What if consumers started sharing instead of buying? In the new episode of Ask Me AnyFin, we’re taking a closer look at the state of the social sharing economy with Tom West, the founder and CEO of the rental platform RentMy. We also discuss building a community around the idea of renting your items and what makes some sharing economy models a success with users.
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FinTech innovations are hard to come by. The competition is fierce and there are thousands of companies that do the same thing you want to do. To succeed, you have to find your own voice and recipe. With this list, you can find out what currently sells and adjust the strategy and the product accordingly.
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November is a happy month for many FinTech companies, but some strange things need to happen now and then. Boots will not offer cashbacks in crypto yet (what a surprise), that’s all for bad news, however. Let’s celebrate with Abeg, a Nigerian startup, which got so popular so quickly, that it’s story could be a material for a Hollywood movie.
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Buy now pay later solutions have been in the spotlight of the FinTech news feeds this week. Klarna has made a significant move towards further growth by partnering with another industry leader Stripe, while the German startup Billie has raised funding to bring BNPL to British businesses. However, BNPL is not all roses: a recent survey by Laybuy reveals that the majority of customers agree that credit checks should be required to access these products.
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This week’s FinTech Wire news selection reflects the strong position of the UK as a FinTech-friendly ecosystem that is inclusive, technologically-advanced and based on solid regulatory foundations. When it comes to the FinTech actors, the spotlight is now on the providers of payment solutions who are pitching their scalable and cost-effective products.
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How do you overcome barriers? FinTechs featured in this week’s Code & Pepper news selection seem to know the answer providing their audiences with experiences that work across borders, help to save time and most importantly, empower their users to be in charge of their financial wellbeing. Find out more about a major Open Banking event, a fund encouraging NFT projects and successes of companies that optimise processes around payments, money transfers, education loans and donations!
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This week the news is all about open banking. From a new Unicorn company through illuminating findings on the EU bankers’ attitudes to the UK’s largest seed round of any open banking startup. Apart from that, we’re taking a look at an SME challenger bank, a partnership built around cryptocurrency, and a study on embedded finance. Read on to get the full story.
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European FinTechs are growing stronger. Every week we hear about yet another successful funding round and record valuation. This time, the spotlight is on InsurTech Marshmallow and BNPL startup Scalapay. There are also some interesting partnerships between multinational financial institutions and innovative FinTechs, so read on to learn more!
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FinTech newsreels are booming with information about new products and investments. It is reassuring to see that a large chunk of these initiatives are in the spirit of sustainable growth. Find out about new apps from Minted and Hapi, the development of Moss and Aspiration and a project by The Scottish National Investment Bank.
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Another week and another dose of juicy news waiting for you in our FinTech Wire series. Apart from exciting exciting updates from UK businesses such as Kroo, Zilch, Keebo, Appital, and LendInvest, you’ll also learn about Canada’s RBC Ventures interesting launch dedicated to… kids! Keep reading to find out about the inspiring achievements of the FinTech world figures.
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How is the UK startup landscape 18 months after the beginning of the pandemic? Despite the challenges, a recent survey shows that businesses turn pretty optimistic about the next 12 months. New funding rounds and positive financial data seem to back this optimistic outlook. Keep reading for more good news!
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According to the 2021 Global FinTech Rankings New York City is the third most thriving FinTech hub in the world. Innovative ideas find plenty of talent and business opportunities here to transform into successful products. Proximity to venture capital and tech-focused communities surely doesn’t hurt, either. Still, you might wonder: which startup accelerators in NYC are best to help you jumpstart your FinTech business? Read on to find out!
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One of the main missions of software developers’ work is to deeply understand the product they are working on and the real problem that the product is supposed to solve. In the new episode of Ask Me AnyFin, we talk to Koray Koska, who tells us the story of how he turned from a software developer to a startup co-founder and how the idea of VitraCash – a smart debit card – was born. What is the truth behind the “magic” smart tools like VitraCash? And what are the biggest challenges of entering the FinTech market? Check out our interview for all the answers!
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After finding the general landscape of FinTech in the Middle East so fascinating that I even had to present it to you in a blog post, I just had to select some of the most interesting examples of how technology changes lives in this region. You’ll be pleasantly surprised that very thorough curation in the accelerators there results in apps that are genuinely helpful and solve real-life problems! Read more to find out how.
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What’s new in the UK’s FinTech world? They say bad news travels fast, but we make sure the good news reaches you even faster. This week we have our eye on exciting launches and successful funding rounds among local businesses. Read more to find out about the great achievements of tomato pay, coinpass.com, Codat, StepEx, and Dozens!
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This week we’re looking at some exciting changes in the British FinTech landscape as more and more hubs sprout outside of London. But there’s more! Click to learn about Tide’s new functionality, Swoop Funding’s impactful partnership, and some significant investments!
