Paul Schulte, Advisor, Banking and Financial Services
August 22nd, 2019
Paul Schulte is the Founder and Managing Editor of Shulte Research based in Singapore. Paul's roles[...]
When the Tide Goes Out: Big Questions for Crypto in 2019
Coindesk | Gary Gensler | Dec 17, 2018
Gary Gensler is a former chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission under President Barack Obama, a Senior advisor to the MIT Media Lab Digital Currency Initiative and Senior Lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Management, where he currently teaches several classes on blockchain technology and crypto finance.
After this year’s wild market ride and so many failed projects, what might Satoshi Nakamoto’s innovative “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System” mean for money and finance in 2019 and beyond?
Satoshi’s innovation – the use of append-only timestamped logs, secured by cryptography, amongst multiple parties, forming consensus on a shared ledger – needs to be taken seriously. The resulting blockchains of data can form widely verifiable peer-to-peer databases.
For any chance of a lasting role in the long evolution of money, though, blockchain applications and crypto assets have to deliver real economic results for users. And while bringing the crypto finance markets within public policy norms is critical, the greatest challenge remains the seriousness of commercial use cases.
A bunch of hype masquerading as fact won’t do it.
What We’ve Learned
Blockchain technology and crypto tokens provide an alternative means to move value on the Internet without relying upon a central intermediary. They promise the potential to lower verification and networking costs, ranging from censorship, privacy, reconciliation and settlement costs to the costs of jump starting and maintaining a network.
These features tie blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies directly to the essential plumbing of the financial sector, which at its core has the role of efficiently moving, allocating and pricing money and risk within an economy. It could lower costs, risks and economic rents in the financial system, which represents 7.5 percent of U.S. GDP.
See: Experts predict the five big fintech trends of 2019
To do so, though, blockchain technology must address its many technical and commercial challenges – scalability, efficiency, privacy, security, interoperability and governance. Industry reforms and regulations also must bring order to the markets surrounding this technology, especially for crypto exchanges and initial coin offerings.
In the meantime, the financial sector is mainly exploring private blockchain applications – without native tokens – built on software such as Hyperledger Fabric, R3 Corda or Quorum.
Any use case’s value proposition needs to be rigorously compared with simply using a traditional data base. In particular, any token offering must address how it will sustainably lower verification or networking costs – how such crypto asset benefits users more than simply using broadly accepted fiat currencies. While money is but a social construct, its history tells us that there are overwhelming network benefits when a currency is widely used and accepted for all three roles of money – as a unit of account, medium of exchange and store of value.
In essence, how might any blockchain technology project or any initial coin offering’s (‘ICO’) proposed token be more than simply a means to raise cheap money from the public? In 2019 and beyond, venture capitalists, large incumbents and crypto investors will likely be more discerning and rigorous in their investments and projects.
Public Policy Frameworks
The crypto finance markets can only gain public confidence and reach their potential by coming within long-established public policy frameworks. As with any other technology, we must guard against illicit activities, such as tax evasion, money laundering, terrorist financing and avoiding sanctions.
We must promote fair and open competition while ensuring for financial stability. We must protect investors and consumers.
While criminals have often exploited the existing financial system for money laundering, cryptocurrencies have given bad actors new ways to conduct old crimes. Dark markets conduct sales of illegal drugs and other contraband using cryptocurrencies. State actors, such as Venezuela, Russia, and Iran have used crypto finance to undermine U.S. policies. Additionally, cryptocurrencies add new challenges to global tax compliance.
What investor protection does exist in crypto markets seems little more than an effort to stay ahead of law enforcement’s and regulators’ attention.
Crypto Exchanges
Most crypto exchanges are unregistered. Manipulative behavior goes unchecked and billions of dollars in customers’ tokens have been stolen. Compared to traditional financial exchanges, they lack intermediation through regulated broker-dealers. Further, according to CryptoCompare’s October Exchange Review, only 47 percent of exchanges impose strict know-your-customer (‘KYC’) requirements.
