Author: Julie Muhn (@julieschicktanz)

8 Key Trends to Watch at FinovateSpring 2025

8 Key Trends to Watch at FinovateSpring 2025
By Julie Muhn (@julieschicktanz) Posted on
Categories: FinovateSpring 2025

This year at FinovateSpring, we’re seeing a strong convergence of fresh technologies and real-world financial use cases. From embedded finance to AI-powered risk management, the innovation that will be on display during the event, which takes place May 7 through 9 in San Diego, is a signal of the rapidly evolving needs of both financial institutions and their customers. We analyzed the key themes across this year’s 40+ participating demo companies and uncovered eight standout trends shaping the future of fintech.

AI and Machine Learning Are Everywhere

AI is evolving from a nice-to-have feature into a foundational technology. This year, 15 companies are showcasing solutions powered by AI or machine learning to drive personalization, automation, and real-time decision-making. Whether it’s fraud detection, customer engagement, or operational efficiency, companies like APIMatic, Casca, Cinareo Solutions, Cratoflow, Crosswise, Crux Analytics, Illuma, Layerup, Parcha, Quavo Fraud & Disputes, QuickFi, Quivly AI, Solda.ai, Stack AI, and Winnow are showing that AI is the engine behind scalable, modern finance.

Digital Transformation Goes Deeper

As financial institutions continue to modernize, digital transformation is expanding beyond the basic front end changes we saw in 2020. Tools supporting the developer experience, infrastructure, and process redesign are now in the spotlight. Companies like APIMatic, Anonybit, Cinareo Solutions, Illuma, Intellect Design, Kaian, Layerup, Penny Finance, QuickFi, ReSight, Solda.ai, and Stack AI are helping banks shift to cloud-based, API-driven, and future-ready environments.

Consumer Banking is Getting Smarter

Consumer-focused solutions are trending with 10 companies offering innovations in retail banking. From improved digital experiences to smarter customer onboarding, companies such as Anonybit, Bits of Stock, CoHome, Hive Technologies, Instarails, Kaian, Parcha, Penny Finance, SuperMoney, and Winnow are reimagining how consumers interact with their banks.

Embedded Finance Gains Momentum

Embedded finance is enabling a broader range of companies– both financial and non-financial– to provide an increasingly diverse range of financial services. Nine companies, including APIMatic, BankShift, Casca, CoHome, DashDevs, Express Wages, Félix, QuickFi, and TAPP Engine are enabling financial services to be embedded within broader customer journeys in areas ranging from e-commerce to payroll to enterprise tools.

Payments Innovation Is Accelerating

From real-time disbursements to smarter infrastructure, payments remains a top priority. Companies like APIMatic, Cratoflow, DashDevs, Express Wages, Félix, Hive Technologies, Instarails, Intellect Design, and Quavo Fraud & Disputes are focusing on speed, transparency, and compliance across the payments stack.

Customer Acquisition Is Being Reimagined

Nine firms are focusing specifically on helping financial institutions attract, convert, and retain customers more effectively. Expect to see data-driven onboarding tools, personalized product recommendations, and engagement platforms from innovators like BankShift, Cinareo Solutions, CoHome, Covet, Crux Analytics, Layerup, Penny Finance, Solda.ai, and SuperMoney.

Business Banking Is Getting a UX Overhaul

Small and mid-sized businesses have historically been underserved when it comes to having an elegant banking user experience. This year, companies like Anonybit, Casca, Crux Analytics, Instarails, Intellect Design, Parcha, Winnow are presenting tools built to streamline onboarding, lending, and money movement for the business banking segment.

Security, Identity & Compliance Stay Front and Center

As fintech grows more sophisticated, so do fraudsters. Six companies—including Anonybit, DashDevs, Herd Security, Illuma, Solda.ai, Stack AI, Crosswise, Quavo Fraud & Disputes, ReSight, and Winnow—are focusing on identity verification, AML, and regulatory compliance to ensure security doesn’t fall behind innovation.

FinovateSpring is more than a showcase of new technology, it’s a preview of where the industry is headed. These trends reflect the real challenges and opportunities facing financial services, and the companies listed are among the ones leading the way. Register today to see what they bring to the demo stage.

