Paynetics, an embedded finance provider, has acquired digital bank Novus to enhance its ESG goals. Novus allows customers to track and offset their carbon footprint and access rewards from ethical brands, while contributing to causes with each transaction. Paynetics, headquartered in Bulgaria and regulated in the EU and UK, aims to create a platform that empowers clients to grow and make a positive impact. The acquisition aligns with Paynetics' mission to accelerate businesses through innovation and speed, and is expected to amplify Novus' mission of creating impact through finance.

GoCardless, a bank payment company, has agreed to acquire Sentenial, which operates under the Nuapay brand, from EML Payments. This acquisition will enhance GoCardless' platform by adding new disbursement capabilities and enabling expansion into new sectors such as payroll and insurance. GoCardless processes over $35bn annually across 30 countries. The move aligns with their strategy to become the world's bank payment network and follows other initiatives like the launch of GoCardless Embed and partnerships with JustGiving and Xero. Nuapay's co-founder sees the shift towards account-to-account payments and open banking as central to the future of payments.

Zone, a Nigeria-based payment infrastructure provider, has raised $8.5 million in an oversubscribed seed funding round led by Flourish Ventures and TLcom Capital. The funding will help Zone expand its blockchain-based decentralised payment network domestically and pilot its cross-border capabilities by 2025. Zone aims to become a global payment network and has already partnered with over 15 of Africa's largest banks and fintechs. The round also saw participation from Digital Currency Group, VKAV, and Alter Global. Stakeholders express strong confidence in Zone's potential to transform Africa's payment infrastructure.

Affiliate marketing offers significant revenue opportunities across various sectors, but ensuring timely and accurate payments is crucial for maintaining strong brand-affiliate relationships. Affiliates should consider multiple payment options, including emerging methods like cryptocurrency, and ensure robust fraud detection and prevention measures. Trust, transparency, and effective communication are key to optimizing affiliate partnerships, with technology playing a vital role in automating complex commission payments and providing clear reporting and analytics.

Thunes, a B2B cross-border payment company, has appointed Floris de Kort as its new CEO and promoted Peter De Caluwe to deputy chairman. De Kort, formerly with Worldpay and TSG, will be based in Singapore. De Caluwe will focus on strategy, mergers, acquisitions, and expansion into key markets like China and the Gulf countries. Thunes, founded in 2016, facilitates payments in 80 currencies across 133 countries. The leadership changes aim to scale and accelerate Thunes' growth, positioning it as a market leader in cross-border payments.

Bumper, a UK-based fintech that offers flexible car repair payments, has raised £40m in a series B funding round to expand its reach and technology across Europe. The round, led by Autotech Ventures and joined by Shell Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover's InMotion Ventures, Porsche Ventures, and Revo Capital, included £15m in equity and £25m in debt. Bumper, currently partnered with 5,000 dealers, has facilitated over 250,000 car repairs in the past year. The company's CEO, James Jackson, emphasized the importance of flexible payment options for car repairs, while representatives from InMotion Ventures and Autotech Ventures praised Bumper's service and its role in enhancing customer experiences.

Tabby, a Saudi Arabian shopping and financial services app, has obtained $700m in debt financing from J.P. Morgan and extended its series D funding round to $250m with Hassana, Soros, and Saudi Venture Capital (SVC) participating, valuing the company at $1.5bn. The funds will support product expansion for its 10 million customers in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait. Tabby partners with 30,000 retailers, including Amazon, Adidas, and SHEIN. Hosam Arab, CEO of Tabby, highlighted the deal as a milestone for the region's fintech landscape. J.P. Morgan and Hassana expressed their support for Tabby's role in advancing retail credit and financial services in the MENA region.

Volt, a UK-based payments platform, has appointed Irina Chuchkina as its first chief marketing officer to lead its global marketing strategy and support the company's expansion. Chuchkina, with over 18 years of experience in the payments industry, joins Volt following its $60m series B funding and expansion into Australia. She has previously worked with Thunes, Rapyd, Grab, Visa, and served on the Singapore FinTech Association's board. Volt's CEO, Tom Greenwood, praised her experience and looks forward to her contribution to the company's international growth.

