In today’s rapidly evolving digital economy, the Fintech Revolution is reshaping the landscape for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by introducing innovative technologies such as AI-powered financial tools, blockchain-based payments, and embedded finance platforms. These advancements are fundamentally transforming how SMEs manage finances, streamline operations, and pursue sustainable growth.
As fintech solutions become increasingly accessible and integrated into daily business workflows, SMEs can now automate key processes, gain real-time insights, and compete more effectively in global markets. From AI-driven cash flow forecasting and blockchain-secured transactions to seamless embedded lending, these tools help bridge the $5.2 trillion global SME financing gap—a mismatch between the financial resources available to SMEs and their actual needs for growth and sustainability (source: World Bank). By reducing barriers to advanced financial services, fintech not only enhances efficiency and innovation but also empowers SMEs to unlock new opportunities and scale with confidence.
Submission Guidelines
Participants are invited to act as consultants for a selected SME or a fintech platform serving SMEs. The task is to design a transformative fintech strategy that leverages technologies such as AI, blockchain, or embedded finance to address core business challenges—whether in operations, financing, or market expansion. Proposals should be realistic, scalable, and aligned with the chosen company’s strategic direction.
Participants must:
- Select a publicly known SME or fintech platform (accessible via online research).
- Provide a brief introduction to the company.
- Develop a solution that is both innovative and actionable, with clear consideration of implementation risks such as cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and cost.
Guiding Questions
- What should be the company’s fintech strategy leading up to 2030?
- How can technologies like AI, blockchain, or embedded finance be applied to enhance the company’s operations or services?
- How can the proposed solution be scaled across different markets or customer segments?
- What measurable benefits can the company expect? How do these justify the required investment?
- What risks might arise during implementation (e.g., technical, financial, or regulatory), and how can they be mitigated?
Creativity is encouraged, but proposals must remain viable and strategically relevant to the chosen organization.