Il Italian fintech took flight. According to the latest survey by Bankitalia, the numbers speak clearly: in the two-year period 2021-2022, around 600 million euros were invested in innovative technologies, a figure destined to rise to 901 million in the following two years, with a further 380 million expected from 2025. These investments, which cover 430 projects, of which 63% are new, collectively represent 56% of total spending in the sector.
In addition to the increase in financial investments, the Via Nazionale survey highlights significant growth in several key aspects of the fintech sector. The size of projects is gradually increasing, along with staff involvement and collaborations with technology companies. It is also interesting to note a increase in shareholdings in fintech companies. However, despite this expansion, a trend towards consolidation is emerging, with a lower percentage of new projects than in the past.
Investment trends
Despite the growing attention towards digital transformation, the survey finds aallocation relatively concentrated resources, with 87,5% of fintech spending attributed to the top 10 investors. These projects range from web-mobile platforms to artificial intelligence and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), with a growing interest in cloud computing.
To carry out these projects, the collaborations with technological companies have increased significantly. Furthermore, there was an increase in direct acquisitions of stakes in specialized IT companies, with a total value of €1,114 billion.
The key technologies: web-mobile platforms, AI and API
The main technologies involved in the investments are web-mobile platforms (20,5%), theartificial intelligence (16,5%) not Api (14,9%), which together make up over half of the projects. There is an increase in investments in these technologies, while some, such as APIs and biometric technologies, have seen a decrease.
Investments are mainly concentrated in the areas of financial intermediation e payments, representing 43,7% and 39,4% of total spending respectively. Innovations range from the digitization of the credit process to the creation of digital wallets for payments. Technologies such as AI and RPA (Robotic Process Automation) have significantly improved back office processes and customer interactions.
Key strategies for risk management
The main impacts of the investments are expected on operational risks, with an expected reduction in fraud and legal costs. However, an increased risk emerges linked to ICT outsourcing, with third party risk management becoming increasingly critical. It is essential to ensure that vendors adhere to rigorous security standards to protect customer data.
Although the new projects for theopen banking are decreasing, initiatives related to payment services and digital identity are emerging. These emerging sectors promise greater efficiency and security for users, thanks to solutions such as digital wallets and advanced authentication systems. At the same time, expanding digital identity initiatives aim to ensure secure authentication online. There blockchain it is increasingly used to protect personal information, reducing the risk of fraud and identity theft.
A growing commitment is aimed at combating the riciclaggio di denaro and other illegal activities. The adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning allows for more efficient monitoring of transactions, while automation in customer verification reduces time and costs. However, challenges such as data privacy and adherence to regulations must be addressed. Balancing cutting-edge technology with security is crucial to maintaining competitiveness and consumer confidence.