HSBC Group has introduced Zing, a new international payments app, in the UK, aiming to compete with fintech companies like Revolut and Wise. Zing offers a debit card, online and offline spending, currency conversion, and supports up to 10 currencies in its wallet. It is designed for expats, travelers, and international investors. The app allows global purchases and international money transfers in 30 currencies. James Allan, CEO of Zing, emphasizes the app's innovative features and customer support.

Chris Lawn has been appointed as the new CEO of Elwood Technologies, a digital assets infrastructure company for institutional investors. Lawn, who joined Elwood in January 2023, brings over three decades of experience in trading and portfolio management, including roles at Caxton Associates, One River Digital, and Coinbase. He succeeds James Stickland, who led Elwood through a significant $70 million Series A funding round in 2022. Lawn aims to build on the company's strong foundation to deliver market-leading technology for institutions trading digital assets. His appointment has been positively received by key stakeholders, including Mathew McDermott of Goldman Sachs.

Accelerated Payments has appointed Michael Harrison as the sales director for the UK. Harrison, with a 20-year career at major global banks, will focus on attracting clients and driving new business growth in London and Southeast territories. The company, founded in 2017, offers invoice financing solutions and has advanced €1.5bn to date. CEO Ian Duffy praised Harrison's expertise, while Harrison expressed enthusiasm for the company's scalable fintech platform and rapid funding capabilities.

Frank Molla, managing director and head of Sub-Saharan Africa at BPC Banking Technologies, outlines a multifaceted strategy for expanding the company's presence in the region. Emphasizing the importance of understanding Africa's diverse contexts, Molla focuses on strategic collaborations with partners, including fintechs and governments, to align BPC's objectives with local needs. The strategy includes localizing offerings, engaging with communities, and maintaining proactive regulatory compliance. Key collaborations, such as with TymeBank in South Africa, highlight BPC's commitment to navigating regulatory landscapes and cultural diversity. Molla leverages his global experience from Mastercard, American Express, and Barclays to drive innovation and growth, adapting global practices to local contexts.

Airwallex, a global fintech company, has introduced a generative AI tool that enhances its know your customer (KYC) and onboarding processes, resulting in a 50% reduction in false positives and a 20% increase in successful customer onboarding without human intervention. The AI tool, which is sensitive to language and cultural nuances, allows customers to onboard in minutes and improves fraud detection. Airwallex co-founder Jacob Dai and vice president Elliot Colquhoun discuss the positive impact of AI on business velocity and security, highlighting the tool's immediate benefits and the company's commitment to investing in AI as a business accelerator.

Lenvi, formerly known as Equiniti and founded in 2023, has appointed Ahmed Amin and Ben Turner as sales directors to support the growth of its lending products. Amin brings over 20 years of experience from companies like APARI, AccountScore, and Transunion, while Turner has 15 years in financial services, recently at Arrow Global Group. Chief Revenue Officer Will Ellis highlighted the company's ambitious growth plans, focusing on international expansion and new lending solutions. Both Amin and Turner expressed enthusiasm for Lenvi's market position and potential for global growth.

Tokenbridge, a UK-based wealthtech firm, has introduced a new investment management platform leveraging distributed ledger technology. The platform aims to reduce complexity, risk, and cost for financial advisors, fund managers, and asset servicers. Executive chair Daron Pearce emphasizes the transformative potential of the technology, aiming to redefine the wealth and fund management industry and engage a new generation of investors.

Nicky Senyard, founder and CEO of Fintel Connect, discusses the company's journey, emphasizing strategic planning, adaptability, and maintaining high standards of security and transparency. She highlights the importance of trust in finance, the challenges of staying ahead in the evolving fintech sector, and the role of third-party endorsements in building consumer trust. Senyard also reflects on gender equality and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment at Fintel Connect.

Aptus.AI, an Italian regtech firm, has secured €3m in a pre-series A funding round led by Programma 103 by VC P101. The company, founded by Andrea Tesei and Lorenzo De Mattei, aims to transform compliance activities into business opportunities through its suite of AI-driven products. The funding follows a €1.2m seed investment earlier this year. Giuseppe Donvito of P101 expressed confidence in Aptus.AI's potential to lead in the compliance and risk management sector. The company's innovative approach combines AI for data extraction with generative AI to enhance precision in legal document processing.

