Fintech
Good2GoRTO Corp. and FRX Polymers, Inc. Announce Closing of $6.5 Million Financing
Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – February 3, 2022) – Good2GoRTO Corp. (TSXV: GRTO.P) (“G2G” or the “Corporation“) and FRX Polymers, Inc. (“FRX“) are pleased to announce that further to the press release dated February 1, 2022, FRX Polymer (Canada) Inc. (“Finco“), a wholly-owned Canadian subsidiary of FRX, completed a concurrent brokered and non-brokered private placement of subscription receipts (“Subscription Receipts“) and convertible debentures (“Convertible Debentures“) for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately CAD$6.5 million (the “Offering“). The Offering was completed in connection with a going-public transaction for FRX (the “Proposed Transaction“), by way of an amalgamation and merger that will constitute G2G’s “Qualifying Transaction” (the “Qualifying Transaction“) under Policy 2.4 – Capital Pool Companies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV“) pursuant to a business combination agreement dated November 2, 2021 as amended on February 1, 2022 between FRX, G2G, Finco and 13448061 Canada Inc. and G2G Merger Sub, Inc., both wholly-owned subsidiaries of G2G.
Finco completed the Offering comprised of: (i) the brokered sale of 5,899,000 Subscription Receipts (the “Brokered Offering“), at a price of CAD$1.00 per Subscription Receipt (the “Issue Price“) through Echelon Wealth Partners Inc. (the “Lead Agent“), Eight Capital and Haywood Securities Inc. (together with the Lead Agent, the “Agents“) pursuant to the terms of an agency agreement between FRX, Finco and the Agents dated February 3, 2022 (the “Agency Agreement“); (ii) the non-brokered sale of 115,000 Subscription Receipts at the Issue Price; and (iii) the non-brokered sale of CAD$482,296 principal amount of Convertible Debentures.
The Subscription Receipts were created and issued pursuant to the terms of a subscription receipt agreement (the “Subscription Receipt Agreement“) between Odyssey Trust Company, as subscription receipt agent (the “Subscription Receipt Agent“), FRX, Finco and the Lead Agent, on its own behalf and on behalf of the Agents. Each Subscription Receipt will be automatically exchanged, for no additional consideration, into one unit of Finco (a “Unit“), on the satisfaction of the certain escrow release conditions set forth in the Subscription Receipt Agreement (the “Escrow Release Conditions“) at or before 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on the date that is 120 days after the closing date of the Offering, which may be further extended, at the sole and absolute discretion of the Lead Agent, by a period of 30 days (the “Escrow Release Deadline“). Each Unit will be comprised of one common share in the capital of Finco (a “Common Share“) and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (a “Warrant“). Each whole Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of CAD$1.30 at any time prior to the second anniversary from the date of issuance.
The Convertible Debentures shall be automatically converted into Common Shares at the Issue Price on the closing of the Proposed Transaction.
Pursuant to the terms of the Agency Agreement, in consideration for their services in connection with the Brokered Offering, the Agents received (A) a cash commission equal to: (i) 7.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds of the Brokered Offering excluding proceeds from subscribers on a President’s List plus (ii) 3% of the gross proceeds of the Brokered Offering from subscribers on a President’s List (the “Agents’ Commission“), and (B) such number of agents’ warrants (the “Agents’ Warrants“) as is equal to: (i) 7.0% of the aggregate number of Subscription Receipts issued under the Brokered Offering excluding Subscription Receipts issued to President’s List subscribers and (ii) 3.0% of the aggregate number of Subscription Receipts issued under the Brokered Offering to President’s List subscribers. Each Agents’ Warrant is exercisable into one Common Share at an exercise price equal to the Issue Price for a period of 24 months following satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions. In additional, Finco paid the Lead Agent a corporate finance fee by way of a cash payment of CAD$17,500 (plus tax) and the issuance of 17,500 Agents’ Warrants. In addition, Finco paid an arm’s length finder a finder’s fee consisting of a cash fee of CAD$9,040 and warrants to purchase 9,040 Common Shares.
