Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) and eToro (Nasdaq: ETOR) have expanded their partnership to provide real-time trading data for more than 210 additional stocks listed on Nasdaq’s Nordic exchanges in Stockholm, Helsinki, Copenhagen, and Iceland. eToro’s global retail clients will have complimentary access, making it the first non-Nordic broker to offer this data. The move builds on eToro’s existing U.S. equity data partnership with Nasdaq.Retail Activity Rises on Nasdaq Nordic“eToro has built a global investment platform serving the needs of users from 75 countries around the world. Many retail investors still have a strong home bias and this partnership enables us to offer a broader range of local stocks as well as superior pricing data for our users investing in European companies,” said Yossi Brandes, VP of Execution Services at eToro. Retail participation in Nasdaq Nordic markets has risen from 7.7% in 2018 to 10.6% in Q1 2025. The exchanges have delivered some of the highest annualized real returns globally from 1966 to 2024. You may find it interesting at FinanceMagnates.com: eToro Now Pays 4.3% on Cash While You Wait to Trade.Companies such as Volvo, H&M, Nokia, and Novo Nordisk are listed on these markets, along with over 460 firms on Nasdaq Nordic’s growth platform, First North, where retail investors accounted for 42% of activity in Q1 2025.eToro is now the first non-Nordic broker giving global investors complimentary real-time access to Nasdaq Nordic stocks.eToro expands its partnership with @NasdaqExchange to add and bring real-time trading data for 210+ stocks listed on Nasdaq’s Nordic exchanges in Stockholm,…— eToro (@eToro) August 27, 2025eToro Offers Local Currency Trading GloballyThe partnership is part of efforts by Nasdaq and eToro to increase access to regional markets for global investors. It aligns with Nasdaq’s provision of local market data to retail platforms and eToro’s collaborations with other exchanges, including HKEX, Deutsche Boerse, LSEG, and ADX. Users in the UK and Europe can trade in local currencies through eToro.eToro Partners with Nottingham Forest FCMeanwhile, eToro has signed a multi-year deal to become the Official Trading Partner of Nottingham Forest FC for the 2025/26 season, covering both Men’s and Women’s teams. The partnership adds to eToro’s sports sponsorships, including Premiership Women’s Rugby and Premier League clubs. The company aims to support gender equality in sports and investing through campaigns like LoudInvesting, promoting accessible and visible investment opportunities. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

Friday, 29 August sees the Work In Fintech AI Summit arriving at Google King's cross for an immersive event and crash course where students can discover and learn about the future of AI and Fintech. With a hackathon, talks, mentoring sessions and more, it's the perfect opportunity for the leaders of tomorrow to get a glimpse of what the Fintech field has to offer.Work In Fintech AI Summit: Why Now?The Work In Fintech AI Summit on Friday, 29 August is designed to compress years of exposure into a single catalytic day at Google’s King’s Cross (Pancras Square) campus in London. Students will step into a dynamic environment where Fintech operators, artificial intelligence (AI) practitioners and investors share what they know, then ask participants to build. Speakers include Narinder Patti, Head of Strategic Business - Fintech, Google, Christian Nentwich, PhD, Founder, Duco and Chris McConville, Head of KCX at Kepler Cheuvreux. The goal is simple and ambitious at once, to “bridge the gap between academia and real-world skills,” as Matthew Cheung, CEO at ipushpull and founder of Work in Fintech, puts it.Cheung’s vantage point is practical. Having co-founded what would later become newsquawk, the information and news service for traders, he now leads ipushpull, a platform that digitizes and automates workflows across capital markets and has spent his career at the intersection of business and technology. That background shaped Work in Fintech’s core belief that talent is universal while opportunity often is not, and so the organization leans into inclusion and access by design in order to encourage those who might not enter finance to do so.This 29th August at @Google HQ, London, The WIF AI Summit is back!Join us for a power-packed day featuring: ✅ 20+ world-class speakers & mentors ✅ High-impact networking sessions ✅ Expert-led lectures & panels ✅ Hackathon & hands-on learning opportunitiesMany… pic.twitter.com/pML3CHbpDv— Work in Fintech // workinfintech.eth (@WorkinFintech) August 19, 2025From Talks to a Hackathon and Investor-Style Pitches“The day starts with talks and panels from founders and CEOs which are focused on the skills young people need to thrive,” says Cheung. There is even a dedicated session on networking that is immediately put to the test during breaks and lunch. In the afternoon, participants form teams for a mentored hackathon, then pitch their solutions (which they’ve been working on for weeks) to a panel of “Dragons’ Den judges” made up of industry leaders, with prizes that can include mini-internships, event tickets, mentorships and more.Cheung explains the arc of the day in practical terms: attendees are pushed out of their comfort zones in networking, public speaking, team dynamics under deadlines and applied AI skills. “Not only does the event give them direct exposure to the latest tech, but just as importantly, it gives them the confidence to engage and build relationships with founders, CEOs and industry leaders,” he says.AI Tools: Lowering the Barrier to BuildingA key design choice is that teams can ship without heavy coding backgrounds. As Cheung notes, because of today’s AI and no-code tools, “you do not need to be a coder to participate in our hackathons.” Participants use a mix of AI and product tools that can include Google AI Studio, Firebase Studio, Vertex AI, Glide, Figma, Canva and Coda, while mentors provide context and challenge teams to push further.Inclusion as a Feature, Not a SloganAccessibility is core to the model. The selection process weighs enthusiasm, curiosity and their potential to benefit from the experience, not just grades, with outreach through universities and community organizations and an effort to remove financial or