Checkout.com has experienced a year-on-year growth of over 40% and has appointed Mariano Albera as the new CTO to further enhance its payments platform and services. Albera, who has been with the UK-based company for over three years, aims to leverage machine learning and AI to improve payment operations for customers. The leadership change follows Ott Kaukver's tenure, with CEO Guillaume Pousaz expressing confidence in Albera's ability to drive the company's growth.

BCB Group, a UK-based crypto payment service provider, has appointed its co-founder Oliver Tonkin as the new CEO, succeeding co-founder Oliver von Landsberg-Sadie. The company, launched in 2017, provides infrastructure to the digital assets industry and has secured the largest series A funding in the UK blockchain industry. Tonkin, a qualified solicitor with over 10 years of experience, expressed his commitment to scaling BCB Group to new heights. The Group's clients include Crypto.com, Kraken, and B2C2.

Mastercard NUCC, a joint venture entity, has been approved by China's central bank to start domestic bankcard clearing. Mastercard has developed a cross-border portfolio in China, including bank cards and acceptance points, and has enabled inbound acceptance through Alipay and Tencent. CEO Michael Miebach and co-president Ling Hai expressed their commitment to China's digital economy and the potential benefits for local businesses and consumers.

Nameer Khan, chairman of the MENA Fintech Association, has launched Fils, a fintech platform designed to integrate ESG values into payment companies' operations. Fils, operating from London and Dubai, offers a digital infrastructure that helps businesses monitor and mitigate their environmental impact through carbon credits and provides reporting capabilities. The platform is applicable across various industries and aims to end greenwashing, ensuring greater accountability and actionable sustainability outcomes. The announcement comes as the COP28 UN climate conference in Dubai approaches.

Commerzbank becomes the first German full-service bank to obtain a Crypto Currency Licence, enabling it to offer a broad range of digital asset services focused on crypto assets. The licence allows for the creation of a secure, compliant platform for institutional clients' custody needs based on blockchain technology. Commerzbank serves 26,000 corporate clients and over 10 million private small business customers, handling 30% of Germany's foreign trade. The development reflects a wider trend in the German banking sector, with DZ Bank also launching a blockchain-based digital custody platform.

Tamara, a Saudi-based shopping and payments platform, has raised $250m in debt financing led by Goldman Sachs and backed by Shorooq Partners, increasing its total warehouse facility to $400m. The funds will support the demand for its Buy Now Pay Later product and new investments. Tamara, founded in 2020, has grown rapidly in the Gulf region with over 9m users and 26,000 partner merchants. The company's CFO, Stefan Marciniak, acknowledged the financing as a testament to Tamara's performance and growth potential. Goldman Sachs aims to empower Tamara in the nascent BNPL sector, while Shorooq Partners is committed to supporting the Saudi fintech ecosystem.

Arnold Chan, the general manager of Asia at Airwallex, discusses the evolving payments sector, highlighting the impact of COVID-19 on consumer and merchant behavior in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. The pandemic accelerated e-commerce adoption and the need for online payments. Chan notes the trend of startups expanding beyond their home countries, the importance of cross-border payments, and the role of Singapore as a fintech hub. He also touches on the significance of embedded finance and Airwallex's focus on providing end-to-end financial solutions, aiming to serve as a primary business account for merchants.

Viva.com, a European neobank headquartered in Greece, has expanded its Tap to Pay on iPhone service to France, following successful launches in the UK and the Netherlands. The service allows French merchants to accept contactless payments using the viva.com terminal app. Samy Touboul, head of ecommerce and enterprise at Viva.com France, emphasized the technology's versatility and efficiency, predicting strong adoption among French customers.

TodayPay, a fintech company offering Refunds as a Service, has joined the Visa Fintech Fast Track Program, enhancing its integration with VisaNet. Founded by Jeremy Balkin, TodayPay aims to address inefficiencies in the refund payments ecosystem. Visa's Patrick Williams expressed excitement about collaborating with TodayPay to expand access to financial tools and services.

TerraPay, a cross-border payments network, has partnered with Nequi, a Colombian digital financial app, to enable Nequi's 17.5 million customers to receive remittances. Announced at Money20/20 USA, the collaboration leverages TerraPay's technology within the Nequi app, which also offers financial products like loans and a debit card. TerraPay, which recently raised $100m for global expansion, and Nequi aim to foster financial inclusion and empower Colombians financially. TerraPay's CEO, Ambar Sur, and Nequi's Chief Product Officer, María del Pilar Correa, both emphasized the partnership's potential to improve financial management and access.

