The hottest Fintech Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

The CFPB Has Entered the Chat: Is A Synapse "Bailout" In the Cards?

Fintech Business Weekly • 44 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
💰 Finance Regulation Consumer Protection Banking Payments Fintech
  1. The CFPB is involved in a bankruptcy case for Synapse, which could lead to financial relief for depositors who lost money. They may use a fund designed to help consumers if they win a judgment against Synapse.
  2. Paddle had to pay a $5 million fine for its role in enabling tech support scams that tricked consumers, especially the elderly. Now, Paddle is banned from processing payments for such deceptive businesses.
  3. MoneyGram settled for $250,000 after allegations of mishandling customer money transfers. They must now follow consumer protection laws better to ensure timely transactions and accurate information.

The Secret Behind Nubank and Mercado Libre’s Rise to Market Dominance

The Wolf of Harcourt Street • 539 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
💼 Business Fintech E-commerce Emerging Markets Digital economy Innovation
  1. Nubank and Mercado Libre are successful because they used technological leapfrogging. This means they skipped older technology and went straight to using modern solutions, like mobile banking and digital payments.
  2. They took advantage of large numbers of people who had never used banking services before. By being mobile-friendly, they turned non-users into active customers quickly.
  3. Having low switching costs made it easy for users to adopt these new technologies. Since there were not many old systems to replace, people could easily try out and stick with these services.

Quaint Oak, Hatch Hit With BaaS-Related Enforcement Actions

Fintech Business Weekly • 59 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
💰 Finance Banking Regulation Fintech Compliance Data Privacy
  1. Quaint Oak and Hatch Bank faced enforcement actions related to compliance with anti-money laundering laws. These actions highlight ongoing regulatory scrutiny in the banking and fintech sectors.
  2. The CFPB is supporting a challenge to the open banking rule, which could lead to significant changes in how financial data is shared. This implies that fintech companies may need to brace for new regulatory hurdles.
  3. Recent data shows many households are struggling with financial obligations, like student loans and buy now, pay later payments. This indicates a broader concern about financial stability among everyday consumers.

Fed Ignored Thousands of Desperate Synapse Victims, Continues to Stonewall Doc Requests

Fintech Business Weekly • 22 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
💰 Finance Banking Regulation Lawsuits Consumer Protection Fintech
  1. The Federal Reserve ignored many complaints from victims of the Synapse situation and is not providing the documents that people need. This has left many feeling frustrated and helpless.
  2. Despite the overwhelming complaints and public interest, regulatory bodies like the Federal Reserve have not taken meaningful actions to help those affected by these financial issues. This raises concerns about accountability within these institutions.
  3. Banking regulators are still promoting partnerships between banks and fintechs, even after major failures. This points to a focus on growth rather than addressing the risks these partnerships might bring.

❄️ 💳 Prime et Netflix gratuits ? Tinder Gold et 3 pass WeWork offerts ?

Snowball • 1395 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
💰 Finance Credit Cards Investing Fintech Rewards Banking
  1. Some credit cards offer unique benefits like free Amazon Prime or cashback in the form of investments.
  2. Revolut cards come with various advantages based on the subscription level, like free currency exchange or cashback on accommodations.
  3. American Express cards provide a range of benefits, from purchase guarantees to access to exclusive events. The higher-tier cards offer even more luxurious perks like worldwide lounge access.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Long Take: How can Farcaster avoid the death trap of decentralized social media?

The Fintech Blueprint • 864 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Social media Blockchain Fintech Crypto Web3
  1. Farcaster aims to blend social media with Web3 capabilities to create a more engaging platform.
  2. When shifting platforms, it's important to innovate without compromising the core user experience.
  3. Decentralized social media platforms like Steemit, EOS Voice, and BitClout have struggled due to prioritizing financial features over user engagement.

Top Links 619 The payments presidency. The coming rupee shock. Musk’s space juggernaut. Saffron in polycrisis.

