GlossaryBusinessNew to AI

Fintech

Also written: Financial Technology

Fintech uses technology to improve or provide financial services, like banking, lending, and payments.

In plain terms

Fintech, short for financial technology, refers to companies that use software and technology to offer banking and financial services. This can include everything from mobile payment apps and online lending platforms to budgeting tools and investment services.

For example, a company might use AI to help people manage their money better or to make it easier to get a loan. The goal is often to make financial services more accessible, efficient, and user-friendly.

The expert version

Fintech, or financial technology, encompasses companies leveraging technology to deliver, enhance, or disrupt traditional financial services. This includes a broad spectrum of applications such as digital payments, peer-to-peer lending, robo-advisors, blockchain-based solutions, and regulatory technology (RegTech).

AI and machine learning are increasingly central to fintech, enabling personalized financial advice, fraud detection, automated customer service, and more sophisticated risk assessment. The integration aims to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and expand access to financial products.

Why it matters now

Fintech is appearing in frontier AI news as companies leverage AI to improve financial services. Recent examples show AI assistants handling customer service and new platforms using AI to expand access to financial tools.

Where it shows up 2 items, newest first
How each company uses it
Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft Copilot is used by fintech startups like Welcount to provide financial services.
OpenAI ChatGPT
OpenAI's technology powers AI assistants for fintech companies, such as Klarna's customer service bot.
Related terms

Artificial IntelligenceMachine LearningCustomer ServiceDigital PaymentsBankingLending

Often confused with
RegTech
Regulatory technology focuses specifically on using technology to help
InsurTech
This term refers to technology used in the insurance industry, distin
Origin

The term 'Fintech' emerged in the early 21st century to describe the integration of technology into financial services. It gained significant traction with the rise of mobile banking and digital payment platforms.

Try this about 5 minutes

Open your preferred mobile banking app or a payment service like PayPal or Venmo. Explore its features for sending money, checking balances, or budgeting. Notice how the app's design and functionality make financial tasks simpler than traditional methods.

Try it: Playbook entries that use thisPlaybook →

The Playbook: reusable how-tos, prompts, configs and tips pulled out of the news.

Questions people ask

What is an example of a fintech company?
Examples include PayPal for digital payments, Robinhood for stock trading, and Chime for online banking services.
How does AI help fintech?
AI helps fintech by automating tasks like customer service, detecting fraud, offering personalized financial advice, and improving loan application processes.

First seen on Subvolts Apr 5, 2024. Updated Sep 17, 2026. Written by an AI model from the items above and reviewed against them weekly; report an error.