On closing of the Offering, the gross proceeds from the sale of the Subscription Receipts less 50% of the Agents’ Commission, as well as the expenses of the Agents incurred in connection with the Brokered Offering (the “Escrowed Proceeds“) were delivered to and are held by the Subscription Receipt Agent and have been invested pursuant to the terms of the Subscription Receipt Agreement (the “Escrowed Proceeds, together with all interest and other income earned thereon, are referred to herein as the “Escrowed Funds“). The remaining 50% of the Agents’ Commission will be released from escrow and delivered to the Agents from the Escrowed Funds and the balance of the Escrowed Funds will be released from escrow to Finco upon satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions prior to the Escrow Release Deadline. In the event that (i) the Escrow Release Conditions are not satisfied on or before the Escrow Release Deadline, or (ii) prior to the Escrow Release Deadline, FRX, Finco and/or G2G publicly announces that it does not intend to, or cannot, satisfy any one or more of the Escrow Release Conditions, or that the Definitive Agreement is terminated, holders of the Subscription Receipts shall be entitled to receive from the Subscription Receipt Agent and the Subscription Receipt Agent shall pay to each holder of Subscription Receipts an amount equal to the aggregate Issue Price of the Subscription Receipts held by them plus their pro rata share of any interest earned thereon, net of any applicable withholding tax in accordance with the Subscription Receipt Agreement, and all of the Subscription Receipts shall be cancelled. If the amount of the Escrowed Funds, including all interest thereon, would not be sufficient to refund the aggregate Issue Price, then pursuant to the Subscription Receipt Agreement, FRX and Finco will be required to deposit an additional amount, sufficient to satisfy the shortfall, with the Subscription Receipt Agent prior to the time at which the payment is required.
Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of regulatory approval, including the approval of the TSXV, certain standard closing conditions, including there being no material adverse change in the business of G2G or FRX prior to completion of the Proposed Transaction.
Trading in the common shares of G2G is currently halted at the request of G2G in accordance with TSXV policies, and will remain halted until completion of the Proposed Transaction. G2G intends to apply to the TSXV for reinstatement of trading of the Resulting Issuer Shares when permitted pursuant to TSXV policies.
About the Corporation
The Corporation’s principal business is the identification and evaluation of assets or businesses with a view to completing a Qualifying Transaction (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSXV). Investors are cautioned that trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.
About FRX
FRX is a global manufacturing company, producing a family of environmentally sustainable flame-retardant products that serve a number of large markets spanning electronics, automotive, electric vehicles (EV) and medical devices. FRX is led by a team of highly experienced business and technical professionals and is positioned to be a leader in the rapidly growing flame retardant plastics and additives market.
Nofia® is a registered trademark of FRX. Nofia® products are manufactured at its manufacturing facility on the Port of Antwerp Belgium, one of the world’s largest chemicals producing clusters. Nofia® phosphonates are produced using sustainable green chemistry principles such as a solvent-free production process, no waste by-products, and near 100% atom efficiency. FRX’s portfolio includes an extensive patent estate. FRX has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the EPA’s Environmental Merit Award, the Belgium Business Award for the Environment, and the Flanders Investment of the Year Award. FRX has also been recognized six times on the Global Cleantech 100 list.
For more information on FRX, visit https://www.frxpolymers.com.
Further Information
G2G and FRX will provide further details in respect of the Proposed Transaction in due course by way of a subsequent news release, however, G2G will make available to the TSXV, all information, including financial information, as may be requested or required by the TSXV.
All information contained in this news release with respect to G2G and FRX was supplied by the respective party, for inclusion herein, without independent review by the other party, and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party.
Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.
Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement of G2G to be prepared in connection with the Proposed Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Proposed Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of G2G should be considered highly speculative.
The TSXV has not in any way passed upon the merits of the Proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.
The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.
For further information:
Good2GoRTO Corp.
Sandra Hall, Director
Email: [email protected]
FRX Polymers Inc.
Marc-Andre Lebel, President & Chief Executive Officer
Email: [email protected]
Disclaimers
Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Notice on Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking statements“) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as “may”, “should”, “anticipate”, “will”, “estimates”, “believes”, “intends” “expects” and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking statements. More particularly and without limitation, this press release contains forward looking statements with respect to the completion of the Proposed Transaction, the terms on which the Proposed Transaction are intended to be completed, the ability to obtain regulatory and shareholder approvals, the listing of the Resulting Issuer Shares on the TSXV, and other factors.
The Corporation cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of the Corporation and FRX, including that the Proposed Transaction will be completed on currently anticipated terms or at all, and that all applicable shareholder and regulatory approvals for the Proposed Transaction will be received, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Corporation’s final prospectus dated April 7, 2021 filed with the British Columbia Securities Commission, the Alberta Securities Commission and the Ontario Securities Commission and available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Corporation. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Corporation does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by securities law.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.
Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or for dissemination in the United States.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/112728
In the fast-paced world of financial technology, shifts occur daily as companies strive for innovation, customer satisfaction, and enhanced market reach. Today’s briefing covers a spectrum of developments, from Visa Direct’s groundbreaking integration in Korea to challenges plaguing the app economy. We’ll also touch on recent acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and expansions in fintech ecosystems. Here’s what you need to know about today’s most pressing fintech trends.
Visa Direct’s Milestone in South Korea: SentBe’s Card Transfer Service Launch
South Korea’s fintech ecosystem has taken a notable leap forward with SentBe’s implementation of Visa Direct’s Card Transfer Service. This collaboration marks a milestone, positioning SentBe as the first Korean fintech company to offer card-to-card international money transfers, a feature in high demand given the rise in cross-border financial activities. Visa Direct’s real-time card-to-card transfers are a potential game-changer for consumers and businesses alike, facilitating faster and more secure global transactions.
The collaboration exemplifies Visa’s larger strategy of partnering with regional fintech players to broaden its influence across Asia’s dynamic fintech markets. By tapping into SentBe’s growing customer base and extensive user insights, Visa is embedding itself deeper into local markets, simultaneously offering Korean users a more streamlined and efficient money transfer experience.
The service’s design allows individuals and small businesses alike to benefit from quicker transaction processing times, marking a significant evolution from traditional remittance processes that rely on intermediary banks. The move is especially critical in a digital age where customer expectations lean heavily towards instant, seamless financial interactions.
Source: Electronic Payments International
Fintech App ‘Trap’ Enrages Consumers Struggling to Cancel Subscriptions
In the modern subscription-based economy, some fintech companies are facing backlash over what customers perceive as the ‘trap’ of endlessly renewable subscriptions that are nearly impossible to cancel. A recent expose revealed mounting frustrations among consumers who signed up for digital services but later found themselves locked into subscriptions they could not easily terminate. The piece highlights the darker side of user retention strategies deployed by some companies to mitigate churn by making cancellation processes intentionally convoluted.
The app-based economy relies on recurring revenue, which remains a vital lifeline for startups and established firms alike. However, industry insiders argue that lack of transparency and difficult cancellation processes have an adverse impact on customer trust, leading to a growing dissatisfaction that may ultimately backfire on these companies. As consumers grow more savvy, fintechs relying on these practices could risk higher attrition rates, regulatory scrutiny, and brand erosion.
This emerging issue has raised questions about ethical standards and customer-centric models in fintech. As competition intensifies, companies must balance growth with transparent practices that foster customer loyalty, rather than coercion.
Source: Forbes
Pinwheel and Terafina Partner to Streamline Omnichannel Customer Onboarding
Pinwheel, a fintech infrastructure company known for its payroll and income data connectivity solutions, recently announced a partnership with Terafina, a leader in omnichannel sales and service platforms for financial institutions. This collaboration aims to simplify and enhance the onboarding process for new customers, providing them with seamless experiences across multiple channels, whether online, mobile, or in-branch.
The partnership combines Pinwheel’s data integration capabilities with Terafina’s expertise in customer onboarding, allowing financial institutions to create more personalized and flexible account opening processes. With consumer expectations evolving towards instant service and mobile-first access, this integration empowers banks and credit unions to meet these needs by delivering cohesive and smooth digital onboarding journeys.
In an industry where customer acquisition and retention are increasingly dependent on first impressions, the significance of streamlined onboarding cannot be overstated. By improving access to real-time employment and income data, this partnership enhances user verification and compliance while also allowing institutions to better assess applicants’ creditworthiness, which is crucial in today’s lending environment.
Source: PR Newswire
nCino Acquires FullCircl in $135 Million Deal: Expanding the Scope of Relationship Management
Fintech giant nCino recently completed its acquisition of FullCircl, a move that underscores its ambition to broaden its reach in the financial services sector. FullCircl, known for its focus on customer relationship management (CRM) solutions tailored to financial institutions, brings a robust set of tools that will allow nCino to enhance its cloud-based banking platform. The acquisition, valued at $135 million, positions nCino as a stronger player in the relationship management space, especially crucial for institutions looking to build deep, long-term client relationships.
With this acquisition, nCino aims to expand its footprint in Europe and boost its offerings in the CRM space, providing banks and credit unions with innovative tools for client engagement and retention. The integration of FullCircl’s CRM capabilities will also support nCino’s existing portfolio, which includes loan origination and digital banking solutions, strengthening its position as a one-stop platform for financial institutions.
