Industry News
BetaStay ahead with AI-powered media monitoring and human quality assurance. Our curated industry insights give you a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in your field
Local & industry wins build trusted proof, SEO signals, and prime national editors.
50 articles found
By 2025, fintech and AI advancements impacted venture capital and startup creation; over one-third of startups were founded by solo founders, a rise from 23.7% in 2019, according to Carta. The rise of solo General Partners (GPs) using software and platforms like AngelList, Carta, and Assure facilitated Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) creation, offering greater investment flexibility.
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
Moore Threads Technology, a Chinese AI chipmaker, plans to allocate 7.5 billion yuan, roughly 90% of its IPO capital, into low-risk banking products like timed deposits and certificates of deposit. Following this filing with the Shanghai Stock Exchange regarding the use of "idled funds," the company's shares have declined.
Photo by Willy the Wizard on Unsplash
HashKey Holdings Ltd., Hong Kong's biggest licensed crypto exchange operator, secured HK$1.6 billion in its Hong Kong IPO, pricing shares at HK$6.68 near its initial range's high end. The company offered 240.6 million shares but chose not to increase the deal size, marking its progression to a publicly traded entity.
Photo by Steven Wei on Unsplash
Fintech startup Mesa has shut down its Homeowners Card program, which allowed users to earn rewards on mortgage payments and other home-related expenses. All accounts were closed and deactivated on December 12 due to a "business decision," just over a year after the company's launch with $9.2 million in funding.
Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash
Survey of PR challenges among 314 Nordic startup and scaleup companies.
Read the reportThe UK economy may shrink, complicating Chancellor Reeves' tax-increasing budget, based on a Bloomberg report. However, British Business Bank CEO Louis Taylor stated in a "Bloomberg Tech" interview on December 12, 2025, that the UK's Fintech and AI sectors are "very strong" and resilient despite economic challenges.
Photo by LSE Library on Unsplash
Wealthfront's IPO raised $485 million, valuing the company at $2.1 billion, with shares increasing by 1%. The fintech company, managing $90 billion in assets for 1.3 million customers, reported $339 million in revenue and $123 million in net profits for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2025, marking a 26% revenue increase.
Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash
Marcus Cobb, CEO of Mozaic Payments, faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud after allegedly defrauding a private equity firm of $20 million by misrepresenting his company's application. Cobb and a co-founder reportedly submitted fabricated documents and testimonials to secure the investment, despite the application being non-functional and generating no revenue, leading to a $20 million investment in September 2023.
Photo by Davis Patton on Unsplash
TL;DR: Forbes reports that Asian fintech's growth is slowing down due to decreased funding and increased investor caution. Simultaneously, investments in artificial intelligence applications for fintech are growing in Singapore, India, and China, indicating a change in investor priorities within the Asian fintech market.
Photo by aung swam nyi on Unsplash
Fintech funding in Asia is slowing down, with Southeast Asia experiencing a 36% drop in funding during the first half of the year, India a 26% decline, and China a 4.5% decrease. Investment strategies are diverging with late-stage funding preferred in Southeast Asia, and early-stage remaining robust in India, with rising investor interest in fintech companies that utilize AI.
Photo by Yusron El Jihan on Unsplash
Huntington Bancshares will reduce Cadence Bank's staffing after acquiring it for $7.4 billion. This acquisition is anticipated to expand the Ohio-based Huntington's market presence in the banking sector. Following its $7.4 billion acquisition of Cadence Bank, Huntington Bancshares plans to reduce staffing levels at Cadence. The acquisition is expected to significantly expand the Ohio-based lender's market presence.
Photo by Luke Shaffer on Unsplash
TL;DR: Zhang Jianzhong, ex-Nvidia China head, is now a billionaire as his startup, Moore Threads Technology Co., experienced a 425% stock surge. This comes after a difficult period in late 2023, when U.S. government restrictions placed the chipmaker on a trade blacklist, leading to workforce cuts.
