FinTech Flashcards
What is FinTech?
FinTech refers to technology-driven financial services innovations. It includes mobile payments, peer-to-peer lending, robo-advisors, and blockchain-based platforms. Transformative impact on traditional financial systems through efficiency and accessibility.
What are the primary benefits of FinTech?
Enhanced financial inclusion by providing access to underserved populations. Increased efficiency through automation and real-time processing. Cost reductions for both consumers and financial institutions.
What challenges does FinTech pose to traditional banks?
Disruption of traditional banking models. Increased competition from agile startups. Pressure to adapt legacy systems and innovate.
How does the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA) apply to FinTech?
Regulates financial services activities, including FinTech innovations. Part 4A covers authorisation for FinTech firms offering regulated financial products. Part 23 outlines duties of authorised firms to ensure compliance.
What role does GDPR play in FinTech?
Regulates the collection, storage, and use of personal data. Article 5 mandates transparency and data minimisation. Article 25 requires data protection by design and default.
What are the key requirements of the Payment Services Regulations 2017?
Authorisation and registration of payment service providers under Part 2. Consumer rights and obligations related to payments under Part 7.
Why is cybersecurity critical in FinTech?
FinTech handles sensitive financial and personal data. Vulnerabilities can lead to significant financial and reputational losses. Regulatory requirements demand robust cybersecurity measures.
What precedent was set by Haven Insurance Ltd v FCA (2019)?
Highlighted the obligation for robust cybersecurity in FinTech. The FCA’s decision to fine Haven Insurance was upheld due to inadequate cybersecurity controls.
What did FCA v Crowdcube (2021) establish regarding crowdfunding platforms?
Platforms must adhere to FCA regulations to protect investors. Crowdcube was fined for failing to disclose investment risks adequately.
What are the legal implications of regulatory breaches by FinTech firms?
Fines, sanctions, and reputational damage. Increased scrutiny from regulators like the FCA. Loss of consumer trust.
How does Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) support FinTech?
Provides decentralised, transparent transaction systems. Commonly used in blockchain for cryptocurrencies and smart contracts. Reduces fraud through immutable records.
What are the risks associated with blockchain in FinTech?
Potential use in money laundering and illicit activities. Regulatory uncertainty across jurisdictions. Energy consumption concerns for proof-of-work systems.
What is a regulatory sandbox?
An FCA initiative allowing FinTech firms to test innovations in a controlled environment. Reduces regulatory burden during the testing phase. Ensures consumer protection while fostering innovation.
How do regulatory sandboxes benefit FinTech startups?
Provides guidance on compliance requirements. Encourages experimentation with new technologies. Facilitates a smoother transition to full-scale market operations.
What obligations do FinTech firms have under consumer protection laws?
Provide transparent terms and conditions for financial products. Ensure that services meet the suitability requirements of customers. Protect customer funds and personal data.
How does Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) integrate into FinTech practices?
Promotes transparency in product offerings. Encourages fairness in customer service. Reduces the risk of mis-selling complex financial products.
What does Cranston argue about FinTech regulation?
Existing regulatory frameworks must evolve to keep pace with technological advancements. Highlights the need for a balance between innovation and systemic stability.
How does Amao critique FinTech transparency?
Argues that some FinTech models lack adequate transparency, especially in cryptocurrency exchanges. Warns of the risks posed by anonymity and limited oversight.
What are emerging challenges for FinTech regulation?
Managing risks from artificial intelligence in financial decision-making. Ensuring compliance with cross-border data protection laws. Adapting to innovations in decentralised finance (DeFi).
How can regulators balance innovation and financial stability?
Implement flexible, technology-neutral regulations. Encourage collaboration between FinTech firms and regulators. Invest in regulatory technology (RegTech) to enhance oversight efficiency.
What is FinTech, and why is it transformative?
FinTech refers to the use of technology to innovate and improve financial services. Includes mobile banking, peer-to-peer lending, robo-advisors, and blockchain platforms. Offers faster, more accessible, and cost-effective financial services compared to traditional banking.
