927. News: WhatsApp Pay fully rolls out in India and fintechs are spending more on ads than ever before

13 snips

Jan 13, 2025

Guest

Kate Drew

In this discussion, Kate Drew, a fintech research expert, Aditi Subbarao, specializing in enterprise search, and Rob Haslingden, focused on improving SME finance access, explore some hot industry topics. They delve into the launch of WhatsApp Pay for 500 million users in India, analyzing its competition and regulatory hurdles. The group also highlights a staggering 45% surge in fintech ad spending and the challenges that smaller firms face. Additionally, they touch on initiatives like the Besiktas Super App and the vital role of data in supporting SMEs.

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INSIGHT

WhatsApp Pay's Uphill Battle

WhatsApp Pay's expansion to all Indian users faces challenges.
Existing players have a strong market share, and user adoption is uncertain.

ANECDOTE

WhatsApp's Ubiquity in India

WhatsApp is ubiquitous in India, used by people of all ages and professions.
Its integration with payments could boost adoption if marketed aggressively.

INSIGHT

WhatsApp Pay Needs Differentiation

WhatsApp Pay needs a compelling value proposition to differentiate itself.
Linking it to Open Banking could make it more attractive.

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On this week's Fintech Insider News, host Laura Watkins is joined by special guests to discuss the most interesting stories from the past week in the world of fintech and financial services.

Topics covered include: WhatsApp Pay being made available to all 500 million users in India; fintechs spending more on ads than ever before; Bench's acquisition by Employer.com; the UK’s Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology securing key strategic partners; and Besiktas becoming the first football club in Turkey to launch a startup with the Besiktas Super App.

This week's guests:

Kate Drew - Partner, Director of Research at CCG Catalyst
Aditi Subbarao - Strategic Partnerships Lead at Instabase
Rob Haslingden - Head of Impact Assessment and Engagement at CFIT (Centre of Finance, Innovation and Technology

With soundclip from:

Hande Oztek - Head of Digital at Besiktas

Stories covered on the show:

WhatsApp Pay made available to all Indian Users

Fintech ad spending climbs 45% in last 3 years

CFIT secures strategic industry partners for 2025

Employer.com buys Canadian fintech Bench Accounting for undisclosed sum

SC Ventures launches invoicing and billing fintech to SMEs in APAC

Turkish Super League football club Besiktas enters the world of fintech with new Super App

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