Photo by Gunnar Ridderström on Unsplash
Britain is introducing a fast-track licensing regime to expedite the launch of financial services startups, allowing them to begin operating during their authorization process. This initiative is intended to boost fintech growth by reducing obstacles for new businesses entering the market and reinforce the UK's status as a prominent fintech hub.
Photo by Christian Wiediger on Unsplash
Wealthfront, the digital wealth management firm, is planning a U.S. IPO aiming for a valuation of up to $2.05 billion. The company intends to raise about $485 million by offering 34.6 million shares, priced between $12 and $14, and will list on the Nasdaq as "WLTH" following a previously terminated acquisition agreement with UBS.
Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash
TL;DR: Fintech firms Nu and Revolut are pursuing banking licenses in Mexico, reported by Bloomberg. The companies seek to capitalize on Mexico's expanding middle class, solidifying their presence and broadening financial services within the nation. Fintech companies Nu and Revolut are vying for banking licenses in Mexico, according to a Bloomberg.com report. Both firms aim to tap into the wealth of the country's growing middle class. This move positions Nu and Revolut at the forefront of a fintech push to expand services and establish a formal banking presence in the.
Photo by Marija Zaric on Unsplash
Upward, a Seattle fintech startup, raised $8 million in seed+ funding, co-led by Dundee Venture Capital and Breakwater Ventures, for its banking-as-a-service infrastructure, bringing their total funding to $12 million. Upward is targeting the embedded finance sector and enables partners to quickly launch credit and payout products.
Photo by Luke Shaffer on Unsplash
Zilch, a UK-based BNPL fintech, received $175 million in funding from investors like KKCG and BNF Capital, keeping its valuation at $2 billion. Zilch will use the money for acquisitions, increased market spending, product development, and the launch of Zilch Pay, a one-click checkout solution, in the next year.
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
Grayscale Investments has filed for an IPO, following other crypto companies into the public market. According to SEC filings, the company reported a year-over-year decrease for the nine months ending September 30 in both revenue at $318.7 million and net income at $203.3 million.
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
TL;DR: Saudi fintech Lean Technologies seeks further investments to grow its product range and boost its overall capabilities. This expansion strategy comes as the company prepares for a possible initial public offering. Saudi fintech startup Lean Technologies is exploring new investment opportunities to expand its product offerings and broaden its capabilities. This strategic move is in anticipation of a potential public listing.
Photo by Amina Atar on Unsplash
Swedish AI firm Brayns AB is partnering with The Financial Consulting Hub (FCH) to create a new framework for compliance by integrating AI with governance, risk, and compliance expertise. The goal is to shift compliance from a cost to a growth driver by connecting governance strategies to operational execution using Brayns’ AI model and FCH's financial sector advisory experience, creating a scalable and outcome-driven model.
Photo by collier finance on Unsplash
TL;DR: Money2020 revealed that AI is becoming a new customer class, with companies building financial operating systems for AI agent transactions. Additionally, stablecoins are evolving into a global settlement layer, focusing on interoperability for ease of use, while "programmable trust" integrates regulation into code, allowing fintechs to offer banks innovative, compliant systems.
Photo by GuerrillaBuzz on Unsplash
European startup M&A activity is booming due to scarce IPOs, with venture capital-backed deals averaging 75 monthly and reaching a two-year high of 95 in September. This surge is fueled by acqui-hiring, like Jack & Jill's strategy, and debt-financed roll-ups such as Bending Spoons' acquisitions of AOL, Vimeo, and Evernote, and is invigorating established software companies like Visma.
Photo by Zulfugar Karimov on Unsplash
Exzeo Group finalized its U.S. IPO, generating $168 million by pricing 8 million shares at $21 each, projecting a market valuation of $1.91 billion. HCI Group retains 81.5% ownership of Exzeo, which will trade on the NYSE under the ticker XZO, providing software for property and casualty insurers.
