Fintech
Forget Nvidia. Two billionaire investors just cut their positions and both bought the same Fintech stocks.
Billionaire hedge fund pioneer Paul Tudor Jones of Tudor Investment has reduced his stake in the chip giant Nvidia in the first quarter, undoubtedly making a good profit from the sale. He then channeled that money into a new investment in a struggling fintech company PayPal (NASDAQ:PYPL).
Jones wasn’t the only investor to make this move, as Coatue Management’s Philippe Laffont made a similar move, reducing his stake in Nvidia and increasing his position in PayPal. The investor, worth an estimated $6 billion, invested in PayPal shares, taking his holdings from 27,200 shares at the end of 2023 to more than 8 million shares at the end of March.
Let’s take a look at what might have attracted these billionaires to PayPal, and whether investors should follow their lead and snap up the stock.
An inexpensive stock
One of the first things that likely attracted Tutor Investment and Coatue Management to PayPal stock is its valuation. The stock has had a difficult run in recent years, losing more than 40% in the last five years.
During this period, PayPal has significantly increased its revenue however; however, it has seen some pressure on gross margins over the past two years. However, this has left the stock trading at a very attractive valuation.
PYPL PE ratio chart (forward).
The company only trades in forward price/earnings ratio (P/E) ratio of just over 15.5 times and onwards selling price (P/S) ratio close to 2 times. That doesn’t tell the whole story, as the company also has $8 billion in net cash and investments, including about $1.8 billion in equity investments. Excluding that, its forward P/E falls close to 13.5x.
That’s an inexpensive valuation, but a cheap stock alone isn’t a good enough reason to invest in PayPal.
A turning point opportunity
The other big factor that likely attracted these billionaire investors to PayPal is CEO James Chriss and his plans to transform the company and position it for the future. Chriss took the reins as CEO of PayPal last September, returning from PayPal Intuition where he ran the company’s small business and self-employed group.
He quickly established himself as a strong leader by pushing PayPal to innovate. Since Chriss took over, the company has come up with a number of advancements driven by artificial intelligence (AI). Perhaps the most interesting is the Fastlane product. This new payment solution allows a merchant’s customers to checkout with one touch without having to create an account and provide credit card information to multiple merchants. Online retailers lose a lot of potential business when consumers fail to complete their purchases.
The story continues
In early testing, PayPal merchants who tested Fastlane saw an 80% increase in conversion rates. This is a huge win for retailers and makes a product like Fastlane highly desirable. The company will begin rolling out the product nationwide in the second half of the year.
PayPal has also introduced a number of other value-added solutions. It announced a pair of marketing-focused products, such as Smart Receipts and Advanced Offer Platforms, that will allow merchants to create personalized recommendations and personalize offers using data based on what customers have purchased in the past, on their own websites or through the market. Internet. It also introduced a fraud management solution.
With innovation, the company is also looking to change the way its solutions are priced. One of PayPal’s problems in recent years has been deteriorating gross margins, as companies have shifted more toward its lower-margin BrainTree unbranded solution. Chriss believes that the value of PayPal solutions far exceeds that of competing offerings and therefore plans to begin pricing based on value. During PayPal’s first-quarter earnings call, Chriss said that while this process will take time, the company is already having conversations with its major customers about pricing and focusing on business outcomes.
Image source: Getty Images.
Is it time to buy stocks?
PayPal is an inexpensive stock with a solid balance sheet that has continued to grow its revenue solidly. Gross margins have been an issue, but the company clearly has a plan in place to address this through innovation and value-based pricing.
This is an interesting combination and is why the stock has started to attract the attention of renowned billionaire investors. While there is always a risk that PayPal’s new products will not gain traction or that its pricing power will be limited, given its valuation, this seems like a good opportunity to invest in the stock ahead of a potential turnaround. Therefore, this is still a great time to buy fintech stocks.
Should You Invest $1,000 in PayPal Right Now?
Before you buy stock in PayPal, consider this:
The analyst team at Motley Fool Stock Advisor has just identified what they believe is the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and PayPal wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Nvidia you created this list on April 15, 2005… if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you would have $566,624!*
Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow model of success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks every month. The stock advisory service has more than quadrupled the return of the S&P 500 index since 2002*.
*Equity advisor will return starting May 13, 2024
Geoffrey Seiler has positions in PayPal. The Motley Fool has positions and recommends Intuit, Nvidia and PayPal. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: Short June 2024 $67.50 PayPal Calls. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Forget Nvidia. Two billionaire investors just cut their positions and both bought the same Fintech 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.
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
-
News7 months ago
Bitcoin and Technology Correlation Collapses Due to Excess Supply
-
News8 months ago
ValueZone launches new tools to maximize earnings during the ongoing crypto summer
-
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