The hottest Payments Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Finance Topics

Problems at Sezzle (SEZL)

The Bear Cave • 443 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
💰 Finance Payments Investments Banking Regulations Fraud
  1. Sezzle is a payment platform that allows customers to buy now and pay later, but there are concerns about its roles in facilitating fraud and illegal businesses.
  2. Some online pharmacies using Sezzle have been found to sell unapproved or counterfeit drugs, leading to consumer complaints about quality and delivery issues.
  3. Regulatory actions against companies like Google and past illegal activities show the serious risks and penalties involved in dealing with rogue online pharmacies.

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.

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.

Welcome to Ronin, Transak!

Ronin’s Newsletter • 86 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🔮 Crypto Blockchain NFTs DeFi Onboarding Payments
  1. Transak is now a part of Ronin, providing more ways for users to buy crypto easily. It helps people convert their regular money into digital currency like RON and USDC.
  2. You can now buy NFTs on Mavis Market using a debit or credit card. This makes it a lot simpler and faster to get NFTs.
  3. Users in many countries can buy RON, USDC, and SLP directly with their cards through Transak. KYC checks might be needed depending on where you are.

SITREP - 12/26/23

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 919 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
💰 Finance Payments Budget Loans
  1. Stripe Capital is causing issues by not processing payments, leading to a need to migrate elsewhere.
  2. The author experienced financial troubles, including fraudulent charges and a drained checking account.
  3. Despite challenges, the author plans to continue creating content and maintaining a positive outlook.
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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.

January 2024: What if ACH had attachments?

Kunle.app • 314 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Payments Messaging Innovation Data
  1. Payments innovation has focused on optimizing speed and cost over the past two decades.
  2. The messaging layers in payment systems have a bandwidth constraint that limits the communication of metadata and important contextual information.
  3. Increasing the bandwidth in the messaging layer of payments could allow for self-reconciling payments and eliminate the need for parallel systems for information exchange.

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.

Long Take: How Wise disrupted $150T of Cross-Border Payments and earns $1B in revenue

The Fintech Blueprint • 511 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
💰 Finance Payments Valuations Stablecoins DeFi Investments
  1. Wise disrupted the costly traditional cross-border payment system by using a peer-to-peer platform and offering transparent, low fees.
  2. The company earned $1.2B in revenue in 2021 with a significant portion coming from its margin on FX transfers.
  3. Wise's growth and profitability are driven by its innovative approach to simplifying and optimizing cross-border transactions.

Long Take: Visa, Worldpay, and Nuvei settling transactions using stablecoin USDC on Solana

The Fintech Blueprint • 511 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
💼 Business Finance Technology Payments Networks Blockchain
  1. Visa, Worldpay, and Nuvei are settling transactions using the USDC stablecoin on Solana blockchain.
  2. Financial networks must adapt to new technologies for efficient cross-border transactions.
  3. Creating payment networks involves connecting commercial demands with financial capabilities.

Check, Please

Net Interest • 10 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
💼 Business Payments Restaurants Finance Technology Economics
  1. A restaurant payment system started when Frank McNamara created the Diners Club after running out of cash in a restaurant. This invention allowed people to pay by card instead of cash.
  2. Today, companies like Toast and Edenred are leading the market by providing technology and meal voucher services to restaurants. They are crucial in shaping how payments are made in dining establishments.
  3. Despite the rise of technology, many diners still prefer using cash for their meals, showing that tradition still plays a role in the way we pay.

Why stablecoins matter to democracy and domestic debt

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🔮 Crypto Stablecoins Blockchain Digital Currency Financial Technology Payments
  1. Stablecoins provide a safe way for people in countries with unstable currencies to access reliable money. This can help them protect their savings from inflation and financial mishaps.
  2. Using stablecoins can promote the use of the U.S. dollar globally, which is good for the American economy and its status as a superpower. More transactions in dollars mean more strength for the U.S. currency.
  3. The growth in stablecoin use is expected to continue as tech advances, making it easier for people to access these digital dollars and benefit from better financial opportunities.

PYUSD

Confronting the Future • 137 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
💰 Finance Blockchain Stablecoins Payments Regulation Crypto
  1. Stablecoins like PYUSD are becoming inevitable in the global financial landscape.
  2. Public blockchains erode monopolies and offer new options for value exchange.
  3. Introduction of PYUSD by PayPal will lead to legislative action, regulatory scrutiny, and talent demand in the stablecoin space.

Dark software: a new model for SaaS and fintech; Income statement: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express; Why the interest in Payfacs?;

Fintech Wrap Up • 58 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
💰 Finance SaaS Payments GenAI
  1. Dark software is a new model for SaaS and fintech with a focus on hyper-specialized ICP, full stack product offering, and outsourcing products to minimize costs.
  2. Interest in Payfacs is driven by the need for embedded payments, ease of setting up payment capabilities, risk management, compliance support, and access to reporting tools.
  3. Income statements from Visa, Mastercard, and American Express show patterns of growth in consumer spending, new payment flows, digital innovations, and value-added services.

