5 fintechs made it to this year’s  TOP 100 Swiss Startup list, an award organised by Venturelab. The 2025 edition of the TOP 100 Swiss Startups list includes five fintech companies, reflecting a more selective presence for the sector this year. Several familiar names return to the TOP 100 Swiss Startups list in 2025, continuing their work across areas such as AI in finance, digital asset investment, and mobility solutions. Of the 5 fintechs, 4 were repeats from the 2024 startup ranking and 1 was a newcomer. While fintech remains a key part of Switzerland’s startup landscape, its presence in this year’s list is notably leaner, roughly half of what was seen in earlier editions. Meet the 5 Swiss fintechs that made the TOP 100 Swiss Startup 2025 list: Unique (#13) +19 Supercharge your team with Unique FinanceGPT.   Relai AG (#23) +1 Relai is Europe’s leading Bitcoin app, made in Switzerland. CarbonPool Holding (#35) New Carbon credit insurance. LeaseTeq AG (#42) +14 Fully digitalised leasing provider in Switzerland. Calvin Risk (#68) -24 Risk management platform for AI algorithms. The post The Top 5 Fintech Startups in Switzerland in 2025 appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

British fintechs are stepping up plans to acquire US banks as regulators signal a more relaxed approach to mergers under the Trump administration. According to the Financial Times, UK digital banks Revolut and Starling are exploring the purchase of nationally chartered banks in the US, a move that would grant them American banking licenses and allow them to lend across all 50 states. Revolut, Europe’s largest fintech, has held discussions with advisers including Bank of America about a potential deal, one person familiar with the matter said. Acquisitions are seen as a faster way of securing a license compared with applying directly, while also giving fintechs access to new customers and deposits. This comes at a time when UK fintechs are winning customers at home at a slower pace. Declan Ferguson, Chief Financial Officer at Starling, said the company was weighing both options: Declan Ferguson “We’re considering both paths although we are probably more inclined towards acquisition.” Revolut and Bank of America declined to comment. The takeover plans come as regulators adopt a more permissive stance on deals. Michelle Bowman, Vice Chair of Supervision at the Federal Reserve, signalled a more bank friendly approach, including quicker approvals of mergers, shortly after being confirmed in June. Meanwhile, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) have withdrawn previous guidance that made transactions more difficult. Although banks can apply for charters through the OCC, the process has historically taken years. In 2021, Monzo withdrew its US application after regulators indicated approval was unlikely. Some fintechs have already pursued acquisitions. OakNorth, the UK business lender, bought Michigan based Community Unity Bank in March. Executives at major UK fintechs now believe Trump’s deregulatory push will make both applications and mergers easier. Two executives said they had observed a shift in the OCC’s attitude, with more fintechs exploring the direct application route. Klarna, the buy now pay later firm preparing to list in New York, is also considering a US banking license but will likely decide after its flotation, one person said. Klarna declined to comment. However, acquisitions can still present challenges. Watchdogs closely examine ownership changes to ensure the buyer has the infrastructure to maintain operations. Another hurdle is the US retail banking sector’s reliance on physical branches, unlike the UK where traditional lenders have reduced their high street presence. Digital banks that buy into the US may inherit costly branch networks. OakNorth now operates its first branch in Michigan.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News America, based on image by leoaltman and pallewaththefiverr2022 via Freepik This article first appeared on Fintech News America The post UK Fintechs Eye US Bank Acquisitions to Fast Track Licenses appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Baidu, a Chinese AI company, has announced that its Apollo Go robotaxi service is expected to begin operations in Greater Zurich in 2026. This development follows the company’s recent decision to establish its new European hub for autonomous mobility in the region, according to NZZ. Greater Zurich will become Baidu’s first operational market in Europe and only its second outside China, after Dubai. Unlike large urban centres where robotaxi services are commonly trialled, Baidu intends to introduce its autonomous vehicles in rural areas of Switzerland. The aim is to complement existing public transport networks and address long-standing mobility gaps, expanding access to mobility throughout the region. Dr Yong Geßner, Head of Baidu Intelligent Driving Group Europe, said: Dr Yong Gessner “Switzerland’s stability and neutrality provide a secure entry point to Europe. The country’s strong innovation drive, particularly in AI and sustainable technologies, together with Greater Zurich’s position as a leading European centre for AI research and application, made the region a natural choice. Access to highly skilled talent, supported by world-class universities and global technology firms, was also a decisive factor.” The planned deployment of Apollo Go in Greater Zurich marks a further step in Baidu’s international expansion and reflects growing interest in applying autonomous mobility solutions to diverse geographic and social contexts. Featured image credit: Apollo Go The post Baidu to Introduce Apollo Go Robotaxis in Greater Zurich from 2026 appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

