Fintech PR

Soldo Data Reveals CFOs Caution Cashflow And Overspending Will Challenge Economic Recovery

Published

3 years ago

June 7, 2021

CFOs across the UK warn that cashflow and overspending are the main barriers to their organisation’s financial recovery. The research, commissioned by Soldo, a European pay and spend automation platform, found that 60% of CFOs are forecasting that their business will not recover to pre-pandemic levels until October 2022. 3% of CFOs that say their business has already recovered, while 2% forecast recovery is still over five years away.

Investment Spending Reduced in The Early Stages Of The Pandemic

60% of UK businesses cut their spending in response to the pandemic, with the average business reducing expenditure by 14% in the last financial year. Economists have modelled this data, suggesting that across the UK, business spending was reduced by £153 billion in 2020/2021.

Soldo’s research found that the average reduction in business spending in the last financial year (20/21) was as follows;

Small firms (up to 50 employees) – £417,553
Medium sized firms (51 – 500 employees) – £4,011,651
Corporates (501+ employees) – £17,251,279

Reductions in inventory and staffing costs (including contractors, reduction of permanent headcount and a freeze in the recruitment of new talent) were the main areas where business reduced their expenditure. Nevertheless, the majority of CFOs (60%) acknowledge that now is the time to re-start business spending to drive recovery as quickly as possible. Finance professionals acknowledge that there are numerous challenges associated with ramping up investment. The following were cited as the top 5 difficulties:

Cashflow issues (54%)
Managing overspending (51%)
Supplier relationships (44%)
Inability to forecast (37%)
Lack of insight around spending (26%)

Said Paraag Amin, CFO of dotdigital, said:

“The pandemic has focused businesses more than ever on continuing to grow through uncertain times, and digital transformation, including the shift to cloud, is one of the key enablers of this. Having access to real-time information, wherever you are, is of paramount importance. Add to this the scaling of processes, to drive cost efficiency, means that it is very important for CFOs/businesses to continue to reinvest, not just to survive the pandemic, but to thrive.”

Mariano Dima, President of Soldo, said:

“Business leaders are taking a deeper look at spending control and payment models, whether through the pandemic or the new norm. With spend management technology, the average UK business can save 2% of annual revenues and reinvest in market expansion.

“Many CFOs have doubled down on digital transformation and cash displacement. It is crucial to have the ability to forensically examine business spend, whether SaaS, retail or advertising.”

What do CFOs cite as the top challenges threatening recovery and growth?

Managing overspending – CFOs told us that overspending is the number one challenge when it comes to making investments. 50% of CFOs recognise that a digital approach to managing spend can solve overspending. Soldo gives business leaders the ability to set tight budgets and gives real time updates, helping to prevent overspending.

Cashflow issues – Poor visibility of cashflow and working capital acts as a drag on investment. Our research found that 63% of finance teams want better oversight of their working capital. Soldo enables finance teams to track spending against budgets in real time.

Lack of insight around business spending – The inability to analyse investment spending in real-time is a challenge for a significant number of finance leaders. Over a quarter of the CFOs Soldo spoke to said that they wanted more accurate and timely insights around spending. Founders and finance teams want to see spending in real time and see where and how money is being spent.

Soldo’s research found that an incredible amount was wasted across Europe due to ineffective spending controls:

€347 billion across Europe
€62 billion in Germany
€42 billion in France
€43 billion in UK (£37 billion)
€30 billion in Italy

Cloud Benefits – Making the shift to cloud accounting enables CFOs to manage and monitor investment spending more efficiently. Soldo’s research showed that an average sized company could save more than £2.3m annually. In short, tech-enabled businesses are much more confident in their ability to invest for future growth.

Related Topics:Cashflow latest-news Paraag Amin

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Fintech

Fintech Pulse: A Daily Dive into Industry Innovations and Developments

Published

29 minutes ago

November 26, 2024

Peter Tolan

fintech-pulse:-a-daily-dive-into-industry-innovations-and-developments

The financial technology sector continues to evolve at a rapid pace, offering innovations that disrupt traditional paradigms. Today’s briefing underscores fintech’s diverse growth avenues: from substantial venture capital plays and strategic partnerships to groundbreaking implementations in lending. Here’s a closer look at recent developments shaping the landscape.

Synapse’s Comeback and Andreessen Horowitz’s Strategic Bet

Source: Axios
Synapse, a financial infrastructure company previously embattled by controversy, is staging a remarkable comeback, backed by none other than venture capital heavyweight Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). With this new infusion of funds, Synapse aims to consolidate its position as a premier platform for building financial services tools.

