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Cboe Global Markets Reports Results for Fourth Quarter 2024 and Full Year

Published

2 months ago

February 7, 2025

CISION (PR Newswire)

Fourth Quarter and Full Year Highlights*

Diluted EPS for the Quarter of $1.86, Down 6 percent; Diluted EPS for the Full Year of $7.21, Up 1 percent
Adjusted Diluted EPS¹ for the Quarter of $2.10, Up 2 percent; Adjusted Diluted EPS¹ for the Full Year of $8.61, Up 10 percent
Net Revenue for the Quarter of $524.5 million, Up 5 percent; Record Net Revenue for the Full Year of $2.1 billion, Up 8 percent
Establishing 2025 Organic Total Net Revenue Growth Target² of mid single digits and Cboe Data Vantage³ Organic Net Revenue Growth Target² of mid to high single digits
Establishing 2025 Adjusted Operating Expense Guidance² of $837 to $852 million

CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (Cboe: CBOE) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024 and full year.

“Cboe reported strong fourth quarter results, capping full year 2024 net revenue growth of 8% to a record $2.1 billion, diluted EPS of $7.21, and record adjusted diluted EPS¹ of $8.61, up 10% year-over-year,” said Fredric Tomczyk, Cboe Global Markets Chief Executive Officer. “While the robust options volumes were a standout for 2024, the results were notable in that each category – Derivatives Markets, Data Vantage, and Cash and Spot Markets – contributed to the fourth quarter and full year growth. We enter 2025 on solid footing, with a refined strategic focus and the financial flexibility to execute on our vision. We remain well positioned to benefit from the secular market trends to drive durable growth for shareholders.”

“In the fourth quarter, Cboe generated solid net revenues and earnings results to finish a record year,” said Jill Griebenow, Cboe Global Markets Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer. “Derivatives Markets net revenue was up 8% in 2024, driven by record volumes in our options business. Data Vantage net revenue grew 7% in 2024, and Cash and Spot Markets net revenue increased an impressive 10% for the full year. Following another record year of revenue generation, we anticipate organic total net revenue growth² will be in the mid single digit range in 2025. We anticipate Data Vantage organic net revenue growth² will be in the mid to high single digit range in 2025. Our revenue growth expectations are balanced by our disciplined expense focus, with the introduction of our full year adjusted operating expense guidance² range of $837 to $852 million. 2025 is off to a strong start, and we look forward to delivering on our objectives for shareholders in the year ahead.”

^*	All comparisons are fourth quarter 2024 or full year compared to the same period in 2023.
⁽¹⁾	A full reconciliation of our non-GAAP results to our GAAP (“Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”) results is included in the attached tables. See “Non-GAAP Information” in the accompanying financial tables.
⁽²⁾	Specific quantification of the amounts that would be required to reconcile the company’s organic net revenue growth guidance and adjusted operating expenses guidance are not available. The company believes that there is uncertainty and unpredictability with respect to certain of its GAAP measures, primarily related to acquisition-related revenues and costs that would be required to reconcile to GAAP revenues less cost of revenues, GAAP operating expenses and GAAP effective tax rate, which preclude the company from providing accurate guidance on certain forward-looking GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations. The company believes that providing estimates of the amounts that would be required to reconcile the range of the company’s organic net revenue growth guidance and adjusted operating expenses would imply a degree of precision that would be confusing or misleading to investors for the reasons identified above.
⁽³⁾ Advertisement	Cboe Data Vantage refers to the company’s Cboe Data Vantage business (formerly known as Data and Access Solutions). Cboe Data Vantage is subsequently referred to as Data Vantage throughout this press release.

Consolidated Fourth Quarter Results
The table below presents summary selected unaudited condensed consolidated financial information for the company as reported and on an adjusted basis for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Table 1
Consolidated Fourth Quarter Results ($ in millions except per share)	4Q24	4Q23	Change	4Q24 Adjusted¹ Advertisement	4Q23 Adjusted¹	Change
Total Revenues Less Cost of Revenues	$ 524.5	$ 499.0	5 %	$ 524.5	$ 499.0	5 % Advertisement
Total Operating Expenses	$ 226.0	$ 205.0	10 %	$ 204.8	$ 191.7	7 %
Operating Income	$ 298.5	$ 294.0 Advertisement	2 %	$ 319.7	$ 307.3	4 %
Operating Margin %	56.9 %	58.9 %	(2.0)pp	61.0 %	61.6 % Advertisement	(0.6)pp
Net Income Allocated to Common Stockholders	$ 195.6	$ 210.8	(7) %	$ 221.2	$ 218.8	1 %
Diluted Earnings Per Share	$ 1.86 Advertisement	$ 1.98	(6) %	$ 2.10	$ 2.06	2 %
EBITDA¹	$ 316.6	$ 333.8	(5) %	$ 331.6 Advertisement	$ 320.7	3 %
EBITDA Margin %¹	60.4 %	66.9 %	(6.5)pp	63.2 %	64.3 %	(1.1)pp

Total revenues less cost of revenues (referred to as “net revenue”²) of $524.5 million increased 5 percent, compared to $499.0 million in the prior-year period, a result of increases in cash and spot markets, Data Vantage, and derivatives markets net revenue².
Total operating expenses were $226.0 million versus $205.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, an increase of $21.0 million. This increase was primarily due to the change in contingent consideration related to prior acquisitions and higher travel and promotional expenses, technology support services, and professional fees and outside services. Adjusted operating expenses¹ of $204.8 million increased 7 percent compared to $191.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. This increase was primarily due to higher travel and promotional expenses, technology support services, and professional fees and outside services.
The effective tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 29.7 percent as compared with 26.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023. The higher effective tax rate in 2024 is primarily due to tax benefits arising in 2023 from changes in contingent consideration and valuation allowance releases. The effective tax rate on adjusted earnings¹ was 29.5 percent, up 2.2 percentage points when compared with 27.3 percent in last year’s fourth quarter. The change was primarily due to lower non-deductible compensation in 2023 resulting from executive changes.
Diluted EPS for the fourth quarter of 2024 decreased 6 percent to $1.86 compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. Adjusted diluted EPS¹ of $2.10 increased 2 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2023.

Business Segment Information

Table 2 Advertisement
Total Revenues Less Cost of Revenues by Business Segment (in millions)	4Q24	4Q23	Change
Options	$ 324.3	$ 314.5	3 %
North American Equities Advertisement	94.9	86.3	10 %
Europe and Asia Pacific	56.2	48.0	17 %
Futures	30.2	32.4 Advertisement	(7) %
Global FX	19.4	18.9	3 %
Digital	(0.5)	(1.1)	* %
Total Advertisement	$ 524.5	$ 499.0	5 %

⁽¹⁾	A full reconciliation of our non-GAAP results to our GAAP results is included in the attached tables. See “Non-GAAP Information” in the accompanying financial tables.
⁽²⁾	See the attached tables on page 10 for “Net Revenue by Revenue Caption.”
*	Not meaningful

Discussion of Results by Business Segment¹:

Options:

Record Options net revenue of $324.3 million was up $9.8 million, or 3 percent, from the fourth quarter of 2023. Net transaction and clearing fees² increased primarily as a result of an 8 percent increase in multi-listed options trading volumes and multi-listed revenue per contract (“RPC”) versus the fourth quarter of 2023. Market data fees increased 13 percent and access and capacity fees were 3 percent higher than the fourth quarter of 2023.
Net transaction and clearing fees² increased $2.6 million, or 1 percent, reflecting a 5 percent increase in total options average daily volume (“ADV”), partially offset by a 5 percent decrease in total options RPC compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. The decrease in total options RPC was due to a mix shift, with index options representing a lower percentage of total options volume.
Cboe’s Options exchanges had total market share of 30.4 percent for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to 33.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023, a result of lower multi-listed market share as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023.

North American (N.A.) Equities:

N.A. Equities net revenue of $94.9 million increased $8.6 million, or 10 percent, from the fourth quarter of 2023, reflecting higher net transaction and clearing fees² and access and capacity fees, partially offset by a decline in industry market data fees.
Net transaction and clearing fees² increased by $6.4 million, or 28 percent, compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase was driven by stronger industry volumes as well as improved net capture rates for on-exchange U.S. Equities, partially offset by lower market share in on-exchange U.S. Equities and Canadian Equities as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023.
Cboe’s U.S. Equities exchanges had market share of 10.8 percent for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to 13.0 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023 given higher industry off-exchange market share. Cboe’s U.S. Equities off-exchange market share was 17.3 percent, down from 18.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023. Canadian Equities market share decreased to 14.3 percent as compared to 15.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Europe and Asia Pacific (APAC):

Europe and APAC net revenue of $56.2 million increased by 17 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, reflecting growth in net transaction and clearing fees² and non-transaction revenues. On a constant currency basis³, net revenues were $56.0 million, up 17 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. European Equities average daily notional value (“ADNV”) traded on Cboe European Equities was €10.4 billion, up 15 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 given a 12 percent increase in industry market volumes. Japanese Equities ADNV was 39 percent higher and Australian Equities ADNV was 9 percent higher than the fourth quarter of 2023.
For the fourth quarter of 2024, Cboe European Equities had 24.6 percent market share, up from 23.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023. Cboe European Equities net capture rate increased 12 percent given a mix shift to higher capture products. Cboe Australia had 20.8 percent market share for the fourth quarter of 2024, up from 20.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023. Cboe Japan grew market share to 4.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024 from 4.0 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Futures:

Futures net revenue of $30.2 million decreased $2.2 million, or 7 percent, from the fourth quarter of 2023 due to a decrease in net transaction and clearing fees².
Net transaction and clearing fees² decreased $2.2 million, reflecting a 12 percent decline in ADV during the quarter.

