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Gold Fund Holdings Update – May 2022 and Attribution Analysis

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Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – May 26, 2022) – This report details the most recent portfolio holdings for Precious Metal Managed Funds and summarizes changes in portfolio holdings.

A Copy of the Full Report is Available to Read by Following the Link Below:
https://MineralFunds.com/portfolio-holdings-update-may-2022

Gold & Precious Metal Funds included in this report:

Domicile Fund Name Fund Fees
  Funds Reporting Monthly  
USA Fidelity Select Gold Fund Summary
USA Sprott Gold Equity Fund Summary
USA VanEck International Investors Gold Fund Summary
USA USAA Precious Metals and Minerals Fund Summary
USA Franklin Gold & Precious Metals Fund Summary
USA VanEck VIP Global Gold Fund  Summary
     
     
  Funds Reporting Annually / Semi Annually  
USA Allspring Precious Metals Fund Summary
Luxembourg BAKERSTEEL Precious Metals Fund Summary
Luxembourg Konwave Gold Equity Fund Summary
Luxembourg CPR Invest – Global Gold Mines Summary
Luxembourg Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund (Lux) Summary
Luxembourg Deutsche Invest I Gold & Precious Metals Equities Summary
Luxembourg Schroder International Selection Fund Global Gold Summary
Luxembourg STABILITAS Pacific Gold+Metals Summary
Luxembourg DJE Gold & Ressourcen Summary
Luxembourg iW Precious Metal Mining Equities Summary
Luxembourg Landolt Investment (Lux) SICAV – Gold Summary
Luxembourg STABILITAS Gold+Ressourcen Special Situations Summary
Luxembourg NESTOR Gold Fund Summary
Luxembourg Crossinvest Metals and Mining Equity Summary
Luxembourg Konwave Sustainable Gold Equity Fund Summary
UK ES Baker Steel Gold and Precious Metals Fund Summary
UK Junior Gold and Silver Miners Fund Summary
France Tocqueville Gold Fund Summary

 

ATTRIBUTION ANALYSIS:

A portfolio holding ‘attribution analysis‘ is undertaken on the portfolios of every gold fund that reports full asset allocations monthly, and on any fund that reports with assets in excess of USD $1billion. The analysis includes a list of any companies which are new to a portfolio, and also a list of companies which have been completely sold from or ‘dropped’ from a portfolio.

The summary below outlines which companies have been added, and are new, to a given portfolio and which companies have been sold from, and are no longer held by, a given portfolio.

FUNDS REPORTING MONTHLY

Fidelity Select Gold Fund 

31.Mar.2022

  Sprott Gold Equity Fund
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31.Mar.2022

Added Dropped   Added Dropped
  Freeport-McMoran Inc.   Evolution Mining Corvus Gold Inc.
  Kinross Gold Corp.   Victoria Gold Corp. Hochschild Mining
      WestGold Resources Pretium Resources Inc. (Acquired)
         
Largest Position:     Largest Position:  
Newmont Corp. (NYSE: NEM) 15.86%   Gold Bullion 11.18%
         
VanEck International Investors Gold Fund  

30. Apr.2022

  USAA Precious Metals and Minerals Fund 

31.Mar.2022

Added Dropped   Added Dropped
      Shandong Gold Mining Co Novagold Resources Inc.
      Newcrest Mining Ltd. Golden Star Resources Ltd.
        Kirkland Lake Gold
         
Largest Position:     Largest Position:  
Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (TSX: AEM) 9.41%   Newmont Corp. (NYSE: NEM) 14.59%
         
Franklin Gold & Precious Metals Fund (USA) 

30. Apr.2022

  VanEck VIP Global Gold Fund                    

30. Apr.2022

Added Dropped   Added Dropped
Aston Minerals Ltd.        
Monarch Mining Corp.        
Solstice Minerals Ltd.        
TDG Gold Corp.        
         
