Fintech
illimity Creates b-ilty
illimity today presents b-ilty, the first digital business store of financial services and credit for small- and medium-sized businesses (“SMEs”) – those having a turnover of indicatively 10 to 2 million euro – with high growth potential.
A bank created with the aim of simplifying a businessman’s life, thanks to the latest generation platform that combines specialist expertise and cutting-edge technology and provides its customers with the products and services of a complete bank, with the immediacy and ease that only an evolved user experience can ensure.
b-ilty is a digital platform 100% focused on SMEs, created with entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, aiming to simplify the management of daily activities. It gathers all banking operations together in a single ecosystem, integrating tools to support customer growth with solutions that are adapted to the needs of the individual business and the individual sectors of the economy.
It is precisely for this reason that it has been designed on the basis of models typical of the most widespread digital solutions, to bring means of relating and interacting normally used on non-financial platforms to the world of credit and financial services for the first time. The b-ilty business store, which envisages an “all-inclusive” subscription, will be progressively enriched with additional features, products and services, that will be automatically integrated and updated in the platform, available to subscribers.
A BANKING PLATFORM DEDICATED TO SMEs
b-ilty is a banking platform of financial services and credit that has been constructed on the basis of the suggestions received from hundreds of entrepreneurs. It includes all the most widely used banking transactions, credit and debit cards, short-term credit, factoring to fund working capital, medium-term credit to fund investments, insurance cover to protect the entrepreneur and the business and many other products and services provided directly by the illimity Group or by qualified partners. The range of products and services will be constantly updated and gradually extended to take into account the specific needs of the various sectors of the economy.
FAST LENDING DECISIONS
b-ilty provides short and medium to long-term credit. b-ilty is aware that entrepreneurs want an immediate and clear response, whatever it may be. b-ilty is aware that every sector is different from the others. Thanks to a strongly data-driven approach and the business expertise of illimity’s Growth Credit division, it proposes a credit offer constructed by assessing the characteristics of the various businesses and the specific sectors in which they operate. Thanks to evolved LendTech systems and experts in the sector to be increasingly added, b-ilty is able to rapidly analyse dozens of indicators that will gradually be adapted to the features of each individual economic sector and shared with customers.
FULLY DIGITAL BUT ALSO PERSONAL
b-ilty is created fully digital, and easy to use to enable the entrepreneur, the CFO and the accountant to manage the business’s finances from their own office, without paper or the need to go to a branch without depending on other people’s availability. At the same time, it is also made up of people: every b-ilty customer will have a clear Relationship Manager with name and surname, as well as a professional call centre – Smart Care – available 7 days a week.
ALL ACCOUNTS IN ONE PLACE AND A WEALTH OF INFORMATION
Thanks to PSD2 functionalities, b-ilty also allows businesses to make a better use of the other bank accounts: the balances and movements of all the current accounts a company holds with other intermediaries can also be viewed on the b-ilty platform and the company can carry out transactions on all its accounts from this platform.
b-ilty knows how important it is to have detailed and comprehensible information available for managing a company and for this reason it puts the information it has available on the financial performance of each business and the sector to which it belongs at its customer’s disposal.
It is then at the discretion of the Head of the company to decide which information should be shared with which internal workers and with which external professionals. The platform undoubtedly simplifies work within the company itself and relations with its own accountant or other external professionals. It is an open platform that adapts to the operating needs of every business.
ALL-INCLUSIVE TRY & BUY SUBSCRIPTION
b-ilty not only allows customers to tailor the use of their bank, but also removes any doubt about the transparency of the applicable conditions.
In this respect the b-ilty platform is available as an “all-inclusive” subscription, meaning without operating limits, at a monthly cost of 40 euro.
The first three months are free of charge, after which the monthly subscription can be interrupted at any time.
Today starts the Beta Phase of b-ilty, in which access to services will be restricted to a limited number of SMEs, that will be gradually increased to ensure that our customers always receive the best possible service.
Corrado Passera, CEO and Founder of illimity, commented:
“From its very beginnings, illimity has been very focused on providing credit to SMEs. In three years, we have created a new paradigm Bank that ended 2021 with assets of almost 5 billion euro, an operating income of 111 million euro, a ROE of 10% and a capital base and credit quality at the very top of the sector. In these three years we have inevitably concentrated on medium-sized businesses, but in these three years we have also invested in order to take our technological platforms, our valuation and credit structuring ability and our knowledge of the sector to all SMEs. b-ilty is precisely that: it brings illimity to a market consisting of at least a million SMEs. We see an enormous potential for growth and improved services in this large world, something fundamental for our country.”
