Connect with us

Fintech

Meet the leading fintech innovators in the Baltics; all are hiring right now

FinCrypt Staff

Published

on

Meet the leading fintech innovators in the Baltics; all are hiring right now

Despite being strategically located between East and West, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania often go unnoticed by executives. However, they are steadily establishing themselves as fintech powerhouses.

The Balkan states faced major economic challenges after regaining their independence in 1991. However, these challenges also presented new opportunities. Post-Soviet countries transitioned to market economies and rapidly transformed their business environment.

One advantage of the Baltic states was their lack of legacy banking infrastructure. Unlike many Western nations that had to transition from traditional banking systems to digital platforms, the Baltics made a direct “leap” to digital financial services.

Today, The Baltic fintech ecosystem consists of over 500 companies tackling digital payments, cryptocurrency, insurtech and more. Estonia’s Wise (formerly TransferWise), Lithuania’s Vinted and Revolut have all reached “unicorn” valuations of over $1 billion (0.92 million euros).

Each of the states has its own successes. Estonia, for example, has the highest number of unicorns per capita in the world. Latvia just won an anti-money laundering (AML) crackdown, making it a wise choice for compliance expertise. Meanwhile, Lithuania has has increased the number of fintech companies from a handful to over 270.

Every state has a unique approach to fintech. Let’s meet some of the disruptors in this sector.

– A message from our partner –

Montonio

Founder(s): Henrik’s Degree, Karel Nappus, Karl Kristjan Kalluste, Kristofer Turmen, Marco Lember, Rasmus Õisma

Founded: 2018

Funding: 14.5 million euros

Hiring: Yes, check job openings Here

Founded by a team of entrepreneurs, Montonio is an all-in-one payment platform for European online merchants. It offers a variety of local payment methods, including card payments, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, all at low costs.

Montonio streamlines the refund process and shipping management for its customer base. It offers a “buy now, pay later” option, which allows customers to split purchases into installments without fees or interest. Merchants, however, will receive full payment up front.

Its dashboard allows merchants to access real-time data on payments, shipments and refunds.

Through its platform, Montonio promises to put an end to overcharging. It also wants to eliminate payment complexity through its self-service API integration.

Xolo

Founder(s): Avocado Alender, Erik Mellon, Erko Hansar, Urmo Parg

Founded: 2015

Funding: 11 million euros

Hiring: Yes, check job openings Here

Fintech Company Xolo has reduced business administration time to almost zero by merging invoicing, compliance, and banking into one app. Designed for entrepreneurs, it serves 40 million professionals worldwide who run their own businesses independently.

Xolo’s platform hosts company formation, banking, accounting and other services, making it the fastest and easiest way to start and run a solo freelance business in Europe.

Although it is headquartered in Tallinn, Xolo’s largest user base is in Germany, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Ukraine and Turkey.

Its typical customers are professionals who need a robust and simple platform for business operations. These include software developers, management consultants, designers, and others.

Led by CEO Mikko Teerenhovi, Xolo currently has 140,000 members and €7.2 million in annualized revenue (ARR).

Your

Founder(s): Jan Laxpere, Where Kreison, Uibo River, Vilve Vene

Founded: 2019

Funding: 45 million euros

Hiring: Yes, check job openings Here

Formerly known as Modularbank, Your is a cloud-based banking platform. Founded by a team of banking and technology experts, the company offers a range of banking services for businesses.

Tuum is designed to easily integrate with existing financial infrastructures. With it, both traditional banks and fintech companies can enhance and add to their digital offerings. Tuum’s platform is cloud-native, which means it can run on all major cloud and private cloud providers.

Tuum, which raised €4 million in a late seed funding round in December 2020, is headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia. Its CEO Vilve Vene employs over 60 people across offices in Berlin and Malaga.

4finance

Founder(s): Aigar Kesenfelds

Founded: 2008

Funding: $734.2 million (€679 million)

Hiring: Yes, check job openings Here

4finance is a fintech company specializing in online and mobile consumer lending. Founded in 2008, the company has become the largest consumer lending group in 11 countries in Europe.

Its lending products include lump sum loans, installment loans, and lines of credit. The company assesses credit risk using advanced analytics to provide specific lending solutions.

The unique approach has led the company to issue over €8 billion in loans to a broad customer base. Leading brands such as Vivus, SMSCredit and Zaplo are included in its customer portfolio.

The corporate group’s offices are located in Riga and London. However, it oversees operations in countries such as Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Spain and Sweden.

4finance also provides its services to its clients through TBI Bank, an EU-authorized banking institution providing loans to consumers and SMEs in Bulgaria and Romania.

Kevin.

Founder(s): Pavel Sokolov, Tadas Sameness

Founded: 2018

Funding: $79.4 million (€73.4 million)

Hiring: Yes, check job openings Here

Based in Vilnius, Lithuania, KAndwine. is a fintech company that offers an advanced account-to-account payment infrastructure. Led by entrepreneur Tadas Tamošiūnas, it has become a major player in the payments industry.

kevin. technology eliminates the need for credit cards by connecting directly to users’ bank accounts. The platform supports traditional cards, pay-by-link, point-of-sale (POS), direct debit and online payments.

kevin. benefits both merchants and consumers with its efficient and convenient transactions. Businesses of all sizes can also use kevin’s customizable and scalable payment solution.

