During the first three quarters of 2025, Europe’s business technology sector raised a total of EUR 3.4 billion through 443 transactions, according to Finch Capital, a growth investor specializing in business and fintech innovation. These figures mark a year-over-year (YoY) decline of 4% in total funding value, and a 32% YoY decline in deal volume from 654 deals in 2024. Despite this overall slowdown, artificial intelligence (AI) emerged as the primary growth driver, accounting for the majority of deals and funding, particularly within the IT and data vertical. Business tech funding in Europe by vertical, Source: State of European Business Technology 2025, Finch Capital, Nov 2025 AI dominates business tech funding AI accounted for 50% of all business tech funding rounds in Q1-Q3 2025. In value terms, AI-linked ventures secured a total of EUR 2.4 billion, representing 67% of total business tech funding for the period. Surging AI funding activity propelled the IT and data vertical to become the largest and fastest-growing business tech vertical. 61% of deal volume in IT and data during Q1-Q3 2025 was linked to AI, reflecting rising enterprise demand for cloud, and productivity AI tools. Total funding to IT and data startups reached EUR 1.7 billion during Q1-Q3 2025, marking a 19% YoY increase and giving the vertical a 50% share of total European business tech funding for the period. However, deal volume in IT and data fell 37% YoY to 157 transactions. This suggests that capital has been concentrated around AI leaders, particularly those specializing in infrastructure and data modernization. Exits in IT and data also surged, reaching EUR 3.1 billion in Q1-Q3 2025 and growing more than ninefold from EUR 320 million in 2024. IT and data funding and exits, Source: State of European Business Technology 2025, Finch Capital, Nov 2025 IT and data was the only vertical in business tech to record a YoY increase in funding activity, a growth that was driven by AI tools that are enhancing collaborations and which are delivering productivity gains. These solutions are supporting the advent of “Business 4.0”, an era where companies are redesigning operations around AI as a core capability rather than an experimental add-on, Finch Capital says. The technology is increasingly viewed as a strategic growth driver, powering efficiency, decision-making, and competitiveness. France leads business tech funding France led European business tech funding by value, accounting for 49% of the market in Q1-Q3 2025. The country is maintaining its leadership for the second consecutive year, driven by landmark rounds raised by Mistral AI. In September 2025, Mistral AI secured EUR 1.7 billion in a Series C round led by semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML with participation from existing investors DST Global, Andreessen Horowitz, Bpifrance, General Catalyst, Index Ventures, Lightspeed and NVIDIA. The round gave Mistral AI a EUR 11.7 billion post-money valuation and will support the startup’s scientific research to tackle sophisticated technological challenges faced by strategic industries. It came after months of rumors of a takeover by Apple. Founded in 2023, Mistral AI is a pioneer company in generative AI (genAI), providing high-performance, optimized, and cutting-edge open-source models, products and solutions as well as end-to-end infrastructure. Mistral AI’s key offerings include Le Chat, a large language model (LLM) chatbot and AI assistant; Mistral Code, an AI-powered coding assistant for enterprises; and Mistral Compute, a purpose-built cloud infrastructure service for AI development. The startup is headquartered in France, with a global presence in the US, UK and Singapore. It achieved EUR 30 million in annual recurring revenues last year, according to Sifted. Business tech funding in Europe by country, Source: State of European Business Technology 2025, Finch Capital, Nov 2025 Valuations surges; mid-market buyouts rise Median pre-money valuations have surged across both AI-led and traditional business tech companies over the past seven years, climbing 264% since 2018 and now surpassing 2021-2022 peaks after a brief 2023 correction. This represents a 72 points increase from 2024, driven by the AI momentum triggered by the release of OpenAI ChatGPT. Median pre-money valuation in the European business tech sector, indexed to 2018, Source: State of European Business Technology 2025, Finch Capital, Nov 2025 In Q1-Q3 2025, a total of 160 exits occurred in Europe’s business tech industry, up from 131 in 2024. The landscape was dominated by mid-market buyouts, with about 40 transactions totaling about EUR 2 billion in value. Europe’s median business tech exit value reached EUR 49 million in 2025, up 65% from last year’s EUR 18 million, further highlighting the strength of the mid-market segment. Main Capital Partners, a Dutch software investor managing investment funds active in Europe and the US, was the most active buyer with four deals. Marlin Equity Partners, a global investment firm from the US; Adelie, a multi-stage tech fund based in Paris and London; Securex, a Belgian human resources (HR) services group; and Fullcast, an AI-powered sales performance management solution, followed, each with two transactions. Though buyouts led in exit value, strategic mergers and acquisitions (M&A) dominated in deal count, recording about 80 transactions. However, these deals generated a much more modest ~EUR 500 million in total value. Exits in the business tech industry, Source: State of European Business Technology 2025, Finch Capital, Nov 2025 Finance and operational takes second place After IT and data, finance and operations was the second-largest category in European business tech funding, securing a total of EUR 686 million through 107 deals. The UK and German led the charge, jointly accounting for 42% of deals. Deal activity was driven by digital procurement leaders, as executives seek improved performances, transparency, and regulatory compliance through digital transformation. Europe’s finance and operations vertical is expected to end the year at more than EUR 900 million. Notable transactions in finance and operations in Q1-Q3 2025, according to Finch Capital, included Finom’s combined EUR 208 million rounds; IFS’s EUR 124 million round; and Joblogic’s EUR 93 million round. Finom is a Dutch financial platform serving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Europe that combines banking, invoicing, and a growing range of features, including AI-enabled accounting. IFS provides cloud enterprise software and industrial AI applications across aerospace and defense, engineering and construction, energy and utilities, manufacturing, telco and service. Finally, Joblogic is a field service management software provider from the UK, serving over 100,000 users across industries including HVAC, plumbing, electrical maintenance, facilities management, building fabric maintenance, and other skilled trades, helping contractors cut admin hours, invoice faster, and reduce wasted engineer travel. Finance and operations software investment, Source: State of European Business Technology 2025, Finch Capital, Nov 2025   Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by freepik via Freepik The post European Business Tech Funding Contracts; AI Becomes Main Growth Driver appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into embedded finance, driven by advancements in generative AI (genAI), large language models (LLMs), and deep learning. A report by international management consulting firm Arthur D. Little explores this trend, highlighting the shift from AI merely facilitating and automating processes to actively creating, innovating and shaping finance in real time. The report outlines several existing use cases of AI across embedded finance. In risk management, algorithms are used to bolster assessments by detecting inconsistencies and identifying potential challenges. Along the customer journey, AI enhances value proposition and speeds up processes including underwriting and credit assessments, improving customer experience. In personalization, AI dissects customer behaviors to offer services tailored to individual needs. Finally, in fraud prevention, AI analyzes vast data sets to uncover anomalies and prevent fraudulent activities in real time. The report shares examples of fintech companies actively leveraging AI in