The Crypto Valley Association (CVA) has announced the appointment of Jérôme Bailly as its new President, effective September 1. Jérôme, who previously served as Vice President, succeeds Emi Lorincz, whose leadership since 2021 has guided the CVA into a respected, internationally recognised association advancing the digital asset industry. During her presidency, Emi Lorincz strengthened the CVA’s financial and governance foundations, expanded institutional engagement, and enhanced Switzerland’s reputation as a hub for blockchain innovation. She will remain actively involved as Vice President. Reflecting on her term, Emi Lorincz said: Emi Lorincz “Leading the CVA has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Together, we expanded its global reach and created new opportunities for innovation and institutional engagement. I remain committed to our mission and look forward to continuing this journey with Jérôme and our community as Vice President.” Commenting on his appointment, Jérôme Bailly said: Jérôme Bailly “I am honoured to be elected President and grateful to my fellow board members for their trust. My special thanks to Emi Lorincz, whose vision and leadership built the strong foundations we stand on today. I look forward to continuing this journey with Emi as Vice President as we guide the CVA into its next chapter of growth and impact.” Looking ahead, Jérôme Bailly plans to focus on deepening collaboration between web3 innovators and Swiss financial institutions, addressing regulatory challenges, strengthening the unity of Switzerland’s blockchain hubs, and investing in programmes, team capacity, and digital tools to create long-term value for members.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by ismode via Freepik The post Jérôme Bailly Named President of Crypto Valley Association appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Revolut employees are set for significant payouts after the UK fintech firm launched a secondary share sale that has pushed its valuation up by two-thirds to US$75bn (£55bn). The sale, which prices each share at US$1,381.06, reinforces Revolut’s position as one of the world’s most valuable fintech firms, according to The Guardian. Employees can sell up to 20% of their personal holdings to new and existing investors in the coming weeks, with payouts expected in early autumn. The announcement follows a report that Revolut’s annual profits more than doubled in 2024 to £1bn, driven by growth in subscriptions and revenue from its wealth and crypto trading divisions. Revolut’s founder and CEO, Nik Storonsky, reportedly earned US$200m–US$300m from a separate share sale that valued the company at US$45bn last summer and could amass a multibillion-dollar fortune if the fintech reaches a valuation of US$150bn (£110bn). A Revolut spokesperson said: “As part of our commitment to our employees, we regularly provide opportunities for them to gain liquidity. An employee secondary share sale is currently in process, and we won’t be commenting further until it is complete.” The timing of the sale has prompted speculation that Revolut’s long-awaited stock market debut may be delayed. Kathleen Brooks, Research Director at online broker XTB, said: Kathleen Brooks “This could be a sign that the company will either IPO soon or that its employees are getting antsy about the lack of an IPO and want to release their equity in the firm rather than wait for the IPO. Whatever this move signals, it is a deep shame that Revolut is not planning to IPO in the UK.” Storonsky suggested last December that New York could be a better fit for an IPO due to the regulatory environment and market size, a move that would be a blow to the City and the London Stock Exchange, which has seen a growing number of defections. Revolut has faced delays from UK regulators in obtaining a full banking licence, which would allow it to hold customer deposits and expand into loans and mortgages. The company has said it has addressed previous accounting issues, EU regulatory breaches, and concerns over its corporate culture. It waited three years for initial approval, finally receiving it in July 2024, and has since remained on a restricted UK banking license. Earlier this year, Chancellor Rachel Reeves sought meetings with regulators amid the delay but was blocked by Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, who cited concerns over potential government interference in an independent process.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by altumcode via Unsplash The post Revolut Employees Can Sell Shares as Valuation Hits US$75 Billion appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Wise is reportedly considering becoming a fully-fledged bank in the UK. The company has spoken with experienced financial services executives over the past two months about roles in a potential banking business, The Times reported on Monday (1 September). The plans remain in their early stages, as Wise has not yet applied for a banking license. A spokesperson for Wise said the company does not comment on “rumours or speculation.” Founded in 2011 as TransferWise, the company rebranded to Wise in February 2021 to reflect the expansion of its services beyond money transfers, including bank-like offerings such as debit cards and multi-currency accounts. However, Wise is not a licensed deposit taker and operates under electronic money rules, meaning customer funds cannot be used for lending and must be ring-fenced, the report said. John Cronin, a banking analyst at SeaPoint Insights, told The Times it is “entirely plausible” that Wise would seek to become a fully-fledged bank. John Cronin “They could potentially look to convert the funds they safeguard into deposits, which they could then recycle into lending opportunities,” he said. “A banking license would give them direct access to the UK’s payment infrastructure, enabling them to reduce their reliance on third-party banks for clearing and settlement, potentially reducing costs and operational complexity.” In June, Wise applied to become a national trust bank in the US, a move that would allow it to bypass intermediary banks and settle dollar payments directly with the Federal Reserve, potentially reducing costs and accelerating transfers, the report said. Also in June, the company announced plans to move its primary listing to a US stock exchange while maintaining a secondary listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). Kristo Käärmann “This would bring substantial strategic and capital market benefits,” Wise co-founder and CEO Kristo Käärmann said at the time. “These include helping us drive greater awareness of Wise in the US, the biggest market opportunity in the world for our products today, and enabling better access to the world’s deepest and most liquid capital market. A dual listing would also enable us to continue serving our UK-based owners effectively, as part of our ongoing commitment to the UK.”   