Glafka Capital implements Valk’s Corda-based solution
R3’s Corda platform underpins 40 other investment banks.
Business-to-Business/B2B
Singapore’s new blockchain industry group BAS launches
The group is the result of a merger between two 2018-founded entities.
UK government launches £1.25bn coronavirus Future Fund for start-ups
Start-ups can apply for loans between £125,000 and £5 million.
Spendesk co-founder departs after 12 month-long discussions
The remaining co-founders Ardant and Guilhem are gearing up to double the team again.
Funding Circle becomes first lending marketplace to issue UK CBILS grants
The marketplace has already originated more than £6.2 billion in loans.
Stripe bags $600m in fresh funding to hit $36bn valuation
Stripe recently added Zoom as one of its main customer.
More than 275 accountancy firms ask UK government to plug gaps in SME aid
“Entrepreneurs face their business being crushed,” says the letter.
Mastercard’s Ethoca teams up with Microsoft to offer digital receipts
The Canadian firm has an ongoing partnership with Microsoft.
ThoughtSpot CEO: “We haven’t seen any cutbacks” due to our automation in banks
The banks ThoughtSpot works with are hiring more people to power its automation.
Identity verification platform Onfido bags $100m from TPG
The start-up wants to create an alternative “identity verification” layer for the internet
Previse bags $11m from Mastercard and Reefknot Investments
In the next five years, Previse wants to get five million suppliers paid instantly.
Kyckr extends Citigroup regulatory compliance deal
“There is no better referral than within an existing organisation,” says CEO.
Currencycloud strikes FX partnership with Derivative Path
Partnership will see both firms combine their systems.
CaixaBank and Global Payments create prepaid card under MoneyToPay brand
Global Payment’s Netspend president Kelley Knutson will head up the venture.
Singtel’s NCS and NETS to develop electronic payments platform for central banks
The firms will also create a “next-generation” suite of central banking products.
Big data fintech GeoDB bags £1.37m from Seedrs investors
The UK fintech combines big data, blockchain and crypto into ‘Big – Crypto’.
OakNorth bags Modern Bank as second US customer
Modern Bank is a delegated lender under the CARES Act.
Four new UK lenders get approved to issue coronavirus business loans
These lenders are yet to set a date by which they can start accepting CBILS applications.
Nordea helps suppliers to get paid early amid coronavirus
Suppliers will benefit from “several hundred million euros” early.
COVID-19: Weekly wrap
FinTech Futures’ weekly coronavirus news wrap.
Top 10 coronavirus initiatives by fintechs
Many fintechs have used this pandemic as an opportunity to show their mettle.
Top 10 coronavirus initiatives by governments and regulators
A brief overview of how governments and financial regulators have reacted to coronavirus.
Visa pours $210m into the coronavirus effort to help SMEs
Visa will split the money between NGOs and investment partners.
Starling Bank launches “spare” debit card feature to help those self-isolating
The ‘Connected Card’ gives someone else the ability to spend on their behalf.
Fintech Neat lands $11m to help SMEs trade between Asia-Pacific and Europe
The fintech landed Visa as an investor and new card partner.
Banking Technology April 2020 issue out now
All things equal: Closing the gender gap in fintech.
US-based Customers Bank adopts OakNorth’s lending platform
The US bank holds $11.5 billion in assets.
Judo Bank lands $307m from government to support SMEs
“This is a really substantial additional signal of support by the government,” says co-CEO.
Consumer fintech SoFi to acquire Galileo for $1.2 billion
Both CEOs say now is “the right time” for this deal.
EPA considers relaxing chargeback rules amid coronavirus
One EPA member has seen a spike of 14% in chargebacks from UK/ Europe-based merchants.
Funding Options plugs into open banking with 20 lenders
The firm wants to cut down loan decisioning times amid coronavirus urgency.
Trade finance fintech Envoy is ready for the coronavirus rebound
Banks will be “very hungry to get their money back,” says CEO.
NatWest’s Mettle gives users access to FreeAgent’s accounting software
User will need to make one transaction per month minimum for the free service.
KBC spins out wealthtech business into new start-up ‘everyoneINVESTED’
The start-up will focus on B2B services to help firms attract younger investors.
Coronavirus exposes gaps in innovation
The pandemic has given fintechs a time to shine.
Rangewell calls for Nationwide’s returned £50m to go towards COVID-19 effort
Business finance firm says the bank has abandoned finance plans “when they are most needed”.
Swedish central bank signs agreement to join TIPS from 2022
Swedish krona to be settled by EU-wide payments scheme in a few years’ time.
API builder Yapily lands $13m Series A
The capital raise was led by Revolut-backer Lakestar.
Will fintech CEOs follow in the footsteps of Dan Price post-coronavirus?
Monzo and Moven’s CEOs have both taken a 100% pay cut.
Liberty National Bank signs up Teslar to boost commercial lending
The Oklahoma-based bank aims to stand out from the crowd.
