Connect with us

Fintech

👨🏿‍🚀TechCabal Daily – How Namibia is Powering Its Fintech Ecosystem

FinCrypt Staff

Published

on

👨🏿‍🚀TechCabal Daily - How Namibia is Powering Its Fintech Ecosystem

In collaboration with

Good morning ☀️

Passengers in Kenya could face another tough week, following a five-day strike by Bolt and Uber drivers last week.

Drivers are planning to protest again tomorrowWednesday, as the latest protests haven’t exactly made a point for ride-hailing companies.

In addition to being included in pricing decisions and reduced commissions, drivers are also demanding a dedicated 24-hour customer support line. A quick resolution is not in sight, as the companies say they are “monitoring the situation” and “following due process.”

Copia Co-Founder Tracey Turner Registers New Startup in Kenya

The train tracks may have been removed from Copia Global, but Tracey Turner, co-founder of the disgraced e-commerce giant, is making a quick return to the Kenyan consumer market. Turner has registered a new company that will focus on home goods deliveries in Nairobi and its suburbs, people familiar with the matter said. It will begin operations as early as September.

Interestingly, investors are flocking in, cash in hand, eager to back Turner’s new venture.

What makes it so interesting to invest in? Turner is a serial founder with a solid track record. Before Copia, which was a big business in Kenya, she founded MicroPlace, a micro-investing platform that was acquired by eBay in 2006.

Statistically, repeat founders with no exits are still likely to raise funding for a new venture more quickly than first-time founders. Turner’s educational background (including an MBA from Stanford) and previous work experience also set her apart.

Again, his new venture is targeting the Kenyan family consumer market. This familiarity with the target market, geography and business model will likely help it create network effects and grow rapidly, attracting investors who see its potential.

The road ahead: However, as he re-enters the trading market, Turner faces competition from now on:established players like Jumia Kenya, Carrefour and a unexpected contender—social media. Small business owners are increasingly using platforms like TikTok and Instagram to sell online.

To this day, the jury is still out on why Copia failed to raise additional funding. One insider suggests leadership issues, saying, “[Copia CEO] Tim was disappointed by his team.”

Read Moniepoint’s 2024 Informal Economy Report


7 out of 10 informal business owners borrow money for their business. Click here to learn more about the informal economy and credit in Nigeria.

WhatsApp’s Take-It-Or-Leave-It Privacy Policy Is the Basis for a $220M Fine from the FCCPC

Last week, Nigeria’s consumer protection body issued a $220 million fine on Meta for data privacy violations. Meta has since rejected the decision.

What Meta did wrong: At the heart of the matter was an investigation into WhatsApp’s updated privacy policy in 2021. There were allegations that WhatsApp did not give users a say in how their personal data was collected and used.

Yesterday, the FCCPC released a 116-page document explaining his accusations against Meta. We know you don’t have time to read all this, so we did it for you.

The regulator said WhatsApp did not allow users to opt out of the 2021 policy. The FCPCC also found that an early version of WhatsApp’s policy required users to accept the policy or be kicked off the platform.

“The 2021 update was delivered to users via frequent pop-ups asking them to accept the privacy policy. While there was an arrow that allowed users to dismiss the pop-up, they couldn’t opt ​​out or decline the update. If users refused to update their apps, the pop-ups became more frequent, and many users lost the ability to read or respond to chats,” Muktar wrote.

The regulator found this move by WhatsApp, which has a 65% market share in Nigeria, to be anti-competitive.

Meta treats Nigerians differently: The regulator also found that WhatsApp presented Nigerian users with a different privacy policy than its European users. While the 2021 privacy policy update meant that user data could be shared with third parties, WhatsApp did not require third parties to obtain user consent before accessing shared user data.

If you slapped the FCCPC on the issue, you might want to reconsider your position. While you’re at it, we’ll await Meta’s appeal of the FCCPC’s decision.

