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Moneyhub and Money Squirrel partner to enhance Open Banking for SMEs
Moneyhub, a leading data, intelligence, and payments company specialising in Open Banking, Open Finance, and Open Data solutions, has partnered with Money Squirrel, an emerging FinTech focused on financial management for small businesses.
The collaboration aims to power Money Squirrel’s recently launched app, designed to help SMEs automate savings and manage VAT payments efficiently.
The partnership addresses a longstanding challenge for SMEs—gaining access to Open Banking technology to optimise financial management. While SMEs form the backbone of the economy, many have struggled to integrate Open Banking due to outdated systems and the lack of standardisation. Money Squirrel’s app demonstrates how Open Banking data and payments can create meaningful financial efficiencies for small businesses.
Moneyhub develops FCA-regulated Open Data platforms that enable businesses to leverage consent-driven data, insights, and payment solutions. The company’s ISO 27001-certified software powers personalised financial experiences, helping businesses across multiple sectors, including finance, media, and retail. Its API technology aggregates data, provides insights, and enables seamless Open Banking payments.
Kim Jenkins, MD of API at Moneyhub, said, “Collaborating with Money Squirrel is a significant step in making Open Banking technology accessible to both SMEs and larger institutions. We are thrilled to help simplify financial management and unlock growth opportunities for smaller businesses by powering Money Squirrel’s app with our API. This partnership highlights our commitment to driving financial inclusivity and innovation across the board.”
Andreea Daly, founder and chief executive officer of Money Squirrel, said, “Having Moneyhub’s API technology has been critical to launching our app, but it’s also encouraging to be aligned with them on the aim of making Open Banking and Open Finance more inclusive. Having founded a business, I’ve experienced the frustrations of managing cash flow – spending countless hours calculating VAT and budgeting for future expenses. Therefore, we know firsthand how having the technology to remove these frustrations can unlock so much potential for businesses.”
Trucordia acquires CADA Insurance Services to expand footprint in Louisiana
Trucordia, a leading insurance provider with a team of 5,000 professionals, has announced the acquisition of CADA Insurance Services’ insurance business, further strengthening its presence in Louisiana.
The acquisition is part of Trucordia’s strategy to integrate businesses with strong growth potential in key industries and markets, according to InsurTech Insights.
By bringing CADA Insurance under its umbrella, Trucordia aims to enhance its service offerings and expand its ability to meet the diverse insurance needs of clients. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
CADA Insurance has a strong presence in Louisiana, with multiple offices in Baton Rouge, Chalmette, Gretna, and Kenner. The company provides a variety of insurance solutions, including auto, home, commercial, general liability, and workers’ compensation coverage, catering to a wide range of clients across the state.
Trucordia, known for its client-centric approach, is dedicated to delivering exceptional opportunities and experiences for its clients, employees, and partners.
The company’s expansion strategy focuses on acquiring successful enterprises that align with its vision for long-term growth and enhanced service delivery.
Welcoming CADA Insurance to the Trucordia family, CEO Felix Morgan highlighted the shared commitment to client relationships and service excellence. “The CADA Insurance team is a welcome addition to Trucordia,” Morgan said. “They share our passion for building long-term relationships and partnering with clients to identify and best meet their insurance needs.”
Alta Signa expands insurance capacity with Westfield Specialty International partnership
Alta Signa has added Westfield Specialty International to its insurance capacity panel, enhancing its ability to underwrite Directors & Officers (D&O) and Financial Institutions (FI) risks across the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
This partnership introduces an additional €10m capacity, split equally between D&O and FI lines, bolstering Alta Signa’s existing Lloyd’s-backed panel.
The move strengthens Alta Signa’s position as a leading Managing General Agent (MGA) in Europe, ensuring broader insurance capacity and more comprehensive solutions for brokers and policyholders.
