Event-based trading is increasingly being packaged as broker-ready infrastructure rather than standalone platforms. Technology providers are beginning to offer tools that allow brokers and exchanges to add prediction-style contracts to existing trading environments without building the stack in-house.Against this backdrop, fintech provider Leverate plans to unveil a new prediction market technology offering for brokers at iFX EXPO Dubai 2026. A similar move emerged at the end of 2025, when Devexperts launched a software system enabling CFD brokers and exchanges to build their own event-contract platforms.Prediction Markets Move Toward Broker Infrastructure For many traditional brokers, technical complexities have limited interest in prediction markets. Building these event-based trading products requires new pricing models, risk controls, and market management tools, unlike those used for conventional CFDs or spot markets. Leverate’s new product is designed to address that gap by providing the core technology needed to support trading on real-world events within an existing brokerage setup. According to the company, the solution allows brokers to offer prediction-style contracts. Brokers can rely on an external technology provider for pricing, execution, and platform integration. CEO and co-founder Ran Strauss said brokers have historically been cautious about expanding into new product categories because of implementation costs and operational complexity. “For years, brokers have told us that the technology risk around launching new products was a key obstacle,” Strauss said.Lower Barriers, New Considerations The introduction of off-the-shelf prediction market technology suggests that event-based trading is moving closer to becoming a standard feature, rather than a niche product. By reducing technical barriers, vendors like Leverate are enabling a wider range of brokers to experiment with prediction markets. Brokers can do this without committing to large upfront investments. At the same time, broader adoption raises questions around risk management, client suitability, and regulatory treatment. While prediction markets are gaining visibility across multiple jurisdictions, their classification and oversight continue to vary. These changes create additional considerations for brokers evaluating whether and how to deploy such products. Leverate said it would demonstrate the new technology live at its booth during iFX EXPO. The company is positioning the launch as part of a wider discussion around how brokers can respond to growing interest in event-based trading. This can be done while operating within existing platforms and compliance frameworks. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

Trading and investing platform eToro has partnered with asset manager Amundi to launch a new investment portfolio focused on long-term global themes.The new product is called the Key Themes & Convictions Portfolio. It is built using Amundi exchange-traded funds and is designed for retail investors seeking diversified exposure to global equity markets.The launch follows eToro’s move last month to add 250 UCITS-structured exchange-traded funds to its European platform. That expansion was aimed at strengthening its long-term investment offering for retail clients. The additions came as European investors continue to favor UCITS products for regulatory protection and transparency. They also come amid rising competition from larger brokerages offering similar ETF access.eToro Offers Portfolio Following Global TrendsGil Shapira, Chief Investment Officer at eToro, said investing is about “anticipating what will shape” markets. He added that the partnership allows users to access a portfolio that follows broad market trends while focusing on long-term themes.Most of the portfolio is allocated to broad equity exposure. This allocation reflects Amundi’s strategic and tactical views on global markets. The remaining portion is invested in selected ETFs linked to three long-term themes identified by Amundi.Portfolio Targets Environment, Social, Technology ThemesThese themes include environment and resources, social and demographic change, and technology. Related sub-themes cover areas such as alternative energy, healthcare, aging populations, artificial intelligence, and robotics.? BREAKING: ?? Amundi, Europe’s largest asset manager, has launched the first tokenized money-market fund.Invest with traditional shares or on-chain via blockchain: full transparency, instant orders, 24/7 access.EUROPE IS ALL IN ON RWA ? pic.twitter.com/ITGWDTgFop— Real World Asset Watchlist (@RWAwatchlist_) November 27, 2025Alongside the portfolio launch, eToro has added 120 Amundi ETFs to its platform. These products cover multiple asset classes, including equities, fixed income, and commodities.Users Track Performance Through Platform ToolsThe portfolio is part of eToro’s Smart Portfolios range. These products are intended for long-term investing rather than short-term trading. The minimum investment required is $500.Users can track performance using eToro’s tools and charts. Updates related to the portfolio and its underlying themes are shared through the platform’s social feed. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Singapore is strengthening its position as a global payments hub as digital wallets, real-time payment systems and regulated stablecoins move closer to mainstream use, according to a new report by PwC Singapore and the Singapore FinTech Association.The report, Payments’ State of Play 2026, outlines how Singapore’s payments ecosystem has evolved from building domestic infrastructure to supporting cross-border scale. Regulatory clarity and coordination between the public and private sectors are identified as key factors in this shift.Domestic Digital Payments Near SaturationThe report shows that Singapore’s domestic payments market is already highly digitised. About 92% of Singaporeans used a digital payment method in the year through November 2025. Adoption has been supported by high smartphone penetration and the rollout of national payment systems such as FAST and PayNow.Retail point-of-sale transactions are now largely cashless. Digital wallets continue to gain share in both e-commerce and in-store payments. Millennials and Generation Z account for the majority of wallet usage. PayNow and GrabPay are among the most commonly used options for younger consumers.With domestic adoption close to saturation, the report suggests future growth will come from areas beyond cash replacement. These include cross-border payments, embedded finance and new payment instruments.“Over the past decade, Singapore has transformed its payments ecosystem,” said Wong Wanyi, FinTech Leader at PwC Singapore. She pointed to innovation and a strong regulatory framework as drivers of this development.Cross-Border Payments Take PriorityCross-border connectivity is identified as a central focus of the next phase of payments development. Singapore has already linked PayNow with Thailand’s PromptPay and Malaysia’s DuitNow. These links allow low-cost, real-time transfers using mobile numbers.Singapore is also participating in Project Nexus. The initiative aims to connect fast payment systems across Southeast Asia and India. According to the report, these linkages are intended to reduce friction in regional payments and support local currency settlement.As cross-border infrastructure expands, Singapore’s remittance market is expected to grow. The report projects that total remittance volumes will increase from USD 8.05 billion in 2022 to USD 13.34 billion by 2032. Growth is linked to mobile-based payment channels and Singapore’s role as a regional business, tourism and education centre.You may find it interesting: “Little Margin for Error”: Firms See MAS Enforcement as Market-Wide Lesson.The report also identifies gaps. Consumer awareness remains lower than merchant readiness. As of mid-2025, only 56% of consumers were familiar with cross-border digital wallet capabilities.Stablecoins Move Toward Payments UseStablecoins are a central theme of the report. Under the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s framework, stablecoins are increasingly positioned as payment and settlement tools rather than speculative instruments.