Photo by Maximalfocus on Unsplash

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Fintech Rundown: A Rapid Review of Weekly News

Fintech Rundown: A Rapid Review of Weekly News
By Julie Muhn (@julieschicktanz) Posted on
Categories: Fintech Rundown

After a turbulent couple of weeks in fintech, we’re starting this week with the news that Capital One’s $35 billion deal to acquire Discover has gained approval. This comes after last week’s positive news that Global Payments has agreed to acquire Worldpay. All of this proves that while fintech may be down, it is certainly not out. Here’s a look at more of this week’s fintech news. We’ll continue adding news to this post throughout the week, so stay tuned!

Payments

Blackhawk Network (BHN) has partnered with Monadnock Paper Mills to introduce Renovo, a new sustainable, fiber-based gift card substrate.

Toku raises $48 million Series A to grow its payments solutions in Latin America.

Digital banking

BrightStar Credit Union selects Jack Henry’s Symitar platform and complementary products to support its growth and deliver better member experiences.

Regulators approve Capital One’s $35.3 billion acquisition of Discover, minting the 8th largest US bank.

Velmie powers Sierra Leone’s first digital banking super app.

Lending

SoFi secures $3.2 billion expansion to its loan platform business across agreements with Fortress and Edge Focus.

Wealth management & investing

Sharia-compliant wealth creation platform Vennre introduces new Chief Product Officer Ahmed El-Sharkasy.

Clearwater Analytics finalizes acquisition of Enfusion.

Small business financial management

FundThrough acquires working capital platform Ampla.

DeFi

CompoSecure integrates Arculus with MoneyGram, marking the first hardware wallet to provide global cash in/cash out through Stellar.

Photo by Pixabay

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ValidiFI Adds Authoritative Bank Account Verification to its vAccount+ Suite

ValidiFI Adds Authoritative Bank Account Verification to its vAccount+ Suite
By Julie Muhn (@julieschicktanz) Posted on
Categories: Alumni News, Daily news, ValidiFI
  • ValidiFI has expanded its vAccount+ suite to include authoritative bank account verification, enabling real-time validation of account status and ownership using direct-source financial data.
  • The new tools include vAccount+ Verify and vAccount+ Coverage, which will help firms onboard customers, initiate ACH payments, and detect fraud with higher accuracy.
  • Built with AI and machine learning, the enhanced suite supports compliance with NACHA regulations and helps banks, lenders, and fintechs make smarter, faster decisions at scale.

Bank account and payment intelligence company ValidiFI recently unveiled enhancements to its vAccount+ suite. This week’s release will add new capabilities for authoritative bank account verification that firms can use when onboarding new customers, initiating ACH transactions, verifying payouts, and ensuring compliance with NACHA and anti-fraud regulations.

Authoritative bank account verification refers to the process of confirming a retail or commercial customer’s bank account ownership and status using official, direct-source data that is obtained from banks, core processors, or authoritative financial institutions. This is in contrast to traditional verification methods that rely on information supplied by the user, manual document uploads, or even micro-deposits. Instead, authoritative bank account verification leverages real-time data to confirm that an account exists, is open and active, and that the person or business claiming the account is indeed the rightful owner.

ValidiFI can leverage the new capabilities to validate up to 85% of accounts based on authoritative data and known transaction history. ValidiFI’s new authoritative bank account verification tool leverages AI and machine learning to analyze bank account and routing number patterns and relationships, which extends coverage to provide insights on 96% of accounts.

“Expanding the vAccount+ suite to include authoritative bank account verification empowers organizations in the B2B payments space to make informed decisions, optimize workflows, and improve risk management strategies,” said ValidiFI CEO John Gordon. “This addition reflects our commitment to delivering actionable insights that drive smarter, more efficient business operations.”

The two authoritative bank account verification tools include vAccount+ Verify, which verifies with authoritative sources for higher accuracy; and vAccount+ Coverage, which maximzes verification using all available data, including authoritative sources.

The tools verify the accuracy of the customer’s bank account and routing number, and offer the option to authenticate bank account ownership by matching the applicant’s details with the account owner’s information. The ownership details help organizations detect discrepancies and potential fraud.

