Professional Documents
Culture Documents
FinTech
ecosystem
playbook
1
FinTech ecosystem playbook
Foreword
In recent years, services provided by financial technology
(FinTech) start-ups have gained prominence, and are
increasingly impacting consumers, financial institutions
and economies. Subsequently, ecosystems have
emerged around these FinTechs, consisting of multiple
interdependent and interconnected stakeholders.
2
FinTech ecosystem playbook
14
20
26
Contents
30
Fast facts 04
Objective of the study 05
Pillars of a FinTech ecosystem 06
Approach and coverage
FinTech hub trends
07
08
35
Cluster analysis 14
Fast facts
US$14b
Global FinTech landscape raised by Ant Financial in 2Q18 from
domestic and international investors
US$9.3b in 9M18
Global Financial
Innovation Asia accounted for approximately
Network (GFIN) US$6.1b
was created by the of the global FinTech funding in 9M18,
UK Financial Conduct excluding the Ant Financial deal
Authority, in August 2018
in collaboration with 11 Europe accounted for approximately
financial regulators and
related institutions
US$2.7b
of the global FinTech funding in 9M18
4
FinTech ecosystem playbook
FinTechs are ventures that leverage the industry. They need to ensure
technology to develop new and that competition and innovation are
augment existing capabilities for the not stifled while maintaining the
discovery, distribution, operations and safety and soundness of the financial
servicing of financial products and system.
services.
The FinTech ecosystem playbook
A FinTech ecosystem comprises captures the journey of 26 FinTech
‘tech-savvy’ start-ups and scale- hubs in the emerging markets —
ups, regulators, governments, their experiences and learnings in
traditional institutions, investors, the process of building a strong
and talent institutions. Each FinTech financial services ecosystem. The
ecosystem is constantly evolving, with teams highlight the best industry
players continually interacting and practices from these markets so that
developing. Regulators are tasked participants learn from each other
with the challenge of evolving with
This report will facilitate hubs to think global and act local.
Global trends
Overview of key global FinTech trends that are
redefining the financial services landscape
Local drivers
Review of hub-level best practices that drive the
development of local FinTech ecosystems
Regional opportunities
Study of six regional clusters, assessing their
macroeconomic environment and regional opportunities
5
FinTech ecosystem playbook
Access to capital
• Risk capital: Access to angel funding, high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and
government funds; ease of raising capital from alternative sources such as
initial coin offerings (ICOs)
Talent availability
• Attract: Access to international talent, ease of mobility and visa policies
• Retain: Policies and initiatives that would reduce ‘brain drain’ and provide
conducive environment to grow and flourish
Regulatory openness
• FinTech laws : Specific regulations and policies
Enabling environment
• Strong: Collaboration with incumbents; and presence of accelerators,
incubators, community enablers and co-working spaces (public or corporate)
6
FinTech ecosystem playbook
Assess the FinTech Identify the overall drivers, Understand the Discuss the success stories
ecosystem of 26 hubs by trends and opportunities macroeconomic and digital of 26 hubs by studying the
leveraging EY extensive at each of the six regional factors driving FinTech FinTech initiatives
research capabilities, and clusters development at cluster
network of EY financial and hub level
services and FinTech
professionals across the
globe
Cambodia
Philippines
7
FinTech ecosystem playbook
Demand
Advancing technologies, rapidly expanding economies and changing
customer expectations are some of the factors driving demand for FinTech
products and services across countries. Broadly, the demand for FinTechs
can be categorized into:
8
FinTech ecosystem playbook
At the same time, some FinTech hubs have identified subsectors where they have certain advantages, and have
managed to take leadership or are positioning themselves to become the dominant hub for those subsectors.