Chartbook • 329 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
💰 Finance Payment Systems Fintech Cryptocurrency Economic Trends Global Markets
  1. There's a focus on how fintech and payments are shaping politics, especially relating to Trump's presidency. It's interesting to see money technology playing such a big role in politics.
  2. India is facing potential challenges with its currency, the rupee, which could create economic shockwaves. People should keep an eye on how this may affect the global economy.
  3. Musk's ventures in space are being discussed, highlighting the impact of private companies on space exploration. It's exciting to see how the future of space travel is changing because of new technologies.

Five Alive

Net Interest • 11 implied HN points • 30 May 25
💰 Finance Investment Banking Fintech Economic Trends Financial Analysis
  1. The financial sector is changing a lot, with banks losing their traditional power to new players like private credit firms and fintechs. This shift shows how important it is to adapt to keep up with these changes.
  2. Understanding how organizational structure affects success in finance is crucial. A well-set structure can give firms a big advantage, sometimes even more than just picking the right investments.
  3. The line between public and private finance is getting blurrier. Many financial services now rely on government support, and this trend will likely grow as governments use finance to achieve their goals.

A small progress

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 818 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Fintech Digital Transformation Government Risk management
  1. The Vietnamese Government is focusing on enhancing cybersecurity in the banking and cashless payment sectors to prevent system intrusions and theft from bank accounts.
  2. Foreign hackers have previously stolen significant amounts of money from domestic banks in Vietnam, prompting authorities to take action.
  3. Efforts by organizations like Calif, led by the author, aim to reduce vulnerabilities in critical national systems and contribute to enhancing security measures in Vietnam.

The second era of fintech

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💰 Finance Fintech Investment Cryptocurrency Market Trends Economic Policy
  1. Fintech is experiencing significant growth again, with companies like Plaid and Klarna showing increased revenue and plans for IPOs. This is a positive sign for the industry after a tough period.
  2. The market has changed how it values fintech revenue, with some companies seeing a drop in their revenue multiples. This creates challenges for startups looking to raise funds or sell.
  3. There’s a lot of optimism in tech startups, especially with advances in AI and improvements in battery technology. Many founders are working on exciting projects that could change the industry.

Long Take: The craft of scaling fintechs beyond their niche -- analyzing Twitter, Bunq, and Goldman Sachs

The Fintech Blueprint • 589 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
💰 Finance Fintech Startups Market Analysis Business Growth Investments
  1. The craft of scaling fintechs involves understanding successful growth drivers and failures
  2. Successful business building requires targeting disruptive technologies to the right market with demand
  3. Goldman Sachs' exit from consumer business contrasts with neobanks like Bunq's profitability and growth in their niche

Klarna's going public, and I'm excited as hell

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
💼 Business Fintech IPO Investment Market Trends Financial Analysis
  1. Klarna is planning to go public, which is exciting news for the fintech industry. Their recent financial improvements and a strong market for BNPL companies are driving this move.
  2. Klarna's growth has been mixed, with rapid increases followed by significant losses in previous years. However, they have managed to reduce losses and improve revenue in the last year.
  3. The current market favors companies like Klarna due to rising stock prices in the fintech sector. This suggests that investors believe there will be less strict regulations on their lending practices.

Long Take: Is Apple Wallet's Open Banking integration a fintech extinction event?

The Fintech Blueprint • 530 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
💰 Finance Fintech Banking Technology AI Big Tech
  1. Sharks' decline and human growth show the power of general intelligence over specialized adaptations.
  2. Smartphones like iPhones with general intelligence capabilities outperform specialized devices like ATMs.
  3. Big tech's embrace of open banking could lead to a future where standalone bank apps become obsolete.

FTC Alleges Dave Deceived Users On Tips, Instant Fees, Advance Amounts

Fintech Business Weekly • 193 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
💰 Finance Financial Regulations Banking Fintech
  1. The FTC has accused the fintech app Dave of misleading users about cash advances, fees, and subscription charges. They claimed many people were promised higher amounts than they could actually get and were not clearly informed about fees.
  2. The number of unbanked households in the U.S. has dropped to 4.2%, but there are still major differences across racial and ethnic groups. Black and Hispanic households remain much more likely to be unbanked than White households.
  3. During the Synapse bankruptcy, issues arose about how funds were managed and returned to users. A lot of users may face significant losses, and there’s a push for more transparency and accountability from banks involved.

