The Fintech Times Bi-Weekly News Roundup on Thursday brings news of a ‘historic brand evolution’ for Mashreq Bank and funding success for Binocs.
Partnerships
Inovatec, a provider of cloud-based software solutions for lenders, has entered into a partnership with Provenir, an AI-powered risk decisioning software firm. As a result, Inovatec’s roster of automobile lenders can access Provenir’s portfolio of AI-driven decisioning solutions through open APIs.
Bluefin has partnered with commercial hardware manufacturer Sunmi to provide Android-based mobile and point-of-sale devices to Bluefin clients across the retail, government and higher education industries, among others. Through the partnership, Bluefin will work to certify Sunmi’s flagship smart payment terminal line.
Payments firm Gr4vy has unveiled a strategic partnership with BitPay to empower its merchants to easily accept crypto payments. As part of Gr4vy’s no-code payment orchestration platform (POP), merchants can now implement and offer BitPay’s advanced crypto payment options at checkout.
Taulia and Standard Chartered have agreed to collaborate across a range of working capital finance solutions, with an initial focus on the provision of supply chain finance and dynamic discounting. This marks the first MoU that Taulia has signed with a banking institution, following SAP’s acquisition of Taulia.
More collaborations
ClearBank has announced an integration with Fondy, a one-stop payment platform, to provide e-commerce companies with an efficient, easy-to-implement shop payment solution. This solution will allow companies to manage and control their money flow – from acceptance of payments, IBAN accounts, and payouts to third parties.
MJ Hudson, the end-to-end solutions provider to the asset management industry, and teamed up with software editor SLIB. The partnership will provide improved governance and transparency on risk exposures and enable greater efficiency within the brokerage market.
Consumers and businesses in Dubai can make safe contactless payments for select government and private sector services following a strategic partnership between Mastercard and fintech noqodi. noqodi’s digital omni-channel payments, including Tap on Phone, will be powered by Mastercard Payment Gateway Services.
On-demand grocery delivery firm Beelivery has linked up with UNIPaaS embedded payments solution. Beelivery has implemented the UNIPaaS’ platform to resolve legacy issues with traditional payment providers, improve customer experience and operational efficiencies, while providing a solid foundation to unleash its ability to scale without increasing headcount.
Job moves
Compliance platform Napier has revealed current chief operations officer Greg Watson is taking on the role of CEO. Former CEO Julian Dixon moves into a full-time role as founder and board member. Following a period of ‘aggressive expansion’, Napier has presence in key financial hubs including North America, UK, Europe and APAC.
B2B payments leader Billtrust has appointed Marco Eeman as managing director to lead European operations. Eeman was a principal of Netherlands-based Order2Cash, an order-to-cash platform provider, which was acquired by Billtrust in February 2022.
Aldermore, the specialist lending and savings bank, has appointed Richard Jones to bhe’s been CEO of e the new MD of its MotoNovo Finance business. He joins from Lloyds Banking Group where he was CEO of its finance and leasing businesses since 2018.
Dubai Chambers has announced the appointment of Maha Al Gargawi as its executive director of business advocacy. Al Gargawi will oversee the implementation of new plans and initiatives created to support the interests of the private sector and enhance its communication and policy advocacy efforts with government entities.
Company updates
Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has created a global advisory board (GAB). Chaired by former US Senator and Ambassador to China, Max Baucus, the board’s purpose is to advise Binance on some of the most complex regulatory, political, and social issues the entire crypto industry faces as it grows and evolves at a fast pace.
UK-based fintech Paysend now enables users to carry out remittances to 175 countries. Paysend currently supports cross-network operability globally across Mastercard, Visa, China UnionPay and local ACH and payment schemes.
Digital challenger bank Tandem Bank has joined the Green Finance Institute’s Coalition for the Energy Efficiency of Buildings (CEEB). It joins a network of around 365 members representing sectors across finance, business, policy, and civil society working to develop a market for financing Net Zero carbon and climate resilient buildings in the UK.
Mashreq Bank – one of the major financial institutions in the UAE – has revealed a ‘historic brand evolution’ with a transformation of its corporate identity and overarching strategic purpose as an enabler of inclusive financial, personal and professional development. Its Rise Every Day initiative is an “invitation to everyone, everywhere, to embrace the spirit of grit they need to unlock the glory, and reach their unique vision of success”.
Revolut launches Revolut Pro account for income, payment and expense management for freelancers, gig workers and the self-employed. It provides a free business account for self employed within the Revolut retail app, offering convenience for independent professionals generating income through freelance work.
Funding and investments
PopEx, the digital collectibles company, has closed a $3.5million seed funding round, valuing the company at $40million. It has launched a new all-in-one digital collectibles platform designed specifically for the music industry. The funding round was led by Animoca Brands and also included Shima Capital, UOB Bank, Cudos, Outlier Ventures and Tileyard.
Crypto tax reporting app Binocs is today announcing a $4million fundraise. With this new funding round, it plans to cater to institutional crypto investors and enter geographies like the US, UK and Australia. The seed funding round was led by BEENEXT and Arkam with participation also from Accel, Saison Capital, Premji Invest, Blume and Better Capital.
Ledgy, the equity management platform for high-growth international startups, has bagged a $22million Series B funding round. It was led by global venture capital firm New Enterprise Associates (NEA). It also comes one year after its $10million Series A, led by Sequoia. Jonathan Golden, partner at NEA, will also now join the Ledgy board.
