Fintech
Knock Brings its Innovative Home Loan Solutions to Seattle; Adds Jumbo Loans to its Product Offering
Knock, the fast-growing fintech company that makes all homebuyers Power Buyers, announced today that Seattle area homebuyers can now compete with the certainty of cash to buy their dream home. Effective immediately, existing homeowners can use the Knock Home Swap to buy before they sell and first-time buyers can take advantage of Knock GO™ to remove the stress of buying a home in today’s competitive market. The company also announced the addition of jumbo loans to its product portfolio.
With today’s launch in the Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue, Bellingham, Mount Vernon–Anacortes, Bremerton–Silverdale–Port Orchard and Olympia–Lacey–Tumwater metropolitan areas, Knock’s innovative home loan solutions, including jumbo loans, are available in a total of 75 markets in 15 states nationwide.
“With buyers vying for a record low-number of homes available for sale and prices continuing to accelerate, it’s more important than ever to position yourself to win,” said Knock Co-Founder and CEO Sean Black. “Our innovative home loan solutions make all buyers competitive with cash buyers and eliminate the common pain points such as timing a sale with a purchase and living through repairs and showings that make it harder than it needs to buy and sell a home. Now, with the addition of jumbo loans, we can help more people achieve their homeownership goals.”
For buyers who have a home to sell, the Knock Home Swap1 provides 100% of the money necessary to buy a new home before listing the old house. This includes a competitively priced mortgage and an interest-free equity advance loan, which covers the down payment on the new home, home prep and up to six months of mortgage payments on the old house. Home Swap customers are able to sell the old house on the open market for the maximum sale price after they’ve moved into their new home, avoiding the hassle of living through repairs or showings. Knock also provides a 30-day closing guarantee,2, Home Prep Concierge and backup offer on the old house in the unlikely event that it doesn’t sell within six months. More than 98% of Knock homes sell in 90 days or less, with 90% selling in 30 days or less.
Knock GO™1,3 empowers first-time buyers and others who don’t have a home to sell to make an offer that’s competitive with cash. In addition to a competitively priced conventional mortgage, Knock GO™ offers a closing guarantee at no additional cost, giving buyers and their agents the ability to make an offer that will stand out from other offers.
Qualifying buyers can use the Knock Home Swap and Knock GO™ for home loans of up to $3 million. The addition of jumbo loans expands the limit of qualifying Knock Home Swap listings to $2 million in Seattle and Southern California and up to $1 million in the other markets Knock operates throughout the country.
To bring the Home Swap and Knock GO™ to Seattle, Knock is partnering with Professional Realty Services International; Keller Williams Olympic; Professional Realty Services International; Keller Williams Olympic; Infinity Real Estate; Velocity Real Estate Inc | Keller Williams Downtown Seattle; Vicinage Real Estate – KW Downtown Seattle; The Warmack Group – Keller Williams Realty Greater Seattle and Century 21 North Homes.
Nationwide, the Knock Home Swap and Knock GO™ are available through 300 real estate brokerage firms with 117,000 agents in approximately 5,900 ZIP codes nationwide. Homebuyers also can learn more and see if they qualify for the Knock Home Swap or Knock GO™ at knock.com.
1Mortgage loans offered by Knock Lending LLC. NMLS 1958445. Equal Housing Lender. For licensing information go to: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.
2Terms and conditions apply. See https://knock.com/closing-guarantee for more information regarding the Knock Closing Guarantee.
3Terms and conditions apply. See knock.com/guaranteed-offer/terms for more information regarding the Knock GO™ (Guaranteed Offer).
Fintech
Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Chime, ZBD, MiCA)
As we close out 2024, the fintech industry continues to deliver headlines that underscore its dynamism and innovation. From IPO aspirations to groundbreaking regulatory milestones, today’s updates highlight the transformative power of fintech partnerships, regulatory evolution, and disruptive technologies. Here’s what you need to know.
Chime’s Quiet Step Toward Public Markets
Chime, the U.S.-based financial technology startup best known for its digital banking services, has taken a significant step by filing confidential paperwork for an initial public offering (IPO). As one of the most valuable private fintechs in the U.S., Chime’s move could potentially signal a renewed appetite for fintech IPOs in a market that has been cautious following fluctuating valuations across the tech sector.
With a valuation that reportedly exceeded $25 billion in its last funding round, Chime’s IPO could set a new benchmark for the industry. Observers note that its strong customer base and revenue growth may make it an appealing choice for investors seeking to capitalize on the digital banking boom. However, the timing and success of the IPO will depend on broader market conditions and the regulatory landscape.
Source: Bloomberg
ZBD’s Pioneering Achievement: EU MiCA License Approval
ZBD, a fintech company specializing in Bitcoin Lightning network solutions, has made history by becoming the first to secure an EU MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) license. This landmark approval by the Dutch regulator positions ZBD at the forefront of compliant crypto-fintech operations in Europe.
MiCA, which aims to harmonize the regulatory framework for crypto-assets across the EU, has been a focal point for industry players aiming to establish legitimacy and expand their offerings. ZBD’s achievement not only validates its operational rigor but also sets a precedent for other fintech firms navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.
Industry insiders view this as a strategic advantage for ZBD as it broadens its footprint in Europe. By leveraging its regulatory approval, the company can accelerate its product deployment and establish trust with institutional and retail users alike.