Gerard van Loon, CEO of Alta Signa, emphasized, “The addition of Westfield Specialty International to our panel is a significant milestone in Alta Signa’s journey to provide comprehensive and competitive insurance solutions in the specialty market. Westfield Specialty International’s expertise and robust capacity will complement our existing offerings and reinforce our ability to meet the evolving needs of brokers and clients across the EEA region and CH. We look forward to a productive partnership built on shared values of collaboration, integrity, and entrepreneurship.”
This strategic partnership adds €5m in D&O capacity and €5m in FI capacity to Alta Signa’s existing Lloyd’s panel, reinforcing the company’s dedication to expanding its insurance options and providing robust solutions for brokers and policyholders.
Alta Signa’s updated insurance panel now includes:
- Aviva
- Axeria
- Lloyd’s Syndicates, including Aspen, Newline, and Westfield Specialty International
- Markel
- SiriusPoint
- Sompo
James Johnston, Management Liability Class Underwriter from Westfield Specialty International, said, “We are excited to join Alta Signa’s independent capacity panel and bring our expertise to support their D&O and Financial Institutions portfolios across the EEA region and Switzerland. Alta Signa’s reputation for technical underwriting expertise and local market knowledge aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering high-quality, specialty insurance solutions.”
Sokin lands $15m from BlackRock to fuel global expansion
UK-based payments firm Sokin, which provides international payment solutions for businesses, has secured $15m in debt funding from funds and accounts managed by BlackRock.
This investment follows a $31m strategic investment from Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital.
Sokin has experienced substantial growth in recent months, including a 51% increase in new account openings since the Morgan Stanley investment in July. The company has also expanded its workforce by 130% and recently acquired Norwegian FinTech Settle Group AS, gaining a European EMI license to further its expansion in the region.
The fresh capital will allow Sokin to expand its market presence, develop new products, and scale its team significantly. The company plans to open new offices in London, New York, Toronto, and Dubai, strengthening its global footprint.
Sokin has garnered support from several high-profile investors, including Gary Marino, former chief commercial officer at PayPal, Mark Britto, former chief product officer at PayPal, and Aurum Partners, the investment fund linked to the owners of the San Francisco 49ers. Additionally, former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is among its backers.
Founded in 2019, Sokin aims to remove the barriers associated with international payments. The company enables businesses to transfer, hold, and exchange over 100 currencies through its multi-currency IBAN and local currency accounts, offering a streamlined solution for managing global transactions.
Sokin is currently operating at a transactional volume run-rate of over $4.5bn annually and supports a variety of industries, including freight, logistics, and Premier League football clubs, helping them manage global payments with efficiency and transparency.
Sokin CEO & Founder Vroon Modgill said, “We’re on a mission to make a major impact and become the go-to partner for businesses taking on the global stage. This backing from BlackRock serves as a testament to the strength of our proposition, and the rate in which we’ve managed to onboard new business customers. With this funding, we’ll further elevate our product offering, expand our international team, and break into new, untapped markets.”
Tim Fenwick, director at BlackRock Growth Debt, said, “Sokin has developed a unique and compelling proposition that helps solve major challenges facing international businesses. We are glad to support Sokin’s rapid growth trajectory and welcome them to our diverse portfolio of high-growth companies.”
WiseLayer raises $7.2m to enhance AI-powered finance automation
WiseLayer, a New York-based AI FinTech company specialising in digital workers for finance and accounting teams, has raised $7.2m in funding.
The investment round was led by Canaan Partners, with participation from K5 Global, The Fintech Fund, Unpopular Ventures, and several industry angels.
WiseLayer develops AI-powered digital agents designed to automate complex, manual processes within finance and accounting teams. The company’s suite of AI workers includes Angela, an AI agent for accruals and revenue recognition, and Dennis, an AI agent for discrepancies and financial anomalies.
Additional AI agents are being developed to handle bank reconciliations, fixed asset depreciation, lease accounting, and prepaid expenses. More than 100 companies, including mid-sized firms and public corporations, currently use WiseLayer’s AI workforce.