Global FX:

Global FX net revenue of $19.4 million increased 3 percent due to higher net transaction and clearing fees². Net capture rate per one million dollars traded was $2.72 for the quarter, up 5 percent compared to $2.60 in the fourth quarter of 2023, and ADNV traded on the Cboe FX platform was $45.6 billion for the quarter, down 3 percent compared to last year’s fourth quarter.
Cboe FX market share was 19.0 percent for the quarter compared to 21.3 percent in last year’s fourth quarter.

⁽¹⁾	The Digital segment is not further discussed as results were not material during the fourth quarter of 2024.
⁽²⁾	See the attached tables on page 10 for “Net Transaction and Clearing Fees by Business Segment.”
⁽³⁾	A full reconciliation of our non-GAAP results to our GAAP results is included in the attached tables. See “Non-GAAP Information” in the accompanying financial tables.
Note, the key performance metrics referenced represent the change in the unrounded metrics figures.

2025 Fiscal Year Financial Guidance

Cboe provided guidance for the 2025 fiscal year as noted below.

Organic total net revenue growth¹ is expected to be in the mid single digit range in 2025.
Organic net revenue growth¹ from Data Vantage is expected to be in the mid to high single digit range in 2025.
Adjusted operating expenses¹ in 2025 are expected to be in the range of $837 to $852 million. The guidance excludes the expected amortization of acquired intangible assets of $70 million; the company adjusts for this amount in its non-GAAP reconciliation.
Depreciation and amortization expense for 2025 is expected to be in the range of $55 to $59 million, excluding the expected amortization of acquired intangible assets.
The effective tax rate on adjusted earnings¹ for the full year 2025 is expected to be in the range of 28.5 to 30.5 percent. Significant changes in trading volume, expenses, tax laws or rates and other items could materially impact this expectation.
Capital expenditures for 2025 are expected to be in the range of $75 to $85 million.

⁽¹⁾

Specific quantification of the amounts that would be required to reconcile the company’s organic and inorganic growth guidance, adjusted operating expenses guidance, annualized adjusted operating expenses guidance, and the effective tax rate on adjusted earnings guidance are not available. Acquisitions are considered organic after 12 months of closing. The company believes that there is uncertainty and unpredictability with respect to certain of its GAAP measures, primarily related to acquisition-related revenues and costs that would be required to reconcile to GAAP revenues less cost of revenues, GAAP operating expenses and GAAP effective tax rate, which preclude the company from providing accurate guidance on certain forward-looking GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations. The company believes that providing estimates of the amounts that would be required to reconcile the range of the company’s organic growth, adjusted operating expenses, annualized adjusted operating expenses, and the effective tax rate on adjusted earnings would imply a degree of precision that would be confusing or misleading to investors for the reasons identified above.

Capital Management

At December 31, 2024, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $920.3 million and adjusted cash² of $879.5 million. Total debt as of December 31, 2024 was $1,441.0 million.

The company paid cash dividends of $66.4 million, or $0.63 per share, during the fourth quarter of 2024 and there were no share repurchases in the fourth quarter of 2024. As of December 31, 2024, the company had approximately $679.8 million of availability remaining under its existing share repurchase authorizations.

Earnings Conference Call

Executives of Cboe Global Markets will host a conference call to review its fourth quarter financial results today, February 7, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. ET/7:30 a.m. CT. The conference call and any accompanying slides will be publicly available via live webcast from the Investor Relations section of the company’s website at www.cboe.com under Events & Presentations. Participants may also listen via telephone by dialing (800) 715-9871 (toll-free) or (646) 307-1963 (toll) and using the Conference ID 5196331. Telephone participants should place calls 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. The webcast will be archived on the company’s website for replay.

⁽²⁾	A full reconciliation of our non-GAAP results to our GAAP results is included in the attached tables. See “Non-GAAP Information” in the accompanying financial tables.

About Cboe Global Markets

Cboe Global Markets (Cboe: CBOE), the world’s leading derivatives and securities exchange network, delivers cutting-edge trading, clearing and investment solutions to people around the world. Cboe provides trading solutions and products in multiple asset classes, including equities, derivatives, and FX, across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Above all, Cboe is committed to building a trusted, inclusive global marketplace that enables people to pursue a sustainable financial future. To learn more about the Exchange for the World Stage, visit www.cboe.com.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “might,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue,” and the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. All statements that reflect our expectations, assumptions or projections about the future other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

We operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include: the loss of our right to exclusively list and trade certain index options and futures products; economic, political and market conditions; compliance with legal and regulatory obligations; price competition and consolidation in our industry; decreases in trading or clearing volumes, market data fees or a shift in the mix of products traded on our exchanges; legislative or regulatory changes or changes in tax regimes; our ability to protect our systems and communication networks from security vulnerabilities and breaches; our ability to attract and retain skilled management and other personnel, increasing competition by foreign and domestic entities; our dependence on and exposure to risk from third parties; global expansion of operations; factors that impact the quality and integrity of our and other applicable indices; our ability to manage our growth and strategic acquisitions or alliances effectively; our ability to operate our business without violating the intellectual property rights of others and the costs associated with protecting our intellectual property rights; our ability to minimize the risks, including our credit, counterparty investment, and default risks, associated with operating a European clearinghouse; our ability to accommodate trading and clearing volume and transaction traffic, including significant increases, without failure or degradation of performance of our systems; misconduct by those who use our markets or our products or for whom we clear transactions; challenges to our use of open source software code; our ability to meet our compliance obligations, including managing potential conflicts between our regulatory responsibilities and our for-profit status; our ability to maintain BIDS Trading as an independently managed and operated trading venue, separate from and not integrated with our registered national securities exchanges; damage to our reputation; the ability of our compliance and risk management methods to effectively monitor and manage our risks; restrictions imposed by our debt obligations and our ability to make payments on or refinance our debt obligations; our ability to maintain an investment grade credit rating; impairment of our goodwill, long-lived assets, investments or intangible assets; the impacts of pandemics; the accuracy of our estimates and expectations; litigation risks and other liabilities; risks relating to digital assets, including winding down the Cboe Digital spot market and transitioning digital asset futures contracts to CFE, operating a digital assets futures clearinghouse, cybercrime, changes in digital asset regulation, and fluctuations in digital asset prices. More detailed information about factors that may affect our actual results to differ may be found in our filings with the SEC, including in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and other filings made from time to time with the SEC.

We do not undertake, and we expressly disclaim, any duty to update any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

The condensed consolidated statements of income and balance sheets are unaudited and subject to revision.

Cboe Media Contacts:		Analyst Contact:
Angela Tu	Tim Cave	Kenneth Hill, CFA Advertisement
(646) 856-8734	+44 (0) 7593 506 719	(312) 786-7559
[email protected]	[email protected]	[email protected]

CBOE-F

Trademarks:

Cboe^®, Cboe Global Markets^®, Cboe Volatility Index^®, Cboe Clear^®, Cboe Datashop^®, BIDS Trading^®, BZX^®, BYX^®, Cboe Clear^®, EDGX^®, EDGA^®, MATCHNow^®, and VIX^® are registered trademarks and Cboe Data Vantage^SM is a service mark of Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Key Performance Statistics by Business Segment Advertisement
	4Q 2024	3Q 2024	2Q 2024	1Q 2024	4Q 2023
Options
Total industry ADV (in thousands)	51,635	48,733 Advertisement	46,129	47,452	44,410
Total Company Options ADV (in thousands)	15,673	14,882	14,384	14,833	14,896
Multi-listed options Advertisement	11,633	10,655	10,367	10,744	10,725
Index options	4,040	4,227	4,017	4,089 Advertisement	4,172
Total Options market share	30.4 %	30.5 %	31.2 %	31.3 %	33.5 %
Multi-listed options	24.5 %	24.0 % Advertisement	24.6 %	24.8 %	26.7 %
Total Options RPC:	$ 0.281	$ 0.298	$ 0.295	$ 0.299	$ 0.297
Multi-listed options Advertisement	$ 0.064	$ 0.063	$ 0.062	$ 0.064	$ 0.060
Index options	$ 0.905	$ 0.892	$ 0.898	$ 0.915 Advertisement	$ 0.908

North American Equities
U.S. Equities – Exchange:
Total industry ADV (shares in billions)	13.6	11.5	11.8	11.8	11.2
Market share % Advertisement	10.8 %	10.9 %	11.4 %	12.8 %	13.0 %
Net capture (per 100 touched shares)	$ 0.018	$ 0.024	$ 0.027	$ 0.019 Advertisement	$ 0.013
U.S. Equities – Off-Exchange:
ADV (touched shares, in millions)	80.0	79.3	74.7	82.0	76.1
Off-Exchange ATS Block Market Share % (reported on a one-month lag)	17.3 % Advertisement	17.6 %	17.8 %	17.6 %	18.4 %
Net capture (per 100 touched shares)	$ 0.126	$ 0.135	$ 0.136	$ 0.132	$ 0.137 Advertisement
Canadian Equities:
ADV (matched shares, in millions)	157.4	135.9	150.6	146.3	141.8
Total market share %	14.3 %	14.6 % Advertisement	15.0 %	15.3 %	15.3 %
Net capture (per 10,000 touched shares, in Canadian Dollars)	$ 4.008	$ 4.240	$ 4.046	$ 3.997	$ 3.905