Photo by JOSHUA COLEMAN on Unsplash
Kabilio, a Barcelona-based company founded in 2024, raised €4 million in pre-Seed funding led by Visionaries Club and Picus Capital to expand its AI-powered accounting automation platform. This funding, including €200,000 from ENISA, will help Kabilio boost productivity in Spanish accounting firms, and their platform is currently used by almost 100 firms.
Photo by Giorgio Tomassetti on Unsplash
TL;DR: Starling Group secured a 10-year deal with Tangerine, owned by Bank of Nova Scotia, enabling Tangerine to migrate its digital banking to Starling's Engine platform. This deal marks Engine's first venture into the North American market, prompting the company to hire over 100 new employees.
Photo by KOBU Agency on Unsplash
Optasia Group, an AI-driven fintech firm valued at $1.4 billion after its Johannesburg Stock Exchange IPO, is expanding into Asia, Africa, and Latin America with new BNPL and virtual credit products. Acquisitions, especially in Asia or Latin America, will be central to Optasia's strategy to quickly establish a market presence.
Photo by Gonzalo Gutierrez on Unsplash
Broadridge's first-quarter profit surged to $165.4 million, or $1.40 per share, up from $79.8 million, or $0.68 per share, the prior year, with total revenue increasing 12% to $1.59 billion. Due to the strong results, Broadridge updated its fiscal year 2026 outlook and anticipates recurring revenue growth to be at the higher end of its 5-7% guidance range.
Photo by Mihai Cojocaru on Unsplash
Pine Labs, supported by PayPal, is planning an IPO in Mumbai aiming to raise up to $439 million, according to a Bloomberg.com report. The report lacks information regarding the IPO's timing or the company's expected valuation. Pine Labs, a company with backing from PayPal, is reportedly planning an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in Mumbai, according to a Bloomberg.com report. The company aims to raise up to $439 million through the IPO. The referenced report provided no further details regarding the offering's timing or the company's anticipated valuation.
Photo by hidefumi ohmichi on Unsplash
Hong Kong regulators are relaxing cryptocurrency trading restrictions to attract global investment and boost the city's digital asset market. Licensed platforms can now connect local investors to global order books, according to Securities and Futures Commission CEO Julia Leung. Hong Kong regulators are easing restrictions on cryptocurrency trading to attract global capital and revitalize the city's digital asset market, Bloomberg.com reports. Julia Leung, CEO of the Securities and Futures Commission, announced that licensed cryptocurrency trading platforms will be permitted to connect local investors with their global order books. The Securities.
Photo by Hengfei Yang on Unsplash
Qatar Airways Privilege Club is collaborating with the Qatar Central Bank to offer benefits to Himyan cardholders. While the exact details are unknown, this partnership indicates a growing trend of integrating loyalty programs and financial services in the region. Qatar Airways Privilege Club is partnering with the Qatar Central Bank to provide benefits to Himyan cardholders, according to Breakit. Specific details regarding the benefits and the scope of this collaboration remain limited. This partnership suggests a growing trend of integrating loyalty programs with financial services in the region.
Photo by Bornil Amin on Unsplash
CompoSecure, a fintech company supported by David Cote, plans to acquire Husky Technologies from Platinum Equity for around $5 billion, including debt. The deal involves a $2 billion PIPE offered at $18.50 per share, $1.1 billion from Cote's family office, and Platinum Equity retaining under 20% ownership by rolling over $1 billion.
Photo by Ozkan Guner on Unsplash
Deel hired Joe Kauffman, previously at Intuit, as President and CFO, aiming for a future IPO with his expertise. This change follows Deel's recent valuation at $17.3 billion, achieving over $100 million in monthly revenue and $15 to $17 million in monthly EBITDA, despite a lawsuit with competitor Rippling.
