Top Custom Software Development Companies for Fintech
- Leanware Editorial Team
- 4 days ago
- 15 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
Introduction
The fintech sector remains a critical area of innovation despite recent market corrections. Global fintech investment totaled $118.2 billion in 2023, down from previous peaks but still representing one of the largest sectors in venture capital. With industry analysts projecting fintech to reach a market size of $1.5 trillion in revenue by 2030—a five-fold increase from today—the opportunity for startups and small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) remains substantial.
For companies entering this competitive landscape, choosing the right software development partner can mean the difference between rapid market entry and costly delays. The financial technology space demands not just technical excellence, but also deep understanding of regulatory compliance, security requirements, and the ability to scale quickly while maintaining stability.
Finding a development partner that combines fintech expertise with the agility to serve growing businesses presents unique challenges. Many firms either focus exclusively on enterprise clients with massive budgets or lack the specialized knowledge required for financial applications.
The ideal partner for fintech startups and SMBs needs to balance technical capabilities, cost-effectiveness, and the flexibility to adapt as businesses evolve from MVP to market leader.
How We Selected These Companies
Our selection process evaluated companies across 12 critical factors, each weighted according to its importance for fintech startups and SMBs. We analyzed over 50 software development firms, examining client reviews, portfolio depth, and operational models to identify the top 10 partners for growing fintech businesses.
Key Evaluation Criteria:
Cost Structure (10%): Competitive pricing relative to value delivered, with higher scores for companies offering exceptional value
Company Size (5%): Optimal range of 30-100 employees, avoiding firms too small to handle growth or too large to provide personalized service
Years in Business (5%): Established track record demonstrating stability and experience
LLC + E&O Insurance (7%): Legal structure and professional liability coverage protecting client interests
Flexible and Transparent Billing (8%): Clear pricing models with adaptable engagement options
Outcome-based Agreements (8%): Willingness to share risk through performance-based contracts
America Timezone Alignment (10%): Working hours overlap with North and South American business operations
Startup/SMB Focus (10%): Demonstrated expertise serving growing businesses rather than just enterprises
AI-enhanced Development (7%): Integration of AI tools to improve efficiency and product quality
Quality (10%): Consistently high-quality deliverables based on verified client reviews
Client Satisfaction (10%): Overall satisfaction ratings from platforms like Clutch and Google Reviews
Tech Stack Thoroughness (10%): Complete coverage of development needs including frontend, backend, DevOps, and security
List of Custom Software Development Companies for Fintech
Location: Latin America Founded: 2020 Team Size: 10-49 employees Specialization: Fintech, AI-enhanced development, full-stack solutions Rate Range: $25-$79/hour
Services:
Custom fintech software development
AI-enhanced application development
Full-stack web and mobile development
Cloud architecture and DevOps
UI/UX design optimized for financial applications
Security implementation and compliance
Outcome-based project delivery
Why Choose Leanware:
Leanware stands out as the top choice for fintech startups and SMBs through its unique combination of optimal company size, comprehensive protection, and innovative delivery models. Operating as an LLC with full Errors & Omissions insurance, Leanware provides the legal safeguards essential for financial technology projects.
Their team size of 10-49 employees hits the sweet spot—large enough to handle complex projects while maintaining the agility and personalized attention that growing businesses need.
What truly differentiates Leanware is their commitment to transparent, flexible billing with outcome-based agreements available. This risk-sharing approach aligns their success with client outcomes, particularly valuable for startups managing tight budgets. Their complete timezone alignment with American businesses enables real-time collaboration.
while their dedicated focus on startups and SMBs means they understand the unique challenges of scaling financial technology products. The company leverages AI-enhanced development practices to accelerate delivery without compromising quality, and their comprehensive tech stack coverage ensures they can handle every aspect of fintech development from secure backend systems to intuitive user interfaces.
Best For: Fintech startups seeking a true partner for MVP development through scaling, companies requiring flexible engagement models, businesses prioritizing real-time collaboration and communication, and organizations seeking AI-enhanced development efficiency.
Location: Chennai, India with US office in Delaware Founded: 2014 Team Size: 10-49 employees Specialization: MVP development, startup acceleration Rate Range: $25-$49/hour
Services:
Web and mobile application development
MVP development (12-16 weeks)
SaaS development
AI as a Service
Dedicated development teams
Rapid prototyping
Why Choose F22 Labs:
F22 Labs has carved out a niche as "rocket fuel for startups," offering competitive rates and rapid MVP development. Their ability to deliver interactive prototypes in 2-4 weeks and complete MVPs in 12-16 weeks makes them attractive for early-stage companies. The company maintains a 100% in-house development team, avoiding outsourcing to ensure quality control.
