ACH Volume Is Soaring. Here's How that Threatens Banks.
ACH network volume surged in 2025, reaching 35.2 billion payments worth $93 trillion, a 5 percent rise year‑over‑year. Person‑to‑person transfers grew 19.8 percent and business‑to‑business payments rose 9.9 percent, while check usage in B2B fell to 26 percent. Nacha has proposed lifting the same‑day ACH transaction limit from $1 million to $10 million, putting it on par with RTP and FedNow. The shift threatens traditional bank deposits and card‑based revenue as consumers and firms move money into digital‑wallet platforms.
Intelliflo Launches AI-Powered IQ Suite
Intelliflo has introduced intelliflo IQ, an AI‑driven suite embedded in its cloud platform for financial advisers. The suite includes an intelligent engagement assistant that automatically records client meetings, extracts key information, and updates more than 190 fact‑find fields, cutting administrative...
IG Unveils Fat Cat Index Exposing ISA Fee Gaps
IG launched its “Check Your Fees” campaign and unveiled the Fat Cat Index, revealing that most UK investors are overpaying on Stocks and Shares ISA platform fees. The index shows 52% of investors use the 12 most expensive providers, with...
Asset Finance Demand Steady as Renewables Rise
Allica Bank’s survey of more than 570 asset‑finance brokers shows demand holding steady, with 29% reporting higher application volumes in the second half of the year and 26% seeing no change. Renewables have broken into the top three sectors for...
Insurance Revolution Partners CM.com to Power WhatsApp Service
Insurance Revolution has teamed with CM.com to embed WhatsApp into its broker workflow via the Mobile Service Cloud. The move has driven a 50‑fold rise in message volume, cut email traffic by 22% and reduced calls per agent by 11%....
A Welcomed Turning Point for Earned Wage Access
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a December 2025 advisory opinion clarifying that employer‑integrated earned wage access (EWA) is not a loan under the Truth in Lending Act. This guidance removes a major regulatory uncertainty that has limited EWA adoption....
Natwest Group CEO Touts Near-Term Agentic AI Workflow Future
NatWest Group CEO Paul Thwaite announced that the bank is shifting from basic chatbots to autonomous AI systems capable of executing complex banking workflows for customers. He expects many of the underlying components to be operational within the year. However,...
OPay Wins Fintech Company of the Year for Second Time at Leadership Awards
OPay was named Fintech Company of the Year 2025 at Nigeria’s Leadership Annual Conference, marking its second back‑to‑back win after 2024. The award, presented in Abuja, recognized OPay’s innovation, security and broad financial‑inclusion impact for millions of individuals and MSMEs....
2026 Banking Trends Reveal a Dangerous Execution Gap
The episode dissects the widening execution gap in banking, highlighting how many institutions recognize digital and AI trends but struggle to implement them effectively. Experts discuss generative AI’s role in marketing, lending, and operational efficiency, while leaders from credit unions,...
Binance Rolls Out Mastercard Crypto Card Across CIS
Binance has launched a Mastercard‑branded crypto debit card in the CIS region, allowing users to spend digital assets at any merchant that accepts Mastercard. The card supports instant conversion of major cryptocurrencies into fiat, with zero‑fee withdrawals and a 5%...
Cregis at iFX EXPO Dubai 2026: Shaping the Next Era of Enterprise Payments and Digital Asset Infrastructure
Cregis showcased its upgraded Cregis Payment Engine at iFX EXPO Dubai 2026, positioning the solution as a multi‑chain, multi‑currency platform for enterprise payments. The engine promises near‑real‑time cross‑border settlement, automated routing, and real‑time compliance monitoring, targeting use cases such as...
DPP Link Rolls Out GS1 Shield for ESPR Rules
DPP Link has launched its GS1‑integrated Shield platform to help exporters and manufacturers meet the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). The solution automates product registration using GS1 Digital Link standards and tracks material composition with a ten‑year data...
Firms Report Improved Financial Performance Linked to Use of Embedded Finance
A new PYMNTS Intelligence study of 515 senior leaders shows embedded finance is now a strategic imperative for mid‑size and large firms. Nearly 90% of respondents prioritize strengthening customer and employee relationships, while 75% plan technology upgrades within the next...
