AI, Portfolio Construction and the Democratisation of Alternative Investments
The Finextra interview spotlights how artificial intelligence is reshaping wealth‑management, from back‑office efficiency to front‑office client interaction. Kevin Barr explains that AI now powers more nuanced advice models, enabling advisors to weave data‑driven stories around existing portfolios and personalize recommendations. Key insights include the use of stablecoins as a low‑volatility component akin to money‑market funds, though they demand thorough due‑diligence on underlying assets. AI also accelerates the democratization of alternative investments, allowing retail clients to access strategies once reserved for institutions. Diversification remains paramount, with a blend of liquid and illiquid assets helping to cushion heightened market volatility. Barr highlights that AI’s analytical depth can translate complex product information into actionable insights for both advisors and clients. He likens stablecoins to a “canary in the coal mine,” emphasizing the need to understand their backing, and notes that AI can surface alternative‑investment opportunities that were previously opaque. The broader implication is a shift toward more sophisticated, diversified portfolios for everyday investors, driven by AI‑enhanced advisory services. Firms that leverage these tools can differentiate themselves, while clients benefit from institutional‑grade diversification and risk management.
How B2B Payment Leaders Can Avoid Losing Their Competitive Advantage
The video explores how banks can preserve their lead in B2B payments, featuring Visa Direct’s Head of Central Europe, Saskia Devolder. She outlines shifting client expectations—greater transparency, real‑time settlement, and user‑friendly digital interfaces—and how these trends reshape cross‑border transactions. Key insights...
The Power of Approach: Innovation and Compliance in the AI Era
The Finextra TV interview at the Communify Intelligence Experience focused on how NDT Data is leveraging AI—specifically agentic and generative models—to transform asset and wealth‑management operations. Mark Bordeaux, client executive, explained the firm’s dual priority of driving efficiency and adhering...
Destabilising the Stable: How Stablecoins Are Perfect for Fraudsters
The interview on Finextra TV examines why stablecoins—digital assets pegged to fiat currencies—have surged to roughly $300 billion in market value and why that growth is attracting fraudsters. Professor Andros Gregoriou explains that their perceived stability and 24‑hour liquidity make them...
Defining True ROI Will Decide The Winners and Losers of AI
Finextra TV’s interview with Phil Drury, CIO of Poolside, centered on the emerging reality that defining true return on investment will determine which firms thrive and which falter in the AI boom. The conversation unfolded against a backdrop of a...
Asic Issues Warning as Young Aussies Turn to Finfluencers for Financial Advice
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is warning young Australians to verify the financial advice they encounter online. New research shows that nearly two‑thirds of Gen Z consumers turn to social media for financial guidance, while about one‑in‑five rely...
Fintech Startup Chaseit.ai Launches AI Agents for Call Centre Loan Servicing
Lithuanian fintech Chaseit.ai has entered live production with AI agents that automate loan‑servicing calls. The agents manage inbound and outbound interactions, verifying identities, reminding borrowers, negotiating repayment plans, and escalating complex issues to human staff. Within seven months of founding,...
European Fintechs Remain Reliant on US Investors, but Sovereignty Gap Is Closing
Finch Capital’s latest report reveals that Europe’s fintechs remain heavily dependent on US investors for later‑stage financing, with all rounds above €1 bn in the past five years led by US capital. Without that support, a €9 bn funding gap would emerge,...
RBC Buys Mortgage Tech Provider Pinch
Royal Bank of Canada announced the acquisition of Toronto‑based Pinch Financial, a digital mortgage qualification platform, with financial terms undisclosed. Pinch’s technology verifies borrower data online and streamlines the application process, having assisted tens of thousands of Canadians since its...
Hackers Leak Customer Data After Telco Refuses to Pay Ransom
Hackers from the ShinyHunters collective stole personal data of over six million Odido customers and demanded a €1 million ransom. Odido refused to pay, following police advice, prompting the attackers to leak a million lines of data daily and eventually publish...
EBAday Agenda to Provide Blueprint for the 2030 Payments Playbook
EBAday returns for its 21st edition on 16‑17 June 2026 in Copenhagen, drawing over 1,400 senior European payments executives. The two‑day conference will map the 2030 payments playbook, covering upcoming regulations such as PSD3, PSR and FIDA, as well as emerging technologies...
BBVA Boosts Audit Productivity with AI Assistant
BBVA has integrated ChatGPT Enterprise across its 120,000‑employee workforce, including a custom GPT for its internal audit function. The AI assistant automates data‑analysis tasks, reducing manual programming and documentation while maintaining auditor oversight. BBVA estimates a 10 % productivity gain for...
Morningstar Increases LSEG Uncertainty Rating on LLMs' Impact on Data Biz
Morningstar has raised its uncertainty rating for the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) to high, citing the unpredictable impact of large language models (LLMs) on the exchange’s data business. The rating reflects concerns that AI‑driven tools could reshape how market...
Robinhood Bids to Become Super App for Family Finance
Robinhood announced a family‑focused suite of products designed to become a financial superapp for households. The upcoming Family Hub will let users group accounts by family member, customize views, and assign granular permissions, while custodial accounts let parents invest for...
Finextra Partners with PIMFA WealthTech and Morningstar on AI Tech Sprint
Finextra has announced an AI Tech Sprint in partnership with the PIMFA WealthTech Advisory Group and Morningstar, inviting fintech firms to demonstrate AI-driven wealth management solutions. The competition will be judged by senior industry representatives from PIMFA and Morningstar, offering...
