Sarina Deuble, Associate Partner at McKinsey: Does every bank need an embedded finance strategy?

In the newest podcast episode, Lars Markull interviews Sarina Deuble, an associate partner at McKinsey, about the evolving landscape of embedded finance. They explore the potential for banks within embedded finance, the role of big tech, and various partnership models. This summary highlights key takeaways from their discussion on the future of financial services distribution.

The Evolution of Embedded Finance

• Embedded finance has roots going back 25+ years, starting with co-branded credit cards

• The rise of neobanks and API platforms in the last decade accelerated innovation

• COVID-19 and open banking regulations further pushed embedded finance adoption

• By 2030, embedded finance in Europe is expected to capture a €170 billion revenue pool

Opportunities for Banks and Non-Financial Brands

• Banks remain the largest providers of embedded finance solutions

• Non-financial brands can deepen customer relationships and drive new revenue

• Three partnership models exist: loose tactical, strategic, and ownership

• Data utilization is crucial for maximizing value in embedded finance offerings

Challenges and Considerations

• Big tech companies like Apple and Amazon are realizing the value of embedded finance

• Funding for fintech companies dropped by 70% in 2023

• Building sustainable business models remains a challenge for many providers

• Banks need to consider how to respond to market movements, even if not actively pursuing embedded finance

Key Success Factors for Embedded Finance Providers

• Ability to scale quickly with a nucleus approach

• Smart decisions on B2B partnerships

• Strong data and analytics capabilities

• Balanced resource allocation (talent and funding)