Baltic states, Poland, UK call for Russian removal from SWIFT

Baltic states, Poland, UK call for Russian removal from SWIFT

Hours into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the foreign ministers of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania encouraged “disengaging Russia from SWIFT,” the international payments system. Polish and UK officials echoed these calls as well.

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UK banks to face higher standards for AI-driven loans

UK banks to face higher standards for AI-driven loans

Financial regulators told banks that they must prove that the use of AI in loan applications does not discriminate against minorities. The move follows growing concerns over systeming racism in banking.

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What does BlockFi’s SEC settlement mean for crypto?

What does BlockFi’s SEC settlement mean for crypto?

In a settlement with regulators, BlockFi agreed to register with the SEC and pay $100M in federal and state fines. It plans to launch an SEC-approved crypto interest-bearing security.

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Indian gov-owned LIC eyes IPO

Indian gov-owned LIC eyes IPO

India’s state-run Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) announced yesterday that it would sell 5% of its shares to raise $8B. If approved, it would be the largest IPO in the country’s history.

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Is BNPL facing a reckoning?

Is BNPL facing a reckoning?

Regulators in the U.S. and U.K. have voiced greater interest in reigning in BNPL providers. Consumer rights groups warn that consumers do not realize that they’re assuming debt through these services.

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What is crypto’s media strategy?

What is crypto’s media strategy?

Forbes announced this morning that Binance is buying a $200M stake in the publication. Binance previously sued Forbes for defamation, and then voluntarily dropped the suit.

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Tennessee debates state gov investment in NFTs and crypto

Tennessee debates state gov investment in NFTs and crypto

State representative Jason Powell introduced a bill to Tennessee’s state legislature that, if passed, would allow the state to invest in crypto and NFTs. It would do so by amending the state government’s list of “permissible investments.”

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Massachusetts eyes fintech incubation—and, hopefully, a bigger boom

Massachusetts eyes fintech incubation—and, hopefully, a bigger boom

Through public-private partnerships, conferences, and communities, the state has encouraged cross-pollination between academic institutions, investor communities, regulators, and regional talent pools. Last year, Massachusetts saw a record-breaking $3.1B raised in fintech venture funding.

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African fintechs smashed fundraising records in 2021

African fintechs smashed fundraising records in 2021

African startups raised between $4.3B and $5.2B in 2021. Between 53% and 62% of that funding went to fintech.

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Wirex brings crypto-linked Visa cards to U.S.

Wirex brings crypto-linked Visa cards to U.S.

The London-based crypto payments platform has officially launched in the U.S. Wirex was the first to let customers make payments through prepaid Visa debit cards that are linked to crypto wallets.

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“Climate fintech” needs to decide what it is

“Climate fintech” needs to decide what it is

Climate fintech funding rose to $1.2B in 2021, according to CommerzVentures. Carbon accounting attracted the most funding, raking in $410M last year.

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FinTech is on Fire. Karma Isn’t the Only Reason to Lend Out Financial Data - 5 Reasons Why It’s Good for Business

FinTech is on Fire. Karma Isn’t the Only Reason to Lend Out Financial Data - 5 Reasons Why It’s Good for Business

As much as early-stage fintech startups benefit from free, early access to data, data providers and financial institutions can benefit from offering it. It’s a symbiotic relationship that helps each party and ultimately advances the entire financial services industry in the process.

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T-Mobile offers True Name service for debit cards

T-Mobile offers True Name service for debit cards

With Mastercard as a payments partner, T-Mobile now lets people use their chosen name on the company’s debit cards. The service follows a similar service to let customers have their true names displayed on caller ID.

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Why is Valereum buying the Gibraltar Stock Exchange?

Why is Valereum buying the Gibraltar Stock Exchange?

Valereum, a Gibraltar-based holding company, announced that it is buying 90% of the Gibraltar Stock Exchange (GSX). Valereum looks to create the world’s first integrated fiat and digital exchange.

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Facing a volatile market, Robinhood touts reliability

Facing a volatile market, Robinhood touts reliability

In a Tuesday blog post marking a year since the GameStop stock controversy, Robinhood brushed past liability claims to emphasize measures that should prevent another trading halt.

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