Thought Leadership
Cryptocurrencies and How They Work
Covering the concepts underpinning blockchain technology, types of cryptocurrency and the benefits of programmable assets versus traditional instruments, this article aims to provide a concise introduction to cryptocurrency technology.
A History of Money and Banking
Covering the origin of modern-day coins in China, the birth of banking in the 17th century and more recent weaponisation of currencies, this article aims to provide a concise overview of how money, banking and currency reached the point we are so familiar with today.
The importance of Cashless for Impact in Growth Markets
As an ESGI (ESG & Impact) native investor in financial services, the broader impact thesis of Apis Partners' investment mandate is centred around financial inclusion. One of the ways in which this is manifested is through a focus on ‘cashless’ - the ability for consumers and MSMEs to make non-cash based payments, and also to save funds electronically, is considered the first step for improving access to formal financial services.
What is the Convergence of Financial and Physical Wellness? What are the Drivers?
Industry convergence redefines boundaries between sectors and increases the emphasis on usage of personal data. We see an opportunity for wellness platforms to provide true financial and physical wellness to customers through the convergence between financial services and healthcare services.
New Business Models Reflecting the Financial and Physical Wellness Convergence
Changes to the multi-decade socio-economic situation and consumer expectations, combined with technology applications, will drive convergence of financial and physical (including mental) wellness. This trend has important implications for financial services firms and their new business models.
White Papers
The Emergence of the Internet of Value and Blockchain as a Rail in Financial Services
Our paper explores the emergence blockchain technology and its implications for the world of financial services. We have witnessed in recent years the emergence of a Decentralized Financial (“DeFi”) system under which all the artefacts of our traditional financial system – including currencies, lending products, insurance, to name a few – are being replicated. A resulting mirror DeFi financial stack has emerged with the ability to fulfill all the functions of our traditional financial system, without relying on the traditional system of intermediaries that are usually required to make our financial system function.
The Convergence of Financial and Physical Wellness, a New Paradigm
The convergence of financial and physical wellness and the role of data in an ecosystem will lead to new business models and investment themes for financial institutions.
Artificial Intelligence & Financial Services: Cutting through the noise
We believe that the Financial Services industry will be one of the leading adopters of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies within its value chain due to the dematerialised nature of the products being provided, the large data-sets being created by customers and the existence of talent within the sector to lead the adoption of AI.
Breaking the Bank: The rise of alternative credit providers in Growth Markets
Alternative credit providers in Growth Markets are ‘breaking the bank’, by separating the ‘funding’, ‘manufacturing’ and ‘distribution’ portions of the credit value chain.
National Payments Schemes: Drivers of Economic and Social Benefits in Growth Markets
The research project shows that domestic payment schemes have the potential to take a major and potentially larger portion of global retail payments volume vis-a-vis the international payment schemes.