News

We are moving to a world of instant payments but how we get there is still uncertain. A blockchain-based payments system designed for central banks has just completed its first live transactions with the Bank of England. Created by Fnality, the system processed live payments from member banks, Lloyds, Santander and UBS.

Upgrade continues to break new ground in consumer fintech. When the Upgrade Card launched in 2019, it was the first credit card ever to marry the benefits of a revolving line of credit with a fixed-rate installment loan.

Today, Google has announced a pilot program with Affirm and Zip to bring BNPL natively into the Google Pay wallet. Consumers continue to choose BNPL as a payment option and its popularity continues to grow, particularly during the holiday shopping season.

Twitter/X has been going state-by-state obtaining money transmitter licenses. The social media platform is now approved in 12 states.

No, you did not wake up back in 2021 but there is news this morning of a €285 Million (over $300m) fintech funding round. Germany-founded but London-based SumUp has closed the massive funding round that is "mostly equity" which tempers our initial enthusiasm somewhat. But even a nine-figure equity round is enough to make the news these days.