NEWS
Featured News
Trending News
Splitit and Samsung Revolutionize In-Store Payments with New Wallet Integration
Splitit has joined forces with Samsung to introduce a groundbreaking installment payment feature within Samsung Wallet. This collaboration brings users the ability to make in-store purchases and pay over time, utilizing their existing credit cards directly at the point of sale. This marks a major milestone, as it’s the first time an installment option is natively integrated into Samsung Wallet, offering a seamless and accessible way for consumers to manage their payments without the need for new credit applications or additional checks.
Samsung Wallet, which is already trusted by millions of people to store IDs, boarding passes, credit cards, and other documents, now offers even more financial functionality. According to Drew Blackard, Senior Vice President of Mobile Product Management at Samsung Electronics America, this new feature empowers users to take greater control of their spending by spreading costs over time, all while staying within the familiar Samsung Wallet environment.
Consumer preference is already shifting toward this model. Findings from the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Buy Now, Pay Later Satisfaction Study indicate that card-linked installment plans outperform traditional BNPL services in terms of customer satisfaction. Now, with this new Samsung Wallet feature, eligible users can split their payments into manageable portions, directly from their phone, while shopping in-store.
Splitit’s CEO, Nandan Sheth, emphasized the significance of this innovation, pointing out that while in-store shopping dominates U.S. consumer spending, installment solutions have largely been limited to online platforms—until now. With this partnership, Splitit is changing the landscape by making card-linked installment payments available in physical stores through Samsung Wallet, delivering convenience to customers and a powerful sales tool for merchants.
This new installment function will be made available to owners of Samsung Galaxy smartphones, including those with the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, in a few U.S. states starting on July 25, 2025. Users simply need to link an eligible Mastercard or Visa credit card to access this flexible, in-wallet payment solution, designed to make everyday spending easier and more budget-friendly.
PayPal World Unites Global Wallets: A New Era for Cross-Border Payments
PayPal has announced a groundbreaking global initiative—PayPal World—which brings together many of the world’s major digital wallets and payment systems on a unified platform. The launch begins with interoperability between PayPal and Venmo and includes partners representing close to two billion users worldwide. This strategic move aims to revolutionize how people send money, shop both online and offline, and engage in commerce using AI agents across international borders.
For consumers, PayPal World removes the barriers often faced when trying to shop or transfer money internationally. While domestic wallets are widely used within countries, they have traditionally been limited when it comes to cross-border functionality. PayPal World changes this by allowing users to pay international businesses using their local wallets and currency, offering smooth access to millions more merchants. Consumers will also be able to transfer money globally with greater ease, making cross-border interactions as simple as local ones.
Businesses, on the other hand, benefit from automatic access to a massive user base with no need for additional tech development. Instead of building separate integrations for every payment method, merchants will now be connected to a growing global network through a single platform. This expands their reach, improves checkout experiences, and enables them to cater to international customers with ease—whether online, in-store, or via AI-powered shopping assistants.
PayPal World is built as a flexible, cloud-native solution with open APIs and a multi-region deployment model, ensuring global availability with low latency. It’s designed for seamless expansion, letting new wallets and payment platforms join without friction. As digital commerce evolves, the platform is positioned to integrate advanced technologies such as dynamic payment buttons, stablecoins, and AI-driven shopping interactions.
NPCI International Payments (UPI), PayPal, Tenpay Global, Venmo, and Mercado Pago are among the early launch partners. Thanks to the arrangement, PayPal and Venmo will be able to send money to each other from anywhere in the world for the first time. Venmo users will soon be able to purchase overseas at establishments that take PayPal.
Whether it’s making everyday purchases abroad or sending a birthday gift across continents, PayPal World aims to make global commerce as familiar and effortless as a local transaction. The rollout is set to begin this fall, with more partners expected to join over time.