“In Singapore, MAS’s regulatory framework for stablecoins remains a global benchmark,” the report states. It highlights requirements covering reserve backing, redemption rights and transparency.The report points to recent initiatives that link stablecoins to consumer payments. These include GrabPay’s integration with OKX Pay and StraitsX. The setup allows users to pay with USDC or USDT at participating merchants. Transactions are settled in Singapore dollars, reducing volatility exposure for merchants.Institutional developments are also noted. These include Paxos’ banking partnership with DBS for stablecoin reserve custody and cash management. The report also references merchant pilots involving licensed payment providers accepting stablecoin payments.Together, these cases reflect what the report describes as a “layered utility approach.” Under this model, stablecoins are tested across retail payments, treasury functions and tokenised financial products at the same time.FX and Payments Infrastructure IntersectSingapore’s payments role is closely tied to its foreign exchange market. Average daily FX trading volumes reached USD 1.485 trillion in April 2025. This represented a 60% increase from April 2022. Singapore ranks as the world’s third-largest FX trading centre, after London and New York.The report notes that traditional money changers continue to operate alongside newer digital platforms. FinTech firms are increasingly offering digital remittance and FX services, especially for higher-value or cross-border transactions. As cash usage declines, hybrid models combining physical and digital services are expected to expand.Fraud, Interoperability and OversightThe report identifies fraud and scams as a growing challenge alongside digital adoption. Scam-related losses in Singapore reached SGD 1.1 billion in 2024. Cryptocurrency-related scams accounted for a notable share of these losses.Singapore is one of the best places in the world for stablecoins.Singapore Gulf Bank just launched a new upgrade. It lets large clients manage fiat and stablecoins in one safe, regulated system. They can issue, convert, store and trade them quickly on chains. This is a regional… pic.twitter.com/ggoDFrww7v— LIA (@Lianatyn) February 2, 2026Authorities and financial institutions have responded with tighter controls. Measures include stronger authentication, real-time transaction monitoring and public education campaigns. The report frames fraud prevention as a shared responsibility among regulators, payment firms and consumers.Holly Fang, President of the Singapore FinTech Association, said cooperation across the ecosystem will remain important. “Safeguarding trust requires a shared responsibility framework,” she said, referring to the need for coordinated action against fraud and scams.Programmable Money Drives Singapore Payments GrowthAccording to the report, the next phase of Singapore’s payments development will be shaped by AI-driven fraud detection, programmable money, embedded finance and wider use of real-time cross-border payment systems.By combining regulatory oversight with continued system development, Singapore aims to strengthen its role as a payments and settlement hub. The report also positions interoperability and consumer protection as ongoing priorities as regional payment links expand. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Equiti Group has partnered with global payments provider Checkout.com to enhance Equiti Pay’s services and accelerate payment acceptance rates.The enhancements complement Equiti’s multi-asset CFD business, which offers leveraged derivatives on forex, indices, commodities, shares, and more via platforms including MT4 and MT5. The payment improvements are designed to support the fintech ecosystem by providing "faster" transaction options.Equiti Pay Expands Funding and OptionsThe collaboration enables card deposits, pay-to-card transfers, and digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. It also supports cross-border transactions and is expected to improve transaction speed, reliability, and the range of payment options for both domestic and international transfers, including high-value and time-sensitive payments.Equiti Group’s Head of Payments, Gareth Bateman, said the partnership will “enhance authorisation rates, reduce transaction friction and optimise payment acceptance for our brokerages and clients.”Partnership Advances Equiti’s Automated Payment EcosystemThe partnership combines Checkout.com’s global acquiring and fraud-prevention technology with Equiti’s trading expertise. According to Checkout.com, it is intended to support faster funding, smoother withdrawals, and expanded cross-border capabilities. Remo Giovanni Abbondandolo, General Manager, MENA at Checkout.com, added: “At Checkout.com, we are committed to powering performance through payments… enabling Equiti’s business to grow faster and serve clients more efficiently.”The companies said the collaboration establishes a standard for payment efficiency and automation. It is intended to advance client funding and money movement while supporting Equiti’s move toward automated payments.New Platform Expands Equiti’s Trading CapabilitiesSeparately, Equiti Group has partnered with TraderEvolution Global as its trading platform provider. The platform introduces technology that allows the company to add asset classes and improve trade execution across its international operations. It connects to multiple global exchanges and supports different front-end interfaces, allowing Equiti to customise client-facing platforms without rebuilding core infrastructure. The partnership is intended to expand the product range and market access for clients while providing brokers greater flexibility and control. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

The Turkish authorities have shut down the operations of a local payments company that allegedly laundered proceeds from illegal betting and fraudulent forex trading. Notably, the payments platform held a licence from the Turkish central bank, but its website currently remains unreachable.A Multi-City Raid by Turkish PoliceAccording to local media reports, Turkish financial crimes police carried out operations across eight cities: Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Balıkesir, Muğla, Tokat, Kocaeli, and Bursa. This resulted in the arrest of 38 suspects on charges related to money laundering linked to illegal betting and fraud. A majority, if not all, were later released on bail.Read more: Vietnam Busts $200M Forex Trading Scam - Will It Trigger Action Against CFD Brokers Too?The investigation also led to the confiscation of the suspects’ assets. The authorities additionally appointed a Deposit Insurance Fund (TISF) administrator to the company.Turkish prosecutors explained that the payment platform offered e-wallet and other services used to launder proceeds from illegal activities. The funds were moved both within the country and abroad.[#highlighted-links#] Authorities Across the Globe Are Targeting FraudMeanwhile, authorities in other countries have also carried out raids linked to illegal gambling and forex fraud. Last August, Malaysian police raided a commercial building in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, and arrested or detained more than 100 individuals. The operation, which focused on call centre activities, was also carried out at the premises of a well-known contracts for differences (CFDs) broker.Similar raids and arrests have been carried out over the years across several European countries.Despite police action, criminal activity worldwide continues to grow. Last December, Europol revealed the takedown of a cryptocurrency fraud and money laundering network believed to have laundered more than 700 million euros. According to the agency, “the criminal network operated numerous fake cryptocurrency investment platforms, luring thousands of victims with advertisements promising high returns.”European authorities also removed more than 1,400 fraudulent online trading platforms that misled retail investors. In addition, they shut down a crypto-mixing service, Cryptomixer, which was allegedly used by cybercriminals to launder more than €1.3 billion in Bitcoin. Authorities confiscated three servers, the platform’s domain, more than €25 million ($29 million) in BTC, and over 12 terabytes of operational data. This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.

