Fintech is an exciting and ever-evolving industry. Covering a wide variety of banking and insurance processes, more and more startups continue to deliver software to improve and disintermediate payments, investments, financing, risk management, big data and cybersecurity.

Having been involved from its earliest days, we here at ARTÉMIA continue to eagerly track developments in the sector. Here are 4 fintech trends you can expect to see in 2017 and beyond.

1. Machine learning becomes one of the strongest cybersecurity tools

Machine learning continues to be an essential tool in fighting increasingly complex hacking schemes. When it comes to fintech and the potential draining of billions from bank accounts, AI will be even more important to combat increasingly complex attacks. Engineers must be careful to track how their systems behaviors respond to security threats, however, or risk missing out on uncovering exactly which vulnerabilities exist.

2. Innovation will continue to outpace regulation

Financial regulation has been a hot topic since the 2008 recession, and will continue to be as fintech continues to change faster than laws and government agency oversight can adapt. Unsurprisingly this leads to increased risk for investors and therefore reduced valuations for fintech startups, but is unlikely to stifle progress. There is simply too much opportunity for improvement of the legacy systems in place. While lawmakers do tend to move much slowly on policy changes, they should not rush to regulate for its own sake. Engagement and ongoing dialog between entrepreneurs and government leaders is imperative to minimize collateral damage to the industry while maximizing consumer protection.

3. Automation impacts will be felt by finance employees

Financial analysts and advisors may have a target on their back from software with access to enormous real-time databases. These robo-bankers will be able to make split-second recommendations to customers with the best monetary outcomes all but guaranteed. Automated banking could replace up to 30% of finance employees in the next 10 years.

4. Blockchain and digital currencies keep up progress

First invented by bitcoin in 2009 to secure batches of valid transactions, blockchain distributed databases will become even more important in the coming years. The continuously growing list of records secured against revisions and tampering through peer-to-peer sharing is building fans in government too. The US House of Representatives has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a “national technology innovation policy that includes supportive language for digital currencies and blockchain technology.“ Expect to see blockchain and digital currencies show in ever more places for payment and exchange.

Connect with us for more information on our thoughts on 2017 fintech trends and to see how we can ensure your startup is poised to make an impact in the industry.