken center stage in our interconnected world.

The rise of financial technology (fintech) in Africa is not just a story of innovation; it's a narrative about empowerment and transformation. As the continent continues to grapple with the challenges of limited access to traditional banking services, fintech has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering a path towards financial inclusion and economic growth.

The “cashless revolution” spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic has proven durable and persistent. PwC’s Payments 2025 & beyond publication, released in 2021, reported a 42% increase in global cashless payment volumes. The 2023 McKinsey Global Payments Report found that global cash usage continued to decline – by four percentage points year on year – and that the growth rate of electronic transactions was nearly triple that of the overall growth in payments revenue.

Climate change-induced extreme weather events have remained elevated across the globe in the last decade, proving disruptive to both economic and social activities. According to the global reinsurance broker, Aon, the 2023 economic losses due to natural catastrophes was 22% above the 21% century average – raising questions about the long-term affordability and sustainability of cover for vulnerable communities.

Recent research into the South African payments industry has revealed that there is a clear trajectory towards the adoption of electronic payments. This transition not only reflects evolving consumer preferences but also presents promising opportunities for all stakeholders within the ecosystem.

Geographic information systems (GIS) are transforming banking by integrating location-based insights with customer relationship management (CRM) tools. New technologies are rapidly reshaping the banking sector, signalling a shift from traditional, branch-centric models to a more data-driven, customer-centric approach.

The integration of finance and technology, known as fintech, has revolutionised traditional banking and payment systems, transforming how we live, work and travel. Similarly, travel technology, or traveltech, has empowered travellers with convenient booking platforms and personalised experiences.

If you’re reading this, there’s a very good chance you’re already familiar with Environmental Social Governance (ESG). ESG is a constantly evolving standard that emphasises the importance of doing business in a way that positively impacts the environment, society and stakeholders.

A new report provides an overview of the financial technology (fintech) regulatory frameworks of 39 jurisdictions across Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and South America. The report, titled Fintech: how is the world shaping the financial innovation industry?, addresses how different regulators around the world are dealing with the application of technology and innovation to banking and financial services as well as society’s present concerns.

Every South African should care about open banking. It would give consumers more control over their financial data and empower them to use the banking services that best meet their needs. Open banking promises to reinvent the way consumers view and interact with financial products and services.