PayPal is changing its leadership after a disappointing quarter that rattled investors and showed how quickly the online payments boom has cooled. The company will replace Chief Executive Officer Alex Chriss and hand the reins to HP Inc. chief Enrique Lores, as slowing checkout growth, softer US retail spending and a weaker earnings outlook weighed on the stock and raised fresh questions over PayPal’s ability to reignite momentum.PayPal announced that Jamie Miller, the company’s chief financial officer, will serve as interim CEO until Lores takes over on March 1. Weak Results and Leadership Shake-Up Hit PayPal StockThe decision follows a period in which management struggled to convert rising payment volumes into stronger profit and to meet the targets it had set for investors.Newly appointed board chair David Dorman signaled frustration with the pace of change at the company. "While some progress has been made in a number of areas over the last two years, the pace of change and execution was not in line with the Board's expectations," the company mentioned. Investors reacted sharply to the announcement and the numbers. PayPal’s shares was down nearly 20% at press time, dropping to $42.30 after the company reported quarterly profit and revenue that fell short of analysts’ estimates.For context, this is the WORST drop that $PYPL @PayPal has seen in FOUR YEARS. Not surprising that CEO is being replaced... https://t.co/sFE1PwGlcK— BSCN (@BSCNews) February 3, 2026The latest quarter exposed how macroeconomic pressures and changing consumer behavior weigh on PayPal’s core business. The company pointed to weakness in US retail spending as a drag on performance, alongside international headwinds that hit transaction volumes and margins.Continue reading: Crypto.com Enables PayPal Payments for Crypto Purchases in EUMiller had already warned in October that macroeconomic conditions could make the company’s longer-term targets harder to reach. Since then, the environment has not improved enough to offset the structural challenges of monetizing payments amid rising costs and intense competition.Profitability Under Pressure and Guidance ResetThe financials highlighted a squeeze on profitability. Fourth-quarter earnings per share increased 3% to $1.23, with total revenue rising 4% to $8.9 billion, both below analyst expectations for the three-month period. The company also reported full-year earnings per share of $5.31, missing its own guidance range of $5.35 to $5.39 issued in October.Despite the disappointing earnings, PayPal continued to pursue strategic initiatives aimed at broadening its revenue base. During the quarter, the company applied to become a US bank with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the Utah Department of Financial Institutions. It already holds a banking license in Europe. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

A willingness on the part of market participants to create a sustainable ecosystem built on long strategic commitments has contributed to Singapore’s status as one of the world’s most dynamic Web3 markets.Market Resilience Amid Industry ChallengesA March 2025 report from the Singapore Fintech Foundation (Singapore: The Onchain State) observed that the city-state’s Web3 landscape has weathered significant challenges, including high-profile industry collapses and a broader market downturn.Regulatory Framework and Government InitiativesRegulatory clarity offers a stable foundation for builders to launch ambitious projects, while initiatives like the Payment Services Act and the MAS’s various sandbox programmes underscore the government’s commitment to fostering innovation without compromising consumer protection.According to the Henley crypto adoption index, Singapore is the most crypto-friendly country in the world. The financial services regulator scores highly for balancing innovation with compliance, making Singapore attractive for exchanges and fintechs, and it has continued to strengthen its position through expanded government-backed blockchain initiatives in green finance and cross-border payments.Institutional Adoption and Market StructureOther factors that have contributed to Singapore’s growing status as a Web3 hub include the willingness of its financial institutions to adopt blockchain early and actively investigate tokenisation, digital bonds and programmable money. This has created an ecosystem that doesn’t rely on retail speculation but is instead fuelled by the strategic involvement of financial institutions.Industry Perspectives on Singapore’s SuccessSo what do Web3 companies attribute Singapore’s success to? Earlier this month, digital asset technology firm ChainUp was placed in the inaugural Singapore Top Fintech Companies 2026 list.“Singapore has emerged as a Web3 investment hub due to its clear and progressive regulatory framework under the MAS, strong rule of law, political stability and a well-developed financial ecosystem,” says the firm’s growth marketing manager, Chan Kang. “It also benefits from deep pools of institutional capital, regional connectivity and a pro-innovation stance that gives Web3 companies regulatory clarity without stifling growth.”Singapore brought a different kind of spark ??✨Convergence wasn’t just an event, it was a reminder that Web3 is still being built by people with vision, conviction, and momentum.Watch the recap here ? pic.twitter.com/1jlqjPLLPc— Cryptic (@Cryptic_Web3) December 11, 2025Regulation, Legal Infrastructure and Market DevelopmentSingapore’s position as a Web3 hub reflects how regulation, legal infrastructure and market development have progressed together. Clear, principles-based regulation and a strong legal framework give founders and investors confidence around custody, governance and enforceability, which supports long-term capital and regulated business models.This sits alongside a stable financial system and a deep pool of talent across finance, technology and compliance.Exchange and Platform Operator Views“Together, these factors have drawn a broad set of ecosystem participants to operate from Singapore,” explains Gracie Lin, OKX’s Singapore CEO. “For an exchange like ours, this matters because it places us within an ecosystem where builders, infrastructure providers and investors are aligned on long-term development within the financial system.”Crypto.com also made it onto the Singapore Top Fintech Companies 2026 list. The firm’s general manager Singapore, Chin Tah Ang, is another who refers to regulatory clarity and a consistent focus on balancing innovation with building trust and consumer protection.“For Crypto.com, operating in markets with well-defined regulatory frameworks has supported the sustainable growth of our company by signalling credibility and providing certainty to our customers and institutional partners,” he says.Compliance Costs and Operational ChallengesOne of the challenges highlighted in the Singapore Fintech Foundation report was the high cost of compliance, with some local companies reporting mixed messaging regarding compliance expectations and the report authors noting that applying for the digital payment token licence in order to be able to legally offer services related to digital payment tokens is generally considered to be a resource-intensive and expensive endeavour for Web3 companies.In addition, almost 60% of survey respondents said they had limited or no access to banking services, while 43% did not have an account with a traditional bank due to reservations around onboarding clients that deal with digital assets.Banking Access and Regulatory BurdenKang acknowledges that although regulatory clarity is a strength, Web3 companies in Singapore do face higher compliance costs, especially around licensing, AML/KYT and ongoing reporting.“Access to banking services can also be challenging for early-stage or non-licensed Web3 firms, as banks remain cautious and selective, leading to longer onboarding timelines and higher operational friction,” he says.Areas for Policy RefinementKang says Singapore should continue refining proportionate, risk-based regulation; improve bank-Web3 collaboration; and support infrastructure providers that enhance compliance, security and transparency to strengthen its competitive edge.“Expanding regulatory sandboxes, encouraging responsible stablecoin and tokenisation use cases and nurturing local talent will further cement Singapore as Asia’s leading Web3 innovation hub,” he adds.Singapore's central bank has ordered local crypto firms to halt overseas operations by June 30 or face fines up to $200K and potential jail time.⚖️?? pic.twitter.com/XaeTx8KR8M— Moby Media (@mobymedia) June 2, 2025Governance Standards and Market DisciplineWeb3 companies in Singapore are expected to invest consistently in governance, security and custody as they scale. For OKX, that governance premium is part of the business model: if you want customers to trust you with their assets, your controls and culture need to justify that trust.“Banks here are generally supportive of the sector, though selective about who they work with, which reinforces discipline across the ecosystem,” suggests Lin. “The upside of this high bar is that the ecosystem is stronger, made up of digital asset players focused on building lasting infrastructure.”Next Phase of Market DevelopmentWhen asked what steps Singapore should take to enhance its competitive advantage in this area, she says the next phase is about taking what already works – including tokenised funds, fixed income and other regulated digital asset products – and making them everyday tools that treasurers, wealth managers and institutions across Asia can use without treating them as something separate.Interoperability and Cross-Sector Collaboration“An important step is enabling closer collaboration between banks, payment networks and exchanges like ours, so stablecoins and tokenised deposits function as seamless financial plumbing for payments, collateral and settlement, rather than operating on a separate digital payment token rail,” adds Lin. “Expanding regulated access points for investors also matters, so digital assets can be approached as part of long-term allocation.”Risk-Based Oversight and Information SharingEngagement through platforms such as the AML/CFT industry partnership has helped advance a risk-based approach to managing digital asset activity according to Ang. This model recognises that effective oversight is strengthened through information sharing between regulators, financial institutions and industry participants, particularly in cross-border and technology-driven sectors like digital assets.Outlook for Singapore’s Web3 Position“Looking ahead, Singapore’s competitive advantage lies in continuing to pair regulatory robustness with interoperability across major global markets, supporting its role as a credible base for Web3 activity in Asia,” he concludes. “We remain committed to supporting policies that strengthen the integrity and long-term development of the Web3 ecosystem.” This article was written by Paul Golden at www.financemagnates.com.

