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Private Equity Firms Target Middle Market Fintech and Payments Companies – Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News

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Private Equity Firms Target Middle Market Fintech and Payments Companies - Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News

Of Fintechnews Switzerland
June 7, 2024

Middle-market fintech and payments companies are gaining prominence in the broader fintech mergers and acquisitions (M&A) landscape, attracting the attention of private equity (PE) firms for their strong growth potential, stable profit margins and strong customer bases, a new analyst note from private market data provider PitchBook.

Middle-market fintech companies fall between small, early-stage startups and large, established companies in terms of size and maturity. These companies cater to mid-sized businesses or consumers and often specialize in specific products or services tailored to their target audience. They typically generate moderate revenues and maintain a moderate market presence compared to larger fintech players, but still represent a significant part of the overall fintech ecosystem.

Second According to the PitchBook note, middle-market fintech companies are increasingly attractive to larger companies, especially given the relative ease of financing and executing deals in this space. These companies have also shown strong performance in an environment of high inflation, making them attractive targets for investment.

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<p>In Q1 2024, PitchBook reported 16 fintech PE buyouts, a notable increase from Q1 2023’s 11, the 2023 average of 11 buyouts per quarter, and the H2 2022 average of 14 per quarter.  Among these transactions, payment companies accounted for the majority at 38%, continuing a trend seen for at least the past four years.  Corporate payments were the leading segment for PE acquisitions over the past 12 months (27%), as well as over the past four years (26%), the note said.</p>
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Quarterly corporate fintech PE buyout activity, Source: Q1 2024 Fintech M&A Review, PitchBook, May 2024

According to PitchBook, payments companies are particularly attractive targets due to their ability to withstand inflation and maintain stable revenue streams. These companies provide a service that nearly everyone needs and benefit from robust consumer and business spending. Unlike software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies, payment companies charge customers a percentage of each transaction rather than a fixed annual contract price. This model protects them from the negative impacts of inflation and could also offer some benefits in such economic conditions, the statement said.

Additionally, PitchBook points out that industry-specific payment tools, combined with workflow software, can generate the kind of revenue and margin growth that creates attractive buyout returns. One such example is the acquisition by Jobox.ai from Talus Pay, a payment processing solutions provider for small and medium-sized merchants owned by Alvarez and Marsal Capital. Jobox.ai specializes in payments for home services and workflow software. This acquisition complements Talus Pay’s existing focus areas, including healthcare, retail, restaurants, manufacturing and government.

Another example is the acquisition of MuniciPAY by Autoagent Data Solutions in January. MuniciPAY operates as a city payment gateway for municipalities. Autoagent Data Solutions, known for tax escrow and government payment processing services, has acquired MuniciPay to expand its payment gateway for citizens, allowing local governments to consolidate incoming revenue in one place.

According to the note, these companies, which combine payments and software, have a competitive advantage that is difficult for others to penetrate, along with a loyal customer base, which makes them attractive targets.

M&A activity in the fintech sector is picking up

Analyzing corporate acquisition patterns, the PitchBook note highlights a pickup in activity this year. In the first quarter of 2024, corporate acquisitions reached 18 deals, compared to a four-year low of 14 in the fourth quarter of 2023.

During the quarter, the increase in corporate mergers and acquisitions was largely driven by a more positive outlook among executive leadership teams. Until recently, business leaders faced challenges related to slowing revenue growth due to declining stimulus. They also expected a recession due to rate increases and an inverted yield curve. However, according to the report, the ecosystem exceeded expectations.

The quarter also saw large financial firms actively acquiring fintech companies to add new products and improve existing offerings. JP Morgan, for example, purchased LayerOne Financial will improve its offering for hedge funds in March. With the agreement, clients of Neovest, a 100% subsidiary of JP Morgan, will be able to monitor their portfolios, conduct risk assessments, send orders to their brokers and perform compliance checks, all from a single platform, the companies said in a statement.

In the first quarter of 2024, corporate acquisitions in North America were concentrated in New York, San Francisco and other large cities, the note said. Many of these deals involved small businesses with between 5 and 20 employees, indicating that companies continue to acquire talent and technology. The top segments by number of deals were capital markets (23%), CFO software (18%) and financial services infrastructure (18%).

Globally, the total value of fintech M&A deals announced in the first quarter of 2024 reached the highest level since the fourth quarter of 2021, totaling $75.7 billion across 282 transactions, according to data from Financial Technology Partners, an investment banking firm focused on fintech. show. Although the number of trades decreased by 11% compared to the first quarter of 2023, the overall volume increased by 7.5 times.

The increase in M&A volume was driven by a resurgence in $1 billion-plus M&A deals, which numbered 11 in the first quarter of 2024 compared to just two announced in the same period last year. These big deals included that of Capital One proposed a $35 billion takeover of Discover Financial Services, KKR’s purchase of a 50% stake in Cotiviti a Valuation of $11 billionexchange platform Webull’s $7.3 billion merger deal with special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) SK Growth Opportunities and Nationwide Building Society’s $3.7 billion acquisition of Virgin Money.

Global fintech M&A volume - quarterly, Source: Q1 2024 Quarterly Fintech Insights, Financial Technology Partners Research, April 2024

Global fintech M&A volume – quarterly, Source: Q1 2024 Quarterly Fintech Insights, Financial Technology Partners Research, April 2024

This article first appeared on fintechnews.am

Featured image credit: Edited by freepik

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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.

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Fintech

US Agencies Request Information on Bank-Fintech Dealings

FinCrypt Staff

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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.

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

FinCrypt Staff

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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

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M2P Fintech About to Raise $80M

FinCrypt Staff

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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.

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

FinCrypt Staff

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Aveni, Investment Management, AI, NLP, UK

By Gloria Methri

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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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