What are the primary advantages of FinTech?
Increased financial inclusion for underserved populations. Enhanced operational efficiency through automation and real-time processing. Cost savings for both consumers and financial institutions.
How does FinTech challenge traditional banks?
Disrupts conventional banking models. Intensifies competition by offering innovative, consumer-centric services. Forces traditional banks to adapt legacy systems and invest in digital transformation.
What is the role of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA) in FinTech?
FSMA regulates financial services, ensuring FinTech firms are licensed and supervised. Part 4A: Covers permissions for regulated activities. Part 23: Defines the duties of authorised FinTech firms.
How does GDPR impact FinTech operations?
Regulates data collection, storage, and use in FinTech innovations. Article 5 mandates transparency and minimisation in data handling. Article 25 requires data protection by design and default.
What are the key requirements under the Payment Services Regulations 2017?
Authorisation of payment service providers under Part 2. Consumer protection standards for payment transactions under Part 7.
How do the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 regulate FinTech?
Part 3: Sets out authorisation requirements for e-money providers. Part 6: Ensures consumer rights in e-money redemption. Protects funds stored in digital wallets or prepaid cards.
Why is consumer protection critical in FinTech?
Increases trust in digital financial products. Ensures fairness, transparency, and suitability of financial services. Mitigates risks of fraud and mis-selling.
What did FCA v Crowdcube (2021) establish about crowdfunding platforms?
Platforms must adhere to FCA regulations, ensuring risk disclosures to investors. Crowdcube was fined for failing to adequately communicate investment risks.
What precedent was set by Haven Insurance Ltd v FCA (2019)?
Reinforced the obligation for robust cybersecurity in FinTech. FCA’s fine for Haven highlighted the importance of protecting customer data.
What role does blockchain play in FinTech?
Decentralised and transparent transaction processing. Used in cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and secure payment systems. Increases efficiency while reducing fraud risks.
What is Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)?
A decentralised system where multiple participants maintain a shared ledger. Enhances transparency, security, and efficiency in financial transactions.
What is a regulatory sandbox?
A controlled environment for FinTech firms to test innovations under FCA supervision. Reduces regulatory burdens during product development. Ensures consumer protection through monitored trials.
What are the benefits of regulatory sandboxes?
Encourages innovation by reducing compliance risks. Offers guidance on navigating complex financial regulations. Helps FinTech startups transition to full-scale market operations.
How is AI used in FinTech?
Automated fraud detection and prevention. Personalised financial recommendations via robo-advisors. Real-time credit scoring and risk assessment.
What are the risks of AI in FinTech?
Potential for algorithmic bias affecting lending decisions. Lack of transparency in AI decision-making processes. Cybersecurity vulnerabilities in automated systems.
What is peer-to-peer (P2P) lending?
Direct lending between individuals or businesses without intermediaries. Facilitated through online platforms connecting lenders and borrowers.
What regulatory challenges arise with P2P lending?
Ensuring transparency and risk disclosure for investors. Protecting consumers from platform failures or borrower defaults.
What is the regulatory focus for cryptocurrencies in FinTech?
Preventing money laundering and financial crime. Ensuring investor protection in volatile markets. Developing frameworks for taxation and reporting.
What challenges do cryptocurrencies pose to regulators?
Anonymity and decentralisation complicate oversight. Cross-border transactions lack consistent regulation. High volatility risks for investors.
What systemic risks does FinTech pose?
Increased exposure to cyberattacks. Over-reliance on untested technologies. Potential for market disruption if large-scale FinTech platforms fail.
Why is data privacy critical in FinTech?
Ensures consumer trust in data-driven innovations. Mitigates risks of data breaches and identity theft. Complies with GDPR and other data protection laws.
What cybersecurity measures are essential for FinTech?
Encryption and secure data storage. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing. Incident response plans for managing breaches.