PAY360 2026, the largest event dedicated to the global payments ecosystem, will take place on 24–25 March 2026 at ExCeL London. Hosted by The Payments Association, the event will bring together more than 6,000 innovators, thought leaders and industry stakeholders to explore the trends, technologies and challenges shaping the future of payments.A Powerhouse of SpeakersOver 200 global speakers from fintech, financial services, regulatory bodies and technology leaders will take the stage, featuring industry-leading speakers such asPaul Horlock,Chief Payments Officer, SantanderHelen Bierton, Chief Digital Officer, Lloyds Banking GroupSuren Nawalkar,SVP Business Development, MastercardGeorgios Kolovos,Payments & Fintech Leader, NVIDIAGeoff Kendrick, Global Head of Digital Assets Research, Standard CharteredAnd so many more....Brand New AgendaPAY360 2026 features a refreshed agenda designed for professionals across the payments ecosystem. Attendees can join sessions covering:The Future of Money – How crypto, stablecoins, digital wallets and CBDCs are reshaping global payments.Open Payments – How open banking and finance enable secure, data-driven services through APIs and embedded finance.Financial Crime – How technology is improving AML, fraud detection and compliance in a shifting regulatory landscape.Operational Resilience – How organisations embed resilience into digital transformation to meet regulatory demands.Predictive Intelligence – The role of AI and data in transforming risk management, operations and customer experience.The Instant Transfer – The infrastructure behind instant payments and its impact on expectations and cross-border flows.Interactive workshops and merchant-focused roundtables will provide hands-on learning and tailored problem-solving.Innovation and NetworkingPAY360 2026 offers unmatched networking opportunities, supported by an AI-powered matchmaking app that helps attendees connect and schedule meetings in advance. More than 150 exhibitors will showcase cutting-edge solutions, while the Fintechs’ Pitch Live competition will highlight emerging innovators to a global audience of investors and decision-makers.Why Attend?PAY360 2026 is the essential event for professionals across payments, banking and technology, offering:Access to world-class thought leadershipOpportunities to connect with peers and industry influencersExposure to the latest products, solutions and innovationPractical insights to solve challenges and future-proof businessesWhether you aim to innovate, network or gain strategic perspective, PAY360 2026 is the must-attend event for the payment’s community.Register today https://pay360event.com/ This article was written by Finance Magnates Staff at www.financemagnates.com.

Trading and investing platform eToro has expanded its local offering for users in Denmark by adding support for deposits and trading in Danish kroner, alongside US dollars.The company said Danish users can now deposit, hold, withdraw, and invest directly in DKK. Users can choose whether to fund trades from their DKK or USD balance instead of converting to USD by default. When trading Copenhagen-listed stocks, users can avoid currency conversion fees by using DKK.The update follows eToro’s expansion last year of its partnership with Nasdaq. The move gave users access to real-time data for more than 210 additional Nordic-listed stocks across Copenhagen, Helsinki, and Stockholm. At the time, eToro said it was the first non-Nordic platform to provide complimentary real-time access to Nasdaq Nordic market data globally.DKK Accounts Help Reduce Trading CostseToro said Danish users will also receive discounted currency conversion rates when trading USD-listed assets. Conversion fees between DKK and USD start at 0.75 percent and can fall to 0.15 percent depending on the user’s eToro Club tier.Doron Rosenblum, Executive Vice President for Business Solutions at eToro, said the company aims to combine global market access with local features. He said DKK accounts allow users to “reduce costs” and “manage their currency exposure more effectively.”Open Banking Enables Instant Deposits SoonThe company also said it plans to allow Danish users to deposit BTC, ETH, USDC, and XRP from external wallets. These assets can be converted into DKK and then reinvested, withdrawn, or spent on the platform.In addition, eToro announced upcoming changes to its funding process in Denmark. An Open Banking solution is expected to enable instant bank transfers directly within the eToro app.eToro Expands European Presence Through Sports SponsorshipsAlongside product and market developments in Denmark, eToro is expanding its presence across Europe through sports sponsorships. The firm has signed multi-year agreements with four French Ligue 1 clubs—AS Monaco, LOSC Lille, Olympique Marseille, and Olympique Lyonnais—starting with the 2025/26 season. These deals include branding on jerseys, pitch-side displays, and digital platforms. In parallel, eToro will become the exclusive trading and investment partner of the BWT Alpine Formula One Team for the 2026 season. Financial terms were not disclosed. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Options Technology, the tech provider underpinning some of the CFD providers and prop firms, has activated what it says is the first commercially accessible quantum computing capability in New York City.According to the tech firm, companies face a new constraint where firms collect more data than their existing infrastructure can simulate, optimize and stress-test in real time. The new offering aims to address this challenge. “Quantum computing is no longer theoretical for capital markets, it’s becoming a practical tool for specific, high-value problems,” commented Danny Moore, President and CEO of Options Technology. “What matters now is controlled, secure access.Quantum Node Goes Live in NYCOptions has reportedly deployed the quantum system in a New York data center operated by Digital Realty and linked it to its low-latency global infrastructure fabric.Quantum computing is a rapidly emerging technology grounded in quantum mechanics rather than classical physics. It holds the potential to transform financial analysis and risk management by offering vastly superior processing power.This computational capability aims to enable the industry to tackle complex problems and simulations that are currently beyond the reach of traditional computing systems.Related: Options and oneZero Collaborate to Enhance Multi-Asset Trading TechQuantum architectures can address those problems by exploring complex probability distributions in parallel. Options’ model allows clients to direct specific workloads to quantum systems while maintaining existing CPU and GPU-based engines for the bulk of production tasks, reducing the need for major architectural change.Targeting Portfolio Optimisation and Derivatives RiskOptions is pitching the service at capital markets workloads that combine heavy simulation with probabilistic modelling, such as large-scale portfolio optimization and derivatives risk analytics.Options has been expanding its offering in the trading space, including collaborating with other tech providers. More recently, it has expanded its partnership with trading technology firm oneZero. Additionally, Options earlier partnered with Swiss online broker Dukascopy to provide customers with real-time US equities market data, fully integrated into Options’ existing technology stack.Tools for Brokers, a trading technology provider, is the other notable brand in the trading space working with Options Technology to enhance retail brokers’ access to market data through streamlined, seamless streaming solutions. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

