Fintech
This Week in Fintech: TFT’s bi-weekly news roundup 05/23

Welcome to The times of fintech Bi-weekly news roundup Thursday 23 May 2024, with the latest updates from around the world.
Partnerships
Private money 3 (P3) is strengthening its established partnership with ClearBank, a cloud-based clearing bank. In collaboration with ClearBank, Privat 3 Money introduces a multi-currency account, which supports transactions in EUR, USD, CHD and CAD, all with a single IBAN. This simplifies domestic and international transactions, eliminating the need for multiple accounts and reducing the complexities of foreign exchange.
Zopa Bank has entered the UK renewable energy market, making available its suite of regulated BNPL and retail finance products Octopus Energy customers across the UK. The deal will see Zopa finance the purchase and installation of Octopus solar panels for the energy giant’s millions of UK customers, spread across up to 84 installments over seven years.
Non-financial, an international group of fintech companies, has signed a partnership agreement with JSCB Microcredit Bank (MKBANK), a commercial bank in Uzbekistan to establish a microfinance organization in the country. The partnership will combine UnaFinancial’s experience in developing fintech solutions and Microcreditbank’s strong position in the local market.
ZainCash, a subsidiary of March estate and a payment services provider in Iraq, collaborated Temenos core banking and payments to fuel the growth and innovation of its digital payment services. ZainCash will use Temenos’ technology architecture with open APIs, to launch a range of new services, including instant lending, and provide customized products for specific groups, such as families and students.
Window, a provider of software applications and financial markets, has partnered with LGT to launch instant payment services in Austria and Liechtenstein, with other markets to follow. LGT will implement Finastra’s payment hub using a model banking implementation approach, to accelerate its readiness to meet the EU’s instant payments regulatory timelines.
Partnerships
Fintech sandboxa non-profit organization that helps the fintech sector by providing free data access to startups, welcomed Kaleidoscope as a new data partner. Kaleidoscope provides API access to a range of pre-built, searchable securities datasets that have been extracted and aggregated from US and Canadian registered filings, including public companies, investment firms, funds, investment advisors and insiders to US jobs.
CREALOGIX AND Tuum, a next-generation core banking provider, today announced a strategic partnership aimed at revolutionizing the banking and finance landscape in the GCC region. Customers will benefit from a full suite of services including accounts, cards, payments, cash financing, microfinancing and car financing solutions.
Appointments
Mangopayprovider of modular payment infrastructure for platforms, has strengthened its team in the UK and Ireland with the appointment of Jonathan Greenland as new sales director. Greenland joins from Airwallex, where it established its corporate sales function in the UK. Previously, Greenland worked in enterprise sales for GoCardless, where he created global solutions for clients.
AI (Blue Flame), names generative AI platform for alternative investment managers Ed Chu as head of technology. Chu will lead the company’s technology strategy, direction and ongoing innovation and oversee the engineering teams. Chu comes from Kepos Capital, LP, a quantitatively focused hedge fund.
THE FTMO Group announced the preparation of its own brokerage division of the company with Michael
Kamermann assuming the role of CEO. Prior to his role at FTMO, Kamerman was Group CEO of Skilling, a high-growth Scandinavian CFD broker. The co-founders of FTMO, Otakar Suffner AND Marek Vasicek they remain in their roles as CEO and CTO of the FTMO Group.
Kani Paymentsthe global data reconciliation and reporting platform, has added two new hires to its senior leadership team. Carol Connolly joins as head of finance and human resources, while Roger Binks joins as sales director. Kani has reconciled over €24 billion in payment volume processed for startups and scale-ups across the fintech spectrum, including Sodexo, Transact Payments, Osper, IDT, Moorwand and Paysafe.
Bitget, cryptocurrency exchange and Web 3 company, he named Grace Chen as the new CEO, succeeding Sandra Lou, who leaves the platform to pursue their business objectives. In June 2022, Chen joined Bitget as its first CEO, leading Bitget’s growth strategies as the platform accelerates its global expansion plan.
Other appointments
WealthKernel, appoint a digital investment infrastructure provider James Dingwall as a new strategic regulatory consultant. He is the founder and former CEO of Thistle Group, regulatory consultancy in the financial services sector. Dingwell will focus on developing and implementing strategic plans to ensure smooth interactions between WealthKernel’s designated representative’s clients and regulators.
Understanding Corporation he named Nynke Postma, the founder and former CEO of Blacksmith KYC, to its leadership team. As head of business development for Asia and the Middle East, based in Singapore, Postma will work to maximize the potential and enhance customer experience across Encompass’ CDI product propositions. His appointment follows Encompass’ acquisitions of Blacksmith KYC and CoorpID.
WineFithe fintech platform for investments in fine wine, he named Oliver Thorpe as director of operations. Thorpe, who previously led operations at Sequoia-backed start-up Nomio, previously worked alongside WineFi Callum Beccaccia. WineFi has seen revenue growth of more than 800% since the beginning of 2024.
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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