In our modern, data-centric world, numbers aren’t just figures—they paint pictures, uncover insights, and hint at what’s to come. Take the fintech industry as an example: its worth has skyrocketed to approximately $180 billion today from a sizeable $90.5 billion in 2017. That’s a whopping growth of over 100% in just a few years!
For industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors looking to get a pulse on fintech, this list offers a comprehensive overview of the industry’s transformative nature. So, let’s dive into some of the most important statistics and trends shaping the world of financial technology!
Global Fintech Market
1. The USA and China Are the Giants in the Fintech World
The majority of fintech companies hail from the U.S. and China. In fact, 7 of the world’s top 10 largest fintech companies are based in these two nations.
2. Most Fintech Unicorns Are in the USA
By April 2023, the U.S. was the leading hub for fintech unicorns, boasting a count of 134. That’s nearly five times as many as the UK, which came in second with 27. Many of America’s top fintech stars call California and New York home. India clinched the third spot with 17 of these high-value fintech firms.
By October 2022, the global count of fintech unicorn firms stood at 323.
3. The Fintech Center of Asia Is Singapore
While China has the largest fintech companies, Singapore shines in the fintech arena, particularly excelling in Insurtech, Lending, and Payments. It is home to over 20 fintech accelerators.
With substantial government backing in the fintech sector and China’s constraints on fintech startup investments, Singapore has rightfully earned its title as “Asia’s fintech powerhouse.” By September 2022, Singapore boasted a total of 1,580 active fintech companies.
4. Nigeria Is the Most Active Fintech Country in Africa
Nigeria led the fintech scene in Africa, clinching 25 deals, which accounted for 42% of the continent’s total deals. However, in the second quarter of 2023, fintech deal activity in Africa saw a 31% dip from the prior year, rounding up to 59 finalized funding rounds.
Home to between 150 and 200 fintech startups, Nigeria’s claim as Africa’s premier fintech hotspot seems strong. Kenya and South Africa are the runner-ups in the African continent.
5. Switzerland – A Crypto Valley
Ranked as Europe’s second most prosperous fintech nation, Switzerland stands strong in the fintech domain, notably for its city Zug, often dubbed the “crypto-valley.” This city is on the rise, cementing its role in digital currency and tech-forward financial solutions.
Recognizing the rapid evolution of the fintech sector, Switzerland prioritizes drawing in fresh startups and industry experts.
6. Stripe Is the Most Valuable Private (Startup) Fintech Company in the US
Stripe, a 13-year-old payment platform for online ventures, soared to a valuation of $95 billion in March 2021, thanks to the surge in online shopping during the pandemic. However, its worth decreased to $50 billion by March 2023.
Still, it remained the most valuable private fintech company in the US. Last year, they handled transactions amounting to $817 billion for big names like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Ford.
7. Visa Is the Largest Listed Fintech Company in North America
Topping the list of North America’s most significant fintech entities is Visa from the United States. Specializing in payment technology, this publicly traded company boasts a staggering market capitalization of roughly $464.68 billion.
8. Tencent Is the Largest Fintech Company in Asia
When it comes to fintech in Asia, Tencent’s fintech division leads the pack in China. As a listed regulatory technology firm, its valuation sits impressively at approximately $161.97 billion.
9. Fintech Market Players
Key companies in the fintech market include Stripe, Inc., Coinbase, Intuit Inc., Square Capital, LLC, Klarna Bank AB, Nu Pagamentos S.A, PayPal Holdings, Inc., Adyen Group, Avant, LLC., and Ant Group, to name a few.
Fintech Investments
10. 2023 Investment in US Fintech Companies Declined by 60%
In the first quarter, fintech trailed only enterprise software in investments, securing a substantial $14 billion in venture capital funding. Yet, this represents a decline of 60% from the same period in 2022.