embedded finance. In payments, for example, PayPal, Stripe, and Square uses AI to streamline payment processing and for fraud detection. Square also uses machine learning (ML) to underwrite and extend loans to small businesses overlooked by conventional banks. Similarly, in embedded lending, companies like Affirm, Klarna, and Upstart, are using AI for risk evaluation. In embedded wealth management, companies like Betterment, Wealthfront and Sigfig offer AI-powered robo-advisors that dispense financial advice and which manage portfolios. In e-commerce as well as platforms like Shopify and Amazon are embracing AI. Shopify, for example, embeds AI technology from Stripe to offer individualized solutions, amplifying the sales potential for its merchants. Amazon, meanwhile, relies on AI to curate personalized loan offers anchored in sales history. Applications of AI across major embedded finance modalities, Source: Arthur D. Little, 2023 Predictions Looking ahead, Arthur D. Little identifies several trends expected to shape the sector, forecasting that technologies including AI, LLMs, blockchain, and edge computing will eventually converge to deliver more secure, swift, and scalable embedded finance solutions. One key development is advanced biometric authentication. Powered by AI, facial, voice, fingerprint, and iris recognition promise stronger level of security for all financial transactions in an evolving risk environment. Another trend outlined in the report is the rise of AI-driven sentiment analysis. Using natural language processing (NLP), these systems extract opinions and emotions from social media and news to offer a predictive edge for market trends and investment strategies. Coupled with LLMs capable of formulating summaries and reports, these systems are poised to revolutionize embedded wealth and the overall wealthtech sector, Arthur D. Little predicts. The report also anticipates growing use of AI in regulatory compliance. These systems are capable of analyzing complex regulations, pinpointing requirements, ensuring adherence, and highlighting discrepancies. In embedded insurance, which often involves numerous policy details, LLMs can be paired with knowledge graphs to guide users through the intricate clauses, helping them better comprehend coverage details. In digital assets, AI can be used to detect patterns and anomalies on the blockchain, helping combat fraud, and ensure compliance. LLMs can also be used to automate customer service. LLM-powered chatbots, for example, can provide more insightful, contextually aware customer support. These systems are capable of decoding complex user queries with high accuracy, and can offer real-time assistance, anticipate user needs, and suggest solutions. Another trend outlined in the report is the rise of AI in risk management and behavioral analysis. By processing vast amounts of market data, AI can evaluate and mitigate risk exposures instantly, and issue timely alerts for emerging threats. In tandem, behavioral analysis capabilities can enhance security and user experience by identifying any deviations in typical user patterns. Strategic collaborations Increased integration of AI in embedded finance is expected to fuel strategic collaborations between financial giants and fintech or AI innovators, combining traditional wisdom with modern agility to elevate embedded finance solutions. Arthur D. Little also anticipates increased acquisitions as AI adoption accelerates. Growing regulatory scrutiny will reinforce this trend as government step up efforts to establish frameworks for data integrity, algorithmic fairness, and consumer protection, potentially triggering further industry consolidation. Embedded finance and AI have emerged as two of the hottest trends in the fintech sector. In North America, more than half of relevant independent software vendors now offer embedded payments, suggesting that adding payments to software-as-a-service (SaaS) products has become standard practice, data from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) show. At the same time, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly expecting payment capabilities to be built into their SaaS tools. In the US, SME adoption of vertical software reached 59% in 2024, compared with 50% just two years earlier. BCG estimates that embedded finance in North America and Europe is currently a US$32 billion market. However, the total addressable market across these two locations is about US$185 billion, highlighting significant room for growth. The total addressable market for embedded finance is US$185 billion, with significant opportunity for growth, Source: Boston Consulting Group, Sep 2025 AI, meanwhile, continues to attract significant investment. In Q3 2025, AI captured nearly one-quarter of fintech funding, according to market intelligence platform CB Insights. Additionally, five of the top ten deals in the space during the quarter went to AI-powered finance platforms, emphasizing investors’ bullishness in the prospect of AI in the fintech sector. AI is also taking center stage in shaping the future of the industry. This year’s CB Insights’ Fintech 100, which spotlights the fintech firms defining the next generation of financial services, includes 11 companies specializing in AI agents, and 17 companies using AI to transform accounting, payroll, and treasury workflows, underscoring the growing dominance of AI across fintech.   Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by rawpixel.com and rawpixel.com via Freepik The post Integration of AI in Embedded Finance Drives Innovation and Efficiency appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

The organisers of Zurich’s “Polarzauber” Christmas market have reversed their controversial decision to go completely cashless. After widespread criticism, cash will once again be accepted alongside card and mobile payments at the market’s stalls, according to 20 Minuten. The original plan to allow only card and smartphone payments had sparked dissatisfaction among visitors and stallholders. Vendors faced fines of up to 500 Swiss francs if they accepted cash despite the rule, and many regular patrons felt excluded by the policy. “You spoke, we listened,” the organisers wrote on the market’s website, announcing the change. The decision comes after several days of public debate, highlighting the strong attachment many people still have to cash as a payment method. Traditional stall operators, like Don Giovanni, which had previously made nearly half of its sales in cash, had expressed concern about the impact on their businesses, according to Blick. Visitors also voiced frustration, arguing that cash represents an important personal freedom. By reinstating cash payments, the market organisers aim to balance modern digital convenience with inclusivity for all attendees. Vendors can now accept cash alongside the “common digital payment methods,” ensuring no visitor is left out. This episode reflects broader discussions in Switzerland and beyond about the role of cash in everyday transactions, even as digital payments become increasingly common.   Featured image credit: Freepik’s Pikaso AI The post Zurich Christmas Market Reinstates Cash Payments appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