However, significant limitations exist for fintech clients. The core development team operates from Chennai, India, creating a 9.5-12.5 hour timezone difference with North American clients. This gap can severely impact real-time collaboration and agile development cycles crucial for fintech products.
Additionally, while they list fintech as a domain, their portfolio shows limited depth in complex financial systems compared to general app development, raising questions about specialized expertise in areas like regulatory compliance and financial security protocols.
Best For: Early-stage startups with limited budgets focusing on basic MVP development, companies comfortable with asynchronous communication models.
Location: Primarily Latin America with US offices Founded: 2009 Team Size: 1,000-9,999 employees Specialization: Staff augmentation, enterprise solutions Rate Range: $50-$99/hour
Services:
Staff augmentation
Dedicated software development teams
Custom software development (30%)
Web development (20%)
Mobile app development (15%)
AI development (10%)
QA & testing (10%)
Why Choose BairesDev:
BairesDev brings impressive scale with over 4,000 timezone-aligned engineers across Latin America, offering excellent overlap with North American business hours. Their "Top 1% of Tech Talent" positioning and client roster including Google and Adobe demonstrate their capability to handle complex projects.
The company's 91% customer satisfaction rating and recognition in AI development add to their credentials. Yet their massive size and enterprise focus create challenges for fintech startups and SMBs.
With such a large operation primarily serving Fortune 500 companies, smaller businesses may find themselves receiving less personalized attention or facing more bureaucratic processes.
Their emphasis on staff augmentation suits companies with strong internal tech leadership but may be less ideal for startups seeking a full-service partner to own product development end-to-end.
Additionally, some Clutch reviews indicate occasional challenges finding specialized talent for niche fintech requirements within their vast talent pool.
Best For: Large enterprises with massive budgets, companies comfortable with potential bureaucratic processes and less personalized attention.
Location: Austin, TX and Middletown, DE (US), with development in Ukraine and Poland Founded: 2017 Team Size: 50-249 employees Specialization: Custom software, fintech solutions Rate Range: $25-$49/hour
Services:
Custom software development (40%)
Web development (40%)
AI development (10%)
Cloud consulting & SI (10%)
Fintech-specific solutions (eWallet, Banking, Lending, Trading, Insurance)
AWS partnership services
Why Choose Geniusee:
Geniusee offers an attractive value proposition with competitive rates and a perfect 5.0-star rating from 65 Clutch reviews. Their specific fintech offerings spanning eWallet, banking, lending, and trading solutions demonstrate domain expertise. As an AWS Consulting Partner, they bring cloud infrastructure capabilities essential for modern fintech applications.
However, a critical limitation overshadows these strengths: over 80% of their engineering team operates from Ukraine. The ongoing geopolitical situation presents tangible risks for project stability and business continuity—particularly concerning for the heavily regulated fintech sector where operational consistency is paramount.
Additionally, as a relatively young company founded in 2017, they lack the decades of experience that some complex legacy system modernizations might require.
Best For: Cost-conscious companies willing to accept geopolitical risk, projects requiring AWS expertise, and cloud-native development.
Location: US headquarters with European development centers Founded: 2013 Team Size: 50-249 employees Specialization: Exclusively financial software solutions Rate Range: $25-$49/hour
Services:
Custom fintech software development
Digital banking platforms
Payment systems
Wealth management software
Trading applications
RegTech/compliance solutions
Banking as a Service (BaaS)
AI-powered financial tools
Why Choose Itexus:
Itexus's dedication "entirely to financial software solutions" makes them a deep specialist in the fintech space. With over 300 fintech projects delivered and 160+ professionals in their fintech division, they offer unmatched domain expertise.
Their portfolio includes impressive projects like PCI DSS-compliant cryptocurrency wallets and white-label banking platforms. The ability to deliver MVPs in under four months addresses the speed-to-market needs of fintech startups.
This extreme specialization, while a strength, also defines their primary limitation. Companies whose business models might evolve beyond pure financial services could find Itexus's expertise too narrow.
If a fintech startup later needs to integrate e-commerce features or expand into adjacent verticals, they might need to engage additional partners. Client feedback also notes challenges with initial requirement clarification, suggesting the need for exceptionally detailed specifications upfront.
