Berlin-based payment software provider Payrails has announced the successful completion of a US$32 million Series A funding round aimed at furthering its goal of enabling enterprises to manage and streamline their payment operations. The investment will support product innovation, broaden the company’s roadmap, and strengthen its commercial presence across EMEA in response to growing enterprise needs. The round was led by HV Capital’s Growth Fund, with continued backing from existing investors EQT Ventures, General Catalyst, and Andreessen Horowitz. This latest round brings Payrails’ total funding to over US$52.8 million. Payrails was founded by former senior leaders from Delivery Hero with extensive experience in building global financial infrastructure. The Series A round, among the largest for a European fintech this year, follows a period of significant growth. In 2024, Payrails recorded over 1 million daily operations, expanded into 30 new markets across Europe and MENA, and secured enterprise clients across various sectors including e-commerce, mobility, financial services, and subscription platforms. Notable clients include Puma, Vinted, Flix, InDrive, Just Eat Takeaway, and Careem. Commenting on the announcement, Orkhan Abdullayev, Co-Founder and CEO of Payrails, said: Orkhan Abdullayev “Their continued support fuels our vision of empowering enterprises with an all-in-one platform to manage every aspect of payments, unlocking new levels of performance and innovation while driving down complexity and costs. With this funding, we’re doubling down on product development to expand our multi-product platform across the entire payment lifecycle.” He added that Payrails’ operating system “is setting a new industry standard for how enterprises manage and optimise payments, with more control, visibility and flexibility than ever before.”   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by Frolopiaton Palm via Freepik The post Germany’s Payrails Raises $32M in Series A Round appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

I Believe In You (IBIY), Switzerland’s sports crowdfunding platform, has announced a series of strategic and operational changes, including new board appointments and shareholder additions. Michi Frank, former Chief Executive Officer of the Goldbach Group and a long-standing figure in Swiss media, has joined the board of directors at IBIY and acquired shares in the company. Frank brings substantial experience at the intersection of sports, media, and business development. Speaking on his decision to join, Frank stated: Michi Frank “The connection between sports, digitalisation and media visibility is central to the future of sports promotion. I Believe In You has long been a pioneer in this space and continues to take bold steps forward. That convinced me.” In addition to Frank, David Cappellini, founder of the communications agency Monami and advisory board member at FC Winterthur, has also acquired a stake in the company. Cappellini has been a board member at IBIY for some time and brings experience in brand strategy and sports communication. IBIY has also undergone changes in its executive leadership. As of January 2025, the company is led by new Chief Executive Officer Pascal Magyar, a former decathlete and previously the head of elite sport in the canton of Aargau. In May, IBIY appointed Chris Earle, formerly with RED Plus, as a creative strategist, further strengthening the company’s operational capabilities. Fabian Kauter, Founder and Chairman of the board, commented: Fabian Kauter “I am very pleased about Michi joining the board. It was a good fit from the start. I Believe In You is also gaining two new shareholders who believe in our direction and are committed to Swiss sport. With our newly formed team, we are ready for the next phase.” The new appointments and strategic changes are aimed at expanding the platform’s crowdfunding services, fostering new partnerships and enhancing the support available to athletes, companies and organisations across Switzerland through increased media engagement.   Featured image credit: I Believe In You The post Sports Crowdfunding Platform I Believe In You Appoints New Board Members and CEO appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Stablecoins are rapidly evolving from a niche vertical in the cryptocurrency ecosystem into a foundational element of the global financial system. A new analysis by CB Insights, in partnership with industry player Stablecon, looks at this burgeoning ecosystem, highlighting key trends emerging in this industry, and mapping the sector’s top players. One of the main trends outlined in the report is the increased participation of traditional financial institutions, drawn by stablecoins’ combination of fiat-like price stability with the speed, efficiency, and programmability of blockchain technology. Notably, Mastercard and Visa now support stablecoin transactions. Meanwhile, established banks such as France’s Societe Generale and Vantage Bank from the US have begun issuing their own stablecoins. Increased involvement from the traditional financial industry is supported by the advent of blockchain infrastructure providers like Zero Hash and Fireblocks, which are offering technology geared towards traditional financial institutions looking to integrate stablecoin capabilities The report also highlights the expansion of stablecoins beyond their original function as safer alternatives to high-risk cryptocurrencies. These tokens are now being used in yield-bearing tools and liquidity products. For example, Paxos, an established stablecoin issuer, launched in June 2024 a yield-bearing stablecoin called Lift Dollar (USDL). Stripe, which acquired stablecoin orchestration platform Bridge in February 2025, has added payment capabilities for the company’s USDB stablecoin, which generates yield through backing by BlackRock money market funds. Finally, the report notes that stablecoins are increasingly being used for cross-border payments. In countries with robust traditional banking, stablecoins serve as specialized alternatives to fiat currency for specific use cases, while in emerging markets, stablecoins are providing more affordable and accessible USD alternatives. Mesta, for example, is an American startup offering an application programming interface (API) global fiat and stablecoin payment network supporting USD/EUR/GBP/USDC/USDT to 50+ global currencies across 100+ countries. Another example is Infinite, a stablecoin payment processor offering businesses APIs and a turnkey software development kit (SDK) for embedded global stablecoin payments. Stablecoin market map The report also maps the global stablecoin landscape, identifying 172 recently funded players that demonstrated strong momentum. These firms are categorized into eight segments based on their core business focus and were selected based on CB Insights’ Mosaic score, which assesses private-company health and growth potential based on funding data, personnel, market strength, and online sentiment. The map reveals that stablecoin issuers, which create, distribute, and manage stablecoins, currently represent the largest category by number of companies. These companies also have the highest average M&A probability (24%) among segments, signaling high consolidation potential as the market matures and  strong interest from traditional financial acquirers. Leading companies in this vertical include Ripple, an established blockchain infrastructure provider that offers the RLUSD stablecoin, and Circle, the issuer of the USDC and EURC stablecoins. The analysis also found that the liquidity and yield category is attracting significant funding. Over the last 12 months, the vertical has secured US$2.3 billion across 40 deals, the most funding of any category. This category includes platforms, protocols, and services that enable users to deploy stablecoins to earn returns, provide market liquidity, or access lending/borrowing capabilities. Prominent startups in this category include StakeStone, a cross-chain liquidity protocol, and Flowdesk, a market maker providing trading infrastructure from France. The wallets and custodians category, which includes applications, platforms, and services that enable users to store, manage, and transact with stablecoins, have experienced the highest average headcount growth (83%) of any market map segment over the past year. For example, Kast, a Hong Kong startup offering services for spending stablecoins and cryptocurrencies, has increased its headcount by tenfold, the report says. Finally, the payments processing segment, though still relatively early in its commercial development, is demonstrating significant growth potential. CB Insights estimates that companies in this category are expected to receive US$454 million in funding in 2025, up more than tenfold from the US$45 million they received in 2024. Currently, half of the companies in the payments processing vertical are still either developing or piloting their products. Notable companies in this segment include Rain, a card issuance and payments platform for stablecoin transactions, and Mesh, a crypto payments network from the US. Stablecoin Market Map, Source: Stablecon and CB Insights, May 2025 The stablecoin market is currently worth about US$255 billion, according to CoinMarketCap. By 2028, that value could grow nearly tenfold to US$2 trillion after the passage of US legislation that seeks to provide a regulatory framework for these cryptocurrencies, Standard Chartered estimates. The Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act, which was cleared by the Senate Banking Committee in March, is expected to be passed in the US in the coming weeks.   Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by EyeEm via Freepik The post Stablecoins Gain Ground in Finance, Key Trends Include Yield Products, Cross-Border Payments appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Cryptocurrency adoption has increased remarkably over the past year, driven by European customers, and younger generations. according to a new survey commissioned by Gemini. Positive developments, including the launch of US cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and pro-crypto policies from the Trump administration, have also contributed to rising confidence and interest in digital assets, the study found. Conducted in H1 2025, the research polled more than 7,200 consumers in the US, the UK, France, Italy, Singapore, and Australia. It sought to assess the level of awareness of cryptocurrencies, motivations for owning and trading cryptocurrencies, general attitudes towards cryptocurrencies, and opinions on recent industry developments. Europe leads in crypto ownership growth The survey found that although crypto ownership increased across all studied geographies in 2025, growth was the strongest in Europe. In the UK, crypto ownership rose 6 points year-over-year (YoY), reaching 25% in 2025. France also recorded a significant gain of 3 points YoY, climbing to 21%. Growth was more modest in Singapore and the US, with increases of 2 and 1 points, respectively. Nevertheless, these two countries remain among the global leaders in crypto adoption, with ownership rates of 28% in Singapore and 22% in the US in 2025. YoY ownership percentage in crypto, Source: 2025 State of Crypto Report, Gemini, May 2025qYoY ownership percentage in crypto, Source: 2025 State of Crypto Report, Gemini, May 2025 Gen Z and Millennials dominate crypto investment Unsurprisingly, the study found that crypto ownership is significantly higher among younger demographics. Among respondents aged 18 to 44, 52% of Millennials and 48% of Gen Z reported owning or having previously owned cryptocurrency. That’s significantly higher than the general global population, at 35%. In contrast, Gen X and Boomer respondents, aged 45 to 70, recorded significantly lower rates of owning or previously owning crypto, at 26% and 11%, respectively. Percentage of owners versus past owners versus non-owners by generation, Source: 2025 State of Crypto Report, Gemini, May 2025 Memecoins drive broader crypto adoption The report also highlights the role memecoins have played in attracting new investors, with many users beginning with these cryptocurrencies before moving into more established ones such as bitcoin or ether. In the US, 31% of investors who now own both memecoins and traditional cryptocurrencies reported that they purchased their memecoins first. Similar patterns were seen in Australia (28%), the UK (28%), Singapore (23%), Italy (22%), and France (19%). However, globally, 94% of memecoin owners also own other types of crypto, suggesting that memecoins mostly serve as a first step into broader digital asset investment. The study found that overall, France led in memecoin adoption, with 67% of crypto investors owning memecoins. France was followed by Singapore (59%), Italy (58%), the UK (57%), the US (55%), and Australia (45%). Memecoins have drawn significant trading volume over the past year. The category’s total market capitalization currently stands at US$62 billion, with daily trading volume stands at US$8.5 billion now amounting to about US$8.5 billion, according to data from CoinMarketCap. Dogecoin dominates the category with a market capitalization of US$28.5 billion, followed by Shiba Inu at US$7.6 billion, and Pepe at US$5.3 billion. Percentage of crypto owners who allocate at least half of their assets to memecoins, Source: 2025 State of Crypto Report, Gemini, May 2025 Spot crypto ETFs continue to gain market share The research also highlights the growing popularity of spot crypto ETFs. In the US, 39% of crypto owners reported investing in a crypto ETF, up from 37% in 2024. These products have also become popular in Italy (47%), the UK (41%), Singapore (40%), Australia (38%), and France (32%). Spot crypto ETFs were first launched in the US in January 2024, marking a major milestone for the sector. These instruments, which are traded on traditional bourses, allow investors to gain direct exposure to cryptocurrencies through a regulated investment vehicle, making it easier for traditional investors and institutions to enter the crypto market without needing to manage wallets or use exchanges directly. Since their introduction, spot crypto ETFs have attracted billions in inflows. Within the first month of trading, daily trading volume totaled nearly US$8 billion, marking a 63.8% increase from their first day of trading, and demonstrating strong investor interest. Percentage of people who bought crypto in an ETF in the US versus a wallet versus both, Source: 2025 State of Crypto Report, Gemini, May 2025 Trump administration’s support sparks confidence Another key driver of crypto adoption outlined in the Gemini report is the pro-crypto stance of the Trump administration. According to the survey, nearly a quarter (23%) of non-crypto owners in the US said President Trump launching a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve increased their confidence in the value of cryptocurrency, a sentiment that was echoed globally by non-owner respondents in the UK (21%) and Singapore (19%). Percentage of non-owners who said the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve make them more confident in the value of crypto, Source: 2025 State of Crypto Report, Gemini, May 2025 President Trump has pledged to support digital assets, with initiatives including the establishment of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a US Digital Asset Stockpile, the appointment of crypto-friendly regulators, and backing for proposed legislation on stablecoins and digital assets. The President has also embraced the memecoin frenzy, having launched the $Trump and $Melania crypto-tokens.   Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by thanyakij-12 via Freepik The post Crypto Adoption on the Rise, Driven by Europe, Younger Demographics appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Blackstone, a US-based alternative asset management firm, is planning to invest up to US$500 billion in Europe over the next decade, CEO Steve Schwarzman told Bloomberg Television in an interview on June 10, underscoring the company’s growing confidence in the region’s economic outlook. Schwarzman described Europe as a “major opportunity” for the firm, which is headquartered in New York and manages more than US$1 trillion in assets, making it the world’s largest alternative asset manager. With US President Donald Trump reshaping global alliances and trade policies, Europe is exploring new avenues for economic growth, potentially opening the door to promising investment opportunities for firms like Blackstone. One such area is defence spending, a sector that has often been overlooked by private investors. The European Union is significantly increasing its investment in defence, with Germany, Europe’s largest economy, approving historic spending plans in March. According to S&P, the US and Canada have attracted 83% of all private equity and venture capital-backed aerospace and defence investment since 2020. However, Europe is beginning to shift its approach. Steve Schwarzman “That’s changing, which we think will result in higher growth rates. So this has worked out amazingly well for us,” Schwarzman told Bloomberg Television. Blackstone has already invested around US$100 billion in the UK and employs 650 people in its London office, he added. Schwarzman supported Trump in the US presidential election last year, according to a report by Axios, and has long been viewed as an ally of the president. However, Trump’s erratic tariff policies have led many companies to reconfigure their supply chains and reduce exposure to the US market.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by user9145455 via Freepik The post US’ Blackstone Plans $500B Investment in Europe Over Next Decade appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

