Mastercard plans to allow US partners to offer crypto loyalty rewards

Millions of loyalty rewards program users who may have never had any knowledge or use of cryptocurrencies could soon have some exposure. Major credit card company Mastercard has announced it is preparing to integrate cryptocurrencies into its loyalty program offerings for United States-based banks, merchants and fintech firms on its payment network.In a Monday announcement, Mastercard said it would be working with digital asset platform Bakkt to allow its customers based in the United States to buy, sell and hold digital assets through custodial wallets.

Institutional Investors Growing Curious on Crypto Mining but With ‘Plenty of Skepticism,’ Analyst Says

Interest from traditional FinTech institutional investors is growing, but there is still skepticism when it comes to crypto miners’ valuation, DA Davidson said.

How to Expand Blockchain Beyond Fintech and Into Factories

Blockchain has already improved companies’ ability to track the movement of goods.

Fintech App Current Taps Coinbase’s Bison Trails to Support Polkadot DeFi Plans

Current is enlisting back-end support in its bid to combine DeFi services with the best of its traditional offerings.

What I Learned About Crypto Regulation From a Week in DC

WASHINGTON – Within a 36-hour period, the first bitcoin futures exchange-traded fund (ETF) began trading, the underlying cryptocurrency hit a new all-time high and federal lawmakers dusted off their 2019-era concerns about the Facebook-linked stablecoin project Diem.I spent most of DC Fintech Week in the US capital to reconnect with people I haven’t seen in two years and put faces to folks I’ve emailed during the coronavirus pandemic but never actually met.

Fintech panel forecasts $80K BTC price top this year — Finder poll

An $80,000 price target for Bitcoin implies 28% more upside from current levels — a move that would be highly favorable for altcoins as well.

Fintech Firm Tala Raises $145 Million to Expand its Cryptocurrency Services

Tala doubled down on its digital asset endeavors by raising $145 million to launch crypto products for the underbanked.

Yield App Doubles Assets In Q3 As It Scores Big With Premier League Partnership

YIELD App, a FinTech company and digital asset wealth management platform, has published its Q3 report, showing the firm continuing on a strong growth trajectory over the third quarter of 2021, which saw it double its managed assets and strike a high profile partnership with Premier League football club, West Ham United.

Digital Pound Foundation launches to promote CBDC development in the UK

The think tank wants to ensure the United Kingdom keeps pace with the developments in the emerging digital landscape. The Digital Pound Foundation (DPF), a group of technology, innovation, and regulatory experts, has announced its launch as an independent non-profit organization in the UKAccording to a release issued on Thursday, the DPF will work to promote the implementation of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) in the country.Indeed, as previously reported by Cointelegraph, the UK government in April established a CBDC task force to explore preliminary matters related to the creation of a national digital currency.The DPF, as part of its stated mandate, will carry out research and engage in collaboration with stakeholders to support the UK’s CBDC project.In addition to supporting developmental efforts, the foundation will also reportedly advocate for robust regulations for the UK’s CBDC project as well as favorable legal provisions for privately issued digital currencies.According to Jeremy Wilson, chairman of the DPF, the social and technological ramifications of a CBDC for the UK are profound, hence the need for creating the group to provide the necessary support to all stakeholders.The DPF may likely join the cast of payment and fintech experts already lined up by the Bank of England to contribute to the UK’s CBDC development efforts.

Crypto Eats – Is There a New Food App to Be Released in UK?

Rumors are always what keeps the FinTech industry going and competitive.

Stripe builds new crypto team for payments three years after dropping Bitcoin

After pulling back from Bitcoin three years ago, Stripe is looking to re-enter the crypto sector. US fintech giant Stripe is hiring a new blockchain team to enable crypto payments for its users.

Ripple and Nelnet launches $44M fund for carbon-negative crypto industry

Ripple has contributed the majority of a $44 million fund to support solar energy projects across the United States. Blockchain payments firm Ripple has announced a $44 million environmental, social and governance (ESG) joint venture partnership with fintech provider Nelnet Renewable Energy to fund the adoption of environmentally-conscious solar energy initiatives across the United States. According to the announcement, the new fund is expected to offset over 1.5 million tons of carbon dioxide over 35 years, equivalent to 180,635 homes energy usage for one annum.