The fresh funding will be used to enhance WiseLayer’s existing AI agents, introduce new automation capabilities, and expand its market presence.
Brendan Dickinson, general partner at Canaan Partners, said, “The exceptional early traction that WiseLayer has achieved with its many large customers, each of whom love their product, demonstrates a clear market need.
“We’re thrilled to support WiseLayer’s next phase of growth as they enhance their AI-powered digital workforce for finance and accounting teams.”
Josh Stein, CEO and co-founder of WiseLayer, added, “Finance & accounting teams have some of the most brilliant people at any company, yet their brainpower is often spent on recurring administrative and compliance tasks like accruals, rev rec, and more.
“WiseLayer’s mission is to build AI agents to automate these repetitive, laborious processes with precision, so that these highly-skilled people can focus on strategic financial initiatives that drive company growth.”
Allra FinTech raises $9.1m Series B to expand early payment services
Korean FinTech company Allra FinTech, which operates the early payment service “Allra,” has raised $9.1m in its Series B funding round.
The investment was led by KB Kookmin Card, which contributed $6.8m, making it Allra FinTech’s second-largest shareholder, according to a report from WowTale. Singapore-based Altara Ventures and Vietnam-based Do Ventures jointly invested $2.3m in the round.
Allra FinTech’s flagship service, Allra Early Payment, is designed to alleviate settlement delays faced by sellers on online marketplaces. Since its inception, the platform has processed over $3bn in cumulative settlements, cementing its position as a leader in the early payment sector.
With the new funding, Allra FinTech plans to expand its team and hire talent to support the growth of the business.
Kim Sang-soo, CEO of Allra FinTech, said, “Over the past four years, we have focused on maintaining the strengths of our ultra-simple early payment service. Even during the Timon-Wemakeprice crisis, we upheld our responsibility as a receivables transferee by refraining from demanding repayment from sellers. This commitment has earned us recognition as a reliable service in the industry, and we are truly grateful for this trust.
“With the Series B funding, we aim to expand into traditional wholesale and retail distribution markets, postpaid service markets, and global services starting in 2025. Our mission remains clear: to become a fintech company that solves the financial challenges of business owners everywhere.”
Clean energy FinTech CapeZero secures $2.6m to transform project financing
CapeZero, a software platform aimed at simplifying financial workflows for clean energy developers, has secured $2.6m in a seed funding round.
The investment was led by Powerhouse Ventures, with participation from Climactic, Avesta Fund, Virta Ventures, and Stepchange.
The funding will enable CapeZero to accelerate the development and expansion of its platform, which aims to streamline and standardise the complex processes involved in securing tax equity and project financing.
CapeZero provides clean energy developers with an innovative solution that reduces the time spent on financial modelling from months to minutes. The platform offers real-time scenario analysis and standardised analytics, allowing project finance teams to operate 50-75% faster.
With the new investment, the company plans to enhance its core platform features and expand its market presence.
CapeZero was founded in 2023 by a team of experts with extensive experience in renewable energy finance and technology. CEO Manish Hebbar brings 15 years of experience in renewable energy and tax credit finance, having closed over 60 clean energy deals amounting to 11 gigawatts of capacity. CTO Sumit Chachra adds significant product and technology leadership experience, having previously served as a global CTO and successful entrepreneur. The team has collectively structured and advised on over $16bn in renewable energy capital deployment.
Speaking about the funding, CapeZero CEO and co-founder Manish Hebbar said, “The renewable energy industry is at a pivotal moment with unprecedented growth opportunities and challenges, and the complexity of tax equity and project financing remains a significant barrier to scaling clean energy deployment. Customers on our platform turn that complexity into a competitive advantage when seeking project finance investment.
“With this funding, we’re building the technology infrastructure they need to streamline these critical financial processes. Our platform enables companies to spend less time troubleshooting spreadsheets and more time focusing on the projects that drive us closer to achieving net-zero emissions.”