See: Crypto Bear Market Gives UK Regulators Breathing Space to Finalize Crypto Regulation
Safeguards to date – treating crypto exchanges and digital wallet providers through money transmission laws in the same manner as Western Union or MoneyGram – are unsatisfactory.
Crypto exchanges are trading venues and need be treated as such, with mandated investor protections in place. Front running and other manipulative behavior needs to be banned. Exchanges need to fully comply with anti-money laundering laws and seriously fix or consider spinning off their custodial functions.
In 2019 and beyond, we will see multiple exchanges register in the U.S. – those trading ICO tokens will register as broker-dealers under Regulation ATS and Intercontinental Exchange’s new Bakkt exchangewill register and operate under the Commodities Exchange Act.
We’re also likely to see declining operating margins and consolidation in the more than 200 crypto exchanges.
Initial Coin Offerings
Of the thousands of ICOs to date, many have failed, and investors have lost billions. A recent EY studyreported that through the third quarter of 2018, 86 percent of the top ICOs of 2017 were trading below their listing price and only 13 percent actually have a working product.
Filecoin, for instance, raised over $250 million in October 2017 but is not due to go live until mid-2019. Academic and market studies also have found the ICO market rife with scams and frauds.
Debates have raged around the globe about how cryptocurrencies, and particularly ICOs, fit within existing securities, commodities and derivatives laws. Many contend that so-called ‘utility tokens’ sold for future consumption are not investment contracts – but this is a false distinction.
See: New eToro Survey Reveals Strong Interest in Cryptoasset Education, Despite Market Downturn
By their very design, ICOs mix economic attributes of both consumption and investment. ICO tokens’ realities – their risks, expectation of profits, reliance on the efforts of others, manner of marketing, exchange trading, limited supply, and capital formation — are attributes of investment offerings.
In the U.S., nearly all ICOs would meet the Supreme Court’s ‘Howey Test’ defining an investment contract under securities laws. As poet James Whitcomb Riley wrote over 100 years ago: “When I see a bird that walks like a duck and swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, I call that bird a duck.”
In 2019, we’re likely to continue seeing high ICO failure rates while funding totals decline. Regulators and the courts will bring added clarity to the market through increased numbers of enforcement cases and related private litigation.
Central Banks
Central banks are studying blockchain technology and crypto markets with one eye on financial stability and another eye on what it means for the fiat currencies they issue and oversee.
Canada’s project Jasper and Singapore’s project Ubin are exploring use of permissioned blockchain applications to update payment systems.
See: IMF: Nations Need to Consider a Central Bank Backed Cryptocurrency
While the policy challenges are significant, some Central Banks also are considering giving the public access to central bank payment systems and digital reserves through so-called ‘central bank digital currency’ (CBDC). Two countries’ review – one strong and one in distress – are noteworthy. In Sweden, use of paper-based Krona has declined and the Riksbank, the world’s oldest central bank, is pursuing an e-Krona project to provide electronic central bank money directly to the public.
Venezuela, facing hyperinflation, economic instability, and sanctions is promoting public use of a purportedly oil-backed token, Petro, though there are reports that seriously question the token’s legitimacy.
Continue to the full article --> here
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
 |  |  |
   |
NCFA | Samuel He, Market Research Analyst Intern | July 3, 2020 Today, millions live paycheck to paycheck, struggling to get by financially. This lack of resources and a poor credit score makes getting a loan difficult. And the options that are available, make the problem worse with high rates and aggressive rules. Traditional payday loans use aggressive deadlines and lump sum payments that often results in the customer spiraling into a debt trap. The challenge for the customer is accessibility to resources and the opportunity to improve their credit capacity for future, cheaper loans. Founded by Samir Issa, MoneyMates is an alternative lender that prioritizes the welfare of its customers by offering expert guidance not just on getting the loan, but how to improve their credit situation. See: Shopify expands capital lending program to help Canadian merchants weather COVID-19 They do this by offering customers an extended repayment period of up to two months rather than the typical two weeks. In the event of a missed payment, MoneyMates will work with the customer on a solution to avoid additional fees and penalties. MoneyMates has also added a unique savings feature to help borrowers accrue savings. Customers are given the ...