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by appshunter.io via Unsplash The post Wise Considers Becoming a Fully-Fledged UK Bank appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Switzerland’s government has announced that the Swiss Financial Innovation Desk (FIND), established two years ago to promote fintech innovation, will be integrated into the State Secretariat for International Finance (SIF). Originally set up for a three-year pilot period, the government says high demand has prompted the change, taking effect from 1 September 2025. The announcement, citing FIND’s participation in the Global Government Fintech Lab 2025 in Dublin, stated that “following a two-year pilot phase, the Financial Innovation Desk (FIND) will be transferred to the State Secretariat for International Finance (SIF) in an adapted form.” “The experience gained during FIND’s first two years confirmed the considerable relevance of and high demand for this role with a view to ensuring successful financial innovation in Switzerland,” the statement added. “As it is the Federal Council’s stated objective for Switzerland to be one of the world’s leading locations in the area of digital financial services too, a specialist Innovation Desk unit will now be created within SIF.” Launched as a “catalyst for any matters relating to financial innovation in Switzerland,” FIND has brought together projects, research, investors and authorities at national and international level, facilitating exchanges between stakeholders. It stems from a 2022 Federal Council report on digital finance calling for a platform to support framework conditions for innovation and collaboration between the private sector and authorities. As part of SIF’s internal restructuring, the Capital Markets and Infrastructure unit will be retitled “Markets and Innovation” and complemented by FIND as an Innovation Desk. SIF Head of Capital Markets and Infrastructure Julie Tomka said her team is “growing and taking on new responsibilities” and added: Julie Tomka “It will be exciting to deepen our collaboration with the Swiss ecosystem and generate even more impact together.” Deputy Head of Capital Markets and Infrastructure Nicolas Brügger will lead the Innovation Desk. Tomka also paid tribute to FIND’s team, overseen by Eva Selamlar-Leuthold, for “valuable work in laying the foundations upon which we can build today.” FIND’s 2025 annual report highlights initiatives including a 44-page Pathway 2035 for Financial Innovation, Your Navigator guide, the second edition of SwissHacks, a fintech hackathon, and a 2025 Innovation Tour. The team currently consists of Selamlar-Leuthold and three part-time colleagues. In a LinkedIn post, FIND said: “Time to say goodbye… after two exciting years as a pilot project, the Swiss Financial Innovation Desk has successfully fulfilled its mission: connecting, inspiring and strengthening Switzerland’s financial innovation ecosystem.” The government confirmed that established services and events, including the FIND Map and SwissHacks, will be retained, and parts of the FIND website will be integrated into SIF’s site. “Inclusion and networking of the various stakeholders remains crucial and will also continue in an appropriate form with representatives from public authorities, academia and the private sector, under the leadership of SIF,” the announcement added.   Featured image credit: Federal Department of Finance The post Switzerland Integrates Financial Innovation Desk Ahead of Schedule appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Worldline, a French provider of payment services, has appointed Anika Grant as Chief People Officer and member of the Executive Committee, effective September 1. Grant succeeds Florence Gallois, who is leaving the company to pursue opportunities outside Worldline. Pierre-Antoine Vacheron, Chief Executive Officer of Worldline, said: Pierre-Antoine Vacheron “We are pleased to welcome Anika Grant to our Executive Committee as Chief People Officer. Her extensive experience and proven track record in leading HR transformations within major international companies uniquely position her to guide Worldline through the profound changes we are undertaking.” “I would also like to sincerely thank Florence Gallois who has decided to pursue new career opportunities outside the company. Florence has driven our People strategy, strengthened our HR team, and modernised our processes.” Grant has more than 30 years of experience in human resources and organisational transformation. She was most recently Chief People Officer at Ubisoft, where she oversaw significant changes within the company and led the transformation of its HR function. Her previous roles include senior global HR positions at Dyson, where she managed an operating model transformation, and at Uber, where she played a role in leadership and cultural change in the period leading up to and following the company’s initial public offering. Grant began her career at Accenture as a consultant before moving into internal HR positions, including HR Director for a European region covering France, Benelux and Mauritius, and leading a global Centre of Expertise in Talent Strategy. Since 2019, she has also served as a board adviser and, following her time at Ubisoft, advised multinational organisations on strategic HR, workforce transformation and culture. An Australian national, Grant has worked in Sydney, London, Singapore and Paris. She speaks English and French and holds a degree in Business Information Technology from the University of New South Wales. She will be based in Paris and report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by lifeforstock via Freepik The post Worldline Appoints Anika Grant as Chief People Officer appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

It only took one glitch for Europe’s banking system to slam the brakes on PayPal. In a single day, German lenders froze more than €10 billion in transactions after suspicious payments slipped through the platform’s defences. For a payments giant built on trust, it was a jarring moment. PayPal’s fraud filters, normally tasked with blocking rogue direct debits, failed. What followed was a scramble across European banks to contain the damage, leaving merchants, consumers, and regulators caught in the crossfire. The disruption began when banks noticed a sudden surge of suspicious debits flowing out of PayPal accounts. Institutions such as Bayerische Landesbank, Hessische Landesbank, and DZ-Bank were among the first to pull the plug, suspending direct debits linked to PayPal until the situation became clear. The German Savings Banks Association confirmed that millions of unauthorised transactions had been initiated through PayPal, forcing lenders to block payments en masse. At one point, according to Tech Radar, the total frozen reached a jaw-dropping €10 billion. Regulators were quickly