GoHenry, a children's debit card provider, has initiated a petition to make financial education mandatory in UK schools from primary age. The petition aims to gather 10,000 signatures for a government response and 100,000 for parliamentary debate. GoHenry argues that early financial education enhances lifelong wellbeing and economic prospects. Louise Hill, CEO of GoHenry, and Stewart Perry, director of the Centre for Financial Capability, stress the importance of financial literacy for children's future financial resilience.

TodayPay, a B2B technology company, launched a rapid refund solution for merchants at Money 20/20 in Las Vegas. The service, aimed at improving the refund process for merchants and consumers, offers immediate refunds across various payment options. Founder Jeremy Balkin emphasized the need for innovation in the refund experience, citing significant annual value exchanged through refunds. The company has garnered industry recognition and support from Visa, Amazon Web Services, and Marqeta, and is a finalist for Startup of the Year at the US FinTech Awards.

Airwallex has agreed to acquire MexPago, a Mexican paytech company, to expand its financial infrastructure into Latin America. This acquisition aligns with Airwallex's mission to empower businesses to operate globally and follows a 460% year-on-year revenue growth in the Americas. Key appointments have been made in Airwallex's San Francisco office to support the expansion. Airwallex, founded in Melbourne and headquartered in Singapore, plans to grow its team by over 500 in the next year. The acquisition is seen as a significant move for Airwallex's entry into Latin America and for Mexican companies to operate globally.

Bolttech has acquired Digital Care to expand its presence in the EMEA region, focusing on the telecommunications industry. The acquisition will allow bolttech to enter new markets in Poland, Croatia, Lithuania, and South Africa, offering a broader product range, increased operational capacity, and an extensive distribution network. Both companies aim to develop new servicing, digital, and sustainability capabilities, supporting bolttech's mission to make insurance accessible, especially in emerging markets. Rob Schimek, CEO of bolttech, and Aleksander Wistuba, CEO of Digital Care, both expressed positive views on the acquisition's potential for innovation and customer service.

Matt Biver, CEO of Grandview Analytics, discusses the company's mission to help financial services organizations optimize their investment in data and technology assets. Grandview Analytics, shortlisted for Data Initiative of the Year at the US FinTech Awards 2023, offers consulting and managed data services tailored to clients' needs. Biver emphasizes the importance of data management, the challenges faced by financial firms, and how Grandview's services, including their Rivvit software, address these issues. He also provides advice for fintech startups on utilizing data and looks forward to celebrating with peers at the awards ceremony.

Tech Nation is relaunching as Tech Nation 2.0 under the Founders Forum Group after previously shutting down due to a missed government grant. It will continue four growth programmes, maintain its role in endorsing Global Talent visa applications, and focus on generating data-driven reports for the tech ecosystem. The announcement was made by Carolyn Dawson, CEO of Founders Forum Group, during Birmingham Tech Week. Wayne Johnson, CEO of Encompass Corporation, praised the relaunch for its potential to drive growth in the UK's technology industry.

Sebastian Sieber, Syfe's chief marketing officer, discusses the company's journey since its establishment in 2019 by CEO Dhruv Arora, its offerings tailored to working professionals, and the strength of the fintech sector in Asia. Syfe provides managed portfolios, cash management solutions, and a brokerage platform, aiming to serve customers who fall below the private banking threshold. Sieber highlights the company's marketing strategies, educational initiatives, and the importance of long-term investing. He also notes Singapore's role as a fintech hub and the potential for digital financial solutions in Asia.

Distributed Technologies Research (DTR) has launched in the UAE, based in the Abu Dhabi Global Market, and licensed its stablecoin technology to Hong Kong-based DRAM Trust. The DRAM stablecoin is designed to offer a stable value and is available on decentralized exchanges like Uniswap and Pancakeswap. DTR's CEO Akshay Naheta highlighted the company's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to provide governance, security, and transparency in the cryptocurrency market. The stablecoin market is expected to grow significantly, and DTR plans to expand its product offerings, including a decentralized wallet solution in early 2024.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the launch of 11 spot bitcoin exchange traded funds (ETFs), including those from Blackrock, Fidelity, and Grayscale. This decision is expected to encourage both institutional and retail investors in the US to engage with bitcoin without needing a digital wallet or crypto trading platform. The approval follows a brief false start and comes after the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia forced the SEC to make this decision. The news is anticipated to boost bitcoin prices and reduce volatility, with potential for the price to reach six digits in the long term.

