Dojo, the commercial name of Paymentsense Ireland Limited, has launched its payment solutions in Italy, aiming to streamline digital and in-person transactions. Led by country manager Antonio Di Berardino, Dojo's entry into the Italian market is driven by the growing trend of digital payments, which have increased by 8.6% in the first half of 2024. The company, which also expanded to Spain and established its European headquarters in Dublin, reported a 28% revenue increase to 367 million euros for the financial year ending March 2024. The launch in Italy is seen as a significant milestone in supporting the rising demand for card payments.

The Italian government is considering increasing the tax on Bitcoin capital gains from 26% to 42% starting in 2025, causing alarm in the Italian crypto industry. Critics, including ItaliaFintech and industry leaders, argue that the tax could drive capital and talent abroad, stifling innovation and growth in the sector. The proposed tax is seen as one of the highest in Europe, potentially leading to market distortions and capital flight. Concerns are raised about the impact on small investors and the broader financial ecosystem, with some fearing it could deter foreign investment.

The article discusses the growing adoption of advanced chatbots in the banking and insurance sectors, highlighting the role of Userbot.AI, a solution by Neuraltech. It emphasizes the shift from first-generation chatbots to more sophisticated models that offer natural interactions and personalized services. Examples include Bank of America's Erica and JPMorgan Chase's Coin, which enhance customer service and operational efficiency. Despite advancements, there is resistance due to concerns over security, data privacy, and effectiveness. The article also explores the potential of chatbots as data sources and their future roles in providing financial advice and supporting internal staff.

BandoSubito is an innovative platform designed to assist Italian SMEs in navigating public funding opportunities, leveraging digitalization and AI. Founded by Ciro Borrelli, the platform offers a 'light' version for end-users and a 'Pro' version for finance consultants, facilitating the identification and application for grants. BandoSubito collaborates with Fondazione Elserino Piol to support businesses in Belluno and is exploring partnerships with financial institutions to enhance its offerings. The platform aims to streamline the grant application process, providing end-to-end support from identifying opportunities to securing funding.

NextSTEP, a venture capital fund by NextEnergy Group, focuses on investing in innovative CleanTech startups in Italy, with a goal of 25 investments by the end of 2024. The fund emphasizes pre-seed and seed stages, aiming to support startups with a strong focus on sustainability and CO2 reduction. The Italian CleanTech ecosystem is in its early stages, with significant contributions from universities and researchers. Key areas of interest include Agritech, energy storage, waste management, and sustainable urban mobility. NextSTEP plans to expand its support through a venture building project in the UK and Milan, fostering collaboration between students, researchers, and corporates.

Liquid Factory, a new startup studio in Valtellina, aims to nurture future entrepreneurs by selecting talented individuals to become 'Entrepreneur in Residence'. Founded by Fabrizio Capobianco in partnership with Banca Popolare di Sondrio, the initiative seeks to create a supportive ecosystem for startups, drawing inspiration from American models. The program offers 200,000 euros in initial investment and aims to bring startups to the attention of Silicon Valley investors. The project is deeply rooted in Valtellina, aspiring to balance work and life while leveraging the region's potential and upcoming Winter Olympics visibility.

Italian banks are undergoing a digital transformation, as evidenced by recent half-yearly reports. The shift towards digital channels is significant, with direct channels like web and mobile banking becoming the primary choice for routine transactions. However, physical branches still handle a notable percentage of operations. Banks without branches are focusing on networks of consultants, sometimes using franchising models.

The film 'Dumb Money' revisits the GameStop stock surge, highlighting the clash between small investors and hedge funds. It portrays the story of Roaring Kitty, a financial analyst who invested heavily in GameStop, sparking a movement among retail investors. The narrative emphasizes the disparity between wealthy hedge fund managers and ordinary investors, questioning the fairness of financial markets. The film critiques the fintech platform Robinhood, challenging its claims of democratizing finance. Ultimately, it suggests a shift in power dynamics, offering hope for small investors in a traditionally skewed financial landscape.

The article discusses the growing demand for cryptoassets in Italy and the potential role of banks in this market. It highlights the anticipation of the MiCAR regulation, which could facilitate banks' entry into cryptoasset offerings. Research by Boerse Stuttgart Group and the Osservatorio Blockchain & Web3 del Politecnico di Milano indicates a significant portion of Italians are already involved with or interested in cryptoassets. The article identifies two distinct groups of potential investors: early adopters and a new generation seeking institutional reliability. It also outlines the current landscape of cryptoasset services and the opportunities for banks in trading, investment, and asset custody.

Revolut has secured a restricted banking license from the UK's Prudential Regulation Authority, marking a significant milestone for the fintech company. This license allows Revolut to enter the 'mobilisation' phase, enabling it to establish its banking operations in the UK before a full market launch. CEO Nik Storonsky and UK CEO Francesca Carlesi express pride and commitment to enhancing financial services for UK customers. Recently, Revolut reported 2023 revenues exceeding $2.2 billion, with record pre-tax profits of $545 million.