The Swiss Fintech Awards marked their tenth edition on the evening of 11 June in Zurich, celebrating start-ups and individuals making notable contributions to the Swiss fintech ecosystem. tiun Named “Early Stage Start-up of the Year” The early-stage award was presented to tiun, a start-up positioning itself as the “SBB EasyRide for the internet”. The company provides a new payment model for digital content such as newspaper articles, videos, and podcasts. Rather than relying on subscriptions or single-item purchases, tiun allows users to pay based on actual usage. This model aims to help content providers, such as publishers, attract more users and diversify their existing paywall strategies. tiun’s system seeks to offer a more flexible consumption model for online content. Also shortlisted in the early-stage category was Yainvest, which provides asset managers with a software-as-a-service platform. It leverages behavioural finance principles and artificial intelligence to better understand investor behaviour and reduce costly errors in financial decision-making. Taurus Wins “Growth Stage Start-up of the Year” Taurus, a provider of digital asset infrastructure, received the award in the growth-stage category. Its platform enables secure storage, tokenisation, and trading of digital assets. Recently, the firm introduced an interbank settlement system aimed at supporting future capital market infrastructure. Rivero, another finalist in this category, offers a range of SaaS tools for stakeholders in the payments ecosystem. Its products are designed to digitise and automate key functions in the payment process. Marc Bernegger Named “Fintech Influencer of the Year” Marc Bernegger Marc Bernegger was recognised as the “Fintech Influencer of the Year” for his long-standing role in shaping the Swiss fintech landscape. More than a decade ago, Bernegger co-founded one of Switzerland’s earliest fintech conferences. He later co-founded Crypto Finance in 2017, which was acquired by Deutsche Börse four years after its launch. In 2018, Bernegger also helped establish the Swiss Blockchain Federation and served on its board for six years. As an investor and board member, he has supported several fintech start-ups and contributed to the strategic development of various organisations. The award acknowledges his influence on the Swiss fintech sector over the past ten years.   Featured image credit: Swiss Fintech Innovations The post Meet the Winners of the Swiss Fintech Awards 2025 appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Stripe has announced the acquisition of Privy, a software company focused on simplifying access to crypto infrastructure through user-friendly wallet technology. The acquisition marks a continued commitment by both companies to support developers building financial applications that bridge traditional and crypto systems. Privy, which launched just over three years ago, was founded with the aim of making crypto infrastructure more accessible to developers. By offering a simple API, Privy enables secure wallet creation, transaction signing, and integration with onchain systems. To date, Privy supports more than 75 million accounts and works with over 1,000 developer teams, facilitating billions in transactions across a variety of use cases. Privy will continue to operate independently as part of Stripe, with its team focused on improving its products and serving its existing customer base. This partnership is expected to accelerate product development and provide enhanced capabilities for developers using either platform. The core challenge Privy set out to solve was the friction users experienced when interacting with crypto wallets, particularly the need to leave an application to set up a wallet. This hurdle reduced user conversion and limited what developers could build. Privy aimed to abstract this complexity, enabling digital assets to be used as seamlessly as other online tools. Organisations currently using Privy include trading platforms, restaurants accepting digital assets, and companies managing global payroll in digital currencies. These varied use cases demonstrate the breadth of adoption and highlight the growing role of digital assets in everyday applications. Stripe and Privy share a belief in integrating crypto and fiat systems to the point where the distinction between the two becomes minimal. This acquisition reflects Stripe’s broader strategy to support new financial technologies and provide developers with tools to build inclusive, efficient financial services. Both companies will continue to support their existing developer communities, with a shared goal of making digital ownership more usable and widespread.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by pvproductions via Freepik The post Stripe Acquires Privy to Strengthen Crypto Infrastructure Offering appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

In May, the House Republicans’ “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” passed through the US House of Representatives, outlining US President Donald Trump’s tax agenda for the next few years and introducing a new 3.5% tax on remittances by non-citizens. A new analysis by FXC Intelligence, a data platform specializing in the cross-border payment and e-commerce sectors, explores the potential effects of the proposed tax on money transfers, warning of increased costs for consumers, the growth of informal and unregulated cross-border payment methods, and the introduction of operational challenges for money transfer providers. Higher costs for migrant workers Under the proposed law, this 3.5% tax would be charged on the amount being sent, meaning that it would come in addition to the costs charged by the remittance provider. According to the report, this means that an international transfer of US$100 could cost up to twice as much than it currently does, while sending US$1,000 could cost three times more. Such an increase would pose a significant burden for migrant workers in the US, since many of them regularly send between US$200 and US$300 home every one or two months, constituting around 15% of what they earn. While this amount may seem modest, it can represent up to 60% of the recipient’s household’s total income. Moreover, the United Nations (UN) has set out a sustainable development goal of reducing the global average cost for sending US$200 to 3% or less by 2030. The current average currently stands at 6.4% and a new US remittance tax would only worsen the situation, the report says. The rise of informal cross-border payment methods The analysis also warns that a 3.5% tax on remittance could change the way consumers send money, possibly pushing senders toward informal channels like “mules” and hawala networks, which are an informal method of transfers through unlicensed brokers. This shift could hurt licensed money transfer companies, but also smaller businesses that partner with providers like grocery stores hosting Western Union outlets, which may see reduced footfall and revenue due to lost businesses. Furthermore, an influx of “underground” transactions outside regulated money transfer providers would make it harder for law enforcement agencies from being able to track how money is moving, increasing risks tied to money laundering, terrorism financing, and drug trafficking. Argentina is a relevant example of this. Under previous administrations, foreign exchange and capital controls drove transactions into underground banking networks, making it far harder to trace illicit activity. These restrictions also weakened the already vulnerable economy, contributing to stagnation and inflation. Another possible effect of the bill is the rise in cryptocurrency-based remittances. Cryptocurrencies present an appealing alternative, especially in countries like Venezuela, Mexico, and Argentina where crypto adoption has been among the highest globally, according to a ChainAnalysis report. Potential impact of a remittance tax on consumer behiavor, Source: FXC Intelligence, May 2025 Operational challenges for money transfer