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Vola Finance Launches CreditMap to Simplify Debt Management and Boost Credit Scores
Vola Finance, a personal financial management platform, has officially launched Vola CreditMap—a comprehensive loan management dashboard aimed at empowering consumers to take control of their personal debt and improve their credit scores. Designed with simplicity and impact in mind, CreditMap offers users a centralized experience to manage all forms of debt, including credit cards, student loans, rent, and utilities, within one intuitive interface.
As U.S. consumer debt levels rise above $104,000 on average, borrowers—particularly Millennials and Gen Z—are navigating increasingly complex financial obligations. From the resurgence of student loan payments to the growing impact of Buy Now, Pay Later services on credit profiles, effective debt management has become more essential than ever. Vola Finance addresses these challenges by providing a unified solution that merges budgeting, credit-building, and cash advance capabilities into a single platform focused on helping users reduce debt and build stronger credit.
Through Vola’s integration with Method Financial, CreditMap establishes direct connections with credit bureaus and financial institutions, enabling it to gather validated loan information and proactively provide payback plans that are optimal. This goes beyond merely displaying outstanding balances by enabling users to lower the total cost of their debt. Through real-time, personalized insights, the dashboard empowers users to monitor payment timelines, assess credit score factors, and manage their cash flow more efficiently. Vola’s collaboration with Esusu further enhances the platform by allowing users to report rent payments and receive alerts—both of which can positively influence credit scores.
Tushar Bagamane, CEO of Vola Finance, emphasized that the goal of CreditMap is to demystify credit building and debt management. Rather than simply presenting credit scores, the platform explains what drives them and offers individualized recommendations tailored to each user’s financial situation. With educational resources built directly into the platform, users are guided toward smarter, more informed financial decisions. Currently, over 30,000 users are using CreditMap, managing an average of five active loans. Vola supports integration with over 6,000 financial institutions and partners with industry leaders like Mastercard and FIS, further solidifying its commitment to financial empowerment through technology.
Future-Ready Payments Arrive in Francophone Africa as OpenWay Launches Regional Push
OpenWay, the global powerhouse behind the acclaimed Way4 digital payment platform, has announced its official expansion into Francophone Africa, bringing its cutting-edge payment solutions and robust local service infrastructure to banks and fintech companies in the region. This strategic move underscores OpenWay’s commitment to advancing digital finance across the African continent by enabling financial institutions to modernize and innovate their services with world-class technology.
A significant milestone in this expansion includes a long-term technology partnership with a top-tier bank in Morocco, aimed at accelerating its digital transformation initiatives. This collaboration paves the way for financial institutions in Morocco and Tunisia to adopt the Way4 platform—an industry-leading payment system lauded by global research firms such as Gartner and Datos. Through this program, OpenWay offers its assistance to forward-thinking participants constructing Africa’s payment ecosystem of the future. Major African banks, such as Equity Bank in Kenya and SanuPay, an up-and-coming fintech pioneer in Ethiopia, already trust Way4.
Way4’s comprehensive capabilities empower banks and fintechs to deliver always-on, real-time digital payment services across issuing, acquiring, and processing domains. Its flexible and configurable architecture shortens time-to-market while unifying various payment products—including cards, digital wallets, account-to-account transfers, crypto assets, and central bank digital currencies—on a single, secure platform. Designed for enterprise-scale operations, Way4 ensures reliable, compliant, and seamless scalability across borders.
In a move to enhance regional engagement, OpenWay is also building a specialized local team in Francophone North Africa. With experts based in Morocco and Tunisia, clients now have access to customized support enriched by OpenWay’s global delivery capabilities and industry expertise. Collaborations with professionals from Sub-Saharan Africa further ensure culturally relevant, locally resonant service.
Jean-Philippe Wolyniec, OpenWay’s Regional Sales Director, emphasized that real progress in Africa is achieved collectively. He highlighted the company’s pride in co-creating value with clients to foster inclusive, secure, and future-ready payment experiences across the continent.
XData Group Unveils Comcora to Revolutionize Digital Banking for Banks and Fintechs
XData Group, a European software development company specializing in banking technologies, has launched Comcora, a white-label Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform created to empower both traditional banks and fintech startups with a streamlined pathway to offering modern digital financial services. Designed to minimize complexity and accelerate deployment, Comcora provides an adaptable and scalable solution tailored to the unique needs of each client.
