Fintech
31% of the Ark Fintech Innovation ETF is invested in just 4 stocks
These have been difficult years for investors in Innovation Ark ETF. As its value peaked at $158 per share in early 2021, the exchange-traded fund (ETFs) is down 73%. However, this is just one of Cathie Wood’s investment management firm’s ETF offerings. Another produced much better results: the ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (NYSEMKT: ARKF).
Since the start of 2023, the value of the Ark Innovation Fintech ETF has risen 87%, outpacing Wood’s flagship ETF, which is up 36% over the same period. It also surpassed the Nasdaq composite index (+71%) and the S&P500 (up 40%).
The ETF holds several fintech stocks, but there are four that represent the fund’s largest holdings and together they make up nearly a third of the portfolio. I am:
1. Coinbase Global (11.6% of ETF portfolio)
Global Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) operates one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world. It is positioned to serve as an easy on-ramp for people looking to buy or sell Bitcoin or any of the other 250 cryptocurrencies listed.
The company is heavily involved in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, providing infrastructure for on-chain businesses, including digital wallets, decentralized apps, and other engagement platforms.
Coinbase’s growth is strongly linked to trading activity in the cryptocurrency markets. In 2021, the cryptocurrency market capitalization increased as retail and institutional investors flocked to the asset class and the company reported revenues of $7.8 billion. However, in each of the last two years, its revenue has been less than half that amount.
Things are off to a good start for Coinbase this year. First quarter results were exceptional, as revenue grew 187% year-over-year, driven by solid transaction volume, new user growth, and higher average trade volume per user.
The company will continue to focus on revenue expansion through transaction volume and its stablecoin and will work to achieve further regulatory claritywhich should clarify the uncertainty surrounding the sector.
2. Shopify (7.7% of ETF portfolio)
Shopify (NYSE: SHOP) is a crucial player among retailers (especially those with e-commerce needs), offering a platform and range of services that make it easy for businesses of any size to open and operate stores (especially online stores). Its platform is simple to use and also offers numerous features, including product management, inventory tracking, and payment processing, making store management seamless.
The company’s revenue growth is stellar. Over the past five years, revenues have grown from $1.58 billion to $7 billion, a compound annual growth rate of 35%. The final results, however, were more mixed. Earnings surged in 2021 as e-commerce activity skyrocketed during the pandemic. But in 2022, Shopify reported losses of nearly $3.5 billion. Last year, cost-cutting measures helped it return to profit with net profit of $132 million.
The story continues
Shopify is well positioned in an ever-expanding industry. According to a forecast from the Boston Consulting Group, e-commerce sales will grow at a compound annual rate of 9% through 2027, when they are expected to make up 41% of global retail sales, up from 18% in 2017.
3. Block (7.2% of ETF portfolio)
To block(NYSE: SQ)’s first product, the Square point-of-sale system, made it easy for small and medium-sized businesses to process digital and card payments and manage sales. Its system replaced bulky hardware and allowed small businesses to easily accept payments using smartphones and tablets.
Its Cash App has streamlined peer-to-peer payments, making it easier to send and receive money. Since then, the app has grown into a full-fledged financial services platform, allowing people to bank, invest, and hold cryptocurrencies in one place. According to The Motley Fool’s Generational Investing Tools survey, Cash App also has the advantage of being the most used investing app among all generations.
Block is in the midst of a year of transformation. CEO Jack Dorsey is trying to streamline the business and improve synergies across the company’s offerings: Square, Cash App and Afterpay, its “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) service. The company also plans to invest heavily in Bitcoin, linking its long-term success to the cryptocurrency’s future.
4. Robinhood Markets (4.9% of ETF portfolio)
Robinhood Markets (NASDAQ:HOOD) aims to democratize investing for everyone, but in its efforts to do so it has generated its share of criticism for the way it has done so (including concerns about the gamification of stock trading). However, there is no denying that it has been one of the most innovative companies in the brokerage industry over the past decade. The company has popularized features such as commission-free trading, fractional share trading, and an intuitive interface.
Robinhood’s initial growth was impressive, but it has slowed in the years since the meme-stock-fueled trading frenzy of 2021. The company is taking steps to reignite growth, including offering high returns on uninvested cash to its Robinhood Gold members and retirement. matching accounts to bring more funds to the platform.
In 2024, the company reported its best quarterly results since going public. This improvement is due to a growing asset base, robust transaction volumes, higher net interest income and growing subscription revenues. Robinhood will continue to focus on its subscription business and retirement accounts to attract more funds to its platform and, like Coinbase, seeks more clarity on its cryptocurrency activities from regulators.
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Courtney Carlsen has positions in Bitcoin and Block. The Motley Fool has positions and recommends Bitcoin, Block, Coinbase Global, and Shopify. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
31% of the Ark Fintech Innovation ETF is invested in just 4 stocks was originally published by The Motley Fool
Fintech
US Agencies Request Information on Bank-Fintech Dealings
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.
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Fintech
What changes in financial regulation have impacted the development of financial technology?
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.
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.
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.
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.
CEO & Co-Founder, Leverage Planning
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Fintech
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.
Fintech
Scottish financial technology firm Aveni secures £11m to expand AI offering
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.”
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