Smarter Lending Begins with Real-Time Debt Data: Algebrik AI and Spinwheel Partner for AI-Driven LOS Innovation
Spinwheel, a prominent leader in real-time consumer credit data and AI-powered payments, has formally announced a strategic partnership with Algebrik AI Inc., a Delaware-based business based in New York City that is credited with creating the first cloud-native, AI-driven, digital-age Loan Origination System (LOS) in history. This partnership is a major step in changing the lending landscape and comes after Spinwheel’s recent ~$30 million Series A funding round. Through this partnership, Spinwheel’s advanced credit data solutions will be seamlessly embedded within Algebrik One — Algebrik’s comprehensive lending platform that integrates Digital Account Opening, the Lender’s Cockpit (LOS), Omni-channel Point-of-Sale (POS), an AI-powered Decision Engine, and Portfolio Analytics. Credit unions, community banks, and fintech lenders can now easily access verified consumer debt information and payment features in real-time within their lending workflows thanks to this native integration, which speeds up loan approvals, improves borrower experiences, and boosts decision-making confidence.
The collaboration transforms the lending process by embedding Spinwheel’s debt APIs into Algebrik’s platform, enabling lenders to collect real-time, verified credit data using just minimal borrower information like a phone number and birthdate. This grants immediate visibility into liabilities across various categories, including credit cards, student loans, mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, and non-traditional credit sources. By eliminating the need for manual documentation, the partnership significantly reduces processing errors and friction in loan applications. Spinwheel’s agentic AI and API tools will now work directly within Algebrik’s LOS, enhancing credit risk assessment, streamlining compliance, refining underwriting workflows, and providing borrowers with a more seamless experience.
Commenting on the partnership, Pankaj Jain, Founder and CEO of Algebrik AI, highlighted that embedding real-time debt data into the lending journey empowers lenders to make more responsible and data-driven decisions. He noted that with Spinwheel integrated into Algebrik One, lenders gain not just better data but payment-enabled workflows and a holistic understanding of borrower obligations, fundamentally reimagining frictionless and intelligent lending. Tomás Campos, Co-Founder and CEO of Spinwheel, echoed this sentiment, stating that the collaboration advances their mission of enhancing financial outcomes for both lenders and borrowers by delivering more accurate and actionable credit insights within the borrowing experience.
Algebrik AI’s platform is designed specifically to modernize loan origination for today’s digital-first generation. Its focus is on helping credit unions remain competitive while engaging and retaining members in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. Algebrik AI allows credit unions to emphasis on helping their communities by streamlining intricate operations and automating the lending process. Meanwhile, Spinwheel continues to disrupt the consumer credit space by partnering with financial institutions to provide real-time, verified credit data and integrated payment capabilities through its APIs and AI-powered solutions. With a rapidly expanding user base and significant debt volume managed across its network, Spinwheel is positioned as a transformative force in modern credit management.
Fidelidade Secures ‘A’ Credit Rating from S&P, Reinforcing Global Market Leadership
Following a formal evaluation by Standard & Poor’s (S&P), a well-known credit rating agency with a stable outlook, Fidelidade – Companhia de Seguros, S.A. and its reinsurance branch, Fidelidade RE – Companhia de Resseguros, S.A., were given long-term Issuer Credit Ratings (ICR) and Financial Strength Ratings (FSR) of ‘A’. This rating reflects S\&P’s confidence in Fidelidade’s continued market leadership, both within Portugal and across its international operations, over the next two years. The agency expects the company to sustain its robust capital strength and consistent profitability, underpinned by steady growth and prudent risk management practices.
Fidelidade’s geographically dispersed insurance portfolio and varied revenue streams were highlighted in S&P’s study. Leveraging its dominant 30% market share in Portugal alongside its expanding presence in markets such as Peru, Chile, various African nations, and parts of Asia, Fidelidade has strategically positioned itself as an international insurance leader. In 2024, the company demonstrated strong financial results, achieving a 12.6% increase in insurance revenues and generating a net income of EUR 173.5 million. A noteworthy indicator of its financial resilience, Fidelidade’s Solvency II ratio reached an impressive 194% at the close of 2024, affirming its stable profitability and solid capital reserves. Its international business activities now contribute 30% to total premiums, underscoring meaningful progress in its globalization strategy.