Read More
IMF Blog | By Ulric Eriksson von Allmen, Purva Khera, Sumiko Ogawa, and Ratna Sahay | July 1, 2020 The COVID-19 pandemic could be a game changer for digital financial services. Low-income households and small firms can benefit greatly from advances in mobile money, fintech services, and online banking. Financial inclusion as a result of digital financial services can also boost economic growth. While the pandemic is set to increase use of these services, it has also posed challenges for the growth of the industry’s smaller players and highlighted unequal access to digital infrastructure. Several actions will need to be taken to ensure maximum inclusion going forward. Low-income households and small firms can benefit greatly from advances in mobile money, fintech services and online banking. The shift towards digital financial services was already helping societies advance financial inclusion before the pandemic started, benefiting many low-income households and small firms with typically little access to traditional financial institutions. Lockdowns and social distancing are accelerating the use of digital financial services, just as the SARS epidemic in 2003 hastened China’s launching of digital payments and e-commerce. See: Cambridge launches the Global Alternative Finance Industry Benchmark & Covid-19 Rapid Assessment Survey in Partnership ...
Read More
Bank of Canada | Release | Jun 30, 2020 The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and the Bank of Canada announced today they will be launching a BIS Innovation Hub centre to advance fintech innovation within the central banking community. The centre will open in Toronto within two years and is one of four locations scheduled to open in North America and Europe. This partnership will advance the Bank’s understanding of the digital economy and the technological transformation of financial services. It builds on the Bank’s existing research and collaboration with partners in the central bank and technology communities on digital currencies and fintech. “We’re proud to host a BIS innovation centre in Toronto and to strengthen our collaboration with other central banks and the private sector on digital technologies,” said Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem. “This partnership will allow the Bank to continue its work on behalf of Canadians to explore how technology will shape the future of our economy and financial system.” See: Bank of Canada Speech: Money and Payments in the Digital Age Growth in Canadian FinTechs Having Impact on Canada’s Banking Landscape Open Banking In Canada: Navigating The Future Of Money “Toronto is an ideal location ...
Read More
Consilium Crypto | Austin Hubbell | Jun 29, 2020 TORONTO, June 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Consilium Crypto, provider of Institutional-grade trading & risk management tools for digital asset markets, today launches its Liquidity Routing System for cryptocurrency exchanges, Consilium ORS. This product has multiple one of a kind features built in, designed to meet the needs of high-volume crypto traders (hedge funds, miners, OTC trading desks). High-volume clients can save 10% and more on transactions of select coins including Ethereum, Litecoin and Zcash. Consilium ORS also significantly improves pricing on Bitcoin and other digital assets, spreading orders across multiple exchanges to avoid disrupting prices, enabling users to get more for their money. Furthermore, there is no fixed cost for this service. Costs are a function of the trader's savings. If customers don't save on a transaction, they pay $0! See: Fintech Fridays EP40: Why Bitcoin Exists and Education for the Masses We offer a streamlined Liquidity Routing System that does not require custody of funds, a new concept in this type of trading. Consilium Crypto users keep complete control over all their assets, from quote to execution. All trading is done directly between the user and the exchange, reducing the risk ...
Read More
FundThrough Blog | Jun 26, 2020 TORONTO – FundThrough, North America’s leading invoice funding solution for small businesses, has announced it will provide $10 million in free funding for clients as the economy reopens from COVID-19. The company announced it as part of a broader initiative to help small businesses, who invoice their customers and wait to for invoice payments, get back on their feet in the wake of the COVID-19 economic shutdown and has expedited this capital commitment for SMBs looking for a practical source of funding. The Toronto-based Fintech company will provide working capital to small businesses in exchange for outstanding customer invoices, based on the creditworthiness of the payor. Clients that sell goods and services to larger customers and need working capital quickly are encouraged to apply. “We are proud to announce this initiative to help kick start the North American economy and ensure that companies get paid immediately for the work they have completed and the products they have delivered,” said FundThrough Co-Founder and CEO Steven Uster. “Large companies often stretch out their payment terms for their suppliers. We are levelling the playing field so that suppliers no longer have to act as a bank for ...
