Top trends that will shape banking in 2022
We sat down with our Direct Markets Director at Creditinfo Group, Samuel White, to discuss some of the key trends that will shape banking in the MENA and Asia region. These were some of his thoughts:
New market players from non-traditional lenders such as telco or payment providers
We are seeing an increasingly number of non-banks entering the markets. There has been a clear sign that these companies have a wealth of internal data through their platforms and usually e-wallet transactions. It has been proven that this data is extremely valuable during the risk assessment process.
SME finance
SMEs are playing an instrumental role in local economies but still struggle to receive the access to banking products in a timely fashion. In the region every country is looking at how better to serve these customers and provide them with the solutions they require.
Digital Banks, Neo Banks, Born Digital Banks
Many of the traditional lenders are based on legacy technologies and we have seen an accelerated approach to digital transformation over the last 2 years. We have also seen some banks create new digital arms to their organization setup with new technology away from legacy portfolios. These Born Digital Banks are increasing in the region, and anybody left behind can expect to lose some market share in the future.
BNPL
Buy Now Pay Later (or as some are calling it Save now pay later) is not a new concept but there is no doubt it is growing with popularity. The demand for flexible payment offerings is at an all-time high. Typically, these smaller value loans are based on impulse buying so lenders must make sure they have the process in place to offer instant decisioning.
We also asked him how Creditinfo is playing a role in shaping these trends:
How is Creditinfo helping banks lead in the digital era?
At Creditinfo we are focusing on helping banks streamline and improve the credit process across the full credit lifecycle, from origination through scoring, risk, decisioning and portfolio management. We are offering enhanced digital channels to meet the customer demands and reach the underserved or unbanked segments. We recognize it has become more accessible for individuals and SMEs to make use of digital financial services and by working with Banks we can develop software and applications to deliver services that are more transparent and automated.
What is Creditinfo’s business model and how do you see this model shaping the banking industry?
Creditinfo is a provider of credit information and risk management solutions worldwide, one of our primary goals is to help facilitate access to finance. We have built credit bureaus globally and across different markets, giving us key insights and knowledge into best practices. Creditinfo has a vision to create successful partnerships with lenders, governments, central banks to help increase financial inclusion and generate economic growth by allowing credit access for individuals and SMEs.
Creditinfo wants to continue building products and working with partners to add further solutions and data to enable lenders to further lend in a responsible fashion. Lenders are shifting their attitude towards FinTechs to keep pace with change and remain competitive. There is a huge variety of FinTech offerings available today using wide range of data that’s delivered through applications to provide lending decisions in only a few seconds.
Creditinfo Gulf and Tech Access Strategic Partnership
Creditinfo Gulf and Tech Access joined forces and announced a strategic partnership to enhance risk assessment and facilitate access to finance in the MENA region.
Both companies will help Lenders and Tech firms streamline the risk assessment process and increase credit quality, earnings and growth while mitigating credit risk.
Creditinfo is a leading service provider for credit information and risk management solutions worldwide. It has established more than 33 credit bureaus in mature and emerging markets over 4 continents, thus tangibly contributing to growing and strengthening economies.
Tech Access has become an acknowledged industry leader in the ICT enterprise distribution market in the MENA region. Providing technology solutions to large Govt., private and public corporations across UAE, KSA, Pakistan, Levant & Africa regions.
“Our partnership, comprised with Creditinfo Gulf, is to enhance our local and regional coverage on credit information and fintech service provider across the globe, offering cutting-edge analytical tools and software solutions for the financial industry for efficient credit risk and strategic decision making” commented Jawwad Rehman, CEO Tech Access.
“This announcement marks another significant milestone, and we are excited to start this new partnership with Tech Access to provide full potential of intelligent information, software and analytics solutions. Supported by international know-how and local market support, setting a remarkable high bar in the MENA region. We look forward to working with Tech Access and Financial Lenders to deliver these capabilities.” commented Gary Brown, Managing Director Creditinfo Gulf
Ends.
Mala’a launches Credit Bureau System in Oman
Creditinfo and Mala’a’s strategic partnership started in January 2019 and since then, the teams have been developing a state of the art Credit Bureau System, connecting members, integrating with new data providers, and ensuring the system is protected to the highest security standards.
On November 18th 2020, Mala’a officially launched its state-of-the-art Credit Bureau System to the banking sector in Oman. This announcement affirms Creditinfo’s commitment in helping businesses globally make better use of information and data, along with providing the latest software solutions to enhance risk decisioning strategies. Creditinfo have over the years strengthened our partnerships with Credit Bureaus globally by delivering Creditinfo’s technology with core credit bureau systems, infrastructure expertise, operational set up, self-service platforms, alternative data, digital lending solutions among other tailored services.
Creditinfo will continue partnering with Mala’a into the next phase of our project. The teams will be ensuring we expand the membership to new sectors such as telecommunication and insurance and delivering new value-added services like Instant Decision Solutions, Mobile Lending Platforms and Portfolio Management tools. This will help lenders and organizations improve the application process and the customer experience for Oman residents.
Lenders across the GCC are changing the way in which they operate and make decisions on an individual’s creditworthiness moving to a digital based approach while harnessing traditional and non-traditional data. With Creditinfo Gulf based in Muscat now firmly installed in the region Creditinfo will remain at the forefront of facilitating access to finance in each of our markets and help lenders to reduce risk and increase profitability. We look forward to continuing assisting with cutting-edge technology in the region and helping Lenders and Telcos increase profitability without increasing the risk of new business.
Gary Brown, MD, Creditinfo Gulf.