Founded in 2014, ValidiFI offers real-time bank account verification and payment intelligence solutions for both retail and commercial customers. Its tools help lenders, banks, and fintechs improve credit decisioning, prevent fraud, and manage risk with more precision. ValidiFI’s platform is particularly effective in spotting suspicious patterns, such as synthetic identities or mule accounts, and in supporting compliance with account verification mandates such as NACHA’s WEB Debit Rule. By delivering actionable insights instantly, ValidiFI enables its clients to make confident, data-driven decisions at scale.

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Streamly Snapshot: Digital Transformation Challenges Facing Banks

Streamly Snapshot: Digital Transformation Challenges Facing Banks
By Julie Muhn (@julieschicktanz) Posted on
Categories: Streamly

Legacy systems, fragmented data, and operational silos have long challenged financial institutions trying to modernize. In this Streamly interview, R34DY CEO Mark Hetényi shares his perspective on how banks and fintechs can overcome these barriers by building smarter, more connected digital ecosystems. Drawing from his deep experience in financial services and digital transformation, Hetényi unpacks how to drive real change– not just cosmetic upgrades– across the industry.

In the conversation, Hetényi explains how meaningful transformation requires both cultural and technological shifts. He stresses the need for integration, collaboration, and customer-first thinking in order to eliminate inefficiencies and unlock new growth opportunities. It’s a timely and practical look at what it really takes to move from outdated infrastructure to agile, future-ready operations.

“You have to focus on the customer. I know that’s an overused phrase, so I’m not saying anything new with that. But a lot of the banks they envision what is the best fit product for themselves to build the next best product, and the customer is already three stations ahead with their own fintech solution and you’re not going to grab attention that way. So you first focus on the customer, but then you need an internal champion. I’ve worked with a lot of banks, worked internally as a deputy CEO as well, and if you don’t have an internal champion—a real, internal reason to change—usually, the transformation process goes amuck there.”

Mark Hetényi brings decades of experience at the intersection of banking, innovation, and strategy. As the CEO of R34DY, he is focused on equipping financial institutions with the tools and guidance they need to not just digitize, but to evolve. His leadership bridges traditional finance with digital capabilities, helping banks take a data-driven, customer-focused, approach.

R34DY is a digital transformation partner for financial institutions, helping them move beyond legacy systems and fragmented workflows. The company offers a platform that enables banks to orchestrate and optimize customer journeys, data flows, and product delivery through seamless integration. By bridging the gap between siloed systems and modern customer expectations, R34DY empowers institutions to unlock new value and thrive in a fast-changing financial landscape.

Photo by luis gomes

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Streamly Snapshot: Navigating Reputation Management in the Financial Sector

Streamly Snapshot: Navigating Reputation Management in the Financial Sector
By Julie Muhn (@julieschicktanz) Posted on
Categories: Streamly

Reputation is both an asset and a liability across every sector. This is especially true for financial institutions, as they rely heavily on consumer trust. However, in an era when the speed of information is accelerating, so is the risk of misinformation, public missteps, or brand erosion. In this Streamly interview, Valentina Kristensen, Corporate Affairs Director at OakNorth, joins us to share how banks and fintechs can strategically manage their reputations amid growing scrutiny from customers, media, and regulators.

During our conversation, which was recorded at FinovateEurope, Kristensen offers insight into how financial institutions can proactively build trust, respond to reputational threats, and create a culture of transparency, even in times of crisis. Her experience working across corporate affairs, media, and policy gives her a well-rounded perspective on the importance of reputation in shaping long-term business value.

“The first rule in a crisis is ‘don’t have a crisis,’ so effective planning is always crucial and as a regulated bank we have to do a lot of planning… So I think a lot of it is preparation and if you can avoid a crisis, then great. Obviously a lot of that comes from doing the right thing or making sure that your team are doing the right thing.”

Valentina Kristensen has been a leading voice in fintech communications and policy for nearly a decade. At OakNorth, she helps shape the bank’s narrative, build strategic relationships, and ensure that the company’s messaging reflects its values and mission. She frequently speaks on topics such as financial innovation, regulation, and the importance of building resilient, people-centric financial institutions.