Synechron has introduced the RiskTech.AI Accelerators program to help businesses manage various risks, including supply chain, climate-related, regulatory, KYC, and cybersecurity risks. The program features AI-enriched solutions aimed at enhancing efficiency and cost-savings in risk mitigation. Key figures like Faisal Husain and Sandeep Kumar emphasize the program's importance in addressing financial impacts and business consequences. Synechron, headquartered in New York, is also recognized for its inclusive workplace and is a finalist in the Diversity and Inclusion category at the upcoming US FinTech Awards.

Starling Bank's SaaS subsidiary, Engine by Starling, has secured its first two partnerships with Salt Bank in Romania and AMP Bank in Australia. Salt Bank will use Engine to digitize its services, while AMP Bank will launch a new digital division targeting small businesses and consumers. Executives from both banks and Engine by Starling emphasize the strategic importance and shared vision of these collaborations, aiming to enhance banking experiences through digital innovation.

Paris-based fintech Aria has raised €15m in a funding round led by 13books Capital, with participation from Adevinta Ventures, Ankaa Ventures, Otium Capital, and angel investors. Co-founded by Clement Carrier and Vincent Folny in 2019, Aria aims to digitize B2B payments, addressing the challenges of delayed payments and income uncertainty. The company has processed over €500m in payments for 30,000 businesses and freelancers across Europe, supported by a €150m facility from investors including M&G Investments. Aria's solution allows buyers up to 90 days to settle invoices, replacing outdated B2B payment methods with a more efficient online experience.

Nova Credit, a data analytics company, has raised $45 million in series C funding led by Canapi Investors, with participation from General Catalyst, Index Ventures, Geodesic Capital, and Harmonic Capital. The funding will support the expansion of Nova Credit's offerings, including the Cash Atlas solution for cash flow underwriting and income verification. The New York-based company has seen a tenfold increase in revenues since its series B funding in 2020 and has expanded its global footprint to markets such as Canada, the UK, the UAE, and Singapore. Nova Credit aims to enhance its capabilities with a broader suite of open finance data pipelines and compliance applications, continuing its mission to bridge data and credit for lenders.

Brite Payments has secured $60 million in funding led by Dawn Capital, with participation from Headline, Pismo, and Incore Invest. The funds will be used to enhance product development and expand into new markets. Brite, a Swedish fintech company founded by Lena Hackelöer, leverages open banking for account-to-account payments, offering a seamless user experience without the need for credit card details. The company has seen significant growth, doubling its transaction volume and revenue in 2022, and now operates in 25 European countries. The funding highlights the potential of account-to-account payments, which offer cost savings, reduced fraud risk, and a smoother customer experience. Josh Bell of Dawn Capital emphasized Brite's potential to lead in the emerging open banking 2.0 landscape.

Hyperexponential, a UK-based insurtech, raised $73 million in a series B funding round led by Battery Ventures, with participation from a16z and Highland Europe. The funds will support the company's expansion into the US, including opening a New York office and doubling its headcount. The company, which provides pricing decision-making software for the insurance industry, has seen significant growth and profitability since its series A round in 2021. Key stakeholders highlighted the importance of innovative pricing risk solutions in the insurance sector.

The US FinTech Awards 2023, organized by FinTech Intel, celebrated the achievements of leading innovators and pioneers in the financial technology sector. The event saw a record number of entries, highlighting the growing influence of the fintech industry in the US. Josh Poyser, an editor at FinTech Intel, was noted for his contributions to the field.

Wise, a global technology company, aims to revolutionize cross-border payments by making them instant, convenient, and eventually free. With over 16 million customers and £25 billion moved each quarter, Wise focuses on transparency and cost-efficiency. The company has developed its own global payments infrastructure, reducing intermediaries and costs. Wise Platform extends these benefits to financial institutions and enterprises, with over 70 partners globally. The company advocates for instant payment schemes and greater transparency in international payments. Wise's vision includes integrating its services directly into banks' existing platforms, enhancing customer convenience and cost savings.