Capital
Increased access to government-backed funding:
• For FinTech entrepreneurs, announced that Al Waha these VC funds.
access to capital often depends Fund of Funds, its VC FOF, to
on a number of factors including support start-ups in Bahrain • This year’s FinTech Investor
the stage of product maturity, and across the Middle East Summit under the MAS-
background of founders, and North Africa (MENA) sponsored Singapore
headquarter location of the region, had raised US$100m. FinTech Festival 2018 has
company and target customer two components — (a)
segment. To ease some of the • In 2017, Hong Kong the FinTech Deal Day that
capital challenges, governments Government launched the connects FinTechs with
globally are supporting start-ups US$256m Innovation and potential investors and (b)
by giving access to risk and Technology Venture Fund Meet ASEAN’s Talents
growth capital. Some hubs have to invest in local technology and Champions (MATCH)
dedicated funds or fund-of-funds start-ups. that connects start-ups
(FOF) to support FinTechs in and enterprises in ASEAN
• In June 2015, Singapore’s across all sectors with
their growth phase: MAS committed S$225m potential investors. The 380
• The Dubai International over a five-year period participating investors who
Financial Centre (DIFC) for the Financial Sector enrolled for MATCH have
launched a US$100m Technology and Innovation indicated intentions to invest
FinTech-focused fund in scheme. In December 2017, it up to a total of US$6.2b in
November 2017 to accelerate announced the launch of the ASEAN enterprises next
the development of the S$27m Artificial Intelligence year, and an additional
FinTech sector by investing in and Data Analytics (AIDA) US$6b earmarked over the
start-ups, from incubation to Grant under the scheme. subsequent two years. More
growth stage. • Policymakers are also taking than 17,000 matches were
initiatives to improve access generated between the 380
• The Government of India participating investors and
(GoI) introduced the Startup to private capital:
840 enterprise.
India initiative in January • In July 2018, the Estonian
2016 that included a Government, through its
US$1.5b FOF for start-ups. EstFund FOF, invested €60m
• In June 2018, Bahrain into VC funds to support
Development Bank (BDB) start-ups and SMEs. Private
investors will add €40m to
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FinTech ecosystem playbook
Talent
Attracting talent considered key by FinTechs:
• The most sought-after technical attempting to import technical Estonia and Lithuania have
talent include data scientists, talent from other countries Startup Visa programs.
financial engineers, mobile by offering special visas. The
marketers and computer UK offers a visa route under • Nurturing domestic talent is
programmers. the UKRI Science, Research a sustainable solution to the
and Academia scheme for talent unavailability challenge
• The Big Tech firms are giving non-European Economic Area faced by FinTechs and financial
stiff competition to FinTechs (EEA) researchers and plans to institutions. Hong Kong and
and financial institutions in their offer start-up visas for foreign Singapore are moving toward
efforts to attract strong tech tech entrepreneurs. The UAE this direction by partnering
talent. introduced a 10-year residency with schools to train students to
visa for investors and specialists. develop FinTech knowledge and
• Some countries, such as the capabilities.
UK, France and the UAE, are Meanwhile, countries such as
10
FinTech ecosystem playbook
Regulations
Facilitation of innovation through Open Banking
To increase competition and provide an enabling environment for FinTech firms, countries are pushing out
initiatives in varying degrees with regards to Open Banking. It allows FinTechs to leverage on banks’ data
to provide and extend their offerings to bank customers. The teams have highlighted a few of the different
approaches undertaken by regulators:
• The UK pioneered Open not mandated. • In the EU, the revised Payment
Banking, launching the initiative Service Directive (PSD2)
in January 2018, that mandates • In July 2018, Hong Kong’s requires banks to share
nine UK banks to open up HKMA launched the draft information of their customers’
their data via a set of secure Open API framework, accounts with third parties
application program interfaces which set out timelines for with the authorization of the
(APIs). institutions to follow, and made customers.
recommendations on specific
• Singapore’s MAS is encouraging protocols and data formats.
financial institutions to adopt The framework also laid out
Open API as a key foundational expectations on how banks
layer for innovation and should deploy Open API.
interoperability, although it is
Regulatory trends
Change is constant in the FinTech space, with each idea being more revolutionary than the previous one. It is a
momentous task for regulators to provide regulatory oversight to protect consumers while being mindful of not
inhibiting innovation. Regulators have taken different approaches, but they have largely converged into a few
similar ways:
11
FinTech ecosystem playbook
Regulations (continued)
Collaboration among regulators
A major concern for FinTechs when FinTech firms expand in each in August 2018. The purpose is
exporting their services is the other’s market. Regulators in the to provide an efficient way for
differing local regulations. UK, Singapore and Australia have innovative firms to interact with
entered into the most number of regulators, helping them navigate
Regulators are aware of this and bilateral agreements with other among hubs to scale new ideas. It
have taken steps to mitigate regulators. is also expected to create a new
this challenge. FinTech industry framework for cooperation among
associations and financial The newest measure to improve financial services regulators on
regulators are entering into collaboration among regulators innovation-related topics.
