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.

A London judge cleared the way for UK regulators to cap cross-border card fees, handing a legal defeat to Mastercard, Visa and Revolut in a closely watched challenge over the cost of online payments between the UK and Europe, Bloomberg reported.The ruling keeps pressure on card schemes and fintechs over interchange charges on transactions where European consumers buy from UK merchants, even though the precise cap level and implementation timetable remain undecided.Court Ruling on Payment Systems Regulator’s PowersThe dispute centred on the UK Payment Systems Regulator’s decision to consult on restoring a cap on cross-border interchange fees that applied when EU customers used cards to buy online from UK businesses.The PSR launched that consultation in December 2024 after warning that Mastercard and Visa had raised relevant fees to an “unduly high level” following Brexit, when earlier EU limits stopped covering many UK–EU transactions.Related: Visa and Mastercard to Pay Nearly $200M in Decade-Long Merchant Class ActionMastercard, Visa and Revolut took the case to London’s High Court, arguing the PSR did not have legal power to impose price caps on those fees. They challenged the watchdog’s authority to set any ceiling and questioned whether it could proceed before finalising the level and timing of the proposed limits.Judge Dismisses ChallengeJudge John Cavanagh rejected the companies’ arguments and ruled that the PSR does have the power to introduce the proposed price caps on cross-border interchange fees.Mastercard, Visa and UK fintech Revolut lost a lawsuit with the UK payments regulator over its plans to usher in a cap on cross-border card fees. https://t.co/zqlr1msTSn— Bloomberg (@business) January 15, 2026The judgment allows the regulator to continue its work on the cap design without a legal block, although it still needs to decide the specific rate and when to bring it into force. The PSR has previously said that recent fee increases left UK merchants facing higher costs when European customers shop online, which it views as unfair and harmful to competition.PSR managing director David Geale welcomed the outcome, saying the decision confirms the regulator’s powers to ensure card payment costs are fair for UK businesses and consumers. Industry Response and Broader ContextVisa had previously said it disputed the PSR’s findings and warned that price caps can negatively affect the value people and businesses get from card payments.Meanwhile, Visa and Mastercard proposed a $38 billion settlement in the US last year to end a legal battle stretching over two decades. It aimed at resolving claims that the companies colluded to charge merchants excessively high credit card “swipe fees.”The offer came months after U.S. District Judge Margo Brodie rejected a previous $30 billion deal, calling it “paltry” compared with the fees Visa and Mastercard continue to collect from merchants. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

eToro has secured sponsorship deals with four French top-flight clubs and entered Formula One through a partnership with BWT Alpine F1 Team. The trading platform is adding AS Monaco, LOSC Lille, Olympique Marseille and Olympique Lyonnais to its growing list of football partnerships, while becoming Alpine's exclusive trading and investment partner for the 2026 season.The multi-year agreements, which begin with the 2025/26 season, make eToro the Official Trading Partner for all four Ligue 1 sides. Financial terms were not disclosed.eToro Returns to Monaco After Previous DealThe deal with AS Monaco marks a reunion between the club and the trading platform. eToro previously served as Monaco's main partner starting in 2021, when the company's branding appeared on the front of the club's jerseys."Our previous collaboration was extremely positive for both organizations, which is why we are confident that this new chapter we are about to embark on together will once again be a fruitful one," said Thiago Scuro, AS Monaco's CEO.AS Monaco is generally a well-regarded club among fintech companies. In 2024, sponsorship agreements with the club were also signed by zondacrypto, a cryptocurrency exchange originating from Poland, as well as Ebury.The partnerships give eToro visibility through pitch-side LED boards and media backdrops at matches. The company will also appear across the clubs' digital platforms and will run educational sessions and match-day events throughout the season.LOSC Lille will feature eToro's logo on its jersey sleeves, the most prominent placement among the four deals.“Beyond visibility, this is a meaningful collaboration,” added Olivier Létang, President at LOSC Lille. “eToro is an innovative, international company that shares our values of performance, transparency, and proximity to its community.”Formula One Entry with Alpine PartnershipIn a parallel move announced the same day, eToro secured a partnership with BWT Alpine Formula One Team for the 2026 season, becoming the team's exclusive trading and investment partner.The Formula One deal represents eToro's entry into motorsport sponsorship as both the sport and retail investing continue growing globally. The partnership will focus on engaging fans through content and experiences throughout the season."We are proud to partner with BWT Alpine Formula One Team ahead of the 2026 season," said Yoni Assia, Co-founder and CEO at eToro. "Formula One is driven by innovation and a relentless commitment to improvement, which strongly align with eToro's mission to equip our users with the financial tools and education they need to meet their evolving investing goals."Platform Builds Out European Sports PortfolioeToro, which serves 40 million registered users across 75 countries, has positioned itself as one of Europe's most active sports sponsors. The company spent 10.7 million dollars on sports sponsorships during the 2024-25 season.The platform extended its deal with Dutch club AZ Alkmaar last year and signed with Nottingham Forest FC in August 2025. The company maintains sponsorships with clubs in England's Premier League, Germany's Bundesliga and Italy's Serie A."Teaming up with Ligue 1 most prestigious clubs – Monaco, Lille, Marseille and Lyon – will help us enhance the sense of community and engagement central to both football and investing," said Valerie Kalifa, eToro's Director of Marketing for France.eToro's expanding football presence comes as betting brands face tighter advertising restrictions in some European markets, creating opportunities for financial services platforms to fill sponsorship gaps.The information emerged in the same week that the fintech announced layoffs affecting 7% of its global workforce, while the share price reacted by falling to record lows.This article was updated at 12:00 PM CET to include information about eToro's partnership with BWT Alpine Formula One Team, which was announced after initial publication. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Finseta reported revenue of £12.