logistical barriers. The hackathon focus on underserved talent is intentional, says Cheung, because, among other factors, “diverse teams build better solutions” and the summit is about levelling the playing field so overlooked talent can prove itself.Next event is on 29th august, apply for tickets now ??https://t.co/cAOrBQmVi9— Work in Fintech // workinfintech.eth (@WorkinFintech) August 24, 2025Echoing this sense of inclusion, Cheung defines success as seeing “outsiders become active contributors,” building new connections and mentors, and ultimately securing “a job or internship” or the self-belief to pursue a career in Fintech or AI. He points to previous winners who progressed to pitch on stage at the Doers Summit in Athens, with the community even rallying together to create and fund a GoFundMe page to cover travel.Are you ready to become the first truly AI-enabled Bank? ?AI in Finance is excited to announce the speakers who will discuss how financial services are being transformed through agentic AI implementation, hyper-personalised customer experiences, enterprise-wide AI adoption and… pic.twitter.com/WOSt3bSueb— London Tech Week (@LDNTechWeek) August 22, 2025Judges score pitches on originality, use of tools, team collaboration, technical execution, relevance and clarity. An “investment-ready” student project shows problem-solution fit, a credible development path and a team that can execute. The 10-person panel includes Fintech founders, CEOs, supporters and senior tech leaders from sponsors.Beyond the Day: Pathways That StickThe summit is designed as a starting point. After the event, Work in Fintech facilitates mentorship pairings, introductions to hiring partners and, where possible, internships or extended project work with sponsors. The aim is to turn the momentum of build-and-pitch into tangible next steps. As Cheung frames it, the summit is a “launchpad, not a finish line.” The Bigger PictureThe AI Summit’s mission is both practical and optimistic. It convenes a partner ecosystem of universities, community organizations, founders and corporate sponsors to provide platforms, mentors and more. The ambition is to turn curiosity into capability at scale so that the Fintech industry becomes stronger, more innovative and more representative, and so young people see a future they can own. Register or learn more: https://lu.ma/m471f4vp.For more stories around the edges of Fintech, visit our dedicated pages. This article was written by Louis Parks at www.financemagnates.com.

European spend management platform Pleo has joined forces with Berlin-based fintech lemon.markets to roll out an investment account feature for German business customers, allowing companies to put surplus cash into low-risk money market funds.Pleo Teams With lemon.markets for Business Investment ToolThe new "Pleo Investment Account" lets businesses invest idle cash directly through Pleo's existing interface, earning returns on funds that would otherwise sit in low-yield accounts. Companies can access their money the next business day, maintaining the flexibility of a regular cash account while generating higher returns.The partnership taps into what the companies describe as a €2 trillion opportunity across Europe, where 26 million small and medium businesses hold deposits that generate minimal returns. Most of these funds remain parked in traditional accounts despite potentially better investment options."With 'Pleo Investment Account', we're enabling our customers to put their idle cash to work, earning yield without interrupting their existing workflows," said Amit Kahana, VP of Credit and Treasury at Pleo. How It WorksThe investment process works through lemon.markets' API infrastructure, which handles everything from customer onboarding to trade execution and regulatory compliance. Business customers set up accounts through a digital process within the Pleo app, then allocate cash that gets automatically invested in money market funds.Max Linden, founder and CEO of lemon.markets, described the launch as an example of embedding investment capabilities directly into business tools companies already use daily. "We are proud to partner with leading Fintechs like Pleo as we scale," he said.Growing Demand for Embedded FinanceThis marks lemon.markets' second major partnership in the business treasury space, following a similar collaboration with banking provider Holvi. The deals highlight growing interest among fintech companies in offering embedded investment products that help businesses optimize cash management.Pleo, which raised $150 million in Series C funding in 2021 at a $1.7 billion valuation, serves over 40,000 businesses across 16 European markets with expense management and financial workflow tools. The Danish company has been expanding beyond its core spend management platform into broader financial services.lemon.markets operates as a brokerage-as-a-service provider, offering banks and fintechs access to capital markets through a single API. The company has previously partnered with major financial institutions, including BNP Paribas and Deutsche Bank, and recently expanded into employee stock compensation programs through a collaboration with Optio Incentives that serves DAX-listed companies.Founded in 2020, lemon.markets has raised over €28 million from investors including CommerzVentures and Creandum. The company became part of the dwpbank Group in August 2025, gaining access to a platform that manages over €2.2 trillion in assets under custody. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

