The news: Funding raised by banking-focused fintechs worldwide has fallen to its lowest level in almost six years, according to CB Insights.

• Funding shrank 64% quarter over quarter (QoQ) to reach $500,000 million in Q1 2023, the lowest total since Q2 2017. From the buoyant prior year period, funding dropped 94% year over year (YoY).
• The deal count of just 52 was 16% lower QoQ and down 63% YoY.

Our take: Banking fintech funding dropped more than any other financial industry and contrasted with payments, digital lending, insurtech, and capital markets funding, which all increased QoQ. That’s unsurprising, given a turbulent first quarter characterized by bank collapses and market uncertainty. Funding dropped below levels seen during the initial coronavirus outbreak as banking turmoil drove widespread investor caution.

Funding for early-stage banking fintechs was a rare bright spot, making up 60% of the total raised and reaching a five-year high. Startups seeking to attract capital are in a stronger position and may be viewed as a safer destination for investment.

What next: Although the period of bank collapses appears to have passed, the uncertain outlook will continue. That’ll weigh on fintech funding and make it harder for firms to raise capital, particularly late-stage companies.

Most fintechs are better off cutting costs and scaling back expansion plans until the situation improves.

This article originally appeared in Insider Intelligence’s Banking Innovation Briefing—a daily recap of top stories reshaping the banking industry. Subscribe to have more hard-hitting takeaways delivered to your inbox daily.

• Are you a client? Click here to subscribe.
• Want to learn more about how you can benefit from our expert analysis? Click here.