Stablecoin Payments Show Up at Checkout Despite Crypto Markets Slump
Despite a broad crypto market downturn, stablecoin‑linked cards are gaining traction at U.S. checkout counters. Monthly payment flows through these cards have surpassed $1.5 billion, and annualized spend now tops $18 billion. The growth is driven by card networks embedding stablecoins as...
Rethinking SARs in the Fight Against Financial Crime
Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) remain the cornerstone of global AML frameworks, yet many institutions misunderstand their purpose, treating them as accusations rather than suspicion flags. Regulatory pressure and soaring transaction volumes have driven firms to prioritize filing speed over narrative...
The Spreadsheet Trap in Financial Crime Risk
Spreadsheets have long been the default tool for financial crime risk assessments, prized for their flexibility and low cost. However, they cannot enforce governance, version control, or audit trails required by modern compliance frameworks. As institutions expand across products and...
Cradton Token: Forging Ahead with Groundbreaking Partnerships to Revolutionize Web3 Commerce
Cradton Token (CRN) is building a Web3‑enabled commerce platform by leveraging a suite of high‑impact partnerships. AI collaborations enhance review integrity and fraud detection, while exchange listings aim to boost liquidity and price stability. Merchant onboarding agreements promise plug‑and‑play integrations,...
OKX Snags European Payments License for Stablecoin and Crypto Card Expansion
OKX has obtained a Payments Institution (PI) licence in Malta, bringing the exchange into compliance with the EU’s upcoming Markets in Crypto‑Assets (MiCA) regulation and the revised Second Payment Services Directive (PSD2). The licence authorises OKX to offer stablecoin‑linked payment...
A Founder’s Guide to Launching a Token Project in a Competitive Market
The guide treats a token launch like a traditional IPO, stressing that investors now demand solid business models, compliance, and sustainable value. It walks founders through choosing the right blockchain, evaluating Layer 2 options, and deciding between no‑code generators and custom...
Feedzai and Neterium Partner to Streamline Financial Crime Screening
Feedzai and regtech specialist Neterium have announced a strategic partnership that merges Feedzai’s Watchlist Screening with Neterium’s Transaction Screening. The combined, cloud‑native platform delivers real‑time financial‑crime detection, leveraging AI‑driven matching to cut false positives. By consolidating multiple compliance tools into...
96% AI Adoption, 89% See Revenue Gains—Too Late for Many
AI in Banking Special: From Pilots to Profits – 96% Adoption, 89% See Revenue/Cost Wins Topics: ↳ AI in FinServ Transitions from Pilots to Proven ROI as 89% See Higher Revenue and Lower Costs ↳ GenAI in APAC Banks: 70% of Value...
Bitpanda Teams Up with LuLu Financing Holdings to Support Digital Assets Trading
Bitpanda has partnered with LuLu Financial Holdings to embed regulated crypto trading into LuLuFin's existing digital and physical channels across the MENA, APAC and Indian subcontinent regions. Leveraging Bitpanda’s VARA‑compliant brokerage infrastructure, LuLuFin users will be able to buy, sell...
Tailor Your Privacy with ZK—We’re the Experts
Reminder about Privacy: Privacy can mean a lot of things. Think about how you achieve privacy for different things in your daily life: An envelope gives you privacy for your mail. A window curtain provides privacy to your home. A lock screen maintains the...
EToro Launches Shareholder Engagement Initiative in Partnership with Stockperks
eToro has launched a shareholder engagement initiative in partnership with Stockperks, a loyalty‑rewards marketplace for public companies. The program invites eligible eToro shareholders to receive exclusive educational content, event invitations, and direct access to company leaders and market experts. By...
A Blueprint for the Predictive Firm: Moving Beyond Manual Data Reconciliation
The episode explores how leading accountancy firms are shifting from retrospective reporting to predictive, real‑time visibility by consolidating fragmented tech stacks into unified platforms. It highlights the £300k technology investment benchmark needed to eliminate manual data reconciliation, improve margin protection...
