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The Green Sheet Online Edition

May 22, 2023 • Issue 23:05:02

Harnessing fintech for efficiency, service, security

By Elie Y. Katz
National Retail Solutions

In 2023, the global fintech industry is expected to reach unprecedented heights. With the advancement of technology, fintech has become a powerful tool for individuals and businesses alike. Consumers can access banking services on their phones, and companies can access new ways of analyzing data and making decisions.

We are seeing a surge in the number of mobile payments, and the emergence of blockchain technology is expected to revolutionize the financial services industry. By using blockchain, companies can securely store and share data, reduce costs and create new opportunities for investors.

Fintech has also been able to automate tasks—such as fraud protection, credit scoring, and loan application processes—thanks to artificial intelligence (AI). As a result, financial services are becoming faster, more efficient and more secure. In the next few years, we expect to see continued growth of fintech as the technology evolves and more people adopt new services.

Easiest-ever card payments

Card payment technology has come a long way since its inception. The first major advancement in card payment technology was the introduction of magnetic strip cards. These cards use a magnetic strip to store data, which card readers can read. This technology enabled quick and easy transactions at physical stores, so people could avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

As technology has advanced, so too has card payment technology. We now have contactless cards, which allow users to simply wave their card in front of a card reader to make a payment. This further reduces the amount of time and effort needed to make a payment.

Additionally, we now have mobile payment technology that allows users to pay with their phones. This means users can make payments anywhere, anytime. These advancements have drastically improved the ease and efficiency of making payments, but they have also increased the number of reported fraud cases.

Mobile banking

Phone app banking services are becoming increasingly popular as they allow customers to access their accounts and financial information on the go. With a few clicks, customers can check their balance, transfer funds, pay bills and make purchases by phone. This type of banking is convenient and efficient, as customers don't need to wait in line or even leave the comfort of their home.

Additionally, phone app banking services offer tools that can help customers save money, budget and manage their money better. For example, some apps enable customers to set goals, set up reminders and receive notifications about upcoming due dates. Furthermore, phone app banking services offer secure access, allowing customers to access their accounts without worry. Phone app banking services provide customers with a convenient, secure and efficient way to manage their finances.

Mobile payments

Mobile payment technology has become a preferred payment method among many customers and is quickly becoming an everyday staple. It's a secure, convenient way to pay for goods and services. It involves using a smartphone or wearable device to make payments without cash or cards. This technology is becoming widely available and accepted as a form of payment at shops and cafes, transit systems, and websites.

Popular mobile payment services include Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and Samsung Pay. These services use near field communication technology to securely transmit payment information between device and payment terminal. Many experts predict mobile payments will eventually replace traditional payment methods entirely.

Blockchain technology

Blockchain technology is rapidly gaining popularity due to its potential to revolutionize business operations. Blockchain acts as a decentralized, secure ledger system that stores data in a secure, immutable manner. This makes it ideal for companies operating in a digital world, as it allows them to securely store and share data, carry out transactions and verify identities. It also offers transparency and trust that are not achievable with traditional methods.

Furthermore, blockchain can be used to create smart contracts, helping to automate processes, save time and money, and reduce risk of fraud. The decentralized nature of blockchain also makes it attractive for businesses that must protect their data from hackers and malicious actors. These benefits make blockchain technology increasingly attractive, and its popularity is expected to grow.

While blockchain technology has many potential applications, it also comes with risks. It is decentralized, difficult to regulate, and it can be used for illegal activities like money laundering, drug trafficking and cybercrime. The anonymity of blockchain transactions makes it difficult to trace and identify criminals and makes users vulnerable to hacking and other cyber-attacks.

Additionally, due to the lack of regulation, the value of cryptocurrencies can fluctuate significantly, leaving investors vulnerable to losses. Finally, blockchain technology is in its early stages; there is a lack of understanding and knowledge about its potential risks. As such, investors and users must be aware of the potential risks associated with blockchain technology before investing in or using it.

Artificial intelligence

AI is a branch of computer science focused on the development of intelligent machines that can think and act like humans. That said, it has become increasingly important in our lives as it can help automate mundane tasks and enable decision-making that would otherwise be impossible. AI has been used in fields such as healthcare, finance and transportation to improve efficiency and accuracy.

With technology's continued advancement, the potential applications of AI are limitless and will continue to shape our future. For example, financial institutions can reduce fraud when using AI by automating identity verification, transaction monitoring and account activity monitoring. AI can quickly detect suspicious activity, allowing banks to take immediate action to prevent fraud. AI can thus help banks quickly identify and block fraudulent transactions, as well as detect patterns in a customer's behavior that may indicate potential fraud.

Additionally, AI can be used to detect unusual spending patterns, which can help banks better understand customer behavior and identify potentially fraudulent activity. With early detection of fraudulent activity, the financial impact of fraud on businesses is mitigated.

Fintech advancements have undeniably changed the retail world by influencing how consumers purchase and how retailers manage their finances. Technology can be a double-edged sword: it has incredible time-saving and cost-cutting advantages but opens up fraud opportunities. The benefits of evolving banking and card payment technologies will hopefully continue to outweigh the risks and bring increased protections and safeguards to thwart unscrupulous activities. end of article

Elie Y. Katz is founder, president and CEO at National Retail Solutions (NRS), https://nrsplus.com. Contact him by phone at 201-715-5179 or by email at ekatz@nrsplus.com.

The Green Sheet Inc. is now a proud affiliate of Bankcard Life, a premier community that provides industry-leading training and resources for payment professionals. Click here for more information.

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