For years, the narrative has been that banks and fintechs operate on opposite ends of the financial spectrum. Banks were seen as the guardians of traditional finance, while fintechs emerged as the disruptors, challenging conventional models with innovation, agility, and digital first approaches. However, 2025 marks a paradigm shift one that is reshaping global and local financial landscapes.
From payments and cash management to digital lending, Web3, and wealth management, fintechs are unlocking new revenue streams for financial institutions. The days of banks being from Mars and fintechs from Venus are over. Today, both industries are converging on a neutral planet perhaps we can call it ‘Pluto’ where collaboration, revenue-sharing, and co creation define the new normal. Banks are no longer just exploring fintech they are integrating fintechs into their business models as indispensable partners. This shift signals a win-win scenario, fostering financial inclusion, expanding digital economies, and driving sustainable growth. The future isn’t about banks versus fintechs it’s about banks with fintechs, co-creating the financial ecosystem of tomorrow. For bankers and financial institutions that truly want to embrace fintech and innovation in finance, the best way forward isn’t just attending seminars or joining networks. Instead, collaborate directly with fintechs like Walee Financial Services and its fintech platform “Hakeem” . Gain first-hand experience by working on real projects, understanding the future of finance up close, and seizing new business opportunities that drive value for both banks and their customers.
