New products and offerings pushed the frontiers of innovation. AI integrations featured prominently while regulators expressed concerns in several sectors.
Headlines to take note of:
- Carta teamed up with the NYSE to launch a private-public ecosystem;
- TNS and 24X collaborated to improve data access;
- Cboe wants to launch derivatives contracts on its Magnificent 10 Index ;
- BlackRock unveiled tokenization efforts;
- Plus, Deloitte revealed state-level assistance for the SNAP program (read on to find out);
- And much more!
Of course, this is your week in digital wealth!
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Wealthtech, Regtech, Regulatory, and Treasury
Private capital-focused Fintech Carta partnered with the NYSE to create a public-private bridge. The collaboration fuses Carta’s digital equity management tools with the NYSE’s ecosystem.
Additionally, the tie-up simplifies IPO activities, enhances visibility, and streamlines operational processes.
Transaction Network Services (TNS)/24X National Exchange
Market infrastructure specialist TNS teamed up with 24X National Exchange to deliver real-time market data for U.S. equities. The move supports the exchange’s upcoming 23/5 weekday trading model.
Moreover, the deployment enables trading from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern), five days a week, with a one-hour daily pause for maintenance.
FactSet Research Systems Inc./MarketAxess Holdings Inc.
Niche Fintech FactSet revealed the integration of the MarketAxess composite pricing (CP+) data with its Workstation platform. The setup enhances fixed income analytics for institutional clients.
Moreover, the deployment provides users with access to high-quality pricing for over 28,000 corporate and emerging market bonds. These include offerings sourced from MarketAxess’ extensive network of trading venues and market participants.
Cboe Global Markets unveiled plans to launch derivatives contracts based on its newly introduced “Magnificent 10 Index.” The index aims to offer investors targeted exposure to the most influential names in the innovation economy.
Furthermore, the segment includes firms leading in AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure. Upcoming contracts will consist of options and futures, providing institutional and retail investors with dynamic tools.
Crypto, Blockchain, and Digital Assets
Premier crypto exchange Kraken launched perpetual futures (perps) trading in select regions. The deployment expands its derivatives offering to meet growing demand.
Furthermore, users can speculate on digital asset price movements without ownership verification or expiration dates. The perps also feature competitive funding rates, deep liquidity, and advanced risk management tools.
Investment behemoth BlackRock has revealed plans focused on ETF and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization. According to a September 11 Bloomberg report, the initiative targets equities and other related assets.
Moreover, the move builds on its earlier success with BlackRock’s BUIDL and follows the launch of its spot Bitcoin ETF.
World Federation of Exchanges (WFE)
In a September 11 post, the WFE announced concerns about the recent upsurge in round-the-clock, blockchain-based trading operations. In the post, the exchange association called for flexible model deployments based on need.
The WFE identified uncertain risks and potential shadow market moves by operators.
Fintech, Personal Finance, and Apps
Boutique Fintech Mulah.com officially entered the U.S. business financing landscape as an alternative finance platform. The ecosystem caters to several industries, including startups, contractors, professionals, and merchants.
Entrepreneurs and SMBs can access same-day funding with straightforward terms and zero fees.
On the AI end, BlackLine unveiled Verity, an offering that includes a CFO-focused suite of AI tools. The BlackLine Studio360 platform and Snowflake’s unified data layer power the offering.
Vera, an AI lead, is at the heart of the platform. Verity’s capabilities include predictive forecasting, risk detection, AI-powered data matching, and automated content generation.
Filejet teamed up with Vesto to streamline SMB legal and financial operations. Management and compliance-focused Filejet joined forces with Vesto, a treasury specialist.
The setup replaces manual workflows with tech-driven systems.
Brex teamed up with DoorDash for Business to offer DashPass memberships as a built-in perk for U.S.-based Brex corporate cardholders. The partnership allows employers to extend food delivery benefits to their teams.
Cardholders also receive complimentary DashPass access, zero delivery fees, and reduced service charges on eligible orders. The benefits apply to professional and personal orders.
Banking, Payments, and Infrastructure
Identity-focused Entrust expanded its partnership with Mastercard to enhance digital onboarding and fraud prevention for FIs. The setup integrates Mastercard Identity insights (powered by Ekata) with Entrust’s Identity Verification Security Platform.
Moreover, the collaboration combats sophisticated threats, including synthetic identities and deepfakes.
Emcee Invest, Inc. (Bits of Stock)/Jack Henry & Associates Inc.
Jack Henry collaborated with Bits of Stock to embed fractional stock rewards into everyday banking experiences. The Banno Digital Platform enables the experience.
Banks and credit unions can offer customers the ability to earn fractional shares from routine card transactions. Consumers can open investment accounts through their financial institution, eliminating the need for third-party apps.
Underdog Technologies Inc. (Pinwheel)/Finjoy, Inc. (Bankjoy)
Pinwheel expanded its collaboration with Bankjoy to introduce the Switch Kit, a boutique onboarding solution. The integration enables users to transfer direct deposits and recurring bill payments to newly opened accounts.
Moreover, the setup merges Pinwheel’s top-performing Direct Deposit Switch with its newer Bill Switch feature.
AI specialist Taktile launched a new generation of customizable AI agents designed to revolutionize credit underwriting for financial institutions. These agents allow banks and SMB lenders to process up to five times more loan applications without increasing talent.
In addition, Taktile’s agents adapt to different strategies with instant updates. They also handle everyday tasks, including parsing unstructured documents, business verification operations, and financial analysis.
REtech, Insurtech, and Investing
Big Four firm Deloitte unveiled an initiative for states to help improve payment accuracy in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The program deploys AI-powered solutions that align with new federal mandates.
Consequently, the tools enhance program integrity, streamline operations, and elevate customer service.
CLEAR Secure, Inc./ Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (FNF)
FNF partnered with CLEAR Secure to combat rising real estate fraud, particularly impersonation and wire scams. The collaboration integrates CLEAR’s biometric identity platform, CLEAR1, with FNF’s inHere digital experience.
Furthermore, the setup adds a robust layer of verification to title and escrow processes.
reAlpha Tech Corp.
On the AI end, reAlpha revealed upgrades to its internal AI Loan Officer Assistant. The digital assistant now functions as a co-pilot for mortgage professionals.
Moreover, the AI agent automates tasks including document classification, data extraction, and validation across more than 75 borrower document types. The system also leverages optical character recognition (OCR) and generative AI for improved accuracy.
Boutique property platform Zillow rolled out an AI-powered Virtual Staging feature. Zillow Showcase™ helps buyers better visualize a home’s potential.
Furthermore, the interactive tool allows users to tap on listing photos and select from curated design styles. These include modern, coastal, farmhouse, and Scandinavian.