looped in as the issue rippled across Germany and beyond. PayPal admitted to what it called a temporary service interruption. In a statement, the company said it had identified the cause, restored its systems, and was working with banking partners to update accounts. By Tuesday, services were largely back to normal. But by then, the incident had already drawn headlines across Europe and rattled the financial sector. Businesses Across the Continent Felt the Pinch as Payments Failed to Arrive Behind the headlines were real-world consequences. Merchants relying on PayPal to receive funds suddenly found themselves short on cash. Online retailers reported delays in payouts, which in turn affected everything from stocking inventory to making payroll. For small businesses, the timing of payments can mean the difference between a smooth week and a financial crunch. Some were reportedly losing thousands of euros a day during the freeze. Consumers were hardly spared either. Routine bill payments, e-commerce purchases, and even personal transfers were caught in limbo as banks hit pause on anything that looked remotely suspicious. What is normally a background process (money flowing in and out without friction) was suddenly a visible and frustrating stoppage. Wall Street Watched Closely as Confidence in PayPal Took a Hit Investors didn’t ignore the drama. PayPal’s shares dipped 1.9% as the reports spread, reflecting concerns over both the technical lapse and its broader reputational cost. The payments firm processes more than a trillion dollars annually worldwide, so even a short disruption reverberates loudly. Competitors will no doubt be watching closely. Firms like Stripe and Adyen, which are vying for the same merchants and marketplaces, could seize the moment to position themselves as more reliable alternatives. In an industry where confidence and trust are everything, reliability can quickly become a selling point. The glitch has also sharpened the eyes of regulators. Germany’s BaFin confirmed it had been informed. Luxembourg’s financial regulator, the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF), said there are no major problems happening right now that require it to get involved. However, they wouldn’t comment directly on PayPal, whose European base is there. Sources suggest that the European Central Bank is also paying attention, particularly in light of the Payment Services Directive, which demands robust anti-fraud measures from all providers. For PayPal, the technical issue may have been patched, and money seems to be flowing again. But the trust that underpins it may take far longer to unfreeze. Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland based on images by mteerapat and romansigaev via Freepik. The post PayPal’s Glitch Puts €10 Billion on Ice Across European Banks appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Switzerland-based Amina Bank announced on X on August 29 that it had expanded its partnership with Circle through the Circle Alliance Programme, reinforcing its position in the stablecoin market. Regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), the bank highlighted the scale of its involvement, stating: “Over the years, Amina has transacted billions in USDC and EURC through our FINMA-regulated banking system.” As reported by Bitcoin.com, Circle acknowledged Amina’s participation in the Alliance Programme, noting the bank’s role in bridging traditional and digital finance. Circle wrote: “Circle Alliance Program member Amina Bank is helping bridge traditional and digital finance with crypto banking. By supporting access to USDC and EURC, Amina helps individuals and institutions to transact with confidence across a global infrastructure.” Amina underscored its aim to strengthen trust in stablecoin use, saying: “As Circle continues to lead the way in stablecoin utility, Amina enables individuals and institutions to transact with confidence across a global infrastructure. We’re proud to stand alongside Circle in this journey.” The partnership reflects a shared vision of embedding stablecoins within a regulated, institution-ready framework. Amina has sought to distinguish itself through Swiss oversight and segregated custody, offering a degree of security compared to higher-risk or opaque custodial models common in the digital asset sector. Alongside the Circle partnership, Amina introduced a stablecoin rewards programme to complement its custody services. Clients holding at least 10,000 USDC or 10,000 EURC will be eligible for quarterly interest payments, distributed in the fiat currency backing the respective stablecoin. The minimum non-compounding rate is set at 0.2% annually, though US persons and residents of the European Economic Area are excluded. The bank has also expanded its digital asset offerings through a partnership with Ripple, becoming the first global bank to launch custody and trading for Ripple USD (RLUSD), further advancing its strategy of providing institutional-grade access to regulated stablecoins.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by Circle via X The post Amina Bank Expands Circle Partnership and Launches Stablecoin Rewards appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Swissquote, a Swiss digital bank, has committed CHF 2.5 million to support the Zurich Information Security & Privacy Centre (ZISC) at ETH Zurich. The funding will bolster long-term research and education in information security, fraud prevention and data protection. With cybercrime evolving rapidly, particularly through the rise of AI-driven fraud, financial institutions and service providers face growing challenges. ZISC brings together researchers and industry partners to develop new technologies, methods and strategies to counter digital threats. Swissquote’s contribution is intended to advance the development of security solutions and strengthen the exchange of knowledge between research and practice. According to the bank, this will help build “a trustworthy digital infrastructure” and safeguard sensitive data and assets.   