UK FinTech Growth Partners has launched a new fund to support scaling fintech companies, with investments ranging from £10m to £100m. The fund, backed by Barclays, Mastercard, NatWest, and the London Stock Exchange Group, aims to address the growth funding gap identified in the Kalifa Review. The initiative seeks to ensure the UK remains a global leader in fintech by providing necessary capital and engaging with stakeholders to support the broader ecosystem. Key figures such as Phil Vidler, Ron Kalifa, and Dominic Johnson have expressed strong support for the fund.

Green Dot has appointed Dave Harden as its chief technology officer to enhance the company's efficiency and technological capabilities. Harden, who has been with Green Dot since February 2022, previously served as senior vice president of product development and played a key role in migrating Green Dot cards to a cloud-based platform. CEO George Gresham praised Harden's leadership and strategic skills, emphasizing the company's readiness to meet the growing demand for digital banking and embedded finance. Harden expressed excitement about strengthening customer relationships and leading Green Dot through its next phase of evolution.

Luke Antal, co-founder of Alumni Ventures, discusses his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of career breaks, learning from startup failures, and the mission to democratize venture investing. Alumni Ventures, founded in 2014, aims to provide individual investors with access to professional-grade venture portfolios. Despite the current market correction, Antal remains optimistic about the venture capital landscape, highlighting the firm's growth and success. Alumni Ventures has raised over $1.2 billion from nearly 10,000 investors and was recognized by PitchBook as the most active venture firm in the US in 2022.

Joe Petillon, co-founder of Corestrat, discusses the company's nomination for the Asia FinTech Awards 2023, highlighting their innovative products like Model.ai and the Decision Management Suite. Corestrat, a decision intelligence company, leverages data analytics and machine learning to optimize risk management and profitability. Petillon emphasizes the company's commitment to diversity and operational excellence. The fintech sector in Asia is noted for its rapid growth, particularly in digital payments, mobile banking, and blockchain, positioning the region as a global leader in financial technology innovation.

Fireblocks, a blockchain platform for digital assets, has acquired BlockFold, a smart contract development firm, to enhance its tokenisation capabilities. The acquisition aims to provide clients with advanced token customisation, orchestration, and distribution. Fireblocks collaborates with partners like Bitbond, Securitize, and Tokeny, and has seen a significant increase in tokenisation projects. BlockFold's team will integrate into Fireblocks, with key personnel taking on senior roles. The acquisition is expected to strengthen Fireblocks' position in the market and support the development of robust digital asset ecosystems.

Lithuanian fintech PAYSTRAX has launched its UK operations after receiving a Payment Institution License from the FCA. Established in 2018, PAYSTRAX offers card transaction acquiring and payment solutions, including multi-currency settlement and fraud prevention. The company, which has maintained positive cashflow and surpassed €20m in annual revenue, aims to collaborate with UK partners and merchants. CEO Johannes Kolbeinsson emphasized the UK's importance as a fintech hub and the company's readiness to support the cashless society trend.

Charles Rosenblatt, president of PayQuicker, discusses the importance of relationships and trust in business growth, the evolution of the payments sector, and the future of payments driven by instant and cross-border transactions. He highlights PayQuicker's innovative Payouts OS platform, which offers instant global payouts and supports underbanked communities. PayQuicker is nominated for Payments Tech of the Year at the US FinTech Awards, reflecting its significant contributions to the fintech industry.

MonetaGo, a Singapore-based fintech company, has expanded its board of directors by appointing Robyn Dittrich, David Rutter, and Arnau Porto, with Porto taking on the role of executive chairman. The new members bring extensive experience in international sales, operations, banking, technology, and investment in growth-stage technology companies. MonetaGo's flagship product, Secure Financing, aims to combat duplicate financing fraud and is integrated into the Swift system. The new leadership is expected to drive MonetaGo's global advancements in digitization and fraud prevention for financial services.

Sarah Williams-Gardener has transitioned from her role as CEO to chair of FinTech Wales, succeeding Louise O’Shea in January 2024. Williams-Gardener aims to enhance the organization's strategic direction and governance. FinTech Wales, a not-for-profit established in 2019, focuses on supporting fintech enterprises in Wales. Under Williams-Gardener's leadership, the organization has significantly grown its membership, supported numerous startups, and secured substantial investment. The organization is currently searching for a new CEO to continue advancing tech and financial services in the region.

