Global investment in fintech falls to $107.8 billion despite robust VC funding
Global investment in fintech fell from $111.2 billion across 3,372 deals in H1’22 to $107.8 billion across 2,980 deals in H1’21, mirroring the decline in investment experienced in the broader technology sector. Total fintech investment and deals volume declined in both the Americas and EMEA regions, while the Asia-Pacific region attracted a new annual high of fintech investment amidst a decline in the number of deals. The new Asia-Pacific record was driven almost entirely by three large M&A transactions: the $27.9 billion acquisition of Australia-based Afterpay by Block, the $2.1 billion buyout of Japan-based Yayoi by KKR, and the $1 billion merger of Australia-based fintechs Superhero and Swiftx.
VC investment in fintech remains robust as Europe sets new record
While VC investment globally declined from $66.5 billion in H2’21 to $52.6 billion in H1’22, compared to all periods outside of 2021, the amount was incredibly robust. While the Americas attracted the largest amount of VC funding ($27.2 billion), EMEA saw a new record high level of funding for a 6-month period ($16.6 billion), led by the world’s two largest fintech rounds in H1’22: a $1.1billion raise by Germany-based Trade Republic and a $1 billion raise by UK-based Checkout.com. Fintech-focused VC investment in the Asia-Pacific region remained quite soft at $8.6 billion.
Investors looking for the next big fintech opportunity
In 2021, investment in fintech was quite extraordinary as investors flocked to make investments in the sector. While investment has dropped back to levels seen in previous years, the space is expected to remain a strong focus for investors in H2’22 and into 2023. Fintech investors, however, are expected to become more discerning with their investments — focusing more on profitability and cash flow when evaluating opportunities. Investors are also expected to pay more attention to areas adjacent to traditional financial services offerings, such as open data and decentralized finance. The B2B space is also expected to be a high priority for investors.
Trends to watch for in H2’22
— Market corrections — including declining valuations, increasing M&A and a growing number of distressed businesses — in light of the predicted recession and the over-enthusiasm and over-investment in key areas over the last 18 months.
— Continued focus on embedded solutions, including payments, finance, and insurance.
— Big tech companies and other corporates prioritizing partnerships, while also looking for opportunities for add-ins at bargain prices compared to recent years.
— Growing focus on B2B solutions aimed at improvement of infrastructure or on the optimization of operational activities like AR/AP.
— Slowdown in crypto interest and investment, particularly retail firms offering coins, tokens and NFTs.
— Increasing focus on underdeveloped fintech markets, including jurisdictions in Africa.
Download Pulse of Fintech H1’22
Global fintech investments in H1 2022 recorded $107.8B with 2,980 deals
Download this edition for:
- Global and regional analysis with key investment data and insights
- Interview with bolttech and spotlight article on embedded finance
- Fintech segment insights for a deeper dive into payments, insurtech, regtech, wealthtech, cybersecurity, blockchain and cryptocurrency
To learn more about the analysis and topics raised in this edition, or to discuss your organization's unique fintech agenda and roadmap, please contact your local KPMG advisors or the contributors in this publication.