eToro has expanded trading hours for a limited number of its Smart Portfolios, allowing them to be traded on a 24/5 basis. The broker said the change applies to four portfolios: BigTech, Four-Horsemen, Magnificent-7, and Buybacks.The update builds on eToro’s earlier move into extended-hours trading. Last year, the firm joined other retail platforms in offering 24/5 trading, reflecting a broader industry shift driven by demand for US-listed stocks, particularly from investors in Asia. Extended and overnight trading has become more common as brokers respond to changing trading patterns.eToro Extends Smart Portfolios Trading HoursUnder the new schedule, the selected Smart Portfolios can be traded from Sunday 20:05 to Friday 16:00 ET, extending access beyond standard exchange hours. eToro said the move is intended to give users greater flexibility when managing their positions.The company also said users can set up recurring copy for the eligible Smart Portfolios, allowing investments to be made automatically according to a fixed schedule.Smart Portfolios are eToro’s thematic and strategy-based products, which group assets based on predefined criteria and are managed under set rules.? Just dropped: 24/5 trading on 100 popular US stocks.Start trading around the clock.— eToro (@eToro) July 29, 2025eToro Sees One-Third Trading in Extended HoursRoughly one-third of eToro’s stock trading now occurs outside traditional market hours, the broker told Finance Magnates. This follows the rollout of 24/5 access to all S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 stocks, allowing users in Europe and Asia to trade during local daytime hours. Activity in extended sessions largely mirrors standard trading patterns, though volumes can rise around earnings announcements. eToro noted that wider spreads and thinner order books remain typical off-hours, aligning the firm with other brokers offering extended trading. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Banks and fund managers are tapping into demand from family offices in Singapore for alternative investments by proactively bringing such opportunities to their clients.The family office market in Singapore can be divided into pre-2019 or ‘old’ money and the ‘new’ money that has come into since 2019 – an influx that has seen the number of private companies handling investment management and wealth management for a wealthy families increase dramatically over the last five years.Entrepreneurial Backgrounds Support Risk-TakingThis cycle of not only assets but also inflow of talent and high net worths is described by Ken Chew, CEO & Partner at fund manager IWC as the longest and most sustainable cycle of the last half-century.One of the most notable aspects of Singapore family offices’ investment strategies is their relatively high allocation to alternatives – a trend Chew attributes to first generation wealth creators having a higher risk tolerance.“This is not to say wealth preservation is not important but their entrepreneurial background means they are more willing to allocate to digital assets and explore new markets,” adds Chew. “For example, when we hosted the first Web3 conference here in 2020 there was no ecosystem – now investment is booming.”Another factor that contributes to their openness to alternative investments is that Asian family office wealth is primarily first generation and the principals have therefore often made their money through a different business model to their counterparts in US or Europe.Regulation and Tax Structures Support Private Market AccessAccording to Kelly Chia, head of investment strategy UOB Private Bank, there are a number of other reasons for the shift towards alternatives.“Firstly, APAC family offices are investing more in private markets to diversify their risk and generate higher returns with illiquidity premia,” he says. “Secondly, Singapore has tax rules and fund structures (Sections 13O/13U and the Variable Capital Company) that make it operationally easier and more tax efficient to invest in private funds.""Thirdly, proximity to high growth deal flows in Southeast Asia and India gives investors better access to direct and co-investments in private equity, private credit and infrastructure.”Singapore’s family office rules are getting a major efficiency boost. #MAS #FamilyOffice #SingaporeBusinessReview #News pic.twitter.com/fMdVOpnddl— Singapore Business Review (@SBRMagazine) November 26, 2025Long-Term Horizons Align with Alternative AssetsFrom its work with family offices in Singapore, Ocorian also sees a strong alignment between multi-generational investment horizons and alternative assets, which allows families to prioritise capital preservation and long-term compounding rather than short-term liquidity.“This contrasts with many western peers, where shorter evaluation cycles and public market benchmarks remain more dominant,” saysGinny Goh, director, private clients at Ocorian Singapore. “In a volatile market environment, alternatives are increasingly viewed as a core diversification tool rather than a tactical allocation. For Singapore-based families with global portfolios, alternatives also provide greater control over risk, access to private growth opportunities in Asia and insulation from short-term market dislocations.”Limited Domestic Market Pushes Capital OverseasThe relatively small size of the domestic investment universe forces family offices in Singapore to look beyond their home market for investment opportunities, observes Chew.“Regionally and globally, we are looking at deep tech projects, including those that are ESG-related with impact plus economic returns,” he says. “In general, family offices in Singapore prefer to have an additional edge that is delivered through good technologies and good management teams.”Chew reiterates that the modest scale of the investment market in Singapore makes a purely domestic focus generally unsustainable.“The millions or tens of millions you will make here is nothing compared to what you can generate when you scale regionally or globally,” he adds. “So you should look at those start-ups that can scale globally unless there is a strong disruptive story. Singapore is a good bridge in the current cycle due to the confluence of money, talent, projects and information.”Equities and Private Equity Lead AllocationsWhen asked which asset classes and sectors are most favoured by Singapore’s family offices, Annabelle Chow, head of financial intermediaries at Bank of Singapore refers to a strong preference for equities and private equity investments. The robust performance of equities over the past two years has created positive momentum - particularly in the US markets - driving increased allocations in this asset class.Regional Biases Shape Portfolio ConstructionWhile family offices actively seek to diversify across regions, sectors and asset classes to mitigate risk, regional biases continue to influence their allocation decisions based on geographic location and familiarity, she adds.“For example, Singapore-based family offices typically have significant exposure to the US, Singapore and Hong Kong/China markets, while allocating less to Europe or other regions such as Thailand and Australia,” says Chow. “Conversely, family offices based in Hong Kong tend to concentrate heavily on the US and Hong Kong/China markets, with minimal exposure to Singapore or other regions.”Chia agrees that within alternatives, allocations are primarily directed toward private equity. These include both direct and co-investments, private credit - which is rapidly gaining favour for its yield potential - and real assets such as digital infrastructure (data centres, towers, fibre) and energy transition platforms.“Select real estate is also included in portfolios for its income generation and diversification benefits,” he says. “Sector preferences tend to focus on AI and computing, software and healthcare, along with fintech and financial services.”Private Equity Dominates Alternative AllocationsChia agrees that Singapore family offices are increasingly expanding their exposure across the region, particularly in India, Japan and Southeast Asia, driven by growing opportunities in digital infrastructure and renewables.“However, their investment base remains anchored in the US,” he says. “The US continues to offer the largest pool of private market deals, with 2025 private equity transactions approaching $1.2 trillion, strong exit options and dominant private credit capacity. In comparison, APAC recorded only $176 billion in deal value for 2024 and Southeast Asia around $16 billion. Due to political and geopolitical tensions, deal flows from China have slowed, resulting in more limited exposure.”Private equity remains a core allocation, particularly mid-market and growth strategies focused on buy-and-build and operational transformation, says Goh. “Private credit continues to attract capital due to its ability to offer downside protection, income visibility and structural safeguards, especially in asset-backed and senior lending strategies,” she adds.US Anchors Portfolios as Asia Provides GrowthChia concludes that overall, Singapore family offices tend to build their portfolios with a US core for scale and liquidity, supplemented with regional investments to benefit from proximity, diversification and secular growth. This article was written by Paul Golden at www.financemagnates.com.

