Latest FinTech & Blockchain News
FinTech Investments Drop to $898m in 20 Deals Last Week
Combined FinTech funding fell week-over-week to $898m across 20 deals, down from $1.5bn in 25 deals. Largest raise was UAE's Mal securing $230m for AI-native Islamic digital bank launch in Q1 2026, targeting underbanked communities.
Other notable rounds include Asymmetric Security's $4.2m pre-seed for AI cybersecurity and OneDosh's $3m for stablecoin payments.
Mal Raises $230m for AI-Native Islamic Digital Bank
UAE-based WealthTech Mal closed a $230m round led by BlueFive Capital to launch a mobile-first ethical finance platform in Abu Dhabi. The bank focuses on underbanked communities with app-led services.
Launch planned for Q1 2026.
Grayscale Files for Spot BNB ETF with SEC
Grayscale submitted an S-1 to convert its BNB Trust into a spot ETF tracking BNB, to trade on Nasdaq as GBNB. BNB, valued at $120.5bn, powers Binance ecosystem for fees and governance.
Follows success of Bitcoin and Ether ETFs holding over $100bn AUM.
UBS Plans Crypto Investment Options for Private Clients
UBS is selecting partners to offer Bitcoin and Ether trading to select Swiss private banking clients. Expansion to Asia-Pacific and US possible based on success and regulations.
Driven by high-net-worth demand, mirroring trends at JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley.
Stablecoin Adoption to Accelerate Unevenly in 2026
Stablecoin growth will focus on remittances, treasury, and infrastructure amid regulatory clarity from GENIUS Act. Up to 500 stablecoins predicted, but adoption remains concentrated.
Needs data aggregation for transparency like open banking.
AI Adoption Expands in FinTech and Banking
AI remains dominant trend with VC enthusiasm for AI-stablecoin startups and regulator approvals for new charters. Banks modernize via creative structures.
Demand for Open Banking APIs grows for data control.
OneDosh Secures $3m Pre-Seed for Stablecoin Payments
FinTech OneDosh raised $3m to address cross-border payment inefficiencies using stablecoins or cash. Platform offers instant transfers with transparent pricing, no hidden FX fees.
Targets global remittance challenges.
Karavel Raises £1.25m for AI Compliance Platform
UK's Karavel secured £1.25m pre-seed led by Fuel Ventures to expand AI-driven compliance in regulated industries. Funds support product development and UK/Europe growth.
Aims to modernize regulatory workflows.
Fimple Lands $10m Follow-On Investment
Fimple secured a $10m follow-on round in latest FinTech funding updates. Part of global rounds including CheckSig's €3.5m Series A extension and RiskFront AI's $3.3m pre-seed.
Highlights ongoing VC activity despite weekly declines.
Blockchain Tokenization Advances Asset Management
Blockchain enables instant updates for tokenized assets, enhancing speed and transparency in asset management. Practical applications grow for managers and investors.
Shapes industry innovations alongside FinTech trends.
Crypto ETFs Expand Globally: Costa Rica, Australia, UK
Costa Rica's Banco Nacional plans spot Bitcoin ETF; Australia's ASX launches VanEck ETF; UK's FCA approves WisdomTree ETPs. Reflects rising demand for regulated crypto products.
Builds on US ETF momentum.
CheckSig Bags €3.5m Series A Extension
CheckSig raised €3.5m in Series A extension amid weekly FinTech funding rounds. Other raises include Slate's C$1.3m for embedded lending and Aazzur's £2m oversubscribed round.
Supports global expansion in payments and compliance.