Latest FinTech & Blockchain News
Paymentology raises €150.1m in Europe’s largest fintech round this week
UK-based issuer-processing platform Paymentology secured €150.1 million in an investment round co-led by Apis Partners and Aspirity Partners. The deal was one of thirteen fintech financings in Europe last week, which together totaled €374.1 million in disclosed funding.
Elliptic closes €103.1m Series D to expand blockchain compliance tooling
Blockchain analytics and digital-asset compliance company Elliptic raised €103.1 million in a Series D led by One Peak. The round underscores continued investor demand for compliance infrastructure as crypto firms face tighter regulation and higher AML expectations.
Embat lands €30m to scale AI treasury management in Europe
Spain-based treasury management platform Embat raised €30 million in a Series B led by Cathay Innovation. The company’s AI-powered software is designed to help finance teams manage liquidity and cash operations more efficiently.
NAB acquires Banked to strengthen real-time payments capabilities
Australia’s NAB acquired UK-based Banked, a Pay by Bank and account-to-account payments provider. The acquisition is meant to improve NAB’s real-time payments and digital checkout offerings, helping merchants move money directly from customer bank accounts with lower costs.
Bank of England signals softer stance on stablecoin restrictions
The Bank of England is preparing to ease parts of its proposed stablecoin rules after criticism from the crypto industry. Deputy governor Sarah Breeden said early proposals, including ownership limits and a 40% backing deposit requirement, may have been overly conservative, and the BoE is now open to alternatives.
UK fintech funding reaches $741m in Q1 2026 despite market caution
According to Tracxn’s UK Fintech Quarterly Funding Report, UK fintech companies raised $741 million across 41 funding rounds in the first quarter of 2026. The figure suggests continued capital availability for established fintechs even as investors remain selective.
Germany’s BaFin warns AI-driven cyber risks are growing
BaFin President Mark Branson said cyber risks are becoming more substantial as AI advances accelerate vulnerability discovery and exploitation. The warning comes amid widespread banking tests of advanced AI models, with regulators emphasizing urgent investment in cyber defenses.
CFTC intensifies fight over prediction markets with federal preemption argument
The CFTC filed an amicus brief in the Sixth Circuit, arguing it has exclusive jurisdiction over CFTC-registered prediction markets and that federal law preempts conflicting state restrictions. The dispute has escalated alongside state-level crackdowns, reflecting a major regulatory battle over the future of event contracts.
Minnesota moves to ban Kalshi, Polymarket and similar platforms
Minnesota lawmakers passed legislation prohibiting platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket, sending the bill to Governor Tim Walz. The move highlights how quickly state restrictions on prediction markets are multiplying as U.S. regulators and courts debate jurisdiction.
SEC proposes optional semiannual reporting for public companies
The SEC proposed amendments that would allow public companies to file semiannual reports on a new Form 10-S instead of quarterly Form 10-Q filings. If adopted, the change would reduce reporting frequency for some issuers and could affect how public fintech firms manage disclosure obligations.
SEC rescinds its long-standing no-deny settlement policy
The SEC revoked Rule 202.5(e), which had for more than 50 years required defendants in enforcement settlements to agree not to publicly deny allegations. The policy shift may reshape how fintech and crypto firms negotiate settlements with the agency.