Carlo Panella, Head of Direct Banking in illimity, stated:
“b-ilty represents something different in the banking offer dedicated to small and medium-sized businesses. It combines the best of new technologies with a highly tailored proposal based on modern paradigms of use, with relations and support ensured by a team that will be the customer’s point of reference. Created by listening to what entrepreneurs in the various sectors had to say, b-ilty’s aim is to respond, for the first time, to the growing need for an offer exclusively dedicated to them. b-ilty’s digital business store is moreover an example of real open banking based on a model that does not only consist of illimity’s products but also those of selected partners, with the aim of constantly including the best available offers. In this respect, in order to create b-ilty we have gone beyond the financial world, taking inspiration from everyday digital platforms that are easy-to-use, transparent in their conditions and always updated in the offer. Our promise is to be complete in an offer that is easy-to-use and fast in the answers, always ensuring the human touch, thanks to a team of enthusiastic professionals.”
Fintech is on an accelerated trajectory of investment, collaboration, and innovation. This pulse tracks the most significant developments in the sector, from high-profile investments to global platform expansions. Each update in this briefing serves as a key indicator of where the industry is headed.
1. European Fintechs Face Regulatory Pressures Amid New Investment Surge
The European fintech sector finds itself at a crossroads with increasing scrutiny and rising costs due to stringent regulations. While investments continue to flow into the continent’s financial technology companies, challenges in meeting new compliance requirements, especially around data privacy and cybersecurity, create a complex landscape for scaling. This tension between opportunity and operational limitations might affect European fintechs’ growth strategies.
Source: Financial Times
2. Shopify, Slack Founders Join Peter Thiel in Fintech Investment Push
Tobi Lütke of Shopify and Stewart Butterfield of Slack, along with investor Peter Thiel, have co-invested in a new fintech initiative that aims to bolster small business access to capital. By merging technology with a streamlined funding model, this new initiative targets underserved SMBs, highlighting a broader trend of high-profile tech leaders pivoting to fintech investment. The participation of Lütke and Butterfield signals increased cross-sector collaboration in fintech, bringing expertise from e-commerce and communication technology into the financial arena.
Source: Yahoo Finance
3. Lean Technologies Raises $67.5 Million to Drive Fintech Innovation in the Middle East
Riyadh-based fintech platform Lean Technologies recently secured a $67.5 million Series B investment round, aiming to expand its operations across the Middle East. This funding reflects growing investor interest in emerging markets and the potential of Middle Eastern fintech to bridge regional gaps in financial services access. As Lean Technologies broadens its service offerings, the funding will support further technological integration and scalability across financial ecosystems in the region.
Source: Fintech Global
4. Apollo Global Management Invests in Fintech for Private Offerings Support
Apollo Global Management has taken steps to enhance its services for private offerings by investing in specialized fintech solutions. This development signifies a growing trend among private equity firms to adopt fintech as a core component in their service expansion, particularly for personalized client services. Apollo’s strategy of integrating fintech solutions into private offerings marks a strategic shift toward digitalization within traditional financial sectors.
Source: Bloomberg
5. Juniper Research Names 2025’s Future Leaders in Fintech
Juniper Research has revealed its picks for the top future leaders in fintech for 2025. This list emphasizes innovation in fields such as AI, open banking, and decentralized finance, highlighting startups that exhibit potential for reshaping industry standards. As these up-and-coming firms push the boundaries of traditional finance, they exemplify the rising tide of next-generation financial technology poised to become industry mainstays.
Source: Globe Newswire
Conclusion
The convergence of seasoned tech giants with fintech, new funding rounds for region-specific platforms, and the rise of future industry leaders underscore the momentum of the fintech sector. Each of these stories reflects a broader narrative: fintech is not only diversifying in services but also rapidly integrating into traditional finance and tech, paving the way for a transformative era.
The post Fintech Pulse: Evolving Fintech Investments and Partnerships Signal Industry Transformation appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
In this edition of Fintech Pulse, we delve into groundbreaking announcements from the 2024 Hong Kong Fintech Week, spotlight strategic collaborations fostering financial accessibility, and examine significant profit growth in global fintech companies. Here’s our comprehensive breakdown of the latest happenings in fintech.