PayPal is changing its leadership after a disappointing quarter that rattled investors and showed how quickly the online payments boom has cooled. The company will replace Chief Executive Officer Alex Chriss and hand the reins to HP Inc. chief Enrique Lores, as slowing checkout growth, softer US retail spending and a weaker earnings outlook weighed on the stock and raised fresh questions over PayPal’s ability to reignite momentum.PayPal announced that Jamie Miller, the company’s chief financial officer, will serve as interim CEO until Lores takes over on March 1. Weak Results and Leadership Shake-Up Hit PayPal StockThe decision follows a period in which management struggled to convert rising payment volumes into stronger profit and to meet the targets it had set for investors.Newly appointed board chair David Dorman signaled frustration with the pace of change at the company. "While some progress has been made in a number of areas over the last two years, the pace of change and execution was not in line with the Board's expectations," the company mentioned. Investors reacted sharply to the announcement and the numbers. PayPal’s shares was down nearly 20% at press time, dropping to $42.30 after the company reported quarterly profit and revenue that fell short of analysts’ estimates.For context, this is the WORST drop that $PYPL @PayPal has seen in FOUR YEARS. Not surprising that CEO is being replaced... https://t.co/sFE1PwGlcK— BSCN (@BSCNews) February 3, 2026The latest quarter exposed how macroeconomic pressures and changing consumer behavior weigh on PayPal’s core business. The company pointed to weakness in US retail spending as a drag on performance, alongside international headwinds that hit transaction volumes and margins.Continue reading: Crypto.com Enables PayPal Payments for Crypto Purchases in EUMiller had already warned in October that macroeconomic conditions could make the company’s longer-term targets harder to reach. Since then, the environment has not improved enough to offset the structural challenges of monetizing payments amid rising costs and intense competition.Profitability Under Pressure and Guidance ResetThe financials highlighted a squeeze on profitability. Fourth-quarter earnings per share increased 3% to $1.23, with total revenue rising 4% to $8.9 billion, both below analyst expectations for the three-month period. The company also reported full-year earnings per share of $5.31, missing its own guidance range of $5.35 to $5.39 issued in October.Despite the disappointing earnings, PayPal continued to pursue strategic initiatives aimed at broadening its revenue base. During the quarter, the company applied to become a US bank with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the Utah Department of Financial Institutions. It already holds a banking license in Europe. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

A willingness on the part of market participants to create a sustainable ecosystem built on long strategic commitments has contributed to Singapore’s status as one of the world’s most dynamic Web3 markets.Market Resilience Amid Industry ChallengesA March 2025 report from the Singapore Fintech Foundation (Singapore: The Onchain State) observed that the city-state’s Web3 landscape has weathered significant challenges, including high-profile industry collapses and a broader market downturn.Regulatory Framework and Government InitiativesRegulatory clarity offers a stable foundation for builders to launch ambitious projects, while initiatives like the Payment Services Act and the MAS’s various sandbox programmes underscore the government’s commitment to fostering innovation without compromising consumer protection.According to the Henley crypto adoption index, Singapore is the most crypto-friendly country in the world. The financial services regulator scores highly for balancing innovation with compliance, making Singapore attractive for exchanges and fintechs, and it has continued to strengthen its position through expanded government-backed blockchain initiatives in green finance and cross-border payments.Institutional Adoption and Market StructureOther factors that have contributed to Singapore’s growing status as a Web3 hub include the willingness of its financial institutions to adopt blockchain early and actively investigate tokenisation, digital bonds and programmable money. This has created an ecosystem that doesn’t rely on retail speculation but is instead fuelled by the strategic involvement of financial institutions.Industry Perspectives on Singapore’s SuccessSo what do Web3 companies attribute Singapore’s success to? Earlier this month, digital asset technology firm ChainUp was placed in the inaugural Singapore Top Fintech Companies 2026 list.“Singapore has emerged as a Web3 investment hub due to its clear and progressive regulatory framework under the MAS, strong rule of law, political stability and a well-developed financial ecosystem,” says the firm’s growth marketing manager, Chan Kang. “It also benefits from deep pools of institutional capital, regional connectivity and a pro-innovation stance that gives Web3 companies regulatory clarity without stifling growth.”Singapore brought a different kind of spark ??✨Convergence wasn’t just an event, it was a reminder that Web3 is still being built by people with vision, conviction, and momentum.Watch the recap here ? pic.twitter.com/1jlqjPLLPc— Cryptic (@Cryptic_Web3) December 11, 2025Regulation, Legal Infrastructure and Market DevelopmentSingapore’s position as a Web3 hub reflects how regulation, legal infrastructure and market development have progressed together. Clear, principles-based regulation and a strong legal framework give founders and investors confidence around custody, governance and enforceability, which supports long-term capital and regulated business models.This sits alongside a stable financial system and a deep pool of talent across finance, technology and compliance.Exchange and Platform Operator Views“Together, these factors have drawn a broad set of ecosystem participants to operate from Singapore,” explains Gracie Lin, OKX’s Singapore CEO. “For an exchange like ours, this matters because it places us within an ecosystem where builders, infrastructure providers and investors are aligned on long-term development within the financial system.”Crypto.com also made it onto the Singapore Top Fintech Companies 2026 list. The firm’s general manager Singapore, Chin Tah Ang, is another who refers to regulatory clarity and a consistent focus on balancing innovation with building trust and consumer protection.“For Crypto.com, operating in markets with well-defined regulatory frameworks has supported the sustainable growth of our company by signalling credibility and providing certainty to our customers and institutional partners,” he says.Compliance Costs and Operational ChallengesOne of the challenges highlighted in the Singapore Fintech Foundation report was the high cost of compliance, with some local companies reporting mixed messaging regarding compliance expectations and the report authors noting that applying for the digital payment token licence in order to be able to legally offer services related to digital payment tokens is generally considered to be a resource-intensive and expensive endeavour for Web3 companies.In addition, almost 60% of survey respondents said they had limited or no access to banking services, while 43% did not have an account with a traditional bank due to reservations around onboarding clients that deal with digital assets.Banking Access and Regulatory BurdenKang acknowledges that although regulatory clarity is a strength, Web3 companies in Singapore do face higher compliance costs, especially around licensing, AML/KYT and ongoing reporting.“Access to banking services can also be challenging for early-stage or non-licensed Web3 firms, as banks remain cautious and selective, leading to longer onboarding timelines and higher operational friction,” he says.Areas for Policy RefinementKang says Singapore should continue refining proportionate, risk-based regulation; improve bank-Web3 collaboration; and support infrastructure providers that enhance compliance, security and transparency to strengthen its competitive edge.“Expanding regulatory sandboxes, encouraging responsible stablecoin and tokenisation use cases and nurturing local talent will further cement Singapore as Asia’s leading Web3 innovation hub,” he adds.Singapore's central bank has ordered local crypto firms to halt overseas operations by June 30 or face fines up to $200K and potential jail time.⚖️?? pic.twitter.com/XaeTx8KR8M— Moby Media (@mobymedia) June 2, 2025Governance Standards and Market DisciplineWeb3 companies in Singapore are expected to invest consistently in governance, security and custody as they scale. For OKX, that governance premium is part of the business model: if you want customers to trust you with their assets, your controls and culture need to justify that trust.“Banks here are generally supportive of the sector, though selective about who they work with, which reinforces discipline across the ecosystem,” suggests Lin. “The upside of this high bar is that the ecosystem is stronger, made up of digital asset players focused on building lasting infrastructure.”Next Phase of Market DevelopmentWhen asked what steps Singapore should take to enhance its competitive advantage in this area, she says the next phase is about taking what already works – including tokenised funds, fixed income and other regulated digital asset products – and making them everyday tools that treasurers, wealth managers and institutions across Asia can use without treating them as something separate.Interoperability and Cross-Sector Collaboration“An important step is enabling closer collaboration between banks, payment networks and exchanges like ours, so stablecoins and tokenised deposits function as seamless financial plumbing for payments, collateral and settlement, rather than operating on a separate digital payment token rail,” adds Lin. “Expanding regulated access points for investors also matters, so digital assets can be approached as part of long-term allocation.”Risk-Based Oversight and Information SharingEngagement through platforms such as the AML/CFT industry partnership has helped advance a risk-based approach to managing digital asset activity according to Ang. This model recognises that effective oversight is strengthened through information sharing between regulators, financial institutions and industry participants, particularly in cross-border and technology-driven sectors like digital assets.Outlook for Singapore’s Web3 Position“Looking ahead, Singapore’s competitive advantage lies in continuing to pair regulatory robustness with interoperability across major global markets, supporting its role as a credible base for Web3 activity in Asia,” he concludes. “We remain committed to supporting policies that strengthen the integrity and long-term development of the Web3 ecosystem.” This article was written by Paul Golden at www.financemagnates.com.