11. Funding by Sub-Industries
In the first quarter of 2023, the fintech landscape saw significant funding across various sub-industries. Leading the way was the Payments sector, with investments reaching approximately $2.15 billion. Close on its heels, the Mortgages and Lending arena secured around $2.04 billion. Rounding off the top three, Financial Management Solutions garnered funding of about $1.71 billion.
12. Worldwide Fintech Investments in 2022
In 2022, the global fintech industry witnessed investments totaling approximately $164.1 billion spread over 6,006 transactions. This was a decrease from 2021’s monumental $238.9 billion, which was distributed across 7,321 deals.
Notably, the Payments sector continued its dominance in the fintech investment landscape during 2022, drawing in around $53.1 billion, slightly less than the $57.1 billion it amassed the previous year.
13. Investments in Crypto & Defi
In the first quarter of 2023, the crypto and DeFi sectors witnessed an investment of roughly $1.71 billion. Compared to the hefty $30 billion in 2021, funding in this domain dipped to about $23.1 billion in 2022.
This decline became notably steep in the latter part of the year. This downturn was influenced by heightened scrutiny following events like the May crash of Terra (Luna) and the financial troubles FTX faced in November.
14. The Americas Lead in Fintech Funding
In 2022, the Americas (North and South) drew a significant $68.6 billion in fintech investments, spread over 2,786 transactions. The lion’s share of $61.6 billion came from the U.S. alone through 2,222 deals.
Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region secured about $50.5 billion from 1,227 transactions. On the other hand, the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region garnered around $44.9 billion across nearly 1,977 deals.
15. The Biggest Single Round of Investments in History is a Record $14 Billion
In 2018, Ant Financial, a Chinese payment service, set a monumental record by securing $14 billion in a single investment round and over $25 billion in just seven rounds. This achievement wasn’t just a milestone in the fintech industry but a historic moment for global investments. From this colossal amount, $10 billion was in U.S. dollars, with the remainder in Chinese yuan.
Ant Financial, catering to nearly two billion users with its digital financial services, emerged from the e-commerce giant Alibaba before its 2004 public debut.
Fintech Trends
16. Blockchain Is Still Strong Despite Recent Downfalls in Crypto
With the swift advancement of technology, blockchain stands out as a pivotal fintech innovation. Think of it as a digital diary that records various transactions with precision. It empowers people and businesses to exchange digital assets directly, eliminating the need for a central figure or middleman.
Despite the crash of many cryptocurrencies in the past few years, blockchain is expected to grow by more than tenfold in the next decade.
17. IoT Is One of the Most Important Advances for Fintech
IoT (Internet of Things) connects everyday devices to the Internet, allowing them to gather data and act without human input. This is revolutionizing fintech by making banking safer, faster, and more user-friendly.
Using sensors, banks can track user activities, streamlining actions like fraud checks or auto-payments based on spending habits. Plus, voice recognition aids in verifying users, enhancing login security, and resisting unauthorized access.
18. Open Banking Opens the Doors of Fintech
Open banking lets users securely share their financial data with selected entities, enhancing financial flexibility and control. It presents novel opportunities for businesses by facilitating data sharing.
This tech empowers customers to decide where their financial data goes and which third parties can access it. Ultimately, open banking can transform interactions with financial entities by promoting transparency and choice.
19. SaaS Is HUGE in Fintech
In 2023, SaaS is a buzzworthy trend, poised to reach a valuation of $623 billion, growing at an 18% annual rate. Through SaaS, fintech businesses can utilize cloud-hosted software without direct installation, streamlining operations and cutting costs.
20. Embedded Finance Will Be the Leading Fintech Trend of 2023
Embedded finance is making waves in fintech and is set to be 2023’s leading trend. Essentially, it integrates financial services directly into apps or platforms, letting users manage money seamlessly without juggling multiple apps.
Among these, the “Buy Now Pay Later” model stands out, allowing shoppers to defer payments. With its rising popularity, the embedded finance sector is projected to grow at an impressive 40.4% yearly rate in the coming years.
