Fintech
Office of the Governor | Governor Murphy Announces Fintech Accelerator Proposal in Hoboken
NJ FAST is the fourth strategic innovation center in the state and will support research and development, innovation and entrepreneurship in the Fintech and Insuretech sectors
HOBOKEN, NJ (May 7, 2024) – Governor Phil Murphy announced today that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and Plug and playa Silicon Valley-based innovation platform and company known for connecting startups, corporations, venture capital firms, and government agencies, has launched an acceleration hub known as the Fintech Accelerator at Stevens Institute of Technology (NJ FAST). FAST is the first East Coast location for Plug and Play, which has partnerships around the world.
THE Strategic Innovation Center (SIC) will serve as a hub for financial technology (fintech) and insurance technology (insuretech) startups. Stevens Institute of Technology will serve as a founding academic partner and Financial Prudential will serve as a founding member of NJ FAST.
“As the fourth strategic innovation hub, NJ FAST positions New Jersey to remain at the forefront of innovation, research and development, particularly in the cutting-edge fintech and insuretech sectors,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “NJ FAST will enable new entrepreneurs to bring their world-class ideas to New Jersey, further growing our state’s inherently impressive talent pool, all while capitalizing on the resources and expertise of our partners at Stevens Institute of Technology. Our partnership with Plug and Play sends a clear message: when it comes to technology and innovation, the Garden State is the place to be.”
NJEDA and Plug and Play have signed a non-binding letter of intent to form a limited partnership known as NJ FAST. The two entities will oversee the NJ FAST accelerator program with the opportunity to make equity investments in select participating companies. The program will host two cohorts per year, with a minimum of 10 companies per cohort. Companies will be recruited globally to participate in the program, but at least 20 percent of the cohort will be New Jersey-based and there will be a strong focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. Equity investments of up to $1 million will be made in at least 15 percent of the participating companies.
Pending approval by the Board of Directors, NJEDA intends to invest up to $17.5 million in the fintech accelerator.
“Since taking office, Governor Murphy has prioritized growing New Jersey’s innovation economy, ensuring that tomorrow’s companies have access to world-class resources and support as entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses,” said Tim Sullivan, CEO of NJEDA. “Supported by NJEDA’s Strategic Innovation Center program, NJFAST aims to make New Jersey a national leader in fintech and insuretech by supporting innovation, which will help scale up startups and drive the creation of new technologies that will in turn create jobs and support long-term sustainable economic growth across the state.”
Plug and Play was founded in the 1990s and achieved early success by investing in companies like PayPal and Dropbox. The company has more than 60 locations across five continents, with NJ FAST being the company’s first partnership on the East Coast. Plug and Play’s network is comprised of 50,000 startups, more than 500 leading companies, and hundreds of venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies. From 2020 to 2022, Plug and Play was the world’s most active startup accelerator, according to CB InformationPlug and Play invests in over 250 companies each year.
The company plans to commit at least 10 percent of its total capital commitment, up to $2.5 million, in funding for the Innovation Center and will seek funding and industry support from various corporate entities.
“We couldn’t be more excited to land in New Jersey and work with NJEDA, Stevens Institute and Prudential to grow our presence on the East Coast and implement our open innovation approach in the financial services and insurance industry to identify and accelerate the most promising startups in the space,” said Michael Olmstead, Chief Revenue Officer at Plug and Play.
Stevens Institute and Prudential will provide training and other educational, licensing and research opportunities for startup companies participating in NJ FAST and more. Stevens will also host events annually on its campus and provide a permanent team of student interns who will work to support participating companies.
Stevens Institute already has a strong presence in the fintech space. Its fintech-focused research center, the Center for Research Toward Advancing Financial Technologies, collaborates with academic and industry partners on innovative solutions such as decentralized finance, AI-enabled finance, quantum finance, and solutions to climate impacts on investments. The research center also works to protect financial data by building and testing fairer trading platforms and supporting improved market simulation and stress testing tools.
“NJFAST is an excellent example of a public-private partnership in higher education that has the potential to bring significant economic value to our state and serve as a national and global leader,” he said.assists Stevens Institute of Technology President Nariman Farvardin. “Stevens is pleased to leverage her deep and significant expertise in financial systems, technology and entrepreneurship, and our knowledge of emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and quantum computing, for the benefit of all partners and the state.”
With renowned financial institutions such as Prudential, Barclay’s, Fiserv and JP Morgan already present in New Jersey, NJ FAST will build on the state’s long history as a leader in the financial sector. With a focus on financial technology, NJ FAST will support the growth of new types of companies and career opportunities, expanding New Jersey’s influence in the national finance and financial technology sectors.
“NJ FAST will create exciting new business ventures for entrepreneurs in Hudson County, New Jersey and the region. Investments like this are critical to creating jobs and expanding New Jersey’s innovation economy,” said Kathleen Coviello, NJEDA’s chief economic transformation officer. “NJ FAST will serve as a central hub for innovative fintech entrepreneurs, enabling the advancement of new cutting-edge developments.”
SICs are facilities that support research and development, innovation, and entrepreneurship through mentoring, networking opportunities, hands-on training, business support services, and educational opportunities. SICs can be accelerators, incubators, or research centers. Having a physical location where entrepreneurs can collaborate will help support diverse new innovators and drive long-term economic growth.
Last week, Governor Murphy attended the cutting of the ribbon at HAX’s flagship U.S. headquarters in Newark. HAX, also a SIC, will support 100 new companies over the next five years, generating at least 2,500 new jobs.
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.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER
And get exclusive articles on the stock markets
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
Related Articles
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.”
Previous Article
Network International and Biz2X Sign Partnership for SME Financing
IBSi Daily News Analysis
SMBs Leverage Cloud to Gain Competitive Advantage, Study Shows
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
-
DeFi6 months ago
DeFi Technologies Appoints Andrew Forson to Board of Directors
-
News7 months ago
Block Investors Need More to Assess Crypto Unit’s Earnings Potential, Analysts Say — TradingView News
-
Fintech6 months ago
US Agencies Request Information on Bank-Fintech Dealings
-
DeFi6 months ago
Switchboard Revolutionizes DeFi with New Oracle Aggregator
-
News8 months ago
ValueZone launches new tools to maximize earnings during the ongoing crypto summer
-
News7 months ago
Bitcoin and Technology Correlation Collapses Due to Excess Supply
-
DeFi6 months ago
Is Zypto Wallet a Reliable Choice for DeFi Users?
-
Fintech6 months ago
What changes in financial regulation have impacted the development of financial technology?
-
Fintech6 months ago
Scottish financial technology firm Aveni secures £11m to expand AI offering
-
Fintech6 months ago
Scottish financial technology firm Aveni raises £11m to develop custom AI model for financial services
-
Markets8 months ago
Crypto Expert Provides Analysis of Top Altcoins, Market Sees Slight Rise
-
Fintech8 months ago
The most influential women in Fintech 2024