PAY360 2026, the largest event dedicated to the global payments ecosystem, will take place on 24–25 March 2026 at ExCeL London. Hosted by The Payments Association, the event will bring together more than 6,000 innovators, thought leaders and industry stakeholders to explore the trends, technologies and challenges shaping the future of payments.A Powerhouse of SpeakersOver 200 global speakers from fintech, financial services, regulatory bodies and technology leaders will take the stage, featuring industry-leading speakers such asPaul Horlock,Chief Payments Officer, SantanderHelen Bierton, Chief Digital Officer, Lloyds Banking GroupSuren Nawalkar,SVP Business Development, MastercardGeorgios Kolovos,Payments & Fintech Leader, NVIDIAGeoff Kendrick, Global Head of Digital Assets Research, Standard CharteredAnd so many more....Brand New AgendaPAY360 2026 features a refreshed agenda designed for professionals across the payments ecosystem. Attendees can join sessions covering:The Future of Money – How crypto, stablecoins, digital wallets and CBDCs are reshaping global payments.Open Payments – How open banking and finance enable secure, data-driven services through APIs and embedded finance.Financial Crime – How technology is improving AML, fraud detection and compliance in a shifting regulatory landscape.Operational Resilience – How organisations embed resilience into digital transformation to meet regulatory demands.Predictive Intelligence – The role of AI and data in transforming risk management, operations and customer experience.The Instant Transfer – The infrastructure behind instant payments and its impact on expectations and cross-border flows.Interactive workshops and merchant-focused roundtables will provide hands-on learning and tailored problem-solving.Innovation and NetworkingPAY360 2026 offers unmatched networking opportunities, supported by an AI-powered matchmaking app that helps attendees connect and schedule meetings in advance. More than 150 exhibitors will showcase cutting-edge solutions, while the Fintechs’ Pitch Live competition will highlight emerging innovators to a global audience of investors and decision-makers.Why Attend?PAY360 2026 is the essential event for professionals across payments, banking and technology, offering:Access to world-class thought leadershipOpportunities to connect with peers and industry influencersExposure to the latest products, solutions and innovationPractical insights to solve challenges and future-proof businessesWhether you aim to innovate, network or gain strategic perspective, PAY360 2026 is the must-attend event for the payment’s community.Register today https://pay360event.com/ This article was written by Finance Magnates Staff at www.financemagnates.com.

Trading and investing platform eToro has expanded its local offering for users in Denmark by adding support for deposits and trading in Danish kroner, alongside US dollars.The company said Danish users can now deposit, hold, withdraw, and invest directly in DKK. Users can choose whether to fund trades from their DKK or USD balance instead of converting to USD by default. When trading Copenhagen-listed stocks, users can avoid currency conversion fees by using DKK.The update follows eToro’s expansion last year of its partnership with Nasdaq. The move gave users access to real-time data for more than 210 additional Nordic-listed stocks across Copenhagen, Helsinki, and Stockholm. At the time, eToro said it was the first non-Nordic platform to provide complimentary real-time access to Nasdaq Nordic market data globally.DKK Accounts Help Reduce Trading CostseToro said Danish users will also receive discounted currency conversion rates when trading USD-listed assets. Conversion fees between DKK and USD start at 0.75 percent and can fall to 0.15 percent depending on the user’s eToro Club tier.Doron Rosenblum, Executive Vice President for Business Solutions at eToro, said the company aims to combine global market access with local features. He said DKK accounts allow users to “reduce costs” and “manage their currency exposure more effectively.”Open Banking Enables Instant Deposits SoonThe company also said it plans to allow Danish users to deposit BTC, ETH, USDC, and XRP from external wallets. These assets can be converted into DKK and then reinvested, withdrawn, or spent on the platform.In addition, eToro announced upcoming changes to its funding process in Denmark. An Open Banking solution is expected to enable instant bank transfers directly within the eToro app.eToro Expands European Presence Through Sports SponsorshipsAlongside product and market developments in Denmark, eToro is expanding its presence across Europe through sports sponsorships. The firm has signed multi-year agreements with four French Ligue 1 clubs—AS Monaco, LOSC Lille, Olympique Marseille, and Olympique Lyonnais—starting with the 2025/26 season. These deals include branding on jerseys, pitch-side displays, and digital platforms. In parallel, eToro will become the exclusive trading and investment partner of the BWT Alpine Formula One Team for the 2026 season. Financial terms were not disclosed. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Options Technology, the tech provider underpinning some of the CFD providers and prop firms, has activated what it says is the first commercially accessible quantum computing capability in New York City.According to the tech firm, companies face a new constraint where firms collect more data than their existing infrastructure can simulate, optimize and stress-test in real time. The new offering aims to address this challenge. “Quantum computing is no longer theoretical for capital markets, it’s becoming a practical tool for specific, high-value problems,” commented Danny Moore, President and CEO of Options Technology. “What matters now is controlled, secure access.Quantum Node Goes Live in NYCOptions has reportedly deployed the quantum system in a New York data center operated by Digital Realty and linked it to its low-latency global infrastructure fabric.Quantum computing is a rapidly emerging technology grounded in quantum mechanics rather than classical physics. It holds the potential to transform financial analysis and risk management by offering vastly superior processing power.This computational capability aims to enable the industry to tackle complex problems and simulations that are currently beyond the reach of traditional computing systems.Related: Options and oneZero Collaborate to Enhance Multi-Asset Trading TechQuantum architectures can address those problems by exploring complex probability distributions in parallel. Options’ model allows clients to direct specific workloads to quantum systems while maintaining existing CPU and GPU-based engines for the bulk of production tasks, reducing the need for major architectural change.Targeting Portfolio Optimisation and Derivatives RiskOptions is pitching the service at capital markets workloads that combine heavy simulation with probabilistic modelling, such as large-scale portfolio optimization and derivatives risk analytics.Options has been expanding its offering in the trading space, including collaborating with other tech providers. More recently, it has expanded its partnership with trading technology firm oneZero. Additionally, Options earlier partnered with Swiss online broker Dukascopy to provide customers with real-time US equities market data, fully integrated into Options’ existing technology stack.Tools for Brokers, a trading technology provider, is the other notable brand in the trading space working with Options Technology to enhance retail brokers’ access to market data through streamlined, seamless streaming solutions. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