Crypto fintech Moonpay reportedly aims for $3.4B valuation in first VC funding

Co-led by Tiger Global Management and Coatue Management, the VC funding will inject funds worth $400 million into the bootstrapped company. Moonpay, a fintech startup dedicated to building crypto payments infrastructure, is reportedly expected to reach a valuation of $3.4 billion after conducting its first round of venture capital funding. The VC funding for the crypto payments startup is being co-led by Tiger Global Management and Coatue Management and will inject funds worth $400 million into the bootstrapped company.

Elliptic raise $60M to advance crypto analytics service

The blockchain analytics firm have amassed data points on 98% of the market's digital assets. Cryptocurrency risk management firm Elliptic have announced a $60 million Series C funding round led by Evolution Equity Partners and supported by a panoply of venture capital firms including SoftBank Vision Fund 2, as well as existing relations AlbionVC, Digital Currency Group, Wells Fargo Strategic Capital and SBI Group, amongst others.Elliptic's history of funding charts a consistent increase, with their debut funding raise in 2016 totalling $5 million, while their second raise across late 2019 to early 2020 raising an additional $28 million.Founded in 2013 and headquartered in London, Elliptic captures analytical data from the blockchain sector to provide anti money laundering and compliance services to fintech institutions, governmental and legislative groups and crypto organizations from financial crime, in addition to enhancing their tolerability to risk.According to the company’s announcement, two thirds of all cryptocurrency volume traded worldwide occurs on exchanges that utilize Elliptic’s risk management and analytical data solution.

Start-up Raises $2 Million to Pioneer Cryptocurrency Usage in Francophone Africa

A Cameroonian fintech start-up, Ejara, has raised $2 million to pioneer the usage of crypto and investment services in French-speaking African countries.

Sri Lanka Appoints Committee to Draft Digital Currency Policy, Seeks Crypto Investments

In preparation to regulate its fintech space, the government of Sri Lanka has established a special committee tasked to formulate the country’s policy on digital banking and crypto-related activities.

Do you still compare Bitcoin to the tulip bubble? Stop!

Crypto is still at an early stage, but with NFTs and DeFi, blockchain is obviously the future of fintech and not just a bubble. To compare Bitcoin (BTC) to the Dutch tulip bulb bubble is to perpetuate a fallacy.

Regulation Key to African Fintech Sector Growth — New Study

According to the findings of a study by Afriwise, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa have the most developed fintech ecosystems on the continent.

FinTech Behind Cardano’s First Stablecoin Launches Bank Accounts And Visa Debit Cards

COTI is set to launch bank accounts and Visa debit cards for its users.

Hong Kong exploring CBDC as part of fintech strategy

A new study from Hong Kong regulators is expected to present initial thoughts and findings on CBDCs during the summer of 2022.

Laos to Study Digital Currency With Help From Japanese Fintech, Report Reveals

The central bank of Laos intends to explore issuing its own digital currency, according to a media report that provided details on the plan.

Laos considers own digital currency, initiates joint-study with Japan fintech startup

Though landlocked, Laos is famous for its splendid waterfalls and consequently, its hydroelectric potential.

YIELD App Named Official Partner of Premier League Football Club West Ham United

PRESS RELEASE. YIELD App, a FinTech company, is thrilled to announce it has become the Official Digital Asset Wealth Management Partner of top Premier League football club, West Ham United.

Egyptian Banks Set to Launch Multi-Million Dollar Fintech Fund

Egyptian banks are reportedly on course to launch a $69.6 million fund which is earmarked to support the country’s fintech companies.

South Korean Regulators Deserting Jobs for Posts in Crypto, Fintech and Finance

e workplaces of the gods” in South Korea.

Bank of England unveils all-star payments and tech lineup for CBDC Forums

Executives and experts from Google, Amazon, PayPal and ConsenSys will be assisting Britain’s central bank with its CBDC research. The United Kingdom’s central bank is ramping up its research into a central bank digital currency (CBDC) with the selection of a long list of banking and fintech experts to assist it.On Sept.

Swiss Fintech Launches Country’s First Regulated Crypto Asset Fund

fund tracks the performance of the Crypto Market Index 10 which is administered by the Zurich-based SIX Swiss Exchange.

YIELD App Named Official Partner Of Premier League Football Club West Ham United

[Press Release – ESTONIA — September 29, 2021] YIELD App, a FinTech company, is thrilled to announce it has become the Official Digital Asset Wealth Management Partner of top Premier League football club, West Ham United.

Revolut to Reportedly Launch Own Cryptocurrency Token

The popular fintech company offering digital asset services could be the next giant to launch its cryptocurrency token.

