The mobile banking sector in Azerbaijan is experiencing a pivotal transformation, underpinned by a surge in the issuance of bank cards and a notable increase in card usage, as our recent data highlights (please, read more information in our Mobile Banking Rank Azerbaijan 2024). This change is not just a reflection of growing financial inclusion but is also indicative of a deeper, technology-driven shift in consumer behavior. Let's look at the top 3 expert insights for Azerbaijan's fintech sector.

The fintech market in Azerbaijan: main points of growth trajectory

Azerbaijan's fintech sector is experiencing rapid growth driven by a strong push for digital transformation across the financial services industry. This growth is fueled by governmental support through initiatives aimed at enhancing the digital infrastructure and regulatory framework to foster fintech development. The country has seen significant increases in the use of digital payment systems, with transaction volumes growing by over 40% annually since 2018.

  • Government initiatives The Azerbaijani government supports the fintech sector through initiatives like the "Digital Trade Hub of Azerbaijan" launched in 2017, which supports electronic payments and secure ID cards. The "ASAN service" centers improve business and citizen interactions with the government, enhancing digital literacy and easing administrative processes.
  • Technological advancement Azerbaijan's fintech sector is embracing technologies such as mobile banking, blockchain, and AI, with significant investments aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and customer service. The "B.EST Solutions" blockchain platform has notably improved government document processing, while major banks like Kapital Bank and Pasha Bank have implemented AI to optimize customer interactions.
  • Cybersecurity focus As financial services digitalize, cybersecurity has become paramount in Azerbaijan. The sector is bolstering its defenses against data breaches. In 2019, the Central Bank of Azerbaijan initiated a dedicated cybersecurity center, collaborating with international firms to deploy advanced security technologies and strategies.

Thus, we are witnessing a substantial and consistent growth trajectory in Azerbaijan's fintech sector. Now, let's delve into the numbers to see what they reveal.

The main numbers of Markswebb’s market surveillance

At Markswebb, we have been monitoring and analyzing digital banking services for over 12 years, witnessing their evolution firsthand. For the latest phase of our research, using data from the National Bank of Azerbaijan, the following key points can be highlighted:

Explosive growth in bank card issuance

From May 2021 to May 2024, the number of bank cards in circulation is projected to increase from 10.3 million to 17.9 million, representing a robust growth rate of over 70%. This escalation is not merely numerical but signifies a broader acceptance of digital financial tools by the Azerbaijani public.

the number of bank cards in circulation

Rising card utilization mirrors expanding digital engagement

Parallel to the increase in card issuance, there is a significant uptick in card utilization. By 2024, the average number of transactions per card is expected to grow exponentially from 1.4 to 6.7 transactions, accompanied by a surge in transaction volume from 70 to 320 manat. These figures are a testament to the increasing reliance on digital banking solutions, reflecting a shift towards a more digitally-oriented consumer base.

the average number of transactions per card

Quality of digital experience

The digital banking landscape is increasingly competitive, with institutions striving to offer superior client experiences. The growth in mobile app installations among leading banks from 2022 to 2024 demonstrates a strategic focus on enhancing mobile banking services to capture and retain users. For instance, Kapital Bank is anticipated to see a staggering increase in app installations, indicating a successful alignment with consumer expectations and digital trends.

The growth in mobile app installations among leading banks

Top3 strategic insights for Azerbaijan's fintech sector

In our research, we have uncovered numerous growth opportunities for banking services in Azerbaijan. By applying our proprietary approach and leveraging a constantly updated database of best practices from leading fintech markets worldwide, we identify key areas for improvement. Here are three examples of our methodology in action:

1. How to streamline the customer journey

Simplifying the customer journey is essential for enhancing user experience and increasing engagement. By reducing the steps needed to complete transactions, banks can significantly improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.

  • Flexible fund collection: Implement solutions allowing users to create fund pools for group purchases, enabling easy tracking of contributions and progress.
  • Group expense management: Facilitate the management of shared expenses through apps, allowing users to specify payment details and track group transactions.
  • Bill listing: Offer features that display a list of due bills with easy payment options directly within the app.

2. How to develop online orders

Enhancing online ordering capabilities can drive higher conversion rates and better customer retention. Providing clear, accessible information and tools for users to make informed decisions is crucial.

  • Credit calculator: Include a calculator that lets users estimate monthly loan payments before applying, improving application quality and user confidence.
  • Card reissuance: Enable quick and easy card reissuance through mobile apps, ensuring continuous access to banking services.
  • Secure data updating: Allow users to securely update their personal information online, maintaining up-to-date contact details and reducing administrative burdens.

3. How to support the customer

Effective customer support mechanisms are vital for maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and trust. Automated and easily accessible support can greatly enhance the overall user experience.

  • Interactive training: Provide new users with checklists and visual guides to help them navigate app features and services effectively.
  • Automated support: Integrate chatbots and internal chat systems to offer instant support and reduce operational costs.
  • Transparent conditions: Clearly display all service conditions and fees within the app, enabling users to make informed decisions and reducing the load on offline support channels.

You can get the full range of discovered practices and insights in the complete report – request it now.

Wondering how to create seamless digital banking experiences? Explore Markswebb’s handpicked UI solutions for 2024, grounded in our Mobile Banking Rank research. Get inspired and start building better services today!

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    Markswebb's digital experience quality assessment framework

    To navigate this competitive landscape effectively, Markswebb introduces a robust framework for assessing the quality of digital client experiences. This system emphasizes the importance of resolving user tasks efficiently and highlights the frequency and criticality of these tasks as key metrics.

    Here is the essence of our heuristic approach:

    • The more tasks a client can solve through the platform, the better it is considered.
    • Tasks that occur more frequently, cover more clients, and are more critical carry greater weight.
    • The ease, speed, simplicity, and clarity with which a task is solved also add to its significance.
    • Moreover, issues that are more frequent and critical in the task-solving process are considered more substantial for the client.

    The approach is geared towards identifying areas where banks can significantly enhance their service offerings to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.

    Seizing the digital advantage for mobile banking in Azerbaijan

    Our data opens a window of opportunity that would be ridiculous not to capitalize on. The current trajectory of the mobile banking sector in Azerbaijan offers significant opportunities for growth and innovation. For more detailed information and strategic guidance, financial institutions can utilize Markswebb's research and advisory services. This is the easiest, most cost-effective and professional way to effectively navigate the changing digital landscape.

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