Fintech
Katherine K. Martin, Associate Director in the Office of International Affairs, to Leave SEC
Washington, D.C.–(Newsfile Corp. – February 5, 2021) – The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that Katherine K. Martin, Associate Director in the Office of International Affairs, will leave the agency in February after 15 years of public service.
For the last five years, Ms. Martin oversaw the Commission’s multilateral and bilateral engagement on a wide range of cross-border policy and supervisory cooperation issues.
“Katherine has been a leading player in enhancing the SEC’s relationships with its international counterparts and building consensus on cross-border matters of critical importance to the agency,” said Acting Chair, Allison Herren Lee. “Katherine’s deep knowledge of the international financial regulatory landscape and of the capital markets has been invaluable. I thank Katherine for her leadership and her years of service to the Commission.”
“Katherine is a true leader and a wonderful colleague,” said Acting Director of the Office of International Affairs, Kathleen M. Hutchinson. “She is an expert at finding solutions to what appear to be intractable problems, and her creativity, knowledge of financial regulation, and ability to bring people together has been a tremendous asset to the Commission.”
“It has been a privilege to work with the talented and dedicated staff across the Commission, with colleagues at other U.S. agencies, and with my foreign counterparts around the world,” said Ms. Martin. “Together we successfully made real progress on complex issues important to the U.S. markets and investors, including dealing with the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Among Ms. Martin’s many accomplishments are:
- Coordinating the SEC’s engagement in the work of the international standard-setting bodies, including the Financial Stability Board (FSB) and the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). She helped shape the workplans of these bodies on a range of issues, including their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and initiatives on non-bank financial intermediation, sustainable finance and fintech. Ms. Martin also took a leading role in bilateral dialogues with foreign counterparts, including the U.S.-EU Financial Regulatory Forum and the U.S.-UK Financial Regulatory Working Group;
- Contributing significantly to standing up the SEC’s cross-border regime for security-based swap entities and co-leading the interagency team working on ground-breaking substituted compliance determinations, including assessments of foreign regulatory regimes and development of new information sharing arrangements;
- Addressing the challenge of privacy laws and legal barriers in other jurisdictions including in the EU, by negotiating new mechanisms to accomplish continued transfers of personal data to the Commission from registrants and authorities in other jurisdictions;
- Working collaboratively with European authorities to secure positive equivalence determinations with respect to the SEC regulatory regime for trading venues and central counterparties, thereby ensuring the ability of European market participants to continue to access U.S. financial markets;
- Addressing the effects of foreign legislation and rules on U.S. market participants, including the impact of the EU’s MiFID II on payments for research; and
- Working closely with the Division of Examinations and other SEC supervisory programs on gaining access to the information they need for the supervision and examination of foreign registrants, including investment advisers, broker-dealers, credit rating agencies, and central counterparties.
Prior to her appointment as Associate Director, Ms. Martin served in various roles at the SEC for more than a decade, including in the Office of Clearance and Settlement in the Division of Trading and Markets, where she worked on financial market infrastructure policy issues and contributed significantly to the development of international standards and guidance in this area, including the CPMI-IOSCO Principles for Financial Market Infrastructures.
Prior to joining the Commission, Ms. Martin practiced securities and corporate law at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP and Hogan Lovells in New York and Washington, D.C.
Ms. Martin graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University. She earned her J.D., magna cum laude, from the Syracuse University College of Law, where she was an executive editor of the Syracuse Law Review.
As we close out 2024, the fintech industry continues to deliver headlines that underscore its dynamism and innovation. From IPO aspirations to groundbreaking regulatory milestones, today’s updates highlight the transformative power of fintech partnerships, regulatory evolution, and disruptive technologies. Here’s what you need to know.
Chime’s Quiet Step Toward Public Markets
Chime, the U.S.-based financial technology startup best known for its digital banking services, has taken a significant step by filing confidential paperwork for an initial public offering (IPO). As one of the most valuable private fintechs in the U.S., Chime’s move could potentially signal a renewed appetite for fintech IPOs in a market that has been cautious following fluctuating valuations across the tech sector.
With a valuation that reportedly exceeded $25 billion in its last funding round, Chime’s IPO could set a new benchmark for the industry. Observers note that its strong customer base and revenue growth may make it an appealing choice for investors seeking to capitalize on the digital banking boom. However, the timing and success of the IPO will depend on broader market conditions and the regulatory landscape.
Source: Bloomberg
ZBD’s Pioneering Achievement: EU MiCA License Approval
ZBD, a fintech company specializing in Bitcoin Lightning network solutions, has made history by becoming the first to secure an EU MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) license. This landmark approval by the Dutch regulator positions ZBD at the forefront of compliant crypto-fintech operations in Europe.
MiCA, which aims to harmonize the regulatory framework for crypto-assets across the EU, has been a focal point for industry players aiming to establish legitimacy and expand their offerings. ZBD’s achievement not only validates its operational rigor but also sets a precedent for other fintech firms navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.
Industry insiders view this as a strategic advantage for ZBD as it broadens its footprint in Europe. By leveraging its regulatory approval, the company can accelerate its product deployment and establish trust with institutional and retail users alike.