StoneX Payments has entered into a partnership with Bank Mendes Gans (BMG) to strengthen cross-border transactions. The deal will give BMG access to StoneX’s API-driven platform, reportedly enabling payments in more than 140 currencies and 180 countries.Access to Wider NetworkThrough the agreement, BMG clients will gain access to StoneX’s network of over 375 correspondent banks and payment providers. The integration is designed to improve settlement times, data validation, and transparency, while reducing reliance on intermediary banks.“This partnership with BMG is another meaningful step on our journey to build products and services that facilitate money movement and payment distribution for international organizations globally,” said Thiago Vieira, Global Head of StoneX Payments. He added that the firm’s new payment engine, XPay, already supports more than 85 banking institutions.New Currency CorridorsThe collaboration will expand BMG’s global footprint by opening new currency corridors, including underserved and emerging markets. Clients are expected to benefit from improved foreign exchange rates and faster processing times.For BMG, part of ING Group, the move strengthens its role in providing liquidity and cash management solutions. For StoneX, the partnership enhances its institutional client base as demand grows for streamlined cross-border payments.Beyond payments, StoneX made a series of acquisitions early this year. The group announced the purchase of R.J. O’Brien & Associates, a U.S. futures brokerage firm, in a deal valued at an estimated $900 million in equity.Octo Finances is joining team StoneX!We are thrilled to announce an agreement to acquire Octo Finances, a leader in financial intermediation in Europe, specializing in the public and private bond markets. The acquisition will further our capabilities in Europe and fortify our… pic.twitter.com/J9JP29kYYx— StoneX Group Inc. (@StoneX_Official) September 18, 2024StoneX also bought The Benchmark Company, a New York-based investment banking firm. The move aims to enhance StoneX’s capabilities in investment banking, equity research, and capital markets advisory, reinforcing its position as a diversified financial services group while deepening access to U.S. capital markets.In Europe, StoneX completed the acquisition of OctoFinances, a Paris-based fixed-income brokerage. The deal broadens StoneX’s offerings in bond and convertible sales, debt capital markets, and credit research, while strengthening its fixed-income division. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has inked a partnership agreement with Swedish fintech company Vermiculus as the business hub looks to expand its technology capabilities and deepen connections with Nordic markets.The memorandum of understanding between DMCC and the Stockholm-based firm focuses on financial technology solutions for exchanges, clearing houses and securities depositories. Both organizations will explore joint projects and share technical expertise under the arrangement.DMCC Partners with Swedish Fintech Vermiculus in Technology PushDMCC operates the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange and Dubai Commodities Clearing Corporation, making technology partnerships particularly relevant to its core business functions. The agreement comes as the organization serves nearly 26,000 member companies across its various business ecosystems.Vermiculus, which started operations in 2019, specializes in cloud-based systems for financial market infrastructure. The company develops platforms that incorporate artificial intelligence capabilities for exchanges and clearing organizations worldwide."Innovation is reshaping the future of trade and finance," DMCC Executive Chairman and CEO Ahmed Bin Sulayem said in a statement. "By signing this MoU with Vermiculus, we're laying the groundwork for collaboration that drives knowledge exchange, technology adoption and new opportunities for nearly 26,000 companies in our community."UAE and Sweden Strengthen TiesThe Swedish company brings experience from working with major global exchanges and clearing houses over the past quarter-century. Its founder and Chairman, Nils-Robert Persson, highlighted the firm's focus on "mission-critical needs of exchanges and financial institutions worldwide.""Partnering with DMCC, one of the world's most dynamic business districts, provides a unique opportunity to explore areas of mutual interest and growth," Persson noted.The most relevant recent cooperation occurred in May 2025, when a UAE delegation led by Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology Omran Sharaf concluded a two-day visit to Stockholm. The agreement doesn't specify financial terms or timeline details for potential joint projects. Both organizations indicated they would focus initially on identifying areas where their expertise could complement each other.The most well-known Swedish fintech is Klarna, the leader in the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) market. The company has been preparing for its Wall Street debut for several months, and many indications suggest that it could take place as early as September. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Fintech innovation is shaping the future of financial services. From trading technologies to brokerage solutions and institutional platforms, the brands leading this industry deserve recognition. This is precisely what the Finance Magnates B2B Awards 2025 aim to achieve.If your fintech company offers services for brokers, institutional trading solutions, or technology for brokers, now is the time to take action. The nomination window is still open, providing you with a valuable opportunity to showcase your brand on a global stage.Why an FM Award Matters for FintechThe Finance Magnates Annual Awards are built on three pillars: transparency, recognition, and exposure.Transparent process: Voting is split 50/50 between the industry community and a panel of expert judges.Recognition that counts: Being nominated alone signals market trust and positions your company among leading names.Exposure at scale: Every nominated brand gains visibility through Finance Magnates’ global channels and media campaigns.This isn’t just an award, it’s a strategic branding opportunity.Categories for Fintech CompaniesFintech brands can target across three core B2B groups:Institutional Trading: solutions for liquidity, prime brokerage, and execution.Services for Brokers: back-office tools, compliance solutions, and client management platforms.Tech for Brokers: trading platforms, automation, and next-generation fintech systems.No matter where your brand belongs, there is a category that emphasises your impact.Confirmed FinTech NomineesThe list of FinTech nominees is expanding across all categories: Institutional Trading, Services for Brokers, and Tech for Brokers. Together, they represent a cross-section of the industry’s best.These brands have made the initial move towards gaining recognition, increasing visibility, and achieving validation within the industry.Each brand is now officially part of the FM Awards 2025 voting process, which combines 50% community votes with 50% expert panel evaluation.What You Gain from a NominationEvery nominee benefits from a multi-channel exposure campaign that begins before the Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner and continues well beyond it:Pre-Awards visibility through social media and industry news.Exclusive interviews or podcasts for winners.A brand review and directory listing for 2026.Logo placement on the official FM Awards website.Winners will be revealed during the Gala Dinner in Cyprus on November 6, 2025, a night of networking with top industry leaders and clients.Put Your FinTech in the SpotlightThe Finance Magnates Awards signify more than just trophies; they represent an opportunity to position yourfintech as a trusted name in the industry. Whether you are scaling rapidly or already well-established, now is the perfect time to showcase your innovations.