Read More
Finance Magnates | Matthew Unger | Jun 20, 2020 What will have the biggest impact? During the last decade, financial technology has improved dramatically, moving from mainframe trading computers and COBOL to mobile banking and blockchains. Never before have we been at such a critical inflection point as money, contracts, and regulations are combined into almost infinitely scalable code. Remote operations and contactless procedures are becoming the new normal, those financial services providers who previously resisted digitization now find themselves in a race for survival. As with any “gold rush”, this frenzy brings new opportunities for exploitation, fraud, theft, etc. One only has to review the Wild West scenarios that played out in the cryptocurrency sector to recognize the potential for fintech to be used to either create or extract value. While some made fortunes in the early crypto days, others lost a lot. Hotter than the cryptocurrency and ICO wave of 2015-2017, fintech platforms are growing faster than ever before. See: NCFA Announces Updated Virtual Interactive Programme for FFCON20 DIGITAL, the 6th annual Fintech and Financing Conference RegTech: The Financial Industry Disruptor Within the realm of fintech exist neo-banks, challenger banks, incumbents, and disruptors, each with unique threats, opportunities, ...
Read More
The Finanser | Chris Skinner | Jun 22, 2020 A friend of mine, Alessandro Hatami, wrote an interesting piece on Sifted that I shared in my news yesterday. He claims that neobanks like Monzo and Starling are not reinventing banking at all. They’re just modifying and improving it. Alessandro then goes on to cite the key things that banking should really focus upon: See: Fintech Fridays EP39: The Power of Digitization and How to Get Exponential There are three things banking customers fundamentally need — and are worth disrupting. Let us try to imagine what ‘transformation’ in these areas could look like in ‘The Ideal Neobank’: A Payment Account: Imagine a bank that allows you to seamlessly pay anyone, anywhere: be it your babysitter, your favourite retailer or a holiday home abroad. The bank takes care of everything and you can always be sure you will always get the fastest, cheapest, most secure solution possible. A Credit Line: Instead of an overdraft, personal loan, credit card, car finance or a mortgage you get a credit line. The bank knows you and will advance cash (with guarantees if required) as you need it. You make one payment a month — like ...
Read More
Finextra | Jun 15, 2020 New York's financial regulator is preparing to remove a number of regulatory hurdles impeding the development of cryptocurrency businesses in the US state. Virtual currency firms wanting to conduct business in New York currently have to apply for a BitLicence, which can take years to process. Under the new regime, firms will be able to apply under a new 'conditional licensing framework' that makes it easier for start-ups to enter the New York market by piggy-backing on the licences already authorised by DFS. Superintendent Linda Lacewell, says: “The DFS actions announced today in consultation with numerous industry participants and the public will boost responsible innovation and help get New York’s economy back on its feet. DFS is proud to foster accessibility and will continue to blaze a trail in the virtual currency marketplace.” See: Fidelity-backed crypto security startup Fireblocks launches ‘Secure Asset Transfer Network’ NetworkNewsWire Announces Official Newswire Status, Media Sponsorship of FFCON20: RISE Event As part of the initiative, the financial regulator has signed an MoU with State University of New York (Suny) to launch a new Suny-related virtual currency program, under which participating startups will also be able to apply for a conditional ...
Read More
Finicity | Release | Jun 23, 2020 Strengthens existing open banking capabilities with Finicity’s proven technology and talent Enhances collaboration and co-creation efforts with fintechs and financial institutions Furthers commitment to consumer-centric data protection and practices PURCHASE, N.Y. – June 23, 2020 – Mastercard (NYSE: MA) today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Finicity, a leading North American provider of real-time access to financial data and insights. The purchase price is US$825 million, and Finicity’s existing shareholders have the potential for an earn-out of up to an additional $160 million, if performance targets are met. The addition of Finicity’s complementary technology and teams strengthens the existing Mastercard open banking platform to enable and safeguard a greater choice of financial services, reinforcing the company’s long-standing partnerships with and commitment to financial institutions and fintechs across the globe. See: Rebank Podcast: How to Build a Profitable Digital Bank with Tinkoff Open banking gives people and businesses more control over their financial data. This includes determining how and where third parties – such as fintechs or other banks – can access that information to provide new services like money management programs or initiate payments on their behalf. Mastercard has increasingly ...