partnerships globally to share is the Global Financial Innovation
leading practices, experiences Network (GFIN). Twelve financial
and frameworks, and to help regulators launched the GFIN
Some governments are aware that distributed ledger technology (DLT) can improve processes. They are
experimenting with blockchain technology in areas such as payments (including wholesale payments, sovereign
currency, trade finance and interbank payments). Some examples of DLT being adopted by governments are:
• In July 2018, Hong Kong’s blockchain experiment for • Some small jurisdictions, such as
HKMA, along with seven local wholesale payments using the Malta, Gibraltar and Bermuda,
lenders, announced that it is technology. have taken a crypto-friendly
going to launch a blockchain- stance to attract crypto or
based trade finance platform in • Hubs, such as Singapore, DLT firms to domicile in their
September 2018. Canada and the US, are jurisdictions.
experimenting with their own
• The South African Reserve Bank digital currencies.
(SARB) conducted a successful
12
FinTech ecosystem playbook
Environment
Speeding innovation through public accelerator programs
• Incubators, accelerator • Dubai’s DIFC has launched • K-Startup Grand Challenge
programs and innovations its FinTech Hive accelerator is a government-supported
labs or centers are important program, which focuses on start-up accelerator program
levers to drive the FinTech FinTech opportunities in in South Korea.
sector in an economy. Hubs the Middle East, Africa and
globally have recognized the South Asia (MEASA) region’s • Singapore’s MAS runs its
significance of these programs financial sector. global accelerator program,
aimed at developing start-ups by Global FinTech Hackcelerator,
providing mentoring, funding, • ADGM in Abu Dhabi has focusing on start-ups across
training, networking, and tied up with Plug and Play the globe.
marketing and public relation to launch its accelerator in
opportunities: October 2017.
13
FinTech ecosystem playbook
Cluster analysis
Drivers
The kind of demand and supply that have
been driving the development of the
ecosystem so far
Spotlight
Notable players and trends that have emerged
in the local and regional ecosystem
Opportunity
Areas that present significant room for growth
in the near future
ASEAN
Fast-growing economies
with large populations
make a unique playground
Drivers
ASEAN is the connecting bridge between
China and India, making it a perfect place for
large local and global players to collaborate
and compete. Regulators are supporting
innovation, but at the same time, are cautious
in order to ensure that the financial system
is prepared to handle the stress of a global
financial crisis.
Spotlight
E-commerce, and social and mobility players
are expanding into the financial services field,
leveraging on their large user base.
14
FinTech ecosystem playbook
Opportunity
The region has some of the fastest-growing
economies with the largest population bases,
and a strong historical and cultural heritage.
As these economies continue to grow, there
will be more demand for better quality
services.
Latin America
Opportunities in
underserved market
Drivers
Several governments are considering FinTech
development as one of the pillars to increase
financial inclusion. The development of
FinTech has been driven by start-ups seeking
to serve segments previously inadequately
addressed by the financial system. Financial
inclusion will drive sustainable economic
development.
Spotlight
Private corporations and international
investors are building ventures to complement
existing financial services providers.
Opportunity
Collaboration in the region is becoming more
frequent and the development of the FinTech
industry will allow the expansion in quantity
and quality of synergies among different
actors in the ecosystem.
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FinTech ecosystem playbook
CESA
Leveraging strong
talent base
Drivers
At the turn of the century, these economies
opened up, and since then have become
an attractive investment destination due to
consumer spending growth, competitive wage
rates and skilled workforce. The region has
strong infrastructure and talent that are being
leveraged upon.
Spotlight
The region is developing home grown
companies and attracting international
companies to set up headquarters to service
the EU market.
Opportunity
By being part of the EU, countries have
access to a large unified market. The region is
placed strategically between Asia, the Middle
East and Europe, and can be a bridge for
companies expanding geographically in these
areas.