Kenyan Fintech Player: ‘Banking the Unbanked’ Is the Most Important Use Case for Digital Currencies in Africa

The year 2020 may well go down as the year when blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, in particular, gained mainstream recognition.

Crypto-related stocks in Hong Kong impacted, but more HODLers for Bitcoin, Ethereum

China declaring all crypto transactions illegal sent shockwaves through Asia's fintech market.

Chipper Cash Extends Peer-to-Peer Money Transfer Service to South Africa

Chipper Cash, an African fintech start-up, has extended its peer-to-peer instant money service to South Africa.

Fintech Firm Centbee Graduates From South African Regulatory Sandbox

Fintech firm Centbee recently announced it has successfully completed the testing of its cross-border remittance application, Minit Money.

Coinswap: A beautiful blend of Defi and Fintech

Decentralized finance, while born out of the marriage of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, has developed into an industry of its own.

Sorare scores $680M funding led by SoftBank to grow its NFT sport portfolio

Sorare attained a $4.3 billion valuation with a Series B funding round led by the Tokyo-based holding company. Sorare, a marketplace for nonfungible token (NFT) trading cards, has raised $680 million in a Series B funding round led by Japanese fintech giant SoftBank, resulting in a revised valuation of $4.3 billion for the platform.

Fintech Firm Revolut Pays for Dallas-Based Wework Workspace With Bitcoin

The cryptocurrency-infused financial tech company Revolut has announced it has purchased a Wework office with bitcoin.

Fintech MoneyLion Adds Crypto Trading with $1M Prize Before IPO

Financial technology company MoneyLion introduced cryptocurrency services to its integrated financial service application before its public listing, allowing clients to buy and sell Bitcoin and Ethereum freely.

ZPAE Solves World Retail Challenges Using FinTech at Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park

PRESS RELEASE. Sharjah, September 2021 – The Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) issued its third Distributed Ledger Technologies license (DLT) to ZelaaPayAE.

CBDCs, Stablecoins & Crypto Can Disrupt Traditional Finance – Moody’s

="https://cryptonews.com/tags/facebook/">Facebook, and fintech firms like Square or PayPal, will become key forc...

Zip eyes millennials with planned launch of crypto trading in the US next year

Aussie "buy now, pay later" fintech found that BNPL users are 67% more likely to trade crypto than non-users. Australian "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) firm Zip​​, the smaller rival to Square’s recently-acquired Afterpay, is hitching its future growth prospects to the cryptocurrency industry.Zip USA CEO Brad Lindenberg told attendees at the company's first retail investor day that “The innovation around crypto feels like the internet did in 1995.” The company’s interest in crypto has been hinted at previously and has now materialized into a concrete plan: A project that integrates crypto trading functionality for United States users and enables its merchants to accept Bitcoin (BTC) payments.Zip's internal research, which found that BNPL users are 67% more likely to trade crypto than non-users, has bolstered its confidence in the move.

Indians to replace gold with crypto as a festive season unfolds

Around 7 million Indians have already pumped over $1 billion into cryptocurrencies and the government has to undertake the task of allowing the fintech space to flourish in India. Consider this, inThe post Indians to replace gold with crypto as a festive season unfolds appeared first on AMBCrypto.

E-Naira Countdown: Nigerian Experts Question Selection of Bitt Inc as Central Bank’s Fintech Partner

Nigerian fintech entrepreneurs have slammed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s decision to select Bitt Inc as its fintech partner.

Blockchain-based platform for fractional property ownership launches in India

RealX blockchain-based platform allows Indian investors to buy and sell “direct deeded co-ownership” of holiday properties. A fintech firm from Pune, India has launched a blockchain-based registry system named RealX that allows Indian citizens to purchase fractional ownership in properties. A report from The Economic Times states that RealX has partnered with Tripvillas, a holiday home rental service, to blend ownership of holiday properties in accordance with usage and yield.

NYDIG Partners With MVB Bank to Offer White Label Bitcoin Solutions

NYDIG, a Bitcoin-based fintech firm, has announced it will partner with MVB bank to integrate its Bitcoin services into MVB’s banking as a service solution.

