Building My Fintech Side Project as a Freelance Developer

As a freelancer and contract-based software developer, I always dedicate part of my leisure time to building side projects and staying updated with the latest technologies. Continuous learning is very important to me, and working on personal projects allows me to experiment with new tools and strengthen my technical skills.

As an enthusiastic web and application developer, my journey started with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. JavaScript was the first scripting language I learned, and as my experience grew, I transitioned into TypeScript to benefit from static typing and improved code reliability.

Over time, I have also gained experience working with Solidity and Python/Django, expanding my understanding of blockchain and backend development. My primary development stack has been the MERN stack, but recently I began transitioning to the PERN stack to explore PostgreSQL-based solutions and improve database performance.

The image above shows the current side project I am working on—a fintech application. The inspiration for this project came from design concepts I discovered on Envato, which helped shape the visual direction of the application.

The Idea Behind the Project

The main motivation behind this project comes from observing financial technology trends in Nigeria.

In my observation, many fintech applications in my region mainly focus on transactions using the local currency (Naira), while cryptocurrency-based payment and investment features are still limited. However, many young people are increasingly interested in exploring digital and crypto-based financial solutions.

This inspired me to begin developing a platform designed to support both:

• Digital currency transactions (centralized systems)
• Cryptocurrency-based transactions (decentralized systems)

The goal is to create a flexible financial platform where users can perform modern financial operations without being restricted to traditional payment systems.

Core Features of the Fintech Application
Authentication Features

• Sign Up
• Sign In
• Logout

Transaction Features

• Withdrawal
• Send Money
• Currency Exchange
• Add Money
• Card Management

Expected Core Functionalities

To support the features listed above, the application is designed to include the following core functionalities:

• User Account Management
• Secure Authentication System
• Wallet Balance Management
• Money Transfer System
• Withdrawal Processing
• Currency Exchange Engine
• Payment Gateway Integration
• Card Management System
• Transaction Logging
• Notification System

These functionalities represent the backbone of the platform and ensure reliable and secure financial operations.

Technology Stack Used

This application is currently being developed using the PERN stack, which includes:

• PostgreSQL — Database
• Express.js — Backend framework
• React.js — Frontend library
• Node.js — Server-side runtime

However, toward the final stages of development, I plan to transition to the MERN stack. This decision is mainly influenced by infrastructure limitations, specifically the exhaustion of my free-tier PostgreSQL resources provided by Render.

Link to My Ongoing Project

You can explore the current version of the application using the link below:

Visit the Live Application

I truly welcome feedback, suggestions, and constructive ideas that can help improve the project. Any meaningful contribution will be acknowledged with appreciation and recognition.

Connect With Me

You can also follow my development journey through the platforms below:

GitLab
GitHub
LinkedIn
X (Twitter)

Best regards,
Chichebem