Best For: Pure-play fintech companies with clearly defined financial software needs, businesses requiring deep regulatory and compliance expertise.
Location: Newport Beach, CA with offices across the US Founded: 2005 Team Size: 50-249 employees Specialization: Custom software, AR/VR development Rate Range: $100-$149/hour
Services:
Custom software development (40%)
AR/VR development (30%)
AI development (10%)
Mobile app development (10%)
Web development (10%)
PCI DSS compliant financial platforms
Why Choose Saritasa:
With five US offices and nearly two decades of experience, Saritasa offers excellent timezone alignment and stability. Their work with established brands like Makita and The Cheesecake Factory demonstrates capability for complex projects. They've successfully delivered PCI DSS-compliant payment platforms integrated with major banks, proving their fintech credentials.
However, Saritasa represents a premium-priced option with rates of $100-$149/hour and minimum project sizes of $50,000+. This pricing may be prohibitive for many fintech startups. Additionally, their significant focus on AR/VR development (30% of services) may seem misaligned for fintech clients seeking straightforward financial applications.
This specialization in immersive technologies could contribute to their higher cost structure without providing value for typical fintech use cases.
Best For: Well-funded companies requiring premium US-based development, projects incorporating AR/VR or advanced visualization needs.
Location: Mountain View, CA with development centers in India Founded: 2011 Team Size: 50-249 employees Specialization: Digital commerce, enterprise integration Rate Range: $25-$49/hour
Services:
Custom software development
Digital commerce (Adobe Commerce & Magento)
Salesforce and NetSuite implementation
Generative AI services
Cloud engineering (AWS, Azure, GCP)
System integration (Boomi, Celigo, MuleSoft)
Why Choose Closeloop Technologies:
Closeloop Technologies offers highly competitive rates through their "Onsite plus Offshore" model while maintaining a US presence for client relations. Their 5.0-star rating from Clutch reviews and experience with fintech clients like HomeRun Financing and Credit Sesame demonstrate quality delivery. The company's "Virtual CTO" services provide strategic guidance valuable for startups.
The primary limitation lies in their development model. With core engineering teams in India, the 10-12 hour timezone difference creates significant challenges for real-time collaboration—particularly problematic for agile fintech development requiring frequent iterations and immediate issue resolution.
Their strong focus on enterprise system integration (Salesforce, NetSuite) may also indicate processes heavier than what lean fintech startups require.
Best For: Companies comfortable with offshore development models, businesses requiring CRM/ERP integration alongside custom development.
Location: Newtown, PA with global presence Founded: 1993 (parent company) Team Size: Access to 50,000+ professionals Specialization: Enterprise-grade solutions for smaller businesses Rate Range: Typically $150-$199/hour (corporate rates)
Services:
Custom software development
MVP development
Team augmentation
DevOps and cloud solutions
SaaS development
IoT development
Money transfer app development
CTO as a service
Why Choose EPAM for Startups & SMBs:
This specialized division provides access to EPAM's world-class engineering capabilities and 30+ years of experience, packaged for smaller businesses. The depth of resources—50,000+ technical professionals and expertise in 100+ technologies—is unmatched. Their global presence across 12 time zones ensures round-the-clock capability.
However, the "small fish in a big pond" dynamic presents real challenges.
Despite the dedicated SMB division, smaller clients may receive less personalized attention compared to EPAM's Fortune 500 accounts. The cost structure, while "accessible" by EPAM standards, likely remains premium compared to truly SMB-focused firms.
There's also legitimate concern about resource allocation—during high demand, top talent might be prioritized for larger enterprise clients.
Best For: Well-funded startups seeking enterprise-grade capabilities, companies planning rapid scaling requiring extensive resources.
Location: L'viv, Ukraine with London sales office Founded: 2013 Team Size: 50-249 employees Specialization: Fintech exclusively Rate Range: $50-$99/hour
Services:
Custom fintech solutions
White-label neobank platform
Core payments platform
Money transfer software
Crypto services development
Digital wallet software
Integration hub for financial services
Why Choose Kindgeek:
Kindgeek's exclusive focus on fintech since inception makes them true domain experts. Their pre-built fintech solution constructor and white-label platforms can dramatically accelerate time-to-market for companies whose needs align with these frameworks. With successful projects for UK fintech leaders like HyperJar and JaJa Finance, they've proven their capability in regulated markets.