providers In addition to losing customers to informal channels, licensed providers may be burdened by new compliance requirements. According to Kathy Tomasofsky, Executive Director of the Money Services Business Association (MSBA), such taxes add expenses and introduce a new set of hurdles to companies without seeing a benefit, forcing them to either pass on those costs to consumers, or cut their services to existing states. Part of this is from the difficulty of installing systems for verifying and ensuring that customers are US citizens. For example, if someone goes to Western Union to send money and shows their ID, Western Union would have to keep proof that they checked the person’s identity. This might mean taking a photo of the person’s passport and storing their information in a secure way. Setting up such a system would cost money and could lead to privacy concerns, because the company would be storing sensitive personal information. Moreover, the bill mandates that only “qualified” money transfer providers who enter into specific agreements with the government can exempt US citizens and nationals from the tax. However, it remains unclear how to register as a qualified provider and whether it will cost any money to do so. These ambiguities, combined with existing regulatory obligations, could lead some providers to charge the 3.5% tax to everyone, including US citizens, to avoid dealing with the hassle of checking everyone’s identity. Potential impact of a remittance tax on money transfer operators, Source: FXC Intelligence, May 2025 Discouraging foreign investment in the US But perhaps more worryingly, the Tax Foundation, an international research think tank based in Washington, DC, warns that the tax could dissuade foreign investment in the US by complicating international transactions and potentially misclassifying fund movements as taxable remittances. One example would be an international investor who maintains an account within the US for the purpose of business. If this investor wishes to transfer funds to another account outside the country, the transaction may bear the appearance of a remittance. But it is not one as the investor would simply be withdrawing their own money, not transferring funds to another person. A money transfer provider may struggle to verify this, wrongfully charging the investor withdrawing their investment returns, and effectively disincentivizing further and future foreign investment in the US. Another potential problem arises for businesses with international operations or supply chains. For example, a small business in the Detroit-Windsor, Ontario area may have hundreds of transactions with Canadian and US customers, suppliers, and employees. However, these transactions are not remittances, and would be subject to a burdensome process to prove so. Missing the mark Overall, industry experts believe that the proposed remittance tax will not be effective at achieving its intended goal of increasing federal revenue as people sending money abroad will likely find maneuvers to circumvent the charge. The Joint Committee on Taxation estimates that the tax will generate a mere US$26 billion over the next 10 years, a modest amount considering the administrative burden, and potential economic distortions associated with implementing such a tax. The proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is a broad and ambitious piece of legislation that combines a wide range of fiscal, economic, and regulatory reforms into a single package. Its primary purpose is to reduce the federal deficit and streamline government spending ahead of a critical debt ceiling deadline. Alongside the 3.5% tax on remittances, the bill includes reductions in non-military government spending and significantly cuts spending on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. It also allocates an additional US$150 billion for defense spending, while scaling back many clean-energy tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act. With the bill having passed the House of Representatives last month, the legislation is now moving to the Senate where key provisions are expected to be debated and amended. Once the Senate finalizes the text, it will head to the President’s desk, expected to be signed into law by early July.   Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on images by Allexxandar and chayanuphol via Freepik The post US Remittances Tax: Experts Warn of Higher Costs for Consumers and Operational Challenges for Money Transfer Providers appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Barclays has announced the opening of a new Innovation Hub in London, developed in collaboration with several key players in the technology sector, including Microsoft and NVIDIA. The Hub, part of Barclays’ Eagle Labs network, will focus on supporting early-stage businesses in the fields of AI, deep tech, and broader innovation. It aims to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts to foster growth within the UK’s tech sector. Located in Shoreditch, the Hub will provide workspace for up to 150 businesses, and will offer access to events, workshops, and business development programmes. Companies based at the Hub will also have the opportunity to connect with organisations involved in its development, such as Microsoft, NVIDIA, Conception X, Databricks, Innovate Finance, and Twin Path Ventures. Barclays’ innovation banking team will also be based on-site, offering guidance and support to founders. The partners will help shape the ongoing development of the space, with plans to meet regularly to assess how best to support the businesses that use it. Hannah Bernard, Head of Business Banking at Barclays, said: Hannah Bernard “Key players from across the industry need to come together to help nurture and develop the next wave of tech entrepreneurs, this new Innovation Hub will play an important role in facilitating that as part of our wider offering to tech businesses. Our innovation banking specialists will be on hand to provide tailored support to founders, helping them raise capital, develop business skills and accelerate their growth.” Ali Wright, SMB Director at Microsoft UK, added: Ali Wright “The UK has a rich entrepreneurial history, and the Barclays Innovation Hub will form a critical focal point for the next wave of innovators looking to bring their ideas to life with the power of AI. Microsoft is delighted to be a launch partner, and we look forward to providing expertise and access to services that will help aspiring organisations fulfil their potential and fuel growth across the UK economy.” The launch of the new Hub builds on Barclays’ existing support for UK entrepreneurs through its Eagle Labs initiative, which operates in 43 locations across the country and has supported over 17,000 businesses since its inception.   Featured image credit: Barclays The post Barclays Opens Innovation Hub in London to Support AI and Deep Tech Startups appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Leonteq, a Zurich-based fintech company, announced today the formation of a partnership with Emirates Islamic, a financial institution in the UAE, to manufacture and distribute Shari’a-compliant structured products. The collaboration builds on Leonteq’s strategic move into the Gulf region. In 2022, the firm introduced a Shari’a-compliant trust certificate issuance programme through IBDAA Certificate Issuer (IBDAA), a dedicated Islamic issuance vehicle. Amanie Advisors, a recognised Shari’a advisory firm, has been engaged by Leonteq to provide guidance on the Shari’a aspects of the programme and subsequent initiatives involving IBDAA. Under this partnership, Emirates Islamic will co-develop certain trust certificates issued by IBDAA and offer these products through its distribution network. Leonteq will support the initiative by providing a full range of services, including issuance arrangements, Shari’a-compliant hedging, and lifecycle management. This collaboration marks a notable development in the Islamic structured product space, bringing together Leonteq’s capabilities in investment solutions, structuring, and technology with Emirates Islamic’s market presence, credit standing (rated A+ by Fitch), and reach in the UAE wealth management sector. Clients of Emirates Islamic will gain access to investment solutions that were previously limited in availability or scale. These products will be issued via IBDAA, which is among the first Islamic issuance entities able to offer a broad range of payoff structures across various asset classes, supported by automation and flexible investment thresholds. Christian Spieler, CEO of Leonteq, commented: Christian Spieler “We are proud to partner with Emirates Islamic, a top tier institution in the Middle East. This collaboration will allow clients of Emirates Islamic to benefit from Leonteq’s longstanding expertise in white-labelling solutions and marks a milestone for Leonteq’s growth ambitions in the Middle East.” Farid AlMulla, CEO of Emirates Islamic, said: Farid AlMulla “We have always endeavoured to offer Islamic solutions that make a difference in the lives of our customers and beyond. This new partnership will enable our clients, in particular, to benefit from an even bigger product universe that further enhances their investment choices and access to global markets.” Emirates Islamic, a member of the Emirates NBD Group, was established in 2004. It offers a wide range of Shari’a-compliant retail, business, and corporate banking services through a network of 40 branches across the UAE.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by rawpixel.com via Freepik The post Leonteq Partners with Emirates Islamic on Shari’a-Compliant Structured Products appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

