Here's how you can stay informed about emerging trends in fintech as a banking professional.

Reddit is, in my opinion, one of the best online forums, often overlooked beyond its reputation for memes. It has become one of my primary platforms for online research in general and specifically within fintech. This platform is a treasure trove of insights and discussions, with communities ranging from broad fintech topics on r/fintech to niche product insights on subreddits like r/amex or r/chasesapphire. Reddit also excels as a source for real-time updates on fintech companies, as evidenced by r/yotta's comprehensive coverage of Synapse's bankruptcy proceedings. Moreover, several fintech brands, such as Stripe, leverage their subreddits (like r/stripe) as a way to directly interact with and support their user base.

Also to add— Many fintech conferences make their keynote speeches available online for those that don't have the time or budget to attend in person.

To stay informed about these changes, one of the best ways is to regularly read industry publications, attend conferences and webinars, and follow thought leaders on social media platforms. Networking with other professionals in the industry can also provide valuable insights and information. In addition, subscribing to newsletters and joining online forums dedicated to fintech can also help developments.

Industry events are the best avenues to stay informed about emerging trends in fintechs for bankers. I attended the 7th Annual Bankers Conference organized by Uganda Bankers Association in June 2024. The conference was themed around ‘navigating the future of banking: ESG, Sustainability and Digital Transformation’. The key takeaway was/is the role of digital financial services in promoting inclusivity of all stakeholders through innovative digital products. However, the fintechs are not without their flip sides especially confronting cyber security risks. Fintechs must protect information and information systems. Fintechs must reduce violation risk of confidentiality, and defining the correct use of information and information systems.

Participate in online forums such as Reddit, Finextra, and Banking Tech to engage with professionals, share insights, and stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in fintech.

Se puede asistir, y no se limita, a webinars y masterclass, en los que participen los líderes fintech y de la banca para mantenerse informado de las tendencias tecnológicas emergentes como profesional de la banca.

Attend industry conferences, seminars, and webinars like Money 20/20, Finovate, and the Singapore FinTech Festival. These events provide networking opportunities and firsthand knowledge from industry leaders.

Subscribe to research reports from institutions like McKinsey, Deloitte, and PwC. These reports offer in-depth analyses, market trends, and forecasts that can help you stay ahead in the fintech landscape

Enroll in continuous education programs through platforms like Coursera, edX, or specialized fintech courses from universities. Staying updated with new technologies and methodologies ensures you remain relevant and skilled.

Follow fintech influencers and organizations on social media platforms like LinkedIn, X formerly Twitter, and Medium. Engaging with content from thought leaders can provide quick updates and diverse perspectives on fintech trends.

Leverage peer networking by joining professional associations such as the Fintech Professionals Association or local fintech meetup groups. Sharing knowledge and experiences with peers can offer practical insights and collaborative opportunities.