Global

January 9, 2026 @ 8:59 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In a bid to enable UK consumers with smarter money management, Starling Bank has revealed a surprisingly simple habit distinguishing the nation’s top savers: checking their bank balance daily. According to recent research, those who monitor their accounts every day save more frequently and maintain… Read More

January 9, 2026 @ 8:56 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Illicit cryptocurrency activities surged to unprecedented levels in 2025, with criminal addresses receiving at least $154 billion—a staggering 162% increase from the previous year. This record-breaking figure, driven largely by a 694% spike in funds flowing to sanctioned entities, underscores the growing intersection of digital… Read More

January 9, 2026 @ 8:55 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In a year of uneven recovery for US private equity, the construction sector emerged as the standout performer in 2025, defying broader market stagnation in several key industries. According to PitchBook‘s inaugural 2025 US Private Equity Momentum Report, construction recorded an estimated 453 deals and… Read More

January 9, 2026 @ 8:54 am By Omar Faridi  |  

CB Insights noted in a new report that the venture capital landscape in 2025 marked a significant resurgence, with global funding soaring to $469 billion—the highest level since the peak of 2022. This represented a robust 47% year-over-year increase, signaling a recovery from the downturns… Read More

January 9, 2026 @ 2:03 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The UK financial services industry is preparing for a significant shift in 2026, with leaders anticipating greater investment in national defense amid converging priorities of financial stability and national security. According to KPMG‘s latest UK Financial Services Sentiment survey, nearly two-thirds (65%) of sector leaders… Read More

January 9, 2026 @ 12:04 am By Omar Faridi  |  

As we step into 2026, Lee Hopley, Director of Economic Insight and Research at UK Finance, emphasizes the importance of reviewing the economic data and policy decisions from the close of 2025. In the organization’s latest Monthly Economic Review, Hopley notes that this analysis provides… Read More

January 8, 2026 @ 6:11 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Decentralized prediction markets platform Polymarket has reportedly entered into an agreement with Dow Jones. The deal will integrate Polymarket’s real-time probability data into various Dow Jones outlets, such as The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, MarketWatch, and Investor’s Business Daily. This latest collaboration allows readers to… Read More

January 8, 2026 @ 10:28 am By JD Alois  |  

Additional details have emerged regarding JP Morgan’s (NYSE:JPM) acquisition of the Apple Card (NASDAQ:AAPL) business. As reported yesterday, after years of agonizing indecision over Apple’s card offering, Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) has now agreed to exit the business while taking a $1 billion haircut on existing… Read More

January 8, 2026 @ 10:03 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG), the parent company of Google, has eclipsed Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) in market value for the first time since 2020. As of the close of trading on Wednesday, Alphabet’s valuation reached an impressive $3.88 trillion, narrowly edging out Apple’s $3.84 trillion. This reversal comes… Read More

January 8, 2026 @ 9:14 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Stablecoin issuer and digital assets firm Tether has kicked off 2026 with several key announcements that now aim to underscore its expanding role beyond stablecoins into payments, real-world assets, and artificial intelligence. On January 7, Tether partnered with video platform Rumble to launch Rumble Wallet,… Read More

January 8, 2026 @ 8:35 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In the evolving landscape of cyber threats, a sophisticated Android-based malware known as Ghost Tap is now said to be behind a notable increase in fraudulent contactless payments. This malicious software allows cybercriminals to execute tap-to-pay transactions remotely, bypassing the need for direct access to… Read More

January 8, 2026 @ 8:10 am By Omar Faridi  |  

As 2026 unfolds, the Fintech sector is seemingly on the cusp of major shifts, driven by stablecoins, artificial intelligence agents, and deeper integrations between traditional banking and digital innovations. Industry professionals anticipate a year where experimental projects evolve into widespread applications, particularly in payments, commerce,… Read More

January 8, 2026 @ 8:08 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Bulgarian fintech firm Payhawk, which is said to be a specialist in corporate expense management, is reportedly engaging in preliminary talks for a fresh capital injection that could elevate its valuation to approximately $2 billion. Sources indicate the company aims to secure over $100 million… Read More

January 8, 2026 @ 8:07 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The United Kingdom solidified its position as one of Europe’s leading fintech hubs in 2025, even as emerging markets intensified their pursuit of investment capital. Despite challenging conditions, British fintech firms secured $3.6 billion in funding throughout the year, surpassing the combined totals of the… Read More

January 8, 2026 @ 12:34 am By Omar Faridi  |  

UK’s banking services provider Barclays has acquired a minority stake in Ubyx, a US-based firm specializing in stablecoin settlement infrastructure. This marks Barclays’ inaugural foray into investing in a company focused on stablecoins, underscoring the bank’s ongoing plans to delve into innovative digital financial instruments… Read More

January 8, 2026 @ 12:27 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Digital bank Revolut is reportedly engaged in discussions to purchase FUPS, a local digital banking platform in Turkey, as a strategic move to introduce its financial services to the Turkish market. Sources close to the matter (cited by Bloomberg) indicate that the potential deal would… Read More

January 7, 2026 @ 11:28 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Private equity firm Hg has struck a deal to acquire OneStream, a provider of enterprise finance management software, for an equity value of roughly $6.4 billion. This all-cash transaction marks OneStream’s return to private ownership just 17 months after its initial public offering, highlighting shifting… Read More

January 7, 2026 @ 10:30 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Ripple Labs President Monica Long emphasized the company’s commitment to private operations, dispelling any near-term prospects of an initial public offering (IPO). This update, shared on January 6, 2026, underscores Ripple’s strategic direction following a successful fundraising round in November 2025. Long highlighted the fintech… Read More

January 7, 2026 @ 9:26 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

YZi Labs—an investment entity supported by Binance founder Changpeng Zhao—has publicly criticized CEA Industries (NASDAQ: BNC) for implementing what it calls “anti-shareholder” strategies aimed at solidifying the existing leadership’s position. This rebuke highlights a growing rift in a relationship that appeared promising just half a… Read More

January 7, 2026 @ 9:25 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Amsterdam-based bunq BV has submitted a fresh application to establish itself as a bank in the United States. The company filed for a national bank charter with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) on January 6, 2026, marking its second attempt in… Read More