➡️ Submit your nomination today and make sure your fintech brand is part of the Finance Magnates B2B Awards 2025.Disclaimer: Please note that submitting your details is the first step in the process; it doesn’t confirm your official nomination just yet. To become an official nominee and be included in the Awards process, a member of our team will reach out to you shortly with more details, including the communication campaign packages available. These packages are designed to give every nominee the exposure they deserve, before, during, and after the Awards, across our global network. This article was written by Finance Magnates Staff at www.financemagnates.com.

There’s something incredibly frustrating about not being able to move your money when and how you need to. Whether it’s topping up a trading account, paying for services online, or simply accessing your own funds, financial access is still largely shaped by where you live.If you’ve always had reliable access to online banking, debit cards, or international e-wallets, the idea of a transaction failing — or not even being possible — might sound far-fetched. But for over a billion people globally, many of whom are part of the growing digital workforce and global trading community, this is the norm.Direct Connection FocusWhen we talk about financial inclusion, we often focus on access. But what’s sometimes overlooked is the quality of that access. It’s not enough to offer a digital tool; it has to work in context. That might mean supporting local payment methods, operating in local currencies, or offering options that make sense for how people actually live and transact.The new #GlobalFindex report shows how far we’ve come in financial inclusion: 8 in 10 adults worldwide now have access to a financial account. Still, 1 in 5 lack access to financial services. Progress is real, but the gap remains. Learn more: https://t.co/B4cWktZQfb pic.twitter.com/7CFwpsSBmb— World Bank (@WorldBank) July 16, 2025A good example of context over pure technology is the peer-to-peer (P2P) model. These platforms allow people to interact directly with each other.In a trading context, this means users can fund or withdraw from their accounts using familiar, trusted payment methods. In some countries, it’s become one of the few reliable ways to connect to global markets.Many retail trading companies now have a different approach to financial accessibility in some of the markets. Instead of providing products or features in single markets, they build secure spaces where users can interact directly, with the flexibility to set their own terms.You may find it interesting at FinanceMagnates.com: The Future of Finance Is On-Chain, but Not Necessarily Decentralized.I’ve seen how this approach brought dual value. On one side, it provides practical access to financial services, especially for people without access to international cards or conventional banking. On the other hand, it creates opportunities within a trusted, community-driven marketplace.This isn’t about chasing the next big fintech breakthrough. It’s about starting from real user needs, not just what we assume those needs are. What works in London or Singapore might not work in Lagos or Dhaka. We started from this fact, and it helped us build from the ground up with more empathy and impact.VISA commercial showcases seamless interoperability between peer-to-peer payment apps.?PayPal to ZelleCashapp to VenmoInteroperability is the future.?Watch.? pic.twitter.com/HUs9LxabP7— SMQKE (@SMQKEDQG) August 4, 2025Financial Systems, Where People AreIn many parts of the world, digital infrastructure is scaling fast, while formal financial systems are lagging behind. That’s why the best tools in this space aren’t just scalable; they’re adaptable.Think of traders in East Africa using mobile money, or freelancers in South Asia managing local currency restrictions. Their needs are rarely theoretical. They’re immediate, deeply practical, and tied to how they earn, save, and survive. What makes a difference for many clients isn’t some flashy new feature, but rather the quiet, dependable function of a payment system that works locally and intuitively.As someone who works in fintech, I get how easy it is to be drawn to big ideas and sweeping innovations. But if we’re serious about inclusion, we need to remember that progress often happens in small, context-specific ways. The most meaningful changes happen when financial systems meet people where they are, not where we expect them to be.In recent years, especially with the rise of blockchain applications, we’ve seen a push towards decentralisation. It’s highlighted how important it is to create systems that allow people to interact with one another, not just with central institutions. Without adaptability, meeting the diverse needs of different communities is not possible, not as fast as needed, at least.No company, government, NGO, or blockchain protocol is going to solve this alone. What’s needed is a coordinated effort: regulators creating room for innovation, communities voicing what actually matters, and companies willing to build with empathy rather than ego.Above all, trust has to be baked into the process. That doesn’t just mean ticking compliance boxes. It means transparency, user-friendly design, reliable verification, and solid support. When people feel safe using a system, they engage more confidently. This article was written by Derek Swift at www.financemagnates.com.