This resurgence demonstrates the resilience of the fintech ecosystem, where innovation often prevails over turbulence. Synapse’s renewed vigor also signals that top-tier investors remain bullish on infrastructural solutions pivotal to the future of digital finance. Andreessen Horowitz’s participation not only validates Synapse’s model but also underscores the VC giant’s enduring interest in fintech infrastructure, even amid global economic uncertainties.

Analysis:
This partnership exemplifies the dynamism within fintech, highlighting the interplay of innovation, capital, and resilience. It also raises questions about the broader implications of giving second chances to firms with turbulent histories. While Synapse’s evolution could inspire others, it also places a spotlight on governance and accountability in high-growth sectors.

Israel’s Fintech Scene Gets a Boost with Investment in Finova Capital

Source: Calcalistech
Israeli fintech startup Finova Capital has raised an impressive $20 million in a funding round led by prominent institutional investors. This marks a significant milestone for the company as it seeks to expand its suite of financial solutions aimed at underserved markets.

Israel’s fintech ecosystem has long been recognized as a hub of innovation, and this latest investment only reinforces its global standing. Finova Capital’s focus on empowering smaller businesses and fostering financial inclusivity aligns with emerging trends where tech-driven solutions bridge critical gaps in financial services.

Analysis:
With this funding, Finova is poised to enhance its technological offerings while contributing to economic inclusion. However, the broader fintech industry will watch closely to see how the company leverages this capital amid increasing competition from regional and global players.

India’s Yubi Plans a Fundraising Push

Source: Bloomberg
Yubi, a prominent Indian fintech platform backed by Insight Partners, is reportedly preparing for a new fundraising round. Having already established itself as a leader in credit infrastructure, Yubi aims to bolster its offerings and expand its market footprint.

India’s fintech landscape is witnessing explosive growth, with platforms like Yubi playing a critical role in the credit ecosystem. Yubi’s planned fundraising reflects the broader appetite for scaling solutions that streamline credit access, particularly in emerging markets where traditional lending models often fall short.

Analysis:
This development highlights two key trends: the increasing reliance on credit platforms in high-growth economies and the strategic role of international investors like Insight Partners in driving fintech innovation. Yubi’s expansion plans could set a precedent for other regional fintech players seeking to scale amid global economic headwinds.

Provenir and Hastings Financial Services Win Global Recognition

Source: Business Wire
In a testament to the transformative power of digital lending solutions, Provenir and Hastings Financial Services have been jointly recognized for the Best Digital Lending Implementation at the IBSi Global Fintech Innovation Awards. This accolade underscores the success of their collaboration in modernizing the lending process through cutting-edge technology.

Provenir’s advanced decision-making platform and Hastings Financial Services’ lending expertise have delivered a solution that significantly enhances user experience, operational efficiency, and risk management. Such innovations highlight the increasing role of partnerships in advancing fintech’s digital transformation.

Analysis:
This recognition not only validates the efficacy of digital lending but also emphasizes the importance of partnerships in driving innovation. It signals to the industry that collaboration can be a powerful tool for staying ahead in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Microf and Quantum Financial Technologies Forge New Alliances

Source: PR Newswire
Microf, a financial solutions provider, has announced a strategic partnership with Quantum Financial Technologies. This collaboration aims to expand lending solutions for contractors, providing streamlined access to capital for businesses in need of flexible financing options.

This partnership is a timely response to the growing demand for specialized financial products in niche markets. By leveraging Quantum’s technology, Microf can now offer more tailored solutions, particularly to contractors navigating complex financial requirements.

Analysis:
This development reflects a growing trend: the diversification of fintech offerings to serve specific market segments. As competition in mainstream fintech intensifies, targeting underserved niches could become a defining strategy for success.

Key Takeaways for the Fintech Ecosystem

Resilience in Fintech Funding: Despite economic uncertainties, venture capital continues to fuel innovative fintech players like Synapse and Finova Capital.
Regional Growth Stories: From Israel to India, fintech ecosystems are thriving, attracting global attention and investment.
Collaboration as a Catalyst: The success of partnerships like Provenir-Hastings and Microf-Quantum underscores the importance of strategic alliances.
The Power of Recognition: Awards like the IBSi Fintech Innovation Awards validate industry achievements, inspiring others to push the envelope.
Focus on Inclusion: Whether through credit platforms or lending solutions, fintech is playing a pivotal role in fostering financial inclusivity worldwide.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

The fintech sector’s journey is far from linear. Regulatory complexities, technological disruptions, and market volatility remain persistent challenges. However, as seen in today’s developments, the opportunities far outweigh the risks. By prioritizing innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, fintech players can navigate the complexities of the global financial landscape.

