• Companies to build pre-processing facility in northern France to extract ‘black mass.’
• Construction to begin in 2026; operations to commence in 2027
• LG Energy Solution marks a critical first step toward a closed-loop system in Europe to strengthen value chain competitiveness.

SEOUL, South Korea, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LG Energy Solution has announced plans to establish a joint venture with Derichebourg, the French leader in metal waste recycling, to build a state-of-the-art battery recycling plant.

Construction will begin in 2026 in Bruyères-sur-Oise, located in the Val-d’Oise region of northern France, with operations scheduled to commence in 2027.

The new plant will specialize in pre-processing, such as discharging, dismantling and shredding battery scrap—waste generated during battery production—as well as the collection of end-of-life EV batteries.

Marking LG Energy Solution’s first battery recycling joint venture in Europe, this state-of-the-art facility will have a processing capacity of over 20,000 tons per year at its full operation.

The black mass extracted at the pre-processing facility will undergo further post-processing to recover key battery raw materials such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt, which will then be used in LG Energy Solution’s battery production.

Under the agreement, LG Energy Solution will supply battery scrap from its facility in Poland, while Derichebourg will provide end-of-life EV batteries collected from France and surrounding countries.

Through this joint venture, LG Energy Solution is accelerating the development of a closed-loop^[1] resource circulation system in Europe. This aligns with the company’s goals to enhance raw material sourcing stability and strengthen its value chain competitiveness, while reinforcing Europe’s sustainable battery recycling ecosystem.

Considering the EU Battery Regulation, which mandates a minimum level of recycled content in batteries sold in Europe starting in 2031, this partnership will also effectively address upcoming regulatory requirements. In addition, the collaboration aims to support car manufacturers seeking to establish a closed-loop battery recycling system, further promoting a circular economy.

Derichebourg operates over 200 collecting sites in France and over 285 sites worldwide. LG Energy Solution and Derichebourg plan to deepen their strategic partnership and expand their joint efforts in the battery recycling business.

“This collaboration enables us to secure a stable and cost-competitive supply of recycled battery materials from the advanced processing of end-of-life batteries and battery scrap,” said Chang Beom Kang, CSO of LG Energy Solution. “This initiative will also significantly enhance the value we deliver to customers in the recycling sector.”

“This partnership fully supports our ambition to develop industrial solutions with a high environmental added value, while strengthening the local roots of our activities,” said Abderrahmane El Aoufir, CEO of Derichebourg.

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[1] Closed-loop system: Enables the recycling of used batteries and the reuse of recovered materials in new battery production.

About LG Energy Solution

LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220), a split-off from LG Chem, is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems. With 30 years of experience in revolutionary battery technology and extensive research and development (R&D), the company is the top battery-related patent holder in the world with over 69,600 patents. Its robust global network, which spans North America, Europe, and Asia, includes battery manufacturing facilities established through joint ventures with major automakers. Committed to building sustainable battery ecosystem, LG Energy Solution aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its value chain by 2050, while embodying the value of shared growth and promoting diverse and inclusive corporate culture. To learn more about LG Energy Solution’s ideas and innovations, visit https://news.lgensol.com.

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Good morning, Fintech insiders! Welcome to Fintech Pulse, your daily op-ed–style briefing on the stories shaping our industry. Today we cover six major developments—from blockbuster funding rounds to cutting-edge AI trends, high-profile mergers, and education initiatives—alongside incisive commentary to help you stay ahead of the curve.

1. Thunes Secures US$150 M Series D to Fuel U.S. Expansion

Key News
Cross-border payments innovator Thunes has closed a US$150 million Series D round led by Apis Partners and Vitruvian Partners, marking its largest ever capital raise. The Singapore-based fintech, which connects traditional banking rails to digital wallets in over 130 countries, will deploy the proceeds to expand its Direct Global Network and deepen its newly-licensed U.S. operations across all 50 states. CEO Floris de Kort highlighted Thunes’ US$150 million revenue run-rate and positive EBITDA as proof that rapid growth and financial discipline can go hand in hand.