Bitfinex launches security token platform regulated in Kazakhstan

Bitfinex’s new security token platform will provide exposure to blockchain-based equities, bonds and investment funds. Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency exchange Bitfinex is moving into the security token offering (STO) industry by launching a new STO platform regulated in Kazakhstan.Bitfinex Securities, Bitfinex’s blockchain-based investment product provider, has launched its investment exchange regulated in Kazakhstan’s national financial hub, the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC), the firm officially announced on Monday.The new STO platform will reportedly operate under the AIFC Fintech Lab, a regulatory sandbox established in the AIFC by the Astana Financial Services Authority to support development in the financial industry.Located in Astana, Bitfinex Securities will be available 24/7, providing investors with more ways to diversify their portfolios by raising capital for issuers seeking to trade their tokenized securities publicly.

Baanx Acquires Stake in Major US Fintech Bank

PRESS RELEASE. Baanx, the fast growing B2B2C “Better than a Banking Platform” specializing in fintech services & lending, becomes the third-largest shareholder in the United States regulated Maxwell State Bank in a multi-million-dollar deal to enhance cybersecurity and banking access to communities throughout America. Max

BTC Markets taps licensed neobank Volt for integrated banking features

Fintech companies see an opportunity in the negligence and reluctance of traditional banks toward the cryptocurrency ecosystem. The banking capabilities of fintech have met cryptocurrencies in a new partnership between Australian crypto exchange BTC Markets and the local neobank Volt.With a license to operate in Australia as an authorized deposit-taking institution since 2019, Volt will provide corporate cash management accounts for BTC Markets users to manage their Australian dollar funds.

Report: Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission Sets Up Fintech Division for Crypto Research

Nigeria’s securities regulator, the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has set up a fintech division “to study crypto investments.” This was revealed by Lamido Yuguda, the director-general of the SEC during an interview.

SEC Nigeria Establishes Fintech Unit to Research Cryptocurrencies

Nigeria's financial regulator has set up a research division as part of its effort to regulate the cryptocurrency industry.

Nigeria's SEC forms Fintech unit to study crypto for future regulations

Regulatory crackdown on crypto has become quite prevalent in many parts of the world, including Nigeria.

Nigeria's securities regulator establishes fintech unit to study crypto

With much of the Nigerian crypto market underground or peer-to-peer due to government restrictions, the country’s securities regulator is looking into ways to make investors safer.

SEC boss tells EU Parliament crypto and fintech could be as disruptive ‘as the internet’

SEC chairman Gary Gensler promoted cooperation between Europe and The United States in seeking to regulate decentralized financial technologies. Gary Gensler, the chairman of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has appeared virtually before the European Parliament to share his policy recommendations regarding the regulation of crypto assets.Speaking to the Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs on Sept.

UK-based banking firm Standard Chartered joins Global Digital Finance patron board

The bank joins Coinbase, Huobi, SIX Digital Exchange, 100x Group, and other industry leaders to advocate for the adoption of digital assets. Standard Chartered, a United Kingdom-based multinational banking firm, has joined an alliance of fintech companies and banks aimed at accelerating the adoption of best practices of cryptocurrencies.In a Wednesday announcement, Standard Chartered said it would be joining crypto and digital finance industry membership body Global Digital Finance, or GDF, Patron Board.

IQ Protocol: An open-source decentralized SaaS to empower PARSIQ subscriptions

The ability for companies to create their business models by issuing tokens is advancing the FinTech industry as we know it. Tokenomics, or the token economics behind these blockchain-based assets,The post IQ Protocol: An open-source decentralized SaaS to empower PARSIQ subscriptions appeared first on AMBCrypto.

Central Bank of Nigeria Selects Barbados-Based Fintech Firm as Technical Partner for CBDC Project

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has named the fintech firm Bitt Inc.

Central Bank of Nigeria partners with fintech firm to execute its CBDC rollout

Over 85 percent of Central Banks are now considering adopting digital currencies in their respective  countries.

MUFG boosts its crypto exposure following $41M Zipmex funding round

Thailand's Bank of Ayudhya, where MUFG holds a 76.9% stake, has participated in a $41 million raise for Asia-Pacific-focused crypto trading platform Zipmex. Thailand's Bank of Ayudhya (BAY) – in which Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) holds a 76.9% stake – participated in the latest funding round for the Asia-Pacific-focused crypto exchange Zipmex.The $41 million raise, which saw the participation of two publicly traded Thai media firms and overseas VC funds in addition to BAY, accounts for the lion’s share of Zipmex’s total $52 million in funds raised to date. BAY’s corporate venture capital arm, Krungsri Finnovate, invests in startups across various fintech areas, including blockchain, lending, e-commerce and cross-border remittance.

