What is an API?

An API (which stands for Application Programming Interface) is like a bridge that allows different computer systems to talk to each other.

Imagine it as a secure channel connecting third-party services (like apps or websites) to financial institutions. Through this connection, they can exchange financial data, such as account balances, transaction history, and more.

In practice, this could take many forms. For example, APIs can be used to provide tools in investment management, such as portfolio analysis and personalized investment advice. They can be used as a way to simplify payment processing or as a tool to allow real-time access to crypto data. 

They are the invisible threads connecting different systems, making financial services more accessible, efficient and innovative.