6 Comments
Mar 14, 2022·edited Mar 14, 2022

Since Plaid can enable end users to make transactions, it can also facilitate peer to peer transactions to increase network effects. If I am not wrong, Zelle allows me to register only one bank account for a peer to peer transaction. Plaid allows end users to register with multiple banks and multiple fintech apps. So, it can facilitate seamless peer to peer transactions between the end users and their own accounts. This will also help Plaid pivot from being seen just as an API platform to a payment platform and improve both discoverability and defensibility.

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Another nice article. I have few queries Andrei and Julian. 1) In Stage 1, the API platforms required permissions fro banks to integrate with them, In Stage 2 everything is permission-less. Am I right? 2) "This ensured the linkages between fintech apps and banks always worked, even when banks changed their user interface, and that customers’ data did not have to be saved by Plaid (which was better for security reasons)". How both the parties mitigating the risk in Stage 2? 3) Is it that regulations in banking industry are hindering the power and defensibility of API platforms? 4) "In contrast with Plaid, the integrations that an app may need to work with other apps are not so easily standardized." Does it mean that complexities in non banking API platforms related to integration make these platforms more powerful and defensible?

Will appreciate your response. Regards

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