eToro has expanded trading hours for a limited number of its Smart Portfolios, allowing them to be traded on a 24/5 basis. The broker said the change applies to four portfolios: BigTech, Four-Horsemen, Magnificent-7, and Buybacks.The update builds on eToro’s earlier move into extended-hours trading. Last year, the firm joined other retail platforms in offering 24/5 trading, reflecting a broader industry shift driven by demand for US-listed stocks, particularly from investors in Asia. Extended and overnight trading has become more common as brokers respond to changing trading patterns.eToro Extends Smart Portfolios Trading HoursUnder the new schedule, the selected Smart Portfolios can be traded from Sunday 20:05 to Friday 16:00 ET, extending access beyond standard exchange hours. eToro said the move is intended to give users greater flexibility when managing their positions.The company also said users can set up recurring copy for the eligible Smart Portfolios, allowing investments to be made automatically according to a fixed schedule.Smart Portfolios are eToro’s thematic and strategy-based products, which group assets based on predefined criteria and are managed under set rules.? Just dropped: 24/5 trading on 100 popular US stocks.Start trading around the clock.— eToro (@eToro) July 29, 2025eToro Sees One-Third Trading in Extended HoursRoughly one-third of eToro’s stock trading now occurs outside traditional market hours, the broker told Finance Magnates. This follows the rollout of 24/5 access to all S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 stocks, allowing users in Europe and Asia to trade during local daytime hours. Activity in extended sessions largely mirrors standard trading patterns, though volumes can rise around earnings announcements. eToro noted that wider spreads and thinner order books remain typical off-hours, aligning the firm with other brokers offering extended trading. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Banks and fund managers are tapping into demand from family offices in Singapore for alternative investments by proactively bringing such opportunities to their clients.The family office market in Singapore can be divided into pre-2019 or ‘old’ money and the ‘new’ money that has come into since 2019 – an influx that has seen the number of private companies handling investment management and wealth management for a wealthy families increase dramatically over the last five years.Entrepreneurial Backgrounds Support Risk-TakingThis cycle of not only assets but also inflow of talent and high net worths is described by Ken Chew, CEO & Partner at fund manager IWC as the longest and most sustainable cycle of the last half-century.One of the most notable aspects of Singapore family offices’ investment strategies is their relatively high allocation to alternatives – a trend Chew attributes to first generation wealth creators having a higher risk tolerance.“This is not to say wealth preservation is not important but their entrepreneurial background means they are more willing to allocate to digital assets and explore new markets,” adds Chew. “For example, when we hosted the first Web3 conference here in 2020 there was no ecosystem – now investment is booming.”Another factor that contributes to their openness to alternative investments is that Asian family office wealth is primarily first generation and the principals have therefore often made their money through a different business model to their counterparts in US or Europe.Regulation and Tax Structures Support Private Market AccessAccording to Kelly Chia, head of investment strategy UOB Private Bank, there are a number of other reasons for the shift towards alternatives.“Firstly, APAC family offices are investing more in private markets to diversify their risk and generate higher returns with illiquidity premia,” he says. “Secondly, Singapore has tax rules and fund structures (Sections 13O/13U and the Variable Capital Company) that make it operationally easier and more tax efficient to invest in private funds.""Thirdly, proximity to high growth deal flows in Southeast Asia and India gives investors better access to direct and co-investments in private equity, private credit and infrastructure.”Singapore’s family office rules are getting a major efficiency boost. #MAS #FamilyOffice #SingaporeBusinessReview #News pic.twitter.com/fMdVOpnddl— Singapore Business Review (@SBRMagazine) November 26, 2025Long-Term Horizons Align with Alternative AssetsFrom its work with family offices in Singapore, Ocorian also sees a strong alignment between multi-generational investment horizons and alternative assets, which allows families to prioritise capital preservation and long-term compounding rather than short-term liquidity.“This contrasts with many western peers, where shorter evaluation cycles and public market benchmarks remain more dominant,” saysGinny Goh, director, private clients at Ocorian Singapore. “In a volatile market environment, alternatives are increasingly viewed as a core diversification tool rather than a tactical allocation. For Singapore-based families with global portfolios, alternatives also provide greater control over risk, access to private growth opportunities in Asia and insulation from short-term market dislocations.”Limited Domestic Market Pushes Capital OverseasThe relatively small size of the domestic investment universe forces family offices in Singapore to look beyond their home market for investment opportunities, observes Chew.“Regionally and globally, we are looking at deep tech projects, including those that are ESG-related with impact plus economic returns,” he says. “In general, family offices in Singapore prefer to have an additional edge that is delivered through good technologies and good management teams.”Chew reiterates that the modest scale of the investment market in Singapore makes a purely domestic focus generally unsustainable.“The millions or tens of millions you will make here is nothing compared to what you can generate when you scale regionally or globally,” he adds. “So you should look at those start-ups that can scale globally unless there is a strong disruptive story. Singapore is a good bridge in the current cycle due to the confluence of money, talent, projects and information.”Equities and Private Equity Lead AllocationsWhen asked which asset classes and sectors are most favoured by Singapore’s family offices, Annabelle Chow, head of financial intermediaries at Bank of Singapore refers to a strong preference for equities and private equity investments. The robust performance of equities over the past two years has created positive momentum - particularly in the US markets - driving increased allocations in this asset class.Regional Biases Shape Portfolio ConstructionWhile family offices actively seek to diversify across regions, sectors and asset classes to mitigate risk, regional biases continue to influence their allocation decisions based on geographic location and familiarity, she adds.“For example, Singapore-based family offices typically have significant exposure to the US, Singapore and Hong Kong/China markets, while allocating less to Europe or other regions such as Thailand and Australia,” says Chow. “Conversely, family offices based in Hong Kong tend to concentrate heavily on the US and Hong Kong/China markets, with minimal exposure to Singapore or other regions.”Chia agrees that within alternatives, allocations are primarily directed toward private equity. These include both direct and co-investments, private credit - which is rapidly gaining favour for its yield potential - and real assets such as digital infrastructure (data centres, towers, fibre) and energy transition platforms.“Select real estate is also included in portfolios for its income generation and diversification benefits,” he says. “Sector preferences tend to focus on AI and computing, software and healthcare, along with fintech and financial services.”Private Equity Dominates Alternative AllocationsChia agrees that Singapore family offices are increasingly expanding their exposure across the region, particularly in India, Japan and Southeast Asia, driven by growing opportunities in digital infrastructure and renewables.“However, their investment base remains anchored in the US,” he says. “The US continues to offer the largest pool of private market deals, with 2025 private equity transactions approaching $1.2 trillion, strong exit options and dominant private credit capacity. In comparison, APAC recorded only $176 billion in deal value for 2024 and Southeast Asia around $16 billion. Due to political and geopolitical tensions, deal flows from China have slowed, resulting in more limited exposure.”Private equity remains a core allocation, particularly mid-market and growth strategies focused on buy-and-build and operational transformation, says Goh. “Private credit continues to attract capital due to its ability to offer downside protection, income visibility and structural safeguards, especially in asset-backed and senior lending strategies,” she adds.US Anchors Portfolios as Asia Provides GrowthChia concludes that overall, Singapore family offices tend to build their portfolios with a US core for scale and liquidity, supplemented with regional investments to benefit from proximity, diversification and secular growth. This article was written by Paul Golden at www.financemagnates.com.

