Fintech
F|T: The FinTech Times – Bitfarms rebels against activist takeover
Furthermore: Nesto aims to control the stake in CMLS Financial.
Welcome to FinTech Times, a weekly newsletter covering the biggest FinTech news from around the world. If you want to read F|T before anyone else, make sure you do subscribe using this form.
Riot Platforms makes public its rejection of a $950 million proposal to acquire Bitfarms
Colorado-based Riot Platforms’ proposal to buy another Bitcoin mining company, Toronto-based Bitfarms, for $950 million has been rejected. Now, he said he wants to hold a special meeting aimed at bringing “necessary change” to Bitfarms’ board of directors.
“We are deeply concerned that the founders of Bitfarms’ board of directors, Nicolas Bonta and Emiliano Grodzki, may not be acting in the best interests of all Bitfarms shareholders,” said Riot CEO Jason Les.
Bitfarms said a special committee of its board of directors “carefully considered” Riot’s proposal when it was received in April and determined that it “significantly undervalues the company and its growth prospects.” The company added that it is examining “strategic alternatives to ensure maximum shareholder value,” including a merger or similar transaction, a sale of the company or the continuation of its current business plan.
(BetaKit)
Online mortgage lender Nesto is in talks to buy a controlling stake in CMLS Financial, sources say
Online mortgage lender Nesto Inc. is in talks to buy a controlling stake in Canada’s third-largest non-bank mortgage lender, CMLS Financial Inc., according to three people familiar with the matter.
The deal, which has not been finalized, would allow Montreal-based Nesto to diversify into new lines of business, particularly commercial mortgage lending, a segment of the market that Nesto does not currently serve, one of the sources close to the deal said. negotiations. The globe and the mail.
BCV leads Relay’s second round, while SME-focused FinTech closes C$44 million Series B
Toronto-based FinTech startup Relay has secured approximately C$44 million ($32.2 million) in Series B funding led by existing investor Bain Capital Ventures to consolidate its growth and fuel its development plans of the products.
In an interview with BetaKit, Relay co-founder and CEO Yoseph West said that in what has become a challenging market for technology companies and especially FinTech companies, it was time for Relay to invest in growth .
(BetaKit)
PayPal is planning an advertising push using data on its millions of shoppers
PayPal hopes to boost its growth by launching an ad network enriched with something it already has: data on its millions of users.
The digital payments company plans to build an ad-selling business around the reams of data generated by tracking the purchases and broader spending behaviors of millions of consumers who use its services, which include the Venmo app plus socially enabled.
Cryptocurrency consensus conference coming to Toronto in 2025
A long-standing conference dedicated to digital assets, blockchain, Web3 and artificial intelligence has announced it will be held in Toronto for the first time in 2025.
Consensus 2025 will take place May 14-16, 2025 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Consensus President Michael Casey announced Thursday on the main stage at Consensus 2024 in Austin, Texas.
Consensus says it is the longest-running cryptocurrency and Web3 event globally, with over 15,000 attendees, 750 journalists and 550 speakers at this year’s conference.
(BetaKit)
Elevate reveals speakers and content tracks ahead of 2024 tech festival
Elevate Festival has revealed its lineup of speakers and content for its 2024 event.
This year’s conference will feature a wide range of technology-focused content. The FinTech phase will bring together experts from across the financial sector to discuss the future of the sector and discuss the state of Canadian FinTech compared to that of other nations. BetaKit is a media partner of Elevate and is excited to curate the program for Elevate’s FinTech phase this year.
(BetaKit)
Established for over a decade, this Dallas company just secured $110 million to help people pay bills via text
Solutions by Text, a company that gives people a way to pay bills and apply for loans through text messages, has secured $110 million in new growth funding.
Solutions by Text is not your typical startup capital raise. The company was founded in 2008 by brothers Danny and Mike Cantrell, who ran it until 2021, when Edison Partners wrote its first check into the company as part of a $35 million growth round.
Since its rise at the end of that year, [CEO David] Baxter said SBT saw its revenue increase “more than 3x,” although he declined to say what the underlying revenue was.
Ecosystem spotlight: Alberta tech is striking gold
Less than a decade ago, Alberta’s global reputation had little to do with its tech ecosystem. But according to Joe Timlin, managing director of CIBC Innovation Banking, the province is quickly emerging as a key destination for investment and impact.
“We’ve just seen the ecosystem mature to the point where a number of big-name venture capital and private equity firms have made their first investments in Alberta, and now I think they’re eager to do more after seeing the “opportunity there,” Timlin told BetaKit.
(BetaKit)
Mastercard Launches P2P Crypto Network, Vanity Address System
Mastercard is launching a peer-to-peer platform for cryptocurrency users in Europe and Latin America.
The Mastercard Crypto Credential network, which is in pilot mode, supports transactions on Bit2Me, Lirium and Mercado Bitcoin exchanges, enabling cross-border payments across the Atlantic, Mastercard said in a statement Wednesday. The launch of the P2P platform is part of the payments company’s push to leverage digital assets for cross-border payments, a growing sector of payment services.
When the classroom works on a large scale
Last month, Amanda Fong was in Santiago, Chile, to present a benchmarking analysis to the CEO and management team of a local agriculture-focused venture capital firm.
Originally from Ottawa and now based in Toronto, Fong has a degree in commerce and work experience as a Product Manager for the PC Health portfolio at Loblaw Companies Limited. But she found herself on a two-week study trip to Peru and Chile as part of an elective course in her MBA in Technology Leadership, offered by York University’s Schulich School of Business.
“The pace of change in business is unprecedented,” he explained. “To stay competitive and effective, I knew I needed to invest in myself, continually develop my skills, and challenge the status quo.”
(BetaKit)
What’s good, readers?
It’s time to tell us what you think! We’re reaching out to the BetaKit community as the Collision conference comes to Toronto for its fifth year. Let us know if you’ll be attending, which speakers you’d like to see on stage, and share your tips for tech visitors to Toronto during the conference.
We will use anonymized data to inform our next coverage. Your information is important to us, so please complete our quick BetaKit survey Here.
F|T: The FinTech Times is run by Schulich
Embrace revolution and innovation
In today’s business world, every leader needs a technological edge. Schulich’s Tech MBA offers an innovative, ever-evolving curriculum and experiential learning opportunities in Toronto’s tech scene. Designed for those who aim to lead transformation, not just follow it.
Watch our “Tech Talks” video series to learn more.
Featured image by Dmitry Demidko through Unsplash
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