Like most industries, the finance and banking sectors rely heavily on technology to improve services and simplify processes.
This is where FinTech comes in. With it, businesses can enhance their services and make things easier and more secure for their customers, ultimately leading to long-term loyalty and business growth.
skillME offers a Financial Technology Fundamentals course that teaches how to implement technology into business systems.
In this article, we examine financial tech, its current landscape and future trends, and what courses you can take to stay current with the latest technology in financial services.
FinTech: an overview of the current landscape
FinTech, or financial technology, are computer programmes that enhance or support banking and financial services. Examples of these programmes include:
- Mobile banking apps allow customers to easily manage accounts, transfer money, and pay bills from their smartphones.
- AI and machine learning are used for personalised financial advice, lending decisions, and real-time fraud prevention. Think of chatbots that can answer your banking questions 24/7.
- Blockchain enables faster cross-border payments and secure digital transactions, paving the way for cryptocurrencies and smart contracts.
How is it used today?
Financial tech is everywhere. Businesses and consumers alike now rely on it to manage their financial lives. We see it in:
- Payments and eCommerce: Services like PayPal or Stripe streamline online transactions. Contactless payments and QR codes are now mainstream.
- Investing: Platforms like Robinhood and eToro make trading accessible to anyone with a smartphone.
- Lending: “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) schemes from companies like Klarna challenge traditional credit models.
- RegTech: Helping institutions navigate increasingly complex global regulations through automation and AI.
The current state of the financial technology market
The global finance technology market was valued at $294.7 billion and is projected to grow to $1,152 billion by 2032. This indicates significant growth worldwide, which is excellent news for companies and professionals in the finance tech industry.
The top 5 2025 FinTech trends to watch
Finance tech, a blend of “finance” and “technology,” transforms how we interact with money. Combining innovation with traditional financial services has reshaped the banking, payments, insurance, and investments industries.
1. Embedded finance: Financial services everywhere
Embedded finance is steadily becoming a core part of everyday life, integrating financial tools into apps and platforms that were once non-financial. Think of it as financial services merging effortlessly with the digital experiences people already use.
What to watch:
- eCommerce platforms offer features like “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) and one-click insurance options during checkout.
- Ride-sharing apps are transforming into multifunctional hubs with in-app wallets and payment services.
- APIs unlock businesses’ ability to include financial tools without building their systems.
Why it matters:
- Embedded finance reduces transaction friction, offering convenience at the exact point of need. This means fewer hurdles for consumers — services are ready and waiting. It’s a powerful business tool to increase engagement and boost revenue streams.
2. The rise of Decentralised Finance (DeFi)
Decentralised Finance, or DeFi, is a disruptive force that eliminates intermediaries like banks in financial transactions. Powered by blockchain technology, it’s poised to challenge traditional banking models while offering more transparency.
What to watch:
- Growth in decentralised applications (dApps) for earning interest, staking, or accessing liquidity pools.
- Regulatory updates as governments work to bring DeFi under legal frameworks.
- Finance tech apps adopt hybrid approaches by combining DeFi protocols with mainstream services.
Why it matters:
- DeFi offers financial freedom by enabling access to services without traditional gatekeepers. While its adoption grows, regulatory challenges will determine how accessible this innovation becomes for everyday users.
3. AI-driven financial services
Artificial Intelligence transforms financial technology by powering smarter, faster, and more secure solutions. It’s becoming a cornerstone of personalisation and operational efficiency.
What to watch:
- AI-powered chatbots deliver round-the-clock customer service, mimicking human interactions.
- Machine learning algorithms detect fraud faster than ever before.
- Predictive analytics helps businesses anticipate financial risks and market trends.
- Robo-advisors offer tailored investment advice to individual users.
Why it matters:
- AI offers cost savings and improves business decision-making capabilities while delivering a more intuitive and tailored user experience. However, ensuring transparency and ethical use will remain top priorities.
4. Green FinTech and ESG-Focused innovations
As environmental and social governance (ESG) principles gain importance, finance tech creates solutions aligning with sustainability goals. It focuses on tracking, reducing, and offsetting environmental impacts.
What to watch:
- Apps that allow users to track their carbon footprint and offset emissions easily.
- Sustainable investment platforms that prioritise ESG-compliant portfolios.
- Tools for businesses to monitor and report on ESG metrics in line with emerging regulations.
Why it matters:
- Consumers are increasingly eco-conscious, seeking financial solutions that align with their values. Financial technology companies embracing sustainable practices are not only driving innovation but are also attracting consumers and investors with shared priorities.
5. Financial inclusion through technology
One of finance tech’s most significant contributions is its ability to provide financial tools to underserved populations. This trend will deepen in 2025, especially in regions with limited traditional banking infrastructure.
What to watch:
- Mobile-first banking solutions catering to emerging markets.
- Digital wallets provide financial services to people without traditional bank accounts.
- Blockchain-powered options like cryptocurrency for cross-border payments in areas where traditional systems fail.
Why it matters:
- Bridging gaps in access to financial services is vital in promoting economic development and empowering individuals in underserved regions. This is more than just innovation — it’s about fostering global financial equality.
How online FinTech courses can help you be at the leading edge of trends
With technology advancing rapidly, staying updated with the latest developments in the financial tech industry is essential. This is where FinTech training comes in.
The skillME Financial Technology Fundamentals course not only covers the foundation of FinTech and how it’s affecting the financial industry, but it also keeps pace with the current evolutions and the future of the financial sector.
Inside, you’ll learn how finance tech has disrupted the traditional financial system, learn about the future of money, and gain exposure to the latest popular technologies driving the revolution.
Register for skillME’s FinTech short online courses
Staying up to date with the latest technologies in the financial industry and how to implement them into processes is vital to maintaining a competitive advantage.
skillME’s Financial Technology Fundamentals course will teach individuals and companies how to implement these technologies and what to look for regarding the latest advancements.
