Hey 👋,
First things first
In this rapidly evolving landscape of fintech and digital innovation, the concept of embedded finance has emerged as a game-changer. Embedded finance refers to the integration of financial services and transactions into non-financial platforms, allowing businesses to offer a seamless, one-stop-shop experience for their customers.
I’ll try to explore the exciting world of embedded finance, payments, and related technologies, and discuss how they can pave the way for the creation of super apps that revolutionize the way we interact with money. Crazy days ahead 🤞
Understanding Embedded Finance 🤝
Embedded finance is all about turning everyday digital experiences into financial transactions. This concept has gained momentum due to several factors:
- API Economy: The rise of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) has made it easier for businesses to connect with financial services. Companies can now seamlessly integrate payment processing, lending, insurance, and other financial services into their platforms.
- Consumer Expectations: Today’s consumers demand convenience and simplicity. They expect to make payments, access loans, and manage their finances without leaving their favourite apps and websites. I feel that having everything in WhatsApp will make my life super simple
- Digital Transformation: As businesses embrace going digital, they recognize the potential to offer financial services as part of their core offerings. This allows them to create more value for their customers and generate additional revenue streams.
If they lose focus on their core product then this might backfire too…😱
The Power of Embedded Payments 💪
One of the key components of embedded finance is embedded payments. The ability to make payments within an application or platform without redirecting users to a separate payment gateway. Why embedded payments are a game-changer:
- Frictionless Transactions: Embedded payments eliminate the need for users to leave an app or website to complete a payment, reducing friction in the user experience. Ex: Paying for your recharge right on your WhatsApp chat.
- Increased Conversion Rates: Seamless payments lead to higher conversion rates, as customers are more likely to complete transactions when the process is smooth and integrated. Ex: Using the UPI mandate for subscription-based services.
- Data-Driven Insights: Embedded payment systems provide valuable data that can be used to understand customer behaviour, preferences, and spending habits, enabling businesses to make data-driven decisions.
Second things second,
Building the Super App 🚀
Now that we understand the fundamentals of embedded finance and payments, let’s get into the concept of the super app. A super app is an all-in-one platform that offers a wide range of services and functionalities, often including embedded finance. Here’s how embedded finance plays a crucial role in creating a super app:
- Diversified Services: A super app combines various services such as ride-hailing, food delivery, shopping, and more, with integrated financial services. Users can pay for these services, access credit, and manage their finances seamlessly.
- Enhanced User Engagement: With a one-stop shop for all their needs, users are more likely to stay within the super app ecosystem, increasing user engagement and retention.
- Monetization Opportunities: Super apps can generate revenue through transaction fees, commissions, and cross-selling financial products like loans, insurance, and investment options. Ex: Platforms like NoBroker have the get loan as a service for your advance deposits with the house owner.
Finally, do you think that this will transform into reality?
Success Stories: Super Apps of Today 🥳
Several companies have already made significant moves in the super app space, showcasing the power of embedded finance:
- Alipay (Ant Group): Alipay, a subsidiary of Ant Group, started as a mobile payment platform and has grown into a super app that offers a wide array of financial services, including wealth management, insurance, and more.
- WeChat (Tencent): WeChat, the Chinese social media giant, offers embedded payments and a range of financial services, making it an integral part of daily life for millions of users.
- Gojek: Gojek, a Southeast Asian ride-hailing platform, has evolved into a super app that includes transportation, food delivery, and even digital banking services. They are growing pretty fast in their new segments too.
In India, Jio, Tata, Paytm and a few others are trying on similar lines. And I always say that anything can happen anytime. 🙂
Concluding
Embedded finance and payments are transforming the way we interact with money and services. The rise of super apps demonstrates that building an all-in-one platform that seamlessly integrates financial services is not only possible but also a powerful way to meet the evolving needs of consumers. As businesses continue to embrace embedded finance, the possibilities for creating the super app of tomorrow are limitless.
The future of finance is embedded, and it’s closer than we think. 🫡