Fidelidade’s geographically dispersed insurance portfolio and varied revenue streams were highlighted in S&P’s study. This achievement marks Fidelidade’s second major credit rating milestone within a short period. Back in September 2024, Fitch Ratings upgraded Fidelidade’s ratings to A+ for Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) and to A for Issuer Default Rating (IDR), both with a stable outlook—a rating that stood as the highest ever awarded to a Portuguese company at the time.
Rogério Campos Henriques, CEO of Fidelidade, commented that this recognition from two leading global agencies is a testament to the company’s disciplined financial management and its ongoing focus on delivering value to customers, shareholders, and partners.
New Titanium Boost Card and SmartPay Calendar by Receive Transform SMB Finance Management
Receive, a fintech startup focused on expanding financial access for small and medium-sized businesses, has officially emerged from stealth mode with the announcement of its latest milestone. With the help of further debt financing, the company announced that it has raised its total funding to approximately 7.1 million dollars, including a $4 million startup funding round headed by NGVP. Prominent financiers including Blank Ventures, Verissimo Ventures, Insight Partners, Corner Ventures, and Clocktower Technology Ventures are among the backers. Founded by Ariel Blum, a seasoned fintech executive with experience at Melio, Green Dot, and American Express, Receive was born from a clear understanding of the financial barriers facing SMBs. Blum recognized that traditional financial infrastructures were not equipped to meet the fast-moving demands of modern businesses, which often struggle with delayed payouts, extended settlement periods, and costly credit, all contributing to cash flow problems that hinder growth. According to data from SCORE, a partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, 82% of small businesses fail due to cash flow issues.
In response, Blum launched Receive, positioning it as the first Earned Revenue Access platform designed to help small businesses access the revenue they’ve already earned, without the need for credit checks, interest, or conventional underwriting. By transforming pending sales into immediate spending power, Receive aims to empower businesses to reinvest more quickly and operate without accumulating debt. In addition to offering its platform directly to businesses, Receive operates through a white-labeled partnership model, enabling payment processors, ISOs, and software providers to integrate this solution seamlessly, generate new revenue streams, and strengthen merchant relationships.
In order to promote its purpose, Receive teamed up with Titanium Payments to launch the Titanium Boost Business Mastercard, which gives Titanium’s network of merchants direct access to Earned Revenue. This card allows businesses to convert pending settlements into usable funds instantly, supporting Receive’s goal of creating a more responsive and adaptable financial ecosystem for SMBs. Ariel Blum highlighted how critical immediate revenue access can be, citing the example of a local mechanic who, without timely access to funds, was unable to purchase parts and take on new jobs, illustrating how traditional financial delays can stall growth. With Titanium Boost, businesses gain the flexibility to access funds as needed, avoiding operational disruptions.
In addition to launching the Titanium Boost card, Receive introduced the SmartPay Calendar, a tool designed to transform cash flow management into a competitive advantage. This repayment system allows businesses to choose their repayment schedules and rewards early repayments with increased spending capacity. Through these innovations, Receive is working to redefine financial management for small businesses, providing tools that offer greater control, flexibility, and operational efficiency, ultimately helping SMBs grow on their own terms. The Titanium Boost Business Mastercard is issued by Patriot Bank under license from Mastercard and can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted.
From Spreadsheets to Smart Dashboards: Inside Finlens’ AI Accounting Platform
Finlens, a new AI-powered solution for accounting, has officially launched, aiming to streamline financial processes for startups and accounting firms alike. Backed by Y Combinator and Accel, Finlens positions itself as a tool designed specifically for founders and financial professionals who seek faster month-end closes, real-time financial visibility, and accurate bookkeeping without the usual spreadsheet clutter that bogs down many early-stage companies. The idea behind Finlens emerged after extensive conversations between its founders, Halim M. and Pawan Rochwani, and numerous founders and accountants. A consistent theme in those discussions was the frustration surrounding the manual and often disorganized nature of early-stage accounting. In response, Finlens was developed to automate much of the accounting backend, managing tasks like categorization, GAAP scheduling, and collaboration without requiring companies to migrate from existing systems like QuickBooks or endure complex change management processes.