This acquisition is part of a growing trend of consolidation in the fintech sector, where larger firms acquire specialized players to fill critical service gaps and offer more comprehensive solutions. By building a holistic platform that spans multiple functionalities, nCino is better equipped to compete in the increasingly crowded digital banking software market.
Source: The Paypers
DriveWealth’s European Expansion: A Strategic Base in Lithuania
DriveWealth, a digital brokerage technology firm, has chosen Lithuania as the launchpad for its European operations. By establishing a base within Lithuania’s burgeoning fintech hub, DriveWealth is strategically positioning itself to tap into the European market, leveraging the country’s favorable regulatory environment and proximity to major EU economies.
The expansion is particularly significant given the increasing demand in Europe for retail investing platforms that provide accessible and affordable market entry. DriveWealth’s solutions enable digital brokers and financial platforms to offer customers fractional shares and real-time trading experiences, which have proven highly popular in markets like the U.S. This move aligns with DriveWealth’s long-term growth strategy and its commitment to democratizing access to investing across the globe.
Lithuania’s supportive regulatory framework and well-developed fintech infrastructure make it an ideal location for DriveWealth’s entry into Europe. The country’s fintech-friendly policies allow innovative financial service providers to set up and scale efficiently. DriveWealth’s presence in Lithuania not only adds to the growing cluster of fintech firms but also reinforces the country’s reputation as a rising fintech powerhouse within the EU.
Source: Finance Magnates
Key Takeaways and Strategic Insights
As seen from today’s top stories, several overarching themes shape the fintech landscape:
- Global Partnerships and Local Expansion: Visa’s collaboration with SentBe exemplifies how partnerships enable fintech firms to break into regional markets by addressing specific customer needs.
- Transparency in Subscription Models: The customer backlash against difficult-to-cancel fintech services raises concerns about the sustainability of current subscription models.
- Innovation in Customer Onboarding: Pinwheel and Terafina’s partnership highlights the importance of streamlined onboarding processes as a means to increase customer satisfaction and improve retention.
- Mergers and Acquisitions to Fill Service Gaps: nCino’s acquisition of FullCircl illustrates a broader trend of consolidation, where fintech companies acquire specialized players to broaden their product portfolios.
- Regional Hubs as Strategic Launch Pads: DriveWealth’s decision to establish a base in Lithuania underscores the importance of regional fintech hubs in providing a supportive environment for global expansion.
Today’s roundup underscores the adaptability of fintech companies as they navigate emerging challenges and opportunities. From addressing regional financial needs to innovating customer experience, fintech firms continue to redefine what it means to engage in modern finance. As the industry grows, so too does the necessity for ethical practices, robust infrastructure, and agile customer solutions. In this competitive environment, the companies that prioritize transparency, customer satisfaction, and strategic expansion will set the standard for the future of finance.
The post Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief – Breaking Trends and Insights in Fintech appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
Fintech
Fintech Pulse: A Snapshot of Global Expansion, Regulatory Moves, and Transformative Tech in Fintech
In today’s fast-paced fintech ecosystem, the global narrative is pivoting towards integration, regulation, and technological advancement as new entrants aim for U.S. markets, emerging startups seek growth capital, and financial giants align with innovative trends. Here’s a breakdown of recent developments that underline the dynamism in fintech and the paths to profitability and compliance as technologies reshape financial services globally.
Singapore’s MAS Advocates for a Borderless Fintech Network
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) recently emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration in the global fintech ecosystem, with chairman Ravi Menon outlining a vision for a seamless fintech network. This network would transcend geographic and regulatory boundaries, allowing Singapore and its fintech entities to engage in mutually beneficial partnerships worldwide. Menon highlighted that Singapore’s strategic geographic position and regulatory environment make it a natural hub for fintech collaborations that advance financial inclusion and foster innovation.
This call for a borderless approach underscores the need for interoperability among financial systems globally, particularly as digital payments and decentralized finance become increasingly prevalent. Singapore’s initiatives signal that regions with supportive fintech policies can potentially drive new growth avenues in the digital economy.
Source: Channel News Asia
Thredd’s McCarthy to Fintech Entrants: Be Sponsor-Bank Ready for the U.S. Market
Fintech firms eyeing the U.S. market face a challenging regulatory landscape. John McCarthy of Thredd advises that those looking to enter the U.S. market should prioritize establishing sponsor-bank partnerships. The U.S. regulatory framework mandates that fintech companies collaborate with sponsor banks to access the financial system, making this step a critical milestone for fintechs aiming to operate stateside.
