Pathward Research Reveals the Balancing Act Executives Face as they Navigate Delivering Embedded Finance Solutions

Rhea-AI Summary

Pathward, a national bank, released a survey revealing that 82% of U.S. executives plan to implement embedded finance solutions within the next two years. The study, conducted in February 2024, included 500 senior executives and highlighted the rapid adoption and benefits of embedded finance, such as improved customer experience and increased revenue. However, it also pointed out significant challenges, including security, fraud, and compliance concerns. Notably, 81% of executives underestimated the complexity of implementing these solutions, indicating a need for thorough preparation.

Positive

• 82% of U.S. executives plan to implement embedded finance solutions within the next two years.
• 44% of executives reported their company currently supports an embedded finance solution.
• 33% of executives plan to implement embedded finance solutions soon.
• Embedded finance has been a revenue driver for nearly all companies implementing it, with 53% citing it as a primary driver.
• Embedded finance improves customer experience and builds loyalty.

Negative

• 81% of executives underestimated the complexity of implementing embedded finance solutions.
• 45% of executives expressed concerns about security in embedded finance.
• 42% of executives cited fraud as a significant concern.
• 42% of executives are worried about compliance issues.

Eighty-two percent of U.S. executives who are considering embedded finance solutions plan to implement them in the next two years.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pathward^®, N.A., a national bank with 20 years of payments experience, announced the results of its research on executive perspectives on embedded finance – the integration of financial services into non-financial offerings. The survey of senior U.S. executives reveals that while embedded finance is widely embraced across sectors, for businesses and customers alike, some challenges lie ahead as not all companies planning to implement these services feel completely ready to do so.

As the role of embedded finance grows, Pathward set out to gauge sentiment and better understand how executives are evaluating its role for their companies. Not surprisingly, the research shows that the expansion of embedded finance solutions is expected to take place rapidly. In fact, 82% of executives planning or considering offering embedded finance predict it will happen in the next two years.

Nearly half of executives reported their company is supporting an embedded finance solution today. Not only do 44% of executives work at companies that already offer it, but another 33% plan to, and 17% are evaluating it – and for good reason. Among the executives who currently offer embedded finance solutions, nearly all have seen embedded finance as a revenue driver, including 53% who note it is a primary driver.

“Embedded finance presents opportunities to improve customer experience, build loyalty and drive revenue,” said Pathward President Anthony Sharett. “Technology is enabling innovation that simplifies the lives of consumers and businesses, but that simplification comes with a cost of complexity for the organizations delivering these solutions. Pathward works closely with our partners to build strong risk, fraud and compliance frameworks into these embedded finance solutions.”

Executives Acknowledge Embedded Finance Comes with Complexities

As with any new fintech solution, executives have concerns when it comes to embracing embedded finance. Among the concerns, security (45%), fraud (42%) and compliance (42%) top the charts when looking at individual concerns, especially as cybersecurity and regulatory scrutiny remain hot topics for businesses everywhere.

Among companies that currently offer embedded finance solutions, a surprising 81% of executives surveyed reported that they somewhat or significantly underestimated the complexity of building an embedded finance solution. This highlights the importance of preparedness when it comes to implementing embedded finance.

“Embedded finance comes with a learning curve for organizations of all sizes, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges that the implementation process presents,” said Pathward Divisional President of Banking as a Service Will Sowell. “It is encouraging to see executives across the industry embrace the technology to improve their customers’ experience. Partnership is a key ingredient to delivering secure and sustainable solutions to the marketplace.”

Embedded Finance – Executive Perspectives provides results from an online survey by Pathward of 500 senior executives conducted in February 2024. Respondents were executives at the vice president level and above. Survey results are available on Pathward.com.

About Pathward^®

Pathward^®, N.A., a national bank, is a subsidiary of Pathward Financial, Inc. (Nasdaq: CASH). Pathward is a U.S.-based financial empowerment company driven by its purpose to power financial inclusion. Pathward strives to increase financial availability, choice and opportunity across our Banking as a Service and Commercial Finance business lines. The strategic business lines provide end-to-end support to individuals and businesses. Learn more at Pathward.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240606119418/en/

Courtney Heidelberg

605.291.7044

mediarelations@pathward.com

Source: Pathward

FAQ

What percentage of U.S. executives plan to implement embedded finance solutions in the next two years?

82% of U.S. executives plan to implement embedded finance solutions within the next two years.

What are the main concerns executives have about embedded finance?

Executives are mainly concerned about security (45%), fraud (42%), and compliance (42%) when it comes to embedded finance.

How many executives underestimated the complexity of embedded finance solutions?

81% of executives underestimated the complexity of implementing embedded finance solutions.

What benefits do executives see in embedded finance solutions?

Executives see benefits such as improved customer experience, increased loyalty, and higher revenue from embedded finance solutions.

How many companies currently support embedded finance solutions?

44% of companies currently support embedded finance solutions.