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, marking a 9% increase from the prior year's £11.4 million. The growth rate represents a significant deceleration from the 26% expansion the company achieved in 2024, when underlying revenue climbed to £11.3 million.The London-listed (LSE: FIN) forex and payments provider ended the year with 1,101 active customers, up from 1,059 in 2024. The company had already reached that customer count by mid-year, suggesting customer acquisition stalled in the second half.Finseta Corporate Business Surges While Individual Clients Pull BackCorporate client revenue jumped 54% compared with 2024 and accounted for 57% of total revenue, reversing the prior year's mix when corporate accounts contributed just 41%. The shift came as high-net-worth individual clients, who typically generate higher margins, reduced activity amid global economic uncertainty linked to tariff developments."While our revenue growth was constrained by macroeconomic factors, the strategic progress and investments we made during the year position us to broaden our offering, accelerate sales growth and increase profitability in the medium term," CEO James Hickman said.The company's gross margin compressed to approximately 61% from 65.7% in 2024, reflecting the heavier weighting toward corporate clients who transact at lower margins but with greater frequency. Adjusted EBITDA dropped to £0.1 million from £2.0 million in the prior year as planned investments in sales teams, compliance functions, and overhead ate into profits.Dubai Operation Ramps Up Faster Than AnticipatedFinseta received regulatory approval in March 2025 to provide payment services in the United Arab Emirates through a Category 3D license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority. The Dubai operation grew faster than the board initially expected, prompting additional investment in the sales team to support accelerated expansion in the region.The company established a new office in the Dubai International Financial Centre and began hiring for sales and compliance roles to onboard corporate and professional clients while building its partner network. Management expects the expanded UAE business to contribute positively to group profitability starting in 2026.During 2025, Finseta also established a full-service office in Canada, launched its corporate card scheme, formed new counterparty partnerships, and implemented UK agency banking in the third quarter. The agency banking capability allows Finseta to issue its own account numbers and connect indirectly to the Faster Payments System.Cash Position Weakens as Investment Cycle ContinuesCash and cash equivalents stood at £1.5 million at year-end, down from £2.6 million twelve months earlier. The company reported net debt of £0.3 million compared with net cash of £0.6 million at the end of 2024.The deterioration primarily reflects reduced operating cash flow in 2025 and approximately £1.1 million in cash outflows from investing activities tied to the company's strategic growth initiatives. Total operating costs for the year came in line with board expectations disclosed at the interim results in September 2025.Management expects to return to cash flow generation in the second half of 2026 as the investments in Dubai, Canada, and new product offerings begin to drive revenue growth. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Major high-frequency trading firms and quantitative hedge funds, including DRW, Susquehanna International Group, and Jump Trading, are building dedicated desks focused on prediction markets, signalling a new phase for a market long dominated by retail speculation. According to recent reporting by the Financial Times, these firms are entering prediction markets to deploy the same quantitative playbooks used in equities and derivatives. They identify mispricing, arbitrage discrepancies between platforms, and do market-making in structurally inefficient venues. “The opportunity is not about guessing outcomes,” said Joseph Saluzzi, co-founder of Themis Trading. “In a market this new, where platforms are still siloed and liquidity is fragmented, arbitrage opportunities are everywhere.” From Novelty to Market Structure Job listings underscore how seriously institutional players are approaching the space. DRW is hiring traders for a dedicated prediction-markets desk with base salaries reaching $200,000. Susquehanna International Group is recruiting talent to “detect incorrect fair values” and identify market inefficiencies, while Swiss-based G-20 Advisors is seeking quantitative engineers to build probability models for event contracts. Other professional trading firms, including Flow Traders, as well as specialist funds such as Kirin, Anti Capital and Sfermion, are also increasing activity in event-driven markets, reflecting a broader influx of quant capital. This institutional interest has been fuelled by rapid growth in trading activity. Volumes on prediction-market platforms have risen from less than $100 million a month in early 2024 to more than $8 billion in December 2025, transforming what was once a niche experiment into a market large enough to attract professional arbitrageurs. Liquidity Incentives and Embedded Market Makers The structure of leading platforms has also made them attractive to sophisticated traders. On Kalshi, Susquehanna International Group became the first official market maker, receiving reduced fees and higher position limits in return for providing liquidity. Similar arrangements are common in traditional derivatives markets, but their adoption in prediction markets highlights how closely institutional firms are now embedded in the sector’s infrastructure. For many of these players, prediction markets offer more than just arbitrage. Boaz Weinstein, founder of Saba Capital Management, has described event contracts as a highly specific hedging tool, allowing portfolio managers to offset the probability of discrete outcomes and take larger, more confident positions elsewhere. A Clear Signal of Professionalisation Some large hedge funds remain cautious, citing the market’s still-modest size relative to multi-trillion-dollar asset classes and the evolving regulatory landscape. Yet the arrival of top-tier HFT firms marks a clear inflection point. These firms are not treating prediction markets as a novelty or a betting venue, but as an emerging asset class defined by inefficiency, fragmentation and the absence of mature pricing - conditions where quantitative strategies historically thrive. As professional market makers and arbitrageurs move in, prediction markets are beginning to resemble early-stage financial markets elsewhere: volatile, imperfect, and increasingly shaped by institutional capital seeking to impose order, liquidity and price discipline. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

eToro launched 250 additional UCITS ETFs today (Tuesday), expanding its European investment offerings as the trading platform faces mounting competitive pressure from larger brokerages replicating its signature features.eToro Adds 250 UCITS ETFs The rollout targets European clients who increasingly favor UCITS-structured funds for their regulatory protections and transparency. European UCITS ETF inflows hit a record €330.6 billion in 2025, pushing total assets under management to €2.57 trillion. "eToro's goal is to open the global markets and make investing as simple as possible," said Yossi Brandes, VP of Execution Services at eToro. "For our European investors, UCITS ETFs are a key gateway to diversified and cost-effective portfolios."The platform said hundreds more UCITS ETFs will be added in coming months. The new funds integrate with eToro's recurring investment tool, which allows users to schedule automatic purchases at fixed intervals. Monthly minimums start at $25, and the company is waiving conversion fees on recurring deposits through March 31, 2026.The addition, hovever, comes one day after eToro announced plans to cut 7% of its workforce globally, a restructuring CEO Yoni Assia said would "correctly size business needs and support a long-term growth strategy."Rivals Chip Away at Social Trading EdgeeToro's expansion follows a difficult stretch for the publicly traded company. Earlier this month, Goldman Sachs downgraded the stock to neutral, warning that competitors are eroding its once-unique position in copy trading. The bank projects roughly 7% annual revenue growth through 2027, a modest forecast despite assets under administration surpassing $18 billion in November.Shares (NASDAQ: ETOR) have slumped more than 50% since the company's May 2025 IPO at $52. The stock tested levels below $31 this week, after the layoff announcement, marking new lows since its Nasdaq debut."As demand for these products continues to grow, particularly among our European clients, we are pleased to announce the addition of 250 new UCITS ETFs, with hundreds more coming soon," Brandes said.Recent Feature Rollouts ContinueThe ETF push follows other product launches aimed at deepening user engagement. One-third of eToro trades now occur during 24/5 extended market hours, mirroring growth at rivals like Robinhood and Interactive Brokers that also offer round-the-clock access.Last month, the company launched stock lending for UK retail investors through a partnership with BNY and EquiLend, bringing institutional-style passive income opportunities to its customer base."Recurring investments reduce the need to worry about timing the market and help investors build healthy long-term habits," Brandes added. "Our new recurring investment plan is an ideal way to steadily build exposure to ETFs." This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