Drivers
Capital has been one of the key strengths
of the region due to the presence of large
sovereign and private funds that have a long
history of global investments. Several states
view FinTech as a major alley to diversify their
economies from natural resources and have
specific initiatives to drive financial services.
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FinTech ecosystem playbook
Spotlight
Some of the hubs have regulatory technology
(RegTech) as primary focus. Others have
positioned themselves as launchpads to
service the whole Middle East market.
Opportunity
The region offers unique opportunity to
FinTech products and services that are
focused on Islamic banking. FinTechs can also
help solve the challenge of fragmented access
to financial services in the region.
Africa
Leapfrog innovations
Drivers
The region has one of the largest
concentration of the unbanked and
underbanked population, which provides
an opportunity for leapfrogging several
generations of technology and infrastructure
to provide a cutting edge solution. For
example, the region has skipped landlines and
2G to go directly to 3G and 4G.
Spotlight
Several wallets backed by telecommunication
companies have become global case studies
of financial inclusion. Most of the innovation is
driven by telecom players, which is unique to
the region.
Opportunity
Large penetration of mobile money accounts
present opportunities to FinTechs to explore
expansion in other areas including alternative
lending, cross-border transfers, personal
finance and remittances. Collaboration with
local financial players can help FinTechs
navigate this market.
17
FinTech ecosystem playbook
Asia
Rise of independent FinLife
ecosystem platforms in Greater
China; and India bringing the best
from East and West.
Spotlight
Mainland China has independent finance and
lifestyle (FinLife) ecosystems that started out
as e-commerce and chat platforms before
developing into full-scale financial services
providers going on to earn bank licenses.
Opportunity
For China-based companies, levering data and
tech to expand outside core areas as well as in
global markets is key to growth.
India:
Drivers
Government-led digital infrastructure, and
rapid urbanization and mobile penetration is
driving the development of FinTech sector,
particularly in payments.
Spotlight
Indian FinTech players are raising large
funding from foreign investors looking to
expand overseas. India is now home to two
FinTech unicorns.
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FinTech ecosystem playbook
Opportunity
In India, global investors, such as Chinese
internet finance players and American
e-commerce players, have set up greenfield
ventures as well as invested significantly in
local ventures, creating an interesting stage
for a FinTech ecosystem to be built. B2B
business models are gaining prominence given
the backdrop of government initiatives.
19
FinTech ecosystem playbook
ASEAN
Key highlights
Cambodia Philippines
Malaysia
Singapore
Indonesia
20
FinTech ecosystem playbook
GDP growth (y-o-y): 3.9% GDP growth (y-o-y): 5.1% GDP growth (y-o-y): 6.8%
GDP per capita: US$6,601 GDP per capita: US$3,842 GDP per capita: US$2,310
GDP growth (y-o-y): 5.9% GDP growth (y-o-y): 6.7% GDP growth (y-o-y): 6.9%
GDP per capita: US$9,949 GDP per capita: US$2,982 GDP per capita: US$1,387
Singapore
GDP: US$324.1b | 2017
21
FinTech ecosystem playbook
Digital readiness
55.5% Internet bandwidth (kb/s/user)
Internet users (%)
46.5% 23.6 24.9 42.6 982.9
47.5%
81.0%
78.8%
25.4% 49.2 91.3 43.4
25.6%
Cambodia
176 126 110
Indonesia Malaysia Singapore
Thailand Vietnam Philippines
Financial parameters
Banking penetration (%) Debit card ownership (%)
68.9% 7 31 74 92
30.8%
81.6%
97.9%
85.3% 60 27 21
48.9%
21.7%
Cambodia Indonesia Malaysia * FDI inflow Cambodia - Considered 2016 figures instead
Success stories
Singapore
• MAS set up the Financial
Technology and Innovation Group
(FTIG) within its organizational Malaysia
structure in 2015. The formation
of FTIG is a commitment by MAS • Malaysia was the first country
toward the vision of a smart in ASEAN to introduce a
financial center. In 2016, MAS regulatory framework for equity
set up FinTech Office to serve as crowdfunding (ECF) and peer-
a one-stop virtual entity for all to-peer (P2P) financing. Bank
FinTech matters. Negara Malaysia (BNM) has
established cross-functional
• Other initiatives of the Singapore Financial Technology Enabler
Government include the FinTech Group (FTEG) within the bank.