J.P. Morgan, in collaboration with EY, has announced that applications are now open for the Fintech Forward Programme, a 12-week accelerator designed to support early-stage founders and business leaders developing technology-driven solutions in financial services. The initiative forms part of JPMorganChase’s broader work to expand access to resources and opportunities within the innovation economy. The programme aims to support those who may face barriers to funding and networks, particularly individuals and businesses committed to addressing challenges faced by underserved communities in the UK. To be eligible, applicants should be applying technology to build scalable financial services solutions, have a live product with some level of market traction, and report annual revenues of under £1 million. A demonstrated commitment to the programme and to making a positive impact on individuals or businesses in the UK is also required. Participants will take part in a hybrid programme that includes expert mentorship from J.P. Morgan executives, targeted workshops, and a two-day offsite at the firm’s technology centre in Glasgow. They will also have opportunities to present their work to investors and potential partners, and join a sponsored trip to Slush in Helsinki, a major global event focused on founders and innovation. Travel and accommodation costs related to the programme will be covered. Veronique Steiner, Head of EMEA Innovation Economy & Head of EMEA E-Commerce, Technology, Media and Telecom at J.P. Morgan Payments, said: Veronique Steiner “At J.P. Morgan Payments, our north star is to improve the payments ecosystem and transform the movement of information, money, and assets. We’re actively encouraging applications from founders or business leaders who are overcoming obstacles to growing a business, including a lack of proximity to funding and networks, and are addressing the needs of underserved consumers, businesses or communities.” The Fintech Forward Programme offers ongoing support beyond the initial 12 weeks, including continued access to the network of alumni and a connection to JPMorganChase.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by EyeEm via Freepik The post J.P. Morgan and EY Open Applications for Fintech Forward UK Accelerator appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

XTransfer, China’s B2B cross-border trade payment platform, and BNP Paribas have signed a MoU to collaborate on cross-border financial services. The agreement was formalised during the Money20/20 Europe event in Amsterdam and aims to reduce the cost and processing time of international payments, particularly for businesses operating between China and the Eurozone. The partnership will enable Chinese clients of XTransfer to collect payments in Euros more efficiently by making use of BNP Paribas’ network across Europe. At the same time, European SMEs will be able to make direct payments in Euros to Chinese businesses, simplifying currency exchange and improving operational efficiency. The companies also plan to expand the service to include additional currencies in the future. Bill Deng “It is a great honour to join hands with BNP Paribas,” said Bill Deng, XTransfer Founder and CEO. “This MOU reflects our mutual ambition to empower SMEs with enhanced cross-border financial solutions. As we continue to grow our European footprint, partnerships like this are instrumental in building robust, compliant, and innovative financial infrastructure for international trade.” Bruno Mellado, Global Head of Payments and Receivables at BNP Paribas, added, Bruno Mellado “By combining BNP Paribas’ extensive European network with XTransfer’s expertise in B2B cross-border trade payments, we aim to simplify international trade transactions, reduce costs, and enhance the global competitiveness of our clients.” The partnership is expected to support SMEs in both regions by addressing the practical challenges of cross-border payments, easing transaction processes, and lowering costs for international trade.   Featured image credit: XTransfer The post XTransfer Partners with BNP Paribas to Simplify Eurozone-China Trade Payments appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

In recent years, several companies have emerged in Switzerland to provide freelancers, self-employed and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with affordable and efficient online invoicing and accounting software. These solutions focus on automating routine tasks, increasing operational efficiency, and ensuring full compliance with Swiss regulations. While some international providers such as Zoho from India, and Xero from Australia, have adapted their platforms to meet Swiss standards, a strong ecosystem of homegrown Swiss software companies has also emerged. In this article, we highlight leading Swiss providers that offer cloud-based accounting and invoicing tools built with the unique needs of domestic businesses. These platforms not only simplify financial management and reduce compliance risks but also integrate seamlessly with local banks, tax authorities, and payroll systems, making them a reliable choice for Swiss SMEs. Accounto Founded in 2016 and head quartered in Zurich, Accounto is an SaaS ERP solution designed specifically for trust companies and SMEs in Switzerland. The platform blends deep industry expertise with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and optical character recognition (OCR) to set a new standard for efficiency, accuracy, and usability in accounting. At its core, Accounto automates accounting entries through intelligent allocation rules, real-time document processing, and seamless transaction reconciliation. This allows for consistently up-to-date bookkeeping with minimal user intervention.  Key features of the platform include effortless digital archiving, comprehensive document accounting, real-time identification of missing receipts, integrated client communication tools, and a complete accounting suite covering everything from daily operations to annual closings and budgeting. The software also includes modules for invoicing, payroll, and expense management, all accessible via a modern, cloud-based interface optimized for users at all levels of experience. bexio Founded in 2013, Bexio is a Swiss company offering a cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform tailored specifically for SMEs. The company started with a focus on accounting solutions and has since evolved into a comprehensive business management platform that enables users to manage accounting, customer relationships, sales processes, payroll, and expense tracking in a single, integrated environment.  The platform is designed to eliminate the administrative burden that often hampers small business growth. It features an intuitive interface that supports the seamless creation of customized offers and invoices, complete with automatic reminders and an e-banking interface for effortless bank reconciliation.  Expense and payroll management are optimized for Swiss regulations, and the software’s accounting features make preparing annual financial statements straightforward and accessible. Furthermore, with Bexio Pay, users benefit from automated and contactless expense posting, full visibility into spending, and cost savings through fee-free foreign currency payments. Bexio says its automation capabilities can save users up to 12 hours of office work each month, while its efficient financial tools help reduce fiduciary costs by up to a third annually. It claims more than 80,000 self-employed, small businesses and startups among its customers.  