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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Mstack Chemicals secures $40M to disrupt global speciality chemical manufacturing across more countries

2024-10-03T15:00:00Z

Cross-border speciality chemical manufacturing platform, Mstack, plans global expansion in Middle East, LATAM and Asia

Houston, Texas, Oct. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The pandemic revealed two critical truths about manufacturing: supply chains are now global, and chemical suppliers are indispensable in supply chains across industries. With Europe’s chemical heavyweights operating at persistent losses and inflated costs, and the China+1 movement encouraging more businesses to expand into new markets, the shift towards diversifying chemical sources is accelerating. Capturing this moment, Mstack, a US-based custom manufacturing platform that helps global buyers source high-quality specialty chemicals, has raised $40M to double down on its mission to disrupt a historically flawed supply chain for specialty chemicals. 

The company’s $40M Series A round was co-led by Lightspeed and Alpha Wave and included a debt facility from HSBC Innovation Banking as well as an all star lineup of angel investors. MStack will deploy the freshly infused capital to expand its footprint across the Middle East, Latin America and Asia, while continuing to strengthen its presence in the United States and other geographies.

Bejul Somaia, Partner at Lightspeed, added: “Geopolitical dynamics pose risks for supply chain disruptions in the global specialty chemicals market. With demand for these chemicals growing rapidly, there is a need to increase R&D investments and unlock new pockets of supply. As the first institutional investor in Mstack, we believe that the company has tremendous potential to lead this transformation. The new round of funding will enable them to unlock the full potential of their tech-driven platform and undertake cutting-edge research, offering high quality products to customers across the world.”


Mstack founder: Shreyans Chopra 

Mstack was founded in 2022 by Shreyans Chopra, whose decision to launch a cross-border brand in specialty chemicals was inspired by the rapid growth in the global specialty chemicals market. Through its well-established network of approved specialty chemical capacities in low cost, high quality regions – like India, the Middle East, and Asia – Mstack offers mid-to-large scale enterprises a full-stack solution for sourcing specialty chemicals through a reliable supply chain that is secure against geopolitical disruptions. This allows the company to serve price-sensitive buyers across the world with preferential pricing, while maintaining a strong commitment to quality, reliability, and consistency. 

Notably, the company has codified its entire operation into a single platform, allowing buyers to source, test, ship, deliver, and track all of their specialty chemicals in one place. This meticulous control ensures Mstack is able to consistently meet its value proposition of reliable and timely delivery. The company currently offers products in four categories: oil and gas, coatings, water treatment, and home and personal care. With this round of funding, Mstack is making inroads into agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, among other segments.  

Having already established a firm footing in the chemicals industry cross-border supply chain, the company is now intensifying its focus on expanding its talent base in the US, building a robust leadership team across categories, and doubling down on  research and development (R&D).

Shreyans Chopra, Founder at Mstack, commented: “This new funding affirms investor confidence in our vision and technology to transform global markets. It enables us to expand geographically and intensify our R&D efforts. We'll continue innovating to meet our customers' evolving needs. Our R&D team in India is poised to commercialize multiple chemicals soon. Future plans include establishing advanced labs to drive innovation and IP creation, while offering custom formulations and process innovation through our on-demand platform.”

Navroz D. Udwadia, Co-Founder and Partner at Alpha Wave Global, said:  “We are very excited to partner with Mstack as they play an important role in shaping the global chemical supply chain. This round enables Mstack to strengthen its R&D capabilities in co-creating new products with their vendors. We look forward to working with the team in delivering effective, cost efficient solutions to the customers, driving incremental ROI for them.”

For Mstack, the future looks bright. With its tech-driven approach, research labs, expansion plans, and fresh funding in its war chest, Mstack is on track to rewrite the rules of global specialty chemical manufacturing. 

Ends 

Notes to the editor
Media images can be found here.

About Mstack
Mstack is a custom manufacturing platform in the speciality chemical space. Mstack enables mid to large enterprise buyers across the globe, especially in North America to source chemicals from its tech-enabled network of capacities located in low-cost production countries. It functions as a full-stack platform that takes ownership of quality control and delivery. Mstack’s R&D capabilities enable customers to access custom-made formulations or get process innovation done which significantly improves the efficiency of chemicals used or reduces cost. 

About Lightspeed
Lightspeed is a global multi-stage venture capital firm focused on accelerating disruptive innovations and trends in the Enterprise, Consumer, Health, and Fintech sectors. Over the past two decades, the Lightspeed team has backed hundreds of entrepreneurs and helped build more than 500 companies globally including Affirm, Acceldata, Carta, Cato Networks, Darwinbox Epic Games, Faire, Innovaccer, Guardant Health, Mulesoft, Navan, Netskope, Nutanix, Rubrik, Sharechat, Snap, OYO Ultima Genomics and more. Lightspeed and its global team currently manage $25B in AUM across the Lightspeed platform, with investment professionals and advisors in the U.S., Europe, India, Israel, and Southeast Asia.

About Alpha Wave Incubation
Alpha Wave Incubation (AWI) is an investment fund managed by Alpha Wave Global in partnership with Lunate. AWI’s mission is to invest in outstanding founders and management teams that have exceptional companies. AWI also offers access to comprehensive support for business-building, while also helping companies expand globally and open new markets in the GCC/MENA region and beyond.

Alpha Wave Global is a global investment company with three main verticals: private equity, private credit, and public markets. It is led by Rick Gerson, Navroz Udwadia, and Ryan Khoury.
Alpha Wave has offices in Miami, New York, London, Monaco, Madrid, Abu Dhabi, Tel Aviv, Bangalore, and Sydney. For more information, please visit www.alphawaveglobal.com.

About HSBC
HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of HSBC, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 60 countries and territories. With assets of US$2,975bn at 30 June 2024, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organizations.

HSBC Bank USA, National Association (HSBC Bank USA, N.A.) serves customers through Wealth and Personal Banking, Commercial Banking, Private Banking, Global Banking, and Markets and Securities Services. Deposit products are offered by HSBC Bank USA, N.A., Member FDIC. It operates Wealth Centers in: California; Washington, D.C.; Florida; New Jersey; New York; Virginia; and Washington. HSBC Bank USA, N.A. is the principal subsidiary of HSBC USA Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of HSBC North America Holdings Inc. For more information, visit: HSBC in the USA

CONTACT:  For further information please contact the Mstack press office: Bilal Mahmood on [email protected] or +44 (0) 771 400 7257.

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