Nigeria's central bank partners with fintech firm Bitt Inc for CBDC rollout

The CBN considered Bitt Inc’s experience in the development of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank’s DCash, launched in April. Barbados-based fintech firm Bitt Inc will be working as the technical partner for the Central Bank of Nigeria for its proposed e-naira digital currency.In a Monday announcement, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said it had chosen Bitt Inc based on the company’s “technological competence, efficiency, platform security, interoperability and implementation experience.” It also considered the fintech firm’s experience in the development of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank’s digital currency, DCash, which it launched in April.

Standard Chartered launches blockchain trade platorm with Chinese fintech

The joint venture operating the new blockchain-powered platform will be headquartered in Singapore and led by SC Ventures' Amelia Ng as CEO. United Kingdom-based multinational banking firm Standard Chartered (StanChart) has launched a blockchain-powered trade finance platform through a joint venture with Chinese supply chain finance technology provider Linklogis.Dubbed Olea, the platform will aim to meet the needs of institutional investors that are “seeking opportunities in an alternative asset class with businesses requiring supply chain financing," according to a report from The Korea Herald published Aug.

PARSIQ Introduces New Subscription Model as World’s First Decentralized SaaS Powered by IQ Protocol

The ability for companies to create their business models by issuing tokens is advancing the FinTech industry as we know it.

Tezos Chosen by Swiss Banking and Fintech Operators to Deliver On-Chain Financial Products

Incore Bank, in partnership with Inacta and Crypto Finance Group, has selected Tezos as their preferred blockchain platform to develop regulatory-compliant digital financial products via a newly developed token standard titled DAR-1. Tezos to Enable Smart Contracts for European Banks Business-to-business transaction bank Incore Bank, in collaboration with Inacta and Crypto Finance Group, has […]

Korean FSC chair nominee doesn't think crypto is a financial asset

Seung-beom Koh said that fintech experts across the globe “find it difficult to see virtual currencies as a financial asset." Seung-beom Koh, a nominee for chairman of South Korea’s Financial Service Commission (FSC), does not regard cryptocurrencies as a financial asset. In a press meeting with local journalists, Seung-beom said that fintech experts from prominent organizations such as the G20, the International Monetary Fund and others “find it difficult to see virtual currencies as a financial asset, and think they could not function as a currency.”Seung-beom's comments coincide with the ongoing surge in crypto trading among young investors, who primarily invest seeking short-term profits, according to The Korean Times.

Swiss Fintech Trio Enabled Asset Tokenization via Tezos: XTZ Spikes 15%

Crypto Finance Group, InCore Bank, and Inacta are the three Swiss financial institutions that picked Tezos as their choice for tokenization.

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin are now available to Paypal's UK customers

As the adoption and usage of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies increases around the world, fintech giants are starting to include the same in their basket of offerings.

Canadian regulator alleges OKEx operator violated securities law

The commission has made similar allegations against Bybit, crypto exchange KuCoin and Polo Digital Assets. The Ontario Securities Commission claimed Aux Cayes FinTech Company Limited, a legal entity in the Republic of Seychelles that operates crypto exchange OKEx, has failed to comply with the province’s law governing securities.In an Aug.

Nigerian Central Bank Freezes Bank Accounts of Fintech Firms, Accuses Them of Violating Forex Regulations

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reportedly frozen bank accounts belonging to four fintech firms for up to 180 days after a Federal High Court in Abuja acceded to an “ex parte motion.” The ex parte motion, which is a form of temporary suspension, was granted after a Nigerian chief, Micheal Kaase Aondoakaa, filed the […]

Fintech company Leonteq expands crypto offering in Europe

Swiss-based financial firm Leonteq have launched an investment suite of 18 crypto assets with an inherent focus on institutional investors throughout Germany and Austria.

Swiss Fintech Firm Leonteq Expands Cryptocurrency Services to Germany and Austria

The Zurich-based company - Leonteq AG - revealed it would expand its cryptocurrency services to Germany and Austria.

Price analysis 8/13: BTC, ETH, BNB, ADA, XRP, DOGE, DOT, UNI, SOL, LTC

The sharp rebound in Bitcoin and most major altcoins proves that traders are buying aggressively on every minor dip. A KPMG report titled “Pulse of Fintech H1 2021,” shows that the total investment in the blockchain and cryptocurrency sector in the first half of this year has risen to $8.7 billion, which is more than double the $4.3 billion worth of deals done in 2020. KPMG global fintech co-leader Anton Ruddenklau said: “Cryptocurrency and blockchain are exploding globally.