eToro (Nasdaq: ETOR) is reducing about 7 per cent of its global headcount, according to sources. A letter sent by the broker’s CEO, Yoni Assia, to staff, and seen by FinanceMagnates.com, noted: "As eToro matures, we must ensure we are correctly sized to meet our business needs and support our long-term growth strategy."According to eToro's IPO prospectus, it had 1,501 employees across over 10 offices globally, as well as remotely, by the end of 2024. If those numbers remain intact (or are around), the broker will lay off over 100 staffers.However, it remains unclear who or which positions will be cut as part of eToro’s mass layoff drive.eToro is headquartered in Israel and has offices in the UK, Cyprus, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, the United States, Australia, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Seychelles, Malta, and Gibraltar.Brokers Cutting Staff Is Common"We are reducing our global headcount by approximately 7%", Assia wrote. "This is not a decision that we take lightly and we will be supporting all impacted employees as best we can". "We are aligning our resources with our key priorities and leveraging process automation and AI to operate more efficiently and focus on the areas most critical to our long-term success. This will sharpen our execution so we can move faster". "It is often harder to make these changes when a company is doing well, but that is precisely when they are most necessary", Assia continued. "By taking these steps now from a position of strength, we are focusing our people and effort on the technologies and opportunities that will shape our future". Assia clarified that "Our financial condition has never been stronger. In Q3, we saw net contribution (revenue) growth of 28%, Adjusted EBITDA growth of 43%, and solid cash flow generation. We have a strong balance sheet (cash, cash equivalents and short term investments were $1.2 billion as of September 30, 2025) and we will continue to invest in areas that support our continued growth, including looking for strategic opportunities for in-organic expansion". "The investing landscape is experiencing unprecedented change. We are confident that we are well placed to capture the significant growth opportunities presented by multiple macro tailwinds, strengthen our competitive position, and deliver long-term value to our users and shareholders."Not Only eToroMeanwhile, eToro is not the only broker to cut its workforce. In 2023, IG Group reduced its global workforce by 10 per cent, while a few months later, CMC Markets announced a 17 per cent staff reduction. FinanceMagnates.com recently reported exclusively that the operator of FXCM and Tradu was also preparing to cut more than 100 employees. Tradu also mentioned AI as a partial reason for the layoff. Despite its strong listing, eToro shares have been struggling in the market for months. The stock has lost over 50 per cent of its value since the listing and was recently downgraded by Goldman Sachs from Buy to Hold, with the firm trimming its price target.Although the platform projected a 7 per cent annual top-line growth for 2025–2027, this trails the peer average of 8 per cent. Its 36 per cent pre-tax margin also looks thin compared with the sector’s 54 per cent. This article was written by Arnab Shome at www.financemagnates.com.

Fintech giant Revolut has emerged as a major banking force in Spain. With over six million customers in the country, it reached a market penetration of 13% - ahead of established players like ING and Banco Sabadell. The milestone signals a significant transformation from a niche fintech app to a scaled retail banking player, comparable to major digital retail banks in Spain. The country has become Revolut’s third-largest market globally, after the UK and France. According to data from Inmark Group, Revolut now ranks as the fourth-largest bank by customer penetration, trailing only the country’s three largest traditional banks: CaixaBank, BBVA, and Santander. Revolut’s rapid growth taps into long-standing customer dissatisfaction with Spain’s traditional banking sector.From User Growth to Deeper Banking EngagementMarket commentary on X suggests that Spanish banks have “barely evolved” since the mid-2000s, sticking to cumbersome processes, overly sensitive app security, and a lack of modern perks. This customer frustration is now translating into measurable growth as users flock to Revolut’s more modern offerings.This is excellent. Spanish banks have barely evolved since I arrived in 2006. You have to build a solid relationship before they even offer you a credit card. Their apps are over sensitive on security and they offer zero perks. The market is ripe for Revolut. If they extend to a… https://t.co/Ox3lM0jEzD— Ben Walker (@bensroom) January 9, 2026The company’s growth is reflected in hard numbers: savings deposits quadrupled in 2025, with total balances reaching €2.14 billion, while investment activity doubled, with the average investment size surging by 175%. Revolut is also making a move into physical infrastructure, further blurring the lines with traditional banks. The company has already installed 50 of its own ATMs in Madrid and Barcelona, with plans to expand the network to 200 units in 2026. This success in Spain is part of a broader global expansion for the fintech firm, which now serves over 65 million customers worldwide and recently achieved a valuation of $75 billion. The Spanish data supports Revolut’s broader strategy of converting a large retail user base into a multi-product financial platform. While adoption is strong, familiar questions remain around depth of engagement, margins, and regulatory complexity as digital banks move closer to traditional banking territory. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour used the recent controversy over alleged insider trading to draw a sharp dividing line between his federally regulated exchange and its offshore competitors. In a public statement, Mansour argued that lumping all prediction markets together is a critical mistake. He clarified that platforms regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), such as Kalshi, operate under specific U.S. regulatory requirements, which differ significantly from the “wild west” environment of unregulated offshore platforms. His comments come as the industry faces scrutiny. The debate began after a Polymarket user won over $436,000 by correctly predicting the ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro just hours before it happened. More recently, another Polymarket trader allegedly netted over $1 million by placing near-perfect bets on Google's Year in Search rankings, sparking accusations of trading on non-public information. These incidents have prompted a legislative response. U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres is drafting a bill to explicitly ban federal employees from trading on prediction markets – online platforms where participants buy and sell contracts based on outcomes of future events – using inside information. Mansour clarified Kalshi's position, stating, “Insider trading is banned on Kalshi (and always has been),” with rules adapted from the NYSE and Nasdaq. He supported the bill, noting it codifies existing Kalshi practices, and pointed out it would not apply to offshore platforms where these issues arise. A Fundamental Divide in Philosophy The controversy highlights a deep philosophical split within the prediction market industry over the role of inside information – a divide that stands in contrast to the harmonised rules of the traditional brokerage world. Licensed brokers operate under a zero-tolerance regime for insider trading, mandated by laws such as the Insider Trading and Securities Fraud Enforcement Act (ITSFEA), with requirements to maintain information walls, restrict employee trading, and report suspicious activity to regulators like FINRA and the SEC. In prediction markets, the approach remains fragmented. Regulated platforms like Kalshi mirror the traditional exchange model, enforcing a strict ban on trading on Material Non-Public Information (MNPI) and cooperating with regulators. The stance of unregulated offshore players is often ambiguous. Some argue that trading on private information improves price discovery, even as it raises questions around fairness and market integrity. This debate also fits into a longer-running rivalry between Kalshi and Polymarket. In earlier interviews, Mansour described sustained competition as a force that pushes prediction markets to mature from a niche product into a credible financial industry. Against that backdrop, the current controversy over insider trading marks a shift in how that rivalry is being contested – away from product features and toward regulation, governance, and legitimacy. By publicly aligning Kalshi with established exchanges and federal regulators, Mansour is reinforcing a reputational distinction at a moment when prediction markets as a category are facing heightened scrutiny. The result is a clearer institutional divide, with regulated platforms increasingly framed as credible market infrastructure, while offshore venues are pushed into a separate and riskier category in the eyes of policymakers and counterparties. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

Broadridge Financial Solutions has acquired a minority ownership position in DeepSee, a Utah-based firm specializing in agentic AI, and will begin deploying automated email orchestration tools across its post-trade processing operations.Broadridge Takes Stake in DeepSee to Automate Post-Trade Email WorkflowsTom Carey, president of Broadridge Global Technology and Operations, will join DeepSee's board of directors as part of the arrangement. The partnership initially targets email management for operations teams handling fails research and inventory optimization tasks."This latest investment and partnership underscores Broadridge's commitment to delivering innovative AI-powered solutions that transform operations, reduce risk, and enhances the client experience," Carey said."Working with DeepSee, we are bringing agentic AI directly into post-trade workflows, helping clients move from manual email handling to intelligent automation, unlocking new levels of productivity and operational resilience."The investment comes as financial institutions face mounting pressure to demonstrate returns on AI spending after several years of experimentation. Industry executives at the Finance Magnates London Summit warned that firms not actively deploying AI risk falling behind competitors.Email Inboxes Converted to Automated WorkflowsBroadridge processes over 15 trillion dollars in daily trades and already operates AI-enhanced tools through its OpsGPT platform for settlement efficiency. The DeepSee technology converts incoming email requests into connected workflows where AI agents, systems, and human operators function together.Pre-trained agents automate routine operations while industry-specific AI capabilities turn communications into actions, according to the companies. The system provides real-time dashboards showing service level agreement metrics, operational trends, and team performance data.Broadridge has deployed the solution across its business process outsourcing operations, which serve more than 60 clients. The technology integrates with Broadridge's existing post-trade capabilities and can be implemented either through the Broadridge platform or as a standalone system."From the beginning, DeepSee's vision has been to leverage the power of AI agents to transform the complex processes of financial services into actionable outcomes that drive immediate, production-ready business impact," said Steve Shillingford, CEO and founder of DeepSee. Automation Pressure Builds Across Financial OperationsMultiple firms have launched AI agent products for financial services in recent months. Retail platform Public introduced an automated trading feature allowing users to build portfolios through text prompts, while SAP Fioneer deployed AI agents for banks and insurers.Broadridge, which generates over 7 billion communications annually and employs more than 15,000 people across 21 countries, has been expanding its technology leadership. The company hired former JPMorgan executive Munish Gautam to oversee trading platforms last year.Financial firms are also exploring blockchain-based settlement systems, which have begun processing higher volumes than some crypto-native products in fixed-income markets. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Revolut is negotiating the acquisition of FUPS, a Turkish digital bank, as the fintech looks to enter the country's rapidly evolving banking market. The talks represent the latest step in Revolut's ongoing push to expand its global footprint. However, no final agreement has been reached and the discussions could still fall apart, according to people familiar with the matter quoted by Bloomberg.Any transaction would need approval from Turkey's Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency, known locally as BDDK. Revolut Pursues 100 Million Users Across Global MarketsRevolut, led by billionaire Nik Storonsky, has built a user base approaching 70 million customers worldwide. The company closed a funding round in November at a $75 billion valuation, a 67 percent jump from its $45 billion valuation the previous year, as it posted revenue gains and attracted investment from Nvidia's venture arm.The fintech has been aggressively targeting new markets in recent months, from the Nordics to Mexico. Revolut has pitched expansion plans for China to investors, outlining strategies for hiring, licensing, and scoping opportunities in the country.Turkish Banks Digitize but Still Rely on Physical PresenceTraditional banks in the country have invested heavily in digital services, with the number of active digital banking customers increasing to more than 120 million. Major players like Garanti BBVA have integrated artificial intelligence and data analytics to enhance customer service.However, these incumbents still maintain extensive branch networks, a dependency that could give purely digital players an edge.