Nigeria-founded mobility fintech Moove has raised $100m in a series B funding round, increasing its valuation to $750m. Uber and UAE-based Mubadala, among other investors, participated in the round. The funds will help Moove introduce 45,000 new vehicles, focusing on electric vehicles, to 16 markets by 2025. Moove, now headquartered in Dubai, aims to operate more sustainably and achieve profitability by the next financial year. Mubadala's continued investment reflects its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the UAE.

Fintech experts predict significant trends for 2024, including the continued evolution of digital wallets, the rise of Tap to Pay, and the maturation of BaaS companies with a focus on reliability. Generative AI is expected to transform operational risk management and customer experiences, with new AI regulations likely to emerge. Key stakeholders from NatWest, Edenred Payment Solutions, Fusion Risk Management, and Teradata provide insights into these developments.

AccessPay, a Manchester-based banking platform, has secured $24 million in equity and debt funding led by True Ventures, with participation from Praetura Ventures, NatWest, Mastercard, Route 66 Ventures, and Beringea. The funds will be used to drive profitable growth, enhance R&D, and expand in the US. AccessPay aims to improve fraud prevention, bank statement data, and reconciliation automation. The investment reflects strong investor confidence in AccessPay's vision and potential for long-term growth.

Juniper Research forecasts significant fintech and payments trends for 2024, highlighting the rise of Account-to-Account payments in ecommerce due to reduced costs, increased speed, and open banking. Other trends include central bank digital currencies, generative AI in banking, and digital identity integration. The fintech market is rapidly evolving, with new technologies reshaping business models. Industry players must adapt to these changes to remain competitive. Additional trends include AI-enhanced anti-money laundering tools, sustainable fintech solutions, and the rise of biometric in-store payments.

Mercedes has partnered with Mastercard to introduce the Mercedes pay+ service, allowing customers in Germany to pay for fuel using a fingerprint sensor integrated into the MBUX infotainment system. This feature will be available at 3,600 service stations and is expected to expand to other vehicle-related services and European markets. The initiative aims to create a seamless and secure payment experience, with positive feedback from industry experts and company executives.

Flex, formerly known as Flexbase, has secured $120 million in a series A debt and equity funding round, including $100 million in debt financing from CIM and $20 million in equity capital led by Florida Funders. The funding will support the growth of its finance super app for small and medium businesses (SMBs). Flex also launched its Flex Credit Card, Flex Banking, and finance super app to streamline SMB finances. Founder and CEO Zaid Rahman emphasized the need for innovation in SMB financial services, while co-founder Hadi Solh highlighted the consolidation of financial services into one platform. Saxon Baum of Florida Funders praised Flex's comprehensive financial management platform.

Earnix, a SaaS provider for insurers and banks based in Tel Aviv, Israel, has appointed Erez Barak as its new chief technology officer. Barak, with over 22 years of experience including roles at Microsoft and HP, will lead the company's research and development and analytics teams. CEO Robin Gilthorpe expressed confidence in Barak's ability to drive technology development and the operational application of AI at scale. Earnix operates globally, serving customers in over 35 countries.

Swift and Wise have announced a collaboration to enhance cross-border payment options for financial institutions, revealed at the Sibos conference in Toronto. This partnership will allow financial institutions to route Swift payment messages directly to Wise, leveraging Wise Platform’s infrastructure to reduce costs and increase transaction speed. The collaboration aligns with G20 and UN goals for cross-border transactions and aims to address challenges banks face with legacy infrastructure. Key figures from both organizations emphasize the benefits of this cooperation for global financial innovation.

Hyperpay has partnered with Paymentology to enhance its payment services in Saudi Arabia, aiming to become a comprehensive payment solution for businesses, governments, and SMEs across the Middle East. Founded in 2014, Hyperpay offers various fintech services and secured significant funding last year. The partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the growing fintech sector in the MENAP region. Key figures from both companies expressed optimism about the collaboration and its potential to drive business growth and cross-border trade.