Powerhouse Ventures managing partner Emily Kirsch highlighted the importance of CapeZero’s solution, stating, “As we enter the Terawatt Era of renewable energy deployment, the industry urgently needs solutions that can scale with its growth.
“CapeZero’s platform represents a critical step forward in democratizing access to tax equity financing, making it more efficient and accessible for companies of all sizes. With investments in renewable generation and storage expected to grow from $60B to $150B annually by 2030, CapeZero’s solution has the potential to significantly accelerate the deployment of renewable energy projects across the United States and beyond.”
WiseAlpha launches UK’s first high-yield corporate bond ISA for retail investors
WiseAlpha has introduced the UK’s first-ever dedicated High-Yield Corporate Bond Innovative Finance ISA (IF ISA), providing retail investors with unprecedented access to corporate bonds.
This move allows individuals to invest in high-yield corporate bonds within a tax-efficient ISA framework, a market previously exclusive to institutional investors.
The corporate bond market has historically been inaccessible to retail investors due to minimum trade sizes of £100,000. WiseAlpha’s launch removes this barrier, enabling investors to build diversified corporate bond portfolios without the hefty entry cost. This innovation marks a significant milestone in the UK investment landscape.
Sterling corporate bonds offer coupons ranging from 5% to 12%, presenting an attractive alternative to traditional savings accounts and government bonds. WiseAlpha’s High-Yield Corporate Bond ISA allows retail investors to enjoy these returns tax-free, exempting them from capital gains and income tax.
WiseAlpha CEO Rezaah Ahmad said, “This is a watershed moment for the UK investment market. For the first time, investors can access an entire asset class that was previously reserved for institutions. Our High-Yield Corporate Bond ISA represents a leap forward in our mission to democratize finance.”
The new product offers an alternative for equity investors concerned about market valuations. For instance, those holding Ocado equities can diversify by investing in Ocado’s 10.5% bonds via the WiseAlpha ISA. Similarly, investors in peer-to-peer SME lending platforms can shift to corporate bonds issued by larger FTSE-sized companies, offering higher credit quality and competitive yields.
UK investors can allocate up to £20,000 for the 2024/25 tax year across Cash ISAs, Stocks & Shares ISAs, and Innovative Finance ISAs. WiseAlpha also facilitates ISA transfers, providing flexibility for existing holders. Investments within an ISA enjoy full tax exemption, allowing for maximum returns. A 10.5% bond yield within an ISA remains untouched by taxes, compared to a potential 45% tax rate outside the ISA for higher earners.
Rezaah Ahmad added, “With the launch of our High-Yield Corporate Bond ISA, we’re empowering everyday investors to achieve higher tax-free income. This new product aligns with our vision of opening up the financial world to smaller investors and giving them the tools they need to succeed.”
SaaScada partners with ARIE Finance to streamline cross-border payments
SaaScada has been chosen by ARIE Finance to support its international payments service for mid-sized B2B businesses.
SaaScada, a cloud-native core banking provider, will enable ARIE Finance to simplify cross-border transactions, particularly in Africa, where the company seeks to become the first B2B firm with a PSP licence in Mauritius.
ARIE Finance’s banking platform is designed to offer fast, secure, and personalised financial services, integrating multi-currency accounts, payments, and a global FinTech partner network. The company aims to streamline onboarding by tailoring its approach to each applicant’s needs, enabling account setup within days while maintaining stringent fraud and financial crime controls.
ARIE Finance founder and executive vice-chairman Stephen Margolis said, “With a thriving investment scene and high regulatory standards, Mauritius is fast becoming the ‘Singapore of the West’, acting as the central financial services hub for the African and Indian subcontinents. But international businesses often struggle to set up accounts in the region because of outdated systems and rigid onboarding processes. This is hampering innovation as many exciting businesses are excluded based on their size, location, or industry, without any effort made to understand their business.
“ARIE Finance is shaking up the industry and taking the pain out of opening international accounts. By coupling the features of a digital-first neobank like fast online setup with a dedicated team who can personally review applications, we will go beyond ‘Know Your Customer’ to ‘Understand your Customer’.”