McCarthy’s guidance highlights an increasingly common barrier for fintech companies: navigating complex regulatory requirements to gain a foothold in the lucrative U.S. financial sector. For many, this means rethinking business models to comply with financial regulations, even as they innovate. This approach has led several fintech firms to secure sponsorship deals with established banks, enabling them to deliver compliant financial services to U.S. consumers.
Source: PYMNTS
Spidr Fintech Lands Funding to Drive Growth with Wells Fargo Backing
Spidr, a rising fintech star, has successfully raised capital, attracting the attention of Wells Fargo and other financial institutions. The fresh funding will fuel Spidr’s ambitious expansion plans, further positioning it as a formidable player in the fintech space. This backing from Wells Fargo represents a trend where major financial institutions are investing in or partnering with fintech startups to gain a competitive edge and meet evolving consumer expectations.
For Spidr, the capital injection aligns with a robust strategy for market penetration, and it’s an opportunity to leverage Wells Fargo’s extensive network and resources. Spidr’s latest round of funding signifies that traditional banks are increasingly open to collaborations with fintech entities, a trend that is reshaping the financial services landscape as banks seek to stay competitive in the digital age.
Source: Charlotte Business Journal
Elphinstone’s Trikl: Innovating Digital Payments in MENA
Elphinstone, a digital payments startup based in MENA, is introducing its innovative solution, Trikl, aimed at transforming payments across the region. The startup’s recent developments underscore its commitment to creating accessible and user-friendly payment systems tailored for the MENA market’s unique dynamics. By addressing specific needs such as currency exchange complexities and local payment preferences, Trikl is positioning itself as a key player in the digital payments landscape.
Trikl’s approach is particularly noteworthy as it caters to the MENA market’s diverse consumer base and taps into the region’s growing appetite for digital financial services. This development represents a promising advancement in digital payment solutions, fostering greater financial inclusion and enabling smoother transactions across borders in MENA.
Source: Menabytes
Hong Kong Sets Rules on Responsible AI to Get Ahead of Disruptive Tech
Hong Kong has unveiled regulatory guidelines on responsible AI use, a proactive move that places it among the leading jurisdictions in AI governance. This development signals Hong Kong’s recognition of the transformative impact of AI on financial services, as it sets clear boundaries on how AI can be used responsibly in financial applications. With AI continuing to disrupt financial services, responsible usage is becoming a priority, particularly in regions where financial systems are heavily reliant on technology.
These guidelines aim to balance innovation with accountability, addressing concerns over data privacy, ethical considerations, and risk management. Hong Kong’s stance on AI regulation reflects its commitment to safeguarding both consumers and financial institutions, setting a high standard for other regions to emulate in terms of regulatory foresight.
Source: South China Morning Post
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The Changing Landscape of Global Fintech
The financial technology (fintech) industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, making headlines worldwide. Today’s briefing dives into transformative moves and strategic shifts within fintech companies across diverse geographies. From innovative alliances to prominent executive appointments and ambitious expansions into banking, the industry is positioning itself for a future that intertwines financial inclusivity, regulatory compliance, and customer-centric technology. Let’s unpack these developments.
XTransfer’s Hong Kong Fintech Week Entry: Scaling Financial Access in China
XTransfer, a Shanghai-based cross-border financial services firm, has joined the Hong Kong Fintech Week to showcase its solutions, marking a significant milestone in its journey to bridge financial gaps for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China. Founded in 2017, XTransfer addresses common barriers faced by Chinese SMEs in accessing international financial networks due to regulatory complexities. The firm’s platform facilitates smoother cross-border transactions by helping businesses navigate regulatory and compliance challenges seamlessly.
The strategic choice to participate in Hong Kong Fintech Week highlights XTransfer’s commitment to strengthening connections within the Asian financial hub. The firm seeks to tap into the region’s wealth of potential clients and partners, as Hong Kong continues to be a pivotal gateway for businesses engaging in cross-border trade with China. The move is also symbolic of the broader fintech community’s push to create inclusive and accessible financial networks, even amid evolving regulatory landscapes.
Source: XTransfer Joins Hong Kong Fintech Week to Expand Global Presence (Yahoo Finance)
Propelld’s New Chief Business Officer: Driving Growth and Product Innovation
Propelld, an Indian ed-finance company, recently appointed Manoj Shetty as its new Chief Business Officer (CBO), signaling a strong commitment to enhancing its market penetration and product offerings. Known for his extensive experience in fintech, particularly in business development and scaling, Shetty is expected to spearhead Propelld’s ambitions to bring tailored financing solutions to India’s education sector.