Europe and Asia Pacific Advertisement
European Equities:
Total industry ADNV (Euros – in billions)	€ 42.3	€ 38.9	€ 42.6	€ 41.8	€ 37.7
Market share %	24.6 %	23.8 % Advertisement	22.5 %	23.7 %	23.9 %
Net capture (per matched notional value (bps), in Euros)	€ 0.261	€ 0.257	€ 0.251	€ 0.249	€ 0.233
Cboe Clear Europe: Advertisement
Trades cleared (in thousands)	328,976.1	306,882.5	299,019.3	294,325.7	281,938.1
Fee per trade cleared (in Euros)	€ 0.008	€ 0.008	€ 0.008 Advertisement	€ 0.008	€ 0.010
Net settlement volume (shares in thousands)	2,962.6	2,947.6	2,764.0	2,524.6	2,511.6
Net fee per settlement (in Euros)	€ 1.002 Advertisement	€ 1.026	€ 1.038	€ 1.072	€ 0.899
Australian Equities:
ADNV (AUD – in billions)	$ 0.8	$ 0.8	$ 0.8	$ 0.8 Advertisement	$ 0.7
Market share – Continuous	20.8 %	20.8 %	20.8 %	20.4 %	20.3 %
Net capture (per matched notional value (bps), in Australian Dollars)	$ 0.154	$ 0.156 Advertisement	$ 0.155	$ 0.156	$ 0.157
Japanese Equities:
ADNV (JPY – in billions)	¥ 263.8	¥ 323.3	¥ 315.2	¥ 315.9	¥ 190.2 Advertisement
Market share – Lit Continuous	4.9 %	5.4 %	5.5 %	5.0 %	4.0 %
Net capture (per matched notional value (bps), in Yen)	¥ 0.233	¥ 0.221	¥ 0.229 Advertisement	¥ 0.227	¥ 0.252

Futures
ADV (in thousands)	206.4	273.7	253.6	220.0	233.4
RPC Advertisement	$ 1.765	$ 1.767	$ 1.757	$ 1.749	$ 1.729

Global FX
Spot market share %	19.0 %	19.1 %	20.2 % Advertisement	20.3 %	21.3 %
ADNV ($ – in billions)	$ 45.6	$ 48.3	$ 47.7	$ 45.3	$ 47.0
Net capture (per one million dollars traded)	$ 2.72 Advertisement	$ 2.66	$ 2.69	$ 2.62	$ 2.60

ADV = average daily volume; ADNV = average daily notional value.

RPC, average revenue per contract, for options and futures represents total net transaction fees recognized for the period divided by total contracts traded during the period.

Touched volume represents the total number of shares of equity securities and ETFs internally matched on our exchanges or routed to and executed on an external market center.

Matched volume represents the total number of shares of equity securities and ETFs executed on our exchanges.

U.S. Equities – Exchange, “net capture per 100 touched shares” refers to transaction fees less liquidity payments and routing and clearing costs divided by the product of one-hundredth ADV of touched shares on BZX, BYX, EDGX and EDGA and the number of trading days. U.S. Equities – Off-Exchange data reflects BIDS Trading. For U.S. Equities – Off-Exchange, “net capture per 100 touched shares” refers to transaction fees less order and execution management system (OMS/EMS) fees and clearing costs divided by the product of one-hundredth ADV of touched shares on BIDS Trading and the number of trading days for the period.

Canadian Equities, “net capture per 10,000 shares” refers to transaction fees divided by the product of one-ten thousandth ADV of shares for MATCHNow and Cboe Canada and the number of trading days. Total market share represents MATCHNow and Cboe Canada volume divided by the total volume of the Canadian Equities market. As of January 1, 2024, the Cboe Canada and MATCHNow entities have been amalgamated into Cboe Canada Inc.

European Equities, “net capture per matched notional value” refers to transaction fees less liquidity payments in Euros divided by the product of ADNV in Euros of shares matched on Cboe Europe Equities and the number of trading days. “Trades cleared” refers to the total number of non-interoperable trades cleared, “Fee per trade cleared” refers to clearing fees divided by number of non-interoperable trades cleared, “Net settlement volume” refers to the total number of settlements executed after netting, and “Net fee per settlement” refers to settlement fees less direct costs incurred to settle divided by the number of settlements executed after netting.

Asia Pacific data reflects data from Cboe Australia and Cboe Japan. Australian Equities, “net capture per matched notional value” refers to transaction fees less liquidity payments in Australian dollars divided by the product of ADNV in Australian dollars of shares matched on Cboe Australia and the number of Australian Equities trading days. Japanese Equities, “net capture per matched notional value” refers to transaction fees less liquidity payments in Japanese Yen divided by the product of ADNV in Japanese Yen of shares matched on Cboe Japan and the number of Japanese Equities trading days.

Global FX, “net capture per one million dollars traded” refers to transaction fees less liquidity payments, if any, divided by the Spot and SEF products of one-thousandth of ADNV traded on the Cboe FX Markets and the number of trading days, divided by two, which represents the buyer and seller that are both charged on the transaction. Market Share represents Cboe FX volume divided by the total volume of publicly reporting spot FX venues (Cboe FX, EBS, Refinitiv, and Euronext FX).

Average transaction fees per contract can be affected by various factors, including exchange fee rates, volume-based discounts and transaction mix by contract type and product type.

Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) Three and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
	Three Months Ended December 31,		Twelve Months Ended December 31,
(in millions, except per share amounts)	2024	2023 Advertisement	2024	2023
Revenues:
Cash and spot markets	$ 468.6	$ 361.7	$ 1,670.0	$ 1,445.1
Data Vantage	148.7 Advertisement	137.5	576.6	539.2
Derivatives markets	490.3	469.5	1,847.9	1,789.2
Total Revenues	1,107.6 Advertisement	968.7	4,094.5	3,773.5
Cost of Revenues:
Liquidity payments	365.7	352.9	1,329.1	1,385.8
Routing and clearing Advertisement	18.3	16.5	68.3	79.1
Section 31 fees	142.1	40.2	391.4	185.7
Royalty fees and other cost of revenues Advertisement	57.0	60.1	233.3	204.9
Total Cost of Revenues	583.1	469.7	2,022.1	1,855.5
Revenues Less Cost of Revenues Advertisement	524.5	499.0	2,072.4	1,918.0
Operating Expenses:
Compensation and benefits	111.9	112.8	462.4	425.8 Advertisement
Depreciation and amortization	32.1	38.0	133.0	158.0
Technology support services	28.5	24.2	102.8	99.7 Advertisement
Professional fees and outside services	25.6	23.3	94.8	92.0
Travel and promotional expenses	16.4	9.0	45.8	37.6 Advertisement
Facilities costs	6.1	5.7	24.6	25.7
Acquisition-related costs	0.1	(0.5)	1.3	7.4 Advertisement
Impairment of intangible assets	—	—	81.0	—
Other expenses	5.3	(7.5)	28.3	13.9 Advertisement
Total Operating Expenses	226.0	205.0	974.0	860.1
Operating Income	298.5	294.0	1,098.4	1,057.9 Advertisement
Non-operating (Expenses) Income:
Interest expense	(12.9)	(13.2)	(51.5)	(62.4)
Interest income	7.2	3.7	27.3 Advertisement	12.0
Earnings on investments	(0.2)	4.6	29.0	39.5
Other (expense) income, net	(12.9)	(1.6)	(19.4) Advertisement	0.6
Total Non-operating (Expenses) Income	(18.8)	(6.5)	(14.6)	(10.3)
Income Before Income Tax Provision	279.7	287.5	1,083.8 Advertisement	1,047.6
Income tax provision	83.2	75.5	318.9	286.2
Net Income	196.5	212.0	764.9 Advertisement	761.4
Net income allocated to participating securities	(0.9)	(1.2)	(3.9)	(3.9)
Net Income Allocated to Common Stockholders	$ 195.6	$ 210.8	$ 761.0 Advertisement	$ 757.5
Net Income Per Share Allocated to Common Stockholders:
Basic earnings per share	$ 1.87	$ 1.99	$ 7.24	$ 7.16
Diluted earnings per share	1.86	1.98 Advertisement	7.21	7.13
Weighted average shares used in computing income per share:
Basic	104.8	105.7	105.1	105.8
Diluted	105.1 Advertisement	106.2	105.5	106.2

Cboe Global Markets, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023
(in millions)	December 31, 2024	December 31, 2023
Assets Advertisement
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 920.3	$ 543.2
Financial investments	110.3	57.5
Accounts receivable, net	444.6	337.3 Advertisement
Margin deposits, clearing funds, and interoperability funds	845.5	848.8
Digital assets – safeguarded assets	—	51.3
Income taxes receivable	73.8	74.5
Other current assets Advertisement	84.6	66.7
Total Current Assets	2,479.1	1,979.3

Investments	383.7	345.3
Property and equipment, net	118.0 Advertisement	109.2
Property held for sale	—	8.7
Operating lease right of use assets	124.5	136.6
Goodwill	3,124.2	3,140.6 Advertisement
Intangible assets, net	1,376.9	1,561.5
Other assets, net	182.7	206.3
Total Assets	$ 7,789.1	$ 7,487.5

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Advertisement
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 359.7	$ 412.7
Section 31 fees payable	182.0	51.9
Deferred revenue	6.4	5.9 Advertisement
Margin deposits, clearing funds, and interoperability funds	845.5	848.8
Digital assets – safeguarded liabilities	—	51.3
Income taxes payable	1.6	1.0
Current portion of contingent consideration liabilities Advertisement	—	11.8
Total Current Liabilities	1,395.2	1,383.4

Long-term debt	1,441.0	1,439.2
Non-current unrecognized tax benefits	305.0 Advertisement	243.8
Deferred income taxes	186.8	217.8
Non-current operating lease liabilities	138.4	150.8
Other non-current liabilities	43.1	67.5 Advertisement
Total Liabilities	3,509.5	3,502.5

Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock	—	—
Common stock	1.0	1.1 Advertisement
Treasury stock at cost	(1.4)	(10.5)
Additional paid-in capital	1,512.5	1,478.6
Retained earnings	2,815.9	2,525.2
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net Advertisement	(48.4)	(9.4)
Total Stockholders’ Equity	4,279.6	3,985.0

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$ 7,789.1	$ 7,487.5

Table 3 Advertisement
Net Transaction and Clearing Fees by Business Segment Three Months Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in millions)	Consolidated December 31,		Options December 31,		N.A. Equities December 31,		Europe and APAC December 31,		Futures December 31,		Global FX December 31,		Digital December 31,
	2024	2023 Advertisement	2024	2023	2024	2023	2024	2023	2024	2023	2024	2023 Advertisement	2024	2023
Transaction and clearing fees	$ 762.6	$ 734.5	$ 418.0	$ 419.0	$ 260.6	$ 240.0	$ 41.4 Advertisement	$ 35.3	$ 25.9	$ 25.4	$ 16.6	$ 15.8	$ 0.1	$ (1.0)
Liquidity payments	(365.7)	(352.9) Advertisement	(131.7)	(135.3)	(222.2)	(209.5)	(8.5)	(8.0)	(2.7)	—	—	— Advertisement	(0.6)	(0.1)
Routing and clearing	(18.3)	(16.5)	(4.3)	(4.3)	(9.1)	(7.6)	(4.5) Advertisement	(4.3)	—	—	(0.4)	(0.3)	—	—
Net transaction and clearing fees	$ 378.6	$ 365.1 Advertisement	$ 282.0	$ 279.4	$ 29.3	$ 22.9	$ 28.4	$ 23.0	$ 23.2	$ 25.4	$ 16.2	$ 15.5 Advertisement	$ (0.5)	$ (1.1)

Table 4
Net Revenue by Revenue Caption Three Months Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in millions)	Cash and Spot Markets Three Months Ended December 31, Advertisement		Data Vantage Three Months Ended December 31,		Derivatives Markets Three Months Ended December 31,		Total Three Months Ended December 31,
	2024 Advertisement	2023	2024	2023	2024	2023	2024	2023
Transaction and clearing fees	$ 318.6	$ 290.2 Advertisement	$ —	$ —	$ 444.0	$ 444.3	$ 762.6	$ 734.5
Access and capacity fees	—	—	95.0 Advertisement	88.7	—	—	95.0	88.7
Market data fees	14.3	17.0	53.0	47.9 Advertisement	8.3	7.8	75.6	72.7
Regulatory fees	114.2	32.2	—	—	37.0 Advertisement	15.6	151.2	47.8
Other revenue	21.5	22.3	0.7	0.9	1.0	1.8 Advertisement	23.2	25.0
Total revenues	$ 468.6	$ 361.7	$ 148.7	$ 137.5	$ 490.3	$ 469.5	$ 1,107.6 Advertisement	$ 968.7

Liquidity payments	$ 229.7	$ 217.0	$ —	$ —	$ 136.0	$ 135.9	$ 365.7	$ 352.9 Advertisement
Routing and clearing	14.1	12.2	—	—	4.2	4.3	18.3	16.5
Section 31 fees Advertisement	114.1	32.0	—	—	28.0	8.2	142.1	40.2
Royalty fees and other cost of revenues	11.8 Advertisement	13.6	2.8	2.3	42.4	44.2	57.0	60.1
Total cost of revenues	$ 369.7	$ 274.8 Advertisement	$ 2.8	$ 2.3	$ 210.6	$ 192.6	$ 583.1	$ 469.7

Revenues less cost of revenues (net revenue)	$ 98.9	$ 86.9	$ 145.9 Advertisement	$ 135.2	$ 279.7	$ 276.9	$ 524.5	$ 499.0

Non-GAAP Information

In addition to disclosing results determined in accordance with GAAP, Cboe Global Markets has disclosed certain non-GAAP measures of operating performance. These measures are not in accordance with, or a substitute for, GAAP, and may be different from or inconsistent with non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. The non-GAAP measures provided in this press release include adjusted revenue less cost of revenue, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted earnings, adjusted diluted earnings per share, effective tax rate on adjusted earnings, adjusted cash, net revenues in constant currency, EBITDA, EBITDA margin, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA margin.

Management believes that the non-GAAP financial measures presented in this press release provide additional and comparative information to assess trends in our core operations and a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. Non-GAAP financial measures disclosed by management are provided as additional information to investors in order to provide them with an alternative method for assessing our financial condition and operating results.

Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets: We amortize intangible assets acquired in connection with various acquisitions. Amortization of intangible assets is inconsistent in amount and frequency and is significantly affected by the timing and size of our acquisitions. As such, if intangible asset amortization is included in performance measures, it is more difficult to assess the day-to-day operating performance of the businesses, the relative operating performance of the businesses between periods and the earnings power of the company. Therefore, we believe performance measures excluding intangible asset amortization expense provide investors with an additional basis for comparison across accounting periods.

Acquisition-related costs: From time to time, we have pursued acquisitions, which have resulted in expenses which would not otherwise have been incurred in the normal course of the company’s business operations. These expenses include integration costs, as well as legal, due diligence, impairment charges, and other third-party transaction costs. The frequency and the amount of such expenses vary significantly based on the size, timing, and complexity of the transaction. Accordingly, we exclude these costs for purposes of calculating non-GAAP measures which provide an additional analysis of Cboe’s ongoing operating performance or comparisons in Cboe’s performance between periods.

The tables below show the reconciliation of each financial measure from GAAP to non-GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures exclude the impact of those items detailed below and are referred to as adjusted financial measures.

Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Information
Table 5	Three Months Ended December 31,		Twelve Months Ended December 31,
(in millions, except per share amounts)	2024	2023 Advertisement	2024	2023
Reconciliation of Net Income Allocated to Common Stockholders to Non- GAAP (As shown on Table 1)
Net income allocated to common stockholders	$ 195.6	$ 210.8	$ 761.0	$ 757.5
Non-GAAP adjustments
Acquisition-related costs (1) Advertisement	0.1	(0.5)	1.3	7.4
Amortization of acquired intangible assets (2)	20.6	28.2	88.7	116.6
Gain on Cboe Digital non-recourse notes and warrants wind down (3) Advertisement	—	—	(1.4)	—
Cboe Digital syndication wind down (4)	—	—	(1.0)	—
Change in contingent consideration (5) Advertisement	—	(14.4)	2.1	(14.4)
Impairment of intangible assets (6)	—	—	81.0	—
Loss on investments (7) Advertisement	14.4	1.8	31.4	1.8
Costs related to Cboe Digital wind down (8)	0.5	—	2.1	—
Gain on sale of property held for sale (9) Advertisement	—	—	(1.0)	—
Income from investment (10)	—	—	—	(2.1)
Total Non-GAAP adjustments Advertisement	35.6	15.1	203.2	109.3
Income tax expense related to the items above	(7.9)	(7.4)	(52.2)	(30.7)
Tax reserves (11) Advertisement	(2.5)	1.9	(8.1)	(6.0)
Deferred tax re-measurements (12)	—	1.1	—	1.1
Valuation allowances (13) Advertisement	0.6	(2.7)	5.0	(2.7)
Net income allocated to participating securities – effect on reconciling items	(0.2)	—	(0.9)	(0.4)
Adjusted earnings Advertisement	$ 221.2	$ 218.8	$ 908.0	$ 828.1

Reconciliation of Diluted EPS to Non-GAAP
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 1.86	$ 1.98	$ 7.21	$ 7.13 Advertisement
Per share impact of non-GAAP adjustments noted above	0.24	0.08	1.40	0.67
Adjusted diluted earnings per common share	$ 2.10	$ 2.06	$ 8.61	$ 7.80 Advertisement

Reconciliation of Operating Margin to Non-GAAP
Revenue less cost of revenue	$ 524.5	$ 499.0	$ 2,072.4	$ 1,918.0
Non-GAAP adjustments noted above	—	—	(1.0) Advertisement	—
Adjusted revenue less cost of revenue	$ 524.5	$ 499.0	$ 2,071.4	$ 1,918.0
Operating expenses (14)	$ 226.0	$ 205.0	$ 974.0 Advertisement	$ 860.1
Non-GAAP adjustments noted above	21.2	13.3	175.2	109.6
Adjusted operating expenses	$ 204.8	$ 191.7	$ 798.8 Advertisement	$ 750.5
Operating income	$ 298.5	$ 294.0	$ 1,098.4	$ 1,057.9
Non-GAAP adjustments noted above	21.2	13.3	174.2 Advertisement	109.6
Adjusted operating income	$ 319.7	$ 307.3	$ 1,272.6	$ 1,167.5
Adjusted operating margin (15)	61.0 %	61.6 %	61.4 % Advertisement	60.9 %

Reconciliation of Income Tax Rate to Non-GAAP
Income before income taxes	$ 279.7	$ 287.5	$ 1,083.8	$ 1,047.6
Non-GAAP adjustments noted above	35.6	15.1 Advertisement	203.2	109.3
Adjusted income before income taxes	$ 315.3	$ 302.6	$ 1,287.0	$ 1,156.9

Income tax expense	$ 83.2	$ 75.5 Advertisement	$ 318.9	$ 286.2
Non-GAAP adjustments noted above	9.8	7.1	55.3	38.3
Adjusted income tax expense	$ 93.0	$ 82.6 Advertisement	$ 374.2	$ 324.5
Adjusted income tax rate	29.5 %	27.3 %	29.1 %	28.0 %

