If there's a buzzword that sums up 2019 in fintech, it's "disruption."
We've seen a plethora of startups in the space, all making claims of being the next big Revolut or Monzo, but there are those among them who not only seek to revolutionize banking, but also trading, and how we receive and process our financial data in real-time.
The following is five emerging companies that I believe will make waves in the second half of this year.
1. Option Alpha
The education and training platform Option Alpha is designed for teaching traders various strategies and ways to profit from options trading.
It features a wealth of Youtube videos and podcasts that cover all aspects of options trading from the complete basics to more complex ideas. It has been well received amongst the online trading community, with an average of 4 out of 5 stars on most review sites.
Headed by full-time trader and analyst Kirk Du Plessis, the platform has so far amassed over 50,000 registered users in its relatively short life span. Speaking to Benzinga.com, Du Plessis outlined the platforms 'backtesting' software that allows users to test out strategies before putting any real money at risk.
Currently, the platform is developing an automated trading platform that will allow users to conduct trades in the background - albeit with a slightly higher risk involved. Option Alpha already benefits from a 'Toolbox' feature which analyzes potential trades and provides users with the most profitable selections.
2. EQIBank
EQIBank is the first licensed and regulated offshore digital bank, aimed at providing a simpler and more cost-effective banking option to corporates and high-net-worth individuals. Its business model opens up the world of digital banking to organizations that are interested in tax-friendly options without the hassle and expense of traveling abroad.
"EQIBank is seeking to place itself at the very heart of this global banking revolution, driven most visibly by the influence of technology. This is because traditional banks and the banking system still operates in a different age." - Justin Blick, EQIBank CEO.
EQIBank customers benefit from 24/7 support, Mastercard debit cards which can be used in 180 countries worldwide, and support for digital asset investment with custody protection up to $50 million. Its strong compliance and regulatory policies combined with high-quality custody and insurance make it a highly secure option for offshore digital banking.
3. TrueLayer
TrueLayer is an Open Banking platform developed to take advantage of the open-source API's (application programming interfaces) and provide methods for retailers and other businesses to benefit from real-time financial data. One of the companies initial aims is to educate businesses on how to use Open Banking protocols to better serve their daily operations.
Since its launch last year, TrueLayer has developed partnerships with several UK challenger banks, including Monzo and Starling Bank. TrueLayer's single API platform links 16 major banks and credit cards across the UK, providing a wealth of data for the provision of account aggregation, credit scoring, and risk assessment.
"The speed at which Starling and Monzo, in particular, embraced Open Banking enabled their progressive customers to use a range of new third-party financial products and apps," wrote TrueLayer CEO Francesco Simoneschi in a recent article.
4. Acorns
Acorns is a simple but innovative micro-investing app that puts all your spare change to good use. By connecting your bank card to the app, you can automatically round up each purchase you make to the nearest dollar and invest the rest. In this way, you will be constantly making tiny investments every day without noticing, which could grow to make significant returns in the long-term.
The investments are automatically spread across an array of diversified stocks and bonds that guarantee a return and you can also set up additional daily deposits to add to your growing investment. The app promises to open up the world of investing to a previously untapped market of citizens who would not otherwise be financially-focused.
5. Fundera
The fintech industry has given rise to many companies offering solutions for small business funding but Fundera, in particular, stands out in this saturated market. The company offers a specialist to work with small business owners to formulate the best possible solution with the least amount of risk.
By comparing multiple business loans at once, Fundera saves time and pinpoints the most cost-effective funding option. So far the New York-based company has helped over 35,000 businesses with over $1 billion in funding. Like most aggregator services, Fundera is free to use, with the company making a commission of the financial provider that is chosen. This makes it the perfect risk-free option for small businesses.