Featured image credit: Swissquote The post Swissquote Commits CHF 2.5M to ETH Zurich’s Cybersecurity Research appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Lakestar, a Zurich-based venture capital firm known for early investments in Spotify and Revolut, has closed a US$265 million continuation fund, anchored by secondary market specialist Lexington Partners alongside Industry Ventures and Performance Equity Management. According to Tech Funding News, the oversubscribed fund allows Lakestar to transfer stakes from four existing funds into the new vehicle, extending its exposure to portfolio companies while providing liquidity to limited partners seeking an exit. Such structures are becoming increasingly common as IPO markets remain subdued and exit horizons lengthen. Lakestar has not revealed which portfolio companies were included in the continuation fund, though sources suggest only partial stakes were transferred, enabling the original funds to retain upside potential. Klaus Hommels, Lakestar’s founder and chairman, described the fund as among the largest continuation vehicles in the European venture capital sector. Hommels, who invested early in Facebook and Skype, also serves as chair of the NATO Innovation Fund. The development reflects broader industry trends. US firms such as General Catalyst, Lightspeed, and NEA have launched similar continuation funds, while European player HV Capital closed a €430 million vehicle in 2022. In parallel, Lakestar is raising a separate US$300 million fund aimed at European defence technology companies, tapping into heightened defence spending across the region.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by freepik The post Lakestar Closes $265M Continuation Fund appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Spendbase, a Google-backed fintech company based in the US that helps businesses reduce spending on SaaS and cloud services, has entered into a strategic partnership with Wayliv, a Spain-based relocation platform that supports individuals, companies, and organisations in moving and establishing operations in Spain. As part of the collaboration, Wayliv clients will gain access to Spendbase’s neo-banking services, aimed at simplifying company formation. One of the key requirements for registering a business in Spain is opening a bank account, a step that can now be completed through Spendbase. Andrew Alex “Relocation and business setup are often complex, and opening a bank account can be one of the most time-consuming hurdles. By partnering with Wayliv, we’re removing friction from this process and making it easier for companies to establish themselves in Spain,” said Andrew Alex, CEO of Spendbase. Through the integration, Wayliv clients will be able to set up bank accounts more efficiently, access savings on SaaS and cloud tools, and use virtual corporate cards with cashback features. Jon Oyarbide Mendieta “Our mission at Wayliv is to make relocation and non-core business operations hassle-free, in Spain, for now. Partnering with Spendbase means Patrons [Wayliv’s client designation] are not left to navigate the bureaucratic, legal, and financial setup on their own. They can launch and manage their businesses in Spain faster and simpler, like nowhere else,” said Jon Oyarbide Mendieta, Managing Partner at Wayliv.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by Max Harlynking via Unsplash The post Spendbase Partners with Wayliv to Streamline Business Setup in Spain appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Gemini, the global digital asset platform, has made staking for Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) available to users in the UK. This development allows UK users to participate in the crypto ecosystem and earn passive income through the Gemini platform, reinforcing the company’s commitment to expanding its presence in the region following the opening of its first permanent UK office in London. Staking is an integral component of the Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism, in which users deposit cryptocurrency to validate transactions on a blockchain network and receive rewards in return. Through Gemini Staking, UK users can now stake any amount of ETH or SOL, earning up to 6% annual percentage rate (APR) for SOL, with ETH offering a variable rate. Previously, staking in the UK required a minimum of 32 ETH through Staking Pro. Gemini Staking is designed to provide users with flexibility and security. Rewards are accrued daily, and the process for staking ETH or SOL can be completed via the Gemini app or web platform. Gemini emphasises institutional-grade security measures and secure custody of assets, allowing users to participate in staking without managing private keys. To begin staking, users can navigate to the relevant sections for ETH or SOL within the Gemini app or website, select their preferred staking option, and choose whether to stake existing holdings or purchase additional crypto for staking.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by thanyakij-12 via Freepik The post Gemini Opens ETH and SOL Staking to UK Users appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

McLaren Racing has announced that Mastercard will become the Official Naming Partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team from 2026. From next season, the team will be known as the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team. As part of the expanded partnership, Mastercard will introduce ‘Team Priceless’, a global initiative designed to provide fans with access to team activities across the race calendar. Selected supporters will be able to take part in experiences such as hot laps, driver meet-and-greets, and events highlighting the culture of host cities. Further information on Team Priceless and its selection process will be released in due course. To mark the new phase of the partnership, Mastercard is staging a live fan event in Amsterdam on Wednesday, 27 August, ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix. The event will feature appearances by McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, as well as live performances. Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, said: Zak Brown “There is no one more important to us than our fans, so I could not be more delighted to enter this next chapter in our partnership with Mastercard with a promise to our Papaya Family around the world: that we will continue to put our fans first, bring them even closer to the team, and offer incredible experiences. Mastercard is a fantastic partner who shares our passions and values, so to have them on board as naming partner will offer us the perfect launch pad to keep pushing on and off track, and I cannot wait to see Team Priceless come to life in 2026.” Raja Rajamannar, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Mastercard, added: Raja Rajamannar “Our partnership has been grounded in putting fans in pole position since day one, and becoming the Official Naming Partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team takes that commitment to the next level. McLaren Racing represents the pinnacle of innovation, precision, and performance, values that mirror our own as we push boundaries and deliver winning experiences.”   