Good news, IPO edition

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
💼 Business IPO Fintech Economics Market Trends Investment
  1. Coincheck, a Japanese crypto exchange, recently went public through a SPAC deal and its shares are doing well. Even though they raised less than expected, being valued above the traditional SPAC price is a positive sign.
  2. ServiceTitan's IPO priced at $71 per share, which is higher than its previous range, marking it as a success despite some concerns about its past valuation. It shows that good market conditions can help companies raise more money.
  3. The European economy is facing slow growth and has cut interest rates to help manage inflation. This situation reflects challenges in recovery and suggests that Europe may need to change its approach to improve its economic performance over time.

Fintech: How Brex and other fintechs are streamlining their organizations

The Fintech Blueprint • 235 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
💼 Business Fintech Employment Investing Operations Digital
  1. Brex announced a 20% reduction in its workforce, aligning with a broader fintech trend of operational streamlining.
  2. Fintech industry is becoming leaner due to funding cuts and emphasis on profitability.
  3. Despite significant job cuts in tech, the general unemployment rate remains below 4%, indicating a luxury funding problem.

Synapse Investor Marc Andreessen Says CFPB "Terrorizes" Fintech, Crypto To Protect Big Banks

Fintech Business Weekly • 156 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💰 Finance Fintech Regulation Investments Banking Consumer Protection
  1. Marc Andreessen claims that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is making it hard for fintech and crypto companies to succeed because it wants to protect big banks. He believes the CFPB causes banks to refuse services to risky customers.
  2. Andreessen argues that independent government agencies like the CFPB aren't accountable to the public and can act without checks. He feels this restricts innovation in financial services.
  3. Despite claims of 'debanking,' major companies are still engaging in crypto activities. The claims about being pushed out due to regulatory pressures may not reflect the whole truth about the market's adaptability.

The Meteoric Rise of Jar, Indian Fintech's Golden Child

Tigerfeathers! • 31 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
💼 Business Fintech Startups Entrepreneurship Investment Market Trends Digital economy
  1. Jar is an Indian fintech that's growing rapidly by making digital gold available in very small amounts. This makes it easier for people to save and invest without needing a lot of money up front.
  2. The founders of Jar focus heavily on understanding their customers by listening to them directly, which helps them create products that meet real needs.
  3. India's love for gold is strong, and Jar taps into this by offering a familiar and trusted way for people to save and invest.

Fintech: Joe Duran's Rise Growth Partners secures $250MM for minority RIA investments

The Fintech Blueprint • 196 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
💰 Finance Private Equity Wealth Management Fintech
  1. Joe Duran's Rise Growth Partners secures $250MM for minority RIA investments
  2. Rise Growth Partners focuses on acquiring a 30% stake in RIAs with $1B - $5B in AUM
  3. Competition is fierce in the RIA minority investing space with players like Constellation Wealth Capital and Merchant Investment Management

How One Synapse/Evolve Victim Got His Money Back

Fintech Business Weekly • 89 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
💰 Finance Banking Investments Regulation Fintech Consumer Rights
  1. Some people affected by the Synapse bankruptcy have struggled to get their money back, leaving many feeling hopeless. The trustee in charge is working on figuring out how to reconcile the missing funds.
  2. One man was able to get his money back by filing a small claims case against Evolve Bank, showcasing that taking legal action can sometimes help consumers regain their lost funds.
  3. In contrast, his daughter faced challenges in court with her similar case, highlighting how results can vary even with similar circumstances. This shows that legal situations can be unpredictable.

OpenAI EU, Stripe + Bridge, Qualys TotalAppSec

The API Changelog • 1 implied HN point • 11 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI APIs Fintech Cybersecurity Automation
  1. OpenAI launched the O3 Mini AI to compete with DeepSeek, aiming to offer top-notch reasoning and coding skills while being free on the ChatGPT platform.
  2. Stripe acquired the stablecoin platform Bridge for $1.1 billion, marking a significant move into the cryptocurrency sector.
  3. Qualys introduced TotalAppSec, an AI-driven tool for managing application risks that helps enhance API safety and web app security.

