Standard Chartered to launch climate-focused savings app powered by Starling
Named Shoal, the platform leverages Starling’s Banking-as-a-Service offering.
UK
UK neobank Monument given green light to launch by FCA and PRA
The neobank landed an authorisation with restriction (AWR) banking licence in October 2020.
FNZ acquires German commercial bank Fondsdepot
Wealth management vendor plans to build out the bank’s digital capabilities.
Metro Bank confirms takeover approach from US private equity group
Carlyle has until 2 December to put a formal offer in place for the UK bank.
New UK paytech WondaPay launches deposit holding platform to help freelancers get paid
The FCA-regulated service releases payments when work has been completed.
Zopa hires former Monzo executive Robinson as new chief risk officer
Robinson spent two years with Monzo, and 15 years at Capital One.
Lloyds hires former HSBC man Boteju as new group chief data officer
Boteju says he is “super motivated” by his new employer’s message about building back.
Metro Bank director of technology departs after less than two years
Sailesh Panchal announced his departure on social media.
HSBC taps CloudBees to streamline software delivery
The bank hopes to address the challenges associated with software delivery at scale.
Sabadell confirms offer from Co-operative Bank for TSB
The Spanish bank says that its board has rejected the approach.
New UK fintech Cleva launches money management platform for carers
Carers can make purchases using a Mastercard-enabled card from selected digital wallets.
GB Bank secures restricted banking licence to focus on property and construction
New challenger bank plans to focus on the north of the UK and plans a large loan book.
UK Autumn Budget 2021: What does it mean for fintech?
Rishi Sunak announced an update to his spending plans this week. FinTech Futures seeks out the fintech benefit.
Al Rayan Bank taps TruNarrative to cover KYC and onboarding
UK Islamic Bank seeks revamp to regulatory reporting as part of ongoing digital change.
Wesleyan Bank picks Sandstone to revamp digital channels
Birmingham-based bank has launched a new online portal for personal and SME customers.
Digital savings platform Chip adds FSCS protection with ClearBank partnership
Chip savings accounts are now covered by FSCS on deposits up to £85,000.
Updraft secures £72m investment in NatWest-led funding round
The financial wellness platform hopes to wean users away from high-interest borrowing.
UK neolender Proportunity raises £105m to expand workforce and boost loans
The ‘proptech’ utilises machine learning to reduce lending risk.
FCA launches education campaign targeting inexperienced investors
InvestSmart aims to address new investors driven by competition and influenced by hype.
Primer reaches $425m valuation following $50m Series B round
CEO Paul Anthony says funds will “supercharge” the company’s next phase of growth.
RTGS.global hires Mike Koss as new cybersecurity head
Koss joins from investment firm Rathbone Brothers.
Neobank FIBR launches to support European SMEs via local lenders
The BaaS firm aims to support post-pandemic growth through nurturing SMEs.
UK neobank Zopa raises $300m to fuel next phase of growth
The lending-focused challenger secured a UK banking licence last year.
Inclusive investment start-up Wealth8 partners WealthKernel to launch new app
Wealth8 to launch a new mobile investment app for black and multi-ethnic communities.
Brazilian core banking firm Pismo lands $108m Series B from Amazon, SoftBank
Pismo plans to break into the US, Europe, and Asia in the coming years.
GPS secures $300m investment to boost product development and global expansion
New financing follows an undisclosed investment from Visa last year.
FCA staff seek independent union following pay dispute
Trade union Unite says its numbers have swelled following “growing disenchantment” from FCA staff.
Monese appoints Revolut and JP Morgan veterans to leadership roles
Steve Tryner joins as CFO and fintech veteran Stephen Chang joins as VP of operations.
UK contactless payment limit rises from £45 to £100
Some call for customer-set limits as contactless becomes more regular among users.
Dear Luc: Why are people so divided about the £100 contactless limit?
The latest increase has been met with concern and confusion.
New UK fintech Finova launches following BEP Systems acquisition
BEP will make up part of new banking solution provider formed by Norland Capital.
Bank of Ireland closes 88 branches as digital shuffle continues
The Irish lender first announced its cuts to physical locations in March.
VoxSmart acquires speech recognition platform GreenKey
Firm aims to bolster its communications surveillance offering for financial institutions.
NatWest acquires child banking start-up RoosterMoney
Acquisition underlines strategy to help young people learn to manage money.
Santander spins out Getnet Brazil with plans to form “merchant acquiring franchise”
Move will see Getnet brand expand internationally under bank’s PagoNxt fintech arm.
Darlington Building Society revamps onboarding with ieDigital solution
UK building society aims to switch up its front end as part of ongoing transformation.
NatWest pleads guilty to £365m money laundering failure
UK bank faces rare criminal proceedings in December.
New UK banking hopeful Tryllian targeting 150m member figure
New bank is applying for an electronic money licence in the UK.
Curve reports widening operating losses despite revenue growth in 2020
The banking platform suffered from the high costs of doing business during the pandemic.
Software firm Sage acquires fintech start-up GoProposal
Acquisition will support accountancy practices through ongoing UK tax digitisation strategy.