Largest Position:     Largest Position:  
Endeavour Mining PLC (TSX: EDVM) 5.10%   Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (TSX: AEM)   9.31%

 

ATTRIBUTION ANALYSIS FUNDS REPORTING MONTHLY

Fidelity Select Gold Fund largest holding, Newmont Corp. (NYSE: NEM), increased significantly over the month from $264.8 M USD to 317.8M USD (an increase of $53.4M USD) representing 15.8% of the Fund’s total holdings on 31 March 2022 up from 15.1% on 28 February 2022. This is perceived to be defensive positioning in advance of medium-term gold mining share capital market contractions.

During the same month, the Fidelity Select Gold Fund completely sold its position in Kinross Gold Corp. (TSX: K), a holding which on 28 February 2022 had been valued at $24.9M USD. The Fund liquidated its entire Kinross holding before the April-May selloff took shares from above $8.00 in early April 2022 to below $5.25 in early May 2022.

During the month of March 2022, the Fidelity Select Gold Fund increased the relative size of its holdings in: Lundin Gold, Inc. (TSX: LUG) from $24.2M USD (1.38%) to $33.4M USD (1.67%), Skeena Resources Ltd. (TSX: SKE) from $20.8M USD (1.19%) to $27.8M USD (1.39%) and i-80 Gold Corp. (TSX: IAU) from $21.7M USD (1.24%) to $27.5M USD (1.38%). The Fund also purchased an entirely new position in Artemis Gold, Inc. (TSXV: ARTG) valued at $19.9M USD and representing (.99%) of the total portfolio at month end on 31 March 2022. Artemis Gold, Inc. is beginning pre-construction work on the ‘Blackwater’ project in Central British Columbia and is expected to receive the BC Mines Act Permit by early Fall of 2022.

VanEck International Investors Gold Fund reduced holdings for 14 of 43 positions in the portfolio to address portfolio redemptions and a reduction in Fund size. 28 of 43 portfolio holdings remained unchanged and only one portfolio holding increased in size over the month. On 31 March 2022, the portfolio held 9,185,099 shares of Benchmark Metals, Inc. (TSXV: BNCH) representing 0.8% of the portfolio. On 30 April 2022, this position had increased to 10,463,099 shares representing 0.86% of the portfolio. This position increase did not come from warrant exercise as the portfolio continues to hold unexercised warrants. Benchmark Metals Inc. (TSXV: BNCH) has completed 18,000 meters of drilling and is expecting to release a new PEA study for the company’s ‘Lawyer’s Gold & Silver Project’ by July of this year. 

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USAA Precious Metals and Minerals Fund largest holding, Newmont Corp. (NYSE: NEM), remained unchanged at 1,267,934 shares valued at $100,737,356 USD representing 14.6% of the portfolio on 31 March 2022. The Fund significantly increased its holding of Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (TSX: AEM) from 431,673 shares to 915,857 shares valued at $56,050,448 USD and representing 8.1% of the portfolio on 31 March 2022. The Fund’s shares of Pretium Resources Inc. (TSX: PVG) valued at $7,867,504 USD on 31 Dec 2021 were converted to Newcrest Mining Ltd (TSX: NCM) pursuant to acquisition and the position size was reduced to 3,786,833 USD representing 0.55% of the portfolio on 31 March 2022.

Russia Exposure for: USAA Precious Metals and Minerals Fund

On 24 February 2022 (date of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine) USAA Precious Metals and Minerals Fund held 62,088 shares of PJSC Polyus (MCX: PLZL), Russia’s biggest gold mining company, a position which had been valued at $10,832,283 USD on 31 December 2021. On 31 March 2022 the Fund continued to hold 62,088 shares of PJSC Polyus which had been revalued down to $350,332 USD (a write down of $10.48M USD for the quarter).

