UBS & Ant International Launch Real-Time Blockchain Payments Network
UBS and Ant International have partnered to roll out a blockchain-based settlement and liquidity platform enabling real-time cross-border payments. The initiative aims to significantly reduce settlement friction for global institutions by combining UBSโs banking network with Antโs blockchain infrastructure. This collaboration signals a major step toward mainstream adoption of blockchain rails in institutional finance, especially as demand grows for instant, transparent, and compliant cross-border flows. By integrating liquidity management into the real-time system, the platform targets both efficiency and risk reduction for treasurers worldwide. For the fintech sector, this is a landmark example of a traditional bank and a payments giant jointly pushing next-generation infrastructure. It also underscores how blockchain is shifting from experimental to mission-critical in global payments.
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๐จ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ถ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต ๐๐๐ฝ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฐ๐น๐ฒ ๐ฏ๐ Silicon Valley Bank
We all love to imagine a future where personalized AI avatars manage our bills, rebalance our portfolios, and find the best insurance rates for us.
But in fintech, that future is still loading...
Compared to consumer tech or SaaS, financial services face unique headwinds โ regulation, trust, and risk. And thatโs keeping most AI use cases firmly in โslow burnโ mode.
๐ According to Gartnerโs AI in Fintech Hype Cycle:
Credit Scoring with Machine Learning, Chatbots, and Rules-Based RPA are already on the Plateau of Productivity โ the boring-but-profitable side of the curve.
KYC/AML Automation, Synthetic Data for Stress Testing, and Automated Loan Approvals are in the Slope of Enlightenment โ promising but still scaling.
Meanwhile, AI Trading Agents, GenAI Financial Education, and AI-Powered OCR are riding the Peak of Expectations, years away from maturity.
Even consumer trust reflects that lag.
A J.D. Power survey found:
๐น 62% of people under 40 have used AI for financial advice
๐น Only 43% of those over 40 said the same
Curated News
๐ณ Payments
JPMorgan Secures New Fintech Data-Sharing Deals
JPMorgan has struck agreements with multiple fintechs to access customer-permissioned financial data via secure APIs. The deals aim to improve transparency, reduce screen scraping, and streamline digital financial services.
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Cairo Amman Bank Rolls Out Iris-Based Payouts for Unbanked Workers
The bank is using iris recognition tech to authenticate and disburse payments to workers without bank accounts. This solution boosts inclusion and reduces fraud in cash-heavy environments.
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APP Fraud Losses Rise 12% in H1
Authorised push payment fraud continues to escalate, highlighting gaps in consumer protection and authentication. Regulators and banks face renewed pressure to enhance reimbursement rules and real-time detection.
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Revolut Partners With Booking.com for Travel Payments Expansion
Revolut has launched a new partnership with Booking.com to streamline travel-related payments and offer exclusive perks to users. The move strengthens its positioning as a global travel-centric financial app.
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Ukraine & Mastercard Announce National Digital Partnership
Ukraine and Mastercard are collaborating on a country-wide digital transformation program spanning payments, digital identity, and financial inclusion. It marks one of Mastercardโs most ambitious government partnerships in Eastern Europe.
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Ant Group Showcases AI-Powered SME Payment Tools
Ant Groupโs chairman highlighted new AI-driven solutions designed to streamline SME payments and cash flow operations. The tools aim to reduce manual processes and enhance financial insights for small businesses.
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MoMo Rwanda & TerraPay Simplify International Remittances
The partnership allows Rwandans to receive global money transfers faster and more reliably via MoMoโs mobile wallet. It expands TerraPayโs presence across Africa while boosting financial access.
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Yaspa Wins Real-Time Payments Innovation Award
Yaspa was recognized for its advancements in modern payment orchestration at the 2025 Payments Awards. The win underscores the increasing importance of real-time systems in enterprise finance.
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Vyntra Launches Real-Time Protection Against Mule Accounts
Vyntraโs new solution blocks fraudulent transactions by identifying mule account activity in real time. The tool targets a growing threat vector as digital fraud becomes more sophisticated.
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United Creations Enables Transparent Payroll With IrisGuard
The EyePayยฎ system brings iris-enabled payroll distribution to the Jordanian market, improving transparency and ensuring that wages reach the right individuals. Itโs another step toward biometric-driven fintech in the region.
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๐ฆ Banking
Fraud Claims Surge at Singapore Digital Banks
Digital banks in Singapore saw fraud claims rise to $1.9M, reflecting broader global trends in digital fraud exposure. Regulators may push for enhanced authentication standards.
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BBVA Integrates Surecompโs RIVO to Modernize Trade Finance
BBVA is enhancing its trade finance operations with Surecompโs RIVO platform to digitize and accelerate document handling. The move streamlines corporate banking workflows and improves transparency.
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Tietoevry Releases Report on Card Transformation Trends
Tietoevry Banking published insights on how banks are modernizing card platforms, focusing on cloud migration, security, and new user experiences. The report highlights competitive pressure on legacy issuers.
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๐ธ Fintech
Revolut Strengthens Africa Expansion With New Regional Leadership
Revolut is appointing local industry leaders to accelerate its African market rollout. The move underscores Africaโs importance in its global growth strategy.
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Paymentology Launches PayCredit for GCC Fintechs
PayCredit offers digital banks in Saudi Arabia and the GCC a fast way to introduce credit products via modular infrastructure. The solution supports the regionโs rapid fintech scaling.
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Avalara Raises $500M in BlackRock-Led Investment
Avalara secured major financing to accelerate its tax automation expansion globally. The involvement of BlackRock signals strong institutional confidence in regtech growth.
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๐ช Crypto
Japan to Reclassify 105 Cryptocurrencies and Cut Taxes
Japan is preparing significant crypto classification reforms and tax reductions to attract Web3 companies. The changes could make Japan one of the most competitive regulatory environments in Asia.
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Hong Kong Pilots Tokenized Deposits & Digital Asset Transactions
Hong Kong is launching pilot programs for tokenized deposits and regulated digital asset transactions as part of its virtual asset strategy. The trials aim to position the region as a leader in compliant digital finance infrastructure.
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Binance Founder CZ Addresses $4.3B Fine After Pardon
CZ publicly commented on the complexities surrounding the $4.3B penalty following his presidential pardon. The statement highlights ongoing uncertainty in the global regulatory climate for major crypto executives.
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๐ WealthTech
eToro Enables 24/5 Trading for All Major US Indices
eToro users can now trade S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 stocks nearly around the clock, enhancing flexibility for global traders. It reflects rising demand for continuous market access.
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LemFi Launches Instant Savings Accounts for UK Immigrants
LemFi introduced savings products that allow immigrants to earn interest instantly and build financial stability. The offering targets underserved communities navigating cross-border financial needs.
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