Kraken Quietly Files for U.S. IPO, Signaling a New Chapter for Crypto & Fintech
Kraken has reportedly filed confidentially for a U.S. IPO, marking what could become one of the most significant public listings in fintech and digital-asset history. The move signals renewed confidence among mature crypto institutionsโeven amid regulatory uncertainty and volatile markets. A successful listing would provide a powerful benchmark for the entire industry, potentially encouraging more crypto-native firms to enter public markets. It may also trigger a new wave of institutional adoption, with increased scrutiny and transparency improving trust. The IPO would further establish Kraken as a long-term, regulated financial player rather than a purely crypto exchange. For fintech leaders, this represents a pivotal moment where digital asset firms move firmly into mainstream capital markets.
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What company do you think is leading? Do you think new technologies e.g. AI, stablecoins and etc will disrupt these giants?
โ Visa
- Fiscal Fourth Quarter Net Revenue: $10.7 billion, up 12% year-over-year.
- Full Year Net Revenue Growth: 11% year-over-year.
- Fiscal Fourth Quarter EPS: Up 10% year-over-year.
- Full Year EPS Growth: 14% year-over-year.
- Total Full Year Payments Volume: $14 trillion, up 8% year-over-year in constant dollars.
- Processed Transactions: 258 billion, up 10% year-over-year.
- Commercial Payments Volume: $1.8 trillion, up 7% year-over-year in constant dollars.
- Visa Direct Transactions: 12.6 billion in full year 2025, up 27% year-over-year.
- Value-Added Services Revenue Growth: 25% in constant dollars to $3 billion in Q4.
- Operating Expenses Growth: 13% in Q4.
- Stock Buyback: Approximately $4.9 billion in Q4.
- Dividends Distributed: $1.1 billion in Q4.
- Remaining Buyback Authorization: $24.9 billion at the end of September.
- Q1 2026 US Payments Volume Growth: 7% through October 21.
- Q1 2026 Processed Transactions Growth: 9% year-over-year through October 21.
- Q1 2026 Cross-Border Volume Growth: 12% year-over-year through October 21.
โ Mastercard
Curated News
๐ณ Payments
Klarna Expands Deeper Into $447B U.S. Gift Card Market
Klarna is expanding its partnership with Blackhawk Network to tap into the growing U.S. gift card market. This move strengthens Klarnaโs retail footprint and positions it to innovate around BNPL-powered gifting.
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SBS Upgrades SBP Platform to Enhance Digital Payments
SBS has updated its SBP platform to deliver faster, more reliable digital payments. The upgrade aims to support growing transaction volumes across banks and fintechs.
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Indonesia to Extend Digital Payments to China & South Korea
Indonesia will expand its domestic digital payment system to China and South Korea by 2026. The initiative should improve cross-border spending for travelers and boost regional commerce.
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Sequence Launches โTrailsโ to Simplify Crypto-Based Payments
Sequence introduced Trails to make integrating crypto payments simpler for developers. The tool reduces technical complexity in building blockchain-based payment flows.
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Thrivory Raises Funding for Real-Time Healthcare Payments
Thrivory raised $3.5M in equity and secured up to $25M in credit to expand its healthcare payment platform. The funding will accelerate adoption of real-time reimbursement tools for clinics and hospitals.
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๐ฆ Banking
Bank of Ireland Expands Hybrid-Work Network With New Hub
The Bank of Ireland is opening a new hybrid-working hub in Sligo to enhance flexible work options. The expansion supports regional talent and modernizes the bankโs workplace infrastructure.
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Lloyds Faces Call for ICO Probe Over Staff Data Use
A union has requested an ICO investigation into Lloydsโ alleged use of staff bank-account data during pay negotiations. The case could shape future standards around data privacy and employer oversight.
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๐ผ Fintech
FICO Integrates Plaid for Real-Time Cash-Flow Insights
FICO and Plaid are partnering to incorporate real-time cash-flow data into FICOโs risk models. This enhances lendersโ ability to make more accurate credit decisions.
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Kaaj Raises $3.8M to Automate Credit Risk With AI
AI startup Kaaj raised $3.8M to improve automated credit-risk assessment. The platform aims to help lenders analyze borrowers faster and with greater precision.
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Capital on Tap Secures ยฃ500M to Expand SMB Credit
Capital on Tap secured ยฃ500M in funding to strengthen its SMB financing products. The company plans to grow card products and credit lines for small businesses.
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Qantas Business Money Rolls Out Yield Product With Airwallex
Qantas Business Money introduced a high-yield treasury product for businesses powered by Airwallex. It aims to provide SMEs with secure, high-return cash-management options.
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Cash App Pilot Launches Near Real-Time โCash App Scoreโ
Block launched a pilot for Cash App Score leveraging near real-time financial behavior data. The product aims to expand access to credit for underserved consumers.
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CFIT Coalition to Digitize UK Homebuying
The UKโs CFIT coalition is starting a project to digitize the homebuying process end-to-end. The initiative targets reduced friction, better transparency, and faster completions.
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Zopa Launches New Investment Product for Savers
Zopa launched a new investment product designed to help customers grow savings with confidence. It expands the fintechโs move deeper into consumer wealth solutions.
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eToro Introduces Cash ISA for UK Clients
eToro unveiled a Cash ISA offering tax-free returns to UK investors within the eToro ecosystem. This strengthens its competitive position in wealth and savings.
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๐ช Crypto
Naver to Acquire Dunamu, Operator of Upbit
Naver is reportedly acquiring Dunamu, operator of Upbit, South Koreaโs largest crypto exchange. The deal would substantially expand Naverโs capabilities in digital assets.
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Tether Invests in Parfin to Boost Institutional USDT Adoption
Tether invested in Parfin to enhance enterprise-grade crypto infrastructure across Latin America. The partnership aims to grow institutional stablecoin usage.
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Crypto Markets See Nearly $1B in Liquidations
A sharp decline in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP followed fading expectations for rate cuts. The downturn triggered nearly $1B in liquidations, highlighting continued macro sensitivity.
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โ๏ธ Regulation
U.S. Senate Targets Vote on Major Crypto Bill Next Month
The U.S. Senate Banking Chair plans to advance a long-awaited crypto regulatory bill. If passed, it could bring clearer rules for exchanges and digital-asset issuers.
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๐งฉ Other
ClearToken Adopts Nasdaq Eqlipse for Digital Asset Clearing
ClearToken is integrating Nasdaq Eqlipse to strengthen institutional clearing and settlement. The upgrade focuses on reducing risk and improving transparency.
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Taurus & Kaiko Form Partnership on Digital Asset Infrastructure
Taurus and Kaiko announced a strategic partnership combining custody, tokenization, and data capabilities. The collaboration aims to improve infrastructure for institutional digital-asset adoption.
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