Read More
Sifted | Chris Sisserian | Jun 24, 2020 Q&A with Eric Sager, chief operating officer at Plaid, on how fintech innovation is democratising finance. California-based Plaid is one of the fintech infrastructure innovators enabling the open banking revolution. Its platform connects over 2,600 apps to 11,600 financial institutions, across the domains of personal finance, payments, lending, wealth management and business finance. The $5.3bn fintech is highly regarded by the many developers building the APIs that are driving today’s boom in fintech services. Since coming to Europe via a UK launch early in 2019, Plaid has picked up clients including Cleo and Pandle, and, as part of its expansion into Ireland, France, Spain and the Netherlands, will support integrations into banks including AIB, Santander and BNP Paribas. How does the company see Europe’s fintech ecosystem evolving? How is the Covid pandemic influencing financial behaviour? Sifted spoke with Plaid’s chief operating officer Eric Sager about the shift to open finance and how opening up financial services further will unleash a new wave of innovation — and give more people access to services they’ve been excluded from. Sifted: Right now, the Covid-19 pandemic is upending all aspects of our lives. How do you ...
Read More
NCFA | Samuel He, Market Research Analyst Intern | July 3, 2020 Today, millions live paycheck to paycheck, struggling to get by financially. This lack of resources and a poor credit score makes getting a loan difficult. And the options that are available, make the problem worse with high rates and aggressive rules. Traditional payday loans use aggressive deadlines and lump sum payments that often results in the customer spiraling into a debt trap. The challenge for the customer is accessibility to resources and the opportunity to improve their credit capacity for future, cheaper loans. Founded by Samir Issa, MoneyMates is an alternative lender that prioritizes the welfare of its customers by offering expert guidance not just on getting the loan, but how to improve their credit situation. See: Shopify expands capital lending program to help Canadian merchants weather COVID-19 They do this by offering customers an extended repayment period of up to two months rather than the typical two weeks. In the event of a missed payment, MoneyMates will work with the customer on a solution to avoid additional fees and penalties. MoneyMates has also added a unique savings feature to help borrowers accrue savings. Customers are given the ...
Read More
Read More
IMF Blog | By Ulric Eriksson von Allmen, Purva Khera, Sumiko Ogawa, and Ratna Sahay | July 1, 2020 The COVID-19 pandemic could be a game changer for digital financial services. Low-income households and small firms can benefit greatly from advances in mobile money, fintech services, and online banking. Financial inclusion as a result of digital financial services can also boost economic growth. While the pandemic is set to increase use of these services, it has also posed challenges for the growth of the industry’s smaller players and highlighted unequal access to digital infrastructure. Several actions will need to be taken to ensure maximum inclusion going forward. Low-income households and small firms can benefit greatly from advances in mobile money, fintech services and online banking. The shift towards digital financial services was already helping societies advance financial inclusion before the pandemic started, benefiting many low-income households and small firms with typically little access to traditional financial institutions. Lockdowns and social distancing are accelerating the use of digital financial services, just as the SARS epidemic in 2003 hastened China’s launching of digital payments and e-commerce. See: Cambridge launches the Global Alternative Finance Industry Benchmark & Covid-19 Rapid Assessment Survey in Partnership ...
Read More
Read More
Bank of Canada | Release | Jun 30, 2020 The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and the Bank of Canada announced today they will be launching a BIS Innovation Hub centre to advance fintech innovation within the central banking community. The centre will open in Toronto within two years and is one of four locations scheduled to open in North America and Europe. This partnership will advance the Bank’s understanding of the digital economy and the technological transformation of financial services. It builds on the Bank’s existing research and collaboration with partners in the central bank and technology communities on digital currencies and fintech. “We’re proud to host a BIS innovation centre in Toronto and to strengthen our collaboration with other central banks and the private sector on digital technologies,” said Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem. “This partnership will allow the Bank to continue its work on behalf of Canadians to explore how technology will shape the future of our economy and financial system.” See: Bank of Canada Speech: Money and Payments in the Digital Age Growth in Canadian FinTechs Having Impact on Canada’s Banking Landscape Open Banking In Canada: Navigating The Future Of Money “Toronto is an ideal location ...