Featured image credit: Mastercard The post McLaren to Compete as McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team from 2026 appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Tenity has announced the latest cohort joining its European Fintech Accelerator, reinforcing its position as one of Europe’s most active early stage investors. From 433 applications, ten startups have been selected to receive funding, resources and market access to support their growth and international expansion. The cohort reflects a broad range of innovation in financial technology, including regulatory technology, insurance, wealth management, infrastructure, banking, crypto and web3, investing and quantum finance. Each founder is working to address challenges within the financial ecosystem and to introduce solutions with the potential to scale. Tenity invests up to €300,000 in each startup and provides hands on support, investor introductions and access to partners such as UBS, SIX and Ripple. In addition to funding, the startups will take part in a four month programme running from 25 August to 5 December 2025, offering practical knowledge, tools and connections across Europe’s main hubs. With access to markets in Zurich, London and Copenhagen, participants benefit from cross border opportunities. The programme includes four in person masterclass weeks focused on growth, product development, traction and fundraising. Tenity’s approach focuses on long term value creation, traction and sustainable growth. With six hubs worldwide and a network of more than 1,600 alumni startups, it has become a platform for founders aiming to expand internationally. Andrea Fritschi “This cohort reflects the depth and maturity we are looking for in the European fintech landscape. At Tenity, we do not just invest capital, we partner with founders to build enduring, scalable companies. With this group, we see the potential to shape the future of financial services across borders and beyond silos,” said Andrea Fritschi, Managing Partner and Chief Financial Officer at Tenity. Meet the 10 startups:   eIDeasy| Estonia eIDeasy simplifies digital identity and eSignature integration by offering a unified API platform that connects businesses to 80+ global providers through a single integration and contract. This drastically reduces complexity, speeds up deployments, and ensures compliance with stringent eIDAS regulations, all while cutting costs and time- to-market.     Vinlivt | Germany Vinlivt enables insurance distributors to instantly onboard and manage their portfolios through native integrations with major broker pool platforms such as Broker-Pools, CRM-Systems. By connecting directly into these existing workflows, Vinlivt reduces onboarding from weeks to minutes, eliminates manual data transfer and boosts broker retention.     WarrenCloud | Estonia Warren tackles the growing challenge faced by small and mid-sized data centers that struggle to offer modern cloud services without expensive enterprise licenses or complex DIY platforms. By unlocking latent local infrastructure with a plug-and-play, white-label cloud OS, Warren enables providers to deliver scalable, compliant, and cost-effective cloud under their own brand, offering a decentralized alternative to hyperscalers that meets regional data sovereignty and payment needs.     Swisspaytech | Switzerland Paid247 is revolutionizing payments in Telegram with a secure, seamless mini dApp that enables instant peer-to-peer and merchant transactions in crypto and fiat. By integrating directly into the world’s fastest-growing messaging platform, we’re capturing a massive, under-served user base already transacting socially. Their model blends transactional revenue with subscription-based merchant tools, and early traction shows strong adoption potential.     Equis | Italy Equis tackles the succession crisis in aging economies by acquiring profitable SMEs through a tech-enabled HoldCo structure and gradually transitioning part of the ownership to employees. This model preserves business value, boosts employee alignment, and ensures long-term sustainability amid a wave of SME closures.     CrypDefi | Belgium CrypDefi provides the fastest, most secure DeFi access layer for institutions, enabling seamless interaction across 40+ chains with sub-30ms latency. Designed to integrate with existing custody solutions, it accelerates DeFi adoption by delivering audit-grade infrastructure, granular policy enforcement, and compliance-ready workflows.     Groundley | Denmark Groundley is transforming enterprise procurement with an AI-native data infrastructure layer that unlocks real-time, line-item visibility from ERP systems. By turning vague product codes and PDFs into enriched, actionable spend intelligence, we replace slow, consulting-heavy processes with instant, scalable automation. Their proprietary AI models classify transactions, surface savings opportunities, and automate compliance, powering better sourcing, cost optimization, and ESG reporting.     Ariadne | Switzerland Ariadne is a cloud-native, contract-centric finance platform that unifies transaction processing and real-time analytics in one ACTUS-standardized ledger. Their SolitX and AnalytX modules replace fragmented core systems, eliminating reconciliations, accelerating compliance, and enabling instant risk simulations across any asset class. We help financial institutions go from proof-of-concept to production in weeks, not years.     WealthAI | United Kingdom WealthAI is the category-leading AI Operating System for wealth management, combining an agentic, natural language front- end (delivered as a browser extension) with a robust API gateway and a curated marketplace of partner applications. This unified platform transforms fragmented, legacy processes into seamless, proactive digital workflows for wealth managers, portfolio managers, and compliance teams.     Quantum Signals | France Generate accurate short-term (1 minute to 5 hours) predictions of key market characteristics (price trend, liquidity, volatility) that can help quants and traders capture more alpha, optimize order execution, and improve hedging.     Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by thanyakij-12 via Freepik The post Tenity Selects 10 Startups for European Fintech Accelerator appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Zinsli Finance, a Zurich-based fintech specialising in digital rental deposit solutions, has entered into a partnership with Wincasa, a real estate service provider in Switzerland. The aim is to simplify the digital management of rental deposits and improve administrative processes for property owners, partners, and tenants. At the core of the collaboration is the integration of Zinsli’s platform into Wincasa’s service offering. Zinsli provides a fully digital and regulated system for rental deposit accounts, enabling property managers to open deposit accounts and insurance policies automatically, while operating within a compliant framework. For tenants, the solution allows rental deposits to be completed without paperwork, within a short timeframe, and with access to different deposit products. Marc van Nuffel “Our collaboration with Wincasa takes rental deposits to a digital level, user-friendly, secure, and ready for the future,” said Marc van Nuffel, CEO of Zinsli Finance. Marco Kissling, Head of Digital Products & Ecosystems at Wincasa, added: Marco Kissling “Zinsli shares our vision and values of a fair, open, and digital rental deposit market. With their platform, we are laying the foundation to address current challenges and to design processes that are digital, consistent, and efficient, creating a flexible and fully automated ecosystem without the need to integrate every solution individually.” Zinsli contributes the technical expertise and scalable platform, while Wincasa provides its market presence and operational as well as digital capabilities. Together, the companies aim to create efficiencies for property owners, tenants, banks, and insurers.   Featured image credit: Zinsli The post Zinsli and Wincasa Partner on Digital Rental Deposit Management appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Algbra Labs, a UK-based Fintech-as-a-Service (FaaS) provider, has entered into a partnership with Moka United, the fintech subsidiary of İşbank, Türkiye’s private bank. The collaboration will support the UK launch of RUUT, a digital banking brand developed by Moka United as part of İşbank’s wider fintech strategy. The partnership marks an important step in Moka United’s international expansion and aligns with İşbank’s aim to provide inclusive, technology-driven financial services beyond Türkiye. Using Algbra Labs’ full-stack FaaS platform, RUUT will offer a secure and scalable digital banking service to customers in the United Kingdom. The agreement will enable RUUT to operate client accounts via Algbra’s partner banking platform and to launch customer-named accounts as an authorised electronic money distributor. Over time, RUUT is expected to become a fully licensed electronic money institution, with Algbra continuing to provide the underlying banking and payments infrastructure. Both parties aim to deliver a fully operational platform within six months. The UK-Türkiye financial corridor, which currently supports more than £28 billion in annual trade and remittance flows, is a central focus of the partnership. Bilateral trade in goods and services between the two countries exceeded £26 billion in 2024, and the UK remains one of Türkiye’s top five export markets. The UK is also home to nearly one million people of Turkish origin, whose ties strengthen this corridor and underline the potential for expanding digital financial services to support trade, remittances, and investment. Zeiad Idris, Chief Executive of Algbra, said: Zeiad Idris “We are proud to partner with Moka United, the fintech arm of Türkiye’s most established bank. RUUT is an exciting digital banking initiative, and we are delighted to provide the platform infrastructure to support its UK launch. This collaboration reflects the growing demand for values-led, high-compliance, and scalable financial technology.” Halim Memiş, Chief Executive of Moka United and RUUT, said: Halim Memiş “This partnership with Algbra Labs is a strategic milestone in our journey to expand globally. Through RUUT, we aim to deliver inclusive, user-friendly, and trusted digital banking experiences, beginning in the UK. Algbra’s technological excellence and shared ethical approach make them the ideal long-term partner.” The collaboration underscores Algbra Labs’ role in providing infrastructure that enables banks and fintechs to launch and scale digital services without compromising compliance or speed.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by EyeEm via Freepik The post Algbra Labs Partners with Moka United to Launch RUUT in the UK appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Fiat Republic Netherlands , a fiat-to-crypto payment infrastructure provider, has announced that its E-Money Tokens (EMTs) for the euro (ENEUR) and pound sterling (ENGBP) are now available to members. A US dollar version (ENUSD) is under development. The launch allows members to access liquidity in EUR, GBP and USD on a 24/7 basis in line with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR). The company has received approval from the Autoriteit Financiële Markten (AFM), the Dutch financial markets authority, to provide custody, administration and transfer services for EMTs under MiCAR. This approval follows authorisation from the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) for the issuance and redemption of EMTs under its Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license. Together, these approvals make Fiat Republic one of the first firms in Europe authorised to provide regulated custody and administration of E-Money Tokens. MiCAR introduces safeguarding rules across the EU, requiring crypto businesses to hold a CASP licence and ensure the secure custody of customer funds. ENEUR and ENGBP are designed to meet these requirements through on-chain custodial wallets integrated into EagleNet, Fiat Republic’s settlement network, which provides uninterrupted access to liquidity. The tokens are pegged 1:1 to their respective currencies and operate within the EagleNet infrastructure, which also supports corporate liquidity wallets, transaction monitoring, cross-currency management and settlement between members. Adam Bialy, CEO and Founder of Fiat Republic, said: Adam Bialy “With MiCAR now in force, we’re enabling our Members to safeguard user funds and keep operations moving 24/7. ENEUR and ENGBP combine compliance, liquidity, and efficiency in one tool, and this is just the start of what EagleNet can deliver.”         Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by ruslan_ivantsov via Freepik The post Fiat Republic Launches Euro and Sterling E-Money Tokens Under MiCAR appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Despite volatility and uncertainties, financial markets continue to innovate and adapt. According to a report by S&P Global, tokenization, artificial intelligence (AI) agents, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are among the most significant trends shaping the industry, noting their potential to broaden participation in financial markets, lower barriers to entry, and create more efficient, liquid, and interconnected systems. Tokenization is poised to make financial transactions faster, cheaper, and more transparent, while AI agents have the potential to enhance efficiency by automating decision-making. ETFs, meanwhile, are democratizing access to complex or novel assets, turning them into familiar, easily tradable instruments. Tokenization streamlines transactions The report identifies tokenization as a transformative technology capable of unlocking new efficiencies. By representing assets on a blockchain, tokenization allows payments and transfers to occur on the same ledger at the same time, shortening settlement time, reducing counterparty risks, and increasing back-office efficiency. Legacy financial market infrastructure main challenges and inefficiencies, Source: S&P Global, Jun 2025 S&P Global expects tokenization to develop in three phases. The first phase, from 2025 to 2028, will see tokenization first scale in the collateral operations of financial markets, where assets will be swapped for a cash payment instantly, bringing tangible commercial benefits to financial institutions involved with repo transactions and intraday liquidity management. Wider acceptance of tokenization, however, will depend on the acceptance of on-chain cash leg solutions, including central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), regulated stablecoins and tokenized deposits. These solutions will be critical for adoption, since relying on traditional payment rails undermines the benefits of tokenization. As these solutions mature, S&P Global expects digital bonds to be issued increasingly with on-chain delivery versus payment, allowing investors and issuers to capture efficiency gains. Overtime, CBDCs and stablecoins will eventually become ubiquitous in cross-border payments and corporate treasuries, reducing friction, cost and delay in existing systems. In the second phase, between 2027 and 2033, tokenization is expected to expand across the credit spectrum, moving from niche financial operations into broader applications such as private credit markets, cross-border payments, and securitizations. In this phase, tokenization will connect borrowers and lenders more efficiently, enabling innovations like investors using tokenized fund shares as collateral on decentralized lending platforms and the creation of fully on-chain collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) with real-time transparency. Finally, in the third phase, from 2031 and 2035, tokenization will converge with AI, enabling autonomous AI agents to participate in markets by transacting with one another. This could revolutionize asset management and capital markets by increasing access to alternative investments, simplifying downstream processes, and automating asset and value transfer between multiple parties. Furthermore, the use of AI in portfolio construction can help asset managers better tailor portfolios for investors according to risk tolerances, investment objectives, and liquidity needs. The market for tokenized real-world assets has grown significantly over the past years and is projected to accelerate even further over the next decade. Between 2025 and 2033, the market is expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 53%, soaring from US$600 billion to US$18.9 trillion, according to a new report by digital asset infrastructure provider Ripple, and Boston Consulting Group (BCG). AI agents improve operational efficiencies AI agents, which refer to intelligent digital systems that are capable of making decisions and taking actions with minimal human intervention, have the potential to transform financial markets by enabling efficient, intelligent decision-making for market participants. These systems can process vast amounts of data quickly, increasing operational efficiency, and reducing errors. Agentic AI solutions can also improve price discovery by adjusting prices in real time based on supply and demand changes, and generate timely predictions, thereby optimizing pricing strategies, and expanding revenue opportunities. Agentic AI already exists today, but is primarily active in crypto markets through trading bots. According to the report, most of this activity has concentrated in smaller altcoin or meme-coin markets, with trading bots representing an average of 5% of daily trading volumes on decentralized exchanges on the Solana blockchain in 2025 so far. ETFs improve access to new assets Another key trend highlighted by S&P Global is ETFs. ETFs are well-known investment vehicles that trade on traditional exchanges and which offer a point of entry to new assets. These vehicles can own financial assets such as stocks, bonds, currencies, and/or commodities, a flexible structure which allows them to adapt to new trends and investment themes. This adaptability is evident in the rise of crypto ETFs. In January 2024, US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved 11 spot bitcoin ETFs. These instruments generated a trading volume of US$4.7 billion on day one, reflecting their appeal and convenience. Investor demand for crypto ETFs has surged this year amid a sharp rise in the price of cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin ETFs saw two consecutive days of over US$1 billion in inflows on July 10 and 11 as the cryptocurrency continued to hit new heights, reaching a record of US$120,000 on July 23, 2025. Beyond cryptocurrencies, ETFs of CLOs have also grown rapidly. These instruments, which were first launched in 2020, have doubled or even tripled in value quarter-over-quarter since 2023, reaching US$30 billion in assets under management (AUM) as of the first quarter of 2025. Assets under management of select CLO ETFs (US$M), Source: S&P Global, Jun 2025   Featured image by davidpinta9122 on Freepik The post Tokenization, Agentic AI Emerge as Top Trends in Financial Markets appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.