This moment in fintech history is pivotal. It’s a time for bold decisions, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to bridging financial divides. As industry players rise to the occasion, the road ahead promises a future where technology and finance intertwine to empower individuals and businesses alike.

The post Fintech Pulse: A Daily Dive into Industry Innovations and Developments appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.

Fintech PR

BIZCLIK MEDIA LAUNCHES DECEMBER EDITION OF FINTECH MAGAZINE

Published

1 hour ago

November 26, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

The December edition of FinTech Magazine includes interviews with leading experts and executives from Alipay+, Marqeta & Flyfish

LONDON, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — BizClik, the UK’s fastest-growing publishing company, has released the latest edition of FinTech Magazine.This publication is highly regarded by voices within the Financial Sector for its in-depth reports and interviews with prominent figures in the industry.

FinTech Magazine

This month’s edition features an exclusive lead interview with Flyfish C-Suite, Savvas Pashias, Shay Merary and Michael Zetser on how they have developed a platform for SMEs to access banking services, as traditional infrastructure struggles to meet increasing cross-border needs.

“The UniFi platform is inherently scalable, designed to growin line with a company’s expansion and service requirements” – Michael Zetser, CEO, Flyfish

The edition also contains extensive interviews with key thought leaders from Marqeta, Sidekick, PayU and more. Plus the Top 10: Decacorns

You can visit FinTech Magazine for daily news and analysis of the ever-changing financial industry.

About BizClik

BizClik is one of the fastest-growing digital media companies in the UK, host to a growing portfolio of industry-leading global brands and communities.

BizClik’s expanding portfolio includes Technology, AI, FinTech, InsurTech, Supply Chain, Procurement, Energy, Mining, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Mobile, Data Centre, Cyber, and Sustainability.

For more information, please visit our website.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bizclik-media-launches-december-edition-of-fintech-magazine-302316768.html

Fintech PR

Hakluyt announces new partnership with Orchestras for All

Published

3 hours ago

November 26, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

LONDON, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Hakluyt, the global strategic advisory firm for businesses and investors, has today announced a new social impact partnership with Orchestras for All (OFA), on the eve of the charity’s Big Give Campaign launch.

Orchestras for All is a UK-based charity that works with 11-19 year-olds to widen access to music, with a particular focus on those who face challenges such as disability, deprivation or caring responsibilities.

Drawing on its connectivity and in-house expertise, Hakluyt will advise the charity on issues as it seeks to fulfil its mission to ensure that all children, regardless of background or circumstance, are able to share in the benefits of group music-making.

Hakluyt, which has been providing in-kind support to the charity since 2022, has now formalised a partnership with Orchestras for All that will see it provide advice and guidance across a range of strategic challenges in order to help the charity widen its impact and reach more young people.

Kayo Yoshida, who co-leads Hakluyt’s work with Orchestras for All, said: “Orchestras for All does invaluable work sharing the benefits of music with children who have often been shut out of creative opportunities. I am personally delighted to be working with them, and look forward to our partnership flourishing over the coming years.”

Alexandra Davison, who also co-leads Hakluyt’s work with the charity, commented: “The opportunities that Orchestras for All offers can be life-changing for young people. The myriad benefits of musical education to children’s development and educational attainment are well known, and Orchestras for All is an organisation with a proven track record of widening access to music for the children who need it most.”

Nick Thorne, Executive Director of Orchestras for All, added: “We are delighted to have formalised our partnership with Hakluyt, and are incredibly grateful for the support they provide. This relationship is one of our most significant corporate partnerships to date, offering both financial support and advisory services.

“The funding Hakluyt have provided will not only help OFA continue providing its life-changing musical programmes, but also enable our participation in the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2024. Through this campaign, OFA aims to raise vital funds to ensure that more young people can access inclusive and transformative music-making opportunities.”

Notes to Editors

Hakluyt is a strategic advisory firm that works with corporate leaders and investors around the world on their most important commercial issues. For more information on the firm, please visit www.hakluytandco.com

Orchestras for All (OFA) is an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation that breaks down barriers to give all young people the life-changing experience of making music together, regardless of the daily challenges they might be facing. Its inclusive, non-auditioned National Orchestra for All (NOFA) brings together 100 young musicians from across the UK who would otherwise be unable to access musical opportunities – whether due to physical disability, a mental health condition, economic deprivation, or rural isolation.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hakluyt-announces-new-partnership-with-orchestras-for-all-302316677.html