21. Machine Learning & AI Is Rapidly Rising
A prominent trend shaping the future of fintech is the integration of AI & Machine Learning. This technology, encompassing the ability for machines to analyze and act based on their surroundings, can transform sectors like banking and risk management.
Machine Learning, a subset of AI, specializes in recognizing data patterns. By adopting these innovations, fintech firms can automate tasks, from approving loans to detecting fraud, offering deeper insights into consumer habits. This trims down manual work-related costs and boosts accuracy and operational efficiency.
22. Fintech Is Moving Online
Tech advancements, a booming e-commerce scene, and the push from the COVID-19 pandemic have all fueled a growing need for managing finances online.
Fintech Startups
23. Most Fintech Startups in the World are in the Americas
As of May 2023, the Americas led the charge with a whopping 11,651 fintech startups. Meanwhile, the combined region of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) hosted 9,681 of these innovative financial firms. The Asia Pacific trailed with 5,061 fintech ventures.
24. The UK Has the Most Fintech Startups in Europe
The UK has consistently held its position at the forefront of fintech startups, with London shining as a prime spot for budding fintech firms. Home to major players like Transferwise, Monzo, Revolut, and Funding Circle, the UK proudly stands as Europe’s hotspot for high-value fintech enterprises.
The UK stands at the forefront of the worldwide fintech scene, hosting approximately 2,500 fintech firms.
25. 75% of Fintech Startups Fail
New data reveals that even with financial support from investors, three out of every four fintech startups worldwide don’t succeed and fail within 20 years. While fintech holds great promise and potential, numerous startups find it challenging to meet their goals.
26. FTX Collapse Was a Major Hit for Crypto
In 2019, Sam Bankman-Fried launched FTX, a platform for cryptocurrency trading. Quickly gaining traction, users flocked to FTX, and it caught the attention of major venture capitalists. Fast forward to January 2022, FTX’s valuation reached a staggering $32 billion.
By November 2022, facing insurmountable financial challenges, FTX filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The once-giant firm, burdened with $8 billion in unpaid liabilities, left up to a million creditors in the dark.
27. Best Places for Fintech Startups
Silicon Valley, Singapore, New York City, London, and Los Angeles collectively have 696 emerging fintech ventures, making up 31% of the world’s fintech operations. These cities are top spots to kick off a fintech business!
28. Covid Affected Fintech Startups
The fintech sector has felt the ripples of the COVID-19 pandemic, seeing a surge in digital financial service adoption and shifts in consumer habits. While the pandemic posed challenges for fintech firms, it also paved the way for innovation and growth opportunities.
In 2022, student loan platform CommonBond, having raised a total of US$1.3 billion, announced it would be ceasing its operations. This decision came after its main business avenues suffered significant setbacks during the pandemic.
29. The Median Age for a Fintech Founder Is 34 Years
The typical fintech founder is around 34 years old. This indicates that the fintech industry is propelled by a fresh wave of innovators.
Fintech App Development Costs & Expenses
30. Fintech Application Development Can Cost Up to $120,000
Creating a fintech app is quite the investment, potentially costing up to $120,000. For instance, banking solutions can range anywhere from $30,000 to a steep $300,000. If you’re looking into loan-centric platforms, you might spend between $50,000 and $150,000.
Personal financial trackers come in at a similar price range, from $50,000 up to $300,000. Meanwhile, insurance-focused platforms might require a budget of $45,000 to $200,000, and tools dedicated to investments can cost between $60,000 and $120,000.
31. Hourly Rate of Developers Varies Based on Location
Where the fintech company is developed plays a significant role in the overall cost of the app. The pricing often hinges on the hourly rate of the development team, usually consisting of 4-7 experts, and the duration it takes to create the app within a given country. For instance, a fintech app developer in the US would likely have a higher rate compared to one in India.
The global average hourly pay of fintech app developers is approximately $32.50/hour.
