Whether as consumers or merchants, simplicity is key when it comes to purchasing goods and services. While merchants have historically offered in-app payment options, this is merely scratching the surface. Embedded finance represents a paradigm shift, integrating a spectrum of financial services into non-financial applications.
Embedded finance is rapidly replacing embedded payments as the ultimate financial solution to eliminate financial transaction friction. Independent software vendors (ISVs) empower merchants with a consolidated platform to manage their cash flow. From accepting payments to accessing instant capital loans without credit checks, merchants can benefit from a financial toolkit. Soon, even more services will be added that utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to predetermine the exact type of additional products a merchant might need and offer them at the right time.
By embedding a suite of financial services within familiar apps and platforms, ISVs enhance the user experience, creating a unified ecosystem for financial management.
For small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the importance of comprehensive embedded finance solutions cannot be overstated. Typically, the median small business has about $12,000 in the bank; for SMBs, cash really is king. To make payroll, purchase inventory, and pay rent, they need real-time cash visibility. They need to know where it is (and that it’s safe), where it’s going, and how to get there without delay. SMB owners may not have a deep background in finance, so user-friendly interfaces and intuitive designs are crucial to ensure they can easily navigate and utilize embedded finance tools effectively.
For ISVs, embedding financial services within their business apps broadens their market appeal. It makes it easier for merchants to understand their entire money management chain, create multiple bank accounts to diversify locations for cash, access financial solutions when needed, reduce the time it takes to access funds, and strengthen protection against cybercriminals.
Advances in Embedded Finance
There have been many vital advances in embedded finance, including leveraging historical business information to enable fast loan pre-approval without accessing credit history. In addition to increased efficiency and approval speed, embedded finance offerings can increasingly utilize the customer’s financial data to determine, for example, when a merchant might require a short-term loan or access to advanced accounting software based on their increased cash flow. By offering products and services at the right time, ISVs can increase their chances of a sale while forging a stronger relationship with merchant customers who feel understood and cared for.
A Win-Win for ISVs
The collaboration between embedded finance providers and ISVs creates a synergy beyond software functionality, offering comprehensive solutions that address both the operational and financial needs of SMBs. This approach can lead to sustained growth and success for both parties in an increasingly interconnected and digitized business environment.
The opportunity to generate additional revenue streams beyond subscription fees, linked to the cash flow facilitated through the platform, is a compelling prospect for companies in the embedded finance space. Implementing a transparent and equitable fee structure while consistently adding value to the platform can contribute to long-term success in this dynamic and evolving industry.
Improving Cash Management
By finding a financial partner that combines the solidity of traditional banking with a forward-thinking and plugged-in approach, software providers can position themselves for success in the dynamic landscape of embedded finance, allowing for innovation while maintaining the trust and stability that users expect from financial services.
As technology advances, software providers can explore, innovate, and unlock new dimensions of value for their businesses and customers. The convergence of software and finance within embedded solutions is reshaping the financial services landscape, offering a glimpse into the future of a more interconnected and digitally integrated economy.