Switzerland’s Leonteq Offers Crypto Assets to Investors in Germany and Austria

Swiss fintech firm Leonteq has introduced its digital asset products in two neighboring jurisdictions, Germany and Austria.

Crypto and blockchain investments have already doubled 2020: KPMG report

Investors now have a better understanding not only about crypto assets but also the operational and procedural side of crypto, a new report states. Crypto and blockchain investments continue to grow thanks to the ever-rising investor interest, according to a new report from Big Four accounting firm KPMG.Titled “Pulse of Fintech H1 2021,” the study covers global investment activities in different financial technology verticals for the first half of the year.

Will India's e-RUPI adoption pave the way for CBDC

Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi launched e-RUPI, a digital voucher program in a bid to boost the country's fintech sector.

Circle Intends to Become a Full-Reserve National Commercial Bank

Circle, a cryptocurrency fintech services company, announced it intends to become a full-reserve national commercial bank.

Fintech Giant Broadridge Onboards UBS to Its Blockchain Platform

The Swiss Bank will be utilizing the blockchain platform in the interest of “enhanced liquidity and reduction of risk”.

Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency is seeking to hire a crypto expert

The job listing outlines that the intelligence agency is seeking someone with an in-depth understanding of the world of fintech and digital currencies. Israel’s national intelligence agency, Mossad, has posted a job listing for an expert in cryptocurrencies who has at least three years of experience in the fintech space.The candidate should have “in-depth technological understanding and expertise in the world of fintech, e-commerce, DEF and digital currencies,” according to the outlined requirements. The role’s description succinctly indicates that it includes “leading, initiating, planning and accompanying systems development activities” — sufficiently open for local media to proffer its own interpretation of what exactly Mossad may be seeking a crypto expert for.Major Israeli news site Ynet, for example, has claimed that Mossad is likely to be interested in using cryptocurrencies for making anonymous payments to its agents or for the purchase of equipment.Much of the Israeli state’s recent crypto-related involvement has centered on Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies’ popularity with the militant wing of Hamas, the de facto ruling authority of the Gaza Strip in Palestine.

Square Customers Spent $2.7 Billion on Bitcoin in Q2

Square's Q2 reports revealed the complications of working with Bitcoin's volatility as well as a $29 billion fintech acquisition.

Square to acquire Australian fintech Afterpay in $29B deal

Square will acquire Australian fintech firm Afterpay in a $29 billion stock deal, expecting to close the transaction in Q1 2022. Jack Dorsey’s cryptocurrency-friendly digital payments firm Square is expanding competition with global payment giants like PayPal by acquiring a major Australian lending company.Square announced Sunday that the firm has entered into a scheme implementation deed to acquire all of the issued shares in fintech company Afterpay in a $29 billion deal.

Square’s Cash App Reports $2.7B In Quarterly Bitcoin Revenue, A 200% Jump

Square has had a busy weekend. The company made headlines for it’s purchase of Australia-based fintech firm, Afterpay, in an all-stock deal. Square then went on to release it’s Q2 2021 Shareholder Letter, filled to the brim with company insights – including some strong growth numbers in crypto transactions on Square’s mobile product, Cash App.

How 2021 Has Become a Signature Year for Fintech IPOs

The golden age of financial technology (fintech) is upon us.

Global Cryptocurrency Adoption Doubled Since January Reaching 221 Million Users: Report

A new report issued by Crypto.com, a cryptocurrency exchange and fintech services firm, discovered that the number of people using cryptocurrencies has more than doubled since January, reaching 221 million last June.

Mastercard chooses 7 crypto startups for Start Path accelerator

Mastercard keeps its focus on the digital asset industry, echoing moves by its main competitor, Visa. International payments giant Mastercard continues focusing on the digital asset industry by welcoming a batch of major cryptocurrency startups in its fintech accelerator.The company announced Tuesday a new startup engagement program as part of Mastercard Start Path, an accelerator program for fintech startups, aiming to support companies working with digital assets, cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.The program has added seven new startups, including digital wallet and trading platform Uphold, crypto storage firm GK8, American investment platform Domain Money, blockchain oracle startup SupraOracles, blockchain infrastructure provider STACS, digital asset firm Taurus, and Mintable, a marketplace for issuing and trading nonfungible tokens (NFT).The new additions come in line with Mastercard’s commitment to expand and accelerate innovation in digital asset technology and enable more security for cryptocurrency investors, the company noted.As part of the program, each crypto startup will be solving a unique challenge with the support of Mastercard’s expertise to grow further and develop their solutions.