The Commercial Bank Money Token (CBMT) Working Group has launched the CBMT Sandbox, a test environment for banks and enterprises to pilot CBMT in institutional and corporate use cases. A launch event is scheduled for 19 November in Frankfurt. Giesecke+Devrient (G+D), GFT Technologies, and the Universal Digital Payments Network (UDPN) will serve as Technical Service Providers, supporting onboarding, integration, and interoperability across multiple distributed-ledger systems. Oracle will provide the blockchain ledger and infrastructure for the Sandbox. The CBMT initiative brings together major German banks and industrial firms. In 2024, a proof-of-concept explored interoperability, secure programmability, governance, and regulatory compliance, identifying CBMT as a tool to enable on-chain payments using existing deposits and supporting innovative financial products. Claus George “It was extremely valuable that our customers were actively involved in the development of CBMT. As a result, CBMT combines the positive characteristics of commercial bank money with the innovative potential of DLTs, while also being compatible with the emerging infrastructures we see here today,” said Claus George, Head of Digitalisation and Innovation TxB at DZ BANK. CBMT places commercial bank money onto distributed ledger technology (DLT), allowing seamless execution of money flows and business processes within the same systems. Roberto Pagliari “Stablecoins carry new economic and operational risks that continue to deter corporate adoption. CBMT, by contrast, delivers a programmable form of settlement to the digital economy that preserves the singleness of money and is aligned to the same prudential standards governing bank deposits today,” noted Roberto Pagliari, Senior Product Owner – DLT Cash and Markets at Commerzbank. The Sandbox allows participants to explore tokenised money flows from issuance to enterprise payments and interbank settlements in a controlled environment, with the aim of building a multi-issuer, multi-currency, multi-chain CBMT ecosystem. Abbas Albasha “At G+D, we see the CBMT initiative as a foundational step toward a secure, efficient and interoperable tokenised financial ecosystem. The CBMT Sandbox enables banks and enterprises to explore real-world applications such as working capital optimisation or machine-to-machine payments,” said Abbas Albasha, Senior Strategy Consultant at G+D. Commercial bank money represents roughly 85% of the money supply in Europe. The Sandbox seeks to establish a framework where commercial bank money operates natively on digital rails, supporting wholesale and commercial applications. Steffen Schacher “Financial institutions are entering a new era where tokenised commercial bank money and regulated digital currencies unlock transformative opportunities. The CBMT Sandbox provides the ideal environment to explore new use cases, from treasury operations across jurisdictions to automated industry payments,” said Steffen Schacher, Digital Assets & UDPN Lead at GFT Technologies. Mark Rakhmilevich “Major banks and financial institutions worldwide trust Oracle to support critical operations. Oracle is proud to support the CBMT initiative by providing blockchain capabilities that address scalability, resiliency, security, integration, and regulatory compliance,” added Mark Rakhmilevich, Vice President, Blockchain and Digital Assets Product Development at Oracle.     Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by user8285578 via Freepik The post CBMT Working Group Launches Sandbox for Tokenised Bank Money appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Switzerland has established itself as a leading hub for artificial intelligence (AI), ranking first in Europe in AI startup density in relation to population, and first in AI patents per one million inhabitants, according to Switzerland Global Enterprise, the country’s official organization for export and investment promotion. This burgeoning scene is further reflected by the growing volume of AI-related funding. In 2023, one in ten of all recorded funding rounds in Swiss startups was allocated to AI-related ventures, according to the EY Startup Barometer Switzerland 2025. This figure has doubled over the past year. In 2024, more than one in five funding rounds (22%) was invested in startups that operate in the AI field or use the new technology as an essential part of their offerings. Switzerland’s strength in AI is underpinned by the country’s world-renowned universities and research institutions in the field, including Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich), the Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne (EPFL), the University of St. Gallen, and the Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence Research (IDSIA) in Lugano. Top-tier research and talent have attracted the world’s tech giants, including Google, IBM, and Microsoft, which have all set up AI hubs in the country, further fueling Switzerland’s AI scene. Women have been at the forefront of this progress, driving AI innovation across academia, research, and the overall industry. They design strategies, write algorithms, and lead teams, helping shape the future of the field. To honor these leaders, the Greater Zurich Area, in collaboration with ETH AI Center at the ETH Zurich, released in September 2025 their top 100+ women in AI and data in Switzerland. Among these, eight women are standing out for their remarkable expertise and contributions to the finance sector, recognized for their leadership, vision, and ingenuity. Eleni Verteouri, Founder of Financier Labs, GenAI Tech Lead and Director at UBS Eleni Verteouri, Founder of Financier Labs, GenAI Tech Lead and Director at UBS Eleni Verteouri is the founder of Financier Labs, an initiative aimed at democratizing access to high finance through the responsible use of AI. She also serves as generative AI (genAI) tech lead and director of conversational banking at UBS; a AI instructor at both ETH Zürich and ZHAW School of Management and Law; and a coach and mentor at Tenity, a fintech early-stage investor. A recognized leader in responsible AI, Verteouri has over a decade of impactful work in model development. She has made significant contributions to shaping modern fintech innovations as an acclaimed AI guest lecturer and advisor and a recipient of the Forbes Cyprus 20 Women in Tech Award 2024. She holds an MSc in quantitative finance from ETH Zurich and an MEng in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Patras.   Dr. Sina Wulfmeyer, Chief Data Officer at Unique AI Dr. Sina Wulfmeyer, Chief Data Officer at Unique AI Dr. Sina Wulfmeyer is the chief data officer at Unique AI, a European venture-backed business-to-business (B2B) software-as-a-service (SaaS) company pioneering advanced, responsible AI solutions for the financial services industry. At Unique, she oversees the development of FinanceGPT, an AI-driven platform designed to enhance customer relationships and increase productivity in the financial sector. With over 15 years of experience in AI and data strategy, Sina has held significant roles, including leading data-related projects at Credit Suisse and consulting at Accenture in Germany and the US. She is also an active lecturer and expert in fields such as General AI, Ecosystem Technology, and Data Protection, contributing to academia and industry conferences across Europe. Wulfmeyer has been honored as one of ETH’s Top 100 Women in Data and AI in 2025, a recipient of the GenAI Zürich Visionary Catalyst Award, and the winner of the Handelsblatt Diamond Star Award in 2024 as the First Woman in Banking and Fintech in Germany. Alicja Basta, Head Trading Data Science at Vontobel Alicja Basta, Head Trading Data Science at Vontobel Alicja Basta is the head of trading data science at Vontobel. With over a decade of experience at Vontobel, she has played a central role in developing the bank’s data-driven trading platform, optimizing execution analytics, and advancing automation across the trading value chain. Prior to joining Vontobel, she held roles at CERN, OMV, mBank, and Citi, where she built a strong foundation in data analysis, finance, and operational innovation. Sarah Gadd, Chief Data Officer, Head of Data Platform and Process Automation at Julius Bär Sarah Gadd, Chief Data Officer, Head of Data Platform and Process Automation at Julius Bär Sarah Gadd is the chief data officer, head of data platform and process automation at Julius Bär. She has more than 20 years of experience in driving digital innovation and implementing change in the financial service industry. Before joining Julius Bär, Gadd spent more than two decades at Credit Suisse, where she held several senior leadership roles, including global head of data and AI solutions and head of semantic technology, analytics, and ML. In these positions, she pioneered the adoption of advanced analytics, ML, and automation technologies across the bank’s global operations. Dr. Julinda Gllavata, Head GCRG Artificial Intelligence Center of Innovation at UBS Dr. Julinda Gllavata, Head GCRG Artificial Intelligence Center of Innovation at UBS Dr. Julinda Gllavata is the head of the GCRG Artificial Intelligence Center of Innovation at UBS. As a senior technology executive with deep expertise in data analytics, ML, and AI, she specializes in delivering business outcomes through cutting-edge, data-driven innovations. Prior to joining UBS, Gllavata spent over a decade at SIX, leading the data analytics and AI business area in banking services, driving