Corporate payments company Corpay Inc. (NYSE: CPAY) has signed New Zealand Football as its latest Forex partner, expanding the payments company's sports sponsorship roster as the All Whites prepare for their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.New Zealand Football Taps Corpay for Foreign Exchange ServicesThe arrangement will give the soccer body access to currency risk management tools and international payment processing through Corpay's platform.New Zealand Football will use Corpay's services to handle foreign exchange exposure from its international operations. The soccer body regularly deals with overseas transactions for player transfers, tournament fees, and other cross-border business activities that expose it to currency fluctuations."With our strong focus on growing the Corpay brand, as well as our corporate payments and currency risk management business in New Zealand, we look forward to working with New Zealand Football as their Official FX Partner in their pursuit of the World Cup and for many years to come," said Brad Loder, Chief Marketing Officer at Corpay Cross-Border Solutions.The New Zealand deal comes as Corpay continues its Asia-Pacific expansion. The company opened an Auckland office to strengthen its presence in the region, positioning itself to capture growing demand for cross-border payment solutions in New Zealand's business sector.Brand Awareness and Better FX OperationsThe partnership reflects New Zealand Football's efforts to professionalize its financial operations as the sport grows domestically. Football participation has increased across New Zealand, known locally as Aotearoa, creating more complex international business relationships for the national governing body.Corpay's platform consolidates international payments into a single system, potentially reducing administrative overhead for New Zealand Football's finance team. The organization previously may have used multiple banks or payment providers for different currencies and regions."As we grow and mature as an organization, we need to continue to evaluate the way we do business internationally, and partnerships such as this, with a major financial organization, illustrate how we are now thinking on a global scale," said Andrew Pragnell, CEO at New Zealand Football.Sports Sponsorship StrategyThe New Zealand Football agreement adds to Corpay's extensive sports partnership portfolio. The payments company has been particularly active in football sponsorships over the past two years.According to deals tracked by FinanceMagnates.com, Corpay has secured foreign exchange partnerships with several high-profile football clubs. The company extended its seven-year relationship with West Ham United earlier this year and maintains agreements with Manchester City, the reigning Premier League champions, as well as Everton FC and Aston Villa.Beyond English football, Corpay has expanded internationally with partnerships including AC Milan in Italy's Serie A. The company also ventured into other sports, becoming the exclusive Global Foreign Exchange Partner of UFC in 2024, with the deal launching at UFC Fight Night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.These sports partnerships typically provide clubs and organizations with tools to manage currency exposure from international player transfers, merchandise sales, sponsorship deals, and tournament prize money. For Corpay, the agreements offer brand visibility across stadiums, broadcasts, and digital channels while providing access to the clubs' corporate partner networks. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Club Brugge KV has announced a five-year partnership with Neo, a cross-border payments fintech. Neo will serve as the Belgian Pro League team’s official foreign currency exchange partner until 2030.Five-Year FX DealUnder the agreement, Neo will oversee the club’s foreign exchange and multi-currency transactions. The arrangement is expected to lower FX costs and simplify international operations, including player transfers, travel expenses, staff payments, and sponsorship settlements.Club Brugge regularly competes in major continental competitions, including the UEFA Champions League. To manage its financial commitments abroad, the club requires reliable FX solutions. Neo’s platform offers International Bank Account Numbers for payments in over 25 currencies, along with tools to hold, convert, and send funds across borders.Based in Barcelona, Neo has evolved from an FX trading platform into a broader treasury services provider. The company reportedly works with over 300 corporate clients in 28 countries and has processed more than €20 billion through the SWIFT network, including €7 billion in 2024.Laurent Descout, the Co-founder and CEO of Neo, commented: “We’re proud to support one of Europe’s most ambitious clubs. Football today is a global business, and smart currency management plays a vital role in helping clubs stay financially agile.”“At Neo, we’ve worked with leading organisations in the sports industry, so we understand the challenges that come with international operations.”More Sports CollaborationsNeo signed a partnership deal with English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers FC (Wolves). The agreement made Neo the club’s official foreign currency exchange partner.Welcoming @getneonews, our Official Foreign Currency Exchange Partner ?— Wolves (@Wolves) July 17, 2024Wolves had previously worked with AstroPay as their principal partner and shirt sponsor, but that deal was not renewed for the 2023/24 season. Debet, an online gambling platform, replaced AstroPay as the club’s main sponsor.Under the partnership, Neo helped Wolves reduce foreign exchange costs by managing FX and multi-currency transactions. The fintech also gained brand exposure through the club’s commercial infrastructure. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

