Embedded finance platforms are creating new revenue opportunities for small and regional banks. These platforms are also beneficial for startups, offering an easier way to access small business loans and other financial products. The result is a more satisfying customer experience. 

But there are risks with embedding financing. Failing to provide adequate security or comply with federal regulations can result in severe consequences. As a result, skillful management and strategic planning are vital for financial institutions considering an embedded finance platform. 

What is Embedded Finance? 

Embedded finance platforms offer financial services within non-financial platforms or businesses. There are several use cases of embedded finance, including:

  • Embedded banking
  • Embedded insurance
  • Embedded payment processing
  • Embedded lending
  • Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)
  • Embedded cards (digital debit and credit cards)

One of the most common examples of an embedded finance platform is when an e-commerce retailer offers financial services on its site. This type of embedded finance platform eliminates the need for visitors to be redirected to their banks, resulting in faster and smoother checkout experience.

For example, websites like Shopify, Target, and Amazon all have payment options facilitated by third-party banking as a service (BaaS) providers. These providers use application programming interfaces (APIs) to embed financial services. This seamless integration improves the user experience and increases customer retention.

While everyday consumers have been on board with embedded finance, more companies are using it to grow their businesses. According to a Pathward report:

  • 77% of senior executives are embracing embedded finance
  • 44% already offer it
  • 33% plan to add it to their portfolios

Meanwhile, 53% of companies surveyed report that embedded finance has driven revenue for their businesses. 

While embedded finance solutions can offer a competitive advantage, particularly for banks, it’s also essential to understand the risks before implementing them. 

Embedded Financing Risks for Banks in SMB Lending

Embedded finance platforms offer several advantages for banks in small business lending. However, there are significant risks to consider. 

Partner-Associated Risks 

A key consideration of embedded financing is the potential for reputational damage due to an unethical or negligent partner. If a partner site has issues or a damaged reputation, it can also harm a lender’s reputation. Some actions can breach consumer trust or cause financial losses for the bank.

Here are some things financial institutions can do to mitigate these partner risks:

Exercise due diligence: When evaluating embedded finance platforms, select only those from financially stable companies. Monitor their financial performance, public reputation, and operations thoroughly before making a decision. 

Be clear in contracts: In legal agreements with embedded finance partnerships, detail each partner’s responsibility, particularly where risks are concerned. Have an exit strategy early in the partnership if it becomes necessary to break away from a partner. 

Be transparent with customers: Maintain open and honest communication on your website about the roles of lenders and partners. This can help build customer trust.

Have a solid system to ensure compliance: This can help protect against reputational and financial damage from partner violations and other issues. Have a contingency plan in place to help manage a crisis.

Compliance Risks 

Last year was a record year for AML fines, with a total of $3.3 billion in penalties. A prime example was TD Bank, which was hit with more than $3 billion in penalties for failing to guard against money laundering and violating the Bank Secrecy Act. 

Unfortunately, the rules surrounding embedded finance platforms are still evolving. Because of this, regulatory laws aren’t always clear, which increases compliance risks for any financial institution using an embedded finance platform without proper oversight.

Lenders must also stay current with data privacy and consumer protection laws. Financial institutions that fail to comply with new regulations may be fined or have their operations suspended. 

To lower the risks of violations, lenders should:

Stay current: Investing in automated government compliance software can help you stay current with regulatory changes and avoid penalties.

Have experts on hand: Hire a compliance team to work with legal professionals and experts in financial regulations.

Boost compliance: Regularly audit internal controls to ensure your financial institution adheres to regulations.

Prioritize consumer data protection: Stay current with technologies and use advanced encryption software and automated systems. This can increase safety for consumer data, maintain privacy standards, and prevent breaches.

Liquidity Risks 

When financial services like loans are added to embedded finance platforms, there’s always a chance that a significant number of borrowers default or get behind on repayments.  This can result in a liquidity shortfall for the financial institution.

Here are some things to do to manage that risk:

Diversify portfolios: Strive for a diversified portfolio across several borrower and industry segments. This can help protect against economic disruptions.

Use advanced analytics: Reduce the risks of default by using advanced data analytics to enhance the credit assessment process and predict which borrowers are most likely to default on their business loans. 

