Thank you for joining us on this blog where we will be diving into the exciting world of payments and fintech. In this week's podcast we had the pleasure of having Rohit, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the fintech industry, as our guest. Rohit has worked with major banks and startups, and we gather some insights from him in this occasion!
Rohit's journey in the FinTech industry began in 2004 as a software engineer building retail banking solutions for banks all over the world. He gained invaluable experience working with banks such as UBS and spent late nights working on various projects. However, he soon realized that he wanted to shift his focus to the business side of things and generate value for banks. He pursued an MBA at the University of California and worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers to broaden his knowledge and skill set. Afterward, he doubled down on fintech and held leadership roles at major banks such as US Bank and Bank of the West. He even launched a bank in China from scratch. In recent years, Rohit has been working in the payments sector, leading product management and engineering teams. Currently, he serves as the Chief Product Officer at a startup called Link Money.
The Disruptive Shifts in the Banking Industry
Over the years, Rohit has witnessed several disruptive shifts in the banking industry. In the past, banks focused on tailored experiences for their customers, such as revamping their mobile apps to provide personalized services. However, Rohit believes that what excites him the most now is the advent of real-time payments. The United States, in particular, has been lagging behind in terms of payment speed compared to countries like India and Brazil. Realizing the need to embrace real-time payments, banks and fintech companies are gradually adopting new network rails like TCH RTP and the Federal Reserve's FedNow. This shift towards real-time payments has the potential to reshape the industry and provide faster, more efficient payment solutions.
The Traction of RTP and the Role of Regulation
When asked about the traction of RTP (Real-Time Payments) in the industry, Rohit explains that many financial institutions are jumping on the bandwagon to avoid losing customers. Customers are becoming more knowledgeable about real-time money movement, and the expectations have changed. The push for real-time payments is also driven by the need to combat fraud and provide faster, irrevocable funds. Additionally, the introduction of regulations and the involvement of government entities, such as the Federal Reserve's FedNow, further encourage banks to embrace these new payment networks. While there may be multiple payment rails currently in use, Rohit believes that consolidation is inevitable in the future, as the industry realizes the need for a more unified approach.
The Value of Pay by Bank Solutions for Merchants
Rohit highlights the value of Pay by Bank solutions for merchants, particularly in the e-commerce space. These solutions allow customers to link their bank accounts and make payments directly from their accounts in real-time. While the actual money movement may not be instantaneous, the decisioning process is conducted in real-time, providing merchants with immediate information about the payment's status. Merchants are primarily concerned with whether the funds will be received, rather than the exact timing of the funds' arrival. Link Money offers a Pay by Bank solution, ensuring that merchants have a seamless payment experience and reducing the risk of payment disputes.
The Future of Payments and Fintech
Looking ahead, Rohit is optimistic about the future of the payments and fintech industry. He predicts consolidation among payment rails and a greater emphasis on fraud mitigation through AI and machine learning models. Consolidation will streamline operations for financial institutions and pave the way for more efficient and effective payment solutions. Furthermore, AI will play a crucial role in detecting and preventing fraudulent activities, ensuring the security of transactions. Additionally, Rohit believes that clear-cut regulations are necessary for the growth and sustainability of the cryptocurrency market. With proper regulations in place, cryptocurrencies can flourish and offer new possibilities in the world of payments.
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