OakNorth is a UK-based digital bank that serves growth-minded small and medium-sized businesses. Known for its tech-forward approach to credit decisioning, OakNorth combines machine learning with deep sector insights to deliver faster, more flexible lending. With a strong emphasis on responsible innovation and long-term partnerships, the company has become a standout in the challenger banking space, both for its performance and its reputation.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

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Klarna Inks Deal with Clover for In-Store BNPL

Klarna Inks Deal with Clover for In-Store BNPL
By Julie Muhn (@julieschicktanz) Posted on
Categories: Clover Network, Klarna
  • Klarna and Clover are teaming up to bring Klarna’s BNPL options to over 100,000 in-store merchant locations across the US.
  • Shoppers will be able to pay in installments directly at the POS, expanding BNPL from online-only into brick-and-mortar retail.
  • The move signals Klarna’s continued momentum in the US market amid a pause in its IPO plans.

Payments innovator Klarna has teamed up with point-of-sale (POS) platform Clover this week. The two have signed an agreement to auto-enable Klarna’s flexible buy now, pay later (BNPL) payment options in brick-and-mortar stores in the US.

By integrating Klarna into its devices, Clover will offer shoppers the option to use Klarna for in-store purchases. The Klarna logo will appear on the pre-screen of payment terminals, allowing customers to select from a range of flexible payment options, including the ability to pay in four installments or choose interest-free financing plans.

“We’re bringing Klarna to Main Street,” said Klarna Chief Commercial Officer David Sykes. “Klarna started by changing how people pay online—now we’re changing how they pay everywhere. With Clover, we’re meeting shoppers where they are and giving small businesses a powerful new way to grow.”

Clover was founded in 2010 to help small businesses accept payments. Today, the company serves as a one-stop shop for multiple payment needs. In addition to offering a range of payment acceptance terminals, Clover also has software to help businesses with online orders, accounting, loyalty programs, staff management, inventory, and more. Clover was acquired in 2012 by First Data, which was acquired by Fiserv in 2019.

“Clover is excited to join forces with Klarna to leverage our strong presence across US services and retail, to power and engage consumers at key moments—before, during, and after checkout,” said Fiserv Head of Merchant Solutions Jennifer LaClair.

Klarna’s flexible payment options will initially be available at over 100,000 merchant locations through Clover’s point-of-sale devices. A larger rollout is set to begin in early 2026 and will extend to both new and existing Clover merchants across the US. Following the in-store launch, Klarna and Clover plan to expand their partnership into the e-commerce space, offering online merchants the same seamless, flexible payment experiences.

BNPL has historically thrived online, but this move reflects Klarna’s ambition to make BNPL a standard option at the physical point of sale. As major POS providers like Clover embed BNPL directly into in-store checkout experiences, the line between fintech and legacy payments continues to blur. This collaboration not only brings Klarna into more physical retail spaces but also signals a broader shift in consumer expectations, where flexibility, transparency, and choice at checkout are becoming table stakes.

Interestingly, this announcement also comes at a time when Klarna is strategically ramping up its public presence in preparation for going public. While the company postponed its IPO plans just last week, its partnership with Clover signals a continued effort to showcase global momentum and product innovation in the US. Teaming up with a major POS player like Clover allows Klarna to emphasize its omnichannel capabilities and demonstrate strong institutional relationships, both of which are key narratives for attracting investor confidence when it eventually heads back to the public markets.

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Tuition.io Lands Debt Funding from ORIX Corporation

Tuition.io Lands Debt Funding from ORIX Corporation
By Julie Muhn (@julieschicktanz) Posted on
Categories: Alumni News, Alumni profile, Funding, Tuition.io

Student loan benefits platform Tuition.io has received an undisclosed amount of debt financing from ORIX Corporation USA’s Growth Capital business. This marks Tuition.io’s sixth investment, adding to its five equity rounds that total $15.2 million.

Tuition.io was founded in 2011 to help graduates pay off their student loans while giving businesses a strategic differentiator to improve hiring and employee retention. The company debuted as a direct-to-consumer offering to help student loan borrowers view, understand, and compare their debt and get customized restructuring plans. Today, Tuition.io enables businesses to provide student loan repayment assistance, 529 plan contributions, and tuition reimbursement through a single, customizable interface.

“Partnering with ORIX USA marks a significant milestone for Tuition.io as we expand our mission to make education benefits more accessible and impactful for employers and their workforces,” said Tuition.io COO and CFO Scott Simmons. “This investment enables us to accelerate innovation, reach more organizations, and empower employees with the resources they need to thrive in their careers. We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and the support of ORIX USA to help drive our vision forward.”