Be flexible with repayment: Find a repayment solution that works with borrowers or offer shorter loan terms during weaker economic periods. 

Have a way to access capital quickly: Consider selling part of your financial institution’s loan portfolio to access funds if needed to maintain financial stability. 

Benefits of Embedded Finance Platforms

While the risks of embedded finance platforms exist, there are benefits for both financial institutions and small businesses.

1. New Revenue Streams

Embedded platforms enable banks to generate new income streams by reaching a broader audience of small business owners. Financial institutions can extend their reach to SMBs that aren’t located near a bank branch and others that have been previously underserved.

2. Smarter Credit Decisions

The best embedded finance software uses real-time data to evaluate a business. This includes sales, cash flow, or customer behavior, all of which can provide banks with greater insights for underwriting. This enables more accurate risk assessments and tailored lending offers that meet customer needs. Embedded financing also provides small businesses with quicker approvals and funding, as well as fairer loan terms.

3. Increased Efficiency and Lower Costs

For banks, using an embedded platform reduces the need for expensive systems and manual processes. Automation and API-driven systems streamline the entire loan application, from onboarding to compliance. Small businesses also benefit by saving time and effort managing finances in one place, leading to greater productivity and operational efficiency.

4. Better Customer Experience

Embedded finance provides banking and real-time access to services like lending, payments, and invoicing, which startup owners already utilize, such as e-commerce platforms or accounting software. This offers greater convenience, making it easier for small business owners to apply for loans without having to switch platforms. This can help build long-term customer loyalty and satisfaction.

The Future of Embedded Finance

Looking ahead to the future of embedded finance, the question is not when your bank should adopt embedded solutions, but when. The sooner, the better for most financial institutions.

The global embedded finance market is projected to reach $7 trillion by 2030, driven by more powerful and secure APIs that seamlessly integrate financial services directly within apps and platforms, thereby bypassing traditional banking channels. More personalized financial solutions and an even more enhanced user experience will be differentiating factors from one platform to the next.

As the embedded finance ecosystem expands, it offers powerful opportunities for banks, Fintechs, and platforms to create new revenue streams and improve the customer experience. Embedded financial services are also becoming increasingly important for small business owners, who find a more satisfying and inclusive lending experience through embedded finance platforms. For lenders, this means greater customer engagement and retention. 

However, growth comes with risks. Financial institutions must adopt effective risk management strategies and implement automated compliance systems to meet regulatory requirements, streamline audits, and mitigate potential risks.

Why Biz2X?

Biz2X is ahead of the game in embedded finance. As an embedded lending platform pioneer, we’ve provided scalable solutions for more than 250,000 banks, businesses, and platforms. 

Through partnerships with the top technology providers in the world, we unlock new revenue opportunities for financial institutions while delivering superior customer experiences. We also take compliance and data privacy seriously, providing ongoing monitoring and risk assessment to alleviate the stress of business lending.

Request a demo to learn how our embedded financing solutions can work for your bank or financial institution.

FAQs About Embedded Finance Platforms

1. Who are the primary players in embedded finance platforms?

Key players in embedded finance include non-financial companies, such as online retailers and SaaS platforms, as well as Fintechs and financial service providers, including banks and insurers, that deliver financial services.

2. Why are non-financial companies adopting embedded finance?

Non-financial companies are leveraging embedded finance to enhance customer engagement, drive revenue growth, and deliver added value within their own platforms. By offering financial services, such as lending or payments, they can enhance the customer experience and foster loyalty.

3. How does embedded finance work?

Embedded finance companies, also known as Fintechs, provide the infrastructure, APIs, and essential digital tools to connect platforms to financial service providers. They make it easier for non-financial businesses to embed banking products without having to build complex systems.

4. What are the main risks of using embedded finance platforms?

The primary risks include the potential for fraud, data security issues, and reputational damage. Failure to follow regulatory rules is another challenge that can lead to fines.

5. How can a bank benefit from an embedded finance platform?

Banks and other financial service providers can reach new customers, particularly small businesses, without needing a physical presence. An embedded finance platform can help them grow their portfolios through partnerships with non-financial companies that already have a loyal user base.