We have been riding with technology for a few decades now. If you ask any age-old established industrial company about their take on the usage of tech for scaling, they now feel the need for something different—not quite satisfied with the usage of third-party software for internal management as well as customer-facing operations. Why? Because they now know how their customer thinks, how they choose the way they want to be serviced. What changed from the last decade to this one? Is it the way customers have begun putting their demands and choice of being catered to, or the way companies have started handling the “customer satisfaction” metric with the highest priority? Whatever the reason may be, the result stays the same. You cannot be relying on ready-made stuff if your vision is to scale and become something that stands out. Now, this stands true for almost all aspects of our lives, but for the sake of being a dedicated blog, let’s keep the focus on custom app development as the road to scaling. In this blog, we will explore the ‘scaling’ necessaries, focusing on the role of IT and technology to speed up the process. Why Scaling Demands Customization Let’s start with some stats first. In 2024, global mobile app downloads reached approximately 218 billion, reflecting a 7% increase from the previous year. This of course includes both white-labeled apps and custom apps being used by the whole world, including your business audience. Now, you know your potential customers need something they can have at their fingertips—something accessible through a mobile screen, AKA apps or web apps. Let’s get to your POV as a startup or company just starting their digital journey. You have noticed how your ‘potential customers’ want to have services right at their fingertips, with speed and security. You have built your ICP for marketing efforts and are searching for the right channel to deploy it. Your computer screen screams “USE APPS TO GAIN AND RETAIN CUSTOMERS,” but the next line varies in each article. Some say “white-labeled apps for quick deployment, at a low cost,” while others glorify “custom apps to give a customized feel.” I get it. This feels like a hard decision, but again, a decision you have to take if you are to scale your business. White-Labeled vs. Custom app development : Making the Right Choice When a company reaches the point of scaling, they already have a few wins on the field. They know their customers, understand how to manage revenue and expenses, and have had a few falls to know the next pit. This is necessary to begin with since this will help you decide the way you scale. Quick Comparison Factor White-Labeled Apps Custom Apps Cost Lower upfront cost Higher investment Branding Limited customization Fully customizable Scalability Fixed features Scales with business needs Uniqueness Shared with others Exclusive to your business Ask yourself these key questions: For some future reference, read this supper informative blog on the use of the right tech for your custom app. Once you answer these, you will know what suits your business the most. But with the change in behavioral patterns of users, I can be sure of the increasing need for personalisation and customisation—in services, products, and soon enough, in the way they are being catered to. The rise of AI has led to a change in behavioral patterns, with 80% of consumers preferring brands that customize content, keeping the customer journey in mind. Also, 70% of companies in 2024 feel that AI-powered personalization can be the most impactful form of personalised marketing that will affect the market and clients. Custom Apps & ROI: The Numbers Speak Now you understand the buzz around custom apps and web apps. People yearn for customized care—it doesn’t matter what service you provide. Custom mobile apps give the brand a touch of difference. You can now build your own customer journey, visualize the way your target audience wants to be serviced, and build exactly that—bringing in the cheer, the uniqueness you keep pushing in your ad copies, directly at the fingertips of your users. Check out our blog on Fintech App Optimisation Techniques. ROI Scenarios in Fintech If you are in the Insurance industry, read this informative blog right here for how to make sure you are digitally present, in the best way possible. A key trend in custom app development is the integration of AI and ML, enabling smarter software with predictive analytics and personalized user experiences. As AI adoption grows, most applications are expected to incorporate AI-driven features, enhancing decision-making, customer support, and operational efficiency. For a business that wants to scale, partnering with a custom application development company can yield 200-500% ROI within 2-3 years, provided it aligns with business goals and revenue models. The real value lies in long-term scalability, automation, and higher customer retention. Get Started with Custom App Development You may find a custom mobile app development or Fintech Company suitable for your business by reviewing a few who hold expertise in your domain. We at ProfitMatics , custom software development company, build custom fintech applications for various domains, including trading, wealth management, payments, e-commerce, loan advisory, regtech, and more. We understand your vision and build something only you can have. Success Stories: Custom Apps That Led to Massive Growth These examples showcase how fintech companies leverage custom applications to address specific market needs, streamline operations, and scale successfully. Ready to Scale? Let’s Talk Book a free meeting to explore how a custom app can scale your business. Our experts will assess your growth potential and provide actionable recommendations tailored to your expansion needs.