Comcora is specifically crafted for two key audiences — established banks aiming to update their digital infrastructure and fintech ventures seeking a reliable backend to bring new financial products to market. For banks, the platform offers seamless integration with existing core systems while delivering a fully customizable, digital-first experience. For fintechs, it serves as a comprehensive yet flexible infrastructure, covering everything from basic payments to advanced financial tools that evolve alongside their growth.
The product’s name, derived from “common core,” reflects its foundational principle: to provide a robust, scalable architecture that can easily be tailored to suit a wide variety of business models and customer segments. Comcora emphasizes simplicity in both integration and operations, offering clients a complete platform that requires no in-house technical team to maintain.
Unlike many BaaS solutions that cater only to tech-heavy organizations, Comcora stands out by removing common barriers such as high development costs and complex technical requirements. The solution is supported by a seasoned team at XData Group, with deep expertise in banking and fintech, ensuring clients receive strategic guidance and product support throughout their journey.
Behind the platform is a powerful, modular microservices architecture that includes everything from accounts and cards to lending and compliance tools. It is already integrated with trusted global providers such as Visa, Mastercard, Sumsub, ComplyControl, and Google Cloud. With its first European bank client preparing for a Q1 2026 launch, XData Group is focused on expanding Comcora into new regions and deepening collaborations with forward-thinking financial institutions.
ImageSource Unveils AI-Powered IDC Proposal Solution for Tribal Nations
ImageSource, Inc., the company behind the ILINX® intelligent automation platform, has introduced a new Indirect Cost Rate (IDC) Proposal Solution tailored specifically for the financial and regulatory requirements of Tribal Nations. Created in close partnership with tribal finance and grants management experts, this purpose-built solution is designed to remove the inefficiencies that have long challenged Tribal Nations in managing indirect cost proposals. By simplifying the preparation and submission process, the solution empowers tribal governments to effectively claim and recover the overhead expenses tied to federally funded and grant-supported initiatives. This in turn strengthens financial transparency, long-term program sustainability, and reinforces fiscal sovereignty.
Rob Latham, Chief Solution Officer at ImageSource, emphasized that many Tribal Nations still rely on cumbersome, disjointed processes for compiling IDC proposals, which can drain resources and create compliance risks. The new solution addresses these issues by introducing automation into the proposal development cycle and enabling financial teams to accurately compare indirect and cost bases. This allows for greater consistency and preparation in future fiscal years. Instead of being burdened by time-consuming manual procedures, tribal leadership can shift their focus toward making more impactful funding decisions.
The solution aligns with federal agency standards, particularly those of the U.S. Department of the Interior, ensuring regulatory compliance from the outset. Built with ILINX’s adaptable architecture, the IDC Proposal Solution offers a secure environment to manage, track, and generate essential documentation while providing audit-ready records. It is in line with ImageSource’s overarching goal of creating safe and culturally sensitive automation solutions for Tribal Nations. By integrating artificial intelligence with customizable workflows, this new offering not only enhances operational efficiency but also respects the distinct governance structures and traditions of the communities it serves. The release of this IDC Proposal Solution represents a meaningful step toward enabling Tribal Nations to exert greater control over their financial planning and grant management efforts.
ComplyControl Launches SafeStart to Empower Fintech Startups with Seamless Compliance
ComplyControl, a UK-based provider of AI-driven compliance technology, has unveiled ComplyControl SafeStart — a specialized initiative aimed at supporting fintech startups across the EU and UK. This new program is designed to empower early-stage companies with the tools and guidance needed to establish trust, accelerate growth, and maintain regulatory compliance from the very beginning of their journey.
Navigating compliance can be especially burdensome for startups, as it often comes with steep costs and operational complexity. Research indicates that small businesses typically spend around $7,000 per employee each year on compliance—substantially more than their larger counterparts. For resource-limited startups, these demands can be overwhelming. Yet opting to delay or bypass compliance can expose startups to far greater risks, including regulatory penalties, diminished investor confidence, broken partnerships, or even the loss of the business itself.