Join Fincra at the API Conference on July 20, 2024


Calling all developers!! This is your chance to dive deep into Fincra’s extensive suite of payment APIs and SDKs. Come see how you can bring your next big idea to life with easy-to-integrate APIs. Book your place here!

How Namibia is Powering Its Fintech Ecosystem

Leonie DunnDeputy Governor of Namibia’s Central Bank, spoke to TechCabal about his country’s plan to boost its relatively small fintech ecosystem, which numbers just 20 startups, such as PayToday and PayPulse.

“Regulators need to evolve with fintechs. We need to be able to catch up.”

What has the Central Bank done to help the country’s fintech ecosystem?

We have done a lot in Namibia to create an enabling legislative and policy environment. We have enacted a whole set of new laws in 2023, to enable what we call open finance and also to allow fintechs to thrive.

We have adopted an operational fintech regulatory framework since 2021 and created a regulatory sandbox environment where our fintechs can help create a regulatory outcome that will benefit fintechs and what Namibia needs.

What we are trying to achieve is not to stifle the innovation they bring to the market, but rather to co-create a solution where our regulatory environment does not feel threatened by the innovations, but rather complements the innovation that is taking place.

What does a fintech have to do to get a license in Namibia?

For us as regulators it is about the bankability of the product. How the product will affect our market and how it will innovate our financial services space. We don’t want them to do things that already exist in the market because they don’t add any value.

They need to develop new innovative solutions that help consumers participate in the financial system. [The solution] It must serve the marginalized and underserved in the region, as well as the informal economy, because we want them to exploit the opportunities of the formal financial system.

Shop, party and play with Bumpa and Paystack


Join us at Bumpa Pop-up this Saturday, July 27th for a day of fun, food and amazing deals 🛍️ Get a free ticket here →

Flat6Labs Launches $85M Fund Focused on Africa

Flat6Labs Laba regional VC firm, is preparing to launch an $85 million seed fund targeting startups in Egypt, Tunisia and Africa at large. Chief Investment Officer Dina El Shenoufy shared that the company is currently negotiating with financial institutions, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), for participation.

Climate change solutions are at the top of the company’s agenda, along with edtech, logistics, healthcare and agritech, which are particularly important in Egypt and other African markets.

Flat6Labs manages investments worth $96 million in Egypt and the Arab world, having invested in 160 startups, including 95 in the technology, healthcare, e-commerce and logistics sectors through its first fund of $13 million.

Its global accelerator is returning: The company is also in partnership with Shell Egypt to support over 1,000 Egyptian entrepreneurs each year. This initiative is part of the global Shell LiveWIRE program, which has empowered over 10,000 young Egyptians and facilitated the growth of around 200 startups.

Dalia Elgabry, Vice President and Country President of Shell Egypt, highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainable social investment, while Flat6Labs Co-Founder and Chairman Hany Al-Sonbaty highlighted the program’s role in providing resources and mentorship to early-stage entrepreneurs.

The Shell Intilaaqah Egypt program will offer hybrid ideation and matchmaking sessions, bootcamps and incubation cycles, culminating in an annual awards ceremony to celebrate the best innovations.

Master Growth at GrowthCon


GrowthCon is back bigger and better! Discover strategies, tactics and proven success stories of growth and innovation in Africa through curated masterclasses, workshops and case studies led by top growth leaders. This year also includes the Executive Track, exclusively for business leaders and senior executives. Buy your tickets now!

The World Wide Web3

Source:

Coinmarketcap Logo

Name of the coin

Current value

Day

Month

Bitcoin $66,486

– 1.78%

+ 3.31%

Ether $3,465

– 1.76%

– 2.20%

StratoZero

$5.09

+ 1.64%

+ 64.50%

Solana $174.16

– 3.56%

+ 29.61%

* Data updated at 06:40 WAT on 23 July 2024.