Read More
Read More
Consilium Crypto | Austin Hubbell | Jun 29, 2020 TORONTO, June 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Consilium Crypto, provider of Institutional-grade trading & risk management tools for digital asset markets, today launches its Liquidity Routing System for cryptocurrency exchanges, Consilium ORS. This product has multiple one of a kind features built in, designed to meet the needs of high-volume crypto traders (hedge funds, miners, OTC trading desks). High-volume clients can save 10% and more on transactions of select coins including Ethereum, Litecoin and Zcash. Consilium ORS also significantly improves pricing on Bitcoin and other digital assets, spreading orders across multiple exchanges to avoid disrupting prices, enabling users to get more for their money. Furthermore, there is no fixed cost for this service. Costs are a function of the trader's savings. If customers don't save on a transaction, they pay $0! See: Fintech Fridays EP40: Why Bitcoin Exists and Education for the Masses We offer a streamlined Liquidity Routing System that does not require custody of funds, a new concept in this type of trading. Consilium Crypto users keep complete control over all their assets, from quote to execution. All trading is done directly between the user and the exchange, reducing the risk ...
Read More
Read More
FundThrough Blog | Jun 26, 2020 TORONTO – FundThrough, North America’s leading invoice funding solution for small businesses, has announced it will provide $10 million in free funding for clients as the economy reopens from COVID-19. The company announced it as part of a broader initiative to help small businesses, who invoice their customers and wait to for invoice payments, get back on their feet in the wake of the COVID-19 economic shutdown and has expedited this capital commitment for SMBs looking for a practical source of funding. The Toronto-based Fintech company will provide working capital to small businesses in exchange for outstanding customer invoices, based on the creditworthiness of the payor. Clients that sell goods and services to larger customers and need working capital quickly are encouraged to apply. “We are proud to announce this initiative to help kick start the North American economy and ensure that companies get paid immediately for the work they have completed and the products they have delivered,” said FundThrough Co-Founder and CEO Steven Uster. “Large companies often stretch out their payment terms for their suppliers. We are levelling the playing field so that suppliers no longer have to act as a bank for ...
Read More
Read More
Finance Magnates | Matthew Unger | Jun 20, 2020 What will have the biggest impact? During the last decade, financial technology has improved dramatically, moving from mainframe trading computers and COBOL to mobile banking and blockchains. Never before have we been at such a critical inflection point as money, contracts, and regulations are combined into almost infinitely scalable code. Remote operations and contactless procedures are becoming the new normal, those financial services providers who previously resisted digitization now find themselves in a race for survival. As with any “gold rush”, this frenzy brings new opportunities for exploitation, fraud, theft, etc. One only has to review the Wild West scenarios that played out in the cryptocurrency sector to recognize the potential for fintech to be used to either create or extract value. While some made fortunes in the early crypto days, others lost a lot. Hotter than the cryptocurrency and ICO wave of 2015-2017, fintech platforms are growing faster than ever before. See: NCFA Announces Updated Virtual Interactive Programme for FFCON20 DIGITAL, the 6th annual Fintech and Financing Conference RegTech: The Financial Industry Disruptor Within the realm of fintech exist neo-banks, challenger banks, incumbents, and disruptors, each with unique threats, opportunities, ...
Read More
Read More
The Finanser | Chris Skinner | Jun 22, 2020 A friend of mine, Alessandro Hatami, wrote an interesting piece on Sifted that I shared in my news yesterday. He claims that neobanks like Monzo and Starling are not reinventing banking at all. They’re just modifying and improving it. Alessandro then goes on to cite the key things that banking should really focus upon: See: Fintech Fridays EP39: The Power of Digitization and How to Get Exponential There are three things banking customers fundamentally need — and are worth disrupting. Let us try to imagine what ‘transformation’ in these areas could look like in ‘The Ideal Neobank’: A Payment Account: Imagine a bank that allows you to seamlessly pay anyone, anywhere: be it your babysitter, your favourite retailer or a holiday home abroad. The bank takes care of everything and you can always be sure you will always get the fastest, cheapest, most secure solution possible. A Credit Line: Instead of an overdraft, personal loan, credit card, car finance or a mortgage you get a credit line. The bank knows you and will advance cash (with guarantees if required) as you need it. You make one payment a month — like ...
