Evolution of Collaboration: Fintechs and Banks in Partnership

Over the years, the relationship between fintechs and banks has evolved from one competition to collaboration. Market shifts and changing customer preferences have paved the way for new models of cooperation, offering customers more options and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.

Historically, banks have strived to cater to all their customers' needs by either developing their solutions or partnering with third parties. While this approach has its advantages, it often overlooks the specific requirements of certain industries or use cases. Fintechs have stepped in to address these gaps by offering tailored solutions that cater to niche needs, sometimes even competing directly with banks. However, customer preferences have shifted towards greater choice and control, prompting the emergence of new collaborative models.

Open banking has played a pivotal role in facilitating this shift, enabling interoperability and collaboration between banks and fintechs. Embedded banking, powered by this interoperability, focuses on streamlining processes for companies, allowing them to manage everything in one place. This not only empowers customers with greater control but also leverages the expertise of both banking and technology partners.

Banks and fintechs are now prioritising solutions that add tangible value to their customers. By focusing on their core strengths and priorities, they can collaborate to create powerful solutions and workflows that meet the unique needs of individual customers. 

For example, many companies are looking to reduce expenses by automating and optimising their processes, such as shifting from paper checks to digital payments. However, transitioning to these models can be challenging, especially for companies with outdated technology. It is crucial to conduct thorough assessments and seek guidance from consulting partners to navigate these complexities effectively.

Looking ahead, the relationship between banks and fintechs will continue to evolve as embedded payments mature. Both parties are investing in systems integration and scalable frameworks to meet the evolving needs of customers. Embedded payments are set to drive significant efficiency gains in the financial services sector, delivering value to clients while maintaining integrity and trust in the system.