ORIX USA’s Growth Capital business was founded in 2001 and has since provided $2.7 billion in funding to 200 companies in a range of sectors from biotech to energy.

“We are excited to partner with Tuition.io as they continue to transform the way employers support their workforce through education benefits,” said ORIX USA’s Growth Capital Business Director Austin Szafranski. “With student debt remaining a critical issue for employees nationwide, Tuition.io’s platform provides a meaningful solution that helps companies attract and retain top talent. We look forward to supporting their growth and impact in the marketplace.”

Not only does ORIX USA Growth Capital’s investment signal a vote of confidence in student loan repayment technologies, but it also shows strong interest in workforce benefits. As traditional compensation packages evolve to meet modern employee needs, debt financing deals such as this one point to increasing investor confidence in HR tech solutions with long-term impact.

Photo by Pixabay

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Checkout.com to Launch Card Issuing in the UAE

Checkout.com to Launch Card Issuing in the UAE
By Julie Muhn (@julieschicktanz) Posted on
Categories: Daily news
  • Checkout.com plans to launch card issuing services in the UAE by 2026, allowing businesses to create branded virtual and physical cards, pending regulatory approval.
  • The move supports the UAE’s 2031 Agenda to drive digital innovation and financial services growth across the region.
  • Checkout.com continues expanding its MENA presence, following milestones like securing its Retail Payment Services license and bringing Mada (Saudi Arabia’s National Payment Network) and Apple Pay to UAE and KSA merchants.

Payments service provider Checkout.com announced plans this week to expand its card issuing capabilities in the UAE, marking the first time the company will offer this service in the region.

The UK-based fintech says it will roll out domestic card issuance in the UAE in 2026. The rollout, however, is still waiting and dependent on regulatory approval. Once it goes live in the UAE, Checkout.com will enable businesses to launch branded virtual and physical cards, power customer rewards, streamline expenses, and offer business-to-business payouts.

“As a global business, we focus on bringing products to markets that our customers want and need. Today’s announcement is proof of our commitment to the MENA region and its rising influence in the digital economy,” said Checkout.com MENA General Manager Remo Giovanni Abbondandolo. “The appetite for innovation here is real, and we’re proud to be building the infrastructure that powers it.”

Founded in 2012, Checkout.com is a global payments platform that empowers businesses to accept, process, and manage payments seamlessly. Through its unified payments network, Checkout.com enables organizations to accept payments locally and internationally with global acquiring capabilities. The company also offers a suite of services, including card issuing that allows businesses to create and manage their own payment cards, advanced risk management tools to optimize performance and reduce fraud, and treasury management services to streamline cash flow and reconciliation.

Checkout.com obtained its Retail Payment Services license from the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates in 2023. Since then, it has brought Mada (Saudi Arabia’s National Payment Network) and Apple Pay to merchants across the UAE and KSA.

Today’s announcement supports the UAE’s broader vision to be a leader in digital transformation and financial innovation. As part of its UAE 2031 Agenda, the country aims to create a competitive, knowledge-based economy driven by advanced technology, including in its financial services sector. Checkout.com’s expansion into card issuing aligns with these national goals by offering businesses more flexible, digital-first payment solutions. “With bold moves like Saudi’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s 2031 Agenda, MENA is fast becoming a global standard for digital transformation,” added Abbondandolo, underscoring how the region’s strategies are shaping the future of commerce and payments.

Photo by Nextvoyage

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Fiserv Acquires Pinch Payments to Enhance its Payments Offerings in Asia Pacific

Fiserv Acquires Pinch Payments to Enhance its Payments Offerings in Asia Pacific
By Julie Muhn (@julieschicktanz) Posted on
Categories: Alumni News, Daily news, Fiserv, Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Fiserv has acquired Australia-based PayFac Pinch Payments to strengthen its digital payments offerings and expand its merchant reach across the Asia Pacific region.
  • Pinch’s cloud-based SaaS platform and PayFac expertise will help Fiserv deliver more flexible solutions for PayFacs, ISVs, BPSPs, ISOs, and enterprise clients.
  • Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Payments innovator Fiserv has acquired Australia-based payment facilitator (PayFac) Pinch Payments for an undisclosed amount.