Analysis & Opinion
Thunes’ ability to attract blue-chip growth capital underscores a broader investor appetite for cross-border payment platforms that tackle real-world inefficiencies. With remittance corridors booming and digital wallets proliferating, Thunes is well-positioned to capture market share in the U.S., where instant, low-cost transfers are still nascent. Yet, scaling a global network poses regulatory and compliance challenges; the true test will be executing seamless integrations with U.S. banks and digital wallets without sacrificing speed or reliability. If Thunes can replicate its international success domestically, it could trigger a new wave of consolidation among smaller regional players.

Source: FinTech Magazine

2. Forbes Spotlights AI Agents for Investment Research

Key News
In a thought-provoking piece, Forbes’ Jeff Kauflin identifies “AI agents” as fintech’s next frontier for deep investment research. Leading platforms—from trading app Robinhood to nimble NYC startups—are deploying autonomous AI agents that process vast datasets (SEC filings, earnings calls, macro reports) to generate actionable insights faster than human analysts. These agents can simulate investment theses, adjust portfolios in real time, and even draft regulatory filings.

Analysis & Opinion
The shift toward autonomous AI in asset management is inevitable, but it raises profound questions about accountability and transparency. While AI agents promise cost efficiencies and 24/7 research capabilities, financial firms must guard against overreliance on black-box models. Rigorous backtesting, explainable-AI frameworks, and human-in-the-loop oversight will be essential to mitigate model drift and guard against false signals—especially in volatile markets. Firms that navigate this balance effectively will gain an edge, but regulators are watching closely and may soon demand disclosures on algorithmic decision-making.

Source: Forbes

3. Railsr and Equals Merge in £283 M Deal to Forge Embedded Finance Powerhouse

Key News
UK-based Railsr (formerly Railsbank) has agreed to acquire Equals Group in an all-cash £283 million transaction, creating one of Europe’s largest embedded finance platforms. Under the terms, Equals shareholders will receive 140 pence per share (135 pence cash plus a 5 pence special dividend). The deal—expected to close in Q2 2025—brings together Railsr’s BaaS/CaaS capabilities (virtual cards, balance holding, open banking) with Equals’ strengths in cross-border payments (FairFX, CardOneMoney). Leadership teams from both firms, including Ian Strafford-Taylor (CEO, Equals) and Philippe Morel (CEO, Railsr), will spearhead the integration.

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Analysis & Opinion
This merger signals a coming era of embedded finance consolidation. By pooling resources, Railsr-Equals will offer end-to-end solutions—from issuing payment instruments to facilitating international transactions—under one roof. Cross-selling opportunities abound, but integration risks loom large: aligning technology stacks, unifying compliance frameworks, and retaining client trust will be critical. Success here could set a new M&A benchmark in embedded finance, prompting VCs and strategic investors to reevaluate other mid-market fintechs as future roll-up targets.

Source: FinTech Magazine

4. Singapore’s Surfin Meta Digital Technologies Nets US$26.5 M

Key News
Surfin Meta Digital Technologies, a Singapore-based fintech serving the underbanked, has closed US$26.5 million in a fresh round led by Insignia Ventures Partners, with participation from Woori Venture Partners, Washington University in St. Louis, and Phillip Private Equity. Founded by Dr Yanan Wu, Surfin’s platform spans consumer lending, payments, and wealth management services for emerging markets. Proceeds will fuel expansion into new geographies and bolster R&D for intelligent financial products.

Analysis & Opinion
Surfin’s focus on underserved segments taps a massive, often overlooked market. As interest in financial inclusion intensifies, platforms like Surfin that marry tailored lending with digital onboarding can leapfrog legacy institutions. Yet competition is heating up, with incumbents and neobanks eyeing similar demographics. Surfin must differentiate via superior credit-scoring algorithms and localized partnerships. The level of institutional investor support here suggests confidence in its unit economics—but execution will hinge on balancing rapid scale-up against credit risk management.

Source: FinSMEs

5. Inside the Rapid Rise of UK Fintech

Key News
The UK’s fintech workforce now exceeds 82,000, with projections to surpass 100,000 within two years—a testament to a sector that has thrived on regulatory support, talent density, and customer demand for digital services. From London-based challengers (Monzo, Starling) to BaaS platforms and insurtechs, the ecosystem has become a global benchmark.

