If you’ve been following the global financial markets in recent times, you’ll probably be aware that there has been a huge focus on introducing more stringent regulations across the board. The EU market regulator has recently banned the questionable practice of trading binary options, for example, in order to safeguard investors and create a more transparent marketplace.
This is just one of many fintech trends to look for in 2018, however, as the fiscal markets prepare themselves for widespread and significant change.
So, what are the other trends to look for this year? Let’s take a look.
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1. The Diversification of Cryptocurrencies
While we all know that cryptocurrencies have represented huge business during the last 12 months (and that new iterations like Ethereum and Ripple are challenging Bitcoin as the market leader), the potential scope of this technology remains lost on some.
In fact, the introduction of new cryptocurrencies through innovative ICOs (initial coin offerings) as helped to diversify the market considerably, while creating a huge range of choice for financial professionals and investors alike in 2018.
While this evolution also creates a degree of fragmentation and initial risk in the market, it also enables investors to build an increasingly diverse and lucrative portfolio. This makes the market one to watch this year, particularly if you want to capitalise on growth at a relatively early stage.
2. The Rise and Rise of Blockchain
We can hardly mention cryptocurrencies without referencing the unique technology that underpins them, with Blockchain providing a decentralised digital ledger that creates optimal transparency and efficiency for investors.
Not only is this technology evolving at an incredible rate and developing applications in a diverse range of industries from healthcare to logistics, but it’s becoming increasingly relevant for investors in an age where the implementation of stringent regulatory measures is commonplace.
In this respect, Blockchain creates new opportunities for traders while also promising to alter the way that they access the financial market. This makes it the very embodiment of a disruptive technology, which will increase both volatility and new asset classes in equal measure.
3. Fintech Wearables will inch Closer to the Mainstream
Near field communication (NFC) technology is nothing new, and it has already had a considerable impact on how consumers process payments. It has enabled the concept of contactless payments across the globe, for example, with both Apple and Android Pay relying in NFC to complete transactions.
This technology also underpins the concept of fintech wearables, which allow individuals to process real-time payments through a connected device or accessory.
With more and more devices entering the market, there are two things that we know for sure. Firstly, this space represents a growing entity that has huge potential for future expansion. Secondly, 2018 could be the year that fintech wearables inch closer to the consumer mainstream, with a breakthrough success seemingly just months away.