Fiserv anticipates that bringing Pinch into its ecosystem will help it offer more flexible options for PayFacs, ISVs, BPSPs, ISOs and enterprise clients. Pinch will enhance Fiserv’s reach with its access to a greater number of merchants. It will also help fuel Fiserv’s delivery of new payments solutions such as Pinch’s cloud-based SaaS business operating platform for merchants across Asia Pacific. 

“This acquisition further demonstrates Fiserv’s commitment to the local payments market, following our recent launch of Clover in Australia,” said Fiserv Head of Australia Gavin Jones. “By integrating our leading digital payments solutions with Pinch’s innovative technology and local expertise, we are able to deliver innovative payment solutions to empower merchants across the APAC region. We welcome the Pinch associates to the Fiserv family and are committed to seamless integration of services for our customers.”

Pinch was founded in 2017 and currently serves 2,000 merchants throughout Australia and New Zealand. The company is best known for its PayFac enablement and its management platform Glassbox. The company serves both enterprises and small businesses, and also offers a developer API, providing a comprehensive set of tools to help businesses facilitate payments more efficiently at scale. 

“Joining Fiserv is an incredible opportunity for the Pinch team and furthers our mission to provide seamless partner experiences to a growing number of merchants,” said Pinch Payments Co-Founder and CEO Paul Allen. “Having worked closely with the Fiserv team, I am confident in our roadmap to expand into new markets.”

The acquisition of Pinch Payments highlights a broader trend in the payments industry as demand grows for faster, more flexible, and embedded payment experiences. Traditional card-based transactions are increasingly being challenged with alternative payment methods such as pay-by-bank, in which consumers make direct, account-to-account transfers without the need for a card network. This shift is being driven by the rise of open banking and a push for lower-cost, real-time payment options.

As businesses and consumers across the Asia Pacific region look for more efficient ways to move money, partnerships and acquisitions like this one position companies like Fiserv to offer a wider range of solutions for customers in more geographies. With PayFac enablement, cloud-based platforms, and emerging capabilities like pay-by-bank, the payments landscape is now offering more speed, transparency, and options.

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SoFi’s Galileo Helps Fintechs Extend FDIC Insurance Beyond the Coverage Limit

SoFi’s Galileo Helps Fintechs Extend FDIC Insurance Beyond the Coverage Limit
By Julie Muhn (@julieschicktanz) Posted on
Categories: Alumni News, Daily news, SoFi
  • Galileo launched Deposit Sweep to help fintechs extend FDIC insurance protection and offer higher interest earnings by partnering with a network of banks.
  • The tool automates the movement of funds across banks once a balance hits a set threshold to maximize interest earnings and secure more funds.
  • The launch of Deposit Sweep comes in response to rising concerns around deposit safety post-Silicon Valley Bank collapse, helping fintechs protect customer funds beyond the traditional $250,000 limit.

SoFi-owned Galileo unveiled a new tool today called Deposit Sweep, designed to help fintechs and their sponsor banks offer customers extended FDIC insurance protection beyond the $250,000 limit. The tool makes it easier for fintechs to safeguard deposits beyond the traditional coverage limit while helping customers earn more interest on their balances.

Deposit Sweep connects fintechs with a network of participating banks through a leading deposit sweep provider. It enables them to select partner banks based on factors like pricing, regulatory requirements, operational needs, and interest rates, which can offer customers a secure, streamlined way to protect and grow their funds.

“Galileo Deposit Sweep empowers fintechs to deliver more competitive returns for their customers by leveraging a network of participating banks and a deposit sweep provider,” said David Feuer, CPO at Galileo. “This solution enables fintechs to offer better interest rates without increasing operational complexity.”

Deposit Sweep can be easily integrated with a customer’s existing systems, and it can automate the movement of funds once the balance reaches a predefined threshold. Fintechs can offer Deposit Sweep as an opt-in service or automatically enroll all accountholders, who will still be able to view their full balances while funds and interest earnings transfer seamlessly in the background.

Founded in 2001, Galileo offers a payment processing platform that allows third-party fintechs and businesses to build and scale their own financial services offerings. The company, which was acquired by SoFi in 2020 in a $1.2 billion deal, powers a range of fintech and banking solutions, including digital banking, credit and debit card issuing, and money movement services. With the addition of Deposit Sweep, Galileo is further expanding its suite of products designed to help fintechs deliver more secure, competitive, and customer-friendly financial experiences.