Propelld focuses on providing student loans and education financing to underserved sections of India, leveraging advanced data analytics to assess borrowers’ potential rather than conventional credit scores. Shetty’s addition to the leadership team suggests that Propelld aims to double down on its innovative data-driven model to better serve the unique financial needs within education.
As the industry grows more competitive, having a seasoned executive like Shetty could be instrumental for Propelld to fortify its unique value proposition. His track record indicates a capacity for handling the nuanced needs of financial services catering to niche markets, and he may well position Propelld to scale sustainably in the expanding ed-finance space.
Source: Propelld Names Manoj Shetty as Chief Business Officer (IBS Intelligence)
Solo Funds Faces Legal Hurdles: The Class-Action Lawsuit Dilemma
In a move that could impact peer-to-peer lending’s regulatory path, Solo Funds faces a class-action lawsuit, alleging that the company’s lending practices breached consumer protection laws. As a platform designed to offer emergency loans to consumers facing cash flow issues, Solo Funds charges “tips” rather than conventional interest rates, a tactic intended to circumvent traditional lending regulations. However, plaintiffs argue that these tips effectively function as disguised interest, making Solo Funds’ practices deceptive and exploitative.
This lawsuit is a critical test for the burgeoning peer-to-peer lending segment, which has grown immensely in recent years as consumers seek alternatives to traditional financial institutions. The outcome may force similar platforms to reassess how they balance operational flexibility with regulatory compliance, potentially reshaping the industry’s approach to short-term lending.
With growing scrutiny on fintech lending platforms, the legal proceedings could also open a wider debate on how fintech firms should transparently operate within the bounds of financial laws. If Solo Funds is found liable, it may prompt stricter regulatory frameworks, affecting peer-to-peer platforms that rely on nontraditional models to attract users.
Source: Lending Fintech Solo Funds Faces Class-Action Lawsuit (TechCrunch)
Slice’s Transformation: A Fintech Company’s Foray into Traditional Banking
India-based Slice, originally a credit-based fintech, has announced its transition into a full-fledged bank, allowing it to offer conventional banking services in addition to its credit solutions. By securing regulatory approval to operate as a bank, Slice aims to expand its product range and deepen its relationship with a fast-growing consumer base in India. This move exemplifies a larger trend of fintech firms seeking to bridge the gap between traditional banking and innovative financial services.
Slice’s venture into banking will also set an intriguing precedent for other fintech companies in India and beyond. The company has successfully carved a niche among young users with its simple, digital credit products. As a bank, it can now offer savings accounts, lending products, and other services, thus creating a one-stop platform that could enhance customer retention and lifetime value.
The expansion to full banking status raises questions about how effectively Slice will manage its dual roles as a fintech innovator and a traditional bank, especially in a market as large and complex as India’s. It also marks a pivot point in the narrative of fintech companies morphing into full-service financial institutions, a trend that is gaining traction globally.
Source: India Fintech Slice Expands to Become a Bank (TechCrunch)
FullCircl’s 2025 Identity Verification Report: Insights into Compliance Challenges
FullCircl, a leading regulatory technology provider, recently released its “2025 State of Identity Verification” report, shedding light on the evolving landscape of identity verification and the challenges businesses face in maintaining compliance. As financial crimes become more sophisticated, firms increasingly invest in identity verification tools to stay ahead. According to the report, over 75% of financial institutions rank identity verification as a critical priority, citing the surge in fraudulent activities as a prime concern.
The report also highlights an industry-wide push towards digital identity systems and the use of artificial intelligence in detecting fraud patterns. As regulatory demands tighten and compliance risks rise, firms are urged to adapt swiftly. FullCircl’s findings underscore a need for seamless, real-time verification solutions that do not compromise customer experience—a delicate balance to maintain as identity verification protocols become more stringent.
The insights from FullCircl’s report reveal a heightened industry focus on ensuring robust identity frameworks that foster trust without hindering the ease of digital transactions. This growing demand aligns with broader trends where digital trust is crucial in retaining customers and enhancing their satisfaction.
Source: FullCircl Releases 2025 State of Identity Verification Report (PR Newswire)
The post Fintech Pulse: Today’s Key Industry Developments, Appointments, and Regulatory Challenges appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
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