Cutting through the Fog: Finding a Future with Fintech

The case examines the scope, history, and scale of the fintech industry, while also defining what fintech may be…and what it is not. The protagonist, management consultant Carolina Costa, is tasked to advise a client bank executive regarding alternative paths into fintech that he could choose. The material includes an overview of the fintech market, including analysis of entrants from start-up incubators, banks, and technology companies. The case figures and exhibits provide data to allow students to analyze the current market saturation and consumer needs in regard to fintech products. This case was designed for a second-year MBA elective course on financial institutions and markets but can also be taught in a first-year module on banking and financial institutions/financial landscape or as an opener to a core financial management course on strategic options, investment strategy, and value creation.