Technology impacts every aspect of personal finance. FinTech (financial technology) involves apps, software, and other innovations for banking and financial activities, which includes PayPal, Venmo, and cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin. FinTech companies use online activities, mobile devices, software, apps, and cloud services to for financial transactions. Over 1.5 billion people around the world do not have access to formal banking. FinTech can provide these unbanked people with financial services through easy-to-use technology.

The main categories of FinTech for consumers are:

• Crowdfunding, such as Kickstarter and GoFundMe, which allows individuals or businesses to go directly to potential investors for funding.
• Blockchain and cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, with improved verification for financial transactions.
• Mobile payments through a smartphone.
• Insurance coverages provided by online start-ups.
• Robo-advising provides portfolio investment recommendations and allocations based on algorithms. For stock-trading, investors buy and sell stocks using apps such as Robinhood and Acorns.
• Budgeting apps, such as Mint and You Need a Budget (YNAB), monitor and plan spending.

For additional information on FinTech, click here.

Teaching Suggestions

• Have students talk to several people to obtain information about their experiences with FinTech products.
• Have students create an app prototype for a proposed FinTech product to help people make better financial decisions.

Discussion Questions 

1. What might financial literacy and money management activities be improved with FinTech?
2. Describe concerns that might be associated with expanded used of FinTech.