As prediction markets gain scale, mainstream financial institutions are also taking a closer look. In a recent editorial, the Financial Times highlighted growing concerns around insider trading, regulatory uncertainty, and thin liquidity as key barriers to wider adoption. Regulatory Risk: Fragmented Landscape in the US One of the main challenges facing prediction markets is regulatory fragmentation, particularly in the United States. Under federal law, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) treats certain prediction contracts as derivatives, subjecting them to the Commodity Exchange Act. At the same time, state gambling regulators argue that many sports- or politics-related contracts resemble unlicensed betting activity. This has left platforms navigating a narrow legal space. While some platforms, like Kalshi, secure approvals for specific contracts, many platforms operate offshore or in legal grey areas, limiting regulated institutional participation. The lack of unified oversight creates uncertainty, especially for contracts involving sensitive events or those that resemble wagers.Market Risks: Insider Information and Liquidity Gaps As trading activity has grown, prediction markets have also come under scrutiny for risks of insider trading and manipulation. Contracts tied to political decisions, regulatory actions, or corporate events are especially vulnerable to information asymmetry, where a small number of participants may have early or privileged access to outcomes. Liquidity remains a pressing constraint. Despite higher volumes, order books are typically thin relative to those in traditional markets, leading to sharp price swings and limited position sizes. This limits the usefulness of prediction markets for hedging, especially for larger participants. At the same time, these inefficiencies have begun to attract professional traders. Major quantitative firms and market makers — including DRW, Susquehanna International Group, and Jump Trading — are building dedicated desks focused on prediction markets, applying arbitrage and market-making strategies to exploit fragmented pricing and liquidity gaps.These concerns echo warnings recently raised by the Financial Times, which described prediction markets as vulnerable to insider information and manipulation until regulatory oversight and liquidity improve.Why Institutions Are Still Paying Attention Despite the risks, prediction markets offer something traditional derivatives often do not: clean exposure to discrete outcomes. Contracts linked to inflation prints, interest-rate decisions, election results, or policy announcements provide direct, event-specific hedges that can complement macro strategies. For institutional investors, these markets function less as betting venues and more as probability-weighted instruments, allowing them to express views on policy risk, political uncertainty, or economic data releases without constructing complex options structures. What This Means for Brokers and Fintech Platforms For brokers and fintech firms, the evolution of prediction markets opens several strategic avenues. Rather than competing directly with standalone platforms, regulated brokers may explore cross-integration, structured products, or white-label exposure to event-based indicators. Prediction-style contracts could also be embedded into CFD offerings tied to macro data, policy decisions, or benchmark outcomes, allowing brokers to capture client demand for event-driven trading within existing regulatory frameworks. However, any such expansion would require careful handling of compliance, market abuse controls, and liquidity sourcing. As prediction markets mature, the opportunity for brokers lies not in retail hype, but in adapting the underlying concept — event-linked pricing — into regulated, scalable financial products. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

Revolut has scrapped plans to acquire a US bank and is instead preparing a direct bid for a national banking license, in a strategic pivot that leans on Donald Trump’s deregulatory stance to accelerate its American push. According to the Financial Times, the move marks a reversal from the fintech’s earlier merger-led strategy and underlines how UK neobanks now view Washington’s changing regulatory climate as central to their next phase of growth. It also sets up a sharper contrast with British rivals that still see acquisitions as the quickest way into the world’s largest retail banking market.Revolut had spent recent months scouting for a nationally chartered US bank to buy, viewing an acquisition as the fastest way to obtain nationwide lending rights.Revolut Walks Away from Takeover PlanA deal would have handed the group an existing charter and instant passporting across all 50 states, avoiding the long and uncertain process of applying on its own.The US push comes while Revolut’s banking ambitions at home remain constrained. The Bank of England recently granted the group a UK banking licence after a tense three-year process, but the authorisation carries tight restrictions.Related: Revolut Files for Peru Banking License in Fresh LATAM PushThe approval limits the banking division to holding only £50,000 in total deposits, a cap that effectively prevents Revolut from scaling a full-service UK balance sheet in the near term.Revolut scraps US merger plans in favour of push for standalone licence https://t.co/vVhDJya4WS— Finance News (@ftfinancenews) January 23, 2026Similarly, Revolut recently filed for a full banking license in Peru, deepening its expansion into Latin America amid intensifying competition among global fintechs vying to serve the region’s underbanked, mobile-first consumers.Additionally, the fintech giant announced that it is in talks to acquire FUPS, a Turkish digital bank, as part of its strategy to expand into Turkey’s fast-growing and dynamic banking sector.Revolut Walks Away from Takeover PlanThe US remains a complex regulatory landscape despite the policy shift in Washington. State regulators hand out local licenses, while the OCC supervises national charters, creating overlapping regimes that foreign entrants must navigate. Historically, national license applications involved intensive scrutiny and long timelines, which made some digital banks think twice about a direct bid. Fresh data show that tech-focused financial firms are testing the OCC’s new posture. In 2025, there were 14 applications for a de novo national trust bank charter, many from fintechs seeking limited-purpose banking status. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

The conversation around digital assets at the World Economic Forum has shifted from speculative debate to practical implementation. Global financial leaders framed tokenization and stablecoins as "the name of the game" for 2026. However, the clear consensus emerging from Davos is that the revolution will be institutional, not retail - at least for now.Wholesale ConsensusLast year, Davos panels debated the future of crypto. This year, however, the discussion focused squarely on how to deploy blockchain-based infrastructure at scale. The key takeaway for brokers and financial institutions is that the most immediate and tangible progress is happening in wholesale markets, far from the consumer-facing hype. Francois Villeroy de Galhau, Governor of the Bank of France and an ECB Governing Council member, captured the mood perfectly. He acknowledged that stablecoins have become "very fashionable," but "the jury is still out" on use cases beyond the crypto-native ecosystem.Is Tokenization the Future? @cnbcKaren (@CNBC), @brian_armstrong (@coinbase), @bgarlinghouse (@ripple), Valérie Urbain ( @EuroclearGroup), François Villeroy de Galhau (@banquedefrance), Bill Winters (@StanChart) #WEF26 https://t.co/Ob8n7PCh1T— World Economic Forum (@wef) January 21, 2026 He pointed to the ECB’s wholesale Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) initiatives as the real focus, where tokenization can be tested in controlled, high-value environments such as settlement and collateral management. This "wholesale-first" approach appeared to be a recurring theme. Valerie Urbane, CEO of settlement giant Euroclear, highlighted an ongoing initiative to tokenize the €300 billion French commercial paper market. The goal, she explained, is not just to test a new product, but to move an entire ecosystem onto new rails to understand how issuance, settlement, and investor participation work together at scale. Bill Winters, CEO of Standard Chartered, described the industry as being at an "inflection point," but noted a key constraint for global banks and brokers: the path from experimentation to full-scale production will be dictated by regulatory coordination across dozens of jurisdictions, not by technology alone.Retail DebateWhile the institutional focus dominated discussions, the potential for broader retail access was not dismissed entirely. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong argued that tokenization holds the promise of bringing high-quality assets to an "unbrokered" global population of billions, hinting at longer-term ambitions. However, this vision of mass access was met with a firm reality check from regulators. Villeroy de Galhau cautioned that the widespread adoption of privately issued tokenized money, especially from foreign issuers, could create "sovereignty concerns" for national economies. His central message was unambiguous: regulation is not the enemy of innovation, but a "guarantee of trust" necessary for it to succeed. For brokers and multi-asset platforms, the message from Davos is clear. The near-term action is in market infrastructure, not retail trading products. The strategic debate has shifted to trust, governance, and how to position themselves as the regulated gateways between the old financial world and the new tokenized rails. The era of asking "if" is over; the era of building the "how" has begun. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