Introducing TapToAuth: Bringing the Familiarity of Contactless Payments to Open Banking

Building The Future of Payments by Mike Kelly • 59 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Payments Security Retail Innovation
  1. TapToAuth combines contactless payments with the advantages of open banking, offering a new, secure, and cost-effective solution.
  2. This innovation minimizes fraud, reduces digital payment costs by enabling instant fund transfers, and enhances security with a cryptographically secured NFC protocol.
  3. TapToAuth not only provides a seamless customer experience but also integrates loyalty programs and digital receipts, transforming every transaction into an engagement opportunity for retailers.

Blue Ridge "Explores Options" For Capital Raise As It Reduces BaaS, Fintech Exposure

Fintech Business Weekly • 126 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
💰 Finance Banking Regulation Lending Payments Compliance
  1. Blue Ridge Bank is looking to raise capital and reduce its exposure to banking-as-a-service and fintech.
  2. States like California and Wisconsin are regulating earned wage access, which is positive but adds compliance challenges.
  3. Plaid has launched a subsidiary as a consumer reporting agency, moving towards offering cash flow underwriting services.

Issue #139: Revolut Eyes New Zealand Banking Licence, eToro Targets US IPO, And Pocket Money Goes Digital

Fintech Radar • 4 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
💰 Finance Fintech Investing Banking Payments Digital Currency
  1. Revolut is applying for a banking license in New Zealand to expand its services. This could help them offer more products and gain a larger market share there.
  2. eToro is planning a U.S. IPO after a previous attempt fell through. They are looking to enter the public market at a time when investor interest in fintech is growing.
  3. John Lewis launched a fun app called 'Pocket Money Pet' to help kids learn about money. It's a creative way to teach kids saving and budgeting skills early on.

The Biden Money Laundering Operation

The Reactionary • 212 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigation Corruption Foreign influence Payments Evidence
  1. The House Oversight Committee discovered a complex money laundering scheme involving the Biden family and foreign companies.
  2. Payments over $10 million were made to Biden family members, with funds structured to conceal their origins.
  3. The investigation also revealed significant financial involvement with foreign entities, particularly from China, and highlighted the need for further scrutiny.

Issue #136: Affirm Arrives In The UK, Block Ramps Up Afterpay, And Coinbase Partners With Visa

Fintech Radar • 6 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
💰 Finance Fintech Investments Payments Crypto Banking
  1. Affirm is now in the UK, partnering with Amazon to offer buy now, pay later options. This move puts them up against established competitors like Klarna and Afterpay.
  2. Block is enhancing its Cash App by integrating Afterpay, making it easier for users to manage payments. This could help Block maximize the value of its Afterpay acquisition.
  3. Coinbase teamed up with Visa for real-time deposits, allowing quick transfers into user accounts. This partnership is a significant step for improving the user experience in crypto trading.

LinkedIn Posts from 2022 and 2023

In Depth on Africa Fintech • 39 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
💼 Business Payments Regulation Innovation Leadership Ecommerce
  1. LinkedIn can be a useful tool for clarifying thinking by writing publicly.
  2. The topics covered include banking, payments, fintech, regulation, innovation, leadership, ecommerce, emerging markets analysis, electric vehicles, venture capital, and general business/startups.
  3. Content includes insights on leadership, customer acquisition, startup success, failure reasons, investing in Africa, and disrupting industries.

The Googlisation of Payments; B2B fintech pricing: Pricing model definitions; Embedded fintech revenue model;

Fintech Wrap Up • 39 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
💼 Business Fintech Payments Generative AI
  1. Payments platforms can be attractive for advertisers to invest in due to access to data and trust
  2. Embedded finance is changing how customers and businesses interact with financial services
  3. Financial institutions can generate revenue by offering bundled fintech services through subscription tiers

#60 - André Neves, LNM parabolic growth & Lightning friends

LN Markets’ Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Bitcoin Gaming Payments User Experience Blockchain
  1. André Neves is deeply involved in the Bitcoin ecosystem through ZEBEDEE, NBD, and Vinteum.
  2. Bitcoin and Lightning Network are transforming the gaming industry with instant, low-fee transactions.
  3. Improving UX around self-custody and simplifying interactions with Lightning Network are key for broader Bitcoin adoption.