“Revolut's potential entry into Turkey makes strategic sense, intensifying competition in a market where incumbents are already digitally advanced, but still depend on branch networks,” said Tomasz Noetzel, senior industry analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. “The deal's strategic execution will be critical to differentiation, beyond price and user experience.”Turkey's Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency launched digital banking regulations in 2022, formally opening the door for neobanks. The regulator has granted digital banking licenses to five institutions: Hayat Katılım, Kasa Katılım, T.O.M. Katılım, FUPS Bank, and Ziraat Dinamik.FUPS Operates With Minimal Staff After 2022 LaunchFUPS received its banking license in 2022 with founding capital of 1.5 billion liras, worth just over $81 million at the time. The bank was established by Lydians Elektronik Para ve Ödeme Hizmetleri, which operates as both a payment service provider and electronic money institution. As of September 2025, FUPS employed 60 people, according to data from the Turkish Banks Association.The Turkish opportunity follows Revolut's entry into Argentina in June 2025 by purchasing a local lender from BNP, where it acquired Banco Cetelem's local banking license and approximately $6.4 million in assets. The company has pursued similar strategies in India, where it acquired Arvog Forex in 2022 after pumping over $45 million into the market.Turkey's digital banking market was valued at $101.52 million in 2025 and is projected to grow to $267.3 million by 2034, expanding at an 11.36 percent compound annual growth rate. The country's 80.7 million active cellular mobile connections provide a substantial market for mobile banking applications.In September 2025, Revolut announced it was eyeing a US bank buyout while committing £3 billion and 1,000 jobs to its UK global headquarters. More recently, the fintech engaged with Israeli regulators to obtain a “lean bank” license after entering the country in 2023, demonstrating the company's willingness to pursue multiple regulatory pathways simultaneously. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Spot trading volume for tokenised stocks has surpassed $1 billion, with the vast majority of activity concentrated in December, Bitget reports. The surge highlights a sharp acceleration in demand for on-chain access to traditional equities outside standard market hours. The recent data confirms a broader shift in how global investors interact with traditional assets. Rather than waiting for U.S. market sessions to open, traders choose to react to macroeconomic and geopolitical developments in real time via tokenised instruments that trade continuously. The Real Arbitrage Is Geographic, Not Temporal After-hours trading often dominates the narrative; however, the global access appears to be a more durable and important driver. Tokenised stocks are increasingly used by investors outside the United States as an alternative way to gain exposure to U.S. equities without opening local brokerage accounts or bearing foreign exchange costs. Issuers such as Backed Finance have seen the market capitalisation of their tokenised equity products rise sharply, reflecting demand specifically from regions where direct U.S. market access is operationally complex or restricted. As one market participant described it, this is less about technology arbitrage and more about geography: a parallel access layer for U.S. equities serving the billions of investors who sit outside the domestic brokerage ecosystem.backed finance tokenized stocks hit $800m market cap, 30x growth crushing every other rwa vertical. baappl, btsla, bspx trade 24/7 on ethereum and solana. sec blocks us access so 6.5 billion people get us equity exposure without brokers or forex spreads. tokenized treasuries grew…— aixbt (@aixbt_agent) January 6, 2026 Regulators Draw Clear Boundaries Around Tokenised Securities Despite the rapid growth in activity, regulators have been explicit that tokenisation does not change the legal nature of securities. In the EU, ESMA has stressed technological neutrality. Tokenised shares remain transferable securities under MiFID II, not MiCA, which applies to non-security crypto-assets. U.S. regulators have taken a similar stance. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) treats tokenised equities as securities that must be registered or issued under exemptions, with platforms operating as broker-dealers or alternative trading systems. In 2025, the SEC granted Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation a three-year no-action window to pilot on-chain tokenisation of stocks, bonds and Treasuries, effectively integrating the technology into existing clearing and settlement infrastructure rather than allowing it to develop outside it. Across jurisdictions, regulators have emphasised that tokenisation should deliver genuine efficiency gains, and not serve as a vehicle for regulatory arbitrage. What This Means for Traditional Brokers This on-chain activity is no longer a niche experiment. Major financial institutions are now forecasting a multi-trillion dollar future for the sector. A recent report from Deutsche Bank Research projects the market for tokenized real-world assets could reach $1.5 to $2 trillion by 2030, and as much as $4 trillion by 2035.“Tokenized capital markets could become the default infrastructure for issuance and trading by the 2030s.”- @DeutscheBank pic.twitter.com/kQm4LrS6Vy— Securitize (@Securitize) January 6, 2026For traditional brokers, the message is clear: their core business models, operations, and roles may change. While regulatory oversight remains anchored in existing frameworks, trading behaviour and liquidity formation are shifting from time-bound TradFi infrastructure to always-on gateways to traditional assets. The convergence is now less about whether tokenised stocks will be regulated, and more about whether global access to equities will remain restricted by legacy brokerage hours and geographic constraints—even as markets increasingly operate around the clock. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

bunq has submitted a fresh application for a US national bank charter with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Dutch neobank announced today (Wednesday). The move comes roughly two years after the company withdrew its initial attempt to enter the American banking market.Ali Niknam, the company's Founder and CEO, said the timing reflects what he sees as a favorable regulatory environment. "We believe that this is a unique opportunity for us," Niknam said in an interview.The company is betting on a market it knows well: professionals who split their time between the US and Europe but struggle to maintain banking relationships on both sides of the Atlantic. bunq's core audience includes digital nomads and expats who often hit roadblocks when trying to open accounts abroad, partly because of US tax reporting requirements that make foreign banks wary of American clients."We believe there's far more people out there that would benefit from this global bank account," Niknam said, pointing to millions of Europeans living in the US and Americans living in Europe who face banking access issues.Second Attempt Follows Broker-Dealer Winbunq isn't starting from scratch this time. The company secured a broker-dealer license from FINRA in October, which allows it to offer stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds to US customers. The firm wasn't alone in obtaining broker-dealer approval last year. Crypto platform Archax bought US broker-dealer Globacap Private Markets, while Hidden Road Partners secured FINRA approval shortly before Ripple's $1.25 billion acquisition of the company.The broker-dealer license was part of bunq's phased entry strategy. Now with the banking application filed, the company can move toward offering full deposit accounts and payment services if approved.bunq first applied for a US banking license in 2023 but withdrew the application in January 2024. Niknam acknowledged the firm wasn't ready to answer regulators' questions quickly enough. "We are doing our utmost best to make sure that we satisfy and fulfill each of the regulations," he said this time around.The company plans to launch in US cities with large expat populations first. One selling point: helping newly arrived expats build US credit scores by