The company has raised $65 million (€60.11 million) in Series A funding from investors such as Accel and Eurazeo. This financial support has allowed kevin. to hire over 300 employees across Europe. He is optimistic that he is on a trajectory towards reaching unicorn status.

Mintos

Founder(s): Martin Sulte, Martin Walter

Founded: 2015

Funding: 14.2 million euros

Hiring: Yes, check job openings Here

Mintos is a global marketplace for investing in loans based in Riga, Latvia. The company was founded by entrepreneurs Martins Sulte and Martins Valters in 2015.

Mintos has created a platform that connects retail investors with lending opportunities. The company serves over 500,000 investors across the European Union. It also manages assets worth over €600 million.

Regulated under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) in the European Union, Mintos is a unique way to create wealth. It implements environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria in its practices. The company also maintains high standards of anti-corruption and anti-bribery measures.

Mintos encourages existing clients and the wider public to become shareholders. Ultimately, it aims to become the leading choice for every individual looking to build long-term wealth.

Profit

Founder(s): Victoria Vanage

Founded: 2017

Funding: Not disclosed

Hiring: Yes, check job openings Here

Profit is a real estate investment platform based in Vilnius, Lithuania, with a new approach to real estate financing. Launched in mid-2018, it aims to democratize real estate investing by allowing users to start investing with as little as €50.

The platform connects investors and real estate developers looking for financing. Investors can browse real estate projects on the platform and choose the ones that align with their goals. The investment is secured by the assets pledged by the project owner, which further secures the transaction.

In 2019, Profitus participated in a trial within the Vilnius-based Realbox Proptech sandbox. The project allowed it to expand its network of investors and customers. Profitus also raised €300,000 in seed funding to further develop its platform.

Evarvest

Founder(s): Stephanie Brennan

Founded: 2018

Funding: €239.5K

Hiring: Yes, check job openings Here

Based in Vilnius, Lithuania, Evarvest is a fintech startup that seeks to change the way individuals invest in the stock market. Founded in early 2018, Evarvest makes global stock exchanges accessible by providing a simple, commission-free investment platform.

The company helps users invest in brands they know, love, and trust, without the complexities associated with stock trading. Even before its official launch, Evarvest already has over 28,000 users on its waiting list.

It now integrates more than 30 global stock exchanges and offers users access to over 9,000 stocks. Evarvest is currently focused on obtaining its brokerage license and finalizing its investment platform.

Despite being a relatively young company, Evarvest has gained recognition in the fintech industry. The startup was recognized in the Barclays Rise Vilnius 2018 Fintech Week Pitch Competition and the FintechInn Conference 2018 Pitch Battle.

Source

We are the editorial team of FinCrypt, where seriousness meets clarity in cryptocurrency analysis. With a robust team of finance and blockchain technology experts, we are dedicated to meticulously exploring complex crypto markets with detailed assessments and an unbiased approach. Our mission is to democratize access to knowledge of emerging financial technologies, ensuring they are understandable and accessible to all. In every article on FinCrypt, we strive to provide content that not only educates, but also empowers our readers, facilitating their integration into the financial digital age.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Información básica sobre protección de datos Ver más

  • Responsable: Miguel Mamador.
  • Finalidad:  Moderar los comentarios.
  • Legitimación:  Por consentimiento del interesado.
  • Destinatarios y encargados de tratamiento:  No se ceden o comunican datos a terceros para prestar este servicio. El Titular ha contratado los servicios de alojamiento web a Banahosting que actúa como encargado de tratamiento.
  • Derechos: Acceder, rectificar y suprimir los datos.
  • Información Adicional: Puede consultar la información detallada en la Política de Privacidad.

Fintech

US Agencies Request Information on Bank-Fintech Dealings

FinCrypt Staff

Published

on

Summer Trading Network 2016

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



Source

Continue Reading

Fintech

What changes in financial regulation have impacted the development of financial technology?

FinCrypt Staff

Published

on

Block Telegraph Staff

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.

Sebastian Malczyk

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.

Arid Islam

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.

George Blandford

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.

Dr. Rhett Stubbendeck

CEO & Co-Founder, Leverage Planning

Related Articles

Source

Continue Reading

Fintech

M2P Fintech About to Raise $80M

FinCrypt Staff

Published

on

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.

Source

Continue Reading

Fintech

Scottish financial technology firm Aveni secures £11m to expand AI offering

FinCrypt Staff

Published

on

Aveni, Investment Management, AI, NLP, UK

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

to know more

IBSi Daily News Analysis

cloud,

SMBs Leverage Cloud to Gain Competitive Advantage, Study Shows

to know more

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

Source

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 FINCRYPT.INFO. All rights reserved. This website provides educational content and highlights that investing involves risks. It is essential to conduct thorough research before investing and to be prepared to assume potential losses. Be sure to fully understand the risks involved before making investment decisions. Important: We do not provide financial or investment advice. All content is presented for educational purposes only.