Source: Coindesk, PR Newswire
The Fintech-Credit Union Synergy: A Blueprint for Innovation
The convergence of fintechs and credit unions continues to reshape the financial services ecosystem. Collaborative initiatives, such as the one highlighted in the recent partnership between fintech innovators and credit unions, are proving to be a potent force in delivering tailored financial solutions.
This “dream team” approach allows credit unions to leverage fintech’s technological expertise while maintaining their community-focused ethos. Key areas of collaboration include digital payments, personalized financial management tools, and enhanced loan processing capabilities. These partnerships not only enhance member engagement but also enable credit unions to remain competitive in an increasingly digital-first financial environment.
Industry analysts emphasize that such collaborations underscore a broader trend of traditional financial institutions embracing fintech-driven solutions to bridge service gaps and foster innovation.
Source: PYMNTS
Tackling Student Loan Debt: A Fintech’s Mission
Student loan debt remains a pressing issue for millions of Americans, and a Rochester-based fintech aims to offer relief through its cloud-based platform. This innovative solution is designed to simplify loan management and provide borrowers with actionable insights to reduce their debt burden.
The platform’s features include repayment optimization tools, personalized financial education, and seamless integration with loan servicers. By addressing the complexities of student loan management, this fintech is empowering borrowers to make informed decisions and achieve financial stability.
As the student loan crisis continues to evolve, solutions like this highlight the critical role fintech can play in addressing systemic financial challenges while fostering financial literacy and inclusion.
Source: RBJ
Industry Implications and Takeaways
Today’s updates underscore several key themes shaping the fintech landscape:
- Regulatory Milestones: ZBD’s MiCA license approval exemplifies the importance of regulatory compliance in unlocking growth opportunities.
- Strategic Partnerships: The collaboration between fintechs and credit unions demonstrates the value of combining technological innovation with traditional financial models to drive customer-centric solutions.
- Market Opportunities: Chime’s IPO move reflects a potential revival in fintech public offerings, signaling confidence in the sector’s long-term prospects.
- Social Impact: Fintech’s ability to tackle systemic issues, such as student loan debt, showcases its role as a force for positive change.
The post Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Chime, ZBD, MiCA) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Leading global payments platform SPAYZ.io has confirmed it will be attending iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 on 14 to 16 January. Exhibiting at Stand 64 at Trade Centre Dubai, SPAYZ.io’s team of professionals will be on hand providing live demonstrations of its renowned payment services for payment providers. Attendees will also receive exclusive insight into SPAYZ.io’s plans for 2025 alongside early early access to its upcoming plans for the new year.
SPAYZ.io delivers a host of payment solutions that leverage the latest technological innovations and open access to the fastest growing emerging markets across Africa, Europe and Asia. Over the past year, there has been huge demand for its Open Banking and local payment method services, alongside bank transfers, mass payouts, online banking and e-wallets.
Yana Thakurta, Head of Business Development at SPAYZ.io commented: “We look forward to once again participating at iFX Dubai to expand our network of partners and clients. It’s a fantastic way to kick off the year, connecting with thousands of industry leaders from FOREX platforms to trading companies, and everything in between.
“Our key goal for iFX Dubai EXPO 2025 is to expand our portfolio of solutions and geographies. We’re using this as an opportunity to partner with like-minded entities who share our ambition to provide payment solutions that are truly global.”
Come meet SPAYZ.io’s team at the Trade Centre Dubai at Stand 64. You can also book a meeting slot with a member of a team.
The post SPAYZ.io prepares for iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Airtm, the most connected digital dollar account in the world, is proud to announce the addition of two distinguished industry leaders to its Board of Directors: Rafael de la Vega, Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane, and Shivani Siroya, CEO & Founder of Tala. These appointments reflect Airtm’s commitment to innovation and financial inclusion as the company enters its next phase of growth.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rafael and Shivani to Airtm’s Board of Directors,” said Ruben Galindo Steckel, Co-founder and CEO of Airtm. “Their unique perspectives and proven track records will be invaluable as we continue scaling our platform to empower individuals and businesses in emerging markets. Together, we’ll push the boundaries of financial inclusion and innovation to create a more connected and equitable global economy. Rafael and Shivani bring a wealth of experience and strategic insight that will strengthen Airtm’s mission to connect emerging economies with the global market.”
Rafael de la Vega, a seasoned leader in fintech global partnerships and technology innovation, is currently the Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane. With a proven track record of delivering scalable, impactful solutions at the intersection of fintech, innovation, and commerce, Rafael’s expertise will be pivotal as Airtm continues to grow. “Airtm has built a platform that breaks down barriers and opens up opportunities for people in emerging economies to connect to global markets. I am excited to contribute to its growth and help further its mission of fostering financial inclusion on a global scale,” said Rafael.
Shivani Siroya, CEO and Founder of Tala, is a pioneer in financial technology, renowned for empowering underserved communities through access to credit and essential financial tools. Her leadership in leveraging data-driven innovation aligns seamlessly with Airtm’s vision of creating more equitable financial opportunities. “Empowering underserved communities has always been at the core of my work, and Airtm’s mission resonates deeply with me. I’m thrilled to join the Board and work alongside such a dynamic team to expand access to financial tools that truly make a difference in people’s lives,” said Shivani.
The post Airtm Enhances Its Board of Directors with Two Strategic Appointments appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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