Open Architecture Drives Southeast Asian Wealth Management Transformation
Strategic Transformation in Southeast Asian #WealthManagement: The Case for Open Architecture – The most successful transformations share common elements: clear strategic positioning, authentic partnerships with #FinTech and #WealthTech platforms, and the courage to fundamentally rethink operating models. Read my latest article on...
Banks Can Offer Yield‑Bearing Stablecoins, Not Threats
🚨 INSIGHT White House crypto advisor Patrick Witt told Yahoo Finance that banks are fully allowed to offer yield-bearing stablecoin products just like crypto platforms, and that they shouldn’t treat them as a competitive threat. https://t.co/PWY4gUKlv0
Wealthtech Startup Otto Money Raises $1.3 Mn Led by Pravega Ventures
Wealthtech startup Otto Money announced a $1.3 million pre‑seed round led by Pravega Ventures, with participation from several angel investors. The funding will be deployed over the next 12‑18 months to bolster AI models, expand personalization and goal‑based advisory features, and...
Secured Major Contract to Build Polymarket Strategy Engine
A big job landed on Agent Market: "Build a polymarket prediction market strategy engine" https://t.co/F0zKAtEoR2
Bahrain Courts Stablecoin Issuers as AlloyX Taps Fintech Hub
AlloyX, a digital‑asset infrastructure firm owned by Solowin Holdings, has partnered with Bahrain FinTech Bay to develop a regulated stablecoin in the Gulf. The collaboration gives AlloyX access to Bahrain's fintech ecosystem while it seeks regulatory approval under the Central...
Koxa, Bottomline Announce ERP Embedded Banking Partnership
Koxa and Bottomline have formed a partnership to embed banking services directly within ERP systems, leveraging Koxa’s platform and Bottomline’s Commercial Digital Banking API framework. The joint solution lets banks offer integrated payments, approvals, reconciliation and statement access without building...
Robinhood's New L2 Sparks Interest Amid L2 Cooldown
Robinhood launched an Arbitrum-based L2, but the market's excitement for L2s has cooled. As a shareholder, it's an interesting addition, potentially worth billions. Creating a chain is simple, but the real question is user value. #Robinhood #Arbitrum #IvanClips https://t.co/R4fbLtTLRA
Tencent’s Tesla, DBS Deals Redefine Its Investment Narrative
Did Tencent’s New DBS and Tesla Tie-Ups Just Shift Tencent Holdings' Investment Narrative? ...deepened partnership with Tesla to embed WeChat-based services into in-car systems, moves show Tencent extending fintech and digital services reach.... https://t.co/6YRPhuqdKi
Global Fintech Investment Rebounds in 2025, Supported by Stronger Exit Activity
Global fintech investment rebounded in 2025, reaching $116 billion despite a record‑low 4,719 deals, indicating larger, more selective transactions. Venture capital contributed $56.7 billion while M&A added $55.4 billion, with the United States leading deal value. Digital‑assets funding nearly doubled to $19.1 billion, buoyed...
Q-Day: Bank Quantum Attack Could Cost US Economy Trillions, Warns Citi
Citi warns that quantum computers could break public‑key encryption within the next decade, estimating a 19‑34% probability of a widespread breach by 2034 and 60‑82% by 2044. A successful quantum attack on a major U.S. bank could generate $2‑3.3 trillion in...
How Are NHIs Ensuring Protected Data Exchanges in Financial Services?
The episode explores how Non‑Human Identities (NHIs), or machine identities, are essential for securing protected data exchanges in financial services. It explains the lifecycle of NHIs—from discovery and classification to secret rotation and decommissioning—and why holistic management platforms outperform point...
Singapore to Form National AI Council Chaired by PM Wong
Singapore will establish a National AI Council chaired by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to coordinate AI policy and accelerate adoption across the economy. The council will review regulations, create sandboxes, and launch four national AI Missions targeting advanced manufacturing, connectivity,...