SaaScada’s real-time data capabilities will provide ARIE Finance with instant insights into customer behaviour, while its cloud-native architecture allows the financial institution to rapidly develop and iterate new banking products.
SaaScada co-founder and CEO Nelson Wootton commented, “SaaScada is dedicated to making first-class banking products available to everyone, so we’re proud to work with ARIE Finance, helping underserved B2B businesses set up in growing markets. We love collaborative partners who want to grow with us, and we’re looking forward to working closely with ARIE Finance and Stephen Margolis in the coming months to bring even more banking services to mid-sized businesses operating in Africa and beyond.”
Hitachi Payment Services invests in Spydra to drive CBDC and Web 3.0 payment innovations
Hitachi Payment Services, an end-to-end payments and commerce solutions provider, has made a strategic minority investment in Spydra Technologies, a specialist in enterprise blockchain solutions.
The funding is being channelled through the Hitachi Payments Accelerator (HPX) Program, an initiative designed to support FinTech startups through investment and partnerships. By backing Spydra Technologies, Hitachi Payment Services aims to integrate blockchain-powered solutions into its payment infrastructure, improving transaction efficiency, security, and fraud prevention.
Spydra Technologies focuses on delivering scalable and secure blockchain solutions for businesses. The company specialises in real-world asset tokenisation and enables asset owners adn issuers to tokenise and manage assets on-chain, offering customisable solutions for equity, debt and hybrid financial products.
Its expertise in Web 3.0, Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), and blockchain-based digital payments aligns with Hitachi Payment Services’ vision of pioneering the next generation of financial technology solutions. The investment will facilitate the development of new blockchain-driven payment capabilities, particularly in cross-border transactions, real-time settlements, and financial inclusion initiatives.
Anuj Khosla, chief executive officer – digital business at Hitachi Payment Services, said, “At Hitachi Payment Services, we strive to introduce transformative technologies and solutions that enable superior payment experiences. Blockchain is the cornerstone of the next wave of financial innovation and our investment in Spydra reflects our commitment to advancing digital payment innovation.
“By leveraging Spydra’s blockchain and CBDC capabilities, we are well-positioned to develop secure and cutting-edge digital payment solutions that empower our customers to thrive in an evolving digital landscape. Through the HPX Program, we aim to collaborate with disruptors in the fintech and payments segment, driving the next phase of growth and innovation in digital payments.”
Manish Tewari, co-founder of Spydra Technologies, stated, “Our enterprise blockchain solutions are designed to offer scalability, security and efficiency across industries. By partnering with Hitachi Payment Services, we aim to bring innovative solutions that reshape the future of payments and commerce. As government and financial institutions in India move towards embracing blockchain-powered digital currencies and decentralized solutions, this collaboration is a significant step towards accelerating blockchain adoption in the payment sector.”
The HPX Program is set to support FinTech startups operating in various domains, including ERP/Billing, segmented payment solutions, embedded finance, issuance, payments compliance, banking-as-a-service, AI/Gen AI, core banking, and Web 3.0/CBDC technologies.
Klarna and JPMorgan Payments partner to expand BNPL services for merchants
Swedish BNPL giant Klarna has struck a new deal with JPMorgan Payments to see its flexible financing solutions integrated into JPMorgan Payments’ merchant services.
The partnership aims to broaden the accessibility of Klarna’s payment options, including its interest-free BNPL solution, according to Finextra.
This move is expected to provide merchants with a wider array of payment choices to enhance customer experience and drive sales.
Klarna, a leading BNPL provider, enables consumers to split purchases into instalments, often interest-free, while offering merchants tools to boost conversion rates and customer engagement. The company has rapidly expanded beyond BNPL, providing a comprehensive shopping ecosystem, including its own app and AI-powered personal finance management features.
JPMorgan Payments, a division of JPMorgan Chase, is one of the world’s largest payment processors, handling over $2tn in transactions annually.