Among Galileo’s customers is business banking platform Bluevine, which is currently piloting Deposit Sweep. “Working with Galileo to enable Deposit Sweep was seamless, allowing us to quickly bring the benefits of increased FDIC insurance and higher returns to our customers,” said Bluevine CPO Herman Man. “Our business customers rely on us for security and value, and Galileo’s support has been instrumental in enhancing our offerings and delivering on that promise.”

The launch of Deposit Sweep comes at a time when deposit security is top of mind for fintechs and their customers. The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank in 2023 highlighted the risks of holding large, uninsured deposits at a single institution. By making it easier to spread funds across multiple banks and extend FDIC coverage, Galileo’s Deposit Sweep addresses a key lesson from the Silicon Valley Bank fallout. Many fintechs learned that ensuring that customer funds is protected beyond traditional insurance limits is no longer just a value-add, but a necessity.

Photo by cottonbro studio

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4 Reasons Why Credit Unions are Top Fintech Adopters

4 Reasons Why Credit Unions are Top Fintech Adopters
By Julie Muhn (@julieschicktanz) Posted on
Categories: List series, Thought Leadership

Credit unions are entering a new era, fueled by a combination of necessity, opportunity, and partnership. As the pace of the digital world accelerates, these community-focused organizations have increased their willingness to lean in and adopt new technologies. They are no longer simply seeking to compete with banks, but they are instead seeking to deliver the personalized, community-driven service that has always differentiated them. New fintech partnerships are helping credit unions modernize operations, meet rising member expectations, and stay resilient in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

This collaborative approach isn’t new to credit unions, rather, it’s part of their DNA. “Credit Unions have always been collaborators,” said Ami Iceman Haueter, Chief Research and Digital Experience Officer at Michigan State University Federal Credit Union. “We’ve had to be creative and scrappy to stay relevant and competitive in a crowded market. Fintech partners are a natural fit for this collaboration. Many allow us to personalize our service or products to our members and create a custom mix of solutions to go all in for our members. That’s what we do best. Having partners that are equally committed to that vision is invaluable. It’s what will carry us forward as an industry allowing us to continue showing up for our communities.”

The environment today is ripe for credit unions to take full advantage of this collaborative mindset. The combination of heightened member expectations, accessible new technologies, and a fintech community eager to partner has created a unique moment of opportunity. Below, we’ve highlighted four key reasons why credit unions have become some of the most active adopters of fintech innovation.

Tech integration is now compulsory

Credit unions now have to engage because involvement in certain technologies has become table stakes in the banking world. Over the past few years, the baseline expectations for banking services have shifted dramatically. Real-time payments, mobile-first experiences, and frictionless, digital onboarding are no longer differentiators, they’re requirements. If credit unions want to remain competitive and retain younger members, they must adopt similar digital tools that big banks and fintechs have. In 2025, falling behind on technology isn’t just a risk to growth; it’s a risk to survival.

More credit union-specific fintechs

The fintech ecosystem has matured immensely since the first bank launched online in 1994. Today, many providers are now creating solutions designed specifically for the unique needs of credit unions. From specialized digital lending platforms to member-centric financial wellness tools, fintechs are recognizing credit unions as an important, underserved market. This tailored approach makes partnerships more attractive and accessible, helping credit unions stay up-to-date on the latest tech trends.

Embedded finance is the ultimate enabling force

Embedded finance has made it easier for credit unions to leverage third-party technologies without needing in-house technical expertise. Gone are the days when integrating new technology required a complete overhaul of a credit union’s core system. Today’s embedded banking models allow credit unions to “plug and play” fintech solutions into their existing infrastructure. Because of this, these smaller players can offer services like buy-now-pay-later, upgrade their digital account opening workflows, or launch a new mobile app with a fresh look. Overall, embedded solutions allow credit unions to deliver tech-forward experiences without the burden of in-house development.

Regulatory clarity has eased pressure

Regulatory clarity and eased regulatory scrutiny has reduced barriers to forming partnerships with fintechs. As regulators have become more familiar with fintech partnerships, clearer guidelines and frameworks have emerged to support innovation in the credit union space. New charters, sandbox programs, and cooperative frameworks help credit unions explore partnerships more confidently. With better guidance in place, credit unions can engage with fintechs without facing the regulatory uncertainty that once made these partnerships seem too risky.