(1)	This amount includes acquisition-related costs primarily from the company’s Cboe Digital, Cboe Canada, and Cboe Asia Pacific acquisitions, which are included in acquisition-related costs on the condensed consolidated statements of income.
(2) Advertisement	This amount represents the amortization of acquired intangible assets related to the company’s acquisitions, which is included in depreciation and amortization on the condensed consolidated statements of income.
(3)	This amount represents the revaluation and the gain associated with the wind down of the Cboe Digital non-recourse notes and warrants, which is included in other (expense) income, net on the condensed consolidated statements of income.
(4)	This amount represents the contra-revenue that was reversed as a result of the Cboe Digital syndication wind down, which is included in transaction and clearing fees on the condensed consolidated statements of income.
(5)	This amount represents the gains and losses related to contingent consideration liabilities achieved related to the acquisitions of Cboe Canada and Cboe Asia Pacific, which is included in other expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of income.
(6)	This amount represents the impairment of intangible assets related to the Cboe Digital wind down, which is included in impairment of intangible assets on the condensed consolidated statements of income.
(7) Advertisement	This amount represents the net loss on investments related to the company’s minority investments in Globacap Technology Limited, StratiFi Technologies Inc., Coin Metrics Inc., Eris Innovations Holdings, LLC, and Curve Global Limited, as well as the loss on note receivable related to Cboe Digital, which were recorded in 2024 in other (expense) income, net on the condensed consolidated statements of income, and the net loss on minority investments in American Financial Exchange, LLC and Effective Investing Limited recorded in 2023, which are included in other (expense) income, net on the condensed consolidated statements of income.
(8)	This amount represents certain wind down costs related to Cboe Digital, which are included in compensation and benefits on the condensed consolidated statements of income.
(9)	This amount represents the net gain on the sale of the company’s former headquarters, which is included in other (expense) income, net on the condensed consolidated statements of income.
(10)	This amount represents the dividend from the company’s minority investment in Vest Group Inc., which is included in other (expense) income, net on the condensed consolidated statements of income. In 2024, the company determined the dividend to be a recurring event and therefore has been excluded from the non-GAAP adjustments in 2024 and going forward.
(11)	This amount represents the tax impact related to Section 199 matters.
(12) Advertisement	This amount represents remeasurements of deferred tax assets and liabilities at prevailing effective tax rates.
(13)	This amount represents valuation allowance releases recorded against gross deferred tax assets for net operating losses.
(14)	The company sponsors deferred compensation plans held in a trust. The expenses or income related to the deferred compensation plans are included in compensation and benefits ($1.4 million and $3.2 million in expense for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $3.6 million and $9.2 million in expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively), and are directly offset by deferred compensation income, expenses and dividends included within other (expense) income, net ($1.4 million and $3.2 million in income, expense and dividends in the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $3.6 million and $9.2 million in income, expense and dividends in the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively), on the condensed consolidated statements of income. The deferred compensation plans’ expenses are not excluded from adjusted operating expenses and do not have an impact on income before income taxes.
(15)	Adjusted operating margin represents adjusted operating income divided by adjusted revenue less cost of revenue.

EBITDA Reconciliations

EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) and Adjusted EBITDA are widely used non-GAAP financial measures of operating performance. EBITDA margin represents EBITDA divided by revenues less cost of revenues (net revenue). It is presented as supplemental information that the company believes is useful to investors to evaluate its results because it excludes certain items that are not directly related to the company’s core operating performance. EBITDA is calculated by adding back to net income interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by adding back to EBITDA acquisition-related costs, change in contingent consideration, loss on investments, gain on sale of property held for sale, costs related to the Cboe Digital wind down, gain on Cboe Digital non-recourse notes and warrants wind down, impairment of intangible assets, contra-revenue associated with the Cboe Digital syndication wind down, and income from investment. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as substitutes either for net income, as an indicator of the company’s operating performance, or for cash flow, as a measure of the company’s liquidity. In addition, because EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may not be calculated identically by all companies, the presentation here may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Adjusted EBITDA margin represents Adjusted EBITDA divided by net revenue.

Table 6 Advertisement (in millions, except percentages)	Three Months Ended December 31,		Twelve Months Ended December 31,
Reconciliation of Net Income Allocated to Common Stockholders to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (Per Table 1)	2024	2023	2024	2023 Advertisement
Net income allocated to common stockholders	$ 195.6	$ 210.8	$ 761.0	$ 757.5
Interest expense, net	5.7	9.5	24.2	50.4 Advertisement
Income tax provision	83.2	75.5	318.9	286.2
Depreciation and amortization	32.1	38.0	133.0	158.0 Advertisement
EBITDA	$ 316.6	$ 333.8	$ 1,237.1	$ 1,252.1
EBITDA Margin	60.4 %	66.9 %	59.7 %	65.3 % Advertisement

Non-GAAP adjustments not included in above line items
Acquisition-related costs	$ 0.1	$ (0.5)	$ 1.3	$ 7.4
Change in contingent consideration	—	(14.4)	2.1 Advertisement	(14.4)
Loss on investments	14.4	1.8	31.4	1.8
Income from investment	—	—	— Advertisement	(2.1)
Gain on sale of property held for sale	—	—	(1.0)	—
Cboe Digital syndication wind down	—	—	(1.0) Advertisement	—
Gain on Cboe Digital non-recourse notes and warrants wind down	—	—	(1.4)	—
Impairment of intangible assets	—	—	81.0 Advertisement	—
Costs related to Cboe Digital wind down	0.5	—	2.1	—
Adjusted EBITDA	$ 331.6	$ 320.7	$ 1,351.6 Advertisement	$ 1,244.8
Adjusted EBITDA Margin	63.2 %	64.3 %	65.2 %	64.9 %

Table 7 (in millions)	December 31,	December 31, Advertisement
Reconciliation of Cash and Cash Equivalents to Adjusted Cash	2024	2023
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 920.3	$ 543.2
Financial investments	110.3	57.5
Less deferred compensation plan assets Advertisement	(40.3)	(36.7)
Less cash collected for Section 31 Fees	(110.8)	(30.5)
Adjusted Cash	$ 879.5	$ 533.5

Table 8 Advertisement (in millions)
Reconciliation of GAAP Net Revenues to Net Revenues in Constant Currency – Three and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

	Three Months Ended December 31,		Twelve Months Ended December 31,
	2024	2023	2024	2023
Europe and Asia Pacific net revenues	$ 56.2 Advertisement	$ 48.0	$ 220.2	$ 190.2
Constant currency adjustment	(0.2)	(1.9)	(0.7)	(0.4)
Europe and Asia Pacific net revenues in constant currency¹	$ 56.0 Advertisement	$ 46.1	$ 219.5	$ 189.8

⁽¹⁾	Net revenues in constant currency is calculated by converting the current period GAAP net revenues in local currency using the foreign currency exchange rates that were in effect during the previous comparable period.

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Fintech

Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief – March 25, 2025 | Rockfi, Bankwell Bank, Louis Limited

Published

28 minutes ago

March 25, 2025

Peter Tolan

In today’s rapidly evolving digital finance landscape, innovation never sleeps. Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief dives deep into the transformative trends shaking up the industry—from record-setting funding rounds and strategic leadership shifts to global expansion and breakthrough AI-driven trading technologies. As fintech companies continue to challenge traditional financial models with agile, tech-driven solutions, we bring you an op-ed-style briefing that not only summarizes the day’s most significant news but also offers a discerning perspective on what these developments mean for investors, consumers, and the broader financial ecosystem. Read on for our in-depth analysis, reflections, and a comprehensive overview of today’s top stories shaping fintech’s future.

I. Funding Surge: Fintech Rockfi Garners E18m Investment

In an era defined by capital injections and accelerated growth, Fintech Rockfi’s recent achievement is a bold declaration of confidence from the investment community. Announced by Private Banker International, Rockfi has secured an impressive E18 million funding round that underscores the company’s innovative approach to digital payments and banking solutions.

A. The Strategic Implications of a Major Capital Infusion

Fintech Rockfi’s funding round, which raised E18 million, marks a pivotal moment for the company. The fresh capital will empower Rockfi to scale its technology, refine its product suite, and expand its market reach. As traditional banks are increasingly under pressure to modernize, fintech innovators like Rockfi are carving out a new niche by leveraging technology to deliver faster, more efficient services. This infusion of funds not only bolsters the company’s balance sheet but also sends a clear signal to the market: agile, tech-forward financial services are here to stay.

Source: Private Banker International

B. Market Position and Growth Prospects

Rockfi’s ability to attract significant investment reflects broader trends in the digital finance sector. Investors are increasingly betting on companies that can deliver secure, frictionless, and cost-effective solutions in an increasingly competitive market. With this new round of funding, Rockfi is poised to accelerate its innovation cycle, invest in robust security infrastructure, and explore new verticals such as mobile payments, blockchain integration, and digital asset management.

The funding announcement also reinforces the narrative that the fintech sector is maturing. As venture capital flows more freely into the industry, the scale and sophistication of emerging solutions are rising. For Rockfi, this means more than just survival in a competitive market—it signals an opportunity to become a major disruptor capable of reshaping the digital payments landscape.

C. The Broader Industry Reaction

Market analysts and industry insiders view Rockfi’s funding round as indicative of a wider shift in investor sentiment. With the global digital payments market projected to exceed trillions in value over the next decade, there is a palpable sense of urgency among investors to identify the next big player. Fintech Rockfi’s success in securing E18 million highlights the critical importance of agility, technological innovation, and customer-centric solutions in today’s financial ecosystem.