According to co-founder Pawan Rochwani, the real challenge is not that founders are neglectful of their financial data but that traditional accounting platforms are not founder-friendly. Most founders have little interest in engaging directly with complex software like QuickBooks, preferring to rely on accountants to decipher and organize the data. Finlens seeks to bridge that gap by transforming the backend processes into something more intuitive and usable. The platform promises to give founders real-time visibility into their financials, reducing the need for accountants to repeatedly chase down receipts and preventing the typical end-of-month scramble many businesses experience.
Finlens offers features such as smart transaction categorization, receipt capture, and the management of split transactions. More complex accounting elements like accruals, compliance processes, and GAAP schedules are seamlessly integrated into the platform’s workflow. CPA firms can also benefit from its organized dashboard, designed to help them manage client accounts efficiently, whether they serve five clients or fifty. By syncing directly with QuickBooks through a two-way integration, Finlens eliminates the need for redundant data entry or double work.
Both founders bring prior experience in product development and go-to-market strategy. Rochwani, having previously held leadership roles in marketing and demand generation at companies like inFeedo and Pepper Content, also has experience as an angel investor. His co-founder, Halim M., had earlier worked on decentralized giving platforms and built widely-used consumer applications like FancyKey.
While Finlens enters an increasingly competitive market of AI-driven accounting solutions, it differentiates itself by focusing on usability and minimal disruption to existing systems. Another player in this growing space is Minerva Accounting, which also leverages artificial intelligence to automate core accounting functions. Like Finlens, Minerva aims to reduce manual workloads, minimize human error, and offer real-time insights into business finances. Minerva additionally promotes smart tax planning tools and on-demand financial chat services, presenting itself as a provider of CFO-level intelligence at a reduced cost.
Both companies reflect a broader trend in which artificial intelligence is reshaping financial operations, simplifying complex accounting tasks, and allowing both startups and accounting professionals to focus more on strategic growth rather than day-to-day financial admin work. Finlens, with its practical integration and founder-focused approach, is positioning itself as a key player in this evolving landscape.
Major Industrial Expansion: Georgia-Pacific’s Englehart Mill Set for $191M Overhaul
Georgia-Pacific has officially announced a significant capital investment in its Englehart OSB (Oriented Strand Board) mill, located in Ontario, marking a major step in the facility’s ongoing growth and modernization. The company plans to invest approximately $140 million USD, equivalent to around $191 million CAD, to upgrade the mill’s infrastructure. This investment will be directed toward developing a state-of-the-art log processing system and constructing an expanded finished goods warehouse to improve overall operational efficiency. This development aligns with Georgia-Pacific’s broader commitment to enhancing productivity and meeting the evolving needs of its customers.
The announcement comes at a momentous occasion as the Englehart OSB mill celebrates its fifteenth year as a member of the Georgia-Pacific network, even though the site itself dates back to 1983, when its first board was produced. Celebrating both its heritage and future, the mill now stands on the brink of significant transformation.
David Neal, senior vice president of Georgia-Pacific’s Building Products business, highlighted the company’s forward-thinking strategy during the formal groundbreaking ceremony. He highlighted that the investment not only underscores Georgia-Pacific’s dedication to serving its customers more effectively but also enhances the mill’s operational capabilities to support greater productivity well into the future. Neal acknowledged the local workforce, noting that ongoing operations at the facility will continue uninterrupted during the construction and implementation phases, allowing the company to maintain its service to current markets.
John Beers, president of Structural Panels at Georgia-Pacific, further reinforced this message by noting that improvements to the mill’s log processing system and warehouse symbolize the company’s commitment to continuous improvement and reinvestment in both the facility and the surrounding communities. According to Beers, these upgrades reflect the company’s focus on maintaining competitiveness while ensuring the mill operates as an environmentally responsible facility equipped to meet modern industry standards.
The upgrades are significant, as the log processing system plays a critical role in OSB production. This system is responsible for handling raw wood materials, sorting and debarking logs, and preparing them by cutting them into strands before they are dried and pressed into boards. As engineering and design work continues, Georgia-Pacific expects the upgrade to be completed by the second quarter of 2027, making the Englehart mill a modern facility ready to meet the company’s expansion plans.
