Banks for You, Banks for Your Business, Fintechs

Fintech Outsourcing Philippines: How Technology is Leveling the Playing Field for Challenger Banks

In the rapidly evolving world of financial technology, challenger banks are revolutionizing the way we think about banking. These digital-only institutions, unburdened by the legacy systems of traditional banks, offer streamlined, customer-centric services that appeal to a tech-savvy audience. However, behind their sleek apps and user-friendly interfaces lies a complex web of technological innovation and operational efficiency, much of which is increasingly being outsourced to the Philippines. This Southeast Asian nation has become a crucial partner in leveling the playing field for neobanks, offering a unique blend of cost efficiency, skilled talent, and technological prowess.

 

Digital innovators and disruptors have emerged as formidable competitors to traditional banks by providing transparency, lower fees, and unparalleled convenience. Operating primarily online, they cater to customers who prefer digital solutions and demand seamless experiences. Yet, despite their advantages, these banks face significant challenges, from navigating regulatory landscapes to fending off cybersecurity threats and maintaining a relentless pace of innovation. Here, the strategic move to outsource customer service and back-office operations to the Philippines has proven transformative.

 

The decision to migrate business processes to the Philippines is driven by several compelling factors. Foremost among these is cost efficiency. Labor costs are markedly lower than in Western countries, enabling challenger banks to allocate their resources more effectively. This cost advantage is not just about saving money; it’s about redirecting funds to critical areas such as technological development, marketing, and customer acquisition, which are essential for sustaining growth and competitiveness in the fintech space.

 

The Philippines is also home to a highly skilled workforce, particularly in the fields of information technology and fintech. Filipinos bring technical expertise, adaptability, and a strong work ethic to the table, making them invaluable assets for fintech companies. Their proficiency in English and cultural affinity with Western nations further smooth the integration process, allowing for seamless collaboration and communication.

 

Technological expertise is another significant draw for fintechs. The country has made notable advancements in various technologies, including software development, data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain. These cutting-edge technologies are critical for enhancing product offerings, improving customer experiences, and staying ahead in a fiercely competitive market. By outsourcing to the Philippines, digital banks gain access to these advanced capabilities without the burden of developing them in-house.

 

Navigating the regulatory landscape is a daunting task for any financial institution, and challenger banks are no exception. Many Philippine contact centers have extensive experience dealing with international regulatory requirements, providing essential support in compliance, risk management, and legal standards adherence. This expertise is invaluable in ensuring that operations run smoothly and within the bounds of global financial regulations.

 

Cybersecurity is another area in which the Southeast Asian archipelago excels. With financial institutions being prime targets for cyber-attacks, robust security measures are non-negotiable. The Philippines has developed a strong cybersecurity framework, with many firms specializing in protecting sensitive financial data. By leveraging this expertise, neobanks can bolster their security protocols, safeguarding customer information and maintaining trust.

 

Customer experience is a key differentiator for fintech enterprises, and outsourcing enhances this aspect significantly. Filipino agents are renowned for their excellent communication skills and customer-centric approach, making them ideal for front-office roles. Providing 24/7 customer support ensures that inquiries and issues are addressed promptly, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

 

Looking ahead, the prospects for fintech outsourcing to the Philippines are bright. The country is continually developing its infrastructure, and the government’s commitment to fostering the outsourcing industry ensures that it remains a top destination for fintech operations. As technology advances, the Asian BPO powerhouse nation is well-positioned to support the growth of neobanks and other fintech enterprises.

 

In the grand narrative of fintech innovation and disruption, the Philippines has emerged as an unsung hero. By offering a unique combination of cost advantages, skilled talent, and technological expertise, it is helping challenger banks overcome operational challenges and compete with traditional financial institutions. As the fintech landscape continues to evolve, the strategic partnership between challenger banks and the country is set to drive unprecedented levels success, reshaping the future of banking as we know it.

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Equasens: 2024 half-year results

2024-09-27T16:00:00Z

Villers-lès-Nancy, 27 September 2024 - 6:00 p.m. (CET)

PRESS RELEASE

2024 half-year results

  • Group results impacted by weaker economic conditions and continuing investment efforts in H1:
    • Revenue: €108.0m, -4.1%
    • Current Operating Income: €20.9m, -24.1%
  • Net Profit attributable to the Group: €17.2m, -21.8%
  • Though with a profit margin that continues to be very positive:
    • Ratio of Current Operating Income (COI) to Sales: 19.3% on a reported basis and 20.0% like-for-like
H1 RESULTS (€M)2023
reported basis
2024
reported basis
Change / Reported basisExternal growthChange / Like-for-like basis
Revenue112.6108.0-4.6-4.1%-3.7-8.3-7.4%
Current operating income (COI)27.520.9-6.6-24.1%0.0-6.7-24.3%
Net Profit22.918.1-4.8-21.0%0.0-4.8-21.1%
Net Profit attributable to the Group22.017.2-4.8-21.8%   

The financial statements for the six-month period ended 30 June 2024 were reviewed and adopted by EQUASENS' Board of Directors, chaired by Thierry Chapusot, on 27 September 2024. These interim consolidated financial statements were subject to a limited review by the Statutory Auditors.