On 31 December 2021 USAA Precious Metals and Minerals Fund held 613,760 shares of Polymetal International PLC (LON: POLY) (MCX: POLY) valued at $10,893,403 USD. Polymetal International PLC is listed in London and Moscow and holds a portfolio of gold and silver mines in Russia, Kazakhstan and Russian controlled Armenia. During Q.1 of 2022 the Fund increased its holdings of Polymetal International PLC (LON: POLY) (MCX: POLY) to 757,840 shares, but this position had a decrease in value to $3,058,712 USD on 31 March 2022 (a write down of $7,834,691 USD for the quarter).

USAA Precious Metals and Minerals Fund wrote down a combined $18.3M USD (~3% of portfolio NAV) on two Russian gold mining company investments in Q.1 of 2022.

FUNDS REPORTING WITH AUM > 1B USD

BAKERSTEEL Precious Metals Fund 
31.Dec.2021
Added Dropped
Northern Star Resources Ltd. First Majestic Silver Corp.
  Pretium Resources Inc. (Acquired)
Largest Position:  
Kinross Gold Corp. (TSX: K) 5.07%

 

ATTRIBUTION ANALYSIS FUNDS REPORTING WITH AUM > $1B USD

BAKERSTEEL Precious Metals Fund assets exceeded $1B USD for the first time as reported on 31 December 2021 and so the Fund is now included in Attribution Analysis Funds Reporting with AUM > $1B USD.

Between June and December 2021, a substantial portfolio sector re-allocation was directed towards Australia. Assets invested in Australia increased from 13.5% of the Fund on 30 June 2021 to 21% on 31 December 2021. Increases were made to all Australian holdings with a substantial new position valued at €34.02 M EUR (3.95% of the portfolio) initiated in Northern Star Resources Ltd. (ASX: NST) which has operations in West Australia and Alaska. The Fund’s largest holding on 31 December 2021 was Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX: K) a position which was valued at €43.7 M EUR (5.07% of the portfolio). On 30 Jun 2021 the Fund’s largest position had been Kirkland Lake Gold Inc. (TSX: KL) which subsequently completed a merger with Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (TSX: AEM). During the period the Fund reduced exposure to silver mining selling out completely from its holding of First Majestic Silver Corp. (TSX: FR) which supported a position valued at €8.79 M EUR on 31 June 2021 and reducing its holding of Mag Silver Corp. (TSX: MAG) from 566,000 shares (valued at €9.6 M EUR) to 283,000 shares (valued at €3.8 M EUR). 

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Russia Exposure for: BAKERSTEEL Precious Metals Fund

On 30 June 2021 the Fund held 213,700 shares of PJSC Polyus (MCX: PLZL), Russia’s biggest gold mining company, a position valued at €17.2 M EUR. On 31 December 2021 the Fund continued to hold 213,700 shares valued at €16.3 M EUR.

On 30 June 2021 the Fund held 1,431,000 shares of Polymetal International PLC (LON: POLY) (MCX: POLY) valued at €26.0 M EUR. On 31 December 2021 the Fund had significantly reduced this holding to 693,000 shares valued at €10.6 M EUR

The Fund had a combined exposure of €26.9 M EUR (~3% of portfolio NAV) to two Russian gold mining company investments on 31 December 2021.

A complete list of Precious Metal Managed Funds and their respective portfolio holdings can be found at:
https://mineralfunds.com/gold-funds/

About MineralFunds.com

MineralFunds.com provides prices, performance and trade information for all the world’s metal ETFs including Precious Metals, Battery Metals, Platinum Group Metals and Base Metals and comprehensive fund information, including asset allocations, for Gold & Precious Metals Managed Funds from all international investment jurisdictions.

For further information please contact:
(416) 525 – 6869
[email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/125446

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Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief – Breaking Trends and Insights in Fintech

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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.

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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.

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. Transparency in Subscription Models: The customer backlash against difficult-to-cancel fintech services raises concerns about the sustainability of current subscription models.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

 

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Fintech Pulse: A Snapshot of Global Expansion, Regulatory Moves, and Transformative Tech in Fintech

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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.

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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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Fintech Pulse: Today’s Key Industry Developments, Appointments, and Regulatory Challenges

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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)

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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.

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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)

 

 

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