Fintech
FinTech IPO Index Drops 2% Despite New Initiatives
Only one name in the FinTech IPO Index posted earnings this week, while the overall group is down 1.95% over the past five days. Among the names that have pushed shares up and down, bank/FinTech partnerships and some forays into card-not-present security efforts have led the way.
Let’s start with Angrywhich closed the week slightly down, going from $27.21 a share at the beginning of the week, to $25.71 at the end of the day on Thursday (July 25).
In a announcement this week, the Elk River BankA Minnesota-based community bank has partnered with Upstart to offer digital personal loans to customers outside their usual banks.
Bank of Elk River became a lending partner of Upstart Referral Network in June 2023, the companies noted. With Upstart Referral Network, qualified personal loan applicants on Upstart.com who meet Bank of Elk River credit policies will complete an online application and closing process in a Bank of Elk River-branded experience.
Galileo Moves Into Credit Card Fraud Prevention
SoFi The stock had a flat week: $7.27 at the start and close. As reported here, the company Galileo Financial Technologies now offers 3D Secure to help customers protect themselves from card-not-present (CNP) debit and credit card fraud. Galileo 3D Secure Access Control Server is available to customers in the United States, Canada, and Latin America.
“With the rise of CNP fraud, the benefits of 3D Secure go far beyond payment security: it’s about enabling our customers across all industries to proactively manage risk, while ensuring a seamless customer experience in an efficient and secure payment product,” David FireProduct Manager at Galileo. 3D Secure, a security protocol developed by credit card networks, can reduce fraud rates by up to six times compared to non-3DS transactions.
The protocol adds a layer of security to authenticate online credit and debit card transactions by requiring the cardholder to verify their identity through an additional password, one-time code, or other means. 3D Secure also protects businesses from disputes, as payments successfully authenticated through the protocol shift the liability for chargebacks from the business to the card issuer, Galileo said.
Hacksaw Shares started at $84.50 and closed Thursday at $82.65.
At the beginning of the monthNews broke that Sezzle has added Spanish-language functionality to its buy now, pay later (BNPL) app and checkout. The feature is designed to appeal to the 40 million Americans who speak Spanish, the company said, and where 22 percent of Sezzle users speak Spanish at home. By eliminating language barriers and other financial hurdles, Sezzle seeks to provide Spanish-speaking consumers with the tools they need to effectively manage their finances, including BNPL services.
Charlie YouakimSezzle CEO, expressed the company’s dedication to breaking down financial barriers: “At Sezzle, we are committed to making financial freedom accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or language. The introduction of our Spanish translation capability is a significant step in ensuring that all individuals have the tools they need to thrive financially.”
Kaspi Earnings
In one of the few earnings reports to be published among our FinTech IPO names, Woh released results this week that showed second-quarter revenue rose 36% year over year. Its payment and marketplace platforms together accounted for 68% of consolidated net profit, up from 61% in the first half of last year. Revenue from value-added services increased 4.2 times year over year.
Within its marketplace platform, eCommerce GMV increased 113% year-over-year. The company said that the grocery segment GMV increased 99%. Company materials reveal that in the first half of 2024, the company’s payments platform had 721,000 merchants and 13.2 million consumers. During the same time frame, transaction volumes increased 46% and 44% year-over-year, respectively. “Volumes continue to grow rapidly due to the growth of Kaspi Pay transactions, the rapid adoption of B2B payments, and the continued popularity of bill payments,” Kaspi said.
A tough week in the market meant that despite the positive earnings, the stock price was down. Kaspi shares started the week at $145.00 and closed at $129.91.
See more in: Elk River Bank, credit cards, debit card, Earnings, e-commerce, Featured News, Fintech Investments, FinTech IPO Index, fraud, Fraud Prevention, Galileo, Woh, News, PYMNTS News, to seduce, SoFi, Angry
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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