Bexio was acquired by insurance firm Mobiliar in 2018.   CashCtrl CashCtrl is a multi-client cloud-based accounting software designed for freelancers, SMEs, and fiduciaries. Core features are financial accounting with order processing, reporting, payroll, and many ERP features. Hosting, backups, development and support are 100% Swiss-made. The software imposes minimal constraints on workflows and is awesome for various industries. A strong focus is placed on direct interaction with the community, free technical support (as far as possible), and a fair pricing model — all of which are highly appreciated. Both accounting professionals and beginners value the clean UI and transparent functionality. For specific workflows, custom apps and scripts can be integrated via the API. CashCtrl Pro starts at CHF 350 per year. Run my Accounts Founded in 2008 and based in Stafa, Run my Accounts aims to revolutionize accounting for SMEs and startups.  At the heart of the company’s offering is its proprietary online accounting software, developed specifically to support its innovative outsourcing model. The platform enables users to issue invoices, approve supplier bills, locate documents instantly, and monitor live financial data, all in one place.  Automation is key to Run my Accounts’ approach. Using advanced proprietary technology, receipts and bank transactions are posted faster and more efficiently than through traditional methods. This allows businesses to offload time-consuming administrative tasks and gain real-time insight into their finances. What sets Run my Accounts apart is the combination of cutting-edge software and personalized fiduciary support. Each client is assigned both an online accountant and trustee, who manage all accounting responsibilities, including bookkeeping, payroll, taxes, and annual financial statements. This hybrid model ensures that clients receive expert guidance while benefiting from streamlined digital processes. In 2021, Run my Accounts was acquired by Austria-based Infoniqa. Winbiz Founded in 1992 and based in Geneva, Winbiz is a leading Swiss provider of business management software, offering a comprehensive and proven solution tailored to the needs of SMEs, micro-enterprises, the self-employed, and startups.  The company’s flagship offering, Winbiz Cloud, is an all-in-one enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution designed to manage every aspect of business administration. Accessible anytime and anywhere from a Mac, Windows PC, or tablet, the platform provides tools for accounting, payroll, inventory management, customer invoicing, and supplier oversight. The software is available in four languages: French, German, Italian, and English, making it an inclusive and adaptable solution for the diverse Swiss market. Winbiz is certified Swiss Made and Swissdec-compliant, ensuring its software meets the highest national standards for security and regulatory alignment. Data is securely stored within Switzerland and backed up multiple times daily, offering users peace of mind and operational reliability. Customers also benefit from continuous updates, guaranteeing access to the latest features and legal standards without additional effort. Winbiz claims more than 50,000 customers, including 1,000 fiduciaries, making it one of the most widely used ERP systems among Swiss SMEs. Swiss21 Founded in 2017 and based in Appenzell,Swiss21 is a modern, cloud-based ERP platform designed to empower Swiss SMEs, startups, and associations. With an all-in-one system that covers invoicing, accounting, payroll, e-commerce, customer relationship management (CRM), and mobile expense management, Swiss21 aims to allows users to streamline their operations, save time, and reduce costs, without needing advanced technical knowledge or incurring high software expenses. At the core of Swiss21’s offering is a suite of interconnected applications tailored to every aspect of a business. Its invoicing module includes features such as automated reminders, recurring billing, and electronic signatures, while the accounting tool, 21.AbaNinja, supports more than 70 bank connections, Swiss VAT methods, and real-time dashboards with journal, balance sheet, and income statement views. The payroll component, 21.AbaSalary, is ELM 5.0 certified and enables easy management of monthly salaries, benefits, social contributions, and working time tracking.  Swiss21 also provides a comprehensive e-commerce module, 21.Commerce, for creating and managing an online store complete with order and inventory control, responsive design, and checkout integration.  Its CRM system, 21.CRM, delivers a clear overview of customer interactions, sales opportunities, tasks, and marketing campaigns, while the mobile app AbaClik allows for expense reporting, time tracking, and document scanning on the go, powered by AI to further streamline input.   Featured Picture via Xero.com The post Online Invoicing and Accounting Solutions for Self-Employed and SMEs in Switzerland appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

The banking industry is undergoing a profound transformation as consumers increasingly favor digital channels. In response, banks are rapidly adapt by embracing platform-based strategies and embedding financial services into broader digital ecosystems, according to a new report by the IBM Institute for Business Value (IBM IBV), developed in collaboration with Banking Industry Architecture Network (BIAN) and Red Hat. The report, based on 2023 surveys of 12,000 consumers in 12 countries and 1,000 banking executives across 32 countries, alongside in-depth interviews, highlights a clear digital shift among consumers. Over the past three years, 63% of respondents have started a loan application online, 69% have made investment decisions digitally, and 58% have purchased or renewed auto insurance through online platforms. However, the study found that digital adoption varies significantly by region. For example, in Brazil, 29% of respondents have a primary account with a neobank, compared to just 7% in Japan, reflecting how emerging markets are leading digital banking. When asked what might prompt consumers to change their primary banking provider, respondents cited better customer service (20%), the convenience of transferring money instantly (19%), and frictionless mobile access (11%) as the top three factors. Online banking is now the preferred method for 80% of consumers when managing basic financial tasks, with 62% using mobile apps and 12% relying on websites. Source: Embedded finance: Creating the everywhere, everyday bank, IBM Institute for Business Value (IBM IBV), Banking Industry Architecture Network (BIAN), and Red Hat, Sep 2023 Disconnect between banks and customers Despite these clear preferences, the study found a disconnect between banks and their customers. In particular, it revealed a gap in bankers’ understand of their clients’ expectations, with many executives overvaluing the role of peer-to-peer (P2P) money transfers and buy now, pay later (BNPL). Conversely, most underestimate the importance of mobile wallets and the draw of personalized rewards. Additionally, customers indicated good customer service as a priority for clients, though bankers see it as relatively less important compared to other factors. These gaps underscore the need for banks to recalibrate their understanding of customer priorities. Banker perspectives on client priorities and clients needs, Source: Embedded finance: Creating the everywhere, everyday bank, IBM Institute for Business Value (IBM IBV), Banking Industry Architecture Network (BIAN), and Red Hat, Sep 2023 Embedded finance gains traction To address evolving consumer behaviors, banks are advancing on the platform economy. The research reveals that one in four executives believing that embedded finance is core to their institution’s strategy. 71% of executives said their institutions are already active in the embedded finance space, reflecting that implementation is well underway. 