_____

Results at 30 June 2024

H1 Current Operating Income / Division2023
reported basis
2024
reported basis
Change / Reported basisExternal growthChange / Like-for-like basis
Pharmagest18.414.1-4.3-23.5%-0.1-4.4-24.0%
Axigate Link4.64.4-0.2-4.9% -0.2-4.9%
e-Connect3.62.5-1.1-29.9% -1.1-29.9%
Medical Solutions1.30.0-1.3-100.0%0.1-1.2-92.5%
Fintech-0.4-0.10.369.3% 0.3-69.3%
Current Operating Income27.520.9-6.6-24.1%0.0-6.7-24.3%
  • PHARMAGEST division: a contraction in earnings reflecting lower sales and reinforced teams in Europe (COI/Sales: 17.2%)

The decline in the Division's operating income is mainly attributable to a reduction in sales in France in the configuration and hardware segment. In a persistently challenging economic environment, the Division continued to focus its commercial strategy on acquiring new customers and regularly rolling out new software and hardware solutions.
Despite this, recurring revenues were bolstered by the combined contribution of new SaaS offerings and contract indexation.
To accelerate the deployment of solutions in Europe, the R&D and sales teams continued to be strengthened.

  • AXIGATE LINK division: the profit margin remains high (COI/Sales: 28.6%)

Strategic investments to support the roll-out of SaaS solutions such as TitanLink for Nursing Homes in Europe, and the extension of homecare services, have temporarily weighed on the Division's results.

  • E-CONNECT division: current operating income declined in response to lower sales (COI/Sales: 45.4%)

As previously reported, H1 2023 sales and earnings were boosted by the announced discontinuation of sales of Application Reader Terminals.
The downturn in business in the first half of 2024 thus reflected the corresponding decline in sales.
Despite this unfavourable environment, the Division demonstrated its ability to adapt by maintaining a healthy profit margin based on tight cost controls.

  • MEDICAL SOLUTIONS division: a year of transition between the Ségur digital healthcare investment programme and a new software solution (COI/Sales: -)

Preparations for the Division's future involving the development of a new software platform and optimising the sales organisation led to significant investments which, in conjunction with lower sales following the end of the Ségur programme roll-out, weighed on the Division's results. Recurring revenues rose 13.7%, resulting in a gross margin of 72.8%.

  • FINTECH division: efforts to stabilise the business paid off in H1, with an improvement in earnings of €0.3m (COI/Sales: -)

Consolidated balance sheet highlights

  • Cash flow after interest and tax maintained a positive trend at €20.8m.
  • Financial investments, through acquisitions as well as capital expenditures, in particular for the EQUASENS private healthcare cloud, continued, with more than €16.0m committed in H1.
  • The net financial surplus at 30/06/2024 of €87.9m takes into account a change in presentation of IFRS 16 lease liabilities and put options for minority shareholders of €10.8m (recognised under other liabilities versus financial liabilities previously).

2024 outlook

  • The Group maintains its forecast for a return to revenue growth starting in the second half of 2024, and an acceleration in 2025 driven by current investments and an economic climate that looks set to improve, particularly for pharmacies in France.
  • The Group will continue to invest in R&D, infrastructure and sales forces in France and Europe in the second half of 2024. And while this will have a temporary impact on profitability in 2024, it should generate a return on investment from 2025 onwards.
  • With a strategy focused on patients and interoperability, the Group is ideally positioned to seize opportunities for external growth in France and Europe.

Financial calendar:

  • 1 October 2024: Presentation of H1 2024 results
  • 7 November 2024: Publication of Q3 2024 revenue
  • 6 February 2025: Publication of f Q4/FY 2024 revenue

About Group Equasens

With more than 1,300 employees, Equasens Group is today a key player in the European healthcare sector, providing software and hardware solutions to all healthcare professionals (pharmacists, primary care practitioners, hospitals, hospital-at-home programmes, retirement homes, health centres) in both primary and secondary care sectors.

With operations in in France, Germany, Great Britain, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, and Luxembourg, Equasens Group today brings together healthcare professionals within a unique ecosystem in France and Europe benefiting people by making available the very best of technology.

Listed on Euronext Paris™ - Compartment B

Indexes: MSCI GLOBAL SMALL CAP - GAÏA Index 2020 - CAC® SMALL and CAC® All-Tradable
Included in the Euronext Tech Leaders segment and the European Rising Tech label

Eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (“Service à Réglement Différé” - SRD) and equity savings accounts invested in small and mid caps (PEA-PME).
ISIN: FR 0012882389 – Ticker Code: EQS

Get all the news about Equasens Group www.equasens.com and on LinkedIn

CONTACTS

Analyst and Investor Relations:
Chief Administrative and Financial Officer: Frédérique Schmidt
Tel: +33 (0)3 83 15 90 67 - [email protected]

Financial communication agency:
FIN’EXTENSO - Isabelle Aprile

Tel.: +33 (0)6 17 38 61 78 - [email protected]

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