As prediction markets gain scale, mainstream financial institutions are also taking a closer look. In a recent editorial, the Financial Times highlighted growing concerns around insider trading, regulatory uncertainty, and thin liquidity as key barriers to wider adoption. Regulatory Risk: Fragmented Landscape in the US One of the main challenges facing prediction markets is regulatory fragmentation, particularly in the United States. Under federal law, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) treats certain prediction contracts as derivatives, subjecting them to the Commodity Exchange Act. At the same time, state gambling regulators argue that many sports- or politics-related contracts resemble unlicensed betting activity. This has left platforms navigating a narrow legal space. While some platforms, like Kalshi, secure approvals for specific contracts, many platforms operate offshore or in legal grey areas, limiting regulated institutional participation. The lack of unified oversight creates uncertainty, especially for contracts involving sensitive events or those that resemble wagers.Market Risks: Insider Information and Liquidity Gaps As trading activity has grown, prediction markets have also come under scrutiny for risks of insider trading and manipulation. Contracts tied to political decisions, regulatory actions, or corporate events are especially vulnerable to information asymmetry, where a small number of participants may have early or privileged access to outcomes. Liquidity remains a pressing constraint. Despite higher volumes, order books are typically thin relative to those in traditional markets, leading to sharp price swings and limited position sizes. This limits the usefulness of prediction markets for hedging, especially for larger participants. At the same time, these inefficiencies have begun to attract professional traders. Major quantitative firms and market makers — including DRW, Susquehanna International Group, and Jump Trading — are building dedicated desks focused on prediction markets, applying arbitrage and market-making strategies to exploit fragmented pricing and liquidity gaps.These concerns echo warnings recently raised by the Financial Times, which described prediction markets as vulnerable to insider information and manipulation until regulatory oversight and liquidity improve.Why Institutions Are Still Paying Attention Despite the risks, prediction markets offer something traditional derivatives often do not: clean exposure to discrete outcomes. Contracts linked to inflation prints, interest-rate decisions, election results, or policy announcements provide direct, event-specific hedges that can complement macro strategies. For institutional investors, these markets function less as betting venues and more as probability-weighted instruments, allowing them to express views on policy risk, political uncertainty, or economic data releases without constructing complex options structures. What This Means for Brokers and Fintech Platforms For brokers and fintech firms, the evolution of prediction markets opens several strategic avenues. Rather than competing directly with standalone platforms, regulated brokers may explore cross-integration, structured products, or white-label exposure to event-based indicators. Prediction-style contracts could also be embedded into CFD offerings tied to macro data, policy decisions, or benchmark outcomes, allowing brokers to capture client demand for event-driven trading within existing regulatory frameworks. However, any such expansion would require careful handling of compliance, market abuse controls, and liquidity sourcing. As prediction markets mature, the opportunity for brokers lies not in retail hype, but in adapting the underlying concept — event-linked pricing — into regulated, scalable financial products. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

Revolut has scrapped plans to acquire a US bank and is instead preparing a direct bid for a national banking license, in a strategic pivot that leans on Donald Trump’s deregulatory stance to accelerate its American push. According to the Financial Times, the move marks a reversal from the fintech’s earlier merger-led strategy and underlines how UK neobanks now view Washington’s changing regulatory climate as central to their next phase of growth. It also sets up a sharper contrast with British rivals that still see acquisitions as the quickest way into the world’s largest retail banking market.Revolut had spent recent months scouting for a nationally chartered US bank to buy, viewing an acquisition as the fastest way to obtain nationwide lending rights.Revolut Walks Away from Takeover PlanA deal would have handed the group an existing charter and instant passporting across all 50 states, avoiding the long and uncertain process of applying on its own.The US push comes while Revolut’s banking ambitions at home remain constrained. The Bank of England recently granted the group a UK banking licence after a tense three-year process, but the authorisation carries tight restrictions.Related: Revolut Files for Peru Banking License in Fresh LATAM PushThe approval limits the banking division to holding only £50,000 in total deposits, a cap that effectively prevents Revolut from scaling a full-service UK balance sheet in the near term.Revolut scraps US merger plans in favour of push for standalone licence https://t.co/vVhDJya4WS— Finance News (@ftfinancenews) January 23, 2026Similarly, Revolut recently filed for a full banking license in Peru, deepening its expansion into Latin America amid intensifying competition among global fintechs vying to serve the region’s underbanked, mobile-first consumers.Additionally, the fintech giant announced that it is in talks to acquire FUPS, a Turkish digital bank, as part of its strategy to expand into Turkey’s fast-growing and dynamic banking sector.Revolut Walks Away from Takeover PlanThe US remains a complex regulatory landscape despite the policy shift in Washington. State regulators hand out local licenses, while the OCC supervises national charters, creating overlapping regimes that foreign entrants must navigate. Historically, national license applications involved intensive scrutiny and long timelines, which made some digital banks think twice about a direct bid. Fresh data show that tech-focused financial firms are testing the OCC’s new posture. In 2025, there were 14 applications for a de novo national trust bank charter, many from fintechs seeking limited-purpose banking status. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

The conversation around digital assets at the World Economic Forum has shifted from speculative debate to practical implementation. Global financial leaders framed tokenization and stablecoins as "the name of the game" for 2026. However, the clear consensus emerging from Davos is that the revolution will be institutional, not retail - at least for now.Wholesale ConsensusLast year, Davos panels debated the future of crypto. This year, however, the discussion focused squarely on how to deploy blockchain-based infrastructure at scale. The key takeaway for brokers and financial institutions is that the most immediate and tangible progress is happening in wholesale markets, far from the consumer-facing hype. Francois Villeroy de Galhau, Governor of the Bank of France and an ECB Governing Council member, captured the mood perfectly. He acknowledged that stablecoins have become "very fashionable," but "the jury is still out" on use cases beyond the crypto-native ecosystem.Is Tokenization the Future? @cnbcKaren (@CNBC), @brian_armstrong (@coinbase), @bgarlinghouse (@ripple), Valérie Urbain ( @EuroclearGroup), François Villeroy de Galhau (@banquedefrance), Bill Winters (@StanChart) #WEF26 https://t.co/Ob8n7PCh1T— World Economic Forum (@wef) January 21, 2026 He pointed to the ECB’s wholesale Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) initiatives as the real focus, where tokenization can be tested in controlled, high-value environments such as settlement and collateral management. This "wholesale-first" approach appeared to be a recurring theme. Valerie Urbane, CEO of settlement giant Euroclear, highlighted an ongoing initiative to tokenize the €300 billion French commercial paper market. The goal, she explained, is not just to test a new product, but to move an entire ecosystem onto new rails to understand how issuance, settlement, and investor participation work together at scale. Bill Winters, CEO of Standard Chartered, described the industry as being at an "inflection point," but noted a key constraint for global banks and brokers: the path from experimentation to full-scale production will be dictated by regulatory coordination across dozens of jurisdictions, not by technology alone.Retail DebateWhile the institutional focus dominated discussions, the potential for broader retail access was not dismissed entirely. