Nuvei partners Visa to launch branded crypto debit cards across Europe
The programme plays “a vital role in expanding the crypto ecosystem”, Nuvei CEO says.
Bitcoin
Israeli blockchain firm StarkWare raises $50m in Series C round
Company aims to increase blockchain bandwidth to scale technology for mass use.
Joshua Barraclough moves from JP Morgan to crypto trading platform Bitpanda
The new recruit takes the CEO role at Bitpanda’s crypto exchange, Bitpanda Pro.
Visa invests in fintech start-up Deserve to drive adoption of crypto-powered cards
The investment expands a partnership that began under Visa’s Fintech Fast Track programme.
Mastercard partners digital asset platform Bakkt to offer ‘Crypto-as-a-Service’
Partnership forms part of Mastercard’s broader crypto strategy.
Sibos 2021: CBDCs important to future of industry, says SocGen CEO
Speaking at Sibos 2021, Frédéric Oudéa says CBDCs “might be more efficient than, and might replace, cash”.
NatWest chair warns against “gambling” with cryptocurrency
Sir Howard Davies says the “damned stuff” should be banned.
Swiss crypto institution SEBA Bank granted collective investment scheme licence
The granting of the CISA licence to a digital asset-focused bank is the first in Switzerland.
Cobo raises $40m Series B funding for DeFi-as-a-Service platform
The Singaporean crypto platform will also use the $40m raised to secure regulatory licences.
SEC threatens suit over Coinbase crypto lending product
Coinbase’s CEO and chief legal officer admonish US markets regulator over lack of clarity.
BitConnect faces $2bn SEC fraud charge
SEC alleges BitConnect and founder Satish Kumbhani siphoned investor funds into digital wallets.
Crypto exchange FTX.US acquires derivatives platform LedgerX
The firm aims to bring regulated crypto derivatives to its US user base.
FCA says crypto exchange Binance is “not capable” of supervision
UK regulator issued a now-revealed warning to Binance in June.
PayPal launches UK crypto service
It is the first international expansion of the service outside the US.
Greengage bank seeks Gibraltar licence to serve SMEs and crypto firms
New firm wants to be Gibraltar’s first digital merchant bank.
Nigerian central bank plans October 2021 digital currency pilot
The central bank ordered the cessation of cryptocurrency exchange services in February.
Russian central bank asks exchanges to avoid cryptocurrency firms
Bank of Russia asks stock exchanges not to list crypto-adjacent companies.
OKCoin partners Worldpay to expand global merchant acquiring
Cryptocurrency exchange wanted “a proven and experienced partner”.
Record £180m worth of crypto seized by Met Police in money laundering probe
The operation follows the seizure of £114 million worth of crypto in June.
FCA research reveals 21% increase in cryptoasset ownership
The watchdog estimates that around 2.3 million adults in the UK now hold cryptoassets.
Video: fintech news pick of the week – Wise, Société Générale & BBVA
Our top pick of news from the world of finance and tech in bitesize video format, twice a week.
BBVA Switzerland launches Bitcoin trading service for private banking clients
The banking giant plans to add support for more cryptocurrencies going forward.
Standard Chartered to launch UK-based cryptocurrency exchange
The new platform will be launched in Q4 2021 in partnership with BC Technology Group.
HSBC follows China’s stance in rejecting cryptocurrencies: Reuters
In an interview with Reuters, HSBC’s CEO echoed China’s anti-Bitcoin and pro-CBDCs stance.
Video: Top fintech stories this week – 20 May 2021
The FinTech Futures weekly round-up of the industry’s top stories and happenings from across the globe.
Bitcoin tumbles below $37,000 following Chinese ban on crypto services
Chinese financial firms can’t offer clients products involving cryptocurrency.
Meet Jake: Gen Z crypto enthusiast
Gen Z is already forming an opinion about banks that is not favourable. Have the banks lost the battle for Gen Z?
Coinbase IPO values hits $99.6bn valuation with shares up 52% on debut
Shares closed below $330, up a lesser 32%.
UK gold wallet Glint goes crowdfunding with £6m “hard cap”
The start-up is raising to fuel its “growth phase”.
US crypto bank Avanti raises $37m in Series A funding
The new cash goes toward capital requirements.
The alternative currency revolution
We’re likely to see increased collaboration across the financial world.
Crypto.com signs first-of-its-kind F1 sponsorship deal with Aston Martin
Aston Martin wants to be at the “forefront” of the crypto boom.
Fintech funding deals globally 15-21 February 2021
Featuring Public, Webull, Blockchain, GoCardless, and Personetics.
Swiss start-up Valour recruits former HSBC exec Diana Biggs as CEO
Biggs began working in blockchain back in May 2015.
BNY Mellon to finance crytpo and signs Google Cloud deal
The bank cites “growing client demand for digital assets”.
Nigeria’s Xend Finance increases size of funding round to $2m
It initially launched its platform publicly late last year after raising $1.5 million in funding.
EXCLUSIVE: Wirex users hit by unexplained account restrictions and “disappearing” funds
A growing number of customers are fleeing Wirex.
Nigeria’s central bank issues crypto shutdown throwing fintechs into disarray
Nigeria is one of the world’s largest users of virtual currencies.
Crypto liquidity firm Wintermute raises $20m in Series B round
Firm plans to expand into derivatives and new markets in Asia.
Fintech funding deals globally 18-24 January 2021
Featuring PPRO, iSTOX, Indy, Mercado Bitcoin, and Brigit.