By providing entrepreneurs with an easy-to-use, affordable route to a strong compliance infrastructure, SafeStart seeks to allay these worries. Accepted startups gain full access to ComplyControl’s complete suite of AI-powered tools, including transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, AML and CTF detection, and policy analysis. The offering is designed to be easy to adopt, with no-code configuration and support for up to 50,000 transactions per month at no cost for the first 12 months.
What sets the program apart is not only the technology, which processes transactions in under five seconds and cuts false positives by up to 80%, but also the hands-on support provided by the ComplyControl team. Rather than handing over a complex system and leaving startups to figure things out, the company actively guides them through the setup and ongoing use, helping to build compliance capabilities that can scale with their growth.
ComplyControl founder Roman Eloshvili emphasizes that SafeStart is about removing barriers. As compliance grows increasingly intricate, he sees the program as a way to let fintech innovators focus on product development while ComplyControl handles the regulatory complexity.
Pioneering the Future: EquiLend Expands with Trading Apps Acquisition
EquiLend has taken a major step forward in its mission to lead innovation in securities finance by acquiring Trading Apps, a front-office technology provider recognized for its advanced automation tools and modular trading solutions. These tools are widely adopted by top-tier securities finance desks around the world and are known for improving operational efficiency and trading precision.
This acquisition reinforces EquiLend’s long-term vision to enhance and unify the entire securities finance lifecycle—from front-office trading to post-trade operations—by embedding intelligent automation and adaptability at every level. With the integration of Trading Apps’ cutting-edge technology, EquiLend broadens its product offering and delivers added flexibility for clients who can choose to use these tools as standalone solutions or as part of a fully integrated suite.
A variety of cutting-edge front-office solutions created by Trading Apps increase automation and trading speed in the securities financing industry. Among these, the Lender and Borrower Apps stand out for their ability to streamline workflows, improve rate negotiations, detect short positions, and optimize profitability. These tools empower traders by significantly cutting down on manual tasks, boosting capacity for higher trade volumes, and enabling greater control over key decisions in lending and borrowing.
As part of the acquisition, EquiLend also gains TA.Link, Trading Apps’ trade messaging solution, which will now serve as the resiliency component for EquiLend’s Next Generation Trading (NGT) platform. Designed with complete infrastructure independence, TA.Link ensures operational continuity without introducing systemic dependency risks.
Rich Grossi, the CEO of EquiLend, was excited about the acquisition, pointing out that Trading Apps’ experience improves the EquiLend platform’s value proposition by quickening the automation trend. Trading Apps CEO Matthew Harrison emphasized the strategic alignment and future potential this collaboration unlocks. Nick Delikaris, EquiLend’s Chief Product Officer, highlighted how the acquisition supports the goal of building a unified, intelligent infrastructure for the entire securities finance sector.
Equifax and Qlarifi Team Up to Analyze the Role of BNPL Data in Credit Decisions
Equifax®, a global leader in data, analytics, and technology, has teamed up with Qlarifi, the first real-time consumer credit database specifically designed for Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) lending, to conduct a groundbreaking joint study. The focus of the study is to evaluate how the inclusion of Buy Now, Pay Later data affects credit risk assessments and fraud prevention efforts. This collaboration aims to bring much-needed insight into the growing BNPL market, where over half of U.S. consumers currently utilize BNPL services, and a significant portion—35%—plans to increase their usage in the coming years.
As BNPL usage continues to rise, both Equifax and Qlarifi recognize the urgent need to study the predictive capabilities of real-time Buy Now, Pay Later data. The joint research will mark the first U.S.-based industry-wide study that incorporates live BNPL data from multiple providers, assessing its impact on credit evaluations and its potential to detect and prevent fraud. By offering this in-depth analysis, the two companies aim to provide lenders and financial service providers with valuable data to optimize decision-making processes.
Qlarifi’s platform is uniquely designed to handle short-term credit, giving lenders a secure and efficient means of tracking BNPL transactions across providers in real-time. This technology enables lenders to access detailed, up-to-the-second insights into consumer borrowing behaviors, helping to detect issues like loan stacking and offering transparency into BNPL usage patterns.
Jake Osborne, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Fintech and Payments at Equifax, emphasized that the collaboration with Qlarifi and multiple BNPL providers will ultimately help the industry identify strategies to reduce loan stacking risks and improve the predictive capabilities of Buy Now, Pay Later data, all while benefiting consumers.