32. Fintech Developers in the United States Have the Highest Average Earnings
Developers’ earnings vary significantly based on their geographical location. For instance, developers in the United States earn $110,140 on average. European developers earn between $50,000 and $100,000 per year. On the other hand, developers in Africa, Asia, and South America earn much less, with yearly salaries between $7,000 and $25,000 per year.
33. Fintech App Development Can Take Up to 3,500 Hours
For a Banking application, it typically takes between 2,000 to 3,500 hours. Personal Finance apps are generally crafted within 1,500 to 2,500 hours. Meanwhile, the creation of Lending apps can span from 2,000 to 2,500 hours.
Investment apps usually fall within the same range, taking about 1,500 to 2,500 hours. Lastly, Insurance apps often require a bit more time, ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 hours.
Fintech Users
34. 96% of Global Consumers Recognize At Least One Fintech Company
Around the world, 96% of people recognize at least one fintech brand or service. Moreover, 64% have engaged with a fintech platform, marking a significant increase from 33% in 2017 and just 16% in 2015.
35. AI Is Set to Take Control of User Interactions
Within the next 10 years, AI is predicted to drive 95% of customer interactions. A 2019 forecast estimated that chatbot engagements would surge by 3,150% from 2019 to 2023, and it appears this forecast was accurate.
36. More Than 100 Million Americans Used Mobile Payments in 2021
In 2021, over 100 million US individuals used mobile payments at their point of sale. That is more than a third of all smartphone users in the US that year.
37. Nearly 4.5 Billion People Could Be Using Mobile Payments by 2025
By 2025, around 4.5 billion people globally are expected to use mobile payments, an increase of almost 2 billion people from 2022.
38. Apple Pay Dominates the Mobile Payment Market in the USA
Despite Androids occupying nearly 41% of US phone holder pockets, 92% of the mobile transactions in the USA in 2020 were made using iPhones, with the other 8% using Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or another mobile payment.
39. Users Making Fewer Cash Payments
Since 2019, cash usage at sales points has decreased by 42%. Digital payments are on the rise, overshadowing traditional methods like cash and card swipes. The once-envisioned digital era is now unfolding.
The Future of Fintech
40. Fintech Sector to Reach $1.5 Trillion in Annual Revenue by 2030
Right now, fintech represents just 2% of worldwide financial earnings. However, by 2030, it’s projected to soar to $1.5 trillion, making up nearly a quarter of global banking values.
41. The Next Largest Fintech Market Could Be Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific (APAC) is set to dominate, capturing 42% of the growth in revenue, primarily driven by emerging regions like China, India, and Southeast Asia, where fintech will amplify financial accessibility. North America, currently leading in fintech, will trail APAC, maintaining its role as an innovation center.
42. B2B & B2B2X Will Lead the Fintech Industry
Payments paved the way in the previous phase, but the spotlight is now shifting to B2B (targeting small businesses) and B2B2X (from B2B to any end-user). There’s a significant opportunity for fintech focusing on B2B, given that small to medium businesses globally face a staggering $5 trillion yearly credit gap.
Meanwhile, B2B2X, which already accounts for a quarter of fintech earnings, is poised to play an even more vital role, aligning with the surging demand for fintech solutions.
43. Fintech – Breaking the Money Taboo
With the rise of fintech, discussing finances is becoming less taboo. Interestingly, 63% of Americans say fintech has made financial conversations with friends easier for them.
This shift is beneficial, given that traditional hesitations around discussing money have often prevented open conversations about financial challenges and achievements.
44. Machine Learning & AI Will Reduce Fraud Risk
Banks globally see nearly 5% of their yearly earnings affected by fraud. At the same time, 90% of people worry about the risks of online banking or credit scams. In response, the industry is turning to tools like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance security and user experience.
45. AI Is Expected to Increase Fintech Companies Profitability
AI’s adoption in businesses is on the rise, integrating it into regular tasks. By 2035, it’s believed that AI could boost profitability by 39% across all sectors. This could translate to a whopping increase of $14 trillion in global economic profits.
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