Lloyds Banking Group Eyes £120m Deal to Acquire Digital Wallet Firm Curve
Lloyds Banking Group is now in the advanced stages of talks to acquire Curve, a well-known financial technology company. The deal, according to sources cited by Sky News, could close as soon as September 2025. The estimated value of the transaction stands at around £120 million. Curve is a strategic addition that Lloyds believes would let it play a bigger part in the expanding payments infrastructure market.
Founded in 2016 by Shachar Bialick, a former Israeli special forces soldier, Curve has quickly built a name for itself in digital payments. It competes directly with Apple Pay by offering a digital wallet service that allows users to combine multiple bank cards into a single, secure platform. Curve customers can avoid foreign exchange fees and collect rewards, which adds further appeal to the service. The company serves over six million customers and handles billions in payments every year across the UK and the European Economic Area.
For Lloyds, this acquisition holds strategic significance. The European Union currently pressures Apple to open its payment services to other platforms. This regulatory shift could allow Lloyds to benefit from acquiring Curve, offering its customers a direct alternative to Apple Pay and reducing reliance on Apple’s payment fees. In the framework of its larger fintech investment strategy, Lloyds also considers Curve to be a financially stable asset.
Although Curve’s valuation reached £133 million in its 2023 Series C funding round, the potential acquisition price falls slightly below that. Despite this, Curve remains valuable. Since its inception, the company has raised more than £200 million from investors like Britannia, IDC Ventures, Cercano Management, and Outward VC. Yet, last year, Curve faced some operational challenges. It reduced its workforce and paused expansion plans in the US market.
Lloyds Banking Group, led by chief executive Charlie Nunn, considers technology expansion a core part of its strategy. The group already holds stakes in multiple fintech firms. By acquiring Curve, Lloyds aims to strengthen its payments infrastructure and offer a competitive digital wallet alternative. The acquisition supports its long-term plan to build more efficient, cost-effective digital payment solutions for its customers.
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.”
Swan raises €42m to accelerate embedded banking adoption across Europe
Swan, a company specialising in embedded banking, has raised €42m in a Series B funding round.
The funding will support Swan’s mission to make embedded banking the standard across Europe. The company believes the industry is undergoing a major transformation, where financial services are becoming a key part of everyday business tools rather than standalone applications.
Swan offers a banking platform designed to simplify the process of embedding financial services. By developing its own core banking infrastructure, the company ensures full control over its technology, allowing it to deliver advanced, localised solutions for businesses across Europe. It also takes on regulatory responsibilities, including compliance, KYC, and fraud prevention, so its partners can focus on growing their businesses.
The new investment will be used to expand Swan’s market presence, with planned launches in Belgium and the UK. The company is also working on tailored solutions for SMEs, including custom card programs for benefits, meal vouchers, travel, and expense management. Additionally, the funds will help Swan grow its team, with plans to hire over 80 new employees across Europe.
Since its initial Series B announcement in September 2023, Swan has expanded into the Netherlands and Italy, providing local IBANs and payment solutions tailored to these markets. The company has also seen significant growth, with monthly revenue and transaction volumes increasing by 250%, and card issuance rising by 370%.
Swan founder and CEO Nicolas Benady said, “In the future, I believe business management software will become a key distributor of banking services. Whether it’s for HR or Accounting, these tools will offer banking features seamlessly integrated into the user’s workflow. This means you’ll have access to banking services right when you need them, directly in the tool you’re using. We call this embedded banking. At Swan, we’re working hard to provide both the technology and compliance framework to make this a reality for SMEs across Europe.”
InsurTech firm The Helper Bees lands $35m to enhance at-home care solutions
The Helper Bees, an InsurTech company focused on enabling older adults to live independently at home, has secured $35m in Series C funding.
The investment round was led by Centana Growth Partners, with participation from existing investors including Silverton Partners, Impact Engine, Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures, and Alumni Ventures.
The company provides a platform that connects older adults with a wide range of non-medical products and services to support independent living. Its credentialed network allows payers to seamlessly offer home-based services such as caregiving, meal delivery, housekeeping, pest control, and transportation. By leveraging technology, The Helper Bees aims to improve access to essential services that enhance quality of life for aging populations.
