Just what is Fintech?
Financial Technology, also known as FinTech, is a line of business based on using software to provide financial services. FinTech companies are generally startups founded with the purpose of disrupting incumbent financial systems and corporations that rely less on software.[1] Global investment in FinTech more than tripled to $4 billion in 2013 from $930 million in 2008.[2] The nascent FinTech industry has seen rapid growth over the last few years, according to the office of the Mayor of London. Forty percent of London’s workforce is employed in financial and technology services.[3] In the Asia Pacific region, the growth will see a new FinTech hub to be opened in Sydney, Australia, in April 2015.[4] There is already a number of strong […]
Australian travel insurers…reviewed, rated and crowned
If you’re looking for a standout travel insurance policy, check out the providers that took out the top spots in the Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance Awards. Source: Australian travel insurers…reviewed, rated and crowned
Robo-adviser Stockspot raises capital from H2, Rocket Internet
Stockspot, a robo-adviser seeking to disrupt wealth managers by offering a low-cost, automated financial advice process, has completed a capital raising and welcomed onto its register the Berlin-based start-up investor Rocket Internet, and H2 Ventures, the new fintech venture capital fund run by brothers Ben and Toby Heap.Stockspot, founded in 2013 by former UBS portfolio manager Chris Brycki, has 3000 registered users after launching in May last year. It won’t disclose funds under management but says these have tripled this calendar year. Source: Robo-adviser Stockspot raises capital from H2, Rocket Internet
P2P lender ThinCats Australia on prowl for strategic investors, potential IPO | afr.com
ThinCats Australia is looking to capitalise on investor interest in peer-to-peer lending, as it gears up for a potential initial public offering and holds talks with strategic investors.It’s understood ThinCats Australia, backed by UK-parent ThinCats, is in discussions with private equity firms, credit unions and accounting firms about a strategic investment. The company, which launched in Australia last year, is also considering a run at the ASX boards. Source: P2P lender ThinCats Australia on prowl for strategic investors, potential IPO | afr.com
UBank opens door to start-ups
Lee Hatton, the new chief of National Australia Bank subsidiary UBank, has opened the door to partnering with financial technology start ups to enter the small business market, as she eyes longer-term growth opportunities… Source: The Australian news
AMP advises fintechs to seek bigger partners
Australian fintech start-ups looking to expand their businesses will need to partner with big companies that already boast large customer bases for a better chance of success, wealth giant AMP says.Craig Meller, chief executive of AMP, said it was unlikely a large “disruptor” would swoop into the Australian financial services sector and shake up the market, so smaller fintech companies should seek large corporates to tap their distribution footprint. Source: AMP advises fintechs to seek bigger partners
Westpac asks Gen Y to help it find the next fintech start-up
As all banks grapple with the impact of huge technological shifts, Westpac hopes to get an edge over rivals by tapping into the ideas of bright, young non-bankers. With the bank admitting it needs to be more nimble in the face of growing competition from technology-based firms, senior Westpac executives will next week be presented with business proposals on digital disruption in finance from a group of people aged 18 to 35 , from Australia and China.But none of those pitching the ideas on digital disruption are bankers. Source: Westpac asks Gen Y to help it find the next fintech start-up
H2 Ventures, born from AWI’s ashes, will fund 100 fintech firms
This is great news for start-up Australian FinTech companies looking for funding. Venture capitalist brothers Ben and Toby Heap have established a new fintech-focused venture capital fund and accelerator, H2 Ventures, which is raising $10 million to invest in 100 fintech start-ups over the next three years. The establishment of H2 follows the demise of AWI Ventures, where Toby has been managing director, after its ASX-listed parent Australasian Wealth Investors, where Ben was chief executive, withdrew support for VC. The change of heart was spurred by a restructure after the company was stung by its investment in financial services business van Eyk, which collapsed amid a governance scandal. Source: […]