  • You can still get an early bird ticket for the second edition of By TechCabalMoonshot Conference! From 9th to 11th October 2024, at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, you can join Africa’s greatest thinkers and doers like Iyin Aboyeji, Wiza Jalakasi, June Angelides, Kola Aina on a global launchpad for change. If you want to join these stakeholders in the African tech ecosystem for three days of enlightening conversations, then Get an early-bird ticket to Moonshot 2024 with a 20% discount.
  • THE Nigeria Fintech Forum will hold its third edition on July 25, 2024, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The Nigeria Fintech Forum hosts senior leaders from the Nigerian fintech and banking sectors, uniting industry stakeholders who are shaping the future of the ecosystem. If your work is in tune with fintech, payments or banking, this is the place for you. Get a ticket here.
  • On September 5, 2024, JICA will host a Nigerian startup ecosystem event in Japan. Find out more here.

You should definitely read them 👇🏾

Want to know more about TechCabal? Sign up for our in-depth newsletters on business and the technology economy in Africa.

PS If you often miss TC Daily in your inbox, check your Promotions folder and move any edition of TC Daily from “Promotions” to your “Main” or “Primary” folder and TC Daily will always arrive.



Source

We are the editorial team of FinCrypt, where seriousness meets clarity in cryptocurrency analysis. With a robust team of finance and blockchain technology experts, we are dedicated to meticulously exploring complex crypto markets with detailed assessments and an unbiased approach. Our mission is to democratize access to knowledge of emerging financial technologies, ensuring they are understandable and accessible to all. In every article on FinCrypt, we strive to provide content that not only educates, but also empowers our readers, facilitating their integration into the financial digital age.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Información básica sobre protección de datos Ver más

  • Responsable: Miguel Mamador.
  • Finalidad:  Moderar los comentarios.
  • Legitimación:  Por consentimiento del interesado.
  • Destinatarios y encargados de tratamiento:  No se ceden o comunican datos a terceros para prestar este servicio. El Titular ha contratado los servicios de alojamiento web a Banahosting que actúa como encargado de tratamiento.
  • Derechos: Acceder, rectificar y suprimir los datos.
  • Información Adicional: Puede consultar la información detallada en la Política de Privacidad.

Fintech

US Agencies Request Information on Bank-Fintech Dealings

FinCrypt Staff

Published

on

Summer Trading Network 2016

Federal banking regulators have issued a statement reminding banks of the potential risks associated with third-party arrangements to provide bank deposit products and services.

The agencies support responsible innovation and banks that engage in these arrangements in a safe and fair manner and in compliance with applicable law. While these arrangements may offer benefits, supervisory experience has identified a number of safety and soundness, compliance, and consumer concerns with the management of these arrangements. The statement details potential risks and provides examples of effective risk management practices for these arrangements. Additionally, the statement reminds banks of existing legal requirements, guidance, and related resources and provides insights that the agencies have gained through their oversight. The statement does not establish new supervisory expectations.

Separately, the agencies requested additional information on a broad range of arrangements between banks and fintechs, including for deposit, payment, and lending products and services. The agencies are seeking input on the nature and implications of arrangements between banks and fintechs and effective risk management practices.

The agencies are considering whether to take additional steps to ensure that banks effectively manage the risks associated with these different types of arrangements.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER

And get exclusive articles on the stock markets



Source

Continue Reading

Fintech

What changes in financial regulation have impacted the development of financial technology?

FinCrypt Staff

Published

on

Block Telegraph Staff

Exploring the complex landscape of global financial regulation, we gather insights from leading fintech leaders, including CEOs and finance experts. From the game-changing impact of PSD2 to the significant role of GDPR in data security, explore the four key regulatory changes that have reshaped fintech development, answering the question: “What changes in financial regulation have impacted fintech development?”

  • PSD2 revolutionizes access to financial technology
  • GDPR Improves Fintech Data Privacy
  • Regulatory Sandboxes Drive Fintech Innovation
  • GDPR Impacts Fintech Data Security

PSD2 revolutionizes access to financial technology

When it comes to regulatory impact on fintech development, nothing comes close to PSD2. This EU regulation has created a new level playing field for market players of all sizes, from fintech startups to established banks. It has had a ripple effect on other markets around the world, inspiring similar regulatory frameworks and driving global innovation in fintech.