1. Bairong’s Full-Scenario AI Products Showcase at Hong Kong Fintech Week
Source: PRNewswire
At the 2024 Hong Kong Fintech Week, Bairong showcased its range of AI-driven solutions designed to support the digital transformation of financial institutions. Their new “full-scenario” suite aims to enhance data analysis, financial risk management, and credit scoring. The offering underscores Bairong’s strategic vision to advance financial decision-making with AI technology that serves a variety of sectors, including banking, insurance, and asset management.
This development aligns with broader industry trends emphasizing the power of AI to bridge operational gaps in traditional finance. Bairong’s solutions promise to optimize financial workflows, identifying high-risk factors in real-time. The commitment to developing comprehensive, adaptable AI tools demonstrates Bairong’s ambition to stay at the forefront of AI-powered fintech innovations.
2. SBI and APIX Establish Innovation Hub to Propel Fintech Partnerships
Source: The Paypers
SBI Holdings, Japan’s major financial services group, recently announced the launch of an Innovation Hub in partnership with APIX to advance fintech collaboration and innovation. The hub will serve as a catalyst for startups and financial technology firms to collaborate, leveraging APIX’s open innovation platform for API exchange.
Through this hub, SBI and APIX aim to address critical technological needs in the fintech sector. Startups and established firms can collaborate on new technologies and bring forward interoperable systems for the industry. This initiative marks a new phase in fintech alliances, where regulatory support and open innovation can accelerate fintech growth on a global scale.
3. Wise’s Record Profits Point to Growing Market Dominance
Source: MSN
British fintech giant Wise reported a 55% surge in profits, driven by an expanding customer base and increased market share. The company’s cross-border payment solutions are seeing widespread adoption, as it provides individuals and businesses with affordable currency exchange options, bypassing high fees associated with traditional banks.
Wise’s success underscores the current demand for transparent, low-cost international payments. As the firm continues to focus on product expansion and market penetration, its financial trajectory showcases how fintech firms can challenge the status quo in cross-border transactions, maintaining profitability while serving a rapidly growing user base.
4. Parker Secures $20 Million Series B Funding for Fintech Data Suite
Source: Forbes
Fintech startup Parker raised $20 million in a Series B funding round, with the goal of expanding its suite of financial data tools. Parker’s product range enables small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to gather and analyze data, facilitating more informed financial decisions. This funding reflects investor confidence in the need for specialized financial data tools tailored to SMEs, a sector often underserved in financial innovation.
By addressing the needs of smaller businesses, Parker is positioning itself as a key player in the niche market of financial data, which has typically been dominated by larger corporate-focused platforms. This funding round highlights the growing trend of venture capital backing for niche fintech solutions aimed at smaller, agile businesses.
5. The Payments Group and HubPeople’s Cash Payments Initiative for Online Daters
Source: PRNewswire
The Payments Group, a digital payments solution provider, announced a collaboration with HubPeople, an online dating platform, to integrate cash payment solutions for over 100 million users globally. This partnership aims to reach users who may not have access to traditional banking or prefer alternative payment methods.
The initiative points to the broader trend of payments inclusivity in fintech, whereby payment firms are making financial transactions more accessible for underserved communities. By integrating cash payment solutions, The Payments Group and HubPeople highlight the importance of flexibility in payment options, acknowledging the diverse financial preferences of users worldwide.
Industry Implications and Observations
These stories collectively reveal several key trends and insights about the evolving fintech landscape. The focus on AI, digital collaboration hubs, profitability through transparency, specialized data tools, and inclusive payment solutions are reshaping financial services. Fintech’s current trajectory indicates a robust push towards not only digital transformation but also inclusivity and global accessibility.
As financial technology continues to innovate, these advancements illustrate the increasing overlap between technology and finance, as well as the potential for fintech to foster inclusive growth. With companies like Bairong and Wise setting benchmarks for AI and cross-border payments, respectively, and emerging startups like Parker developing new, data-centric tools, fintech’s future promises a dynamic shift towards improved service and enhanced user engagement.
The post Fintech Pulse: Industry Innovations and Partnerships Drive Global Fintech Forward appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
In today’s dynamic fintech landscape, developments range from notable appointments to industry conferences, global ranking achievements, and the ongoing struggle between digital innovation and traditional cash reliance. This op-ed-style daily briefing dives into key updates and their potential impacts on the fintech industry, touching on politics, corporate shifts, and emerging trends.
1. Trump’s Potential Impact on Fintech: Policy Shifts and Market Reactions
As Donald Trump continues to be a central figure in U.S. politics, his stance on financial regulations and fintech could significantly influence the sector’s future. Historically, Trump has advocated for deregulation, which benefited banks and other financial services firms. His policies were known to relax certain compliance requirements, which made it easier for fintech companies to expand.