Boku reported annual revenue of $128.5 million for 2025, exceeding analyst estimates and representing 29% growth from the prior year's $99.3 million, according to a trading update released today (Wednesday).The payments network posted adjusted EBITDA of $41 million, up 31% year-over-year and ahead of the $39.8 million consensus estimate. The company's EBITDA margin reached 32%, compared to 31.6% in 2024.Cash on the company's balance sheet grew 39% to $246 million at year-end, even after Boku repurchased 5.8 million shares during 2025 at a cost of $12.3 million. The company's own cash, which excludes merchant funds in transit, increased 28% to $103 million.CEO Stuart Neal said in the release that performance was "broad-based across merchants, Local Payment Methods, products and geographies." He added that the company expects to deliver medium-term organic revenue growth above 20% on a compound annual growth rate basis with EBITDA margins above 30%.Digital Wallets Drive Revenue Mix ShiftDigital wallets and account-to-account payment schemes posted 66% growth during the year, while the company's bundling product - which helps merchants package subscription offers - climbed 71%. Together, these two segments now account for 45% of total revenue, up from roughly 35% at mid-year.Boku's digital wallet business had already shown momentum in the first half of 2025, when that segment posted 89% revenue growth. The company has been pushing to diversify beyond its traditional direct carrier billing roots, which still grew 9% for the full year.Direct carrier billing allows consumers to charge digital purchases directly to their mobile phone bills, a payment method that remains popular in markets with lower banking penetration. The company now separates bundling from DCB in its reporting, reflecting what it calls "increased scale and broader application" of the product.Platform Volumes and Users ExpandTotal payment volume processed through Boku's network reached $15.5 billion, up 27% from $12.4 billion in 2024, or 25% on a constant currency basis. Monthly active users hit 115 million in December, a 32% increase from 87.1 million a year earlier.The company added several high-profile clients during the year, including what it described as a leading digital design platform and a global entertainment company, though it did not name the merchants. When Boku reported first-half results in July, revenue growth included $3 million from temporary launch-phase pricing that the company said would not continue.The company trades on London's AIM market under the ticker BOKU. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Australia's financial intelligence agency has ordered Airwallex to hire an external auditor to examine its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing compliance, citing concerns that the payment platform's transaction monitoring systems haven't kept pace with its risk profile.Airwallex Faces Regulatory Audit as AUSTRAC Raises Compliance ConcernsAUSTRAC, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre, instructed the company today (Thursday) to appoint an auditor who will investigate whether Airwallex has violated multiple sections of the country's AML/CTF Act. The agency suspects the company failed to properly monitor transactions, identify customers, report suspicious activity, and maintain adequate compliance oversight from January 2024 through this month.Bradley Brown, AUSTRAC's National Manager of Regulatory Operations, signed the enforcement notice requiring Airwallex to engage an auditor within 14 days and submit findings within 180 days. The company will pay for the audit.Transaction Monitoring Under ScrutinyAUSTRAC's notice questions whether Airwallex's transaction monitoring program has been properly calibrated to detect the range of financial crimes that could flow through its platform. The audit will examine the company's ability to identify activity linked to fraud, scams, illicit tobacco, drug trafficking, and child sexual exploitation payments."As a global payment platform that facilitates the transfer of funds to multiple jurisdictions, AUSTRAC is concerned with Airwallex's transaction monitoring program has not been attuned to the full range of risks it faces and that the company hasn't demonstrated an acceptable understanding of who its customers are and what reporting may be required," AUSTRAC Chief Executive Officer Brendan Thomas said.The agency also raised questions about how effectively Airwallex identifies and reports suspicious matters, and whether senior management provides adequate oversight of these obligations. Airwallex has faced regulatory scrutiny before, though the company has continued its expansion into new markets and product lines.Timing Raises QuestionsThe enforcement action lands awkwardly for Airwallex. Just one day before AUSTRAC's announcement, the company revealed it had acquired Paynuri, a South Korean entity holding payment gateway, prepaid electronic payment, and foreign exchange licenses. The deal positions Airwallex to serve Korean businesses expanding internationally while helping global companies operate in Korea's market.Arnold Chan, Airwallex's General Manager for APAC, called the Korean acquisition "a pivotal milestone" in a statement on Tuesday. The company said it plans to hire 20 employees in Korea by year-end and launch global business accounts and payment acquiring services there in 2026.Airwallex recently closed a Series G funding round that valued the company at $8 billion, about 30% higher than its previous valuation. The company reported $1.2 billion in annualized revenue and $266 billion in annualized transaction volume as of December 2025. In the Asia-Pacific region, revenue grew 85% year-on-year while transaction volume increased 71% in 2025.Broader Enforcement PatternThe Airwallex audit follows other enforcement actions in Australia's fintech sector. AUSTRAC fined Revolut Australia $123,000 in September 2025 for delayed compliance reporting, though the agency noted Revolut had self-reported the violations and cooperated with regulators.The audit results will help AUSTRAC determine whether additional regulatory action against Airwallex is warranted. The company has been expanding aggressively, recently acquiring San Francisco-based billing startup OpenPay to compete with Stripe Billing and Recurly, and securing a Dutch MiFID license to launch money market investments in Europe. The company also signed a sponsorship deal with Arsenal FC following its latest funding round. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Prediction markets are increasingly shifting from niche products into a functional layer of financial and gaming platforms, a trend that is now driving demand for dedicated B2B infrastructure rather than standalone consumer-facing offerings. A recent example of this shift is a new partnership between technology provider Plaee and Crypto.com | Derivatives North America (CDNA). The two companies have launched a CFTC-compliant, turnkey solution that allows third parties to deploy branded prediction market products in the U.S. using existing regulated infrastructure. The development reflects a broader change in how prediction markets are being positioned within the industry. Rather than building and operating markets end to end, some platforms are opting to rely on shared infrastructure that handles regulation, liquidity access, and core trading mechanics.Leon Okun, CEO of Plaee, said growing consumer demand is accelerating the shift toward infrastructure-led models. “As you can see from industry volumes, demand is growing month on month, and many established brands want to integrate prediction markets directly into their existing ecosystems,” Okun said. “To generate meaningful revenue, however, operators need both deep liquidity and CRM capabilities that support the full consumer lifecycle.” He added that this dynamic is likely to concentrate the market. “Because prediction markets rely heavily on liquidity, we expect a small number of infrastructure-first providers to emerge as the dominant players,” Okun said. Two Pressures Driving the Shift The move toward infrastructure-led models appears to be shaped by two parallel forces. On the demand side, prediction markets are attracting a growing base of retail users interested in event-driven products that sit outside traditional trading formats. At the same time, operators face rising regulatory scrutiny, particularly around market structure and potential conflicts of interest on platforms that run internal trading desks. The Plaee–Crypto.com model is designed to address both constraints. By separating product distribution from market operation, the approach allows companies to meet user demand while relying on a regulated entity for execution and compliance. “Working with Crypto.com enables operators to launch prediction market products without building regulatory and trading infrastructure from scratch,” Okun said, describing the focus on compliance and operational readiness rather than rapid experimentation. For Crypto.com, the partnership extends its role beyond running a single consumer platform. By offering regulated market access to third-party operators, the company is positioning itself as an infrastructure provider to a wider ecosystem of prediction market products. “Partnering with Plaee allows us to support a broader range of use cases while maintaining regulatory standards,” said Travis McGhee, Global Head of Predictions at Crypto.com. A Sign of Structural, Not Ideological, Change The emergence of turnkey prediction market solutions suggests a change in how the sector is developing. Prediction markets are no longer confined to a small number of vertically integrated platforms. Instead, they are beginning to resemble other financial products that rely on shared infrastructure, regulated market operators, and modular distribution. That shift does not remove regulatory or operational challenges. Questions around market integrity, information asymmetry, and the role of internal liquidity providers remain under close scrutiny. But the move toward infrastructure-based deployment indicates that prediction markets are increasingly being treated as a component of broader financial systems, rather than as isolated experiments. For brokers, gaming companies, and fintech platforms, the implication is practical rather than ideological. Prediction markets are becoming easier to integrate, but doing so now requires decisions about infrastructure partners, regulatory exposure, and long-term operational responsibility. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

Wise moved £47.4 billion in cross-border transactions during its third fiscal quarter, a 26% jump from the same period last year as the London-based payments company continued adding customers and expanding its infrastructure footprint.The publicly listed firm (LSE: WISE) served 10.9 million active customers in the three months ended December 31, 2025, up 20% year over year. Customer holdings climbed 34% to £27.5 billion, while card revenue and other non-transfer income rose 30%.Wise Business Segment Outpaces Consumer GrowthWise Business volumes grew 37% year-over-year, nearly double the 21% growth rate for personal accounts. The business segment now has 542,000 active customers, a 25% increase from last year.The company's take rate on cross-border transactions held steady at 52 basis points during the quarter, down from 56 basis points a year earlier. Wise said the decline reflects its focus on long-term growth investments rather than maximizing short-term margins."We delivered 74% of payments instantly, up nine percentage points year-on-year. This is a clear benefit of our continued focus on infrastructure - our licences, integrations, technology and operations," said Kristo Käärmann, co-founder and chief executive officer.Q3 Performance HighlightsInfrastructure Push Drives Faster TransfersThree-quarters of Wise payments now complete instantly, up nine percentage points from Q3 last year. The company recently completed its direct connection to Japan's Zengin payment system, becoming the first non-bank in the country to join the network. Wise now connects directly to eight domestic payment systems globally.The company launched a travel card in India last month, attracting more than 75,000 customers to its waiting list within four weeks. Wise also introduced Google Pay integration in the Philippines, making it the first non-bank to offer the service there.In December, Wise received conditional license approval to operate in South Africa, marking its first license on the African continent. The payment service is widely used by CFD and forex brokers including Forex.com, TMGM, and XM.Profit Margin Forecast RisesUnderlying income reached £424.4 million in Q3, up 21% from the prior year on both reported and constant currency bases. For the nine months ended December 31, underlying income grew 17% on a constant currency basis.Wise expects full-year underlying income growth to land around the middle of its 15-20% guidance range. The company now projects its full-year underlying profit before tax margin will come in toward the top of its medium-term target range of 13-16%, including costs related to its planned dual listing.The firm announced plans last June to add a primary US listing while maintaining its London Stock Exchange presence. The dual listing is expected to complete in the first half of 2026. The company's first-half profit declined due to rising expenses, though revenue continued growing during that period. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Revolut has applied for a full banking license in Peru, stepping up its push into Latin America as global fintech firms race to capture underbanked, mobile-first customers in the region. The move would make Peru the company’s fifth market in Latin America. The UK-based fintech confirmed on Monday that it has filed for a full banking license in Peru, a step that would allow it to operate as a regulated bank and roll out a broader suite of products in the local market. Revolut Seeks Full Banking Status in PeruRevolut aims to convert its fast-growing global user base into deeper banking relationships in high-growth economies, with Latin America sitting at the centre of that plan. A full license in Peru would enable the firm to offer locally tailored services rather than rely on a narrow, cross-border or e-money model. Related: Revolut Wants to Enter Turkey by Acquiring a Local BankRevolut plans to leverage its multi-function app model to cross-sell services once it secures a foothold, adding features as it navigates local regulatory requirements.Revolut applied for a full banking license in Peru as it expands in Latin America to compete with some of the region’s biggest financial-technology firms https://t.co/p235dR9Otq— Bloomberg (@business) January 19, 2026The Peru application follows earlier expansion plans in the region. The company already holds a banking license in Mexico, has approval to establish a bank in Colombia, and has acquired one in Argentina. It also operates in Brazil under a credit license. The firm targets markets with high smartphone penetration and a growing digital payments.Latin America Expansion Gathers PaceLatin America’s combination of near-universal smartphone usage and a still-underbanked population creates fertile ground for digital banks.Revolut’s Latin American push comes as the company accelerates its global expansion beyond Europe. The firm, valued at around 75 billion dollars, has recently secured a crypto license in Cyprus, strengthening its ability to offer digital asset services under European oversight. As of early this year, Revolut had established itself as a leading banking force in Spain, surpassing established rivals like ING and Banco Sabadell with a 13% market penetration and over six million customers.Spain has reportedly become Revolut’s third-largest market worldwide, following the UK and France. Data from Inmark Group showed that Revolut is now the fourth-largest bank in Spain by customer reach, ranking just behind CaixaBank, BBVA, and Santander. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.