The steady growth of the global Fintech economy and Israel’s role as a key player in this nascent sector has become more prominent during the past few years. Israel’s Fintech industry is evolving into a leading hub for companies throughout the world.
Fintech covers several different segments such as digital payments, cross-border money transfers, Big Data, risk management solutions, trading and investing apps, (financial) fraud prevention tools, and security solutions. Every year, companies across the globe are collecting massive amounts of data, while products and services are becoming increasingly digitized, especially in a post COVID world. It’s now more important than ever to develop modern financial services that can provide a better overall user experience.
Last year, Israel’s Fintech industry secured $1.8 billion in equity funding, which was reportedly a 100% increase from 2018. As first reported by Algeimeiner, Fintech investments made in Israeli businesses accounted for 5% of the total venture investments in the sector (globally). In 2019, Israel had been ranked fifth overall for international investments and was only trailing major economies like the US, China, India, and the United Kingdom.
Israel is now home to at least 529 Fintech-related startups, according to recent estimates provided by Startup Nation Central, which is a website that tracks the entire technology ecosystem in Israel. Israeli firms have managed to secure over $3 billion in capital from venture capital companies across the globe.
Some of the prominent companies with operations in Israel include Fundbox, Payoneer, and Riskified which acquired substantial funding and high valuations, because of their significant impact on the world economy. Each firm has assisted with transformation efforts in their own areas.
For instance, Payoneer specializes in helping individuals and businesses make international money transfers, meanwhile, Fundbox leverages Big Data to enhance cash flow processes for SMEs. Riskified uses sophisticated technology to perform behavioral analysis so that it can detect and prevent financial fraud.
Recently, Insurtech firm Lemonade carried out an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and reached a $4.3 billion valuation. Lemonade has notably become one of Israel’s most prominent Fintech/Insurtech Unicorns. Established in 2015, Lemonade’s platform serves as an insurance agent that leverages AI and behavioral science to offer homeowners and renters the appropriate policies that are focused on prioritizing social good.
Israel’s banking industry is also involved in Fintech related initiatives. Bank Hapoalim, which is now taking part in the Microsoft Ventures Accelerator program, is leveraging the latest digital technologies to provide access to various opportunities on a global scale. Meanwhile, Mastercard’s announcement that it will launch a Fintech and Cyber hub in the Israeli city of Be’er Sheva further highlights the interest in Israel as country well-suited for Fintech and digital technologies.