The company provides end-to-end payment solutions, including acquiring, treasury services, and merchant processing, catering to businesses of all sizes.
As part of the deal, Klarna will also join the JPMorgan Payments Partner Network, which connects businesses with a suite of third-party payment solutions. This collaboration is expected to further accelerate Klarna’s expansion into new markets and merchant segments.
Klarna is reportedly preparing for an IPO in April, and this partnership with JPMorgan Payments could enhance its appeal to investors by demonstrating its continued growth and integration within mainstream financial infrastructure.
Klarna chief commercial officer David Sykes said, “By collaborating with JPMorgan Payments, we’re bringing our payment solutions to even more businesses and fast-tracking our ambition to make Klarna payments available everywhere, for everything.”
Simplifai launches Agentic AI to transform insurance automation
Simplifai, a leader in AI-driven automation, has launched Agentic AI designed to optimise critical processes such as claims handling, underwriting, and customer service.
The Norwegian firm has debuted the solution in response to the industry’s increasing demands.
Insurers are facing growing customer expectations, rising cost pressures, and complex regulatory requirements.
To help navigate these challenges, Simplifai has concentrated its expertise on developing AI-powered automation tools that enhance efficiency and compliance.
Since its inception, the company has evolved from a startup offering Digital Employees to a major player in AI-driven automation across Europe.
Over the years, it has expanded globally, collaborating with customers and partners to drive digital transformation and AI innovation.
Agentic AI is specifically built to support insurers by streamlining complex processes such as claims assessment, fraud detection, and policy management.
Unlike generic AI models, Simplifai’s AI Agents are tailored for the insurance sector, ensuring adaptability, security, and full compliance with industry regulations.
As part of the launch, Simplifai is introducing three pre-configured AI Agents designed for bodily injury, motor, and travel insurance. These AI-driven solutions accelerate claims intake, processing, and customer interactions, significantly boosting operational efficiency.
Alongside the product expansion, Simplifai has strengthened its leadership team. The company recently appointed Artem Gonchakov as CEO, Dr. Bikash Agrawal as CTO, Nils Slottet as Chief Solution Officer, Niels Zijderveld as Chief Revenue Officer, and Andreas Prøven Bogsrud as CFO. This leadership team brings extensive expertise in AI, insurance, technology, and finance, reinforcing Simplifai’s commitment to driving innovation in the sector.
Simplifai remains dedicated to its mission of simplifying and optimising insurance operations through cutting-edge AI solutions. By leveraging AI Agents, insurers can enhance decision-making, improve customer experience, and reduce costs—paving the way for a smarter, more efficient insurance industry.
“Simplifai is naturally transitioning to be an Agentic AI company. Every AI Agent we build has a purpose, and helps insurers resolve a specific problem they face on a daily basis: high cost of claims, low efficiency of operations, low margins, high customer expectations and of course employee productivity and satisfaction,” Simplifai CEO Artem Gonchakov said. “We recently added LLM to our toolbox of AI techniques, which enables us to solve even more difficult problems, like bodily injury, our latest addition to our fleet of AI Agents. I’m super excited to bring Simplifai to this new stage and I have the best team with me to support you on every stage of your AI journey.”
Clarity AI launches new sustainability tool for European fund managers
Clarity AI has announced the launch of a new solution targeted at fund managers, portfolio managers, and ESG analysts.
According to Finextra, this innovative tool is designed to simplify the complex landscape of sustainable investment fund regulations and labels in Europe, which are increasingly shaped by stringent regulatory demands and the need to combat greenwashing.
The drive behind this new product stems from the evolving regulatory environment, such as the UK’s FCA Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) and various government or industry-led labels like France’s SRI and Germany’s FNG. These frameworks aim to enhance transparency and reduce the risk of greenwashing in sustainable investments.
What Clarity AI does is crucial in a market where sustainability is paramount. The company specializes in providing technology solutions that help fund managers navigate and comply with diverse ESG metrics and frameworks unique to each market.