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong argued that tokenization holds the promise of bringing high-quality assets to an "unbrokered" global population of billions, hinting at longer-term ambitions. However, this vision of mass access was met with a firm reality check from regulators. Villeroy de Galhau cautioned that the widespread adoption of privately issued tokenized money, especially from foreign issuers, could create "sovereignty concerns" for national economies. His central message was unambiguous: regulation is not the enemy of innovation, but a "guarantee of trust" necessary for it to succeed. For brokers and multi-asset platforms, the message from Davos is clear. The near-term action is in market infrastructure, not retail trading products. The strategic debate has shifted to trust, governance, and how to position themselves as the regulated gateways between the old financial world and the new tokenized rails. The era of asking "if" is over; the era of building the "how" has begun. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

Boku reported annual revenue of $128.5 million for 2025, exceeding analyst estimates and representing 29% growth from the prior year's $99.3 million, according to a trading update released today (Wednesday).The payments network posted adjusted EBITDA of $41 million, up 31% year-over-year and ahead of the $39.8 million consensus estimate. The company's EBITDA margin reached 32%, compared to 31.6% in 2024.Cash on the company's balance sheet grew 39% to $246 million at year-end, even after Boku repurchased 5.8 million shares during 2025 at a cost of $12.3 million. The company's own cash, which excludes merchant funds in transit, increased 28% to $103 million.CEO Stuart Neal said in the release that performance was "broad-based across merchants, Local Payment Methods, products and geographies." He added that the company expects to deliver medium-term organic revenue growth above 20% on a compound annual growth rate basis with EBITDA margins above 30%.Digital Wallets Drive Revenue Mix ShiftDigital wallets and account-to-account payment schemes posted 66% growth during the year, while the company's bundling product - which helps merchants package subscription offers - climbed 71%. Together, these two segments now account for 45% of total revenue, up from roughly 35% at mid-year.Boku's digital wallet business had already shown momentum in the first half of 2025, when that segment posted 89% revenue growth. The company has been pushing to diversify beyond its traditional direct carrier billing roots, which still grew 9% for the full year.Direct carrier billing allows consumers to charge digital purchases directly to their mobile phone bills, a payment method that remains popular in markets with lower banking penetration. The company now separates bundling from DCB in its reporting, reflecting what it calls "increased scale and broader application" of the product.Platform Volumes and Users ExpandTotal payment volume processed through Boku's network reached $15.5 billion, up 27% from $12.4 billion in 2024, or 25% on a constant currency basis. Monthly active users hit 115 million in December, a 32% increase from 87.1 million a year earlier.The company added several high-profile clients during the year, including what it described as a leading digital design platform and a global entertainment company, though it did not name the merchants. When Boku reported first-half results in July, revenue growth included $3 million from temporary launch-phase pricing that the company said would not continue.The company trades on London's AIM market under the ticker BOKU. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Australia's financial intelligence agency has ordered Airwallex to hire an external auditor to examine its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing compliance, citing concerns that the payment platform's transaction monitoring systems haven't kept pace with its risk profile.Airwallex Faces Regulatory Audit as AUSTRAC Raises Compliance ConcernsAUSTRAC, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre, instructed the company today (Thursday) to appoint an auditor who will investigate whether Airwallex has violated multiple sections of the country's AML/CTF Act. The agency suspects the company failed to properly monitor transactions, identify customers, report suspicious activity, and maintain adequate compliance oversight from January 2024 through this month.Bradley Brown, AUSTRAC's National Manager of Regulatory Operations, signed the enforcement notice requiring Airwallex to engage an auditor within 14 days and submit findings within 180 days. The company will pay for the audit.Transaction Monitoring Under ScrutinyAUSTRAC's notice questions whether Airwallex's transaction monitoring program has been properly calibrated to detect the range of financial crimes that could flow through its platform. The audit will examine the company's ability to identify activity linked to fraud, scams, illicit tobacco, drug trafficking, and child sexual exploitation payments."As a global payment platform that facilitates the transfer of funds to multiple jurisdictions, AUSTRAC is concerned with Airwallex's transaction monitoring program has not been attuned to the full range of risks it faces and that the company hasn't demonstrated an acceptable understanding of who its customers are and what reporting may be required," AUSTRAC Chief Executive Officer Brendan Thomas said.The agency also raised questions about how effectively Airwallex identifies and reports suspicious matters, and whether senior management provides adequate oversight of these obligations. Airwallex has faced regulatory scrutiny before, though the company has continued its expansion into new markets and product lines.Timing Raises QuestionsThe enforcement action lands awkwardly for Airwallex. Just one day before AUSTRAC's announcement, the company revealed it had acquired Paynuri, a South Korean entity holding payment gateway, prepaid electronic payment, and foreign exchange licenses. The deal positions Airwallex to serve Korean businesses expanding internationally while helping global companies operate in Korea's market.Arnold Chan, Airwallex's General Manager for APAC, called the Korean acquisition "a pivotal milestone" in a statement on Tuesday. The company said it plans to hire 20 employees in Korea by year-end and launch global business accounts and payment acquiring services there in 2026.Airwallex recently closed a Series G funding round that valued the company at $8 billion, about 30% higher than its previous valuation. The company reported $1.2 billion in annualized revenue and $266 billion in annualized transaction volume as of December 2025. In the Asia-Pacific region, revenue grew 85% year-on-year while transaction volume increased 71% in 2025.Broader Enforcement PatternThe Airwallex audit follows other enforcement actions in Australia's fintech sector. AUSTRAC fined Revolut Australia $123,000 in September 2025 for delayed compliance reporting, though the agency noted Revolut had self-reported the violations and cooperated with regulators.The audit results will help AUSTRAC determine whether additional regulatory action against Airwallex is warranted. The company has been expanding aggressively, recently acquiring San Francisco-based billing startup OpenPay to compete with Stripe Billing and Recurly, and securing a Dutch MiFID license to launch money market investments in Europe. The company also signed a sponsorship deal with Arsenal FC following its latest funding round. