India among global fintech hotspots, says World Economic Forum study

The World Economic Forum study, released at its Annual Meeting of New Champions in China’s Tianjin, also said the fintech sector growth is stabilising amid strengthening profitability and inclusion.

The study revealed that fintech hotspots include the UK, India, the US, Singapore, Brazil and Indonesia, each of which headquartered over 10 firms and showcased a booming fintech sector.

Additionally, the top operating countries for fintechs included the US, the UK, India, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Indonesia, and Germany, the WEF said.

Despite post-pandemic moderation, the fintech sector continues to show strong, sustainable growth while reaching traditionally underserved groups, it said.

The global survey of 240 fintech firms indicate customer growth stabilising at 37%, while financial performance remains strong with revenue growth at 40% and profit growth at 39%.

Carried out in collaboration with the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF), at Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, the ‘Future of Global Fintech: From Rapid Expansion to

Sustainable Growth’ also highlighted fintech’s continued role in expanding financial access to traditionally underserved market segments.

Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), low-income individuals and women constitute significant portions of fintechs’ customer base (57%, 47% and 41%, respectively), particularly in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) where these segments are also contributing meaningfully to fintechs’ bottom lines.

The survey also suggested that AI adoption is improving performance, with 83% of fintechs reporting improved customer experience and approximately three-quarters of respondents noting higher profitability and reduced costs.

While macroeconomic conditions remained the most cited challenge to growth, only 18% of respondents viewed them as a hindrance, down from 56% in 2024.

Concerns about the funding environment have also eased significantly, with only 12% citing it as a hindrance, compared to 40% last year.

Despite these improvements, there is more to be done to foster sustainable fintech growth, particularly in expanding access to capital and enhancing regulatory efficiency, WEF said.