the execution and continuous alignment of the organization’s data and AI strategy, and ensuring the data roadmap delivers measurable business value. Projects included optimization and forecasting services, and payment enrichment services. Prior to that, she was a senior consultant at Accenture, leading small to mid-sized projects in the financial industry, managing deliverables and translating complex business needs into functional requirements. Claire Corish, Managing Director, Head of Data Analytics and AI for GWM, S&I and P&C Technology at UBS Claire Corish, Managing Director, Head of Data Analytics and AI for GWM, S&I and P&C Technology at UBS Claire Corish is the managing director and head of data analytics and AI for GWM, S&I, and P&C Technology at UBS, where she leads large-scale data and AI transformations across the bank’s global business units. With over 20 years of experience in technology and digital innovation, she is a strategic technology leader with a track record of delivering large‑scale business and technology transformations in the financial services sector. Prior to joining UBS, Corish led digital banking capabilities for Credit Suisse in Zürich, supporting the Swiss universal bank and group applications within IT. She managed a team of about 450 IT resources, and worked closely with the business to create innovative solutions for clients. Prior to that, Corish was the head of strategic programs at Bank of Ireland where she ran key change programs across the bank, including programs on digital transformation, end-to-end customer journeys, regulatory compliance, and cost transformation. She is also an experienced technology consultant at PwC and EY, helping multiple organizations with digital transformation, platform implementation, regulatory compliance and navigating their agile transformation journey. Fabienne Zwingli, Head Risk Data and Analytics at Raiffeisen Schweiz Fabienne Zwingli, Head Risk Data and Analytics at Raiffeisen Schweiz Fabienne Zwingli is the head of risk data and analytics at Raiffeisen Schweiz, where she leads the bank’s data-driven risk management strategy, integrating advanced analytics, business intelligence, and regulatory compliance frameworks. With over 15 years of experience in financial services, she has a proven track record of building robust data infrastructures that enhance transparency, optimize risk control, and support strategic decision-making across the organization. Prior to joining Raiffeisen Schweiz, Zwingli held senior positions at Vadian Bank, where she served as deputy head of the corporate center, overseeing regulatory and risk reporting, capital planning, and treasury operations. Earlier in her career, she managed IT operations and processes at Centrum Bank, and worked as a senior consultant at ifb International (EY ifb), specializing in SAP banking analytics, Basel II, and financial risk management systems. Denise Wipfli, Head of Reporting and Data Analytics, Technical Center Non-Life at Generali Denise Wipfli, Head of Reporting and Data Analytics, Technical Center Non-Life at Generali Denise Wipfli is the head of reporting and data analytics for the technical center non-life at Generali Switzerland, where she leads strategic initiatives to enhance financial transparency, optimize data-driven decision-making, and strengthen business performance across the organization. Wipfli is a senior finance professional with a 20 year track record in the general insurance and reinsurance industry, with broad functional expertise and extensive experience in financial analysis, reporting and controlling, audit, project and risk management, as well as strategy and planning. Prior to joining Generali, Wipfli held senior leadership roles at Infrassure, including deputy CFO and head of audit and risk profiling. Earlier in her career, she spent nearly a decade at Zurich Insurance Group, where she supported global and European leadership teams in strategic and financial management roles.   Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by michelangeloop via Freepik The post Switzerland’s Top 8 Women Leaders in Fintech and AI appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Paytech was the top-performing fintech vertical in Europe in Q3 2025, securing an estimated EUR 896 million in growth and venture capital (VC) funding, according to new data released by Finch Capital, a growth investor specializing in business and fintech innovation. The figure is more than double (117%) what was raised in Q2 2025 at EUR 413 million, marking a strong rebound. Growth/VC funding in paytech (EUR million), Source: Finch Capital, Oct 2025 Driving this surge was large funding rounds raised by established ventures. Rapyd, a fintech-as-a-service provider offering global payment infrastructure, raised an additional US$25 million from XBO Ventures, the investment arm of XBO.com, to its US$500 million Series F in September. The deal will see Rapyd integrate XBO’s crypto services, including liquidity solutions, crypto payment processing, and crypto-as-a-service, into its network. Fnality, which operates next-generation wholesale payment systems regulated by central banks, secured in September a US$136 million Series C to expand its distributed ledger technology (DLT)-based global settlement network. Fnality, which counts among its shareholders the likes of Banco Santander, Barclays, BNP Paribas, Citi Group, Commerzbank, Euroclear, Goldman Sachs, ING, Mizuho Financial Group, Temasek, and UBS, aims to connect traditional finance with the rapidly growing world of tokenized assets and digital payments. Klarna IPO drives paytech surge The sector’s momentum was fueled by Klarna’s initial public offering (IPO) and public listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Klarna sold 34.3 million shares to investors at US$40 a share late on September 09, raising approximately US$1.37 billion. This made it the fourth-largest IPO of the year, according to Renaissance Capital, and the biggest offering for a company funded by VC by deal size. Shares of Klarna opened 30% above their offer price in their NYSE debut on September 10, giving the Swedish fintech a valuation of US$19.65 billion. Klarna reported its fifth consecutive quarter of operational profitability in Q2 2025, with adjusted operating income reaching US$29 million. It posted a revenue of US$823 million, 111 million active Klarna consumers, and 790,000 merchant partners, including Uber, H&M, Saks, Sephora, Macy’s, Ikea, Expedia Group, Nike and Airbnb. Klarna provides short-term buy now, pay later (BNPL) consumer loans, and payment processing services for the e-commerce industry, managing store claims and customer payments. The company is currently transitioning to become a digital bank. Besides the Klarna IPO, other notable exits in the paytech vertical included the EUR 140 million acquisition of digital wallet platform Curve by Lloyds Banking Group, the UK’s biggest high street lender. The deal is part of Lloyds Banking Group’s strategy to expand deeper into payments infrastructure. Notable paytech exits, Source: Finch Capital, Oct 2025 Banking and digital currency vertical records steady growth Banking and digital currency was another prominent fintech vertical in Q3 2025, with growth and VC funding rising 22% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) to EUR 219 million. Notable transactions included: Treasury, a Bitcoin treasury company from the Netherlands, which secured EUR 126 million (US$147 million) from the VC firm of billionaires Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss to acquire more than 1,000 bitcoins as it seeks to become the largest publicly traded European bitcoin treasury company; PBK Miner, a UK cloud mining platform, which raised a US$80 million Series B in July to enhance its global network of renewable energy data centers and develop artificial intelligence (AI) mining systems; and M0, a Swiss stablecoin platform, which raised a US$40 million Series B in August to launch custom stablecoins with interoperable liquidity and full on-chain programmability. Insurtech sees notable exits Insutech was another standout vertical in Europe, driven by major mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity. In September, Radian acquired Inigo for a staggering EUR 1.5 billion. The acquisition, expected to close in early 2026 pending regulatory approvals, will allow Radian to