Regulatory Sandbox, RegTech FTEG is responsible for formulating
initiatives and the introduction and enhancing regulatory
of blockchain for interbank policies to facilitate the adoption
payments. In 2015, MAS of technological innovations in
announced that it would commit the Malaysian financial services
S$225m over the following five industry. BNM also launched
years for FinTech projects. MAS an Open API working group in
has also issued guidance on ICOs September 2018.
and plans to issue guidelines for
the use of artificial intelligence (AI) • Malaysia aspires to become an
in the industry. Islamic FinTech hub, as evidenced
by strong support from regulators.
• The annual Singapore FinTech
Festival sees the participation • BNM released guidelines on
of thousands of start-ups and e-KYC in 2017. The guidelines
investors. Over 30,000 people set out minimum requirements
from 109 countries representing and standards that an approved
more than 5,000 companies took remittance service provider must
part in the festival in 2017. observe in implementing e-KYC.
23
FinTech ecosystem playbook
6%
4%
5%
8%
43%
8%
11%
15%
Retail investment
Blockchain
Financial lending
Account software
Others
24
FinTech ecosystem playbook
25
FinTech ecosystem playbook
Latin America
Key highlights
Brazil
Mexico
26
FinTech ecosystem playbook
Mexico Brazil
GDP: US$1.2t | 2017 GDP: US$2.1t | 2017
Digital readiness
Internet users (%)
59.5
59.7
66.2 24.9
27
FinTech ecosystem playbook
Financial parameters
Banking penetration (%) Debit card ownership (%)
36.9
70.0 59 25
27 10
58 32
Brazil Mexico
Sources:
1. Finnovista 5. FDI inflow and Mobile Subscriptions: World
2. Wearesocial Digital in 2018 report Bank Open Data
3. Urbanisation in Latin America, BBVA 6. Internet users and internet bandwidth: The
Research, July 2017 Global Competitiveness Report 2017–
2018, World Economic Forum
4. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), GDP per
capita, population and inflation: Oxford 7. Financial Parameters: The Global Findex
Economics Database, World Bank
Success stories
Brazil
• In April 2018, the Central Bank Mexico
of Brazil issued a regulation that
grants autonomy to electronic • Mexico Financial Technology
lending platforms to carry Institutions Law became effective
out loan transactions directly in March 2018. It provides
between borrowers and lenders regulatory certainty on issues
by introducing two new categories including crowdfunding, payment
of financial institutions — P2P methods and cryptocurrencies.
companies and direct credit Mexico became one of the few
companies. countries globally to regulate the
sector.
• Banks in Brazil have been
connecting with FinTechs through • A regulatory sandbox was
funding and incubation. introduced to allow companies to
obtain a temporary authorization
• The Securities and Exchange for a maximum of two years.
Commission of Brazil runs its
FinTech Hub, which aims to
analyze the development and
application of FinTech in capital
markets.