Understanding how this data influences loan decisions has become crucial for lenders as more consumers use BNPL services. Traditional credit reports remain a cornerstone for evaluating financial reliability, but the study will also explore how BNPL data can offer additional insights, identify early signs of financial strain, and protect consumers from overextending themselves. By incorporating Buy Now, Pay Later data into credit decisioning, the study could also enhance access to credit for individuals with limited or no traditional credit history. According to Alex Naughton, CEO of Qlarifi, this study will be an important step in providing a more thorough and transparent picture of BNPL behavior, assisting consumers and lenders in making more informed choices.
Bybit and Tether Unite to Drive Crypto Adoption in Brazil
Bybit, recognized as the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has entered into a strategic partnership with Tether, the leading digital asset company and issuer of USD₮, the most widely used stablecoin globally. The collaboration focuses on accelerating cryptocurrency adoption in Brazil through a combination of institutional partnerships, sponsorship of major events, and expansive educational programs.
An important aspect of this partnership is the joint sponsorship of Blockchain Rio, one of the biggest blockchain events in Latin America. New users who sign up on the Bybit platform during the event will receive a special bonus in USD₮, a move intended to attract and engage first-time users with the digital asset ecosystem. To translate the partnership into real-world utility, Bybit and Tether are in active discussions with Visit Rio to explore integrating cryptocurrency into the tourism sector. In order to make Rio a crypto-friendly and creative vacation destination, the idea suggests offering incentives and discounts in USD₮ to tourists who wish to use digital assets for a variety of services, excursions, and purchases at local businesses.
Looking ahead, Bybit is set to roll out a nationwide educational initiative to raise awareness and support responsible cryptocurrency usage. This will involve “Learn and Earn” campaigns, rewarding users for completing courses on blockchain and digital assets. These efforts will be reinforced through in-person events such as workshops, seminars, and university engagements aimed at educating students, developers, and entrepreneurs.
Earlier this year, Bybit appointed Israel Buzaym as the Country Manager for Brazil. Since his appointment, the company has rapidly expanded its footprint in the region and launched localized offerings like Bybit Pay and Bybit Card, helping bridge the divide between traditional finance and digital currency. With Tether’s market cap surpassing $114 billion, the partnership marks a significant step toward mainstreaming cryptocurrency use in Brazil.
CredCore raises $16m to accelerate AI-driven credit investing and management
AI-powered credit investment platform CredCore, which specialises in transforming debt capital markets for lenders and borrowers, has secured $16m in a Series A funding round.
The round was led by Avataar Ventures, with additional backing from Inspired Capital, Fitch Group, BellTower Partners, and senior executives from asset management and financial services.
CredCore is tackling inefficiencies in the enterprise credit sector, which sees $5trn in transactions annually but has been slow to adopt technological innovation.
The company’s AI-driven platform enhances deal execution by enabling customers to accelerate transactions and scale their teams and assets under management (AUM). The platform has gained significant traction, already supporting major asset managers and corporations in the US, overseeing over $650bn in AUM.
The company’s suite of solutions covers the entire debt deal lifecycle, from pre-deal evaluation to post-deal management. Its Agentic platform uses AI to analyse, summarise, and extract insights from deal-related documents in a matter of hours, significantly reducing the time required for capital deployment.
CredCore co-founder Saumil Annegiri said, “Marrying credit and technology has historically been insurmountable. The industry is fragmented, complex, and specialized, with data that is often unavailable and inconsistent. At CredCore, we are solving this with proprietary AI models trained on $5 trillion worth of data.
“However, technology is just a part of the solution. Expert oversight remains indispensable to ensure precision and trust. This is where we differentiate ourselves with domain-specialists-in-the-loop.”
CredCore co-founder Karthik Nandyal added, “In terms of technology adoption, enterprise credit today parallels where equities were 30 years ago but credit markets are significantly larger.
“With decades of industry experience, we built CredCore on a foundation of advanced AI research and innovative business processes to transform credit markets through technology. AI advancements like self-deployed models and more efficient architectures are enabling greater automation and enhanced data privacy, which is why we are able to guarantee outcomes for our customers.”