The product itself brings all necessary compliance information into one user-friendly platform, helping users monitor their funds against complex metrics and quickly identify any areas of non-compliance. This allows for more efficient investment decisions and better compliance management.
Additional features of Clarity AI’s solution include adaptive technology that updates in line with market changes and new regulations. This is particularly relevant given recent guidelines from the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) that require funds with ESG-related terms in their names to invest at least 80% of their assets sustainably.
Further developments announced include support for new sustainability labels such as the French SRI label and the Belgian Towards Sustainability label, along with screening for the Paris-Aligned Benchmark (PAB) and Climate Transition Benchmark (CTB) exclusions under ESMA Naming Rules.
“The goal is to reduce the amount of time fund managers spend on identifying potential investments that fall short of the standards, and understanding the cause for non-compliance, in order to decide on the best course of action,” Henry Waind, product lead at Clarity AI, said.
“Sustainability regulations and labels are proliferating, making it increasingly challenging for fund managers to keep up,” added Tom Willman, regulatory lead at Clarity AI. “A significant amount of resources is tied up in regulatory obligations. These could be better used to develop sustainable solutions that support end-investors’ sustainability goals, and technology is key to making this process more efficient.”
Cashfree Payments secures $53m in strategic funding
According to IBS Intelligence, this financial boost was spearheaded by KRAFTON, a Korean digital entertainment leader, alongside continued backing from existing investor Apis Growth Fund II, a private equity fund managed by Apis Partners Group (UK) Limited (Apis Partners).
The newly acquired funds are set to enhance Cashfree’s payment solutions and expand its market presence. This partnership is expected to harness synergies with KRAFTON, propelling Cashfree to innovate and pioneer across various digital sectors.
Cashfree Payments specializes in offering a broad spectrum of digital payment solutions aimed at empowering Indian businesses. The company provides secure and efficient transaction options across the digital economy, addressing the needs of businesses of all sizes.
The investment will be utilized to accelerate initiatives in cross-border transactions, security innovations, and international growth. Cashfree aims to focus on sustainable and profitable expansion as it scales up its operations and explores new avenues in the digital payments landscape.
Cashfree has also introduced Secure ID, an advanced identity verification system. This new feature includes a robust suite of APIs and KYC components designed to combat the rising tide of fraud. Secure ID streamlines the onboarding and KYC processes by minimizing user input requirements, intelligently verifying identity documents, and effectively detecting anomalies and fraudulent activities.
Cashfree Payments CEO & Co-Founder, Akash Sinha, commented on the funding, stating, “We are excited to welcome KRAFTON as a strategic partner with continued support from our existing investors, Apis Growth Fund II and the team at Apis Partners. Our mission at Cashfree Payments has been to empower Indian businesses with the ability to transact in the digital economy with unparalleled security and efficiency. This investment will help us accelerate our key efforts across cross-border and security innovations and international expansion as we enter the next phase of our growth journey. Growing sustainably has been core to our identity and how we function at Cashfree Payments. We are focused on driving profitable growth as we scale.”
Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO of KRAFTON India, also shared his enthusiasm about the partnership, “India’s FinTech industry is experiencing remarkable growth, and we believe Cashfree Payment’s dominant position in India can be replicated globally. As the media and entertainment sector and content consumption patterns in India continue to evolve, full-stack payment systems that specifically address the needs and requirements of the sector are crucial for enhancing user experience. The investment is part of KRAFTON’s ongoing efforts to support innovative solutions that drive growth and foster a dynamic startup ecosystem. We look forward to further strengthening this partnership and exploring future opportunities.”
FinTech firm Pipe expands developer tools to enhance embedded capital integration
Pipe, a FinTech company specialising in embedded financial solutions for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), has announced a major expansion of its Pipe Partner Portal, introducing new developer tools aimed at simplifying integration.
