Fintech
Mexican trade and fintech platform Aplazo BNPL secures $70 million in equity funding

MEXICO CITY, May 13, 2024–(COMMERCIAL WIRE)–Aplazo, a multi-channel payment platform offering flexible payment solutions and commerce enablement tools to help merchants accelerate sales and grow their brands, today announced the closing of an additional $70 million in equity financing dollars, including a $45 million Series B financing.
QED Investors led the equity financing, which also included participation from new investor Volpe Capital and existing investors Oak HC/FT, Kaszek and Picus Capital. Aplazo has now secured more than $100 million in equity financing and $75 million in committed debt financing since its launch in late 2020.
The funding round comes on the heels of triple revenue growth resulting from rapidly expanding market share across online and offline merchants, as well as strong financial performance, operating at near break-even for the past two months. The company will employ the additional capital to continue shaping Aplazo’s best-in-class product offerings for both consumers and merchants and will double down on product innovation, including using artificial intelligence capabilities to understand better meet the needs of consumers and traders and to improve risk decisions.
Angel Peña, CEO and co-founder of Aplazo, said: “Aplazo aims to become the preferred payment method in Mexico through fair, simple and transparent financial solutions, rather than traditional credit products that lure users into a money trap. debt. This behavior has been a common practice in Mexico over the past decades and we put the consumer at the center of our offering of fair payment solutions. With this investment we seek to further advance our mission and we are extremely excited to welcome QED as one of the leading global consumers fintech investors as partners on this journey.”
Aplazo has positioned itself as a category leader in the BNPL space by addressing the massive offline retail market, which represents approximately 93% of total retail sales in Mexico. Currently, in-store transactions account for approximately more than half of Aplazo’s business and have been a significant driver of retention and loyalty.
In many cases, Aplazo is the first and only source of credit, noting that 70% of its users do not have another credit product registered in the bureau’s records. This was coupled with the company’s ability to deliver low single-digit credit loss rates, ranking among the lowest in the country.
Today, 40% of Aplazo users have no credit history, yet the company maintains a credit approval rate above 80%. Peña emphasized that these results highlight the importance of the Aplazo product and the team’s ability to establish a sustainable business model while providing value to both consumers and merchants.
The story continues
Aplazo stands out from any other BNPL provider as the only player that truly offers endless possibilities where a user can “buy now, pay later”. In addition to having Mexico’s largest merchant network, both online and offline, Aplazo offers a single-use virtual card that allows users to purchase in installments wherever they want.
“We have identified clear gaps in the market as we seek to offer consumers better payment and financing products,” Peña added. “We see an opportunity to provide deeper engagement with our customers as they begin to transact more frequently with us. Our ability to offer ubiquitous BNPL services enables the 88% of Mexicans who do not have credit cards to making daily purchases and payments we will see them later in installments, in a simple to understand way, which has a good resonance with the less advantaged Mexican population.”
Aplazo’s success has also been attributed to its focus on providing an exceptional experience to brands. “We serve as a growth lever for our merchant partners to attract new customers and drive online and in-store sales,” said Alex Wieland, chief revenue officer and co-founder of Aplazo. “After working with Aplazo, our partners have seen an average of 60% higher average order value and 30% higher conversion. Additionally, all Aplazo merchants have access to a marketing technology stack and AI tools designed to understand customers’ unique insights to better manage their business.”
Mike Packer, partner at QED Investors and head of LatAm, added: “We are incredibly excited to partner with Aplazo on the journey to become the payment solution of choice in Mexico. The company has made great progress in recent years, including providing economics sustainable units with a laser focus on customer experience. Angel and Alex have surrounded themselves with a world-class team that we believe is only scratching the surface of payment opportunities for consumers and merchants in Mexico.”
Andre Maciel, partner at Volpe Capital, said: “We are extremely excited to partner with Aplazo as the largest BNPL provider in Mexico. Aplazo’s growth profile and unit economics not only make the company stand out among all others competitors we have seen in the region, but also comfortably position the company for self-funded growth in the future.”
About QED Investors:
QED Investors is a leading global venture capital firm headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. Founded by Nigel Morris and Frank Rotman in 2007, QED Investors is focused on investing in disruptive financial services companies around the world. QED Investors is dedicated to building great businesses and uses a unique, hands-on approach that leverages its partners’ decades of entrepreneurial and operational experience, helping companies achieve breakthrough growth. Notable investments include AvidXchange, Betterfly, Bitso, Caribou, ClearScore, Current, Creditas, Credit Karma, Flywire, Kavak, Klarna, Konfio, Loft, Mission Lane, Nubank, QuintoAndar, Remitly, SoFi, Wagestream, and Wayflyer.
Information on Volpe Capital:
Founded in 2021, Volpe Capital seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation by investing in technology-enabled and high-growth opportunities in Latin America. Its partners bring experience from global growth investors and investment banking, such as Warburg Pincus, SoftBank and JP Morgan. Its investments include Caju, CRM&Bonus, Connectly, Uol Edtech, Atlas, Seedz and Welbe.
About Aplazo:
Aplazo is a modern payment network that offers payment solutions and tools to help merchants sell more and grow their brands. With Aplazo, merchants can offer installment payment plans to the 88% of the Mexican population who do not have access to credit cards and cannot pay in installments and instant payments resulting in more than 60% savings on processing fees for the traders. Aplazo merchants have access to a marketing technology stack and AI tools designed to eliminate many of the delivery points in commerce to better manage their business.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240513556631/en/
Contacts
Jessica Hoyos
jessica@aplazo.mx
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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