DKK Partners, a UK-based fintech and FX liquidity provider, has obtained the CONSUMAF licence, enabling expansion across Africa. The licence ensures compliance with future regulatory changes in the Central West Africa region. DKK Partners, founded in 2020 by Dominic Duru and Khalid Talukder with revenues over £100m, opened a hub in Ghana to complement its Cameroon operations. The company aims to support African financial markets by providing FX liquidity and helping businesses manage currency risk.

Bank Indonesia and the Monetary Authority of Singapore have begun trials for a cross-border QR code payment system, aiming to launch within the year. This system will facilitate more efficient cross-border trade, e-commerce, and financial activities for individuals and businesses, especially benefiting micro, small, and medium enterprises and supporting tourism growth. The central banks have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote the use of local currencies in bilateral transactions. The initiative aligns with ASEAN's goal for regional payments integration by 2025 and the G20's efforts to improve global cross-border payment frictions.

Paymentology and Mastercard are collaborating to enhance financial inclusion in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Despite only one in four banked adults in these countries possessing a debit or credit card, the partnership aims to integrate more people and businesses into the digital economy. Mastercard has committed to bringing five million people and one million micro, small, and medium enterprises into the digital economy over five years. Key figures from both companies emphasize the goal of providing innovative, safe, and convenient financial solutions to improve lives in northern Central America.

TSB and FinTech Scotland have launched their annual Innovation Labs Programme, inviting fintechs to develop their ideas at TSB's Edinburgh Tech hub. The programme aims to foster solutions in areas such as money confidence, inclusive services, career experiences, and innovative customer solutions. It supports the UK's fintech sector and leverages Scottish talent. Previous winners like ApTap, Snugg Energy, and Lightning Reach have benefited from the programme, which has been praised by participants and leaders alike for its role in enhancing fintech collaboration and ecosystem development.

Chargeflow, a US-based company that helps e-commerce businesses prevent revenue loss from fraud and illegitimate chargebacks, has raised $11 million in funding led by VC firm OpenView. The investment will be used to develop new products and enhance customer experience, including the recently launched Stripe App. Founded in 2021 by Avia and Ariel Chen, Chargeflow has now raised a total of $14 million. The company, which serves clients like Klarna, Braintree, and Recharge, was established after the founders experienced chargebacks at their previous venture, Babe Cosmetics. The funding comes amidst a reported increase in friendly fraud claims, with Chargebacks911 noting a 20% rise from Q4 2022 to Q1 2023. Avia Chen reaffirmed the company's commitment to providing top-tier chargeback solutions.

The article discusses the ongoing crisis in Cameroon, which began in 2016, leading to over 3,000 deaths and the displacement of nearly 700,000 people. Violence has erupted between separatist groups and the government's army, with many seeking refuge in Nigeria or hiding in forests. The government has imposed internet blackouts in the Southern region, and there have been reports of villages being burnt, and acts of torture and killing. A recent incident on February 14, where Cameroon's military killed at least 21 people, including children, in Ngarbuh village, was highlighted by Human Rights Watch. The government initially denied but later admitted military involvement. The article also mentions the impact on education, with schools shut for four years and over 600,000 children affected, according to Unicef. The Southern Cameroon region continues to seek independence, self-declaring as Ambazonia.

The article discusses two studies that estimate the direct and indirect fatalities of COVID-19. The Lancet study focuses on the potential increase in maternal and under-5 child deaths due to health system disruptions and reduced access to food. The Centre for Global Development study predicts fatality rates across regions, considering factors like age, comorbidities, and health system capacity. The article highlights the indirect effects of the pandemic, such as the reallocation of healthcare resources, which could lead to over one million additional child deaths and 56,700 maternal deaths in six months. It also addresses the need for health systems to recover quickly post-pandemic to prevent further loss of life. The article notes that Africa has been less impacted than expected and suggests that lessons can be learned from the continent's response to the pandemic. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of being prepared for continued spread or a second wave of infections.

The article provides a solution for parents and children to stay entertained during a lockdown by engaging in baking activities. It emphasizes the importance of baking as a life skill and a source of comfort. The author suggests that the aroma of baking can make staying at home more enjoyable. Two recipes are provided that use staple ingredients and can be customized with various treats. The first recipe is for 'store cupboard cookies', which can incorporate a mix of snacks and can be stored in the fridge or frozen. The second recipe is for 'quick cup' cakes, which are made in a microwave within a minute. Both recipes are designed to be simple and involve children in the process.