Photo by Mary Rodriguez on Unsplash
TL;DR: Bloomberg.com reported that the Central Bank of Brazil is increasing regulations to fight crime within the fintech industry. The move, prompted by the rise of illicit activities alongside digital finance growth, signifies a crackdown, but further details about specific regulations and the crimes targeted were not disclosed.
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash
TL;DR: Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan is being urged to enhance returns and tackle performance shortfalls compared to competitors before the upcoming investor meeting. The bank's investment banking revenue lags behind JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs, while overall loan growth, wealth management, and credit card performance have also been weaker than industry peers according to Wells Fargo analyst Mike Mayo.
Photo by Tareq Ismail on Unsplash
Treasury Secretary Bessent stated that the U.S. housing sector is in a recession due to high interest rates and urged the Federal Reserve to cut rates faster, attributing economic downturns to their policies. Bessent blamed high post-pandemic inflation on spending cuts from the previous administration.
Photo by Kostiantyn Li on Unsplash
Fintech platforms are increasing access to private credit for retirement planning, an area where almost 40% of Americans lack familiarity. After learning about privately held businesses, nearly 60% of investors expressed interest in investing, as fintech platforms standardize processes and enhance transparency, making the market more accessible to accredited investors with lower minimums and shorter durations.
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
Fiserv's market capitalization decreased by $30 billion after the new CEO retracted the company's financial guidance, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. This decline occurred after Frank Bisignano's departure and illustrates how leadership changes and forecasting influence market valuations in the financial technology sector.
Photo by lonely blue on Unsplash
Ant International, a division of Ant Group, is investing in the Latin American fintech company R2, an embedded lending firm focused on providing credit solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises. This investment, a primary capital injection, aligns with Ant International's strategy of integrating financial services within existing business ecosystems.
Photo by Carlos Ramírez on Unsplash
Fiserv shares plummeted almost 42% on Wednesday, October 29, after the company lowered its full-year earnings forecast, potentially erasing $29 billion in market capitalization, according to Reuters. This occurred following disappointing third-quarter results, a leadership restructuring, and a revised forecasting approach prompted by an inability to meet previous projections.
Photo by Arturo Añez on Unsplash
Viola Credit has established a $2 billion fund to supply debt financing to roughly 40 fintech startups, offering asset-based loans to companies with capital-intensive lending operations. The fund will target sectors like small business lending, consumer lending, and buy-now-pay-later services, supporting fintechs that need significant capital to grow their lending portfolios.
Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash
TL;DR: Forbes reports that banking and finance will significantly transform by 2026, driven by AI advancements and a focus on customer experience. AI agents will automate operational tasks like compliance and reconciliation, while also providing personalized financial assistance to customers.
Photo by Hudson Graves on Unsplash
Verisk Analytics' stock price dropped up to 15% after the company reported lower-than-expected third-quarter revenue of $768 million and decreased its 2025 revenue forecast to $3.05-$3.08 billion due to mild weather. The firm had originally anticipated $776 million for the third quarter and analysts expected $3.12 billion in 2025.
Photo by Charlie Hammond on Unsplash
Paul Allan was named to Forbes' 2021 30 Under 30 Europe list for Finance as a J.P. Morgan Technology Investment Banking Partner. He invests in enterprise and consumer software, fintech, and digital health, previously founding and selling companies in medtech, marketing, and biotech after graduating from Trinity College Dublin.
Photo by Shutter Speed on Unsplash
Fintech platforms need real ESG integration for competitiveness due to growing consumer and investor focus on climate consciousness, as shallow "greenwashing" hurts reputations. Twenty Forbes Business Council members stress transparent reporting, sustainable product design, measurable impact, aligned incentives, and localized approaches incorporating regional standards and CSR policies.
Photo by Marija Zaric on Unsplash
Get daily industry insights via newsletter. Optionally join the beta for full access to all Heartspace modules.
Get curated industry insights delivered to your inbox. Choose your sectors of interest.
Whether you prefer DIY tools or done-for-you services, we can help you get media coverage.