Under Trump’s administration, fintech firms might anticipate reduced regulatory constraints, particularly for newer sectors such as crypto and online lending. This relaxed stance could lower compliance costs for startups, allowing more resources to flow into technology and product innovation. However, a deregulated environment also increases the risk of market manipulation and consumer harm, raising concerns among advocates for tighter oversight.
The question remains whether a Trump-influenced regulatory environment would favor long-term fintech innovation or lead to an environment that could increase risks for both investors and consumers. As debates continue, fintech companies may need to be agile in adjusting to potential policy changes.
Source: Forbes
2. Hong Kong’s Love for Cash: Fintech Growth Stymied by Cultural Preferences
Hong Kong’s journey toward a cashless society faces a unique cultural hurdle—its residents’ affinity for cash, particularly among taxi drivers. Despite the proliferation of digital wallets and payment platforms in Asia, cash remains king in this metropolis. The attachment to cash among certain groups, especially cab drivers, poses a significant challenge for fintech companies aiming to promote mobile and digital payments in Hong Kong.
This resistance to cashless options highlights the complexities of fintech adoption, where technology alone cannot drive transformation without aligning with user behavior. For Hong Kong, overcoming this challenge may require fintech firms to develop hybrid solutions that incorporate cash with digital functionality or offer incentives for digital adoption. Until then, Hong Kong’s fintech ambitions will remain somewhat constrained by the cultural fondness for cash.
This preference for cash also has implications for Hong Kong’s broader economy. If the city cannot shift toward digital transactions, it may fall behind other financial hubs in terms of fintech innovation and integration.
Source: Bloomberg
3. Dave Inc. Joins the KBW Fintech Conference: Setting the Stage for New Partnerships
Next week, Dave Inc. is set to participate in KBW’s annual Fintech Conference, a major industry event in New York City. Scheduled for November 14, the conference will bring together industry leaders, investors, and innovators. Dave Inc.’s involvement underscores its ongoing commitment to establishing new partnerships and tapping into emerging fintech trends.
For Dave, a prominent U.S.-based neobank, participating in high-profile conferences like this not only enhances visibility but also presents networking opportunities with potential investors and partners. The company’s growth strategy focuses on making financial services more accessible and affordable for underserved communities. With industry leaders present, the conference may foster collaborative efforts, especially in areas such as lending, personal finance, and digital banking.
The KBW Fintech Conference could provide Dave Inc. with critical insights and alliances to further its mission, potentially accelerating product innovation and geographical expansion.
Source: GlobeNewswire
4. MeridianLink’s Recognition in IDC Fintech Rankings: A Boost in Reputation
MeridianLink has recently been recognized in IDC’s Global Fintech Rankings, securing a spot in the Top 50. This accolade acknowledges the company’s commitment to digital transformation within the financial services sector, where it focuses on providing cloud-based software solutions for banks, credit unions, and financial institutions.
Being named to this prestigious list elevates MeridianLink’s reputation within the fintech community. This recognition could help MeridianLink secure more significant contracts with major financial institutions, as industry recognition often leads to increased trust among potential clients. Additionally, this placement in the IDC rankings may serve as a strategic advantage when pursuing funding and partnerships in a competitive market.
This recognition is a testament to MeridianLink’s innovation in fintech, showing how its cloud-based solutions align with industry trends toward digital-first financial services.
Source: Business Wire
5. Leadership Change at Alliant Credit Union: Navigating Transition with New Interim CEO
Alliant Credit Union has named Ken Schaafsma as the interim CEO following the departure of Dennis Devine. Schaafsma, who was previously the CFO, will guide the organization through this transitional phase as it searches for a permanent CEO. Leadership changes in financial institutions often signal shifts in strategic focus or operational adjustments, and Schaafsma’s background in finance could mean an emphasis on fiscal discipline and profitability.
As a credit union with a significant member base, Alliant’s choice of leadership may influence its approach to digital services and customer engagement. With Schaafsma’s familiarity with the organization’s financial health, his interim tenure may bring stability during this transitional period.
In an industry undergoing rapid digital transformation, Alliant Credit Union’s ability to maintain a clear strategic vision and leadership stability will be crucial in keeping pace with fintech competitors.
Source: Fintech Futures
The post Fintech Pulse: The Latest Trends and Insights Shaping Fintech appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
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