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FinTechs going green is a popular subject among investors, startups, software development specialists, and users alike. Sustainable FinTech companies are not a buzzphrase anymore. It’s a strong trend that grows and fuels another revolution in the finance world. A green one; literally and figuratively speaking.
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The green finance trend is growing strong, but the question is how to support the initiatives that are truly making a difference and distinguish them from greenwashing mumbo-jumbo? It seems that the UK government has a good idea. Read the details here!
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Sustainable development goals have been on everyone’s lips for quite some time now. Green finance strategy fits into that trend by serving people quality products that are eco-friendly at the same time. But what is green finance and how does it benefit the market, the customer, and the planet?
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In the new episode of Ask Me AnyFin we met with Simon Farmilo to discuss the customer-centric approach in finance, COVID’s impact on SMEs in the UK, and the growing popularity of green FinTechs. How does the trend for sustainability shape emerging startups? Will it affect attitudes towards cryptocurrencies? Check out the interview for a fresh serving of FinTech insights!
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A construction site on an alien planet is like a hive – everyone knows what to do, everyone has a specific role to play. There are risks and unknowns. Erection of a building under these circumstances requires careful planning, selection of materials, coordination, and teamwork. Similar rules apply in software development – engineers, product owners, designers, and quality assurance specialists are focused on their specific tasks. But the most important role is played not by developers; it’s reserved for the client. Here’s how the client’s responsibilities in product development translate into working application.
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This time, we have news regarding startups that made appearances in the previous editions of FinTech Wire: Pennyworth and Fronted. What are they up to? And what other updates we have for you? Read to find out!
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Scaling up FinTech startups will have an opportunity to grow in Wales, PwC’s FinTech Scale up programme will support nine ambitious WealthTech startups… It seems like accelerators are getting back to normal. And what else happened in FinTech lately? Find out!
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Artificial intelligence (AI) in FinTech is often associated with Big Data and analysis of customers’ behavior. In reality, it can be used in a wider range. Anti-money laundering (AML) AI is used to fight financial crime and secure apps’ reputation. After all, financial technology is all about trust. How is it done and what conclusions can you draw for yourself?
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Digital disruption invented and implemented by FinTech companies is a double-edged sword. Companies that went after main-street banks and traditional insurance firms, now face another era. They have to innovate to stay alive. How leading insurance companies make use of artificial intelligence (AI) will make or break their businesses. Customers face new risks and want to make sure the InsurTech sector can calm their fears. This is how you can help them.
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FinTech apps heavily rely on connecting with customers. They thrive by offering custom services to users bored and tired by classic banking. The more you know about your customers, the more you can give to them. The same works for prices – price optimization through machine learning is the ultimate tool for growing revenues. How is it done and what can you learn from existing examples?
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Financial technology, or FinTech for short, is a hit. It’s a global revolution that transformed the lives of many people. It enabled them to hold onto a job, manage their finances, discover better options for their home budgets. The Kalifa FinTech review for 2021 shows how much this business has evolved in the UK – one of the most vibrant markets in the world. We work with the best – two of our clients contributed to the report.
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Wouldn’t it be great if you could just buy whatever you like and pay for it within a deferred payment system? It should be easy, convenient, and cheap. Other people thought exactly the same; that’s why “shop now, pay later” solutions came to be. How does it work, who are the top players and how can you benefit from this trend?
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The COVID-19 epidemic turned the world upside down. Many of us think extensively about safety and security. That’s where financial insurance companies come in. They offer a feeling of having a safe bay in times of uncertainty. Some of them will face challenges because of the uneven funding or promoting already established InsurTechs. Some of them will need to rethink business models. Here’s the list of the most promising InsurTech companies to watch in 2021.
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The most interesting FinTech accelerators in Scotland just needed to be covered in this series. After all, this country is becoming a major startup hub in the UK and many FinTech businesses choose Edinburgh or Glasgow over London. Want to know why?
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Why Ask Me AnyFin? At Code & Pepper, we believe in testing assumptions and leaving no stone unturned when getting to the bottom of complex issues. But what are the right questions to ask? Now, that’s when things get really interesting… There is no one magic formula for a FinTech company. That’s why I’ve decided to sit down with founders, innovators and disruptors from different sub-sectors and with diverse backgrounds to look for the bigger picture: together.
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No time to catch up with the daily news? The amount of information in the media gives you FOMO? Don’t worry, we’re here to provide you with the latest FinTech news in a condensed, easy-to-digest form! That’s what FinTech Wire is about.
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An old classic financial institution with multiple physical branches competes with the agile and low-cost mobile-only bank. Possible hundreds of years of tradition versus a few years or even a few months on the market. And yet, the mobile bank is on the rise, attracting users left and right; like a moth to a flame. They know their issues will be addressed quickly and every operation will take minutes, sometimes even seconds. If so, why many FinTech startups pivot early on and change the product? What common mistakes do they make?