TMX VettaFi expands fixed income indexing with Credit Suisse bond indices acquisition
TMX VettaFi has acquired Credit Suisse’s Bond Indices from UBS, further strengthening its fixed income index capabilities.
TMX VettaFi president Tom Hendrickson said, “We are excited to announce another significant step forward in our index expansion strategy, designed to strengthen our fixed income indexing capabilities, and broaden the services we provide to a growing international network of clients and partners.
“We see tremendous opportunity for indexing across the fixed income asset class – especially with the growth of bond ETFs – and we look forward to partnering with even more asset managers to unlock new bond ETF innovation.”
The acquired bond index franchise covers key areas such as government bonds, credit instruments, and emerging markets bonds. Additionally, it includes advanced tools and analytics to support the creation of custom fixed income solutions.
This marks TMX VettaFi’s fourth major acquisition in the past 18 months. The firm previously acquired iNDEX Research in October 2024, adding a provider with $10bn in linked assets across equity and fixed income strategies. Other recent acquisitions include the ROBO Global Index Suite in April 2023 and EQM Indexes in September 2023.
Brian Coco, head of index product at TMX VettaFi, said, “Today fixed income represents approximately 20% of the ETF market, yet the total global bond market is $140 trillion, compared to the $115 trillion global equity market. With even stronger fixed income indexing capabilities, VettaFi can truly provide outcome-oriented solutions to our clients across asset classes, as well as more precision exposures within fixed income.”
Following the acquisition, TMX VettaFi now manages over 700 indexes, with $53bn in assets passively tracking these indices and $41bn in benchmarked assets. Its team leverages cloud-based technology to deliver research, index design, calculation, dissemination, and management services to over 250 clients worldwide.
MENA InsureLab secures backing from TIC to boost InsurTech innovation
MENA InsureLab, an InsurTech accelerator and venture builder, has secured strategic backing from TIC Technology Innovation Capital, a US-based venture capital firm.
The investment comes from TIC’s $100m fund, which focuses on supporting early-stage technology companies. The firm employs a unique investment model, providing both financial backing and software development services in exchange for equity.
MENA InsureLab was founded to drive digital transformation in the insurance industry by fostering partnerships between established insurers and emerging startups. The accelerator aims to connect insurance firms with cutting-edge technological solutions, facilitating their adoption and integration.
With the fresh backing from TIC, MENA InsureLab intends to expand its operations, offering more funding opportunities, mentorship programmes, and market access for InsurTech ventures across the MENA region.
Aicha Ghaffari, managing director at MENA InsureLab, said, “TIC’s support solidifies our commitment to building a thriving ecosystem where insurance companies and insurtechs can co-create solutions tailored to the evolving needs of customers. This partnership allows us to drive impactful innovation and accelerate digital transformation in the region.”
TIC founder Ike Syed also expressed enthusiasm about the investment, stating, “Our investment in MENA InsureLab aligns with our mission to empower technology-driven entrepreneurship and reshape industries. We believe the InsurTech sector in MENA holds immense potential, and we are excited to support MENA InsureLab in driving meaningful innovation.”
SafelyYou raises $43m to expand AI-driven solutions for senior living
SafelyYou has secured $43m in a Series C funding round led by Touring Capital, bringing the firm’s total capital raised to over $100m.
With this tranche, SafelyYou plans to expand its technology offerings to address growing challenges in senior care, including increasing resident acuity, staffing shortages, and care accuracy, according to the Coverager.
The company has introduced two additional solutions—SafelyYou Clarity, an automated care tracking system, and SafelyYou Aware, which uses data-driven insights to predict residents’ care needs.
The company’s client base includes leading senior living providers such as StoryPoint Senior Living, Benchmark Senior Living, Midwest Health, and Senior Star.
SafelyYou founder and CEO George Netscher said, “We’re so grateful for this funding at a critical juncture in care delivery for senior living, when SafelyYou’s solutions are more important than ever. I started this company to help my mom and to help so many families like ours who have a loved one living with dementia. And we’ve grown to provide broader care support in senior living. Now, at a time when resident acuity is increasing, care demands are greater, and staffing continues to be a crisis, we’ll be able to empower operators to predict care needs with unmatched speed and accuracy, revolutionising how senior care is provided.”
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.”