deploy excess capital into new insurance and reinsurance markets while leveraging Inigo’s strong data-driven underwriting platform and Lloyd’s market presence. Radian is a prominent mortgage insurer in the US, while Inigo is a global specialty insurance and reinsurance company based in London, underwriting through Lloyd’s Syndicate 1301, and serving some of the world’s largest commercial and industrial enterprises. Also in September, Applied Systems acquired Cytora, a UK-based AI-powered risk analytics and underwriting platform, for EUR 150-300 million, according to Finch Capital. The deal will Applied Systems integrate Cytora’s advanced AI technology with its suite of solutions for insurers, agencies, and managing general agents (MGAs). Cytora is a configurable platform that enables carriers, MGAs, and brokers to digitize their intake and streamline the full policy lifecycle, from submission to claims servicing, mid-term adjustments, endorsements, and renewals. Applied Systems is a leading global provider of cloud-based software that powers the business of insurance. Insurtech growth and VC funding reached EUR 258 million in Q3 2025, up 25% QoQ. The figure puts insurtech among the biggest recipients of VC funding during the quarter, ahead of banking and digital currency, as well as wealthtech. Key VC transactions included: Wefox from Germany, which secured EUR 151 million comprising a EUR 76 million capital raise and EUR 75 million in refinancing, to build out its strong market positions in Austria, the Netherlands, and Switzerland and to develop its asset-light MGA and smart insurance distribution businesses internationally; and Trasti, a Polish insurtech company, which raised US$24.3 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Triglav Group, to enhance its digital insurance offerings, focusing on motor insurance policies, improving its reach in the property and casualty segments, and expanding its technological capabilities. Trasti also plans to elevate its corporate governance standards by implementing the IFRS accounting standards and refine its reporting framework to align with international norms. European fintech funding remains resilient European fintech growth and VC funding remained stable in Q3 2025, totaling EUR 1,711 million and declining by a slight 5% QoQ from EUR 1,799 million in Q2 2025. The Finch Capital report also analyzed the public fintech market using its Finch Index. The Finch Index is a proprietary benchmark designed to track the performance of nine key business and fintech themes, serving as an industry-specific valuation comparison alongside established indices, such as the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100. The index is composed of 90 publicly traded companies, with eight to ten representative firms across each theme to ensure a diversified and balanced view of market trends. Looking at each of these key verticals, the report shows that wealthtech and capital markets continued to lead the public fintech landscape in Q3 2025. The vertical posted an enterprise value (EV)/EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) multiple of 24.1x, and a EV/Revenue multiple of 7.8x, both the highest among fintech verticals. High EV/EBITDA and EV/Revenue multiples reflect high investor confidence in profitability, growth potential, and resilience in the industry. Wealthtech and capital markets often command higher multiples because of their scalable digital platforms, and high margins, and attract strong investor sentiment due to innovation or recurring fee income. Finch Index EV/EBITDA multiples and EV/Revenue multiples evolutions, Source: Finch Capital, Oct 2025   Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland based on image by lekhawattana via Freepik The post Paytech Leads European Fintech Funding Powered by Klarna IPO Hype appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

EBANX has appointed Marin Mignot as Chief Operating Officer (COO) as the company continues its expansion across more than 20 countries, including its recent entry into the Philippines. The cross-border payments firm has tasked the French executive with strengthening operational efficiency and supporting sustainable growth across its key markets in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Marin Mignot “My focus at EBANX will be on refining processes, strengthening structure, boosting efficiency, and driving growth,” said Mignot. “Think of it as a plane already flying high that needs a faster, more powerful engine to go even further.” Mignot brings an aerospace engineering background and experience from multinational firms such as Ingenico, Worldline, and Capgemini. EBANX CEO and Co-founder João Del Valle said the company benefits from “a COO who thinks like an engineer and operates like a business executive”, noting the importance of anticipating technological and market shifts as the company grows. EBANX’s international operations have expanded steadily, with markets outside Brazil representing 50.7% of total payment volume in 2024, up from 42.9% in 2023. Mignot has extensive experience in emerging markets, having lived and worked across Latin America as well as in Singapore and Malaysia. He said Southeast Asia is undergoing rapid payments transformation driven by “a young demographic, widespread mobile penetration, and a leap from cash directly to digital wallets”. EBANX’s Beyond Borders 2025 report highlights that consumer spending in Asia is expected to rise by 122% over the next decade, while digital commerce in emerging Asian economies is forecast to grow 14% annually through 2027. The Philippines illustrates this shift: despite 98% internet penetration, credit card ownership stands at just 3%, making digital wallets the dominant online payment method, with projected annual growth of 28%. According to Mignot, global companies expanding into Southeast Asia, India, Africa, and Latin America must adapt to local payment habits to succeed. “That’s where operational efficiency meets technological innovation, building infrastructure that scales across diverse markets while remaining locally relevant,” he said.   Featured image credit: EBANX The post EBANX Names Marin Mignot as COO appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Morgan Stanley has launched a dedicated research product covering private companies, joining rivals such as JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup amid growing investor interest in unlisted startups. The bank this week opened a page for private-company content on its research portal, which “will spotlight the innovators and trends that are reshaping traditional business paradigms,” according to an internal memo seen by Bloomberg. The page will feature reports on private companies’ impact on public-market competitors, research on individual firms, a series on venture capital activity, and multimedia content. Katy Huberty, Morgan Stanley’s Global Director of Research, said in an interview: Katy Huberty “Now more than ever, it’s critical and a strategic imperative to focus on private-company coverage. Our private strategy, along with expanding thematic leadership, are our top priorities for the research department next year, and we are hiring on the back of both of those priorities.” Since 2017, the bank has published over 100 reports on private companies, with more than 65 issued this year. Two analysts who previously covered public firms have now shifted focus: Stephen Byrd, formerly a utilities analyst, now covers companies powering data centres, while Adam Jonas, long-time Tesla analyst, now tracks firms embedding artificial intelligence in robotics, including Saronic Technologies and 1X Technologies. Huberty added that centralised teams are being built to analyse private markets from sectoral and thematic perspectives, supporting public-company analysts in expanding coverage to private firms. Other banks are also increasing private-company coverage. JPMorgan has published reports on five private companies since July, including OpenAI and Stripe while Citigroup hired Heath Terry from Balyasny Asset Management to lead coverage of the private AI sector. Previously overlooked due to limited financial disclosure, many private firms have grown too large to ignore. OpenAI’s estimated US$500 billion valuation would rank it among the top 20 S&P 500 companies. Globally, PitchBook data shows nearly 1,600 startups valued at US$1 billion or more, with a combined value of roughly US$6.5 trillion as of 5 November, up 22% from the end of last year. Banks are also expanding investor access to private firms. Morgan Stanley’s Spark Private Company Conference this year featured 85 tech leaders, up 35% from 2024, while its annual technology, media and telecom conference included 58 private companies, compared with 39 in 2021. In October, the bank agreed to acquire EquityZen, facilitating wealth clients’ investment in private companies.