Moreover, the funding round comes at a time when regulatory landscapes are rapidly evolving. Fintech companies must navigate an increasingly complex web of international compliance and data security standards. The financial backing that Rockfi has received will not only help the company expand but also reinforce its capacity to invest in robust compliance measures, ensuring that innovation is not hampered by regulatory challenges.

D. Reflections on the Future of Fintech Funding

The success of Fintech Rockfi is emblematic of a broader trend: the confluence of technology and finance is accelerating the pace of disruption in traditional banking models. While traditional banks face challenges in agility and innovation, fintech companies can pivot quickly, adapt to changing consumer expectations, and harness cutting-edge technologies. The infusion of E18 million into Rockfi is a testament to the market’s recognition of these capabilities. As fintech funding continues to surge, we can expect an era marked by rapid expansion, increased competition, and transformative innovations that reshape how financial services are delivered globally.

II. Leadership Revamp at Bankwell Bank: A New Era with Brian Merritt as CTO

In another noteworthy development, Connecticut’s Bankwell Bank has ushered in a fresh wave of innovation by appointing Brian Merritt as its new Chief Technology Officer. Announced by Fintech Futures, this leadership change is more than just a routine executive shuffle—it symbolizes the bank’s commitment to digital transformation in an era of relentless technological evolution.

A. The Role of a CTO in Modern Banking

The appointment of Brian Merritt as CTO of Bankwell Bank comes at a time when the financial sector is under immense pressure to modernize legacy systems and embrace new digital paradigms. In today’s banking environment, the role of the CTO extends far beyond managing IT infrastructure; it is a strategic position that drives innovation, improves cybersecurity, and enhances customer experience. Merritt’s vast experience in fintech and digital innovation makes him an ideal candidate to lead Bankwell Bank’s transformation efforts.

Source: Fintech Futures

B. Strategic Priorities Under New Leadership

Under Brian Merritt’s leadership, Bankwell Bank is expected to embark on several transformative initiatives. The focus will likely include:

Digital Transformation: Modernizing the bank’s IT infrastructure to support new digital services and improve operational efficiency.
Cybersecurity Enhancements: Investing in state-of-the-art cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive customer data in an era of increasing cyber threats.
Customer Experience Innovations: Leveraging technology to deliver personalized banking solutions that meet the evolving needs of tech-savvy consumers.
Agile Product Development: Implementing agile methodologies to accelerate product development cycles and respond quickly to market demands.

These strategic priorities are not only aligned with the bank’s long-term vision but also reflective of a broader industry shift towards digital-first operations. The infusion of tech expertise at the executive level is expected to help Bankwell Bank navigate the complexities of modern finance, from regulatory challenges to evolving consumer expectations.

C. The Impact of Leadership on Institutional Change

The appointment of a forward-thinking CTO like Brian Merritt often serves as a catalyst for institutional change. It signals to the market that Bankwell Bank is serious about reinventing itself and staying ahead of the curve. With Merritt at the helm, the bank is better positioned to integrate advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain into its core operations. This integration is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency, mitigating risks, and offering innovative services that can compete with agile fintech startups.

Moreover, leadership transitions such as this one have broader implications for the industry. They often prompt traditional financial institutions to reevaluate their strategies and accelerate their digital transformation initiatives. In an age where technological innovation can redefine competitive advantage, the human capital behind the tech strategy becomes as valuable as the technology itself.

D. Commentary on the Future of Banking Leadership

Brian Merritt’s appointment is a strong indication that traditional banks are rapidly adapting to the digital age. The role of a CTO is evolving from a support function to a central pillar of corporate strategy. As banks confront mounting pressures from fintech disruptors, establishing strong technical leadership is essential for sustainable growth and innovation. With leaders like Merritt guiding their digital transformation efforts, institutions such as Bankwell Bank are well-poised to thrive in an environment where speed, security, and customer-centricity are paramount.

In this rapidly shifting landscape, the convergence of technology and banking is not just inevitable—it is necessary. The leadership shift at Bankwell Bank thus serves as a reminder that the future of finance will be defined by those who can harness the power of technology to drive meaningful change.

III. Global Expansion and Service Diversification: Louis Limited’s Bold Move

Global markets are witnessing a surge in companies that are breaking traditional barriers and expanding their service offerings. Louis Limited, as reported by Globe Newswire, has made headlines with its announcement of an ambitious global expansion and diversification of its fintech and education services. This strategic move highlights the company’s vision of merging financial technology with educational initiatives to empower individuals and institutions worldwide.

A. An Integrated Approach to Fintech and Education

Louis Limited’s expansion is notable not only for its scale but also for its innovative approach to combining fintech with educational services. In an era where financial literacy is becoming increasingly important, the integration of technology and education is a game changer. By offering cutting-edge fintech solutions alongside educational programs, Louis Limited aims to equip users with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape.

Source: Globe Newswire

B. The Rationale Behind Global Expansion

The decision to expand globally is a strategic response to both market demand and competitive pressures. In many emerging markets, there is a significant gap in both financial services and financial education. Louis Limited’s dual-focus strategy is designed to address this gap, creating a synergy between technology-driven financial solutions and educational empowerment. The company’s global expansion initiative is set to deliver scalable solutions that can be tailored to diverse cultural and regulatory environments, positioning it as a leader in the next wave of fintech innovation.

C. The Strategic Impact on the Fintech Ecosystem

The expansion of Louis Limited is poised to have a ripple effect across the fintech ecosystem. By investing in both technological infrastructure and educational outreach, the company is not only expanding its market presence but also fostering a more informed consumer base. This dual approach can accelerate the adoption of fintech solutions by demystifying complex financial technologies and empowering users with the knowledge to leverage these tools effectively.

Moreover, the integration of educational services into the fintech model represents a significant evolution in how companies approach customer engagement. As financial products become more sophisticated, there is a growing need for users to understand the underlying principles and risks. By bridging the gap between innovation and education, Louis Limited is setting a new standard for customer-centric fintech solutions.

D. Broader Implications and Industry Insights

Louis Limited’s bold move underscores a broader trend: the convergence of finance and education. In today’s fast-paced digital world, consumers are not only seeking convenience but also clarity. Companies that can deliver both stand to gain a competitive edge. The company’s global expansion is a clear signal that the future of fintech will be defined by those who combine technology with education to create a more informed and empowered customer base.

Industry experts suggest that as more companies follow this integrated model, we may see a significant improvement in financial literacy across markets—an outcome that could lead to more sustainable economic growth and innovation. For investors and stakeholders, this move represents a smart bet on the future of financial technology, where informed decision-making is as valuable as technological prowess.

IV. Harnessing AI and Big Data: Autonomous Trading Systems Take Center Stage

As the fintech landscape continues to evolve, one of the most exciting frontiers is the integration of artificial intelligence with trading technologies. Programming Insider’s recent feature on autonomous trading systems sheds light on how fintech data is powering AI-driven hedge funds and transforming the world of investment management. This story not only illustrates the potential of machine learning and big data but also raises important questions about the future of trading, risk management, and market efficiency.

A. The Emergence of Autonomous Trading Systems

Autonomous trading systems represent the cutting edge of financial technology. These systems leverage advanced algorithms, machine learning, and real-time data analytics to execute trades with unprecedented speed and accuracy. The programming behind these systems allows them to detect market anomalies, forecast trends, and execute transactions with minimal human intervention. This technology promises to revolutionize the way hedge funds and asset managers approach risk and opportunity in volatile markets.

Source: Programming Insider

B. How Fintech Data Drives AI Innovation

The integration of robust fintech data into AI models is a critical component of autonomous trading. By feeding massive datasets into machine learning algorithms, these systems can identify subtle market patterns that would be nearly impossible for human analysts to discern. The result is a form of predictive analytics that not only improves trading outcomes but also enhances overall market stability. In many respects, autonomous trading systems are a natural evolution of algorithmic trading—one that embraces the full potential of modern data science and AI.

C. Industry Implications and Ethical Considerations

While the promise of AI-powered trading is immense, it is not without its challenges. The reliance on big data and machine learning algorithms raises questions about transparency, accountability, and regulatory oversight. As these systems become more integrated into global financial markets, regulators will need to balance the drive for innovation with the imperative to protect market integrity. Furthermore, the rise of autonomous trading may lead to significant shifts in job roles and skill sets within the financial sector, as traditional roles evolve to accommodate new technological paradigms.

From an industry perspective, the proliferation of AI-driven hedge funds is likely to accelerate competition and drive innovation. However, it also necessitates a thoughtful discussion on ethical boundaries and risk management protocols. As we move deeper into the era of digital finance, stakeholders across the industry—from traders and technologists to regulators and investors—must collaborate to ensure that these powerful tools are used responsibly and equitably.

D. Commentary on the Future of AI in Trading

The future of trading is increasingly intertwined with AI and autonomous systems. The potential for improved efficiency, reduced human error, and faster response times is transforming the competitive landscape. However, the journey is not without its risks. Balancing technological innovation with robust oversight will be key to unlocking the full potential of autonomous trading systems without compromising market stability or ethical standards.

The insights provided by Programming Insider remind us that the fintech revolution is as much about technological innovation as it is about reshaping the underlying frameworks of finance. As hedge funds and asset managers continue to experiment with AI, we may well be on the cusp of a new era in investment management—one defined by data-driven decisions, heightened risk awareness, and a new breed of digital trading platforms.

V. Innovation and Disruption: Insights from Calcalistech’s Fintech Coverage

Adding yet another dynamic layer to today’s fintech news, Calcalistech has provided compelling insights into emerging trends and innovations that are reshaping the global financial landscape. While the specifics of the report remain nuanced, the overarching narrative is clear: fintech is evolving at a breakneck pace, and the traditional boundaries between technology and finance are rapidly dissolving.

