Fintech
TMC names UK cohort, lawsuit against Houston fintech co. is rejected and more trending innovation news
Editor’s Note:We round up the most read Houston innovation news of the week. Trending articles on Houston tech and startups from InnovationMap and its folks daily newsletter they included a new team for a TMC accelerator, a win for a Houston fintech company, a NASA-backed space program at UH, and more.
16 digital health and medical device companies selected for UK, TMC accelerator
Texas Medical Center has named its second cohort for its UK-focused healthcare technology accelerator. Photo via TMC
For the second time, a UK-backed accelerator hosted by Texas Medical Center Innovation has named 16 companies to its new cohort.
In partnership with Innovate UK, TMC named the new group companies in an announcement this week. The companies are divided into two categories – digital health and medical devices – and cover a wide range of specialties, from AI diagnostics and monitoring to non-surgical management and more.
The accelerator launched last year with its inaugural cohort with the mission of helping companies expand into the United States through the TMC. Keep reading.
Houston college gets $5 million NASA grant to launch new aerospace research center
The five-year NASA grant will go toward creating the NASA MIRO inflatable Deployable Environments and Adaptive Space Systems Center at UH. Photo via UH.edu
The University of Houston was one of seven minority-serving institutions to receive a nearly $5 million grant this month to support aerospace research focused on extending human presence on the Moon and Mars.
The grant of $4,996,136 over five years is funded by the Institutional Research Opportunity (MIRO) program of NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP). According to a statement from the university, the project will go towards establishing the NASA MIRO Center for Inflatable Environments and Adaptive Space Systems (IDEAS2) at UH.
“The vision of the IDEAS2 Center is to become a major national innovation center that advances cutting-edge NASA-focused research and advances 21st century aerospace education,” Karolos Grigoriadis, Moores professor of mechanical engineering and director of the aerospace engineering sector at UH, he said in a statement. Keep reading.
Judge dismisses case of former Trump officials who sued Houston fintech platform
It’s a win for Hello Alice. Photo courtesy of Cayce Clifford/Hi Alice
A Houston fintech company is celebrating the dismissal of a lawsuit brought by former Trump administration officials.
Last year, America First Legal sued Houston-based Hello Alice and its partner, Progressive Insurance, alleging that their program to award 10 $25,000 grants to black-owned small businesses constitutes discrimination racial. The AFL was founded by former Trump administration adviser Stephen Miller and includes a handful of other former White House officials on its board.
The case was dismissed by a federal judge in Ohio, who said that “plaintiffs fail to allege any factual harm that would support their position to seek retroactive or prospective relief,” according to a press release from Hello Alice. Keep reading.
Houston investors are backing a new platform for retail traders who want to follow financial influencers
CashPool is a new mobile platform that offers everyday investors the opportunity to gain influence from investment strategies and trades made by trusted and influential stock traders. Photo via joinmypool.co
As anyone who has witnessed the impact Gamestop meme stocks have had on the country already knows, influential investors can boost the financial sector. And a company with new funding from a Houston firm is betting on exactly that.
CashPool is a new mobile platform that offers everyday investors the opportunity to gain influence from investment strategies and trades made by trusted and influential stock traders who have built substantial followings on social media platforms. By offering retail traders the ability to join the various “pools” of social media influencers on its platform, CashPool is poised to change the way the masses acquire wealth.
This is the type of algorithmic trading aimed at a new generation of investors that is attracting the attention of early-stage venture capital funds like Houston-based Ten X Labs, a pre-seed angel fund that recently invested in CashPool to help trading platform to continue its mission of transforming the investment landscape. Keep reading.
Innovative Coastal Project on Bolivar Peninsula receives federal funding
Known as Ike Dike, the proposed project received federal funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Photo courtesy
Galveston’s Coastal Barrier Project recently received $500,000 in federal funding to support construction of its flood mitigation plans for the area previously devastated by Hurricane Ike in 2008.
Known as Ike Dike, the proposed project includes the implementation of the Galveston Bay Storm Surge Barrier System, including eight Gulf and Bay defense projects. The Bolivar Roads Gate System, a two-mile-long gate structure located between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula, is included in the plans and would protect against storm surge volumes entering the bay.
The financial support comes from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and will go toward the preconstruction engineering and design phase of the G-28 Ecosystem Restoration Project, the first segment of the Bolivar Peninsula and Intracoastal Coastline West Bay Gulf Waterway and Island Protection. Keep reading.
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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