AI Chatbots Turn Into Digital Real Estate for Ads
AI chatbots are becoming the next digital real estate, and ads are moving in. As usage scales and infrastructure costs rise, monetisation models are shifting from subscriptions alone to advertising layers embedded in conversation. The real question is not whether ads will...
ZeroDrift Announces $2M Round to Automate Compliance
ZeroDrift emerged from stealth with a $2 million pre‑seed round led by a16z speedrun, aiming to automate compliance for financial‑services communications. The AI‑native platform acts as a real‑time firewall that encodes SEC, FINRA and firm‑specific policies into machine‑readable rulepacks. By integrating...
Coinbase Retail Investors Buy Dips, Hold Strong
Retail users on Coinbase have been very resilient during these market conditions, according to our data: - They’ve been buying the dip - we’ve seen a native unit increase for retail users across BTC and ETH - They have diamond hands -...
Robinhood’s $221 Million Crypto Revenue Drop Shows Crypto Winter Isn’t on Chain and Retail Already Moved
Robinhood reported a 38% year‑over‑year decline in crypto revenue to $221 million in Q4 2025, while its overall net revenue rose 27% driven by options and equities. Coinbase’s Q4 results showed a dip in consumer transaction revenue and a $667 million net...
FT Raises Capital, Uses Interest for Ops, Ensures On‑chain Refunds
FT raise mental model. FT has had some big headlines; - $200m seed - $25m follow-on - $55m Impossible - $10m CoinList But, this isn't actually money raised. In traditional finance terms, this is the equivalent of raising money, putting that all in tbills, and using...
Credit Pushes Guests Toward
Credit almost always leads to people spending more. From Airbnb's Q4 earnings: "Reserve Now, Pay Later saw significant adoption among eligible guests in Q4. It's also led to longer booking lead times and a mix shift towards larger entire homes, especially those...
Token Escrow on XRPL Could Force New XRP Demand, but only if This Adoption Hurdle Breaks
RippleX launched Token Escrow (XLS‑85) on the XRP Ledger, extending conditional locking and release to trustline tokens and Multi‑Purpose Tokens. The feature lets issuers of stablecoins, tokenized Treasuries and other assets use on‑chain escrow for delivery‑versus‑payment, time‑locked payouts and margin...
Zero-Fee Poloniex Unlocks New Strategies, Boosts Liquidity
.@Poloniex's zero-fee structure is a game changer. It unlocks trading strategies that were previously impossible due to fees. This will inject massive liquidity into crypto—and liquidity is the fuel that drives the market UP! 🚀📈 #Poloniex #Crypto #Bitcoin #Trading
CFOs Embrace Agentic AI for Strategy, Shy From Treasury Risks
How Agentic AI Went From Zero to CFO Test Runs in 90 Days survey by @pymnts https://t.co/6MXgAdb3Fx Enterprise CFOs in the US are interested in using agentic AI for strategic planning, but cautious about using it for treasury, risk and compliance. https://t.co/2NioUOuMrE
Qatar Development Bank Expands Investment Program to QAR 1 Billion as Demand Surges
Qatar Development Bank announced an expansion of its Startup Qatar Investment Program to QAR 1 billion (≈$275 million) by 2030, an eight‑fold increase in capital allocation. The surge follows more than 6,000 startup applications in the past three years, reflecting strong regional...
AI-Powered Accounting Firm Launches Real-Time, Audit-Ready Service
.@Balance1189951 is an AI accounting firm for SMBs delivering real-time, audit-ready bookkeeping and accounting - run by AI, signed off by real accountants. Their agents pull in your financial context and automate your entire back-office finance. Congrats on the launch @mathiaslovring, @EmilMunkD,...
Empower Employees, Not Just Automate, to Meet Expectations
Automation alone is not the answer. Institutions that replace people instead of empowering them will struggle to meet rising customer expectations. https://t.co/3KhyMMpnPe
Privacy Gaps Hinder Crypto Payroll Adoption
(Lack of) Privacy may the missing link for crypto payments adoption. Imagine, a company pays employees in crypto on-chain. With the current state of crypto, you can pretty much see how much everyone in the company is paid (by clicking the...