March 19, 2024

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Small businesses have unique financial needs, and they need banks that are ready to meet them where they are. Traditional banks sometimes struggle to fully meet these needs due to their conventional banking models, which may not be flexible or responsive enough to serve the needs of smaller enterprises. Digital banks, on the other hand, often provide more customized solutions. Digital banking offers ease of access to finances, automated features, and the guidance small business owners need.

The Significance of SMEs and Startups in the Economy

What is a startup? What is an SME?

A startup is a newly formed company that is expected to grow rapidly as it fills a gap in the market or meets some kind of consumer demand. Startups can exist in different industries, but they are highly common in the technology sector. Startups often don’t make a profit for several years, and their value is sometimes calculated based on projections of future profits rather than current revenue. Startup culture encourages innovation, quick decision-making, and a willingness to take risks.

Small to midsize enterprises (or SMEs) are businesses whose revenue, assets, or number of employees fall below a certain number. Different countries (and even industries) define “small business” differently. The Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration defines a small business as one with fewer than 500 employees, while the IRS classifies small businesses as companies with assets of $10 million or less.

The Role of SMEs and Startups

SMEs and startups are the backbone of the global economy, contributing significantly to job creation, innovation, and economic diversity.

There are 33,185,550 small businesses in the U.S. Small businesses are responsible for two-thirds of new jobs created since 1995, and they comprise more than 43% of the American gross domestic product (GDP). They often operate in local markets, contributing to the economic vitality of communities, fostering entrepreneurship, and supporting local supply chains.

SMEs and startups are also often at the forefront of innovation. They have the agility and flexibility to experiment with new technologies, business models, and processes. Many groundbreaking innovations and technological advancements originate from small businesses and startups, driving progress and shaping industries.

How Digital Banking Supports Financial Management for SMEs and Startups

Small businesses require banking services that can easily scale with their growth. They need accounts and services that are flexible enough to accommodate fluctuations in cash flow and business activity. Startups and SMEs often need quick financial injections to capitalize on market opportunities or to manage cash flow. Traditional credit approval processes can be lengthy and cumbersome, which doesn’t align well with the fast-paced needs of small businesses.

Traditional banks often have rigid structures and processes that are not conducive to the flexible, fast-paced nature of small business operations. This can make it difficult for SMEs to obtain the financial products and services they need quickly. For example, the traditional credit assessment and loan approval processes can be lengthy and require extensive documentation, making it difficult for small businesses to access the credit they need in a timely manner.

In contrast, digital banks leverage technology to offer more customized, flexible, and cost-effective banking solutions that align with the specific needs of small businesses. Digital banking platforms offer easy account management, faster payment processing, and access to credit and investment products. Digital banking also provides enhanced data analytics, enabling businesses to gain insights into their financial health, manage cash flow more effectively, and make informed decisions.

Some of the key advantages of digital banking platform include:

• Ease of Access: Digital banks are accessible anytime, anywhere, which is vital for entrepreneurs who need to manage their finances on the go. Given the lean operations of many SMEs, they often prefer not to spend time visiting bank branches for transactions that could be completed online. Digital-first solutions that offer online account management, mobile banking, and digital payment solutions are highly valued.
• Customized Banking Solutions: Many digital banks offer products specifically designed for SMEs and startups, such as microloans, invoice financing, and equity crowdfunding.
• Financial Literacy and Support: Digital banks often provide educational resources and personalized advice to help small businesses navigate the complexities of financial management.

Risk Management and Security in Digital Banking for Small Businesses

While digital banking offers numerous benefits, it also comes with risks, particularly related to cybersecurity. Small businesses must be aware of the potential threats and implement robust security measures to protect their financial data. Digital banks, as well as credit unions, which are often considered safer due to their member-focused policies and typically smaller size, invest heavily in security technologies, such as encryption and multi-factor authentication, to safeguard accounts and transactions. Additionally, they provide resources and training for SMEs and startups on best practices for cybersecurity, ensuring that businesses are well-equipped to manage online financial risks.

Credit unions, being highly trusted financial institutions, also prioritize the security and education of their members, reinforcing the importance of comprehensive protection strategies. Human error remains one of the most significant cybersecurity risks for small businesses. Providing comprehensive training and awareness programs to employees on cybersecurity best practices, phishing awareness, and data protection protocols can help mitigate the risk of security breaches caused by employee negligence or inadvertent actions.

Small businesses operating in the digital banking space must also adhere to relevant regulatory requirements and compliance standards, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) or the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Ensuring compliance with these regulations helps mitigate legal and financial risks associated with non-compliance.

Future Trends: Evolving Role of Digital Banking for SMEs and Startups

Digital and online banking is becoming more personalized thanks to advancements in technology. Artificial intelligence and machine learning can help in analyzing vast amounts of data to provide insights into spending patterns, cash flow forecasts, and customized financial advice. Furthermore, AI can enhance customer service through chatbots and automated advisors, providing SMEs with 24/7 support.

Banking as a service (BaaS) enables SMEs to integrate banking services directly into their own platforms. Businesses can customize banking functions—such as payments, lending, or account management—to fit their specific needs, improving operational efficiency and customer experience.

See:  Can AI Truly Replace Human Financial Advisors?

By lowering the barriers to accessing financial services, digital banks can play a crucial role in supporting the growth of SMEs, contributing to economic development and job creation.

The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada’s Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org

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• Source: https://ncfacanada.org/the-role-of-digital-banking-in-supporting-smes-and-startups/