accessing their European financial records, something traditional American banks typically can't do.Growing User Base Amid European Dominancebunq hit 20 million users last year, making it Europe's second-largest neobank behind Revolut, which has more than 50 million customers. The milestone came a decade after bunq became the first company to receive a European banking permit in 35 years.The firm has built its business around features that appeal to mobile professionals, including support for 38 languages and AI-powered fraud detection. Last September, it became the first European neobank to offer flexible crypto staking through a partnership with Kraken, offering yields up to 10% annually without lock-up periods.bunq's US ambitions align with a broader push by fintech firms to secure American banking charters under the Trump administration. More than 30 companies have applied to become US banks since the administration took office, according to consulting firm Klaros Group. The OCC conditionally approved national trust bank charters for several crypto firms late last year, including Circle Internet Group and Fidelity's digital assets arm.The company also has its sights set on a UK electronic money institution license as it continues expanding beyond its European base. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Stripe and Crypto.com have partnered to expand access to cryptocurrency payments. The integration allows Stripe-supported merchants to accept crypto payments through Crypto.com Pay, in what the companies described as a step toward merging digital assets with mainstream commerce.Stripe Adds Crypto Payment OptionThrough the new setup, customers will reportedly be able to pay directly with cryptocurrency or stablecoins using their Crypto.com Pay balance.Stripe will then convert the received payment into the merchant’s local currency and deposit funds into their bank account, simplifying the process for businesses that want to accept crypto without dealing with price volatility.We are excited to be partnering with @stripe to help businesses more easily accept #crypto payments. Read more here: https://t.co/JwWQplJaGS pic.twitter.com/YfFaNg7hon— Crypto.com (@cryptocom) January 6, 2026Crypto.com becomes the first crypto firm integrated with Stripe for direct balance payments. The move broadens the payment giant’s reach in digital assets while offering a more convenient crypto checkout option to consumers.“Increasing everyday accessibility to and utility of cryptocurrencies for consumers and merchants is central to our vision at Crypto.com,” commented Joe Anzures, General Manager, Americas and EVP of Payments, Crypto.com. “We are excited to partner with Stripe, a recognized leader in digital payments, to collectively catalyze a new era for crypto-enabled commerce.”Crypto.com to Use Stripe for Card TransactionsIn addition to the checkout integration, Crypto.com will now use Stripe to process card-based crypto purchases. The arrangement allows users to buy cryptocurrencies with credit or debit cards more easily, supporting Crypto.com’s card products in the U.S. market.You may also like: Telegram’s Global Ambitions Hit a Wall as $500 Million in Bonds Freeze in RussiaCrypto.com has been keen in collaborating with the traditional fintech space. Last year, the crypto exchange enabled Google Pay support for all UK-issued Crypto.com Visa cards, allowing users to make tap-to-pay purchases with their Android devices at any merchant that accepts Visa or Google Pay.Exciting news for users with UK-issued https://t.co/vCNztATkNg Visa Cards! You can now enjoy contactless payments by adding your Card to Google Walletᵀᴹ ?? ? Add your Card now: https://t.co/uizkqIx8I2 ℹ️ Only available for UK-issued https://t.co/vCNztATkNg Visa Cards.… pic.twitter.com/B7L3nxq1ro— Crypto.com (@cryptocom) November 24, 2025This update sought to improve the day-to-day spending for cardholders using digital assets, further aligning crypto cards with traditional payment experiences in the UK. The company mentioned that UK customers can add their Crypto.com Visa cards directly via the Crypto.com app or through Google Wallet for use with Google Pay. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Papaya Global is in advanced talks for a potential acquisition, with a valuation estimated between $3.5 billion and $4.5 billion, Calcalist reported. The company is negotiating with multiple international parties, including a private equity fund and enterprise software firms such as SAP and Oracle.Cross-Border Payroll Expands Across 160 CountriesPapaya Global provides software that helps corporate clients manage payments to employees and contractors worldwide. Its services include payroll management and a standalone business-to-business segment. [#highlighted-links#] The B2B segment accounted for around 40% of revenue in 2024 and is expected to reach about 55% in 2025. The company reported just over $100 million in revenue in 2024 and anticipates roughly $200 million in 2025, with profitability expected. Its cross-border payroll software operates in 160 countries and 130 currencies, supported by recent partnerships and acquisitions.Papaya Global Partners with dLocal GloballyIn 2024, Papaya Global partnered with cross-border payments provider dLocal. The collaboration aims to help businesses manage workforce payments across multiple regions, with a focus on emerging markets. The combined solution integrates payroll and payment processes, ensuring timely payments while meeting local regulations. Initially active in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, the partnership has improved payment volumes and delivery rates. Both companies plan to expand to additional regions, offering clients a more seamless global payment experience.Papaya Global was founded by Eynat Guez, who continues to serve as CEO. Guez has a background in relocation and payroll services and is considered the first woman in Israel to establish and lead a company to unicorn status.Fintech Unicorn Invests Millions Super BowlThe company is also seeking broader visibility through marketing, making its debut in the Super Bowl advertising arena, Finance Magnates reported last year. Papaya Global is using the campaign to highlight its vision for payroll and workforce management on a global scale. A 30-second Super Bowl ad costs over $8 million this year, according to Statista. The investment signals fintech’s "growing confidence" in reaching mainstream audiences. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Google will allow prediction market ads in the U.S. only for federally regulated firms, distinguishing CFTC-regulated event contracts from binary options, which remain prohibited. Starting January 21, 2026, Google will permit ads for “Exchange-Listed Event Contracts.” Only CFTC-authorized platforms, such as Kalshi, or brokerages registered with the NFA offering access to approved DCMs, may qualify. By setting these conditions, Google uses regulatory status as a primary criterion for access to its advertising platform. While the company is not acting as a financial regulator, its policy makes advertising access contingent on federal oversight of products. Why Google Allows Prediction Markets but Bans Binary OptionsUnder the updated rules, prediction markets are permitted to advertise only if the provider is licensed and regulated by the CFTC and categorised under Google’s “Financial Services” policies. Binary options, meanwhile, remain entirely prohibited, including ads from offshore platforms, affiliated educational websites, signal providers, and broker review sites.Google states that the distinction is based on consumer protection considerations. The company notes that binary options are frequently associated with misleading promotions, systemic abuse, and financial harm.The prediction markets are treated as supervised financial instruments rather than mass-market retail products, allowing advertising only for providers operating within a licensed and regulated framework where risk is considered manageable. What This Means for the Market The policy change reshapes the competitive landscape. Firms that have invested in obtaining CFTC approval gain access to one of the most influential advertising channels in the U.S. market, while unregulated platforms and binary options providers remain excluded. For platforms such as Kalshi and brokerages that offer access to regulated event contracts, the update removes a long-standing distribution constraint. At the same time, it reinforces the cost of remaining outside the federal regulatory perimeter, particularly for offshore and lightly regulated operators. The move highlights a trend in which technology platforms align advertising access with regulatory frameworks. In this case, Google’s policy ties market visibility to federal licensing status. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