The Payment Services Directive (PSD2), the EU law in force since 2018, has revolutionized the fintech industry by requiring banks to provide third-party payment providers (TPPs) with access to payment services and customer account information via open APIs. This has democratized access to financial data, fostering the development of personalized financial instruments and seamless payment solutions. Advanced security measures such as Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) have increased consumer trust, pushing both fintech companies and traditional banks to innovate and collaborate more effectively, resulting in a dynamic and consumer-friendly financial ecosystem.

The impact of PSD2 has extended beyond the EU, inspiring similar regulations around the world. Countries such as the UK, Australia and Canada have launched their own open banking initiatives, spurred by the benefits seen in the EU. PSD2 has highlighted the benefits of open banking, also prompting US financial institutions and fintech companies to explore similar initiatives voluntarily.

This has led to a global wave of fintech innovation, with financial institutions and fintech companies offering more integrated, personalized and secure services. The EU’s leadership in open banking through PSD2 has set a global standard, promoting regulatory harmonization and fostering an interconnected and innovative global financial ecosystem.

Looking ahead, the EU’s PSD3 proposals and Financial Data Access (FIDA) regulations promise to further advance open banking. PSD3 aims to refine and build on PSD2, with a focus on improving transaction security, fraud prevention, and integration between banks and TPPs. FIDA will expand data sharing beyond payment accounts to include areas such as insurance and investments, paving the way for more comprehensive financial products and services.

These developments are set to further enhance connectivity, efficiency and innovation in financial services, cementing open banking as a key component of the global financial infrastructure.

Sebastian Malczyk

General Manager, Technology and Product Consultant Fintech, Insurtech, Miquido

GDPR Improves Fintech Data Privacy

Privacy and data protection have been taken to another level by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), forcing fintech companies to tighten their data management. In compliance with the GDPR, organizations must ensure that personal data is processed fairly, transparently, and securely.

This has led to increased innovation in fintech towards technologies such as encryption and anonymization for data protection. GDPR was described as a top priority in the data protection strategies of 92% of US-based companies surveyed by PwC.

Arid Islam

Financial Expert, Sterlinx Global

Regulatory Sandboxes Drive Fintech Innovation

Since the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) pioneered sandbox regulatory frameworks in 2016 to enable fintech startups to explore new products and services, similar frameworks have been introduced in other countries.

This has reduced the “crippling effect on innovation” caused by a “one size fits all” regulatory approach, which would also require machines to be built to complete regulatory compliance before any testing. Successful applications within sandboxes give regulators the confidence to move forward and address gaps in laws, regulations, or supervisory approaches. This has led to widespread adoption of new technologies and business models and helped channel private sector dynamism, while keeping consumers protected and imposing appropriate regulatory requirements.

George Blandford

Co-founder, UK Linkology

GDPR Impacts Fintech Data Security

A big change in financial regulations that has had a real impact on fintech is the 2018 EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). I have seen how GDPR has pushed us to focus more on user privacy and data security.

GDPR means we have to handle personal data much more carefully. At Leverage, we have had to step up our game to meet these new rules. We have improved our data encryption and started doing regular security audits. It was a little tricky at first, but it has made our systems much more secure.

For example, we’ve added features that give users more control over their data, like simple consent tools and clear privacy notices. These changes have helped us comply with GDPR and made our customers feel more confident in how we handle their information.

I believe that GDPR has made fintech companies, including us at Leverage, more transparent and secure. It has helped build trust with our users, showing them that we take data protection seriously.

Dr. Rhett Stubbendeck

CEO & Co-Founder, Leverage Planning

Related Articles

Source

Continue Reading

Fintech

M2P Fintech About to Raise $80M

FinCrypt Staff

Published

on

M2P Fintech About to Raise $80M

Application Programming Interface (API) Infrastructure Platform M2P Financial Technology has reached the final round to raise $80 million, at a valuation of $900 million.

