Monthly Archives: December 2024

Revolutionizing Digital Banking: Insights from Top Fintech Leaders

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The digital banking revolution is reshaping the financial landscape, challenging traditional models, and paving the way for a new era of innovation. In a compelling panel discussion, industry leaders came together to explore the transformative forces driving this change and to provide insights into the strategies shaping the future of financial services.

Moderated by the esteemed Dr. Maya Hajjehagain, the discussion brought together some of the brightest minds in the field. Ahmed Ali, Head of IT Demand & Delivery at Emkan Finance; Ali Alqaraawi, Chief Operating Officer at Aljazira Capital; Ahmed Aledreessi, Head of Digital Factory at Jeel; and Karim Mostafa, Product Growth Manager at KnowledgeNet, shared their unique perspectives and expertise.

One of the central themes of the discussion was the impact of digital banking innovations on traditional financial institutions. Panelists delved into how advancements in technology are disrupting long-established practices, forcing banks to adapt and embrace new strategies to stay relevant in an increasingly digital world. The shift, while challenging, presents immense opportunities for institutions willing to evolve.

Another key focus was the growing adoption of digital banking solutions by both consumers and businesses. The panelists highlighted how user-friendly interfaces, convenience, and enhanced security features are driving a widespread embrace of digital platforms. This transition is not just reshaping how people manage their finances but is also fostering a deeper connection between banks and their customers.

The discussion also emphasized the role of emerging technologies in transforming the financial ecosystem, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Panelists explored how innovations such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and biometrics are being integrated into digital banking systems to enhance efficiency, security, and customer experience. These technologies are not only streamlining operations but are also creating opportunities for entirely new financial products and services, positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for fintech growth in the region.

 

 

Download the PWC Emerging Trends in Real Estate® 2025 Report

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#PropTech –

The time has come

“Real estate investors and developers should be poised for an upturn in industry trends as the post-pandemic disruption abates and positive cyclical forces gain strength.

The Federal Reserve is among the most important cyclical forces. Its pivot to reducing interest rates indicates a peak for inflation and construction costs — and the pivot is helping real estate markets to clear, boosting transaction activity. However, not all dealmakers are ready to jump in with both feet. After all, rate cuts also indicate a slower economy and that could affect net operating income (NOI) growth. The path to renewed vigor could take surprising detours.

The specific contours of what happens next won’t be exactly like what’s happened before. Today’s critical real estate investment factors are supply dynamics and a modernized stock of buildings. For example, newer office buildings offer amenities (the so-called “flight to wellness”) that make them preferable to the languishing stock of aging buildings. And in housing, there are too few developments catering to senior citizens whose ranks are growing by several thousand every day.

New real estate cycles are marked by a growing number of opportunities. In this Emerging Trends in Real Estate® report, we illustrate what’s improving and share the views of our survey respondents as they gauge real estate’s prospects for recovery and renewal.” -PWC

 

Download Link: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/financial-services/asset-wealth-management/real-estate/emerging-trends-in-real-estate.html

Brendan Wallace, of Fifth Wall, sits down with Brad Hargreaves to explore the complexities of PropTech and its evolving landscape.

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Brad Hargreaves, founder and editor of Thesis Driven, highlights the unique challenges the term “PropTech” faces as an industry category. In a compelling discussion, Brendan Wallace, CEO & CIO of Fifth Wall, joins Brad to explore how defining distinct segments within PropTech could help operators and entrepreneurs raise capital more effectively. Whether it’s a vertical software business catering to real estate companies or a capital-intensive, asset-heavy real estate venture with a fresh operating model and brand, clarity in categorization can unlock new funding opportunities.

CNBC Africa – Focus On: Unlocking Africa’s Fintech Potential, Growth, Inclusion, and Innovation by 2030

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Africa continues to solidify its position as the world’s fastest-growing fintech market, driven by South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Kenya. With an annual growth rate of 32%, the sector is projected to reach $65 billion by 2030. This episode of Focus On highlights strategies for strengthening the continent’s economy through financial inclusion, digital payments, and initiatives such as the African Fintech Accelerator Programme. Aida Diarra, Senior Vice President of Visa Sub-Saharan Africa, shares her insights with CNBC Africa.