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by masaideeabdulkoday70 via Freepik The post Morgan Stanley Launches Dedicated Private-Company Research appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Singapore and Germany have agreed to work on tokenised cross-border settlement under a new MoU between the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Deutsche Bundesbank. The cooperation aims to improve international financial transactions, including flows between both countries. The agreement covers joint development of settlement solutions that can reduce the cost and processing time of cross-border transfers. The two central banks will also promote common standards for payments, foreign exchange and securities flows involving tokenised assets to support interoperability across digital asset platforms. The partnership builds on MAS’ Project Guardian, launched in 2022 to explore how asset tokenisation can enhance liquidity and market efficiency. The Bundesbank joined the Guardian Policymaker Group in November 2024. Both regulators said the collaboration augments the strong financial cooperation between Singapore and Germany. Leong Sing Chiong Leong Sing Chiong, MAS Deputy Managing Director (Markets and Development), said, “Through this new partnership with the Deutsche Bundesbank on digital asset settlement, we hope to enhance financial connectivity in ways that benefit individuals, corporates and financial market participants in both our economies. This also lays the groundwork for future digital financial infrastructure.” Burkhard Balz Burkhard Balz, Bundesbank Executive Board Member, added, “The partnership with MAS reflects our shared commitment to advancing new financial infrastructures. Together, we aim to foster technological innovation and set new standards for efficiency and interoperability in international payments and securities transactions.”   This article first appeared on Fintech News Singapore.  The post Singapore and Germany Regulators Team Up on Tokenised Cross-Border Settlement appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Zürcher Kantonalbank has announced the first close of its second Swiss Growth Fund, securing capital commitments of CHF 171.65 million. The fundraising process began in March 2025 and has, within eight months, reached nearly the total amount raised by the first Swiss Growth Fund, which closed in March 2020 at CHF 180.6 million. The number of investors has also risen from 36 in the previous fund to 45 in this second fund. Iwan Deplazes “The result reflects the trust placed in us by both existing and new investors, especially in a challenging fundraising environment,” said Iwan Deplazes, Head of Asset Management at Zürcher Kantonalbank. The final close of the fund is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. Until then, it will remain open to qualified investors with a long-term investment outlook and tolerance for illiquid positions. Pension funds may also access the fund through the Swisscanto Investment Foundation. Under Article 53, paragraph 1, letters dter and/or e of the Ordinance on Occupational Retirement, Survivors’ and Disability Pension Plans (BVV 2), these qualify as alternative investments in private equity and may be classified as unlisted Swiss investments. Following this first close, the fund will begin investing in unlisted Swiss and European growth companies, focusing on healthcare, industrials, and information and data services. While the majority of investments will target Swiss-based companies, Zürcher Kantonalbank’s Asset Management division also has access to opportunities abroad. The Swiss Growth Fund II is the third programme within Zürcher Kantonalbank’s Private Markets initiative, alongside the first Swiss Growth Fund and the globally focused Decarbonisation Fund, which closed in October 2024. “With nearly CHF 500 million in assets under management across three private equity programmes, and a growing team, we continue to strengthen our position in Swiss growth and decarbonisation investments,” Deplazes added.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by freepik The post Zürcher Kantonalbank Closes First Round of Swiss Growth Fund II at CHF 171.65M appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

The Board of Directors of radicant bank has decided, in consultation with its majority shareholder, Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank (BLKB), to cease its business operations. radicant holding ag and radicant business services ag will also cease their activities. On September 23, the BLKB Board resolved to end its engagement with radicant. Following a review of various sale options, no solution could be found to continue the bank’s operations. Consequently, the radicant Board, in coordination with BLKB, has decided to cease business activities. The planned exit from banking will be carried out in an orderly manner, in the interests of customers, employees, and external partners. The process will be coordinated with BLKB as the principal shareholder. Bruno Meyer, CEO of radicant, said: Bruno Meyer “Our priority is the consistent pursuit of optimal solutions for our customers, alongside responsible support for our employees. At the same time, radicant places great importance on providing open and transparent information.” Bruno Meyer was appointed CEO of radicant less than a month ago, on October 27. All obligations towards customers, employees, and partners will continue to be fully met. Those affected will be informed of the next steps in a transparent manner.   Featured image credit: radicant The post radicant bank to Cease Operations appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

The Bank of England has published a consultation paper setting out its proposed regulatory framework for sterling-denominated systemic stablecoins. These stablecoins are a new form of digital money designed to maintain a stable value and could be used for retail payments and wholesale settlement in the future. The consultation represents a step towards preparing for a future in which new types of digital money may be used alongside existing forms, providing additional options for payments. The proposals build on feedback received in response to the Bank’s November 2023 discussion paper and reflect its role in maintaining public trust in money as payments innovation accelerates. The consultation sets out a framework intended to be robust, future-proof, and aligned with the National Payments Vision and the strategy of the Payments Vision Delivery Committee to modernise UK retail payments. The Bank’s proposed regime would not cover stablecoins used as assets for non-systemic purposes, such as the buying and selling of cryptoassets, which remains the predominant use of stablecoins today. Such stablecoins will continue to be supervised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Key policy proposals include requirements for backing assets. In response to feedback, systemic stablecoin issuers would be allowed to hold up to 60% of backing assets in short-term UK government debt. For the remaining 40%, the Bank would provide issuers with unremunerated accounts at the Bank of England, supporting robust redemption and public confidence even under stress. Issuers considered systemic at launch, or transitioning from the FCA regime, would initially be able to hold up to 95% of backing assets in short-term UK government debt to support their viability during growth. The Bank is also considering central bank liquidity arrangements to support systemic stablecoin issuers in times of stress, providing a backstop should issuers be unable to monetise their backing assets in private markets. The Bank is proposing temporary holding limits of £20,000 per coin for individuals and £10 million for businesses, with an exemptions regime for the largest businesses. These limits would be removed once the transition