Goldman Sachs pulled back its optimism on eToro, downgrading the stock from Buy to Hold and trimming its price target to $39 from $48. The move highlighted deepening competitive pressure as rivals chip away at eToro’s once-clear edge in social trading.Goldman’s analysts, led by James Yaro, said eToro’s growth trajectory lags behind its peers. The platform’s projected 7% annual top-line growth for 2025–2027 trails the peer average of 8%, while its 36% pre-tax margin looks thin next to the sector’s 54%.According to InvestingPro, eToro’s gross profit margin sits at just 2.51%, a stark contrast to its relatively strong balance sheet and a “GOOD” financial health rating.Social Trading Edge Faces Copycat RivalsDespite steady growth in assets under administration – reaching $18.8 billion in November, up 9% year-over-year – and a 10% rise in funded accounts to 3.79 million, profitability remains under strain. The challenge lies not in growth but in maintaining efficiency as competition heats up.eToro’s signature CopyTrader product once differentiated the platform, but U.S. peers now replicate similar features. Meanwhile, American trading platforms are expanding in Europe, historically eToro’s stronghold, Investing.com reported.Goldman warned that these developments could lift customer acquisition costs, already about 50% above peers, and apply downward pressure on product pricing and returns.Related: One-Third of eToro Trades Now Happen in 24/5 Extended Market HoursAs margins narrow, Goldman said eToro’s valuation of roughly 12.5x adjusted forward P/E appears fair but fails to justify a buy recommendation. The company trades at a P/E of 5.61, suggesting potential undervaluation on paper, yet lower-profit business lines and exposure to contracts for difference (CFDs) temper enthusiasm.Coinbase Shines in ContrastGoldman’s downgrade of eToro came alongside an upgrade of Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN) to Buy, signaling the bank’s stronger conviction in crypto-aligned trading platforms heading into the new year. $COINJames Yaro @ Goldman Sachs upgraded Coinbase to a buy today with a PT of $303.That’s a 28% upside from current levels. pic.twitter.com/ZjKRZeorSY— FinanceIntel (@finance_intell) January 5, 2026They forecast Coinbase’s revenues to grow at a 12% CAGR through 2027, driven by lower acquisition costs and expanding subscription and service businesses, which now contribute around 40% of total revenue. While Coinbase shares gained 4% in premarket trading, eToro dipped about 1.2% to $35.27, extending a six-month decline of over 43%. Analysts remain split on eToro. While Compass Point, Susquehanna, and TD Cowen maintain bullish views with price targets as high as $66, Goldman’s caution underscores the uncertainty facing retail brokers navigating an evolving digital asset landscape.With competition intensifying and costs rising, the once-favored social trading pioneer may need to reinvent its strategy to hold investor confidence into 2026. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Payments work best when they fade into the background. Yet, over the past decade, they have quietly migrated from the periphery of infrastructure to the very center of product design, customer experience, and regulatory debate. At a recent industry panel, executives from Weaver, Visa, Edenred, and regulatory advisory firms reflected on this evolution, exploring why the industry’s "frictionless" ideal remains more of a strategic aspiration than a day-to-day reality. The Shift: From Technical Process to Human Behavior The most significant transformation of the last decade isn't just the decline of cash, but the shift in how payments are perceived. Karin Martinez, Head of Sales at Edenred Payment Solutions, notes that payments have evolved from a purely technical process into a core user behavior. Today’s ecosystem is driven by an end-user demand for a triad of requirements: speed, safety, and minimal friction. However, the industry is moving away from the "zero friction" dogma. Regina Lau, CFO/COO at Weaver, argues that some friction is not only helpful but essential. The challenge lies in making friction context-sensitive. "If there’s low risk, let’s make it easy," she suggests. "But when something unusual occurs, that’s when friction must step in." This approach mirrors the "arms race" between fintechs and fraudsters, where both sides are constantly testing the limits of seamlessness. Invisible Security: Tokenization and AI For global giants like Visa, the last decade has been defined by the rise of alternatives to traditional card rails—specifically open banking and account-to-account (A2A) payments. Claire Dobson, Business Development Lead at Visa (UK & Ireland), highlights the surge in "pay-by-bank" solutions, which offer built-in strong customer authentication (SCA), making the deposit journey intuitive for users on trading and investment platforms. To balance transparency with security, Visa is leaning heavily into tokenization. By encrypting card credentials into unique tokens, the industry can eliminate the clunky one-time password (OTP) process while building biometric identification on top. This moves security into the background, turning checkout into a one-click experience without compromising safety. While AI is the primary weapon in this defense strategy, speakers cautioned against treating it as a panacea. Visa’s scam disruption tools have already blocked over a billion dollars in potential fraud, yet the human element remains a vulnerability. Lau pointed out that AI-driven transaction monitoring cannot fully replace the "human touch" required to protect vulnerable populations or handle complex, non-automated cases. The Liability Gap and "Smart" Regulation A recurring theme in the discussion was the structural imbalance in fraud prevention—specifically regarding social media. Panelists noted an "asymmetric liability" where a vast amount of fraud originates on social platforms that carry no financial responsibility, leaving banks and payment firms to play a reactive game of "whack-a-mole." To solve this, the panel advocated for treating fraud protection as a utility rather than a competitive advantage. Collaborative knowledge sharing and cleaner data governance are seen as the only ways to stay ahead of AI-equipped fraudsters. Furthermore, Martinez distinguished between "smart" and "bad" friction. While regulatory AML and KYC checks are protective necessities, the bureaucratic "paperwork purgatory" that many SMEs face during onboarding is a failure of innovation. The goal is to embed these checks so deeply into the technology that they become invisible to the legitimate user. The Frontier: Programmable Money and Global Interoperability Looking toward 2030, the industry is eyeing programmable money as the next major leap, with Nilixa DevLukia, CEO of regulatory consultancy Payments Solved, pointing to the convergence of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), stablecoins, and tokenized deposits as the foundation of that shift. Combined with distributed ledger technology, programmable money could automate complex settlements. However, Devlukia also cautioned that without true interoperability and aligned regulatory frameworks, these capabilities risk remaining confined to domestic or siloed use cases rather than delivering global impact.Lau observed that global travel still requires a "fragmented wallet" of different apps for every jurisdiction. Extending local systems across borders is not just a technical challenge but a requirement for true financial inclusion. A Transition, Not an Endpoint The consensus was clear: the industry is in a state of negotiation rather than completion. Payments are faster and more embedded than ever, but friction has not been eradicated—it has simply been re-engineered into the layers of security and compliance. As the panel concluded, the focus for the next decade will not be on removing controls, but on designing "smart, invisible friction"—systems that protect the user without ever getting in their way. