Financial services have diversified to not just make our lives easier and simpler, but so we can have greater control of our money. For small businesses this is especially important because of the opportunities embedded lending offers. In this article we will explore the potentials of embedded lending and how it can lead small businesses towards a brighter financial future.
The old way of doing things
Before we highlight how modern banking like embedded lending has transformed the financial services, I must address the differences between traditional banking and what we see today. The traditional methods of banking involved long processes. Trying to secure a business loan, dealing with paperwork, long approval times which often resulted in rejection due to strict rules, left business owners stagnant before they could even take their idea off the ground.
The power of embedded lending
Embedded lending was created to make the process speedy, efficient, and simpler to understand. Whether for personal use or to boost our business, embedded lending has multiplied the ways people can take control of their assets without having to rely on physically going to a bank. They can do it all from their phone. It can seem overwhelming at first to understand all the fundamentals, so here is a breakdown on how it works:
Streamlined access to capital
Embedded lending offers a simplified and quick application process for small businesses to access capital without the need for traditional loan applications, reducing administrative burden and wait times.
Efficient cash flow management
Embedded lending solutions provide real-time insights into cash flow, helping small businesses better manage their finances and make informed decisions about when to borrow or repay loans.
Automated credit decisions
Utilising advanced data analytics and machine learning algorithms, embedded lending platforms can quickly assess a small business’s creditworthiness, enabling faster and more accurate credit decisions.
Risk mitigation
Embedded lending platforms often employ sophisticated risk management tools to assess and mitigate the risks associated with lending, providing a more secure environment for both lenders and borrowers.
Flexible repayment options
Small businesses benefit from flexible repayment options, including variable terms and payment schedules, allowing them to align repayments with their revenue cycles and avoid unnecessary financial strain.
The drawbacks
Whilst there are a multitude of advantages that come with adopting open banking, that doesn’t mean it’s risk-free and without its own set of challenges. The transition from traditional banking to fully committing to fintech firms, which are popping up all the time, is not fully there yet and lack of confidence and trust from customers remains. To get people fully onboard there needs to be an understanding from fintech companies that not everyone is tech-savvy or is ready to abandon banks all together and switch to just online.
Data and privacy are huge concerns. Safeguarding sensitive customer information is imperative. Embedded lending platforms must invest in airtight encryption to prevent breaches or interceptions. Further, implementing safe storage, access controls, frequent security audits and employee training are all part of protecting customer privacy. Educating customers is also necessary to gain their trust and ensure they understand how to use the app and the responsibilities it has. In addition, regulatory compliance will become more stringent and fintech platforms will have to adapt as legislation and guidance changes. Transparency must be the number one priority if fintech companies want to thrive.
The endless possibilities of open banking
Embedded lending is already shaping the financial landscape and giving people more freedom over their money and how to organise it. However, the possibilities don’t end at just making transactions and getting loans. Here is what small business owners can look forward to in the coming years from open banking:
Embedded lending as we know it is likely to change very rapidly as technology advances and major companies demand a higher dependency. Here I have highlighted some key predictions that are likely to take shape which businesses should look out for:
Increased integration with e-commerce platforms
E-commerce platforms will likely deepen their collaboration with financial institutions to offer seamless financing options at the point of sale. This could include installment plans, buy now pay later options, and other customised financing solutions.
Data-driven decision-making
The use of advanced analytics and artificial intelligence will become more prevalent in embedded lending. Financial institutions will leverage data from various sources, including transaction history, user behaviour, and alternative data, to make more accurate credit assessments and offer personalised lending solutions.
Blockchain and smart contracts
It is predicted blockchain technology will play a role in enhancing security and transparency in lending transactions as it can use blockchain-based encryption for securing data and support financial transactions to authorised users only. Smart contracts can automate loan agreements and streamline the lending process, reducing the need for intermediaries and minimising the risk of fraud.
Conclusion
Embedded lending is not a hot trend that will die out within a few years – it is the future of financial services and is showing no signs of slowing down. Provided that fintech firms do their due diligence and keep customers informed and protected, small business owners will feel in better control of their money and trust the technological developments which will enhance their lives and boost their businesses.