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FinTech ecosystem playbook
3% 1% 3%
5%
7%
35% Brazil Peru
Colombia Uruguay
Argentina Other
12%
Chile
23%
Insurance
17%
8%
Wealth management
16% Others
29
FinTech ecosystem playbook
CESA
Key highlights1
Estonia
Lithuania Russia
Czech Republic
30
FinTech ecosystem playbook
Lithuania Russia
GDP: US$47.3b | 2017 GDP: US$1.6t | 2017
31
FinTech ecosystem playbook
Digital readiness
Internet users (%) Internet bandwidth (kb/s/user)
145.4 150.9
Estonia Lithuania
119.0 157.9
Czech Republic Russia
Financial parameters
Banking penetration (%) Debit card ownership (%)
76%
81% 92% 56%
83%
98%
75% 57%
29% 16%
Estonia Lithuania
25% 20%
Czech Republic Russia
Made or received digital payments in the past year (% age 15+ years of population)
Sources:
1. Digital in 2018 report, Hootsuite, January Economics Global Competitiveness Report 2017–
2018 3. FDI inflow and Mobile Subscriptions: World 2018, World Economic Forum
2. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), GDP per Bank Open Data 5. Financial Parameters: The Global Findex
capita, population and inflation: Oxford 4. Internet users and internet bandwidth: The Database, World Bank
32
FinTech ecosystem playbook
Success stories
33
FinTech ecosystem playbook
34
FinTech ecosystem playbook
Key highlights
Bahrain
Turkey
Saudi Arabia UAE
Bahrain
GDP: US$36.7b | 2017
35
FinTech ecosystem playbook
Turkey
GDP: US$851.3b | 2017
Inflation: 11.1%
FDI inflow (% of GDP): 1.3%
Regulatory sandbox: No
36
FinTech ecosystem playbook
Digital readiness
Internet users (%) Internet bandwidth (kb/s/user)
90.6%
58.3% 112.8 78.2
73.8%
98.0%
68.1 133.7
158.4 122.1
Financial parameters
Banking penetration (%) Debit card ownership (%) Credit card ownership (%)
88.2%
68.6% 80 67 30 16
71.7%
98.6%
63 83 42 45
Sources:
1. Digital in 2018 report, Hootsuite, 3. FDI inflow and Mobile Competitiveness Report 2017–
January 2018 Subscriptions: World Bank Open 2018, World Economic Forum
Data
2. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 5. Financial Parameters: The Global
GDP per capita, population and 4. Internet users and internet Findex Database, World Bank
inflation: Oxford Economics bandwidth: The Global
37
FinTech ecosystem playbook
Success stories
38
FinTech ecosystem playbook
• As part of Saudi Vision 2030, the • The Interbank Card Center, BKM,
Saudi Arabia Government has has also been playing an active
launched the Financial Sector role in supporting FinTech in
Development program. Under Turkey. In 2016, BKM introduced
the program, the Saudi Arabian Turkey’s Payment Method (Troy),
Monetary Authority (SAMA) shall an electronic card payment
39
Global FinTech
FinTech ecosystem
hub playbook 2018
Africa
Key highlights
Nigeria Kenya
South Africa
40
FinTech ecosystem playbook
GDP growth (y-o-y): 1.3% GDP growth (y-o-y): 4.9% GDP growth (y-o-y): 0.8%
GDP per capita: US$6,150.6 GDP per capita: US$1,506.7 GDP per capita: US$1,860
Digital readiness
Internet users (%) Internet bandwidth (kb/s/user)
54.0%
25.7% 69 11.3 263
26.0%
Mobile subscriptions (per 100 people)
Financial parameters
parame
Banking penetration (%) Debit card ownership (%)
69.2%
39.6% 38 32 34
81.6%
Credit card ownership (%)
6 3 9
41
FinTech ecosystem playbook
79 30 60
Sources:
1. Digital in 2018 report, Hootsuite, January 2018
2. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), GDP per capita, population and inflation: Oxford Economics
3. FDI inflow and Mobile Subscriptions: World Bank Open Data
4. Internet users and internet bandwidth: The Global Competitiveness Report 2017–2018, World
Economic Forum
5. Financial Parameters: The Global Findex Database, World Bank
42
FinTech ecosystem playbook
76
94
32%
34%
56
74
34%
South Africa Nigeria Source: Finnovating for Africa: Exploring the African
Fintech Startup Ecosystem Report 2017, Disrupt Africa
Kenya Rest of Africa
43
FinTech ecosystem playbook
Asia-Pacific
Key highlights
Japan
India
Hong Kong
South Korea
GDP: US$1.5t | 2017
Inflation: 1.9%
GDP growth (y-o-y): FDI inflow (% of GDP):
3.1% 1.1%
GDP per capita: Population: Regulatory sandbox:
US$30,008 51.0 million Yes
44
FinTech ecosystem playbook
45
FinTech ecosystem playbook
Digital readiness
Internet users (%) Internet bandwidth (kb/s/user)
92.7%
92.0% 14.7 4906.0 16.0
29.5%
87.3%
53.2% 83.0 54.3
Financial parameters
Banking penetration (%) Debit card ownership (%) Credit card ownership (%)
94.8%
98.2% 67 83 21 65
79.9%
95.3%
80.2% 33 87 3 68
75 64
95 92
46
FinTech ecosystem playbook
Success stories
• Closer cross-border
collaboration: The latest
initiatives include the
development of a DLT
platform to digitalize banks’
Hong Kong trade finance processes in
Hong Kong with potential
• Hong Kong has taken a number of
connectivity with Singapore’s
steps to strengthen FinTech sector.
trade platform.