Source: Coindesk, PR Newswire
The Fintech-Credit Union Synergy: A Blueprint for Innovation
The convergence of fintechs and credit unions continues to reshape the financial services ecosystem. Collaborative initiatives, such as the one highlighted in the recent partnership between fintech innovators and credit unions, are proving to be a potent force in delivering tailored financial solutions.
This “dream team” approach allows credit unions to leverage fintech’s technological expertise while maintaining their community-focused ethos. Key areas of collaboration include digital payments, personalized financial management tools, and enhanced loan processing capabilities. These partnerships not only enhance member engagement but also enable credit unions to remain competitive in an increasingly digital-first financial environment.
Industry analysts emphasize that such collaborations underscore a broader trend of traditional financial institutions embracing fintech-driven solutions to bridge service gaps and foster innovation.
Source: PYMNTS
Tackling Student Loan Debt: A Fintech’s Mission
Student loan debt remains a pressing issue for millions of Americans, and a Rochester-based fintech aims to offer relief through its cloud-based platform. This innovative solution is designed to simplify loan management and provide borrowers with actionable insights to reduce their debt burden.
The platform’s features include repayment optimization tools, personalized financial education, and seamless integration with loan servicers. By addressing the complexities of student loan management, this fintech is empowering borrowers to make informed decisions and achieve financial stability.
As the student loan crisis continues to evolve, solutions like this highlight the critical role fintech can play in addressing systemic financial challenges while fostering financial literacy and inclusion.
Source: RBJ
Industry Implications and Takeaways
Today’s updates underscore several key themes shaping the fintech landscape:
- Regulatory Milestones: ZBD’s MiCA license approval exemplifies the importance of regulatory compliance in unlocking growth opportunities.
- Strategic Partnerships: The collaboration between fintechs and credit unions demonstrates the value of combining technological innovation with traditional financial models to drive customer-centric solutions.
- Market Opportunities: Chime’s IPO move reflects a potential revival in fintech public offerings, signaling confidence in the sector’s long-term prospects.
- Social Impact: Fintech’s ability to tackle systemic issues, such as student loan debt, showcases its role as a force for positive change.
The post Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Chime, ZBD, MiCA) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Fintech
SPAYZ.io prepares for iFX EXPO Dubai 2025
Leading global payments platform SPAYZ.io has confirmed it will be attending iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 on 14 to 16 January. Exhibiting at Stand 64 at Trade Centre Dubai, SPAYZ.io’s team of professionals will be on hand providing live demonstrations of its renowned payment services for payment providers. Attendees will also receive exclusive insight into SPAYZ.io’s plans for 2025 alongside early early access to its upcoming plans for the new year.
SPAYZ.io delivers a host of payment solutions that leverage the latest technological innovations and open access to the fastest growing emerging markets across Africa, Europe and Asia. Over the past year, there has been huge demand for its Open Banking and local payment method services, alongside bank transfers, mass payouts, online banking and e-wallets.
Yana Thakurta, Head of Business Development at SPAYZ.io commented: “We look forward to once again participating at iFX Dubai to expand our network of partners and clients. It’s a fantastic way to kick off the year, connecting with thousands of industry leaders from FOREX platforms to trading companies, and everything in between.
“Our key goal for iFX Dubai EXPO 2025 is to expand our portfolio of solutions and geographies. We’re using this as an opportunity to partner with like-minded entities who share our ambition to provide payment solutions that are truly global.”
Come meet SPAYZ.io’s team at the Trade Centre Dubai at Stand 64. You can also book a meeting slot with a member of a team.
The post SPAYZ.io prepares for iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Fintech
Airtm Enhances Its Board of Directors with Two Strategic Appointments
Airtm, the most connected digital dollar account in the world, is proud to announce the addition of two distinguished industry leaders to its Board of Directors: Rafael de la Vega, Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane, and Shivani Siroya, CEO & Founder of Tala. These appointments reflect Airtm’s commitment to innovation and financial inclusion as the company enters its next phase of growth.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rafael and Shivani to Airtm’s Board of Directors,” said Ruben Galindo Steckel, Co-founder and CEO of Airtm. “Their unique perspectives and proven track records will be invaluable as we continue scaling our platform to empower individuals and businesses in emerging markets. Together, we’ll push the boundaries of financial inclusion and innovation to create a more connected and equitable global economy. Rafael and Shivani bring a wealth of experience and strategic insight that will strengthen Airtm’s mission to connect emerging economies with the global market.”
Rafael de la Vega, a seasoned leader in fintech global partnerships and technology innovation, is currently the Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane. With a proven track record of delivering scalable, impactful solutions at the intersection of fintech, innovation, and commerce, Rafael’s expertise will be pivotal as Airtm continues to grow. “Airtm has built a platform that breaks down barriers and opens up opportunities for people in emerging economies to connect to global markets. I am excited to contribute to its growth and help further its mission of fostering financial inclusion on a global scale,” said Rafael.
Shivani Siroya, CEO and Founder of Tala, is a pioneer in financial technology, renowned for empowering underserved communities through access to credit and essential financial tools. Her leadership in leveraging data-driven innovation aligns seamlessly with Airtm’s vision of creating more equitable financial opportunities. “Empowering underserved communities has always been at the core of my work, and Airtm’s mission resonates deeply with me. I’m thrilled to join the Board and work alongside such a dynamic team to expand access to financial tools that truly make a difference in people’s lives,” said Shivani.
The post Airtm Enhances Its Board of Directors with Two Strategic Appointments appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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