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Prediction markets are increasingly shifting from niche products into a functional layer of financial and gaming platforms, a trend that is now driving demand for dedicated B2B infrastructure rather than standalone consumer-facing offerings. A recent example of this shift is a new partnership between technology provider Plaee and Crypto.com | Derivatives North America (CDNA). The two companies have launched a CFTC-compliant, turnkey solution that allows third parties to deploy branded prediction market products in the U.S. using existing regulated infrastructure. The development reflects a broader change in how prediction markets are being positioned within the industry. Rather than building and operating markets end to end, some platforms are opting to rely on shared infrastructure that handles regulation, liquidity access, and core trading mechanics.Leon Okun, CEO of Plaee, said growing consumer demand is accelerating the shift toward infrastructure-led models. “As you can see from industry volumes, demand is growing month on month, and many established brands want to integrate prediction markets directly into their existing ecosystems,” Okun said. “To generate meaningful revenue, however, operators need both deep liquidity and CRM capabilities that support the full consumer lifecycle.” He added that this dynamic is likely to concentrate the market. “Because prediction markets rely heavily on liquidity, we expect a small number of infrastructure-first providers to emerge as the dominant players,” Okun said. Two Pressures Driving the Shift The move toward infrastructure-led models appears to be shaped by two parallel forces. On the demand side, prediction markets are attracting a growing base of retail users interested in event-driven products that sit outside traditional trading formats. At the same time, operators face rising regulatory scrutiny, particularly around market structure and potential conflicts of interest on platforms that run internal trading desks. The Plaee–Crypto.com model is designed to address both constraints. By separating product distribution from market operation, the approach allows companies to meet user demand while relying on a regulated entity for execution and compliance. “Working with Crypto.com enables operators to launch prediction market products without building regulatory and trading infrastructure from scratch,” Okun said, describing the focus on compliance and operational readiness rather than rapid experimentation. For Crypto.com, the partnership extends its role beyond running a single consumer platform. By offering regulated market access to third-party operators, the company is positioning itself as an infrastructure provider to a wider ecosystem of prediction market products. “Partnering with Plaee allows us to support a broader range of use cases while maintaining regulatory standards,” said Travis McGhee, Global Head of Predictions at Crypto.com. A Sign of Structural, Not Ideological, Change The emergence of turnkey prediction market solutions suggests a change in how the sector is developing. Prediction markets are no longer confined to a small number of vertically integrated platforms. Instead, they are beginning to resemble other financial products that rely on shared infrastructure, regulated market operators, and modular distribution. That shift does not remove regulatory or operational challenges. Questions around market integrity, information asymmetry, and the role of internal liquidity providers remain under close scrutiny. But the move toward infrastructure-based deployment indicates that prediction markets are increasingly being treated as a component of broader financial systems, rather than as isolated experiments. For brokers, gaming companies, and fintech platforms, the implication is practical rather than ideological. Prediction markets are becoming easier to integrate, but doing so now requires decisions about infrastructure partners, regulatory exposure, and long-term operational responsibility. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

Wise moved £47.4 billion in cross-border transactions during its third fiscal quarter, a 26% jump from the same period last year as the London-based payments company continued adding customers and expanding its infrastructure footprint.The publicly listed firm (LSE: WISE) served 10.9 million active customers in the three months ended December 31, 2025, up 20% year over year. Customer holdings climbed 34% to £27.5 billion, while card revenue and other non-transfer income rose 30%.Wise Business Segment Outpaces Consumer GrowthWise Business volumes grew 37% year-over-year, nearly double the 21% growth rate for personal accounts. The business segment now has 542,000 active customers, a 25% increase from last year.The company's take rate on cross-border transactions held steady at 52 basis points during the quarter, down from 56 basis points a year earlier. Wise said the decline reflects its focus on long-term growth investments rather than maximizing short-term margins."We delivered 74% of payments instantly, up nine percentage points year-on-year. This is a clear benefit of our continued focus on infrastructure - our licences, integrations, technology and operations," said Kristo Käärmann, co-founder and chief executive officer.Q3 Performance HighlightsInfrastructure Push Drives Faster TransfersThree-quarters of Wise payments now complete instantly, up nine percentage points from Q3 last year. The company recently completed its direct connection to Japan's Zengin payment system, becoming the first non-bank in the country to join the network. Wise now connects directly to eight domestic payment systems globally.The company launched a travel card in India last month, attracting more than 75,000 customers to its waiting list within four weeks. Wise also introduced Google Pay integration in the Philippines, making it the first non-bank to offer the service there.In December, Wise received conditional license approval to operate in South Africa, marking its first license on the African continent. The payment service is widely used by CFD and forex brokers including Forex.com, TMGM, and XM.Profit Margin Forecast RisesUnderlying income reached £424.4 million in Q3, up 21% from the prior year on both reported and constant currency bases. For the nine months ended December 31, underlying income grew 17% on a constant currency basis.Wise expects full-year underlying income growth to land around the middle of its 15-20% guidance range. The company now projects its full-year underlying profit before tax margin will come in toward the top of its medium-term target range of 13-16%, including costs related to its planned dual listing.The firm announced plans last June to add a primary US listing while maintaining its London Stock Exchange presence. The dual listing is expected to complete in the first half of 2026. The company's first-half profit declined due to rising expenses, though revenue continued growing during that period. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Revolut has applied for a full banking license in Peru, stepping up its push into Latin America as global fintech firms race to capture underbanked, mobile-first customers in the region. The move would make Peru the company’s fifth market in Latin America. The UK-based fintech confirmed on Monday that it has filed for a full banking license in Peru, a step that would allow it to operate as a regulated bank and roll out a broader suite of products in the local market. Revolut Seeks Full Banking Status in PeruRevolut aims to convert its fast-growing global user base into deeper banking relationships in high-growth economies, with Latin America sitting at the centre of that plan. A full license in Peru would enable the firm to offer locally tailored services rather than rely on a narrow, cross-border or e-money model. Related: Revolut Wants to Enter Turkey by Acquiring a Local BankRevolut plans to leverage its multi-function app model to cross-sell services once it secures a foothold, adding features as it navigates local regulatory requirements.Revolut applied for a full banking license in Peru as it expands in Latin America to compete with some of the region’s biggest financial-technology firms https://t.co/p235dR9Otq— Bloomberg (@business) January 19, 2026The Peru application follows earlier expansion plans in the region. The company already holds a banking license in Mexico, has approval to establish a bank in Colombia, and has acquired one in Argentina. It also operates in Brazil under a credit license. The firm targets markets with high smartphone penetration and a growing digital payments.Latin America Expansion Gathers PaceLatin America’s combination of near-universal smartphone usage and a still-underbanked population creates fertile ground for digital banks.Revolut’s Latin American push comes as the company accelerates its global expansion beyond Europe. The firm, valued at around 75 billion dollars, has recently secured a crypto license in Cyprus, strengthening its ability to offer digital asset services under European oversight. As of early this year, Revolut had established itself as a leading banking force in Spain, surpassing established rivals like ING and Banco Sabadell with a 13% market penetration and over six million customers.Spain has reportedly become Revolut’s third-largest market worldwide, following the UK and France. Data from Inmark Group showed that Revolut is now the fourth-largest bank in Spain by customer reach, ranking just behind CaixaBank, BBVA, and Santander. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

