Mastercard has launched an On-Demand Decisioning tool that enables banks and fintechs to dynamically adjust authorization decisions in real-time. The solution allows issuers to integrate custom logic and external data sources into the approval process, giving them more control over fraud prevention and transaction outcomes. This innovation supports more personalized, risk-sensitive payments while improving customer experience. With fraud levels on the rise, real-time flexibility in decision-making can significantly reduce false declines and operational inefficiencies. Mastercard positions this as part of its broader strategy to make payments more secure and intelligent. The tool is expected to strengthen partnerships with financial institutions by offering them advanced customization.
Insight of the Day
Rewiring The Money Stack
Based on an article by Luca Prosperi, published by Fintech Blueprint
Money is arguably the most complex mass-adopted product in existence. Everyone uses it, yet very few understand the machinery behind it. The balance shown on a bank statement, or in apps like Venmo, Revolut, or a stablecoin wallet, is not a tangible certainty but a system of checks and balances designed to ensure that value is usually — though not always — available when requested.
This multilayered system links the creditworthiness of banks, the storage of deposits, and the ability for digital applications to build countless features on top. In practice, money functions less as a product and more as infrastructure.
The current monetary system was shaped after the collapse of Bretton Woods in 1971, built on the relationship between treasuries, central banks, and commercial banks. While effective for decades, it has revealed critical limitations: geographical silos, inefficient governance, weak risk management, and an inability to meet the demands of a digital-first economy.
Curated News
💳 Payments
Rainforest Raises $29M for Embedded Payments Growth
Rainforest secured $29 million in Series B funding to expand its embedded payments platform. The company plans to scale integrations for SaaS providers and marketplaces, reinforcing the trend toward frictionless, built-in payment experiences.
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Hibernian FC Extends IFX Payments Deal
Scottish football club Hibernian FC renewed its partnership with IFX Payments to enhance digital payment solutions for fans and operations. The collaboration highlights the growing role of fintech in sports commerce.
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Thunes Expands Real-Time Payments to Morocco
Thunes launched real-time cross-border payments into Morocco, extending its network in the Middle East and Africa. This development supports financial inclusion and strengthens the country’s global remittance ecosystem.
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Nuvei Partners with EWS on Paze℠ Checkout
Nuvei joined forces with Early Warning Services to enable the Paze℠ digital wallet at checkout. The collaboration brings more convenience and security to online transactions, challenging existing payment players.
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TrueLayer Introduces Verified Payouts
TrueLayer rolled out Verified Payouts, enabling instant and compliant bank withdrawals for merchants and platforms. The service aims to reduce fraud while speeding up settlement processes.
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Green Dot and Stripe Partner on Cash Access
Green Dot teamed up with Stripe to provide better cash-to-digital services for underbanked consumers. The partnership is designed to bridge the gap between cash usage and online commerce.
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🏦 Banking
Float Launches Hybrid Business Accounts
Float introduced hybrid accounts that combine chequing-like spending with savings rates up to 4%. The product is designed to help businesses optimize liquidity without sacrificing yield.
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Narmi and Ninth Wave Bring Open Finance to Community Banks
Narmi partnered with Ninth Wave to deliver open finance capabilities to smaller financial institutions. This move helps community banks and credit unions offer modern digital services and compete with larger players.
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Ozone API and Plumery Collaborate on Open Banking Tech
Ozone API and Plumery announced a partnership to deliver advanced digital banking solutions powered by open banking. The collaboration aims to accelerate innovation for financial institutions across Europe.
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bunq Hits 20 Million Users
Dutch challenger bank bunq surpassed 20 million users as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. The milestone underscores growing consumer demand for digital-first banking alternatives.
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💡 Fintech
finmid Unlocks €400B SME Financing Market
finmid introduced a cross-border finance platform operating in 30 countries, addressing Europe’s €400 billion SME funding gap. The solution simplifies access to capital for businesses across fragmented markets.
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Temenos Wins IDC FinTech Real Results 2025 Award
Temenos was named the overall winner at IDC’s FinTech Real Results Awards 2025, recognizing its impact on digital transformation in banking. The accolade highlights Temenos’ leadership in core banking technology.
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NZ-based Marloo Secures $2.8M Pre-Seed
AI-powered fintech startup Marloo, based in New Zealand, raised $2.8 million in pre-seed funding. The firm aims to enhance financial decision-making with AI-driven tools.
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9fin Expands Debt Intelligence Platform to LATAM
Debt intelligence provider 9fin expanded its coverage to Latin America, aiming to bring more transparency and data access to regional debt markets. The move reflects growing global demand for debt market insights.
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🪙 Crypto
EasyJet Founder Launches Bitcoin Trading App
EasyJet founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou launched a new Bitcoin trading app focused on financial empowerment. The platform emphasizes accessibility and aims to attract retail users into crypto investing.
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BNP Paribas and HSBC Join Canton Blockchain
BNP Paribas and HSBC have joined Canton, a privacy-focused blockchain network for capital markets. Their participation signals growing institutional interest in secure blockchain solutions.
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BBVA Partners with Ripple on Crypto Custody
BBVA will leverage Ripple’s technology to provide Bitcoin and Ether custody for European institutions under MiCA regulations. The move strengthens Ripple’s foothold in the institutional crypto space.
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SwissBorg Suffers $41M Solana Loss
Crypto platform SwissBorg reported a $41 million loss tied to Solana assets. The incident underscores the volatility and operational risks facing crypto investment firms.
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GameStop Narrows Losses with Bitcoin Boost
GameStop’s Q2 results showed narrower losses, aided by Bitcoin holdings on its balance sheet. The move highlights the growing role of crypto in corporate treasury strategies.
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QMMM Stock Surges on Crypto Treasury Plan
QMMM stock soared nearly 1,750% after announcing plans to hold $100 million in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana as treasury assets. The surge reflects market enthusiasm for corporate crypto adoption.
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📊 WealthTech
Plum Launches AI Money Co-Pilot
Plum introduced a financial management co-pilot built with Google’s Gemini AI. The tool offers users personalized savings and investment insights, reflecting the growing adoption of AI in personal finance.
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Altruist Unveils Hazel AI for Wealth Advisors
Altruist launched Hazel, an AI-powered platform designed to help financial advisors deliver tailored investment strategies. The solution enhances efficiency and client engagement in wealth management.
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