Specifically, M2P Fintech, formerly known as Yap, is closing a new funding round involving new and existing investors, according to entrackr.com. The India-based company, which last raised funding two and a half years ago, previously secured $56 million in a round led by Insight Partners, earning a post-money valuation of $650 million.

A source indicated that M2P Fintech is ready to raise $80 million in this new funding round, led by a new investor. Existing backers, including Insight Partners, are also expected to participate. The new funding is expected to go toward enhancing the company’s technology infrastructure and driving growth in domestic and international markets.

What does M2P Fintech do?

M2P Fintech’s API platform enables businesses to provide branded financial services through partnerships with fintech companies while maintaining regulatory compliance. In addition to its operations in India, the company is active in Nepal, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Bahrain, Egypt, and many other countries.

Another source revealed that M2P Fintech’s valuation in this funding round is expected to be between USD 880 million and USD 900 million (post-money). The company has reportedly received a term sheet and the deal is expected to be publicly announced soon. The Tiger Global-backed company has acquired six companies to date, including Goals101, Syntizen, and BSG ITSOFT, to enhance its service offerings.

According to TheKredible, Beenext is the company’s largest shareholder with over 13% ownership, while the co-founders collectively own 34% of the company. Although M2P Fintech has yet to release its FY24 financials, it has reported a significant increase in operating revenue. However, this growth has also been accompanied by a substantial increase in losses.

Source

Continue Reading

Fintech

Scottish financial technology firm Aveni secures £11m to expand AI offering

FinCrypt Staff

Published

on

Aveni, Investment Management, AI, NLP, UK

By Gloria Methri

Today

  • To come
  • Aveni Assistance
  • Aveni Detection

Artificial intelligence Financial Technology Aveni has announced one of the largest Series A investments in a Scottish company this year, amounting to £11 million. The investment is led by Puma Private Equity with participation from Par Equity, Lloyds Banking Group and Nationwide.

Aveni combines AI expertise with extensive financial services experience to create large language models (LLMs) and AI products designed specifically for the financial services industry. It is trusted by some of the UK’s leading financial services firms. It has seen significant business growth over the past two years through its conformity and productivity solutions, Aveni Detect and Aveni Assist.

This investment will enable Aveni to build on the success of its existing products, further consolidate its presence in the sector and introduce advanced technologies through FinLLM, a large-scale language model specifically for financial services.

FinLLM is being developed in partnership with new investors Lloyds Banking Group and Nationwide. It is a large, industry-aligned language model that aims to set the standard for transparent, responsible and ethical adoption of generative AI in UK financial services.

Following the investment, the team developing the FinLLM will be based at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, in a state-of-the-art facility.

Joseph Twigg, CEO of Aveniexplained, “The financial services industry doesn’t need AI models that can quote Shakespeare; it needs AI models that deliver transparency, trust, and most importantly, fairness. The way to achieve this is to develop small, highly tuned language models, trained on financial services data, and reviewed by financial services experts for specific financial services use cases. Generative AI is the most significant technological evolution of our generation, and we are in the early stages of adoption. This represents a significant opportunity for Aveni and our partners. The goal with FinLLM is to set a new standard for the controlled, responsible, and ethical adoption of generative AI, outperforming all other generic models in our select financial services use cases.”

Previous Article

Network International and Biz2X Sign Partnership for SME Financing

to know more

IBSi Daily News Analysis

cloud,

SMBs Leverage Cloud to Gain Competitive Advantage, Study Shows

to know more

IBSi FinTech Magazine

  • The Most Trusted FinTech Magazine Since 1991
  • Digital monthly issue
  • Over 60 pages of research, analysis, interviews, opinions and rankings
  • Global coverage

subscribe now

Source

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 FINCRYPT.INFO. All rights reserved. This website provides educational content and highlights that investing involves risks. It is essential to conduct thorough research before investing and to be prepared to assume potential losses. Be sure to fully understand the risks involved before making investment decisions. Important: We do not provide financial or investment advice. All content is presented for educational purposes only.