CBW Fights FDIC's $20.5 Million Penalty That Could "Imperil" Its Existence

Fintech Business Weekly • 89 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
💰 Finance Banking Regulation Investment Fintech Risk management
  1. CBW is facing a huge $20.5 million fine from the FDIC, which could put its future at risk. This penalty is due to failures in its anti-money laundering practices.
  2. A small Kansas bank, CBW, has made a lot of money from international services but hasn't fixed issues raised by regulators in past reviews. They were supposed to improve but didn't make significant changes.
  3. The FDIC argues that the situation with CBW highlights serious compliance problems in the banking sector. They are trying to enforce rules to prevent money laundering, especially in high-risk areas.

CFPB Proposes Rule To Close TILA Overdraft "Loophole"

Fintech Business Weekly • 661 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
💰 Finance Regulation Banking Investing Fintech Economics
  1. CFPB proposed a rule to close the TILA overdraft loophole, aiming to protect consumers from billions in junk fees.
  2. The proposed rule would require large banks to treat overdrafts like credit products, disclosing APRs and considering actual costs.
  3. Exempting banks under $10 billion in assets from the rule has sparked debate, highlighting the complexity of regulating banking fees.

Varo Struggles On As Founder Colin Walsh Steps Down As CEO

Fintech Business Weekly • 52 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
💰 Finance Fintech Banking AI Investments Regulations
  1. Varo Bank is facing challenges as its founder and CEO Colin Walsh steps down. New CEO Gavin Michael has a tough job ahead with the company still not profitable.
  2. Despite some improvements in revenue and customer growth, Varo's net losses remain significant, with $65 million lost last year. It needs to boost its deposits and customer engagement.
  3. The financial regulatory landscape is changing with new appointments, including Jonathan McKernan resigning from the FDIC and being nominated to lead the CFPB. This could impact how financial services are managed going forward.

BIWEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2024-12-05 Th

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 107 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Economics Cybersecurity Hardware Fintech
  1. Intel has faced a lot of trouble due to poor decisions made years ago. The issues they are now trying to fix are rooted in choices that stretch back more than a decade.
  2. Spending on AI is growing, but it's still far below what many companies expected. Big tech firms are investing heavily in AI to protect themselves from competition, even though they don't see immediate profits.
  3. China is now the main driver of global warming, and other countries have significantly cut their CO2 emissions. Tackling climate change is increasingly seen as a challenge that China needs to address.

More is coming soon!

The Dollar Endgame • 299 implied HN points • 07 May 23
💰 Finance Fintech Financial system
  1. The author, Peruvian Bull, is a fintech analyst focusing on finance and monetary economics.
  2. The author invites readers to join their journey to explore the darker aspects of the financial system.
  3. The post hints at more content to come in the future.

Startup News: Wealthon raises $133 million to scale SME financing in Central Europe

Startup Strategies • 42 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
💼 Business Fintech Investment Market Trends Digital Services
  1. Wealthon, a fintech company, raised $133 million to help small and medium businesses in Central Europe. This money will be used to grow their services and reach more customers.
  2. They provide quick financing options to businesses, allowing them to get loans as fast as seven minutes. Their digital approach makes it easy for companies to access funds with less paperwork.
  3. Wealthon is becoming a leader in Poland's lending market by tripling its financing volume in 2024. They focus on innovative financial solutions tailored specifically for SMEs.

Banking-as-a-Service: Wrapped

Fintech Business Weekly • 475 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
💰 Finance Fintech Compliance
  1. The banking-as-a-service industry faced challenges in 2023, such as issues with compliance and partnerships.
  2. There was increased regulatory scrutiny on BaaS entities, with concerns around misleading claims and high interest rates.
  3. Multiple BaaS-related scandals and legal actions occurred throughout the year, impacting various companies in the industry.