Digital nomads at your doorstep: How FIs can capture this growing demographic

The digital landscape is undergoing yet another seismic shift, and financial institutions (FIs) need to take note. Amid the growing preference for remote work flexibility, the allure of becoming a digital nomad is inspiring millions globally. These individuals, armed with laptops and an insatiable thirst for exploration, are reshaping the boundaries of work and life. 

What are the implications of this change for FIs? A new demographic to cater to, one that's continuously on the move, values seamless cross-border payments, and often juggles multiple currencies. Let's explore how this transformation is impacting FIs and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Understanding digital nomads’ cross-border payment needs 

Digital nomads are typically knowledge workers, with sufficient flexibility to use portable technology in performing their jobs, irrespective of their geographic location. Instead of being tethered to a specific office or city, they embrace a lifestyle that allows them to work from anywhere as long as they have a reliable internet connection.

This demographic spans generations, with 47% of digital nomads in their thirties, while those in their forties and fifties make up 16% and 19% respectively, showcasing the community's diversity from adventurous millennials to seasoned professionals.

The recent 2023 Mastercard Borderless Payments Report offers a pertinent insight: Half of consumers surveyed said they are likely to consider working and living abroad in the next three years - a sentiment that reinforces the boundary-less appeal of their lifestyle.

The growth of the digital nomad movement

The allure of the digital nomad lifestyle is gaining rapid momentum. According to the MBO Partners 2022 State of Independence research study, the number of Americans identifying as digital nomads has skyrocketed to 16.9 million. This marks an astounding 131% increase from 2019 figures, in large part due to cultural shifts during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.

In recognition of the economic potential and the vibrant energy digital nomads bring, many countries have rolled out the welcome mat. Several nations like Spain and Greece now offer specialized freelance visas tailored for digital nomads. Others go a step further, like Italy and Portugal, which provide tax-breaks to attract and retain this mobile workforce. For FIs, this means a growing segment of customers with unique financial needs that require adaptable and global-focused remittance services.

As the digital nomad movement grows, so does the influx of documented foreign workers to the US. Many of these individuals, who are seeking better opportunities and a chance to contribute to the American economy, also support their families back home. According to the Mastercard Report, 44% of US residents intend to increase the frequency of their cross-border transactions in the next 12 months alone. Another 71% say they are planning to do more business internationally in the future.

Remittance services for digital nomads

For digital nomads, cross-border payments aren’t just about sending money; they’re about maintaining a lifestyle that spans continents. Imagine an American living in Thailand operating an English language tour business. She pays her rent, hires a local digital marketing expert, and indulges in local experiences, all of which require her to make payments in the local currency. These aren’t one-off transactions, but a recurring part of her monthly expenditures.

While cross-border payments are crucial, the financial needs of digital nomads don't stop there. For FIs, it's important to recognize that digital nomads may also require specialized banking solutions. For instance, they might be looking for tailored insurance policies that accommodate their mobile lifestyles, or forex services that offer competitive exchange rates and minimal fees.

For a consultant who lives in a city like Barcelona but has clients in New York, Sydney, and Tokyo, receiving and making payments becomes a daily routine. The last thing a digital nomad needs is to be bogged down by inefficient remittance services with exorbitant fees or inconsistent and lengthy transaction times. Instead, they prioritize services that are fast, simple, secure, and won't take a big chunk out of their earnings or savings.

The Mastercard report shows that with an anticipated year-over-year growth rate of 2.8% by 2025, FIs that recognize and act on the importance of efficient cross-border transactions can adjust their offerings to meet and exceed customer expectations.

Introducing ReadyRemit: the ultimate financial solution for supporting your digital nomad client base

When digital nomads demand swift and reliable remittance services, ReadyRemit delivers. 

ReadyRemit, an embedded white-label solution, allows for brand continuity and a seamless experience. With the remittance service market at $794 billion, FIs can harness this immense potential and keep valuable transactions in-house by embedding ReadyRemit into their platforms. 

Contact us to get started today!