The hottest Fintech Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

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.

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.

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.

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.

Issue #142: Kraken’s Crypto Payments Bet, Bud’s AI Move And PIX's Continued Expansion

Fintech Radar • 4 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🔮 Crypto Payments AI Fintech Blockchain Investment
  1. Kraken has started a new crypto payments service, helping businesses accept digital currencies. This could revive interest in crypto payments, especially as the regulatory environment improves.
  2. Brazil's Pix payment system is expanding its features with recurring payments, potentially opening up a $30 billion opportunity. This makes Pix a stronger competitor against traditional payment networks.
  3. Bud launched an AI-powered search tool for financial transactions, helping banks better understand customer data. This could change how banks manage data and improve services like lending and fraud detection.
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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.

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.

Fed Stonewalls Synapse FOIA Request

Fintech Business Weekly • 44 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
💰 Finance Banking Regulation Fintech Investments
  1. The Cash App recently settled legal issues, which included fines for not properly handling anti-money laundering rules. They also agreed to improve their security and support for users.
  2. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released a report on 'buy now, pay later' services, revealing that many loans are small but often lead users to take out multiple loans at once.
  3. There are ongoing concerns about transparency from banking regulators, especially regarding their responses to Freedom of Information Act requests, indicating a gap between what they promise and what they deliver.

❄️ 💳 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.

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.

Issue #141: X Partners with Visa, Wise’s LatAm Push, And Australia Tightens BNPL Rules

Fintech Radar • 6 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
💰 Finance Fintech Payments Investing Regulation Digital Currency
  1. X has teamed up with Visa to introduce a digital payment feature in their app. This move aims to make X a more comprehensive service, but it raises concerns about user trust and market competition.
  2. Wise has expanded its services to Mexico, focusing on providing low-cost international payment options. This expansion comes as the demand for remittances in Mexico grows, presenting both challenges and opportunities.
  3. Australia is tightening regulations for Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services by requiring providers to apply for credit licenses. This change could favor established companies while making it harder for new entrants to join the market.

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.

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.

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.

"Anonymous" Crypto Debit Card Startup Sues BaaS Platform, Ex-Evolve Partner Solid

Fintech Business Weekly • 66 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
💰 Finance Banking Investing Fintech Fraud Capital
  1. Fraud and scams are becoming bigger issues for businesses compared to individuals. Companies need better tools to protect themselves from these threats.
  2. Many fintech companies are raising significant funding, which shows growth in the industry. Some are also getting ready for potential IPOs in the coming years.
  3. There's a legal battle between a crypto debit card company and its banking partner. It highlights the risks and challenges in the fintech sector, especially in compliance and service delivery.

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.

Regulators Should Conduct "Material Loss Review" Of Synapse Disaster

Fintech Business Weekly • 52 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
💰 Finance Banking Investments Regulation Fintech Risk management
  1. Regulators should look into the Synapse disaster to understand what went wrong. This could help prevent similar issues in the future.
  2. There is a significant amount of lost funds that still needs to be clarified, impacting many users. Authorities need to take responsibility and provide transparency.
  3. The emotional toll on the people affected is serious, as highlighted by the Synapse trustee's feelings during court. Many end users are suffering and need answers.

What Can We Learn From Banking Policy In Trump’s First Term?

Fintech Business Weekly • 89 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
💰 Finance Banking Regulation Fintech Investments Economic Policy
  1. Banking regulations during Trump's first term favored a more business-friendly and less restrictive approach, making it easier for financial innovations to flourish.
  2. Several key appointments in his administration were focused on encouraging small-dollar loans and improving access to credit for underprivileged communities.
  3. There are concerns about the transparency and accountability of banks, especially regarding how they handle customer funds during crises like bankruptcies.

News You Need To Know Before Money2020: Goldman & Apple Hit With CFPB Enforcement Actions

Fintech Business Weekly • 104 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
💰 Finance Banking Regulation Credit Lending Fintech
  1. Goldman Sachs and Apple have to pay nearly $90 million due to issues with how they handled customer complaints about the Apple Card. They didn't follow the rules about resolving billing errors and misleading customers about financing options.
  2. The final open banking rule is now in place, but it faces a legal challenge from big banks who argue it could increase fraud and harm consumer data safety. This rule aims to give consumers more control over their financial data.
  3. SoLo Funds, a peer-to-peer lending service, is facing a lawsuit for allegedly misleading customers about loan costs. The company has been criticized for operating without the necessary licenses and using confusing practices.

Issue #140: Amazon Snaps Up Axio, Robinhood’s Crypto Push Into Spain, and Another Bank Fintech Flop

Fintech Radar • 4 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💰 Finance Fintech Banking Investing Payments Cryptocurrency
  1. Amazon is buying a fintech called Axio in India to strengthen its credit services. This shows Amazon's intent to dive deeper into lending rather than just partnering with others.
  2. Ramp has launched a new treasury management product, making it easier for businesses to manage their cash. This is part of a trend where companies want financial tools that integrate into their daily operations.
  3. HSBC shut down its Zing app just a year after launching it, which highlights how challenging it is for banks to successfully enter the fintech space. Just having money and a name isn't enough to succeed in this fast-paced market.

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

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.

Arkansas Congressman’s Proposal To “Make Community Banking Great Again”

Fintech Business Weekly • 44 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
💰 Finance Banking Regulation Payments Fintech Legislation
  1. A Congressman from Arkansas has a plan to help community banks. He wants to improve regulations to make banking easier and more fair for smaller banks.
  2. The CFPB has decided which digital payment apps will be closely monitored. Apps that process a lot of transactions, like Venmo and Cash App, will need to follow new rules to protect consumers.
  3. During a recent hearing, top banking officials talked about the health of the banking system. They mentioned the need for stronger risk management and staying updated with new financial technologies.

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.

VyStar Invested $20M Into “Dysfunctional” Nymbus; “Botched” Transition Led To Consent Order, $1.5M Penalty

Fintech Business Weekly • 59 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
💼 Business Fintech Investments Banking Legal issues Consumer Protection
  1. VyStar Credit Union faced major issues after investing $20 million in Nymbus due to a failed transition to a new online banking platform.
  2. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ordered VyStar to pay a $1.5 million penalty for unfair practices during the transition process, which left customers unable to access their accounts.
  3. Nymbus is currently involved in multiple legal disputes with clients, claiming it failed to deliver promised services and is now reportedly trying to extort money from a former customer.

"Troubled" Axiom Bank Retaliated Against AML Whisteblowers, Ex-Staffers Say

Fintech Business Weekly • 66 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
💰 Finance Banking Compliance Regulation Fintech Legal
  1. Axiom Bank faced serious allegations of retaliation against former employees who raised concerns about compliance and risk management issues. The complaints suggest that the bank ignored safety regulations and retaliated against those who spoke up.
  2. TomoCredit, facing financial struggles, defaulted on its debts and is being sued for not paying vendors. The company also has legal challenges over misleading practices related to its credit-building products.
  3. Both Axiom Bank and TomoCredit reveal challenges in the fintech sector related to compliance, financial stability, and ethical practices. These cases highlight the risks involved in the rapidly changing financial technology landscape.

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.

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