Issue #135: Robinhood Launches Election Contracts, NVIDIA Tackles Fraud, And Moniepoint Joins the Unicorn Club

Fintech Radar • 4 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
💰 Finance Fintech Investing AI Payments Market Trends
  1. Robinhood has launched contracts for betting on the U.S. presidential election, allowing users to trade on candidates like Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. This move taps into the growing interest in prediction markets during election cycles.
  2. Hong Kong has introduced a framework for AI in finance to ensure responsible use, data privacy, and collaboration with universities. This trend might inspire other markets to set similar guidelines for AI in financial services.
  3. NVIDIA is now using AI to detect fraudulent credit card transactions in real-time. This development shows how AI is making it easier for companies outside of traditional finance to tackle fraud prevention.

Open Banking +

Fintech Across the Pond • 19 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
💰 Finance Fintech Payments APIs
  1. Open banking lacks a scalable commercial model, hindering broader adoption.
  2. SPAA aims to address the commercial gap in open banking by introducing premium APIs.
  3. SPAA enables new payment features and access to enhanced data assets for better functionality.

Issue #134: Western Union Acquires Dash, Morgan Stanley’s AI Push, And Finix’s New Funding Round

Fintech Radar • 4 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
💰 Finance Fintech Investing Payments Banking Insurance
  1. Western Union is buying Dash, a mobile wallet in Singapore, to expand its digital services. This shows how much the remittance business has changed with more competition from apps.
  2. Goldman Sachs and Apple are being fined nearly $90 million over issues with the Apple Card, which could hurt their future plans. It highlights the challenges Goldman faces in consumer banking.
  3. Morgan Stanley launched an AI assistant to help its staff analyze research reports faster. This shows how traditional finance is integrating AI to improve efficiency.

Tokenization, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Vault

Money in Transit • 19 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Security Payments Data Management Startups Tokenization
  1. Tokenization is a powerful way to reduce costs and secure card payments by isolating parts of payment applications for PCI compliance.
  2. Tokens are non-exploitable and require a vault to store the actual data, providing security in case of a breach.
  3. Using Tokenization as a Service providers can strengthen a startup's position by avoiding vendor lock-in and enhancing pricing power.

Issue #138: Robinhood Acquires TradePMR, Revolut’s ATM Play, And UPI Continues To Go Global

Fintech Radar • 2 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
💰 Finance Fintech Investing Banking Payments Startups
  1. Robinhood has bought TradePMR to expand its services for financial advisers, showing it's serious about growing in the wealth management area. This move is part of a wider trend where fintech companies are trying to offer more services to their users.
  2. Revolut is planning to introduce an AI assistant, branded ATMs, and mortgage options by 2025. These additions reflect their aggressive approach to compete in the traditional finance space beyond just banking.
  3. Google Pay is now incorporating buy now, pay later options from Afterpay and Klarna. This shows that big tech companies want to partner with existing services instead of directly competing in the financial sector.

Chinese banks scrutinize trade payments from Russia: report

Pekingnology • 37 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics China Russia Banks Payments Sanctions
  1. Chinese banks are closely reviewing trade payments from Russia, causing disruptions for Chinese companies involved in business transactions.
  2. Major Chinese banks, including state-owned ones, are halting payments from sanctioned Russian financial institutions, leading to challenges for traders in various regions of China.
  3. The heightened scrutiny on remittances related to Russia by Chinese banks reflects the changing regulatory environment post third quarter of last year, impacting cross-border transactions and requiring stricter due diligence.

Payment of the Seas

Money in Transit • 19 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
💰 Finance Payments Credit Cards
  1. Credit cards offer flexibility in payment not provided by cash or checks.
  2. Card transactions go through initialization, authorization, and capture stages for security and efficiency.
  3. Companies like Visa and Mastercard simplify transactions by connecting merchants with various banks.

Going cashless in Nigeria: How startups are digitizing payments in the country's trickiest verticals

Afridigest • 15 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
💼 Business Payments Fintech Economics Startups
  1. Nigeria is a leading fintech hub in Africa, receiving a significant amount of funding in the sector since 2022.
  2. Despite fintech activity, cash remains prevalent in Nigeria, especially in everyday transactions like public transportation, informal economy vendors, and fuel purchases.
  3. Startups in Nigeria are innovating to overcome challenges in digitizing payments in tricky sectors, offering solutions like digital payment systems for transportation, mobile money for informal vendors, and e-wallets for fuel payments.

Issue #95: X Is Getting Into P2P Payments, Circle Files For An IPO, And Revolut Gains Interest In Its HR Tech Offering

Fintech Radar • 18 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
💰 Finance Fintech Payments IPO
  1. Twitter (X) plans to introduce peer-to-peer payments, a logical starting point given its large user base and commerce opportunities
  2. Revolut's HR platform, Revolut People, attracts over 300 companies to its waitlist, surprising with strong interest in the offering
  3. Mastercard is developing an AI tool for small businesses, showing a cautious approach amid a potential trend towards more AI-focused innovations in the market