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Imagine you could change the world with a single act. A brief moment, a statement that changes the landscape for generations to come. And it’s not an act of desperation but rather convenience. It’s not a political statement but a consumer one. This is how Generation Z takes us to the world of cashless and instant-response society with a simple act of tapping the “Pay now” button. What do these people need and pay for, what are Generation Z’s spending habits?
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After taking a closer look at FinTech accelerators in Tel Aviv, Berlin and London, we’re going on a quick trip to the banking capital of the world—Zurich. Apparently, this Swiss city is a popular spot for FinTech startups and institutions that help them break ground. We selected some of the most interesting ones and here’s what we found out.
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Why Ask Me AnyFin? At Code & Pepper, we believe in testing assumptions and leaving no stone unturned when getting to the bottom of complex issues. But what are the right questions to ask? Now, that’s when things get really interesting… There is no one magic formula for a FinTech company. That’s why I’ve decided to sit down with founders, innovators and disruptors from different sub-sectors and with diverse backgrounds to look for the bigger picture: together.
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Every single week we deliver hand-picked headlines from the world of FinTech to keep our readers updated with the latest industry news. In this issue, we’ll hear from new players in the payments market, as well as incumbents and top brands blazing the trail with groundbreaking solutions. Sound exciting? It is! So read on…
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The year 2021 will be all about personalization, integrations and connections. Customers want to experience, not just use digital products and they want a broader spectrum of services. That’s why FinTech companies are joining forces with firms offering added value. Finally, people expect connection with other people. Companies who will create communities around their products will win people’s minds and wallets. Recently, we wrote about FinTech trends for 2021, now let’s talk about top FinTech companies to watch in 2021.
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You don’t have to be a millionaire to invest in stocks, currencies or even precious metals. Trading has been a widely available option for decades, but thanks to web based platforms it’s now easier than ever. Such platforms are also great examples of FinTech in practice: how they are made, how they work and what are their best features depends both on the market needs and what their creators can actually offer. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular online trading platforms to find out why they have succeeded.
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The freshest news from the world of FinTech are back and this issue of FinTech Wire is as full of insight as ever. This time, we’re covering topics from all around the world, including Africa, Asia and Europe—but it all may affect your business!
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We’ve already analysed the most impressive FinTech accelerators in Tel Aviv and in London, but we’re not planning to stop. This series of articles will be a frequent visitor on the Code & Pepper blog and we’re going to keep them all up to date. This time, let’s take a trip to the capital city of Germany—Berlin—where cultures mix, currywurst is everywhere and so are FinTechs. Come along and take a closer look at FinTech accelerators in Berlin!
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Many sports fans have a saying, often expressed on a wall of their neighborhood building: “you will never walk alone”. It shows the mass support of the entire ecosystem designed to help the team. The same goes for InsurTech—the future of the industry lies in platforms and ecosystems. Everything in favour of interconnected services, giving the user the ultimate experience.
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In business, good enough is often not enough. Many people are turning away from incumbent financial institutions because traditional banking can’t provide the level of services they are actively seeking. Meanwhile, FinTech startups introduce innovative service offerings almost every month. Investors keep their eyes open, they don’t want to miss a potential unicorn. Here’s a list of important FinTech investment trends to watch—maybe they’ll bring another industry star.
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Only one thing is certain in modern business: stay in the loop or drop out. With that in mind, we’re introducing the FinTech Wire—a weekly news feed curated by Code & Pepper. It covers top headlines in finance, technology, banking, and everything in between to keep you informed, inspired or maybe even intrigued… Tune into the #FinTechWire on our LinkedIn and Twitter or explore the extended version below.
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Every digital business needs a reliable toolset that will support its operations. And for many of them, online payment processing platforms are essential: according to a 2018 survey, 62% of UK’s small and medium enterprises use digital solutions to make or accept payments. However, choosing among a plethora of payment processing companies is not a breeze. This one decision can have serious implications in multiple areas, starting with customer experience, transaction security, and even your business cash flow.
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According to its origin myth, FinTech was born out of the global financial crisis and the huge behavioural shift it had brought. Fast forward another 10+ years, and we are on a brink of another economic twist. This time with a slightly different cocktail of inhibitions and attitudes. Although creative and agile by definition—are all FinTechs equally equipped to withstand the blast of a market shakeout? Another week into the general lockdown, the industry’s resilience and adaptability meets trial by fire.
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Tel Aviv is home to dozens of accelerator programs designed to equip founders and startup companies with business training and industry know-how. With them, you’ll not only start the right way but also the big way. Not every program is the same, though. Which FinTech accelerators are worth your while and would be a good match for your business? Take a look at the lucky 13 of the best accelerators you can find in and around the hot & breezy city of Tel Aviv.
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London is a sprawling economic hub that boasts a mind-boggling 750 FinTech companies. The “Big Smoke” represents 84 percent of the UK’s VC, CVC, and PE investment volume, making it a desirable place for startups to find their financial feet. Looking for investors? Connections? Opportunities? Here are 8 FinTech accelerators in London you need to know about in 2020.
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