Analysis & Opinion
The UK’s ability to cultivate fintech lies in its “sandboxes,” progressive open-banking mandates, and close ties between HM Treasury and the FCA. Yet Brexit uncertainties and visa restrictions pose lingering talent challenges. Firms must continue to advocate for flexible immigration policies and invest in domestic upskilling to sustain momentum. Moreover, the next phase will emphasize AI-driven personalization, regtech, and cross-sector collaborations (e.g., healthtech + fintech). The UK is at a crossroads: maintain its edge by adapting to emerging technologies, or risk ceding ground to agile hubs in Asia and North America.

Source: Yahoo Finance

6. University of Notre Dame and Visa Launch Fintech Foundations Program

Key News
The Meruelo Family Center for Career Development at the University of Notre Dame, in partnership with Visa, has introduced the inaugural Visa Fintech Foundations Program—a six-week immersive for undergraduates. Covering fundamentals of banking, digital currencies, decentralized finance, and industry career pathways, the pilot drew over 40 students within 48 hours of launch. Industry experts from Visa led weekly sessions, one-on-one consultations, and a capstone project. The program will run again in Fall 2025, with plans to expand to other universities.

Analysis & Opinion
As fintech reshapes finance, academia-industry alliances like this are vital to bridge the skills gap. Visa’s investment signals a recognition that tomorrow’s fintech leaders must understand both technology and regulatory nuances. Programs of this sort create a talent pipeline and foster brand affinity—benefitting both students and sponsors. The broader question: can similar models scale across disciplines (insurtech, regtech, wealthtech) and institutions? If so, we may see a new standard for fintech curricula, combining theory, practice, and peer networking.

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Source: University of Notre Dame

The post Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief – April 29, 2025 – Thunes, AI Agents, Railsr & Equals, Surfin, UK Fintech, Visa appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.

STOCKHOLM, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Between 22 April 2025 and 25 April 2025 EQT AB (LEI code 213800U7P9GOIRKCTB34) (“EQT”) has repurchased in total 440,000 own ordinary shares (ISIN: SE0012853455).

The repurchases form part of the repurchase program of a maximum of 4,931,018 own ordinary shares for a total maximum amount of SEK 2,500,000,000 that EQT announced on 11 March 2025. The repurchase program, which runs between 12 March 2025 and 16 May 2025, is being carried out in accordance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2016/1052.

EQT ordinary shares have been repurchased as follows:

Date:	Aggregated volume |(number of shares):	Weighted average share price per day (SEK): Advertisement	Aggregated transaction value (SEK):
22 April 2025	110,000	250.3320	Advertisement 27,536,520.00
23 April 2025	110,000	265.8386	29,242,246.00
Advertisement 24 April 2025	110,000	265.0168	29,151,848.00
25 April 2025	110,000 Advertisement	271.5350	29,868,850.00
Total accumulated over week 17	440,000	263.1806 Advertisement	115,799,464.00
Total accumulated during the repurchase program	3,436,229	288.4566	991,202,777.52

All acquisitions have been carried out on Nasdaq Stockholm by Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB on behalf of EQT.

Following the above acquisitions and as of 25 April 2025, the number of shares in EQT, including EQT’s holding of own shares is set out in the table below.

	Advertisement Ordinary shares	Class C shares1	Total
Number of issued shares2	1,241,510,911	Advertisement 496,056	1,242,006,967
Number of shares owned by EQT AB3	63,360,420	– Advertisement	63,360,420
Number of outstanding shares	1,178,150,491	496,056	Advertisement 1,178,646,547

1) Carry one tenth (1/10) of a vote
2) Total number of shares in EQT AB, i.e. including the number of shares owned by EQT AB
3) EQT AB shares owned by EQT AB are not entitled to dividends or carry votes at shareholders’ meetings

A full breakdown of the transactions is attached to this announcement.

Contact
Olof Svensson, Head of Shareholder Relations, +46 72 989 09 15
EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com, +46 8 506 55 334

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/eqt/r/repurchases-of-shares-by-eqt-ab-during-week-17–2025,c4141595

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/87/4141595/3413881.pdf	EQT Transactions 2025022 to 20250425 Advertisement
https://news.cision.com/eqt/i/eqt-ab-group,c3403113	EQT AB Group

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/repurchases-of-shares-by-eqt-ab-during-week-17-2025-302439937.html