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

TheLondon-listed Fiinu (LSE: BANK) reported an unaudited group-wide net profit for November 2025, including exceptional items, marking its first time in the black since the fintech launched operations. The company cautioned that monthly performance will likely fluctuate as it works toward sustained profitability.Fiinu Posts First Profitable Month as Polish Unit Sheds ManagementThe milestone comes after Fiinu acquired Everfex for up to £12 million in a reverse takeover that doubled down on the fintech's expansion beyond its core Plugin Overdraft product. Everfex, which handled over $1 billion in FX transactions for Polish small and medium-sized enterprises, brought immediate revenue but also management headaches that Fiinu's board moved quickly to address.Within months of closing the deal, Fiinu replaced Karol Oleksa and Marta Oleksa with Dr. Marko Sjoblom, the company's founder and group CEO, who took direct control of Everfex alongside Adam Narczewski, a senior executive officer. The board said the appointments represent a "material strengthening" of executive capability and governance standards compared to the previous management.Fiinu then served formal non-compete breach notices against both former executives, alleging violations of restrictions in the share purchase agreement. The case is now in pre-trial proceedings. The company framed the action as necessary to protect shareholder value and enforce contractual obligations, though it did not disclose specifics of the alleged breaches.David Hopton, Fiinu's chairman, said the management changes emerged from a governance and compliance review conducted in the fourth quarter. "As the Executive and Board undertook this work it became apparent that changes in the management structure were likely to accelerate the integration of Everfex into the Group culture and discipline," he stated in the announcement.Cash Position Tightens Ahead of Product LaunchFiinu ended 2025 with approximately £5.34 million in cash, burning under £200,000 per month excluding exceptional items. The burn rate reflects cost cuts and operational changes implemented across the group, including the Polish subsidiary restructuring.The company is racing to launch its Plugin Overdraft product in partnership with Conister Bank, a unit of Manx Financial Group, in the first quarter of 2026. The open banking-enabled platform allows customers to attach an overdraft facility to their existing bank account without switching providers. Fiinu secured £1.4 million from Luxembourg-based QVP Fund in September to support working capital as it prepares the rollout.The Plugin Overdraft represents Fiinu's most significant commercial bet, aiming to unbundle credit services from traditional current accounts. Conister will initially offer the product to Payment Assist Limited's one million existing customers before expanding to its broader UK and Isle of Man client base.Polish Acquisition Adds Revenue but Brings RiskEverfex contributed over £600,000 in pre-tax profit during the four months ending April 2025, according to Fiinu's acquisition disclosures. The brokerage specializes in currency risk management for Polish import and export companies, offering competitive spreads and rapid response times that helped it grow its SME client base by 1,300% in 2024.The acquisition gave Fiinu immediate exposure to Poland's growing economy and a platform to cross-sell its banking technology. But the subsequent management overhaul suggests integration challenges that the board deemed serious enough to warrant immediate leadership changes and legal action.Hopton acknowledged the governance issues but emphasized the profitability milestone. "Together with the acquisition of Everfex, and our careful management of the cost base, Fiinu has achieved a major milestone in 2025 in recording its first profitable month," he said. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Doo Money Lender Limited, a subsidiary of Doo Group’s payment and exchange brand Doo Payment, has obtained a Money Lenders License from the Licensing Court of Hong Kong Companies Registry. The license formally permits the company to operate money lending services in Hong Kong under local regulations.Earlier, Doo Financial HK Limited, another Doo Group subsidiary, obtained a Type 1 Dealing in Securities license from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission. The license allows the company to provide securities trading services, including dealing, distribution, underwriting, and placement activities, to clients in the region.Doo Money Lender Launches Licensed Loan ServicesThe company, incorporated under the Companies Ordinance, has established a professional team to provide loans to individuals and corporate clients. The license allows it to offer products including unsecured personal loans, property mortgages, and corporate financing. The company said, “Our adherence to Hong Kong’s rigorous Money Lenders Ordinance guarantees the legality and transparency of every credit service we provide.”Group Operates Across Multiple Global SectorsDoo Group, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Singapore, operates across ten business lines, including Brokerage, Wealth Management, Property, Payment & Exchange, FinTech, Financial Education, Healthcare, Consulting, Cloud, and Digital Marketing. Its entities are regulated by multiple global authorities and operate in cities including Dallas, London, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, Cyprus, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Thailand, South Africa, and Egypt.Licensed Business Supports Group’s Financial ServicesThrough Doo Money Lender, the company said clients can access regulated credit solutions with enhanced fund security and privacy protection. The new licensed business is expected to complement Doo Group’s existing brokerage, wealth management, and payment services, providing integrated support for investment, capital turnover, and asset management.Doo Group Adjusts Regional OperationsBeyond its Hong Kong developments, Doo Group is making operational changes in other regions. Its brokerage arm, D Prime, appears to be vacating its Limassol office following staff layoffs, including the recent dismissal of its Cyprus-based marketing team. The company said it is “realigning its operational structure to enhance efficiency and concentrate resources within key strategic regions.” Separately, Doo Group confirmed that its Malaysian office was recently inspected by local authorities as part of a nationwide campaign, and stated that its operations remain fully compliant. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.