A London judge cleared the way for UK regulators to cap cross-border card fees, handing a legal defeat to Mastercard, Visa and Revolut in a closely watched challenge over the cost of online payments between the UK and Europe, Bloomberg reported.The ruling keeps pressure on card schemes and fintechs over interchange charges on transactions where European consumers buy from UK merchants, even though the precise cap level and implementation timetable remain undecided.Court Ruling on Payment Systems Regulator’s PowersThe dispute centred on the UK Payment Systems Regulator’s decision to consult on restoring a cap on cross-border interchange fees that applied when EU customers used cards to buy online from UK businesses.The PSR launched that consultation in December 2024 after warning that Mastercard and Visa had raised relevant fees to an “unduly high level” following Brexit, when earlier EU limits stopped covering many UK–EU transactions.Related: Visa and Mastercard to Pay Nearly $200M in Decade-Long Merchant Class ActionMastercard, Visa and Revolut took the case to London’s High Court, arguing the PSR did not have legal power to impose price caps on those fees. They challenged the watchdog’s authority to set any ceiling and questioned whether it could proceed before finalising the level and timing of the proposed limits.Judge Dismisses ChallengeJudge John Cavanagh rejected the companies’ arguments and ruled that the PSR does have the power to introduce the proposed price caps on cross-border interchange fees.Mastercard, Visa and UK fintech Revolut lost a lawsuit with the UK payments regulator over its plans to usher in a cap on cross-border card fees. https://t.co/zqlr1msTSn— Bloomberg (@business) January 15, 2026The judgment allows the regulator to continue its work on the cap design without a legal block, although it still needs to decide the specific rate and when to bring it into force. The PSR has previously said that recent fee increases left UK merchants facing higher costs when European customers shop online, which it views as unfair and harmful to competition.PSR managing director David Geale welcomed the outcome, saying the decision confirms the regulator’s powers to ensure card payment costs are fair for UK businesses and consumers. Industry Response and Broader ContextVisa had previously said it disputed the PSR’s findings and warned that price caps can negatively affect the value people and businesses get from card payments.Meanwhile, Visa and Mastercard proposed a $38 billion settlement in the US last year to end a legal battle stretching over two decades. It aimed at resolving claims that the companies colluded to charge merchants excessively high credit card “swipe fees.”The offer came months after U.S. District Judge Margo Brodie rejected a previous $30 billion deal, calling it “paltry” compared with the fees Visa and Mastercard continue to collect from merchants. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

eToro has secured sponsorship deals with four French top-flight clubs and entered Formula One through a partnership with BWT Alpine F1 Team. The trading platform is adding AS Monaco, LOSC Lille, Olympique Marseille and Olympique Lyonnais to its growing list of football partnerships, while becoming Alpine's exclusive trading and investment partner for the 2026 season.The multi-year agreements, which begin with the 2025/26 season, make eToro the Official Trading Partner for all four Ligue 1 sides. Financial terms were not disclosed.eToro Returns to Monaco After Previous DealThe deal with AS Monaco marks a reunion between the club and the trading platform. eToro previously served as Monaco's main partner starting in 2021, when the company's branding appeared on the front of the club's jerseys."Our previous collaboration was extremely positive for both organizations, which is why we are confident that this new chapter we are about to embark on together will once again be a fruitful one," said Thiago Scuro, AS Monaco's CEO.AS Monaco is generally a well-regarded club among fintech companies. In 2024, sponsorship agreements with the club were also signed by zondacrypto, a cryptocurrency exchange originating from Poland, as well as Ebury.The partnerships give eToro visibility through pitch-side LED boards and media backdrops at matches. The company will also appear across the clubs' digital platforms and will run educational sessions and match-day events throughout the season.LOSC Lille will feature eToro's logo on its jersey sleeves, the most prominent placement among the four deals.“Beyond visibility, this is a meaningful collaboration,” added Olivier Létang, President at LOSC Lille. “eToro is an innovative, international company that shares our values of performance, transparency, and proximity to its community.”Formula One Entry with Alpine PartnershipIn a parallel move announced the same day, eToro secured a partnership with BWT Alpine Formula One Team for the 2026 season, becoming the team's exclusive trading and investment partner.The Formula One deal represents eToro's entry into motorsport sponsorship as both the sport and retail investing continue growing globally. The partnership will focus on engaging fans through content and experiences throughout the season."We are proud to partner with BWT Alpine Formula One Team ahead of the 2026 season," said Yoni Assia, Co-founder and CEO at eToro. "Formula One is driven by innovation and a relentless commitment to improvement, which strongly align with eToro's mission to equip our users with the financial tools and education they need to meet their evolving investing goals."Platform Builds Out European Sports PortfolioeToro, which serves 40 million registered users across 75 countries, has positioned itself as one of Europe's most active sports sponsors. The company spent 10.7 million dollars on sports sponsorships during the 2024-25 season.The platform extended its deal with Dutch club AZ Alkmaar last year and signed with Nottingham Forest FC in August 2025. The company maintains sponsorships with clubs in England's Premier League, Germany's Bundesliga and Italy's Serie A."Teaming up with Ligue 1 most prestigious clubs – Monaco, Lille, Marseille and Lyon – will help us enhance the sense of community and engagement central to both football and investing," said Valerie Kalifa, eToro's Director of Marketing for France.eToro's expanding football presence comes as betting brands face tighter advertising restrictions in some European markets, creating opportunities for financial services platforms to fill sponsorship gaps.The information emerged in the same week that the fintech announced layoffs affecting 7% of its global workforce, while the share price reacted by falling to record lows.This article was updated at 12:00 PM CET to include information about eToro's partnership with BWT Alpine Formula One Team, which was announced after initial publication. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Finseta reported revenue of £12.