Rex & Simon Discuss the State of Fintech 2025

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In this episode of “Rex & Simon Talk Fintech,” they dive into Simon’s comprehensive 113-page report on the state of fintech in 2025, created in collaboration with Jevgenijs Kazanins of Popular Fintech. They explore how hyperscalers like Revolut and Robinhood are challenging traditional banks, the potential of AI to unlock 90% of the $30 trillion financial services market, and the fierce competition in the wallet wars. The discussion also covers embedded finance, stablecoins, real-time payments, and the global rise of Neobanks.

You can read Simon Taylor’s State of Fintech 2025 report at Fintech Brainfood. Tune in to discover why fintech’s evolution is far from over and what the future might hold for this dynamic industry.

10 Fintech Trends to Watch in 2025 According to Citi

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Citi analysts foresee fintech entering a “dynamic new phase” in 2025, building on Q4 2024 improvements after a year of stabilization. Despite fluctuations in the five years since the pandemic began, the sector’s core drivers—digitization, modernization, and enablement—remain robust. Here are the 10 key developments Citi analysts, led by Andrew Schmidt, predict:

  1. Strong Fintech Performance:
    Following the U.S. election, approximately 66% of Citi-covered fintech stocks outperformed the market, compared to just 31% earlier in the year. Broader investor interest across market caps is a promising indicator for 2025 growth.
  2. Bank and Credit Union Consolidation:
    M&A activity is expected to accelerate, surpassing historical averages. Beneficiaries include Fidelity National Information (NYSE:FIS) and Q2 Holdings (NYSE:QTWO), as merged entities adopt their technologies. Alkami Technology (NASDAQ:ALKT) is well-positioned, while Jack Henry & Associates (NASDAQ:JKHY) could see gains depending on specific pairings.
  3. Fintech M&A Activity Increases:
    Analysts anticipate smaller, manageable transactions, with a few larger deals possible. Rising stock valuations may encourage sales, particularly among function-based companies. Sponsors holding assets could act on opportunities, while a stable or declining interest rate environment might drive acquisitions, benefiting profitable firms with low debt.
  4. Capital Markets Rebound:
    Increased activity in capital markets could unlock new fintech opportunities. While sustainable, profitable growth remains a focus, private and public companies may pivot to growth investments later in 2025 and beyond.
  5. Transformation Success in Focus:
    Companies like PayPal Holdings (NASDAQ:PYPL) and Block (NYSE:SQ) are progressing in their strategic transformations. Fidelity National Information (NYSE:FIS) is advancing, though with a longer timeline, and Global Payments (NYSE:GPN) is in the early stages of repositioning.
  6. Generative AI Expands:
    Revenue opportunities tied to generative AI and data management are expected to grow gradually. Companies poised to benefit include Clearwater Analytics (NYSE:CWAN), Alkami (NASDAQ:ALKT), Q2 Holdings (NYSE:QTWO), Jack Henry (NASDAQ:JKHY), Mastercard (NYSE:MA), and Visa (NYSE:V).
  7. Subdued U.S. Migration:
    Restrictive border policies and anti-immigrant rhetoric are likely to limit migration. Stocks tied to remittance services, such as Western Union (NYSE:WU), Euronet (NASDAQ:EEFT), and Remitly (NASDAQ:RELY), are expected to be impacted.
  8. U.S. Policy Uncertainty:
    Analysts remain watchful of consumer health and potential adverse policy effects on spending and cross-border trade. These factors remain unpredictable but could influence the fintech landscape in 2025.
  9. Deregulation Opportunities:
    Companies with significant exposure to deregulation themes include Marqeta (NASDAQ:MQ), Visa (NYSE:V), Mastercard (NYSE:MA), Alkami (NASDAQ:ALKT), Q2 Holdings (NYSE:QTWO), Jack Henry (NASDAQ:JKHY), Fiserv (NYSE:FI), Fidelity National Information (NYSE:FIS), PayPal (NASDAQ:PYPL), and Block (NYSE:SQ).
  10. Another Digital Asset Cycle:
    Enhanced regulatory clarity may boost digital asset use cases, especially Stablecoins in cross-border and wholesale trade. Analysts are closely monitoring these developments for broader applications.

Citi’s comprehensive analysis highlights opportunities and challenges shaping the fintech sector in 2025, underscoring its resilience and potential for innovation.