The enhancements are designed to make it easier for developers to embed Pipe’s capital services within payment and software platforms. Unlike traditional embedded finance solutions, Pipe’s approach prioritises a “tech-first” model, ensuring seamless integration for partners while accelerating capital delivery to SMBs.
Pipe’s infrastructure enables payment processors and vertical software firms to offer capital solutions without the need to build complex in-house systems. Through its software development kits (SDKs) and APIs, partners can incorporate Pipe’s capital services into their ecosystems, enhancing the merchant experience and unlocking new revenue streams. Businesses accessing capital through Pipe can bypass traditional financing challenges by leveraging their secure transaction data from partner platforms.
The new developer capabilities allow for multiple integration pathways, including a Pipe-hosted option, which can be launched in as little as a week, an Embedded UI that takes one to two weeks, and a Full API integration that provides complete control over the user journey within four weeks.
A key part of the update is the enhanced Pipe Partner Portal, which offers a dashboard and resource centre where partners can track merchant activity, revenue share, and manage embedded relationships.
Deepak Colluru, director of product management at GoCardless, praised the ease of working with Pipe’s technology. “Integrating with Pipe’s Embedded UI was an incredibly smooth process. The Partner Portal’s self-serviceability and comprehensive documentation allowed us to move quickly, while Pipe’s responsive tech team was always there to offer valuable guidance when needed.
“It was clear that the Pipe team was invested in our success, going above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed. The experience was great from start to finish.”
The new features prioritise key technical enhancements, including real-time feedback through webhooks, increased security with advanced API key management, and a robust sandbox for testing various integration use cases.
Pipe’s chief technology officer, Nate Wiger, emphasised the company’s commitment to developer engagement. “As a software company committed to using technology to improve financial access, we know how important it is to work closely with the developer community.
“Engineering teams are the ones implementing our solutions to put them into the hands of SMBs. By expanding our Partner Portal with a growing set of developer tools and resources, we aim to make it even easier for our partners’ technical teams to embed Pipe solutions, from the initial implementation stage all the way to ongoing post-launch support.”
Yapily to Power Adyen’s Merchant Services Across Europe With Open Banking Technology
Yapily one of Europe’s leading open banking infrastructure platforms – has been selected by Adyen, the global financial technology platform of choice for leading businesses, to strengthen its Open Banking offering. Adyen will use Yapily’s leading data features to streamline onboarding and strengthen account verification, giving even more merchants across Europe a faster, more seamless, highly secure experience.
As the global financial technology partner for leading companies like eBay, Uber, and Just Eat, Adyen helps businesses achieve success faster through end-to-end payments, data-driven insights, and financial products all in a single solution. Its decision to add Yapily to its open banking offering for business account information is a testament to the data quality and industry-leading coverage Yapily’s platform provides. It also marks the beginning of a relationship in which Yapily and Adyen will continue to explore additional open banking-driven services, including creditworthiness assessments for loan decisions and beyond.`
Adyen will go live with Yapily’s Data products in various European regions which will be embedded into Adyen’s Open Banking product, and offered via a standalone solution.
Stefano Vaccino, CEO and founder of Yapily said: “Adyen is one of the leading financial technology companies in the world, and their decision to integrate our platform is a testament to the quality and extensive coverage of our API. We’re excited to be helping Adyen deliver solutions that reduce financial friction and improve the customer experience for businesses. Merchant onboarding and account verification are just the tip of the iceberg, and as this relationship grows, we look forward to enabling Adyen to develop more impactful and innovative solutions built on our open banking infrastructure.”
Blanca Ferrero, Global Head Open Banking & Settlement at Adyen said: “Open Banking serves as a strategic enhancement to our core value proposition, empowering us to develop scalable and innovative use cases across shoppers, businesses, payments, and data. To meet the diverse needs of our merchant base, establishing a global reach for Open Banking services is of paramount importance. Yapily represents a valuable addition to our Open Banking portfolio, distinguished by their flexibility and expertise in business account connectivity. Together, we are optimally positioned to drive substantial progress within the Open Banking ecosystem.”