eToro announced today (Wednesday) it will pay up to 4.3% annual interest on cash sitting in customer trading accounts, the latest move by the social investing platform to keep client money working between trades.This brings the Israeli fintech in line with several other retail trading companies that introduced similar offerings this year and last, including Interactive Brokers and XTB.eToro Offers 4.3% Interest on Cash BalancesThe feature launches without minimum balance requirements for European users, who can earn 3.5% on balances up to $50,000 and 4.3% on amounts above that threshold. Customers in other regions face tiered requirements starting at $10,000 for 1% interest, climbing to 4.3% for balances exceeding $250,000.eToro calculates interest daily and credits accounts monthly, with no lock-up periods or penalties for withdrawals. The money remains available for immediate trading or cash-outs, addressing a common frustration among retail investors whose idle cash typically earns nothing while they research their next moves."Sometimes the most prudent decision is to wait," said Dan Moczulski, eToro's UK managing director. "By paying up to 4.3% per annum on uninvested US-dollar balances, we ensure clients' capital continues to earn a competitive return while they prepare for their next trade."The fintech claims that the rates significantly exceed what most traditional banks offer on checking accounts, though they trail some high-yield savings products. eToro applies the interest only to cash balances, not invested funds, but determines eligibility based on total account equity including investments.Platform Expansion StrategyThe cash interest program joins several features eToro rolled out this year, including recurring investment plans and stock lending options. The company also went public under the ticker ETOR, launched a debit card offering cashback rewards, signaling its push to become a more comprehensive financial services provider beyond its core trading platform.eToro built its reputation on social trading, where users can copy the investment strategies of successful traders on the platform. The company now serves over 40 million users across 75 countries, positioning itself as both a brokerage and social network for investors.The interest feature, however, faces some geographical restrictions. eToro can exclude customers from the program for policy violations and reserves the right to modify or discontinue the offering. The company also warns that currency conversion costs could offset interest gains for non-dollar deposits.eToro Joins the GangThe cash interest program reflects broader competition among retail brokerages to capture and retain customer assets. As commission-free trading became standard, platforms increasingly compete on auxiliary services and features that generate revenue from customer cash and investments.One of the first to introduce interest on uninvested cash was BidX Markets at the end of 2023. The trend continued in 2024, with Webull and Poland-based XTB joining in.It accelerated in 2025, when other direct competitors of eToro followed, including Germany’s NAGA, which offers just under 2.8% APY, as well as Interactive Brokers and IG Group. Similar solutions are also available from Trading 212, Trade Republic, and Lightyear, where standard rates hover around 2%eToro's interest payments start from the first dollar for eligible European customers, with monthly crediting by the fifth business day of each following month. Customers must manually activate the feature through their account dashboard, and eToro maintains discretion over program participation. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.

Turkey's fintech firm Midas has secured $80 million in Series B funding, marking a milestone for the Country’s growing financial technology sector. Global investors back the Istanbul-based investment platform.A Global Bet on Turkish FintechQED Investors led the round, joined by new backers International Finance Corporation, HSG, QuantumLight, Spice Expeditions, and George Rzepecki. Existing supporters Spark Capital, Portage Ventures, and Bek Ventures also participated. The raise lifts Midas’ total funding to more than $140 million.Yusuf Özdalga, Partner at QED Investors, said: “Midas has unlocked access to vast domestic and global investment opportunities for Turkish users, utilising cutting-edge fintech tools. As QED, we are proud to lead Midas' Series B round, and are incredibly excited to partner with Egem and his team, who have created an exceptionally strong product and performance culture.”Founded in 2020, Midas has attracted 3.5 million users with commission-free access to Borsa Istanbul, U.S. equities, mutual funds, and cryptocurrencies. The platform eliminated local stock trading commissions earlier this year, after previously cutting U.S. trading fees by 90%. Users have collectively saved an estimated $50 million in transaction costs.Scaling Into Advanced ProductsThe company plans to channel fresh capital into derivatives trading and new tools for active investors. U.S. options trading will launch in September, followed by Turkish equity derivatives. Recent product rollouts already include margin investing and advanced analytics.Midas said part of the funding will support improvements to its infrastructure, focusing on operational resilience and data protection. With its largest round to date and backing from major global funds, the company is positioning itself as a key player in both Turkey and the wider region.You may also find interesting: Prop Firm Propel Capital Folds After 14 Months, CEO Blames Fierce CompetitionAccording to the latest report, global investors are increasingly turning their attention to Türkiye, with billions of dollars flowing into a wide range of sectors. A March study, titled Türkiye’s FDI Landscape at a Glance and published by the Investment Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, shows that foreign direct investment (FDI) is on the rise, supported by improved credit ratings and large-scale infrastructure projects.The report highlights fintech as one of the standout industries attracting major international backers. Türkiye’s fintech ecosystem is expanding rapidly, with several firms positioning themselves as potential unicorns. The country’s commitment to fostering innovation in financial services has made it a key area of focus for global investors seeking growth opportunities. This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.