The Helper Bees CEO Char Hu said, “This funding round represents a pivotal milestone for The Helper Bees and the aging-in-place movement.
“Every day, we hear stories from families who can sleep a little easier knowing their loved ones have access to the care, services, and independence they deserve. This partnership with Centana enables us to broaden our reach and continue empowering older adults to live independently and safely at home.”
Centana Growth Partners partner Eric Byunn highlighted the importance of the platform’s adaptability, stating, “The Helper Bees’ tech-forward platform is streamlining the delivery of independent aging solutions at a time when they are in increasing demand, and the company’s continued expansion into new areas such as payments, exemplified by the launch of their flexible spending card, showcases their adaptability and commitment to addressing evolving market demands.
“We look forward to partnering with a team whose mission aligns with our commitment to scaling innovative technologies that solve real and complex challenges.”
SoftBank to invest $500M in robotics startup SkildAI
SoftBank is negotiating a $500 million investment in Skild AI, a software company building a foundational model for robotics at a $4 billion valuation, Bloomberg and Financial Times reported.
The two-year-old company raised its previous funding round of $300 million at a $1.5 billion valuation last July from investors including Jeff Bezos, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Coatue Management.
The company’s AI model can be applied to various types of robots, Skild founders Deepak Pathak and Abhinav Gupta told TechCrunch last July. They said the generalized model can be modified for a specific domain and use case.
The intersection of robotics and AI has witnessed substantial investor interest.
Over the recent year, investors, particularly Bezos, have increased their funding to AI-powered robotics companies.
Physical Intelligence, a startup that raised $400 million at a $2 billion pre-money valuation in November, is another startup claiming to be developing “brains” for a broad range of robots. Jeff Bezos, Lux Capital, and Thrive Capital led that round.
Last February, Figure AI, a startup building an AI-powered humanoid robot, raised $675 million at a $2.6 billion valuation from Microsoft, OpenAI Startup Fund, Nvidia, Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund, and Jeff Bezos (through Bezos Expeditions).
Qantev and InsureMO announce partnership to revolutionise global insurance services
Qantev, a leading AI claims platform, has partnered with InsureMO to enhance the efficiency of global insurance services.
The collaboration integrates Qantev’s AI-driven solutions with InsureMO’s platform to optimise data transfer and streamline operations across the insurance ecosystem.
This move is aimed at optimising the insurance process by enhancing the seamless transfer of data and documents between insurers, agents, brokers, care providers, and other stakeholders in the ecosystem.
By leveraging AI-powered solutions in combination with a robust insurance platform, this collaboration aims to bring greater efficiency and effectiveness to the insurance industry globally.
Tarik Dadi, CEO of Qantev lauded the move, stating, “The synergy between Qantev and InsureMO is a new era for the insurance industry. By combining our Claims AI expertise with InsureMO’s insurance platform, we are setting a new standard for what is possible when it comes to transforming insurance operations and customer service. This partnership is a step forward in our mission to enhance the performance of health and life insurers around the globe using cutting edge AI.”
Qantev is known for its state-of-the-art AI solutions that combine deep medical expertise with cutting-edge data science.
The company has been instrumental in transforming health and life insurance by improving claims management processes, from data acquisition to adjudication.
Its solutions also help insurers identify fraud, waste, and abuse, which aids in reducing losses while improving customer satisfaction.
As part of the partnership, Qantev’s AI solutions will integrate with InsureMO’s platform, enabling rapid connectivity between various stakeholders in the insurance value chain.
This collaboration will leverage InsureMO’s infrastructure to provide insurers with valuable data insights and operational efficiencies, while Qantev’s AI technology will optimise claims processes and help insurers better manage customer interactions.
Woody MO, CEO from InsureMO, added, “This partnership with Qantev aligns perfectly with our vision of simplifying insurance for everyone involved. Qantev’s innovative AI solutions, integrated with our InsureMO platform, will accelerate the digital transformation of the insurance industry, making insurance more accessible, efficient, and transparent for our global clientele.”