Payments
As of 2024, the payments sector continues to dominate the Australian fintech landscape, both in terms of the number of companies and the transaction value of the investments it has managed to attract. Including companies such as Tyro, Cuscal, Zip and Airwallex, this sector is by far the most mature in the fintech landscape, with over 150 active companies based in Australia and representing approximately 20% of the total landscape.
During the year 2024, this sector has benefited not only from local investments but also from foreign investments – an example of which would be the acquisition of A2B by Singapore-based ComfortDelGro, a leading multimodal transport operator .
However, given the scale and maturity of the sector, new regulation should be introduced to ensure that payment service providers are properly regulated and have a clear framework and level playing field to operate.
Regtech
In 2024, we have seen an increase in investment in the regtech sector, with risk and compliance factors driving the need for these providers in emerging and mature organizations. The regtech space was, in fact, the only fintech sub-sector that saw global investments increase in the first half of 2024.
In Australia, the regtech sector remains the third largest with around 80 active participants. Over the year, we have seen a continued focus on the deployment of regtech solutions, as risk and compliance functions seek to deliver greater organizational value while reducing the cost of compliance and at the same time the risk of non-compliance.
Regtech companies are increasingly looking to leverage AI to manage upcoming and expected regulations in a cost-effective manner, while managing their risk profile. Constantly evolving regulatory frameworks, coupled with increased complexity of reporting requirements, particularly for international fintechs, will likely result in increased interest and investment in this area for the foreseeable future.
Blockchain and cryptocurrencies
The blockchain and crypto sector has been hit hardest in Australia’s fintech landscape, declining 14% year-on-year with 74 companies active in 2024. Despite this, Australia’s blockchain and crypto sector has leading players, with a diversified portfolio of products. and services such as Independent Reserve, SwyftX and CoinSpot.
Globally, this year the focus has shifted from blockchain technology to AI, with investors deploying capital into the ever-growing AI space to transform their business into a business-focused one. the future and capable of AI. However, after some significant and unfavorable events for the industry in previous years, the SEC’s approval of the Bitcoin ETF could act as the positive catalyst that the blockchain space needs.
Additionally, with a series of rate cuts already beginning in a number of regions, and also set to begin in Australia, this could free up capital that has been sitting on the sidelines to potentially be redeployed into the sector. as the risk-free rate falls, making alternative investments more attractive.