N26 co-founder Valentin Stalf will step down as chief executive and join the German digital bank’s supervisory board. The move follows tensions between investors and the bank’s founders.The decision comes shortly after BaFin, Germany’s financial regulator, raised fresh concerns about N26. Last month, the watchdog threatened new sanctions against the company. N26, which has more than 200,000 customers in Ireland, has faced repeated regulatory challenges in recent years.Investor TalksStalf’s departure is tied to negotiations between N26’s founders and investors. Stalf and fellow co-founder Max Tayenthal jointly own about 20% of the bank. They are considering giving up special voting rights that give them veto power over major decisions. In return, investors would accept reduced returns on their investment.N26 was valued at €7.7 billion in 2021. The fundraising deal included a guaranteed 25% annualised rate of return for investors.? ????????: Founders of N26 may be facing replacement.Some investors are reportedly losing patience with the two co-founders and co-CEOs of N26, Valentin Stalf and Maximilian Tayenthal. A leadership change may be on the horizon...According to Manager Magazin, which… pic.twitter.com/4rIYVUFW1X— Marcel van Oost (@oost_marcel) August 13, 2025You may find it interesting at FinanceMagnates.com: Investment Tech Provider to N26 and Revolut Raises €100M.Leadership ChangesTayenthal, who shares the chief executive role with Stalf and oversees the licensed bank entity, will remain in position for now. However, people familiar with the talks told the Financial Times that he may step down later.Chairman Marcus Mosen has been considered for the role of interim co-CEO, according to earlier reports. N26 said Tayenthal “remains fully committed” to his responsibilities.Read More: BaFin Imposes 9.2 Million EUR Fine on N26 for 2022 Compliance Lapses.Supervisory RoleGermany’s two-tier governance system separates the management and supervisory boards. The management board runs daily operations, while the supervisory board oversees strategy, pay, and executive appointments.Stalf said he had been planning his exit “for some time” and would transition over six months. He added that his supervisory board role would be “very different” from his duties as chief executive.His decision was accelerated after reports last week revealed he was preparing to leave. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

With explosive transaction growth, a new MiFID license, and a shiny European investment rollout, Airwallex is playing in the big leagues.Fintech Unicorn? Try Fintech JuggernautThere’s hitting targets, and then there’s Airwallex (site). The Australian-founded, globally sprawling fintech just cruised past $200 billion in annualized transaction volume (ATV), a figure that demands a little pause, mostly to make sure it’s not a typo. And yes, that’s up 92% from the previous year. The official announcement can be seen here.The future of global banking isn’t years away, it’s happening now.From launching major product updates to strengthening iconic partnerships, the first half of 2025 has been a big one for Airwallex: ? Crossed $900 million in annualised revenue run rate (up 89% YoY)?… pic.twitter.com/TsRSGXY0Zj— Airwallex (@airwallex) August 14, 2025The figure was announced alongside its annualized revenue, which has soared to $900 million (up 89%). That’s nearly a billion in annual income, all while the company continues to build out its product suite and expand into new markets.In case anyone was still wondering whether cross-border fintech platforms were “having a moment,” Airwallex has entered the chat with receipts.“Our mission is to become the financial operating system for modern businesses, enabling them to scale seamlessly across borders, currencies, and markets, without the friction of traditional financial systems holding them back,” Jack Zhang, Co-founder and CEO of Airwallex, said. The announcement, written by Zhang, highlighted the platform’s ability to handle everything from payment acceptance and treasury management to expense reconciliation and border-hopping transactions. In other words, the entire messy backend of money movement, all neatly tied up in an Airwallex-branded bow.The European Invasion: MiFID Licence SecuredAs if $200 billion weren’t enough confetti, Airwallex is now setting its sights on deeper integration into the European financial system. The company has secured a MiFID investment firm license from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM).This isn’t just a regulatory badge to pin on the fintech’s lapel. The license allows Airwallex to roll out multi-currency investment products in Europe. That means businesses using the platform can not only move their money, they can now grow it too, all under one umbrella.This evolution places Airwallex in direct competition with traditional banks and investment managers. It's not just about helping clients send money across borders anymore, it's about helping them make money.Sporting Ambitions and a London ExpansionIn other news, Airwallex recently signed on as Arsenal football club’s official financial software partner, injecting its brand into the Emirates Stadium and Arsenal’s digital platforms.