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2016 was a landmark year for fintech, and the five top fintech stories of the year are an indication of the fact that investors are excited by the market.
Much happened in the fintech world in 2016 and while adoption of new technologies in some areas has been slow, small companies and startups have disrupted many traditional practices.
No doubt about it, this year has been another roller coaster for fintech and it’s apparent that it’s a hotly followed sector. Without further ado, see below for the top fintech news stories in 2016 that sparked the imaginations of our investor audiences.
1. Fintech Market Size: A Breakdown of the Basics
First on the list does what it says on the tin; this article breaks down the basic principles of the fintech market. Fintech is transforming mobile transactions, remittance payments and banking as we know it. While investing in micro-cap companies such as VersaPay (TSXV:VPY) are riskier propositions, Square (NYSE:SQ) is a good example of a company with a long track record, offering more stability to those seeking opportunities to invest.
2. Buy Low, Sell High: 4 Fintech Companies for Savvy Investors to Watch
Secondly, those looking to only public companies found this article a valuable resource. Square pops up again, as does Xero, Lending Club and On Deck Capital. Year-to-date, Square have gained 4.89 percent, where the others have made losses. However, these are pegged as future industry leaders by H2 Ventures and KPMG and the piece recommends that “savvy investors wait for these stocks to return to their former glory.”
3. Top Blockchain Investment Trends
Thirdly, Guy Halford-Thompson’s advice proved a hit with readers. This is no surprise; as CEO of Blockchain Tech Ltd. (TSXV:BTL), Halford-Thompson knows his stuff. He looked back at 2015, characterizing the year as full of “unfamiliarity and miseducation”. On the other hand, he sees 2016 as the year of “acceptance and adoption”. Blockchain was on his mind when thinking ahead, as blockchain technology breaks free of bitcoin.
4. 7 Blockchain Technology Stocks
That brings us nicely to number four, outlining seven blockchain tech stocks. As banks and financial institutions adopt blockchain technology faster than expected, INN listed public companies so that anyone wishing to spend money could support these innovators and get in on the action. Bitcoin is also a viable investment opportunity as it relies on blockchain so investors should keep an eye on both.
5. Why Should I Invest in Bitcoin?
Which brings us back to bitcoin, and the reasons to invest. Bitcoin has done incredibly well this year and taps into the overlooked half of the population who do not have a bank. The online currency caters to these people and is enjoying an upwards trajectory in terms of value. The bitcoin price index chart recently registered a very healthy $972.11 on CoinDesk. One day, bitcoin could be the leading international currency.
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Securities Disclosure: I, Emma Harwood, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.