Fintech
Ukheshe changes name to EFT Corporation to promote fintech innovation in Africa
Ukheshe has announced its official rebranding to EFT Corporation. This move consolidates Ukheshe’s pioneering digital solutions with EFT Corporation’s vast reach and expertise under one unified brand, positioning it as a leading catalyst for financial inclusion in Africa.
The rebranding of Ukheshe to EFT Corporation follows Ukheshe’s acquisition of EFT Corporation in January 2024, the first major milestone in both companies’ shared vision of transforming financial services across the continent. The move from Ukheshe to EFTCorp marks the next phase in strengthening the combined entity’s knowledge and resources, enhancing the company’s ability to offer innovative payment solutions to a broader market. Following the acquisition, the company strengthened its technological capabilities, cementing its position as a formidable player in the fintech sector.
Under EFTCorp, the company maintains Ukheshe’s rich history of innovation, which began with its mission to bring electronic payments to people without bank accounts. Since its inception, Ukheshe has integrated numerous fintechs and major brands, proudly introducing Africa’s first virtual card for WhatsApp transactions, enabling Telkom Pay’s digital payments wallet alongside the development of their commerce solution, Telkom mPOS, a POS solution mobile for small businesses. In 2020, Ukheshe strategically acquired Oltio, the developer behind Masterpass, to democratize digital payments for micro-merchants, evolving the brand to Scan to Pay in 2023. Ukheshe has also provided market-leading solutions for the likes of Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) with an innovative BaaS platform and MTN with a cross-border money transfer solution that allows users to send money across Africa.
Additionally, Ukheshe’s proprietary Eclipse API platform has been a game changer in the fintech industry, enabling the development and growth of financial services offerings in Africa and the Middle East. Eclipse exemplifies how Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) can serve as a mechanism to bridge the financial inclusion gap by offering businesses innovative ways to seamlessly integrate financial services.
The transition from the deep orange of Ukheshe to the consolidated blue of EFT Corporation is the symbol of trust, stability and forward-thinking innovation. This color change reflects the company’s commitment to creating a safe and reliable financial ecosystem. The merged entity will continue to operate under the name EFT Corporation Limited.
With the rebranding, EFT Corporation is set to strengthen its market presence and reaffirm its commitment to promoting financial inclusion in key African markets. The new brand identity, contained in the slogan ‘Together we are stronger. Together we are Banking Beyond Tomorrow,” underlines the company’s mission to play a leading role in the future of digital payments.
We are incredibly proud of everything Ukheshe has achieved. This rebranding marks the beginning of a new era of growth and possibility for us as EFT Corporation. We look forward to facilitating a seamless and interconnected digital payments landscape that enables banks and individuals to thrive in the digital economy. A fully digital, always-on, always-instant money transfer and payments ecosystem is inevitable. Regulators and banks have a lot to lose if this continues to be pushed into cryptocurrency and mobile money tracks outside of traditional financial services providers. To compete and maintain a higher position, banks must innovate faster and collaborate more. EFT Corporation is the partner with the digital know-how and track record to deliver.
Clayton Hayward, group CEO
EFT Corporation is already at the forefront of discussions on how to unlock Africa’s digital potential. The successful inaugural “Banking on the Future” conference in May brought together industry leaders, innovators and stakeholders to discuss and shape the future of fintech in Africa. Serving as a platform for exchanging ideas and exploring the opportunities and challenges facing the fintech sector, EFT Corporation is advancing its vision of a digital financial ecosystem that empowers both businesses and individuals.
Under one identity, we can deliver even greater value to our customers and push the boundaries of what is possible in the industry. EFT Corporation’s products and expertise help simplify banking innovation. We are excited to continue enabling our customers to create exceptional user experiences and provide innovative, reliable and comprehensive payment solutions that integrate, automate and optimize financial systems and operations across all sectors of the economy.
Stephen Enderby, founder and CEO of EFT Corporation
The rebranding of Ukheshe to EFT Corporation reaffirms the company’s commitment to driving innovation and enhancing the customer experience by developing and implementing cutting-edge technologies that respond to evolving market needs. This includes everything from digital wallets and mobile payments to advanced financial services and switching solutions.
Looking ahead, EFT Corporation is well positioned to capitalize on opportunities in the financial sector. The company’s robust technology infrastructure, combined with its deep market knowledge, will enable it to effectively navigate the dynamic financial services landscape. EFT Corporation is committed to expanding its presence across Africa and beyond, driving growth through continuous innovation and strategic partnerships.
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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