Projects & Observations
We are focused on the social trends that could shape the future and the tech tools that may drive it. Our projects are informed and influenced by our engagement with experts across the research, tech and design spectrums. In this space, we share what we’re learning, what’s inspiring, and what’s next.
Blockchain
BY: Parth Gargava | November 10, 2021
The following is excerpted from an interview with Jameson Lopp, a bitcoin engineer and the CTO of a crypto start-up, Casa. In this interview, Jameson discusses some of the trends seen in custodial and non-custodial wallets and talks about ways to manage coins without the aid of an intermediary. The interviewer is Parth Gargava, a senior software engineer in FCAT’s blockchain incubator.
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY
BY: David Bracken | October 26, 2021
Blockchain-based video games promise to accelerate the adoption of NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and greatly expand the digital asset ecosystem. By making in-game items NFTs that are embedded in the blockchain, players can take ownership of the digital assets they accumulate while gaming and then sell or trade them for real-world value. Such functionality could restructure the economics of the $175 billion gaming industry and turn legions of gamers into digital asset investors.
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY
BY: Robert Hoffman | October 21, 2021
The Founderie is a grassroots program sponsored by FCAT that helps Fidelity associates think and work like start-up entrepreneurs – or, as these internal innovators are dubbed, “intrapreneurs” – as they create and develop new product and service ideas that may contribute to Fidelity’s future growth. We recently caught up with Anne-Marie Tattan, who leads the Founderie team, to get the inside story.
FCAT RESEARCH
BY: Alessandro Vigilante & Caroline Federal | December 3, 2020
Until recently, the cognitive load of almost all financial decisions has remained with individual users. But now, the ability to source and collect reams of data, combined with rapid progress in artificial intelligence, lays the groundwork for autonomous finance – freeing individuals from routine decisions, so they can focus on living the life they want.
FCAT RESEARCH
BY: ALESSANDRO VIGILANTE | November 20, 2020
As the as-a-Service business model keeps expanding from infrastructure to applications, financial services capabilities and products are being re-built to benefit from, and participate in, the platform economy.
FCAT Research
BY: DEANNA LAUFER | November 10, 2020
Just as COVID-19 has inspired a wave of invention across industries, a new breed of green fintechs are tackling climate change via financial innovation in payment, lending, trading, investment, and insurance.
FCAT Research
BY: Sarah Hoffman | October 30, 2020
Technologies have been getting smaller, and smarter, for a long time. But recent developments in miniaturization have changed the game. In medicine, nanotherapies – where nanoparticles (larger than an atom or a molecule, but smaller than a bulk solid) deliver a drug to a given location in the body – are within reach. Researchers at Stanford School of Medicine found that drug-coated nanoparticles reduce the buildup of plaque in mouse arteries without causing negative side effects.1 Drones also are shrinking, some as small as a quarter. And advances in materials design mean that sensors and networking capabilities can be baked right into walls and desks for stronger, more energy efficient buildings. Even space exploration is getting small; CubeSat’s mini satellite is a mere 10 x 10 x 10 cm.
FCAT Research
BY: ALE VIGILANTE & CAROLINE FEDERAL | October 1, 2020
In just five years the fintech landscape has shifted from a focus on solving vertical narrow problems, to being driven by broader horizontal trends. We have identified seven of what we believe are the most important trends shaping the future of fintech.

This website is operated by Fidelity Center for Applied Technology (FCAT)® which is part of Fidelity Labs, LLC (“Fidelity Labs”), a Fidelity Investments company. FCAT experiments with and provides innovative products, services, content and tools, as a service to its affiliates and as a subsidiary of FMR LLC. Based on user reaction and input, FCAT is better able to engage in technology research and planning for the Fidelity family of companies. FCATalyst.com is independent of fidelity.com. Unless otherwise indicated, the information and items published on this web site are provided by FCAT and are not intended to provide tax, legal, insurance or investment advice and should not be construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation for any security by any Fidelity entity or any third-party. In circumstances where FCAT is making available either a product or service of an affiliate through this site, the affiliated company will be identified. Third party trademarks appearing herein are the property of their respective owners. All other trademarks are the property of FMR LLC.


This is for persons in the U.S. only.


245 Summer St, Boston MA

© 2008-2023 FMR LLC All right reserved | FCATalyst.com


Terms of Use | Privacy | Security | DAT Support