Have you ever thought of a ‘Bank in your pocket’? Well, this is a reality. Banking is no longer just about standing in queues, signing papers, or visiting a branch. Over the past decade, technology has significantly transformed how we save, borrow, and invest. That is the power of finance and technology, also known as Fintech.
According to the QED-BCG Global Fintech Report 2025, fintech already accounts for approximately 3% of the total global banking and insurance revenue. What’s striking is its growth rate—while traditional financial services expand at around 6% annually, fintech is growing at nearly 21%. Similarly, a World Economic Forum study reported that post-pandemic fintech firms experienced revenue growth of 40% and profit margins of 39%.
India is also making its mark. With more than 9,000 fintech startups, the country has become the world’s third-largest fintech ecosystem. Industry experts project that the fintech industry in India will cross US dollar 190 billion in revenue by Fiscal Year 2030. Clearly, the global banking industry is undergoing a massive transformation — and fintech is leading the way.
Fintech Driving Global Banking Transformation
The most visible changes brought by fintech are in payments, lending, wealth management, and insurance.
- Payments at Scale: UPI has grown to a massive scale. In June 2025, it handled payments of over ₹24.03 lakh crore through 18.39 billion transactions. This is up from 13.88 billion transactions in the same month last year — a jump of about 32% in just one year.
- Revenue Growth: According to McKinsey, fintech companies made between US dollar 150 billion and US dollar 205 billion in global banking revenue in 2022. By 2028, their revenues are expected to grow nearly three times faster than those of traditional banks.
- Open Banking: First introduced in Europe through PSD2 regulation, open banking enables third-party providers to access bank data securely. This has spurred a wave of innovation, with banks and startups collaborating to deliver faster and more affordable services.
- Neobanks and Challenger Banks: Digital-only banks such as Jupiter, Family and Kotak811 are growing rapidly, offering seamless online experiences without physical branches.
- India’s Fintech Boom: India has a fintech adoption rate of 87%, compared to the global average of 64%. This makes it one of the biggest digital markets in the world. Good policies and strong digital infrastructure give the fintech sector in India a lot of room to grow.
Why This Evolution Matters
The fintech revolution is all about reshaping the very purpose of financial services.
- Driving Financial Inclusion: Fintech has empowered millions who were previously outside the formal banking system. From farmers accessing small loans to migrant workers sending remittances, digital platforms are bridging gaps that traditional banks couldn’t.
- Boosting Efficiency: AI, blockchain, and machine learning allow banks to cut costs and improve fraud detection. Cross-border payments, which once took days, can now be completed within minutes using blockchain-based systems.
- Sustainability of the Model: Far from being a bubble, fintech has proven its profitability. In 2024 alone, global fintech revenues grew by 21%. Nearly 70% of public fintechs are now profitable.
- Partnerships Over Competition: Banks are learning that collaboration is the smarter approach. Reports show that 88% of traditional banks and financial service providers are now seeking partnerships with fintech firms, expecting returns of up to 20%.
All these changes tell us that the banking and finance industry is moving toward a more digital, customer-centric model.
Challenges and Risks
Despite its success, fintech faces a number of hurdles.
- Cybersecurity Risks: With billions of digital transactions every day, fintech firms are prime targets for cybercriminals. To counter threats, companies are turning to multi-factor authentication, biometrics, and advanced fraud detection systems.
- Data Privacy Concerns: Open banking requires banks to share customer data with third parties. Without strict safeguards, this can lead to the misuse of sensitive information.
- Digital Exclusion: While fintech expands access, not everyone is able to benefit equally. Rural areas with poor internet connectivity and older generations with limited digital skills may find themselves left behind.
For fintech to fulfil its promise, companies and regulators must invest in security, inclusivity, and digital education.
Education and Careers in Fintech
With fintech reshaping the banking industry, demand for professionals with both technical and financial expertise has surged. Universities now offer specialised programs such as fintech courses in India, MBAs, and postgraduate diplomas that prepare students for careers in blockchain, payments, AI in finance, and cybersecurity.
Career opportunities are expanding quickly. Graduates can explore roles such as fintech product managers, blockchain developers, risk analysts, cybersecurity specialists, and UX designers for banking apps. For many, a specialised fintech degree is becoming the fastest way to enter this booming sector.
For a quick visual take on how fintech is transforming careers, check out this web story: Future-Proof Your Career with Fintech.
Shoolini Business School: Building Future BFSI Leaders
If you’re looking to study business with a strong finance background, Shoolini University offers one of the most practical and future-ready finance programs in India.
The Shoolini Business School offers a BBA program with specialisation in BFSI and an MBA program with specialisation in Finance. These programs are shaped by top industry professionals from global firms like McKinsey, PwC, and Citi, as well as experienced faculty from IITs, IIMs, and ISB. Students learn how to apply concepts through real-world case studies, live projects, and industry interactions. Paid internships and a mandatory two-month summer internship ensure that every student graduates with workplace experience.
Shoolini’s unique ‘Mission 130’ initiative ensures 100% placements, with 30% of students landing roles in top multinational firms. Some of the top recruiters include Hindustan Unilever, Deloitte, KPMG, ICICI Bank, Hewlett-Packard, and Mercer.
Beyond academics, Shoolini focuses on overall development through programs like the Stanford-inspired SPRINT™ Bootcamp, the Advanced Training Program (ATP), and mentorship initiatives that build leadership and communication skills. Students also gain a global edge through study tours and exchange programs in countries like Singapore, Italy, and China.
With UGC and NAAC (A+) accreditation, along with recognition from NBA and ACCA, the program is designed to meet the international standards. Ranked as the No.1 Private University (QS and THE World University Rankings), Shoolini provides not just strong academics but also unmatched industry exposure and global networking opportunities.
Conclusion
The rise of fintech marks one of the biggest shifts in the history of finance. It has made banking faster, more transparent, and more accessible while challenging traditional models.
Of course, challenges around cybersecurity, regulation, and digital exclusion remain. But with the right mix of innovation and responsibility, fintech can continue to transform the global banking industry for the better. For students and professionals alike, this is not just a trend to watch — it is the future of the banking and finance industry. So what are you waiting for? If you wish to be a part of this exciting field, Shoolini University is your ideal destination. Admissions open, Apply Now!
Sources:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=154912&ModuleId=3
https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/fintechs-a-new-paradigm-of-growth
