Hessel Kuik, Founder Bizcuit: How can banks fight back in embedded finance?

Hessel Kuik founded Bizcuit, a Dutch fintech company that enables banks to compete in the embedded finance space by offering integrated accounting and invoicing features. With a background in accounting software through Minox, another company he leads, Hessel brings over a decade of experience in financial technology and SME services. Based in Utrecht, Netherlands, he's innovating how traditional banks can modernize their services and compete with emerging fintech players.

The Evolution of Banking Services for SMEs

The banking landscape is rapidly changing with the emergence of neobanks and banking-as-a-service providers. Traditional banks face new competition as accounting software providers offer integrated banking services. Bizcuit's solution enables banks to counter this trend by directly embedding accounting and invoicing features into their banking apps.

From Accounting Software to Banking Integration

Hessel Kuik shares how Bizcuit emerged from Minox, a 40-year-old accounting software company. Implementing PSD2 regulations created new opportunities for integrating banks and accounting systems. This led to the development of Bizcuit's embedded services platform, which allows banks to offer comprehensive financial management tools to their SME customers.

The Power of Embedded Financial Services

Rather than requiring entrepreneurs to switch between multiple platforms, Bizcuit's solution allows users to:

• Capture and process receipts directly in their banking app

• Manage invoices and payments in one place

• Connect seamlessly with existing accounting systems

• Automate data transfer between banking and accounting platforms

Competing in the Digital Banking Era

Traditional banks hold significant advantages, including established customer relationships and trusted brand names. However, they must evolve their services to compete with:

• Neobanks offering specialized SME features

• Accounting systems providing integrated banking services

• Banking-as-a-service powered financial solutions

Innovation in Lending and Financial Services

The integration of accounting data enables banks to offer innovative services such as:

• Streamlined loan applications using real-time business data

• Automated invoice financing solutions

• Simplified credit assessment processes

• Enhanced cash flow management tools

International Expansion and Future Growth

Following their successful partnership with The Volksbank and winning the MasterCard Strive competition, Bizcuit is expanding into new markets. Their plans include:

• Launch in Germany and Belgium in 2025

• Partnerships with traditional banks and neobanks

• Integration with payment service providers

• Development of embedded accounting services

The Future of Financial Services Integration

The financial services landscape is moving toward a more integrated future where:

• Banking and accounting services merge seamlessly

• Multiple providers collaborate through API connections

• Traditional boundaries between services blur

• Customer experience drives innovation and integration