no longer poses risks to the provision of finance to the real economy. The limits would not apply to stablecoins used for settling wholesale financial market transactions within the Bank and FCA’s Digital Securities Sandbox. The consultation also sets out the Bank’s approach to quantifying risks to the provision of finance arising from potentially significant and rapid outflows of bank deposits into new forms of digital money and invites feedback on alternative mechanisms to manage these risks. Sarah Breeden, Deputy Governor for Financial Stability, said: Sarah Breeden “We’ve listened carefully to feedback and amended our proposals for achieving this, including on how stablecoin issuers interact with the Bank of England. These proposals are fit for a future where stablecoins play a meaningful role in payments, giving the industry the clarity it needs to plan with confidence.” Non-systemic stablecoin issuers will continue to be regulated by the FCA. If recognised as systemic by HM Treasury, they will transition to the Bank’s regime and be jointly regulated, with the Bank overseeing prudential and financial stability risks, and the FCA continuing to supervise conduct and consumer protection. The Bank and FCA plan to publish a joint approach document in 2026 to clarify how rules will apply in practice and support a smooth transition between regimes. The consultation remains open until 10 February 2026. Following this, the Bank will consider responses before consulting on and finalising Codes of Practice later in 2026, which will set out detailed requirements for systemic stablecoins.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by wirestock via Freepik The post Bank of England Consults on Sterling Systemic Stablecoin Regulations appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

TransferMate, an Ireland-based provider of embedded B2B payments infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), has partnered with Germany’s SAP to offer cross-border payment services to businesses using SAP solutions. Through the partnership, TransferMate acts as a non-bank payments provider integrated with SAP Multi-Bank Connectivity, enabling businesses to process international payments directly within their SAP Cloud ERP or SAP S/4HANA Cloud environments without relying on external platforms. SAP Multi-Bank Connectivity allows SAP Cloud ERP and SAP S/4HANA Cloud users to link with payment providers to send and receive funds securely. The integration gives businesses access to TransferMate’s services for global payables, receivables, and stored funds within the SAP environment, supporting the efficient movement of international funds through a regulated network. Selected to facilitate international payments, TransferMate provides a scalable, integrated B2B payments solution that supports companies’ digital operations and financial management needs.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by rawpixel.com via Freepik The post TransferMate Partners with SAP to Streamline Cross-Border Payments appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

US-based private equity firm Thoma Bravo is set to extract around US$1bn from US cybersecurity company Ping Identity through a dividend recapitalisation financed by new syndicated debt, according to Bloomberg. Ping Identity, headquartered in Denver, provides identity security solutions to enterprise clients. The firm is arranging a US$1.8bn broadly syndicated loan to refinance Ping’s existing US$792m private credit facility and fund a US$1.12bn dividend payment to shareholders. The deal, led by JPMorgan Chase, marks one of the largest private credit-to-syndicated market refinancings of 2025. Thoma Bravo took Ping private in 2022 in a US$2.8bn acquisition, financed partly by US$1bn of private credit provided by a consortium led by Blue Owl Capital and Sixth Street Partners. The new financing package is expected to save Ping more than US$10m in annual interest costs. The transaction reflects a broader market trend, as private equity firms that relied on private credit during periods of rising interest rates are now refinancing those facilities in the syndicated loan market to secure better pricing and enhanced liquidity. Ping’s accelerated commitment deadline for the new loan demonstrates strong investor demand, signalling renewed appetite for leveraged finance deals after a period of subdued issuance. Thoma Bravo’s move follows similar actions by other large sponsors, including US-based Vista Equity Partners, which have capitalised on the improving credit environment to refinance costly private loans. The recapitalisation will provide Thoma Bravo with substantial liquidity while allowing Ping to benefit from lower financing costs and a broader lender base, marking one of the most significant refinancing transactions in the software sector this year.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by tawatchai07 via Freepik The post Thoma Bravo Secures US$1B from Ping Identity via Dividend Recap appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

MoneyGram has announced a strategic partnership with Oscilar, an AI risk decisioning platform, to strengthen its next-generation risk infrastructure. The collaboration supports MoneyGram’s AI-first strategy by integrating real-time risk intelligence across its global network to improve efficiency, agility, and performance. To maintain high compliance and consumer protection standards, MoneyGram is enhancing its systems with adaptive risk intelligence through Oscilar’s platform. Anthony Soohoo “At MoneyGram, we’re reimagining the future of work by embracing AI across all corners of the organisation,” said Anthony Soohoo, Chief Executive Officer at MoneyGram. “As part of our transformation, we’re investing in next-generation intelligent infrastructure, positioning ourselves for smarter, faster, and safer outcomes. That’s especially important when it comes to our global risk management engine, and that’s where Oscilar comes in.” Oscilar’s AI Risk Decisioning Platform is designed for continuous learning, real-time inference, and automated decision-making. Its unified approach to fraud prevention, anti-money laundering (AML), and compliance operations aims to reduce cost and complexity while improving detection accuracy and decision-making speed. This upgrade also supports MoneyGram’s ongoing innovation efforts, including its stablecoin-based services. Oscilar’s technology will underpin MoneyGram’s new risk infrastructure with features such as automated rule optimisation, fraud network detection, device fingerprinting, and behavioural analytics to strengthen protection against emerging threats. Neha Narkhede “MoneyGram is leading the way in modernising global payments by embracing an AI-first approach to risk,” said Neha Narkhede, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Oscilar. “We’re proud to support its transition to real-time, intelligent, and scalable infrastructure that meets the demands of modern payments.” The partnership aims to unify MoneyGram’s risk and compliance functions on a single scalable platform. Expected outcomes include improved digital identity verification, reduced friction for legitimate users, enhanced operational efficiency, faster data migration, and greater regulatory transparency through better audit trails and reporting.   