Market Trends of Singapore Neobanking Industry
Increasing Number of Partnership Banks
- Collaborations between banks and organizations in Singapore are on the rise, driving the expansion of non-banking platforms. A notable example is YouTrip, Singapore's multi-currency mobile wallet, which, in 2021, entered a six-year partnership with Visa. This move aimed to expedite YouTrip's expansion beyond Singapore, focusing on penetrating markets like Malaysia and the Philippines in Southeast Asia.
- Similarly, in 2022, Trust Bank officially launched as a new digital bank in Singapore, backed by a partnership between Standard Chartered Bank and FairPrice Group. These collaborations aim to enhance client experiences, bolster safety, and ensure stability. With technological advancements and a notable surge in global internet usage, financial service firms are empowered to introduce cutting-edge digital solutions to their customers. Additionally, the growing popularity of digital wallets has heightened the appetite for online banking services.
Increasing Internet Penetration is Growing Demand for Nebanking
- The banking and financial services industries are witnessing rapid evolution and expansion. Technology is empowering both major banks and fintech firms to venture into specialized sectors, like small business financing, traditionally dominated by local banks. To keep pace with this tech-driven shift, there's a growing imperative to embrace AI, Big Data, Cloud Computing, and other cutting-edge technologies.
- Moreover, this new banking paradigm emphasizes a cost-effective structure, easy accessibility, and improved services. With lower real estate and distribution costs, streamlined IT systems, and simplified operations, the model bolsters its cost efficiency. Venture capitalists and equity investors are increasingly drawn to neobanks, eyeing their market potential.