Partnerships and product launches accelerated, while regulators kept a low profile as the industry shifted into holiday mode.
Headlines to take note of:
- ICE introduced a new offering focused on portfolio margining;
- Bloomberg launched new indices;
- Cboe revealed plans to launch new crypto futures on December 15;
- FIS introduced a new solution for the auto finance market;
- Additionally, Grasshopper announced AI-focused integrations (read on to find out more);
- And much more!
Of course, this is your week in digital wealth!
Wealthtech, Regtech, Regulatory, and Treasury
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (ICE)
Boutique exchange operator ICE launched IRM 2, the latest iteration of its Value-at-Risk (VaR)-based portfolio margining offering. IRM2 covers over 1000 energy futures and options contracts.
The offering covers critical industry segments, including emissions, LNG, power, oil, natural gas, and freight.
Luma Financial Technologies/BlackRock
BlackRock added Luma Financial Technologies’ structured product data to its Aladdin Wealth platform. The update gives wealth managers access to analytics and insights on structured products, alongside traditional assets.
Aladdin Wealth incorporates Luma’s coverage of market‑linked notes and other tailored instruments, enabling advisors to evaluate performance, risk, and suitability within a unified system.
Marex Group plc
Boutique broker Marex made its US debut with structured offerings via Marex Financial Products. The move enables expanded issuer and credit diversification for key players.
Additionally, the setup offers efficient pricing and enhanced credit risk management.
Google Cloud/London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG)
LSEG announced that its historical tick data is now available through Google Cloud. The partnership lets clients access decades of detailed market data quickly and at scale.
Moreover, the integration supports advanced analytics and machine learning use cases, enabling financial institutions to run complex queries and models directly in the cloud.
Finance behemoth Bloomberg introduced the Bloomberg Commodities Global Thematic Basket Indices. The benchmarks provide investors with diversified exposure to commodity themes across global markets.
Consequently, the indices provide access to tools for portfolio construction and risk management, enabling investors to align strategies with trends.
Crypto, Blockchain, and Digital Assets
CF Benchmarks/CME Group
CME and CF Benchmarks announced they will launch Bitcoin Volatility Indices. These new benchmarks will measure the implied volatility of Bitcoin options, giving traders and institutions clear reference points.
In addition, the indices support risk management and product innovation, providing market participants with tools to measure equity volatility.
Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
Derivatives specialist Cboe announced it will begin trading crypto continuous futures on December 15. The contracts provide investors 24/7 exposure to digital assets, going beyond traditional futures settlement cycles.
Furthermore, the launch gives institutional and professional traders flexible tools to manage risk and access liquidity in digital asset markets.
Bluwhale AI, Inc.
Boutique Web3 startup Bluwhale launched its AI Stablecoin Agent to help investors grow their wealth with dollar-based digital assets. The agent works as a 24/7 automated money manager, optimizing holdings in USDC, USDT, and other tokens.
Moreover, the offering provides digital native consumers with automated strategies for yield and treasury management.
Fintech, Personal Finance, and Apps
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (FIS)
Premier fintech FIS expanded its auto market presence with a cloud‑based asset finance solution. The offering streamlines financing operations for auto lenders and dealers, enhancing efficiency and scalability.
Furthermore, the product integrates digital workflows and advanced analytics, enabling faster credit decisions and customer experiences.
Leading fintech Nymbus teamed up with CPI to enable instant card issuance. The deployment integrates the Nymbus Core Platform with CPI’s Card@Once® instant issuance offering.
Additionally, the setup enables financial institutions to issue cards to customers at the branch.
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc./Xceptor
Data-focused fintech Xceptor joined forces with Broadridge to simplify the tax relief and reclaim process. The partnership combines Broadridge’s Global Tax & Client Reporting Solution and the Xceptor Tax product.
Moreover, the deployment enables smooth integration with existing platforms.
Sage/Truewind Technologies Inc.
Truewind, an AI accounting platform, partnered with Sage Intacct to deliver AI-powered close automation. The deployment aids finance teams in streamlining accounting workflows, reducing manual effort, and accelerating the financial close process.
Consequently, the integration leverages Truewind’s AI capabilities within Sage Intacct’s cloud platform, delivering greater accuracy, efficiency, and scalability for today’s finance teams.
Banking, Payments, and Infrastructure
Alkami cooperated with boutique fintech Spiral to improve digital banking savings tools. The partnership integrates charitable giving and savings features with Alkami’s platform, enabling financial institutions to offer customers personalized and socially conscious banking options.
Additionally, the collaboration also expands Alkami’s digital banking features and helps boost user engagement with new savings solutions.
Tampa, Florida-based Amscot Financial partnered with Green Dot to bring modern banking services to its customers. The partnership combines Green Dot’s digital banking platform with Amscot’s financial service network, giving customers access to checking accounts, debit cards, and money management tools.
Subsequently, the partnership also enhances banking convenience by combining Amscot’s retail locations with Green Dot’s technology, offering customers efficient and accessible solutions.
Grasshopper partnered with Narmi to bring generative AI into financial workflows. The partnership integrates ChatGPT with banking systems, helping institutions to streamline operations and improve customer engagement.
Additionally, the solution utilizes OAuth for secure integration, enabling financial professionals to automate tasks, work efficiently, and deliver personalized experiences to clients.
TransUnion LLC
Leading credit union agency TransUnion introduced a new fraud-detection tool to address the growing problem of credit washing. The product helps identify and stop fraudulent credit disputes.
Furthermore, the Credit Washing Solution leverages advanced analytics and data intelligence to help lenders and financial institutions protect credit integrity while reducing losses from manipulated credit reports.
REtech, Insurtech, and Investing
Made Card/Fairway Home Mortgage
Fairway Home Mortgage collaborated with Made Card to roll out the Made for Home Credit Card. The card allows borrowers to earn rewards on mortgage payments and everyday household purchases.
Cardholders can use their points to lower closing costs on future Fairway refinances or purchases. They can also redeem cash rewards, gift cards, or APR buy-downs, making it easier to manage monthly expenses.
Online real estate marketplace Zillow launched CreditClimb, a program that helps renters build stronger credit profiles. Renters can now report their on-time rent payments to major credit bureaus.
The initiative turns regular housing costs into an opportunity for financial growth.
Equisoft partnered with Databricks to improve AI processes in the insurance industry. The cooperation combines Equisoft’s expertise with Databricks’ cloud-based data and AI platform.
Moreover, the collaboration accelerates digital transformation, improves efficiency, and enables personalized customer experiences.