20% have already launched embedded finance solutions, with institutions in emerging economies being ahead of those in major developed economies and European Union (EU) member states (24% versus 18%). Of those, 65% said they have seen intermediate results. An additional 10% stated that they’ve achieved the goals set at the start of the journey. State of embedded finance within banking institutions, Source: Embedded finance: Creating the everywhere, everyday bank, IBM Institute for Business Value (IBM IBV), Banking Industry Architecture Network (BIAN), and Red Hat, Sep 2023 Despite growing interest, foundational challenges persist. Banking executives indicated insufficient modularity of core banking systems (53%), inadequate API standards (52%), and the lack of funding commitment for long-term strategies (40%) as the top obstacles. Challenges with the greatest/least adverse impact on the embedded finance journey, Source: Embedded finance: Creating the everywhere, everyday bank, IBM Institute for Business Value (IBM IBV), Banking Industry Architecture Network (BIAN), and Red Hat, Sep 2023 Outlook on embedded finance When asked where bankers anticipate the biggest boost, many executives agree that launching a non-banking platform-based business model would be the most advantageous path forward. A majority of respondents (57%) see great value in orchestrating retail and SME ecosystems. By contrast, less promising opportunities include embedding finance in gaming platforms (33%), integrating small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) lending into merchant ecosystems (28%), and providing embedded treasury services to corporate clients (27%). Currently, banks are focusing on implementing embedded finance within high-growth sectors. These include the consumer industry with embedded payments and lending in e-commerce, manufacturing with embedded trade-finance tools, and education by engaging young consumers early to promote long-term financial wellness. Top industries by ecosystem opportunities for embedded finance, Source: Embedded finance: Creating the everywhere, everyday bank, IBM Institute for Business Value (IBM IBV), Banking Industry Architecture Network (BIAN), and Red Hat, Sep 2023 The embedded finance market generated an estimated EUR 20 billion to EUR 30 billion in Europe in 2023, representing about 3% of total banking revenues, according to McKinsey. By 2030, that market could surpass EUR 100 billion and account for 10% to 15% of banking revenue pools, the consultancy estimates.   Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by thanyakij-12 via Freepik The post Banks Embrace Embedded Finance Amid Rising Consumer Demand for Digital Services appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has proposed lifting the ban on offering crypto exchange traded notes (cETNs) to retail investors. At present, these high-risk products are only available to professional investors, but the change would allow individual consumers in the UK to access them, provided they are traded on an FCA-approved recognised investment exchange (RIE). Similar investment products are already available to retail investors in other countries. Should the proposal go ahead, financial promotion rules would apply to ensure consumers are clearly informed about the risks and are not offered inappropriate incentives, similar to the safeguards in place for direct purchases of cryptoassets. David Geale, Executive Director of Payments and Digital Finance at the FCA, said: David Geale “This consultation demonstrates our commitment to supporting the growth and competitiveness of the UK’s crypto industry. We want to rebalance our approach to risk and lifting the ban would allow people to make the choice on whether such a high-risk investment is right for them, given they could lose all their money.” The move is part of the FCA’s wider effort to establish a regulatory framework for cryptoassets. The regulator has already set out a crypto roadmap and published recent proposals on stablecoins and other aspects of the emerging regime. However, the FCA’s ban on retail access to cryptoasset derivatives will remain in place. It also stated that it would continue monitoring market developments and reviewing its approach to high-risk investments. The proposal was included in the FCA’s latest quarterly consultation paper, which also outlines other measures aimed at easing regulatory burdens and supporting economic growth. These include plans to simplify reporting requirements for funds’ assessments of value, following feedback from the Consumer Duty Call for Input, a change expected to lead to significant cost savings for 149 firms managing over 3,900 funds. The regulator also plans to remove unnecessary data reporting, a move that would benefit nearly all regulated firms.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by wirestock_creators via Freepik   The post UK’s Financial Conduct Authority Proposes Lifting Ban on Retail Access to Crypto ETNs appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Fiserv, a US-based provider of payments and financial services technology, has announced it will acquire the remaining 49.9% stake in Ireland’s AIB Merchant Services (AIBMS), its joint venture with AIB Group. The move is aimed at supporting continued growth in Ireland and across Europe. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed. Established in 2007, AIBMS is among the largest payment solution providers in Ireland and ranks as one of Europe’s major e-commerce acquirers. Following the transaction, AIB Group will continue to refer customers requiring merchant acquiring services to AIBMS and Fiserv exclusively. Katia Karpova, Head of the EMEA region at Fiserv, stated: Katia Karpova “Our focus will remain on delivering market-leading solutions to clients of all sizes across Ireland and the broader European market. We are particularly excited for the opportunity to accelerate the local penetration and growth of Clover, the world’s smartest point-of-sale system and business management platform.” Colin Hunt, Chief Executive Officer of AIB, added: Colin Hunt “Following a successful joint venture partnership, we believe Fiserv has the commitment, experience and innovative technical solutions to grow AIBMS and that our customers will continue to be well-served under their sole ownership. Recognising the strength of the AIB customer franchise, we are pleased to support our business customers by maintaining a close on-going relationship with Fiserv.” The acquisition is expected to be completed in the third quarter.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by user5027847 via Freepik The post Fiserv to Acquire Full Ownership of Ireland’s AIB Merchant Services appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

The BIS Innovation Hub’s London Centre, in collaboration with the Bank of England, has published the findings from Project Hertha, a study exploring how AI can help detect financial crime in real-time retail payment systems, while safeguarding user privacy. Building on the earlier work of Project Aurora, Project Hertha focused on a key challenge in modern payments: how to identify complex criminal activity that is often spread across multiple bank accounts and financial institutions. Because payment systems process transactions across many different players, they offer a rare opportunity to spot patterns that would otherwise remain hidden. Project Hertha tested the use of advanced AI to analyse payment system data and uncover coordinated or unusual behaviour that may indicate financial crime. To carry out this research responsibly, the team developed a state-of-the-art synthetic dataset containing 1.8 million simulated bank accounts and 308 million transactions. This dataset was created using AI models that mimic real-world payment patterns, without using any personal customer information. The results are promising. By tapping into system-wide transaction analytics, banks and payment service providers were able to detect 12% more illicit accounts than they would through standard approaches. When it came to identifying new or previously unseen financial crime patterns, the system achieved a 26% improvement in detection rates. This suggests that AI-powered analytics could serve as a valuable complement to existing tools in the fight against financial crime. At the same time, the project acknowledged that analytics alone are not a complete solution. Rolling out similar systems in the real world would raise a number of legal, regulatory, and operational questions that need to be carefully considered. These aspects were beyond the scope of the current research. Project Hertha also emphasised the importance of using high-quality training data, creating a strong feedback loop to refine the AI models, and ensuring that the technology is transparent and explainable. These elements are essential for building systems that are both effective and trustworthy. The project is named in honour of Hertha Ayrton, the pioneering British scientist, inventor, and suffragette. In 1904, Ayrton became the first woman to present a paper at the Royal Society, and in 1906 she received the prestigious Hughes Medal for her contributions to electrical science.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by Alicja Ziajowska via Unsplash The post BIS, Bank of England Tests AI to Detect Financial Crime in Real-Time Payments appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