Crypto Companies Establish Presence, Hire Talent in Ireland

With a friendly attitude towards financial innovation, the Republic of Ireland has become a desired destination for fintech businesses that need unimpeded access to the common European market.

XRP Lawsuit: Will the SEC taking on its own commissioners' statements backfire

The feud between the United States SEC and San Francisco-based fintech firm Ripple Labs continues to show no signs of stalling.

Fintech Giant Zip Co to Provide Cryptocurrency Trading Services

The Australian BNPL company Zip Co will reportedly launch cryptocurrency trading services to its American and Aussie users.

Visa to acquire cross-border payments fintech Currencycloud

The lines between traditional payments networks and fintech continue to blur with Visa's acquisition of the London-based firm. Visa officially announced Thursday that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire Currencycloud, a fintech platform supporting about 500 banking and technology clients across more than 180 countries.The new acquisition aims to improve Visa’s foreign exchange business and expand them to serve financial institutions, fintechs and partners.

Mastercard’s latest partnership to help banks distribute crypto cards

The partnership is aimed toward simplifying cryptocurrency-to-fiat conversions within Mastercard's existing payment network. American fintech giant Mastercard has announced plans to revamp its crypto card program, to enable traditional banks and crypto companies to offer cards to its users for transacting with digital assets.According to the official statement:“Mastercard and its partners will test this new capability to enable more banks and crypto companies to offer a card option to people wanting to spend their digital assets anywhere Mastercard is accepted.”This effort involves Mastercard partnering with crypto businesses to involve “cryptocurrency wallets and exchanges, making it simpler for partners to convert cryptocurrency to traditional fiat currency.” To allow exposure to cryptocurrency for its users, the New York-based financial institution has publicly announced fresh partnerships with Circle, Paxos, Evolve Bank & Trust, Metropolitan Commercial Bank, Uphold, BitPay, Apto Payments, i2c Inc. and

Crypto experts see Bitcoin replacing fiat money in 20 years

In a new survey, a number of cryptocurrency and fintech professionals expected a "hyperbitcoinization" to take place by 2040. Bitcoin's (BTC) current price slump has failed to dampen some experts' optimism regarding the world’s biggest cryptocurrency. In a new survey by personal finance comparison platform Finder.com, half of the respondents believe Bitcoin will surpass fiat money, or central bank-issued currencies, by 2040. While the sampling is arguably narrow — Finder.com says the report is based on a panel of 42 cryptocurrency experts — it shows that Bitcoin’s price crash from April’s all-time high didn’t impact the long-term perspective of crypto professionals.

Revolut Valued at $33B After a Fundraising Led by SoftBank And Tiger Capital

Revolut became the most valuable fintech firm in Britain as it is now worth $33 billion after a new $800 million investment round.

Revolut Becomes UK's Biggest-Ever Fintech With $800M Raise: Report

A fresh capital injection from SoftBank's Vision Fund and Tiger Global has propped up neobank Revolut’s $33 billion valuation.

‘It’s fine’ to buy Bitcoin as gold substitute, says Trump ex-Treasury Secretary Mnuchin

What seems to be a full reversal on a previously hostile Bitcoin stance is tempered by Mnuchin, who added that he still wouldn’t buy BTC himself. Bitcoin (BTC) may be a “scam” for former United States President Donald Trump, but the former Treasury Secretary appears to have made a U-turn on the world’s first and best-known cryptocurrency.Speaking to CNBC on Wednesday, Steven Mnuchin confirmed that his perspective on Bitcoin had “evolved.”Mnuchin: Bitcoin stance has “evolved a little”The Trump administration was known for its dismissive tone on Bitcoin in public, and those hoping for endorsement from Trump were ultimately left disappointed.Mnuchin himself was less than inclined to offer support during his Treasury tenure, but his most recent comments reveal a clear softening of his stance.“I think my view has evolved a little bit, but it is pretty consistent,” he told the network.“The first part of it is I think the underlying technology of blockchain is really incredible and has lots of different things, particularly in fintech and finance.