In March 2016, HKMA established
the FinTech Facilitation Office
(FFO) to support the development • Research and talent
of the ecosystem. development: HKMA has
collaborated with the Hong
Kong Applied Science and
• The HKMA has launched seven
Technology Research Institute,
smart banking initiatives, which
Science Park and Cyberport
include the following:
in a number of research and
education initiatives.
• Faster Payment System (FPS):
Launched in September 2018,
• Banking Made Easy Initiative —
the new system operates on
Aim is to minimize regulatory
a round-the-clock basis, and
frictions in customers’ digital
connects banks and stored-
experience, including remote
value facility (SVF) operators
onboarding, online finance and
on the same platform.
online wealth management
• The Hong Kong FinTech Week is launched Bharat QR, a common and private funds to nurture start-
a cross border event (from 29 interoperable quick response ups in the FinTech industry.
October to 2 November 2018) (QR) code.
took place in the Hong Kong • In April 2018, the XiongAn Global
and Shenzhen. Over 8,000 Blockchain Innovation Fund was
participants attended the event. launched with US$1.6b to invest
in Chinese blockchain start-ups. In
July 2018, China Merchants Group
Japan partnered with London-based
investment firm Centricus to
launch a US$15b technology fund
• In Japan, projects are being
called New Era Technology Fund.
India undertaken to develop platforms
using contactless technology, QR
codes, blockchain technology and
• The Government, through its
digital currencies. In April 2018,
Digital India initiative, has taken
the Ministry of Economy, Trade
a number of steps to drive digital
and Industry set a target to have
penetration in the country. The
following initiatives have resulted
40% of all transactions to be done South Korea
cashless by 2025, up from 18.4%
in increase in banking penetration
in 2015. • Tech giants in the country have
rate to 80% in 2017 from mere
pioneered FinTech adoption by
35% in 2011:
• The Financial Services Agency providing payment solutions as
• Aadhaar, the largest biometric the Japanese financial regulator, well as setting up digital-only
program in the world, had established FinTech Support banks that have acquired millions
generated over 1.2 billion Desk in 2015 to support FinTechs of users so far.
digital identities. As of 15 with the specific interpretation
September 2018, over 23 of banking laws for them or the • In 2016, the FSC launched a
billion authentications and 6.2 applicability of regulations to Fintech Open Platform. The
billion e-KYC have been done FinTech business prior to launch. Open API system within Fintech
using Aadhaar (UIDAI stats). Open Platform that provides
• As of March 2018, 16 crypto- program commands needed when
• Jan Dhan Yojna, one of the exchanges were registered under programming FinTech services
largest financial inclusion FSA and another 16 were still with banking functions.
programs in the world, was being examined for registration.
launched by the Government • The regulatory environment
in 2015, has over 327 • In September 2017, FSA regarding cryptocurrency is
million beneficiaries as of 19 announced the establishment moving toward more transparency.
September 2018. of the PoC Hub, a regulatory Starting January 2018,
sandbox. cryptocurrency traders in South
• United Payments Interface Korea will not be allowed to make
(UPI), an instant real-time deposits into their virtual currency
payment system through bank exchange wallets unless the names
account, was launched in 2016. on their bank accounts match the
In August 2018, UPI crossed
an important milestone of 300 Mainland account names in cryptocurrency
exchanges.
million transactions in a month.
China
• In August 2016, the
Government launched Bharat • Mainland China is home to large
BillPay (BBP), an interoperable FinTech companies in payments,
payment platform, which allows P2P lending, InsurTech, which
users to make bill payments have disrupted the way financial
across multiple channels and services are consumed.
payment modes, and provides
• In January 2017, Asia FinTech
instant receipts through SMS.
Fund of Funds worth US$1.4b was
• In March 2017, the Government founded by state-owned capital
48
FinTech ecosystem playbook
Appendix
49
FinTech ecosystem playbook
CESA remote-fintech-licensing-
making-the-prime-destination-
2018
50
FinTech ecosystem playbook
51
FinTech ecosystem playbook
52
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