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, marking a 9% increase from the prior year's £11.4 million. The growth rate represents a significant deceleration from the 26% expansion the company achieved in 2024, when underlying revenue climbed to £11.3 million.The London-listed (LSE: FIN) forex and payments provider ended the year with 1,101 active customers, up from 1,059 in 2024. The company had already reached that customer count by mid-year, suggesting customer acquisition stalled in the second half.Finseta Corporate Business Surges While Individual Clients Pull BackCorporate client revenue jumped 54% compared with 2024 and accounted for 57% of total revenue, reversing the prior year's mix when corporate accounts contributed just 41%. The shift came as high-net-worth individual clients, who typically generate higher margins, reduced activity amid global economic uncertainty linked to tariff developments."While our revenue growth was constrained by macroeconomic factors, the strategic progress and investments we made during the year position us to broaden our offering, accelerate sales growth and increase profitability in the medium term," CEO James Hickman said.The company's gross margin compressed to approximately 61% from 65.7% in 2024, reflecting the heavier weighting toward corporate clients who transact at lower margins but with greater frequency. Adjusted EBITDA dropped to £0.1 million from £2.0 million in the prior year as planned investments in sales teams, compliance functions, and overhead ate into profits.Dubai Operation Ramps Up Faster Than AnticipatedFinseta received regulatory approval in March 2025 to provide payment services in the United Arab Emirates through a Category 3D license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority. The Dubai operation grew faster than the board initially expected, prompting additional investment in the sales team to support accelerated expansion in the region.The company established a new office in the Dubai International Financial Centre and began hiring for sales and compliance roles to onboard corporate and professional clients while building its partner network. Management expects the expanded UAE business to contribute positively to group profitability starting in 2026.During 2025, Finseta also established a full-service office in Canada, launched its corporate card scheme, formed new counterparty partnerships, and implemented UK agency banking in the third quarter. The agency banking capability allows Finseta to issue its own account numbers and connect indirectly to the Faster Payments System.Cash Position Weakens as Investment Cycle ContinuesCash and cash equivalents stood at £1.5 million at year-end, down from £2.6 million twelve months earlier. The company reported net debt of £0.3 million compared with net cash of £0.6 million at the end of 2024.The deterioration primarily reflects reduced operating cash flow in 2025 and approximately £1.1 million in cash outflows from investing activities tied to the company's strategic growth initiatives. Total operating costs for the year came in line with board expectations disclosed at the interim results in September 2025.Management expects to return to cash flow generation in the second half of 2026 as the investments in Dubai, Canada, and new product offerings begin to drive revenue growth. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Major high-frequency trading firms and quantitative hedge funds, including DRW, Susquehanna International Group, and Jump Trading, are building dedicated desks focused on prediction markets, signalling a new phase for a market long dominated by retail speculation. According to recent reporting by the Financial Times, these firms are entering prediction markets to deploy the same quantitative playbooks used in equities and derivatives. They identify mispricing, arbitrage discrepancies between platforms, and do market-making in structurally inefficient venues. “The opportunity is not about guessing outcomes,” said Joseph Saluzzi, co-founder of Themis Trading. “In a market this new, where platforms are still siloed and liquidity is fragmented, arbitrage opportunities are everywhere.” From Novelty to Market Structure Job listings underscore how seriously institutional players are approaching the space. DRW is hiring traders for a dedicated prediction-markets desk with base salaries reaching $200,000. Susquehanna International Group is recruiting talent to “detect incorrect fair values” and identify market inefficiencies, while Swiss-based G-20 Advisors is seeking quantitative engineers to build probability models for event contracts. Other professional trading firms, including Flow Traders, as well as specialist funds such as Kirin, Anti Capital and Sfermion, are also increasing activity in event-driven markets, reflecting a broader influx of quant capital. This institutional interest has been fuelled by rapid growth in trading activity. Volumes on prediction-market platforms have risen from less than $100 million a month in early 2024 to more than $8 billion in December 2025, transforming what was once a niche experiment into a market large enough to attract professional arbitrageurs. Liquidity Incentives and Embedded Market Makers The structure of leading platforms has also made them attractive to sophisticated traders. On Kalshi, Susquehanna International Group became the first official market maker, receiving reduced fees and higher position limits in return for providing liquidity. Similar arrangements are common in traditional derivatives markets, but their adoption in prediction markets highlights how closely institutional firms are now embedded in the sector’s infrastructure. For many of these players, prediction markets offer more than just arbitrage. Boaz Weinstein, founder of Saba Capital Management, has described event contracts as a highly specific hedging tool, allowing portfolio managers to offset the probability of discrete outcomes and take larger, more confident positions elsewhere. A Clear Signal of Professionalisation Some large hedge funds remain cautious, citing the market’s still-modest size relative to multi-trillion-dollar asset classes and the evolving regulatory landscape. Yet the arrival of top-tier HFT firms marks a clear inflection point. These firms are not treating prediction markets as a novelty or a betting venue, but as an emerging asset class defined by inefficiency, fragmentation and the absence of mature pricing - conditions where quantitative strategies historically thrive. As professional market makers and arbitrageurs move in, prediction markets are beginning to resemble early-stage financial markets elsewhere: volatile, imperfect, and increasingly shaped by institutional capital seeking to impose order, liquidity and price discipline. This article was written by Tanya Chepkova at www.financemagnates.com.

eToro launched 250 additional UCITS ETFs today (Tuesday), expanding its European investment offerings as the trading platform faces mounting competitive pressure from larger brokerages replicating its signature features.eToro Adds 250 UCITS ETFs The rollout targets European clients who increasingly favor UCITS-structured funds for their regulatory protections and transparency. European UCITS ETF inflows hit a record €330.6 billion in 2025, pushing total assets under management to €2.57 trillion. "eToro's goal is to open the global markets and make investing as simple as possible," said Yossi Brandes, VP of Execution Services at eToro. "For our European investors, UCITS ETFs are a key gateway to diversified and cost-effective portfolios."The platform said hundreds more UCITS ETFs will be added in coming months. The new funds integrate with eToro's recurring investment tool, which allows users to schedule automatic purchases at fixed intervals. Monthly minimums start at $25, and the company is waiving conversion fees on recurring deposits through March 31, 2026.The addition, hovever, comes one day after eToro announced plans to cut 7% of its workforce globally, a restructuring CEO Yoni Assia said would "correctly size business needs and support a long-term growth strategy."Rivals Chip Away at Social Trading EdgeeToro's expansion follows a difficult stretch for the publicly traded company. Earlier this month, Goldman Sachs downgraded the stock to neutral, warning that competitors are eroding its once-unique position in copy trading. The bank projects roughly 7% annual revenue growth through 2027, a modest forecast despite assets under administration surpassing $18 billion in November.Shares (NASDAQ: ETOR) have slumped more than 50% since the company's May 2025 IPO at $52. The stock tested levels below $31 this week, after the layoff announcement, marking new lows since its Nasdaq debut."As demand for these products continues to grow, particularly among our European clients, we are pleased to announce the addition of 250 new UCITS ETFs, with hundreds more coming soon," Brandes said.Recent Feature Rollouts ContinueThe ETF push follows other product launches aimed at deepening user engagement. One-third of eToro trades now occur during 24/5 extended market hours, mirroring growth at rivals like Robinhood and Interactive Brokers that also offer round-the-clock access.Last month, the company launched stock lending for UK retail investors through a partnership with BNY and EquiLend, bringing institutional-style passive income opportunities to its customer base."Recurring investments reduce the need to worry about timing the market and help investors build healthy long-term habits," Brandes added. "Our new recurring investment plan is an ideal way to steadily build exposure to ETFs." This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.