The Ukrainian location presents obvious geopolitical risks and timezone challenges for North American clients. Additionally, their emphasis on white-label and pre-built solutions, while efficient, may limit true customization for unique fintech innovations.
Client reviews noting challenges with estimation accuracy (3.5/5 scores for schedule/cost adherence) raise concerns about predictability for complex projects.
Best For: Companies seeking rapid deployment using proven fintech frameworks, European fintech ventures comfortable with Eastern European partnerships.
Location: Gliwice, Poland (acquired by STX Next in December 2024) Founded: 2015 Team Size: 50-249 employees (pre-acquisition) Specialization: React, Node.js, .NET development Rate Range: $50-$99/hour
Services:
React and Node.js development
.NET development
React Native mobile development
Cloud engineering (AWS)
Legacy app modernization
Generative AI development
QA services
Why Choose Brainhub:
Prior to acquisition, Brainhub built a strong reputation with a 4.8-star Clutch rating, serving notable clients including Credit Suisse and National Geographic. Their technical expertise in modern JavaScript frameworks and successful delivery of fintech projects like the GOKONG Swiss fintech platform demonstrated solid capabilities.
However, the December 2024 acquisition by STX Next introduces significant uncertainty. Such transitions typically involve strategic realignment, team restructuring, and potential shifts in service focus.
STX Next's identity as a Python development specialist may influence Brainhub's historically JavaScript-focused offerings. For fintech clients requiring stable, long-term partnerships, this transition period represents substantial risk. Previous scalability concerns mentioned in client reviews may be amplified during integration.
Best For: Companies comfortable navigating acquisition transitions, projects specifically requiring React/Node.js expertise willing to accept organizational uncertainty.
Overview of the Fintech Industry
The fintech industry has rapidly transformed the way financial services are delivered, fueled by the growing demand for digital-first solutions. As consumers and businesses increasingly expect seamless, secure, and convenient access to financial products, fintech software development companies have become essential partners for financial institutions, startups, and established enterprises alike.
These software development companies drive innovation by delivering a wide range of services, from mobile banking platforms and payment processing systems to advanced wealth management and risk management tools.
Custom software development is at the heart of this evolution, enabling organizations to create fintech software tailored to their unique requirements. Whether it’s building robust mobile banking applications, streamlining investment management, or enhancing risk assessment capabilities, development companies play a pivotal role in helping the financial sector adapt to changing market demands.
As the industry continues to expand, the need for specialized fintech software development and agile software development companies will only grow, ensuring that financial institutions remain competitive and compliant in a dynamic digital landscape.
Types of Fintech Software Development Services
Type of Service | Description | Key Benefits |
Mobile App Development | Creation of user-friendly mobile banking apps, finance apps, and other mobile financial solutions. | - 24/7 access to financial tools- Enhanced customer engagement- Real-time transaction access |
Web Development | Development of secure, scalable, and high-performance web applications for online banking, trading, and investment platforms. | - Broad platform accessibility- Robust security and compliance- Scalable infrastructure |
Software Engineering | Architecture and implementation of complex fintech systems by expert software engineers. | - Efficient handling of sensitive data- Integration with third-party APIs- Custom system logic |
Regulatory Compliance in Fintech
Navigating regulatory compliance is one of the most significant challenges in fintech software development. Financial institutions and fintech companies must adhere to a complex web of financial regulations, including anti-money laundering (AML), know-your-customer (KYC), and data protection laws. Ensuring compliance is not only essential for avoiding costly penalties but also for building trust with customers and stakeholders.
Fintech software development companies play a crucial role in this process by designing and implementing compliant fintech solutions tailored to each client’s specific regulatory environment.
A reputable fintech software development company brings deep expertise in financial regulations, ensuring that every aspect of the software—from data encryption to transaction monitoring—meets industry standards. By partnering with experienced software development companies, businesses can access financial software development services that prioritize security, transparency, and ongoing compliance.
Choosing a development company with a proven track record in regulatory compliance allows organizations to focus on innovation and growth, confident that their financial software development aligns with all necessary legal requirements.
This proactive approach to compliance not only reduces risk but also positions companies for long-term success in the ever-evolving world of financial technology.
How to Choose the Right Custom Software Development Partner for Your Fintech Business
Selecting the ideal development partner requires careful evaluation of your specific needs against each company's strengths and limitations. The fintech sector's unique requirements—regulatory compliance, security, scalability, and speed—make this decision particularly crucial.
Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring:
1. What is your experience with financial regulations and compliance? Fintech development requires deep understanding of regulations like PCI DSS, PSD2, and KYC/AML requirements. Partners should demonstrate prior experience navigating these complex requirements.
2. How do you handle data security and privacy? Financial applications demand the highest security standards. Inquire about their security practices, certifications, and experience with encryption and secure architecture.
3. Can you provide references from similar fintech projects? Past performance in the fintech sector provides the best indicator of future success. Request specific case studies and client references.
4. What is your approach to scalability? Fintech products often experience rapid growth. Ensure your partner can architect solutions that scale efficiently without complete rebuilds.
5. How do you structure your billing and what flexibility exists? Understanding billing models upfront prevents surprises. The best partners offer transparent, flexible arrangements including outcome-based options.
Understanding Different Engagement Models
Time & Materials (T&M):
Pros: Maximum flexibility, easy to adjust scope, transparent hourly billing
Cons: Less cost predictability, requires active management
Best for: Early-stage projects with evolving requirements
Fixed Price:
Pros: Cost certainty, clearly defined deliverables, easier budgeting
Cons: Less flexibility, change requests incur additional costs
Best for: Well-defined projects with stable requirements
Outcome-based Agreements:
Pros: Aligned incentives, shared risk, focus on business results
Cons: Requires clear success metrics, may have higher base costs
Best for: Established businesses with measurable goals
Balancing Cost, Quality, and Timeline
For fintech startups and SMBs, finding the right balance between cost, quality, and speed requires strategic thinking:
Early Stage (Pre-seed to Seed): Focus on MVP development with a partner offering competitive rates and rapid delivery. Quality remains important, but speed-to-market often takes precedence.
Growth Stage (Series A-B): Prioritize scalability and code quality. Partners with fintech expertise and flexible engagement models become crucial as requirements evolve rapidly.
Scaling Stage (Series B+): Emphasize reliability, security, and the ability to handle complex integrations. The right partner should offer both strategic guidance and execution capability.
Sources
The research for this article drew from multiple authoritative sources, including company websites, verified client reviews on Clutch and GoodFirms, industry reports on fintech development trends, and direct analysis of company portfolios and case studies.
Each company's capabilities were evaluated through examination of their published work, client testimonials, and publicly available information about their service offerings and operational models.
Note: A list of all research sources and references is available at the end of this article.
Conclusion
Choosing the right custom software development partner for your fintech venture requires careful consideration of multiple factors beyond just technical capability. The ideal partner combines domain expertise with the flexibility to adapt to your growing business needs, maintains transparent and fair billing practices, and operates in alignment with your working hours and communication preferences.
While each company reviewed offers unique strengths, Leanware emerges as the optimal choice for most fintech startups and SMBs. Their combination of ideal company size, comprehensive legal protections, innovative billing models including outcome-based agreements, perfect timezone alignment, and dedicated focus on growing businesses creates an unmatched value proposition.
Their embrace of AI-enhanced development practices and complete technical stack coverage ensures they can handle projects from initial MVP through enterprise scale.
The fintech revolution continues to accelerate, and your choice of development partner will significantly impact your ability to capture market opportunities.
Whether you're building a digital banking platform, payment solution, or innovative financial service, selecting a partner aligned with your business stage and growth trajectory remains crucial for success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the typical cost range for hiring a fintech development company?
Fintech development costs vary significantly based on location and expertise level. Offshore companies typically charge $25-$49/hour, nearshore partners range from $50-$99/hour, while premium US-based firms command $100-$199/hour.
Most fintech MVPs require $50,000-$150,000 investment, with enterprise-grade platforms reaching $300,000+. The key is finding partners who offer transparent pricing and flexible engagement models that align with your budget and growth plans.
How important is company size when selecting a development partner?
What's the advantage of working with a company that offers outcome-based agreements?
How does AI-enhanced development benefit my project?
Why is timezone alignment important for software development projects?
Sources
Top 10+ Financial App Developers 2025 - Reviews & Ratings - GoodFirms
Top Custom Software Development Companies for Fintech - May 2025 Rankings | Top 10+ Web Development Companies - May 2025 Reviews - GoodFirms
Top 9 MVP Development Companies in 2025 (Reviewed) - F22 Labs
Brainhub: Open source | JavaScript Software Development Company
BairesDev Review: Is This a Good Software Development Outsourcing in 2025? - Pi Tech
Mateusz Konieczny - Tech Advocate / Tech Evangelist at Brainhub | The Org