Regulatory Compliance Checklist for Fintech Apps
India’s trajectory of growth in the fintech market is nothing short of impressive. With a CAGR of over 20%, the sector is on a rapid ascent, propelled by high adoption rates and innovative service offerings. In fact, India boasts as the second-largest and fastest-growing fintech ecosystem around the globe, with an adoption rate of 87%, reflecting the nation’s enthusiastic embrace of financial technology. In the ever-evolving world of fintech, regulatory compliance is crucial for maintaining credibility, trust, and a seamless operation. Many startups and entrepreneurs in the Fintech space often find themselves navigating through various sources to understand the legalities and regulations required to stay compliant with the country’s laws. This blog serves as a comprehensive guide to help your Fintech app align with the Indian legal framework and regulatory standards. Let’s start with the most Important Regulatory Body of India, RBI. RBI Guidelines Fintech companies in India are governed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Ensure your Fintech App complies with: Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 Required for any payment services, including mobile wallets or UPI-based apps. NBFC Licensing Requirements If your fintech app deals with lending or digital credit, make sure you’re following the Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) rules. Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPI) Comply with guidelines if your app offers prepaid payment instruments, like wallets or vouchers. KYC (Know Your Customer) Compliance A thorough KYC process is mandatory for onboarding users, verifying identities, and preventing fraud. Data Privacy and Protection Laws Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011 Ensure you have a robust framework for data protection, especially for handling sensitive customer data. Digital Personal Data Protection Act The India Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 (DPDPA) is a landmark legislation that aims to safeguard the privacy of individuals in the digital age. The Act came into effect on September 1, 2023, and it applies to all organizations that process personal data of individuals in India. Prevention of Money Laundering (PML) Act, 2002 Your app must include Anti-Money Laundering (AML) measures to comply with this act. Ensuring proper KYC verification and monitoring suspicious transactions will help you avoid legal issues and protect your users. Cybersecurity Guidelines CERT-In Guidelines All fintech apps must report cyber incidents to the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In). Implement strong security measures like two-factor authentication, encryption, and frequent vulnerability testing to protect user data. Digital Payment Security The RBI’s guidelines on digital payments require fintech apps to offer secure payment methods, protect user information, and ensure transparent transaction processing. Compliance with GST (Goods and Services Tax) If your fintech app involves the sale of digital services or goods, ensure you’re meeting India’s GST requirements by properly registering and charging taxes when applicable. P2P Lending Compliance (If Applicable) Peer-to-peer lending platforms are regulated by the RBI. If your fintech app facilitates lending, ensure compliance with the NBFC-P2P guidelines, which govern the conduct of P2P lending businesses. Intellectual Property (IP) Protection Ensure that your fintech app complies with Indian intellectual property laws, including software patents, trademarks, and copyright protections, to avoid legal disputes over proprietary technologies or branding. Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) If your fintech app involves cross-border payments or deals with foreign exchange, ensure compliance with FEMA regulations for safe and legal financial transactions. Consent and Disclosure Policies Your fintech app must include clear consent policies, especially for data collection, third-party sharing, and marketing communications. Transparent disclosure of terms and conditions is critical to building trust with your users and complying with legal requirements. NOTE: The information provided in this Blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. You can find more comprehensive details on each of these from these Government Portals: PRAVAAH portal RBI Retail Direct portal IRDAI National Single Window System (NSWS) IFSCA FinTech Regulatory Sandbox