European fintech firm Token.io has announced that HSBC has become a strategic investor, further strengthening the two companies’ ongoing partnership and shared focus on enhancing payment solutions. Revealed during Money2020 Europe, the investment represents a notable step forward for Token.io, which provides account-to-account (A2A) payment infrastructure. Token.io has worked with HSBC since 2019 to support its HSBC Open Payments platform. Todd Clyde, CEO of Token.io, said: Todd Clyde “We are excited to deepen our partnership with HSBC as we embark on this collaboration. This investment will not only accelerate Token.io’s growth and innovation, it will also advance our shared vision of making Pay by Bank a mainstream payment method, delivering benefits for HSBC’s customers across the region.” Manish Kohli, Head of Global Payments Solutions at HSBC, said: Manish Kohli “Our investment in Token.io reflects the trust and confidence we have in their team and technology, and our firm belief in the role that innovative Open Banking solutions play in transforming the payments experience for both corporates and consumers.” HSBC’s Open Payments offering allows customers to initiate direct bank payments from third-party platforms with speed and security. The bank is now expanding its use of Token.io’s infrastructure to support a broader rollout of Pay by Bank services, which include peer-to-peer payments, account deposits, and loan repayments. Built on open banking and real-time payment systems, Pay by Bank aims to reduce the cost and complexity of processing payments. Transactions are completed directly from users’ bank accounts, authenticated securely via banking apps. Token.io’s current infrastructure enables most individuals with bank accounts in the UK and Europe to access this payment method. Industry analysts estimate that 75% of Europeans will regularly use Pay by Bank by 2029. Payment volumes are expected to grow by 30% in 2025, with e-commerce adoption of the method likely to surpass most other digital options by 2030, second only to digital wallets. Token.io has also secured additional investment from the majority of its existing backers, indicating continued support for the company’s development within the sector.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by user850788 via Freepik The post HSBC Invests in Token.io to Expand Open Banking Payment Solutions appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Revolut has launched its own branded ATM machines in Spain. Spain has been selected as the pilot market, with 50 ATMs to be rolled out in Madrid and Barcelona initially. A further 150 machines are expected to be installed in other major cities such as Valencia and Málaga, bringing the total to around 200 nationwide. These ATMs will be located in high-footfall areas, and users will be able to find them via an in-app map, which includes location details, directions, and opening times. The initiative comes amid Spain’s continued reliance on cash. Revolut already has a strong user base in the country, with close to 5 million customers using features such as in-house savings, Bizum (a popular local peer-to-peer payment system), and tax payment tools. Spain is the first country to receive Revolut’s new physical offering, with further expansion planned for 2026 and beyond in countries including Germany, Italy and Portugal. Despite major changes in how people manage money in recent years, ATM infrastructure has largely remained the same. Revolut says its machines are designed to offer a more modern, digital-first experience, with features that allow users to withdraw cash, collect a new card, and check their balance. The machines are intended for both locals and tourists, offering fast service and clearer information, particularly in relation to exchange rates and fees. The move is also intended to enhance Revolut’s presence in physical locations, providing tangible brand interaction points in places such as travel hubs and busy urban centres. According to the company, this could help to build trust and attract new customers. For existing Revolut users, one of the key advantages is fee-free cash withdrawals, including those made internationally or within the EU. Customers withdrawing funds in a foreign currency will continue to benefit from Revolut’s exchange rates. Given that foreign ATM usage in Spain often comes with high fees and less favourable rates, this feature may be of particular interest to travellers. Non-Revolut users can also use the ATMs for a competitive fee. At launch, they will be subject to their bank’s exchange rate, but Revolut plans to introduce a Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) feature, which would allow these users to choose Revolut’s real-time conversion at the point of withdrawal. Additionally, individuals can sign up for a Revolut account directly at the ATM and receive a physical card immediately. The new ATMs have a 32-inch touchscreen and are designed to offer a more intuitive user experience. Revolut’s machines will also support contactless withdrawals via mobile wallets, removing the need for a physical card. Other features include multi-language support, adjustable display settings for improved accessibility, and plans for future enhancements such as facial recognition for identity verification. Revolut also aims to introduce support for cash deposits over time. Manjot Bhatia, Operating Partner at Revolut, stated: Manjot Bhatia “Launching our own ATM network is a pivotal step in bringing Revolut’s vision closer to our customers, offering a truly global, seamless financial experience. By reimagining one of the most essential physical touchpoints in banking, the ATMs, we’re not just providing smarter cash access; we’re strengthening our brand presence, deepening engagement, and setting the foundation for the next phase of our growth across Europe.” Following the launch in Spain, Revolut intends to expand the ATM network to additional European markets, depending on the outcome of this initial phase.   Featured image credit: Revolut The post Revolut Launches Branded ATM Network in Spain appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

LianLian Global, a China-based cross-border payments company, has partnered with BVNK, a stablecoin infrastructure platform for payment service providers, to offer stablecoin payment capabilities to its international customer base. This collaboration will allow LianLian Global’s merchants in over 100 countries to fund cross-border transactions within minutes using major stablecoins, rather than waiting days through traditional methods. The partnership brings together LianLian Global’s extensive international merchant network and local currency expertise with BVNK’s stablecoin infrastructure and automatic conversion technology. LianLian’s business customers will now be able to use stablecoins to speed up payment cycles, improve liquidity and streamline cross-border payouts. Under this integration, BVNK converts stablecoin deposits into US dollars, which are then routed through LianLian Global’s global payment network. Adora Wang “Stablecoins have emerged as a powerful global settlement tool,” said Adora Wang, Chief Executive Officer of LianLian Europe. “By partnering with BVNK, we are meeting growing demand for stablecoin payment rails, helping our customers in ecommerce, marketplaces and other sectors to boost liquidity and execute cross-border payouts in 130 currencies with unprecedented efficiency. We selected BVNK for their proven experience serving global payment service providers, extensive banking relationships and comprehensive multi-stablecoin offering that gives our customers maximum flexibility.” BVNK, which supports other payment providers including Worldpay and Deel, currently processes an annualised stablecoin volume of US$14.5 billion. Jesse Hemson-Struthers “Stablecoins are rapidly reshaping global finance,” said Jesse Hemson-Struthers, Co-Founder and CEO of BVNK. “Through this partnership, LianLian Global’s merchants can transform idle digital assets into instant cross-border payment fuel. Together, we are removing technical barriers so businesses worldwide can access these high-speed payment rails and move their money faster than ever before.”   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by Freepik The post China’s LianLian Global Partners with BVNK to Enable Stablecoin Payments appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.