Australia as a fintech hub must have global focus to stand a chance
Australia’s hopes of becoming a hub for technology-based finance firms could be “stillborn” if local rules do not encourage the new wave of start-ups to have an international focus, says the global head of financial services at PricewaterhouseCoopers. With the federal government signalling support for technology-based industries, a prime area with growth potential is the fintech sector: entrepreneurs targeting the finance industry’s hefty profits. However, the global nature of digital technology poses new challenges for regulators accustomed to having more domestic priorities.The global leader of financial services at PwC, Nigel Vooght, said financial regulators would face new dilemmas in trying to encourage fintech while also carrying out their mandate. “Your […]
P&N seeks fintech partners – The West Australian
WA’s biggest locally owned lender, P&N Bank, will scout potential partnerships and other investments to keep pace with the technological changes gripping the banking industry. Having dipped its toe in the fintech sector last year by taking a small equity stake in a superannuation software start-up, chief executive Andrew Hadley says the mutual bank “certainly has the intent of partnering, collaborating and potentially taking small equity positions” in other businesses of interest. Source: P&N seeks fintech partners – The West Australian
ANZ, Bendigo join Matchi fintech platform | afr.com
Here’s another article on how some of the big incumbent banks are getting in on the fintech act… ANZ Banking Group and Bendigo and Adelaide Bank have joined a global matchmaking platform called Matchi, to help them link with global start-ups, in a sign incumbents are not limiting their engagement with fintech to local hubs like Stone & Chalk. KMPG last week announced a deal with Matchi that will provide clients of the firm with access to the tech platform, which serves as a bridge for traditional banks and start-ups to identifying partnership opportunities. Source: ANZ, Bendigo join Matchi fintech platform | afr.com
Carlyle backs Prospa securitisation to boost SME lending
This is great news for Australian FinTech company Prospa. It’s also a very positive sign to see global companies investing in Australian FinTech companies – it appears others are starting to see the potential here in Australia. Global alternative asset manager the Carlyle Group has invested $50 million in the first securitisation deal in Australia of unsecured, online business loans, which will allow Prospa to step up its small-business lending as the big banks overlook the sector. The securitisation deal, which is only the third globally in the online business lending category, is part of a $60 million capital raising that was also supported by Ironbridge Capital, AirTree Ventures, and […]
NAB Ventures created to invest $50m in fintech
It seems the big banks are getting behind Australian FinTech which is great to see! National Australia Bank has created an “innovation fund” that plans to invest $50 million over the next three years in Australian and offshore start-ups to enhance the bank’s development of customer-centric products and applications. Source: NAB Ventures created to invest $50m in fintech
Square thinks outside the box in Australia
Big investments in chip and PIN cards and tap-and-go payment terminals by Australia’s dominant banks and supermarkets has slowed the advance of Jack Dorsey-led payment upstart Square, but it claims it has found another chink in their armour.Square has had an office in Australia since May – its fourth country after the US, Japan and Canada, since it was started by Twitter co-founder Dorsey in 2009. Australian companies have been able to use beta versions of its free apps for years, but Square – which is rumoured to be heading for a listing in the US – announced its second product offer in Australia, a “digital dashboard” for small business, […]
Robo-Advisors – The future of Financial Advice?
Robo-Advice There are a couple of approaches to Robo-Advice. The first is where a computer program will determine your individual circumstances and then offer advice on products and shares you should buy or insurances you should hold. The second is the slew of new budgeting apps that can analyse your spending and investments and provide you with the knowledge to make changes yourself.