All of these aspects, and more, will be on full display at FinovateSpring, which takes place May 7 through 9 in San Diego.

If you’re attending next month’s event, don’t miss a special session designed exclusively for your credit union. The Credit Union Spotlight: Closed Door Session will take place on Wednesday, May 7, from 3:20 to 4:50, and will offer the opportunity to meet companies that are building technology specifically for the credit union ecosystem. Each company will provide a short introduction, followed by roundtable discussions where you can dive deeper into their solutions. If you’re interested in joining, please email [email protected]. Please note that space is limited and subject to approval.

Want to know more about what you can expect at FinovateSpring? Check out our blog content, the event agenda, and don’t forget to register and save $200 when you book by April 18, 2025.

Photo by Jonathan Cooper on Unsplash

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Ripple Moves into Prime Brokerage with Hidden Road Acquisition

Ripple Moves into Prime Brokerage with Hidden Road Acquisition
By Julie Muhn (@julieschicktanz) Posted on
Categories: Alumni News, Daily news, Mergers & Acquisitions, Ripple
  • Ripple will acquire Hidden Road for $1.25 billion, making it the first crypto company to own and operate a global, multi-asset prime broker.
  • The acquisition expands Ripple’s offerings beyond payments into trading, custody, and lending services, providing financial institutions the infrastructure they need for crypto adoption.
  • Between recent regulatory shifts in the US and Hidden Road’s capabilities, Ripple is positioning itself to become a full-service financial hub as digital assets gain mainstream traction.

Blockchain and crypto solutions company Ripple announced plans to acquire multi-asset prime brokerage company Hidden Road for $1.25 billion. The deal will make Ripple the first crypto company to own and operate a global, multi-asset prime broker.

Hidden Road was founded in 2019 to offer financial institutions a one-stop-shop of services such as clearing, prime brokerage, and financing across foreign exchange (FX), digital assets, derivatives, swaps, and fixed income. The UK-based company clears $3 trillion annually across markets with more than 300 institutional customers. 

Hidden Road anticipates that being backed by Ripple will exponentially expand its capacity to service firms in its pipeline. “With new resources, licenses, and added risk capital, this deal will unlock significant growth in Hidden Road’s business, allowing us to increase capacity to our customer base, expand into new products, and service more markets and asset classes,” said Hidden Road Founder and CEO Marc Asch. “Together with Ripple, we’re bringing the same level of trust and reliability that institutional clients are accustomed to in traditional markets—designed and optimized for a digital world.”

For Ripple, buying Hidden Road will make it a major back-end infrastructure provider for big investors trading digital assets. The company will not just offer crypto payments, but also trading, borrowing, and custody services.

“We are at an inflection point for the next phase of digital asset adoption–the US market is effectively open for the first time due to the regulatory overhang of the former SEC coming to an end, and the market is maturing to address the needs of traditional finance,” said Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse. “With these tailwinds, we are continuing to pursue opportunities to massively transform the space, leveraging our position and the strengths of XRP to accelerate our business and enhance our current solutions and technology.”

There are a few reasons why this acquisition is a huge deal for both Ripple and decentralized finance. First, it will help Ripple move beyond payments into full-scale financial services. The company, which is best known for cross-border payments using XRP, will now be able to offer trading, custody, and lending, which is the essential “plumbing” that institutional investors rely on.

Second, Hidden Road gives Ripple the infrastructure that institutions need to trade crypto confidently. By bundling execution, clearing, custody, and credit services all together, hedge fund and asset managers will be more likely to move more funds into crypto.

Finally, the acquisition positions Ripple as a strong player as US markets shift toward a more friendly crypto stance. Last week, the SEC published its official statement on stablecoins, ruling that they are generally not considered securities as long as they are pegged to USD and aren’t used or marketed for investment purposes.

With all of these aspects combined, the timing of today’s acquisition is ideal. Hidden Road will help Ripple become a full-service financial hub for crypto just as institutions are starting to take digital assets seriously again. It’s also a reminder that the structure of the future of finance will not look like it does today. Instead, it will likely be built on blockchain and driven by AI.

Photo by The Lazy Artist Gallery

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