⚽ We’re now an Official Partner of Arsenal Football Club!Airwallex and @Arsenal share a drive to compete and win on the global stage. As part of this multi-year partnership, we’ll help drive efficiencies across Arsenal’s financial operations and support their continued… pic.twitter.com/vI1k7UGyRq— Airwallex (@airwallex) July 18, 2025Arsenal’s Chief Commercial Officer Juliet Slot sounded positively chirpy about introducing Airwallex to global “Gooners” during their men’s team’s Singapore and Hong Kong, saying, ““We’re delighted to welcome Airwallex to our Arsenal family, and to introduce them to our Gooners around the world on our upcoming men’s tour to Asia. They share our values, our ambition to grow, and our ambition to win.” The takeaway? Airwallex is everywhere and seems to be spreading into as many new areas as possible.With Arsenal a global brand, but firmly rooted in the English capital, it’s perhaps time to remind you that Airwallex also recently announced their move into a new London office, in upmarket Fitzrovia. Following a 109% YoY growth in revenue, the firm’s 100+ team will serve as a regional HQ for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)."The UK continues to be one of Airwallex’s fastest-growing markets globally," said Kai Wu, Chief Revenue Officer at Airwallex. "The surge in demand for our platform shows that businesses here are increasingly looking for modern alternatives to traditional banking and payments infrastructure. Our new Fitzrovia office is a testament to the incredible momentum we’re seeing and our long-term commitment to investing in the UK market."Israel: Officially Licensed to ThriveNot content with Europe and the UK, Airwallex has also just earned a payment service license in Israel, granted by the Israel Securities Authority. The license allows Airwallex to transfer, exchange, clear funds, run digital wallets, and even offer interest‑bearing instruments in Israel.Airwallex Obtains Payment Service License in Israel https://t.co/tibQ9MvWFB pic.twitter.com/gwDCiuUvXQ— Crowdfund Insider (@crowdfundinside) July 24, 2025There’s talk of driving competition against local banks and slashing costs for consumers. The license comes with rules—like segregating customer funds, obeying anti‑laundering protocols, and meeting transparency standards.Watch this space.So, What’s Next for Airwallex?At this rate, a Martian satellite office wouldn’t be entirely shocking. But back on Earth, the roadmap seems to be all about scale, sophistication, and serious financial infrastructure.There’s also a growing artificial intelligence (AI) component. Airwallex is developing in-house AI systems to do everything from help manage company spending, improve customer onboarding and process card disputes. They’re not the only ones, but it’s certainly something to watch.Airwallex’s playbook is clear: go global, go enterprise, go deep into financial services. And, most importantly, go fast.If you weren’t paying attention before, now might be a good time to start.For more stories making waves in the world of fintech and finance, visit our Trending pages. This article was written by Louis Parks at www.financemagnates.com.

Ebury has renewed its partnership with Southampton Football Club for the 2025/26 season, maintaining its position as the Championship team's official fintech partner.The London-based payments specialist first teamed up with Southampton in October 2024. Now the companies are extending their collaboration as the club competes in England's second tier following relegation from the Premier League.Ebury Extends Southampton FC Partnership for Second SeasonSouthampton will continue using Ebury's international payments platform and currency exchange services. The partnership covers money transfers and other financial operations that football clubs need when dealing with overseas transactions.Ebury's branding remains visible around St Mary's Stadium, appearing on LED displays and big screens during home matches. The financial arrangement details weren't disclosed.Continuing our partnership with global fintech company, Ebury ?— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) August 15, 2025The renewed deal adds to Ebury's expanding sports portfolio. The fintech firm already works with Aston Villa in the Premier League, Scottish club Rangers, and Dutch team PSV Eindhoven. In the past, the club was also sponsored by the Israeli fintech company eToro.Southampton currently sits in the EFL Championship after being relegated from the Premier League last season. The club hopes to secure promotion back to England's top flight under manager Russell Martin.Growing Sports FocusFootball clubs increasingly need specialized financial services to handle cross-border payments for player transfers, sponsorship deals, and international merchandising. Ebury claims it has built a dedicated sports business unit to serve these needs."We're thrilled to extend our role as Official Fintech Partner of Southampton Football Club in the upcoming second and third seasons," said Peter Brooks, Ebury's Global Head of Sports. The company helps clubs manage foreign exchange risks and navigate international trade complexities, he added.Southampton's Finance Director Dave Driver described Ebury as "a fantastic partner to work with, providing a high level of expertise to support our finance operations."Ebury operates from more than 40 offices across 29 markets with 1,800 employees. The company serves over 21,000 customers and handles transactions in more than 130 currencies. The company reported £220 million in revenue for fiscal 2024, with EBITDA reaching £9 million. This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.