Read More
Read More
Finextra | Jun 15, 2020 New York's financial regulator is preparing to remove a number of regulatory hurdles impeding the development of cryptocurrency businesses in the US state. Virtual currency firms wanting to conduct business in New York currently have to apply for a BitLicence, which can take years to process. Under the new regime, firms will be able to apply under a new 'conditional licensing framework' that makes it easier for start-ups to enter the New York market by piggy-backing on the licences already authorised by DFS. Superintendent Linda Lacewell, says: “The DFS actions announced today in consultation with numerous industry participants and the public will boost responsible innovation and help get New York’s economy back on its feet. DFS is proud to foster accessibility and will continue to blaze a trail in the virtual currency marketplace.” See: Fidelity-backed crypto security startup Fireblocks launches ‘Secure Asset Transfer Network’ NetworkNewsWire Announces Official Newswire Status, Media Sponsorship of FFCON20: RISE Event As part of the initiative, the financial regulator has signed an MoU with State University of New York (Suny) to launch a new Suny-related virtual currency program, under which participating startups will also be able to apply for a conditional ...
Read More
Read More
Finicity | Release | Jun 23, 2020 Strengthens existing open banking capabilities with Finicity’s proven technology and talent Enhances collaboration and co-creation efforts with fintechs and financial institutions Furthers commitment to consumer-centric data protection and practices PURCHASE, N.Y. – June 23, 2020 – Mastercard (NYSE: MA) today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Finicity, a leading North American provider of real-time access to financial data and insights. The purchase price is US$825 million, and Finicity’s existing shareholders have the potential for an earn-out of up to an additional $160 million, if performance targets are met. The addition of Finicity’s complementary technology and teams strengthens the existing Mastercard open banking platform to enable and safeguard a greater choice of financial services, reinforcing the company’s long-standing partnerships with and commitment to financial institutions and fintechs across the globe. See: Rebank Podcast: How to Build a Profitable Digital Bank with Tinkoff Open banking gives people and businesses more control over their financial data. This includes determining how and where third parties – such as fintechs or other banks – can access that information to provide new services like money management programs or initiate payments on their behalf. Mastercard has increasingly ...
Read More
Read More
Sifted | Chris Sisserian | Jun 24, 2020 Q&A with Eric Sager, chief operating officer at Plaid, on how fintech innovation is democratising finance. California-based Plaid is one of the fintech infrastructure innovators enabling the open banking revolution. Its platform connects over 2,600 apps to 11,600 financial institutions, across the domains of personal finance, payments, lending, wealth management and business finance. The $5.3bn fintech is highly regarded by the many developers building the APIs that are driving today’s boom in fintech services. Since coming to Europe via a UK launch early in 2019, Plaid has picked up clients including Cleo and Pandle, and, as part of its expansion into Ireland, France, Spain and the Netherlands, will support integrations into banks including AIB, Santander and BNP Paribas. How does the company see Europe’s fintech ecosystem evolving? How is the Covid pandemic influencing financial behaviour? Sifted spoke with Plaid’s chief operating officer Eric Sager about the shift to open finance and how opening up financial services further will unleash a new wave of innovation — and give more people access to services they’ve been excluded from. Sifted: Right now, the Covid-19 pandemic is upending all aspects of our lives. How do you ...
Read More
Read More
Related Posts
Stablecoins: Experience the Stability
Mainstream Adoption of Digital Currencies Is Still Many Years Away: JPMorgan Blockchain and DLT Report
Federal budget keeps Canada’s fintech sector in the ‘valley of death’
Lifehacks for When a Robot Wants Your Job
5 Trends to Watch in Fintech Regulation
Bitcoin is an Unstoppable Force