'DeFi Education Fund' defends controversial $10.2M UNI liquidation

The DeFi Education Fund has defended its shock liquidation of $10 million in UNI, claiming the move was necessary to “begin its work and fund future operations.” The DeFi Education Fund (DEF), an organization funded by Uniswap to spearhead lobbying and educational initiatives in support of the decentralized finance sector, has defended its sudden move to liquidate half of its UNI treasury earlier this week.The organization said it needed to convert the funds into stable assets to weather crypto market volatility.In May, the DEF was conceived in a Uniswap governance proposal from the Harvard Law Blockchain and Fintech Initiative, with the entity being formed earlier this month after the vote passed with a treasury of 1 million UNI tokens, worth more than $18 million at current prices.

Woori becomes latest major Korean bank to announce crypto custody services

An increasing number of leading South Korean banks are establishing joint ventures with minor ownership to enter the crypto custody market while complying with local regulations. According to a July 11 report from The Korean Economic Daily, the group’s banking unit, Woori Woori Financial Group has become the latest major South Korean financial institution to announce it will launch digital asset custody services.Bank, is partnering with Bitcoin-based fintech solution firm, Coinplug, to establish a digital asset custody joint venture, dubbed D-Custody.

Bank of Ghana Deputy Governor Says ‘Central Bank Digital Currency Is Fiat Money,’ Reveals Pilot Phase Will Start September

Ghana’s proposed central bank digital currency is similar to fiat cash and therefore financial institutions, as well as fintech start-ups, can still create value based on it, a Bank of Ghana (BOG) official has said.

Africa Fintech Start-up Growth: Nigeria Dominates in ‘Big Three’ Markets

According to the findings of the latest study by Disrupt Africa, the number of fintech start-ups based on the African continent grew to 576 in 2021.

Japanese Regulator Report Suggests DeFi Regulations Could Be Coming

The top Japanese financial and crypto sector regulator, the Financial Services Agency (FSA), has published a report on DeFi, blockchain and crypto – with its authors concluding that there may be a need for the nation to develop regulations for the decentralized finance sphere. The report was the second from the FinTech Innovation Hub, a working group created by the FSA

Jack Dorsey Confirms Square Is Building a Bitcoin Hard Wallet

Perhaps the fintech firm can use its own wallet to store the 8,000+ BTC it owns.

BREAKING: Stablecoin firm Circle to go public in $4.5B blank-check deal

Backed by American investment bank Goldman Sachs, Circle is a major stablecoin partner of payments giant Visa. Circle, a Goldman Sachs-backed fintech company focused on stablecoin development, has reportedly announced plans to go public.The company said it would go public through a merger with an unnamed blank-check company in a deal that values at $4.5 billion, Reuters reported on Thursday.Circle is the principal developer of USD Coin (USDC), the second-largest stablecoin after Tether (USDT).

Crypto Derivatives Exchange Bybit to Introduce Stringent KYC Policy

The British Virgin Islands-based Bybit Fintech Limited has announced the cryptocurrency derivatives exchange is introducing an updated know-your-customer (KYC) policy on July 12.

Marshall Wace hedge fund giant to reportedly dive into crypto

Marshall Wace is reportedly still discussing the size of its new digital currency-related portfolio with potential investors. Marshall Wace, a London-based hedge fund giant managing about $55 billion in assets, is reportedly planning a major move into cryptocurrency and blockchain investment.The hedge fund firm is preparing to launch a dedicated portfolio targeting investments in the digital asset industry, the Financial Times reported Tuesday.Citing anonymous people familiar with the matter, the report notes that the new initiative will focus on investing in privately owned digital finance companies working in areas like blockchain technology and payments systems for digital currencies and stablecoins.It is believed that Marshall Wace’s new digital finance portfolio will be headed up by Amit Rajpal, chief executive of Marshall Wace Asia and co-founder of Indian fintech firm Niyogin.According to the report, the portfolio will adopt a similar approach to a newly-launched healthcare fund targeting investment in firms before flotation and then holding on to them after they list. People familiar with the matter reportedly said that the portfolio will make a particular focus on late-stage venture capital investments and the infrastructure around stablecoins.Related: $22B hedge fund Point72 reportedly searching for a ‘head of crypto’The hedge fund firm is reportedly still discussing the size of the new portfolio with potential investors.

Aave price hits 3-week high as ‘Aave Pro’ debuts for institutional lending

Aave’s gains also coincide with a sharp upside momentum across the cryptocurrency market. Aave hovered near its three-week high on Tuesday, helped by the prospects of its foray into the mainstream through the launch of an institutional lending platform.FundamentalsDubbed as Aave Pro, the platform expects to become a “permissioned liquidity protocol” by offering institutions, corporates and fintech clients access to decentralized finance (DeFi).