A. Spotlight on Groundbreaking Fintech Trends

Calcalistech’s coverage highlights a variety of disruptive trends in fintech, from blockchain advancements and cryptocurrency adoption to next-generation payment systems and digital identity verification. These innovations are not only changing the way consumers interact with financial services but are also redefining the business models of legacy institutions. With technology enabling seamless integration between disparate financial systems, the future is being built on platforms that prioritize speed, security, and user-centric design.

Source: Calcalistech

B. The Ripple Effect on Global Markets

The impact of these technological advancements extends well beyond local markets. As fintech solutions become increasingly scalable, companies around the world are finding new ways to deliver financial services to underbanked and emerging economies. Calcalistech’s analysis points to a future where borders become less significant in the distribution of financial services, leading to a more interconnected and inclusive global financial ecosystem.

C. A Critical Perspective on Fintech Innovation

While the pace of innovation is exhilarating, it also brings forth challenges. Rapid technological change can create disparities in access, pose regulatory challenges, and occasionally lead to security vulnerabilities. However, the dynamic nature of fintech is also its strength. By continually pushing the envelope and challenging established norms, innovators are driving progress that benefits consumers and businesses alike. Calcalistech’s thoughtful analysis encourages industry stakeholders to remain vigilant and proactive, ensuring that the momentum of change is balanced by robust oversight and ethical considerations.

D. Reflections on the Future Trajectory of Fintech

The insights drawn from Calcalistech’s coverage serve as a timely reminder that the fintech revolution is far from a temporary trend—it is a fundamental transformation of the financial landscape. As emerging technologies reshape our world, the industry’s ability to adapt, innovate, and thrive will depend on the delicate balance between risk-taking and responsible governance. For investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers alike, the message is clear: the future belongs to those who embrace change and champion innovation.

VI. Synthesis: The New Paradigm in Fintech and What It Means for Stakeholders

The day’s headlines capture the multifaceted nature of today’s fintech revolution—a sector marked by transformative funding events, strategic leadership shifts, global expansion, and breakthrough technological innovations. As we examine the interplay between these developments, several overarching themes emerge:

A. Accelerated Innovation and Digital Transformation

Across all news stories, the common thread is the relentless drive toward innovation. Whether it’s Fintech Rockfi’s record funding round, Bankwell Bank’s digital leadership transition, or Louis Limited’s bold global expansion, each development underscores a broader shift toward digital-first operations. Companies are not only investing in state-of-the-art technologies but are also redefining their strategic priorities to better serve a rapidly changing customer base. This dynamic environment is fostering a culture where agility and innovation are not optional—they are essential for survival.

B. The Intersection of Technology and Human Capital

The role of leadership in driving digital transformation cannot be overstated. The appointment of tech visionaries like Brian Merritt at Bankwell Bank highlights the critical importance of human capital in navigating the complexities of modern finance. As fintech continues to evolve, the success of these ventures will increasingly depend on the ability of leaders to integrate technological innovation with strategic foresight and operational excellence.

C. Global Expansion and the Democratization of Financial Services

Louis Limited’s international expansion is emblematic of the growing trend towards globalized financial services. By merging fintech with educational outreach, companies are not only expanding their market footprint but are also addressing the universal need for financial literacy and inclusion. As fintech solutions become more accessible and scalable, they have the potential to transform underserved markets and democratize access to high-quality financial services.

D. The Transformative Power of AI and Big Data

Autonomous trading systems powered by AI represent one of the most exciting frontiers in fintech innovation. By harnessing the power of big data, these systems are redefining investment strategies and opening new avenues for efficiency and risk management. The insights provided by Programming Insider remind us that technological progress in finance is often a double-edged sword—offering tremendous opportunities while also challenging traditional regulatory and ethical frameworks.

E. A Cautious Optimism for the Future

While today’s news is overwhelmingly positive, it is tempered by the inherent challenges of rapid technological change. The fintech sector must balance the excitement of innovation with the practicalities of regulation, risk management, and equitable access. As stakeholders—from investors and entrepreneurs to regulators and consumers—navigate this evolving landscape, a cautious optimism prevails. The industry’s ability to innovate responsibly will be the key determinant of its long-term success.

VII. Expert Analysis and Industry Commentary

Bringing together insights from multiple sources, our analysis reveals a fintech sector in the midst of an unprecedented transformation. The infusion of capital, strategic leadership changes, global expansion efforts, and technological breakthroughs all point to a future where fintech is not just an alternative to traditional banking—it is the future of finance.

A. Investment and Market Dynamics

Fintech Rockfi’s E18 million funding round is more than a financial milestone; it is a reflection of investor confidence in a sector that is continually proving its relevance and resilience. As digital payments, mobile banking, and blockchain technologies mature, capital flows into fintech are expected to accelerate, driving further consolidation and innovation. Investors are increasingly recognizing that fintech is a key driver of economic growth, one that is capable of redefining the contours of global finance.

B. Leadership and Organizational Transformation

The appointment of Brian Merritt as CTO at Bankwell Bank serves as a case study in the vital role of leadership during times of change. Technology is not merely a support function in modern banking—it is a strategic asset that can determine an institution’s competitive advantage. As traditional banks face the dual challenge of modernizing their systems and fending off agile fintech startups, the emphasis on strong technical leadership is likely to become even more pronounced.

C. The Convergence of Fintech and Education

Louis Limited’s strategy to combine fintech with education reflects a broader industry trend toward integrated service delivery. In a world where financial products are becoming increasingly complex, the importance of customer education cannot be overstated. By empowering consumers with knowledge, companies can enhance product adoption, reduce risk, and build lasting trust—a formula that promises sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive market.

D. The Rise of AI-Driven Solutions

Autonomous trading systems are at the forefront of a technological revolution in investment management. By leveraging real-time data and machine learning algorithms, these systems offer a glimpse into the future of trading—one where human intuition is augmented by digital precision. As the industry grapples with the opportunities and challenges of AI integration, the potential for efficiency gains and risk mitigation remains one of the most exciting prospects on the horizon.

E. Broader Implications for the Global Financial Ecosystem

Taken together, these developments are not isolated events; they are interconnected elements of a broader transformation in finance. The digital revolution in fintech is ushering in a new era characterized by unprecedented levels of connectivity, innovation, and inclusivity. As companies adopt more agile models and embrace advanced technologies, the traditional boundaries of finance are being redrawn—opening up exciting new possibilities for growth and collaboration across the global financial ecosystem.

VIII. Navigating the Road Ahead: Strategic Recommendations for Fintech Stakeholders

In light of today’s multifaceted developments, industry leaders and stakeholders must adopt a forward-thinking approach to remain competitive. Here are some strategic recommendations based on our analysis:

A. Embrace Technological Innovation

To stay ahead in the dynamic fintech landscape, companies must continually invest in research and development. Embracing technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and big data analytics is no longer optional—it is imperative. Continuous innovation will enable companies to enhance operational efficiency, mitigate risks, and deliver cutting-edge products that meet the evolving demands of customers.

B. Strengthen Leadership and Talent Acquisition

The human element remains central to the success of any technological transformation. Financial institutions should prioritize attracting and retaining top tech talent, ensuring that leadership positions are filled by individuals who not only understand technology but also possess strategic vision. Strong leadership can drive cultural change within organizations, fostering a mindset that is open to innovation and agile in the face of disruption.

C. Foster Global Partnerships and Collaborative Ecosystems

As fintech companies expand globally, the importance of strategic partnerships cannot be overlooked. Collaborations with technology providers, regulatory bodies, and educational institutions can help create a more robust and resilient financial ecosystem. By working together, stakeholders can share expertise, pool resources, and drive initiatives that benefit the broader industry.

D. Prioritize Customer Education and Empowerment

In an era of complex financial products, customer education is critical. Companies that invest in comprehensive educational programs can demystify the intricacies of digital finance, leading to higher customer satisfaction and greater product adoption. Empowering consumers with knowledge not only builds trust but also positions companies as industry leaders committed to long-term value creation.

E. Implement Robust Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance

The rapid pace of technological change brings with it significant challenges in risk management and regulatory compliance. Fintech companies must invest in advanced cybersecurity measures, develop transparent data governance frameworks, and maintain open channels of communication with regulators. A proactive approach to risk management will ensure that innovation is achieved responsibly, safeguarding both the company’s interests and those of its customers.

IX. Concluding Insights: The Fintech Future Unfolds

As we reflect on the day’s top stories, it becomes clear that the fintech landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. From Fintech Rockfi’s substantial funding round and Bankwell Bank’s strategic leadership shift to Louis Limited’s global expansion and the rising tide of AI-driven trading, today’s news captures a sector that is dynamic, innovative, and relentlessly forward-looking.

A. A Snapshot of Change

Each news story presented in this briefing offers a snapshot of change—whether it is the influx of capital that fuels innovation, the appointment of visionary leaders who drive digital transformation, or the emergence of technologies that redefine the very nature of trading. Together, these developments paint a picture of an industry in flux, one that is reimagining the boundaries of what is possible in finance.

B. The Road Ahead for Fintech

Looking to the future, the challenges are as significant as the opportunities. Fintech companies must navigate a complex web of regulatory, technological, and market forces, all while maintaining a relentless focus on customer needs. The journey ahead will require agility, resilience, and a willingness to embrace change at every turn. Yet, if today’s trends are any indication, the fintech sector is more than capable of rising to the challenge and ushering in a new era of financial innovation.