Featured image credit: MoneyGram The post MoneyGram Partners with Oscilar to Upgrade Global Risk Systems appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Revolut is reportedly preparing to open a new branch in Stockholm this year as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence across the Nordic region and compete directly with Klarna. According to Retail Banker International, the UK-based digital bank aims to grow its Nordic customer base from two million to three million by the end of next year, with Sweden accounting for roughly half of its regional users. The expansion not only positions Revolut against Klarna but also challenges established Nordic banks that currently dominate household deposits, said Antoine Le Nel, Revolut’s Chief Growth Officer. The forthcoming Stockholm branch will operate under Revolut’s European banking license, issued in Lithuania, allowing it to provide Swedish International Bank Account Numbers (IBANs). This will enable customers to receive salaries, set up direct debits, and process local transfers directly through their Revolut accounts. Revolut also plans to introduce new offerings in the region, including daily-interest savings accounts in Nordic currencies, commission-free exchange-traded fund (ETF) investing, and Apple’s tap-to-pay functionality for small businesses. The company has already begun recruitment efforts across Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark, while bolstering its compliance, operations, and risk management teams to support regional expansion. In an interview, Le Nel stated: Antoine Le Nel “Our true competitors are the local, traditional banks. Then there are obviously some very strong buy-now-pay-later players. But it’s a bit more niche versus the full breadth of activities that we’re offering.” Klarna currently serves around 80% of Sweden’s population and has 110 million users globally, with a market valuation nearing US$14 billion. Revolut, which has approximately 65 million users worldwide, aims to reach 100 million within the next two years. The company is also pursuing a US$75 billion valuation as it concludes its latest fundraising round. Its operations now span 40 markets, with ambitions to expand to 70 by 2030. In its home market, Revolut continues to face delays in securing a UK banking license amid regulatory concerns over its risk management capabilities as it scales globally.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by EyeEm via Freepik The post Revolut to Open Stockholm Branch in Bid to Challenge Klarna and Nordic Banks appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

VAST Data, the AI operating system company, has signed a commercial agreement worth US$1.17 billion with CoreWeave, a cloud provider for AI workloads. The expanded partnership confirms CoreWeave’s continued use of the VAST AI OS as its primary data platform. The VAST AI OS enables CoreWeave’s infrastructure to provide access to large datasets and support both training and inference workloads. Its scalable architecture allows deployment in any data centre without concerns over platform reliability or scale. Under the expansion, CoreWeave and VAST will offer data services across the full stack, optimising pipelines and supporting model development. Renen Hallak “At VAST, we are building the data foundation for the most ambitious AI initiatives in the world,” said Renen Hallak, Founder and CEO of VAST Data. “Our deep integration with CoreWeave is the result of a long-term commitment to working side by side at both the business and technical level. By aligning our roadmaps, we are delivering an AI platform that organisations cannot find anywhere else in the market.” Brian Venturo “The VAST AI Operating System underpins key aspects of how we design and deliver our AI cloud,” said Brian Venturo, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of CoreWeave. “This partnership enables us to deliver AI infrastructure that is performant, scalable, and cost-efficient, while reinforcing the trust and reliability of a data platform that our customers depend on for their most demanding workloads.” The agreement supports a shared objective to advance data and compute architecture for AI, combining CoreWeave’s GPU-accelerated infrastructure with the VAST AI OS to support continuous training, real-time inference, and large-scale data processing.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by rawpixel.com via Freepik The post VAST Data Secures $1.17B Deal with CoreWeave to Power AI Cloud Infrastructure appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

OSL Group, a stablecoin trading and payment infrastructure provider in Asia, has entered a strategic cooperation with Bank Frick. The partnership gives OSL access to on/off-ramp services for multiple fiat currencies, allowing regulated exchanges between fiat and digital assets for OSL and its institutional clients. As part of the cooperation, OSL is integrated into Bank Frick’s xPULSE network, a system that facilitates instant fiat transfers with established regulatory and operational standards. George Qiao, Head of Trading & Fiat at OSL Group, said: George Qiao “Access to Bank Frick’s xPULSE network provides our clients with a reliable and efficient fiat gateway, which is a critical component of our institutional service offering.” Mirko Pfiffner, Solutions Manager, Blockchain Banking Solutions at Bank Frick, added: “The cooperation with the OSL Group marks another milestone in our commitment to building a strong and trusted digital asset ecosystem. OSL brings the institutional strength and experience that perfectly complements our xPULSE network.”   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by wirestock via Freepik The post OSL Teams Up with Bank Frick for Fiat Gateway Integration appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Lloyds Banking Group will launch a large-scale AI-powered financial assistant to help more than 21 million customers manage their money through its mobile app. The launch marks a significant step in the Group’s plan to embed AI across its operations to enhance customer experience. Using advanced AI, the assistant will provide round-the-clock personalised financial guidance and act as a financial companion, offering insights and directing customers to human support when required. Lloyds aims to set a precedent for responsible and customer-focused innovation in the sector through the use of agentic AI. Its initial features will include a conversational tool for personalised spending insights and a savings and investment function to support financial planning. Following an initial pilot, Lloyds plans to expand its capabilities to cover more financial products, including mortgages, car finance, and protection services from 2026 onwards. Built on Lloyds Banking Group’s Generative AI and Agentic framework, the assistant integrates curated bank data to ensure responses are accurate and relevant. The system enables natural, secure conversations while maintaining the ability to transfer customers to expert colleagues when needed. Ranil Boteju, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Lloyds Banking Group, said: Ranil Boteju “Our AI financial assistant is underpinned by Lloyds Banking Group’s robust AI assurance framework and guardrails, helping deliver safe, explainable and regulated AI-driven interactions. We believe this innovative tool will not only provide our customers with personalised, round-the-clock support, but also set a new benchmark for the responsible and effective use of AI in UK banking.” The assistant uses generative AI for conversations and agentic frameworks to interpret requests, plan actions, and execute tasks, such as converting natural language into code for transaction queries. It is built on a secure and scalable architecture that embeds human accountability and explainability, ensuring reliable and transparent customer interactions.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by Who is Danny via Freepik The post Lloyds Banking Group to Launch AI-Powered Financial Assistant appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.

Fenergo has appointed Hishaam Caramanli as President and Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. Reporting to CEO Marc Murphy, Caramanli will oversee the company’s product, engineering, and customer functions, focusing on product development, innovation, and value delivery. Caramanli brings extensive experience in financial technology and product strategy from previous roles at ION Markets, UBS, and Morgan Stanley. Most recently, he served as Group Chief Product Officer at ION Markets, where he led product strategy and delivery across a portfolio generating over €1 billion in revenue. He previously held senior positions as Global Head of UBS Neo and Global Head of Morgan Stanley Matrix, two leading institutional trading platforms. Commenting on his appointment, Hishaam Caramanli said: Hishaam Caramanli “Fenergo has built an impressive platform, particularly with its AI-driven capabilities transforming client lifecycle management. I look forward to working with clients to deliver practical, customer-focused solutions as the industry undergoes significant change.”       Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Switzerland, based on image by lifeforstock via Freepik The post Fenergo Appoints Hishaam Caramanli as President and COO appeared first on Fintech Schweiz Digital Finance News - FintechNewsCH.