Fintech
Plenty raises $5 million for couples’ financial planning app

Good morning, Broadsheet readers! Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo talks Olympics, Adidas names former WNBA player Candace Parker president of women’s basketball business, and a new fintech platform wants to make it easier for couples to combine finances and put more women in place guide. Have a thoughtful Thursday!
– Financial project. When Emily Luk and Channing Allen started talking about getting engaged, they took the first steps towards combining their finances. They asked each other questions about a list of topics to discuss with their partner before getting married. The couple, who met while working at fintech startup Even, later acquired by Walmart, went from sending Venmo requests to split the costs of big trips to figuring out how they would buy a house or raise children.
Throughout the process, they realized that combining finances for people in their demographic (millennials getting married in their 30s) wasn’t easy. Everyone they knew would get married after at least a decade in the workforce and were used to managing their money independently. And their friends relied on a long list of apps, from budgeting apps to investment roboadvisors to their regular bank. These apps were designed for one user; While many platforms allow a secondary user to view accounts, most do not allow two users to deposit and withdraw funds. “Existing institutions took for granted this very patriarchal assumption that only one person in the relationship is actually involved in managing money,” Luk says.
The experience planted the seeds of Plenty, Luk and Allen’s platform to help couples manage their money. Luk, a Stripe alumnus, is now the CEO of the company, which launched in 2022; Allen is its chief technology officer. The platform debuts today, with $5 million in initial funding, Fortune is first to report. Its investors include Inovia Capital, Garage Capital, Otherwise Fund and Interplay. Meena Harris’ Phenomenal Ventures and Kevin Durant’s 35 Ventures were among its pre-seed investors.
Channing Allen and Emily Luk, the married co-founders of Plenty, a money management platform for couples.
Courtesy of Plenty
The founders designed their platform for couples to manage their finances with a “yours, mine and ours” strategy. Both members of a couple can have accounts that belong only to them along with joint accounts on the shared platform and even private accounts that the other person can’t see – something Luk says those who cautiously combine finances for first time want. They have protocols in place for breakups; users keep what was only theirs on the platform and can later add a new partner to their account.
The eight-person startup combines tools from traditional financial planners, budgeting apps and roboadvisors. Plenty costs $100 per person per year and offers financial products including cash management, investments, budgeting and forecasting. The goal is to add more products, such as a couple’s first joint credit card.
Luk spent time reflecting on women’s approach to money in relationships. 74% of widows and divorcees interviewed by UBS they discovered “negative financial surprises” after losing a spouse or ending their relationship, sometimes examining emails and accounts to figure out what they had; 76% said they would like to be more involved in long-term financial decisions. She hopes that making it easier for couples to see everything in one place will put fewer women in that position. “Our goal is to become the primary place for a couple to manage their money,” he says.
Emma Hinchliffe
emma.hinchliffe@fortune.com
The Broadsheet is Fortune’s newsletter for and about the world’s most powerful women. Today’s edition was edited by Joseph Abrams. subscribe Here.
EVEN IN THE TITLES
– Start of game. In a new interview with Time magazine, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says “a woman was needed” to bring the 2024 Olympics to the French city in its fourth attempt to host the games. Hidalgo sees hosting the Olympics as an opportunity to promote the environmental policies and infrastructure that she considers her legacy. Time
– Brand building. Adidas has named recently retired WNBA star Candace Parker as president of its women’s basketball business. Parker was the first woman to design a signature shoe for Adidas in 2010 and will now help the company fill product gaps that previously left women without viable choices. Fast company
– Club fair. London’s famous Garrick Club has voted to accept women into its exclusive pool of famous and politically powerful members despite criticism of its centuries-old men-only policy. Actress Judy Dench and scholar Mary Beard were among the women club members said they would quickly nominate as members. New York Times
– Protection pin. A male contraceptive that founder Kevin Eisenfrats compares to an IUD is currently undergoing clinical trials in Australia and is aiming for FDA approval. The contraceptive called ADAM, developed by Eisenfrats’ startup Contraline, is an injectable gel that blocks sperm. TechCrunch
– Ghost votes. Nikki Haley won more than 21% of the vote in Indiana’s presidential primary Tuesday, in the latest show of support for the former Republican presidential nominee. Haley, who dropped out of the race in March, also won 17% of the vote in Pennsylvania’s race two weeks ago. AP
MOVERS AND SHAKERS: Instagram promoted vice president of finance Emily Reuter to the financial director.
ON MY RADAR
So body positivity was “all a big lie”? Cutting
Drake and Kendrick Lamar don’t care about misogyny Vox
Stormy Daniels’ testimony highlights Trump’s misogyny The Atlantic
WORDS OF PARTICIPATION
“What if I told you that your company increased revenue by $140 million in five years… and is now valued at over $1 billion alone? You would jump for joy.”
– WNBA player and ESPN host Chiney Ogwumike the growth of the championship
This is the web version of The Broadsheet, a daily newsletter for and about the world’s most powerful women. Registration to receive it for free in your inbox.
Source
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
-
DeFi8 months ago
DeFi Technologies Appoints Andrew Forson to Board of Directors
-
News8 months ago
Block Investors Need More to Assess Crypto Unit’s Earnings Potential, Analysts Say — TradingView News
-
Fintech8 months ago
US Agencies Request Information on Bank-Fintech Dealings
-
DeFi8 months ago
Switchboard Revolutionizes DeFi with New Oracle Aggregator
-
News8 months ago
Bitcoin and Technology Correlation Collapses Due to Excess Supply
-
DeFi8 months ago
Is Zypto Wallet a Reliable Choice for DeFi Users?
-
Fintech8 months ago
What changes in financial regulation have impacted the development of financial technology?
-
Videos1 month ago
“Artificial intelligence is bringing us to a future that we may not survive” – Sco to Whitney Webb’s Waorting!
-
Fintech8 months ago
Scottish financial technology firm Aveni secures £11m to expand AI offering
-
Fintech8 months ago
Scottish financial technology firm Aveni raises £11m to develop custom AI model for financial services
-
News10 months ago
ValueZone launches new tools to maximize earnings during the ongoing crypto summer
-
Markets10 months ago
Crypto Expert Provides Analysis of Top Altcoins, Market Sees Slight Rise