C. Final Reflections

In our op-ed-style daily briefing, we have explored the forces shaping the fintech landscape. Whether through record-setting funding rounds, strategic leadership changes, bold global expansions, or breakthrough AI innovations, the narrative is clear: the future of finance is digital, dynamic, and driven by a spirit of relentless innovation. As investors, customers, and industry insiders navigate this exciting landscape, one thing is certain—fintech will continue to challenge conventions, rewrite the rules, and redefine the possibilities of modern finance.

The transformative trends discussed today not only promise enhanced efficiency and profitability but also herald a more inclusive and forward-thinking financial ecosystem. With each passing day, the convergence of technology and finance is creating new paradigms that will shape the global economy for years to come.

X. A Look Beyond Today: Strategic Forecasts and Opportunities

As we close this extensive briefing, it is worth taking a moment to forecast the implications of these developments over the coming months and years. Fintech, at its core, is a discipline defined by its capacity to adapt and innovate. In the near term, expect to see:

Increased Capital Flow: With investors demonstrating unwavering confidence, funding rounds similar to Fintech Rockfi’s E18 million injection are likely to become the norm, enabling a wave of innovation across multiple fintech segments.
Evolving Leadership Models: The trend of appointing tech-savvy executives—exemplified by Brian Merritt’s appointment at Bankwell Bank—will drive further organizational change in traditional financial institutions.
Global Market Integration: Companies like Louis Limited that pursue aggressive international expansion will set the stage for a more interconnected and competitive global financial ecosystem.
AI and Automation Expansion: The success of autonomous trading systems will spur additional investments in AI and data analytics, fostering smarter, more efficient investment strategies.
Educational Integration: As financial products become more complex, the fusion of fintech with educational services will become a critical differentiator, enhancing consumer confidence and adoption rates.

Embracing the Opportunities

For fintech stakeholders, the road ahead is filled with opportunities—and with challenges. It is imperative for companies to balance innovation with accountability, ensuring that the benefits of technological progress are widely shared and sustainably implemented. Strategic investments in technology, leadership, and customer engagement will be the cornerstone of success in this transformative era.

A Call to Action

To the entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers reading this: the future of fintech is being written today. The choices made now will determine the trajectory of global finance for generations. Let this briefing serve as both a reflection on the present and a clarion call to action—one that urges all stakeholders to work together, innovate responsibly, and embrace the endless possibilities of digital finance.

XI. Final Thoughts: Charting the Course for Tomorrow’s Fintech Landscape

In conclusion, the fintech industry stands at a crossroads. On one hand, the rapid pace of innovation offers a tantalizing glimpse into a future defined by efficiency, connectivity, and inclusivity. On the other, the inherent risks and challenges call for measured, thoughtful action. The stories covered today—from groundbreaking funding rounds and leadership transformations to global expansions and AI-driven innovations—collectively underscore a simple truth: the future of finance will belong to those who dare to innovate, adapt, and lead with vision.

As the digital revolution accelerates, every stakeholder in the fintech ecosystem is presented with a unique opportunity to shape the future. Whether you are an investor seeking the next big breakthrough, a customer eager for more personalized financial solutions, or a policymaker tasked with safeguarding market integrity, the message is clear: the journey ahead is as exciting as it is challenging, and the time to act is now.

XII. SEO-Optimized Keywords and Industry Tags

This comprehensive briefing is crafted with a focus on essential fintech and finance keywords such as digital banking, financial innovation, blockchain technology, artificial intelligence in finance, fintech funding, autonomous trading, global expansion, customer-centric solutions, and regulatory compliance. The article is designed to meet SEO best practices by delivering detailed, opinion-driven insights that resonate with industry professionals, investors, and technology enthusiasts alike.

XIII. Closing Remarks

Today’s fintech narrative is one of transformation and promise. With record investments fueling innovative startups, forward-thinking leaders steering legacy institutions, and disruptive technologies rewriting the rules of engagement, the future of finance is brighter than ever. As we move forward, the lessons from today’s stories will serve as a foundation for tomorrow’s innovations—guiding us toward a more efficient, secure, and inclusive financial world.

In every challenge lies an opportunity, and in every innovation, a promise of a better future. Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief is here to bring you that promise, every day, as we collectively navigate the exciting and ever-evolving world of digital finance.

The post Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief – March 25, 2025 | Rockfi, Bankwell Bank, Louis Limited appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.

Fintech PR

Trade Ledger and Bank of Queensland Group announce landmark long-term partnership to revolutionize asset finance lending in Australia

Published

2 hours ago

March 25, 2025

CISION (PR Newswire)

trade-ledger-and-bank-of-queensland-group-announce-landmark-long-term-partnership-to-revolutionize-asset-finance-lending-in-australia

BRISBANE, Australia, March 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Trade Ledger, a global leader in digital lending technology, and Bank of Queensland Group (BOQ) have entered a groundbreaking long-term partnership to revolutionize asset finance lending for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and corporate clients serviced by the Group’s Finance division.

This landmark collaboration will modernize BOQ’s asset finance lending ecosystem, delivering faster, seamless, and highly accessible financial solutions tailored to Australian businesses.

The partnership begins with replacing BOQ’s legacy systems, digitizing the asset finance lending process, and streamlining operations to improve efficiency, broker and customer experiences. The new technology will deliver a streamlined digital experience for third-party introducers.

Powered by Trade Ledger and Microsoft’s advanced AI platforms, the partnership creates a banking industry-first, hyper-automated IT infrastructure for initially the asset finance domain.

Craig Ryman, Chief Information Officer, BOQ, stated that “the outcomes of our partnership with Trade Ledger will signify a major leap forward in delivering agile and customer-focused asset finance solutions. With Microsoft’s technology as the backbone, we’re now positioned to create a fully digitized asset finance lending solution.”

Martin McCann, CEO of Trade Ledger, added: “Together with BOQ, we’re setting a new standard for asset finance lending by accelerating credit decisions and driving economic growth for SMEs. This is more than modernization – it’s a step in the reimagination of SME asset finance lending in Australia, led by BOQ Finance.”

Asset Finance is integral to BOQ Finance’s business strategy. As a specialist asset finance provider in Australia, BOQ Finance plays a pivotal role in meeting the financial needs of SMEs and corporate clients. Investing in this sector and maintaining a market-leading offering is essential to our success.

About Trade Ledger

Founded in 2016, Trade Ledger helps the financial services sector reimagine complex business finance for SMEs and mid-market corporates in the digital economy.

The next-generation working capital platform supports all secured and unsecured business lending products, transforming data sources from the supply chain into actionable insights and tasks. This enables the right lending products to be created and offered at the right time, over the right channel, quickly, at low risk. Its clients boost profitability, realising on average a 60% origination cost reduction, 50% reduction in dropouts, and loan book growth potential of over 100% with embedded lending capabilities.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2649574/Trade_Ledger_CEO_Martin_McCann.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/trade-ledger-and-bank-of-queensland-group-announce-landmark-long-term-partnership-to-revolutionize-asset-finance-lending-in-australia-302410591.html

Fintech PR

Request Finance Hits $1 Billion in Bill Payments, Secures Strategic Funding to Scale Stablecoins & Fiat Finance

Published

4 hours ago

March 25, 2025

CISION (PR Newswire)

request-finance-hits-$1-billion-in-bill-payments,-secures-strategic-funding-to-scale-stablecoins-&-fiat-finance

PARIS, March 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Businesses are rapidly adopting stablecoins and crypto for payments. Request Finance has now processed over $1 billion in transactions, proving that demand for secure, compliant finance solutions is stronger than ever. To drive its next phase of growth, the company has also secured new strategic funding, backed by Bpifrance (the French sovereign investment bank), alongside continued support from leading investors such as Balderton and Xange, as well as key clients.

Powering the Future of Crypto & Fiat Finance

Request Finance has become the go-to platform for managing stablecoins, crypto, and fiat payments. The software enables businesses to send, receive, and track transactions securely and compliantly. Industry leaders like The Sandbox, OpenZeppelin, Arbitrum, Bonk, and Beam rely on Request Finance to manage accounts payable, receivable, and on-chain accounting.

“With over $1 billion in bill payments processed, we’re proving that crypto, especially stablecoins, is no longer just an alternative. It’s becoming the backbone of global business finance,” said Christophe Lassuyt, CEO of Request Finance. “This milestone, combined with our latest funding, allows us to double down on product innovation, compliance, and partnerships, making crypto payments safer, easier, and more scalable than ever.”

Strategic Growth: Acquisitions & Compliance Leadership

Request Finance continues to expand its capabilities through strategic acquisitions. The recent acquisition of Consola Finance (now Request Accounting) strengthens its crypto accounting suite; while the acquisition of Pay.so (Now Request Technologies) makes on and off-ramping a breeze, ensuring businesses can move seamlessly between crypto and fiat.

The company is also advancing its compliance efforts in preparation for MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) regulation, reinforcing its role as a trusted, regulatory-compliant solution for crypto finance across Europe and beyond.

A Defining Moment for Crypto Payments

With a record-breaking $1 billion in payments, new funding, and strategic acquisitions, Request Finance is accelerating the mainstream adoption of crypto for global business operations. Request Finance is a trusted leader as more enterprises seek secure, scalable, and compliant ways to integrate stablecoins into their finance operations.

For more information, visit request.finance.

About Request Finance

Request Finance is the leading all-in-one platform for managing crypto and fiat operations. It provides businesses with a secure, compliant, automated invoicing, bill payments, and crypto accounting solution. Hundreds of companies rely on Request Finance to process over $1 billion in transactions, ensuring regulatory compliance while streamlining their financial operations.

Website: request.finance