Things settled down to a steady hum, with integrations dominating the Fintech conversation. Utility returned as innovators continued to find new ways to handle finance digitally.
Headlines to take note of:
- S&P Global introduced a few additions;
- Liquidnet made its sector even darker with a new algo;
- The guys at Webull turned on the spigots with overnight trading;
- Tether made its tokenization entrée with a new platform ;
- Plus, paying the utilities is much easier thanks to a partnership between Oracle and FIS;
- And much more!
Of course, it’s your week in digital wealth!
Wealthtech, Regtech, Regulatory, and Treasury
S&P Global/Kensho Technologies, Inc.
Financial data Fintech S&P Global revealed GenAI enhancements to its S&P Capital IQ Pro. The improvements include Document Intelligence, a data scanning optical solution, and ChatIQ, an AI assistant.
The Document Intelligence offering has several user improvements, including a smart search feature, while ChatIQ provides go-to-market information on the ready. S&P Global developed ChatIQ in partnership with innovation hub partner Kensho.
Liquidnet Holdings, Inc.
Global investment network Liquidnet unveiled a liquidity-generating algorithm for its opaque niche. The SmartDark equities algorithm optimizes the order-routing process for institutions with larger volumes.
Additionally, the algorithm offers traders improved data, including yield and quality numbers.
Webull Financial LLC/Blue Ocean ATS, LLC
Premier broker-dealer Webull introduced overnight trading capabilities for its retail traders. The move cuts across time zones for ecosystem users and eliminates day trading limitations.
Furthermore, the 24/5 session will operate from 8:00 pm to 4:00 am ET Sunday through Thursday.
ICE/Dun & Bradstreet
On the climate end, ICE Climate collaborated with business data specialist Dun & Bradstreet to combine their ESG business data with the ICE ecosystem. The investment community now has single-window access to business intelligence data.
Consequently, the partnership aims to complete the integration by the end of 2024.
Crypto, Blockchain, and Digital Assets
On November 12, PayPal revealed the integration of the LayerZero multichain protocol into its PYUSD stablecoin ecosystem. Users can easily transfer PYUSD tokens across several blockchains, including Ethereum and Solana.
The setup harnesses the OFT token, which underpins interoperable conversions.
Stablecoin issuer Tether launched Hadron, a service that simplifies the tokenization process. Users can tokenize several kinds of assets via Hardon, including paper and digital assets, equities, and others.
Additionally, Hadron is in beta, but plans for a full-scale expansion may occur next year.
Premier crypto asset manager Bitwise filed to convert its BITW fund into an ETP. According to a November 14 NYSE Arca filing, the BITW ticker will be uplisted as an exchange-traded product.
Shares of the Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund are on the OTCQX Best Market.
Fintech, Personal Finance, and Apps
Mastercard/Hello Alice
Small businesses now have improved options with the launch of Biz360™ (by Mastercard). The solution digitizes and automates several (daily) operational aspects.
Several features include data-focused insights, improved customer relationship management, administrative automation, payment gateway consolidations, and more. SMB-focused Fintech Hello Alice will collaborate with Mastercard to onboard users.
Utility bill payments are now a breeze thanks to an integration between FIS and Oracle. The deployment onboards the FIS BillerIQ within the Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, providing (multiple) payment rails for users.
In addition, the collaboration digitizes bill payments across the board.
Zil Money
Boutique payments Fintech Zil Money revealed several upgrades to its API. New enhancements include direct payment onramp integrations and instant data reporting and analytics.
Moreover, businesses can (now) tailor Zil Money’s new API to suit their unique circumstances.
A new money-pooling feature from PayPal enables contributions and payments. Families, friends, (and everyone else) can combine funds for different use cases via PayPalSocial.
Users can contribute using linked bank accounts or their PayPal balances alongside real-time monitoring, customized invites, and transfers within a secure framework.
Banking, Payments, and Infrastructure
Gate City Bank/Alkami Technology
Fargo, North Dakota-based Gate City Bank collaborated with Alkami to deploy its full portfolio of digital banking products. The cooperation enables Alkami’s umbrella ecosystem for business and retail banking.
Additionally, the selection will enable real-time transaction monitoring, cash flow management, and fraud detection capabilities for customers.
Credit scores are coming to community finance institutions (CFIs) thanks to a partnership between niche Fintech SavvyMoney and Credit Union lending-focused Origence. The cooperation deploys the SavvyMoney Pre-Approval Solution alongside Origence’s arc OS loan and account origination product, enhancing efficiency for CUs.
Furthermore, the deployment enables automated loan approvals without extra underwriting documents or processes consequent to pre-approval qualifications.
Alacriti/Access Softek
Payment-focused Alacriti and banking solutions provider Access Softek collaborated to improve speedy payments for FIs. The partnership enables (FI) access to FedNow® and the RTP® network.
Consequently, the cooperation integrates the Access Digital Banking Platform with Alacriti’s Orbipay Payments Hub.
On the AI end, industry upstart Greenlite teamed up with AML-focused Sandbar to provide compliance automation for FIs. The combination also provides teams with preparedness, improving fraud detection and risk mitigation.
Moreover, the cooperation provides FIs with an AI-focused, poised, and ready toolkit that keeps up with regulatory changes.
REtech, Insurtech and Investing
LaylaTex Holdings, Inc. (Mesa)
Homeowner membership ecosystem Mesa unveiled the Mesa Homeowners Card, a credit card with mortgage repayment and home purchase rewards. Salt Lake City, Utah-based Celtic Bank issues the offering, which allows users to earn ‘Mesa Points’ in exchange for purchases.
Users can then exchange the accumulated points for several expenses, gift cards, mortgage repayments, and more for up to $800 (according to Mesa).
ZestyAI/Standard Casualty Company
Mobile homeowners have improved odds thanks to a partnership between industry-focused ZestyAI and the Standard Casualty Company. The collaboration deploys the ZestyAI family of products- Z-HAIL, Z-PROPERTY, and Z-FIRE to Standard Casualty’s operations, giving policyholders improved options.
Boutique Insurtech Mulberri cooperated with software solutions firm Qualys to provide extended cyber insurance solutions to small businesses. The partnership integrates Mulberri Cyber with the Qualys Enterprise TruRisk Management ecosystem, giving SMBs the best of both worlds.
Additionally, the cooperation provides Qualys customers with discounts for Mulberri Cyber insurance policies.
