Fintech
ESG Book appoints John Wise as new Chair as company accelerates global growth
ESG Book, a global leader in sustainability data and technology, today announced the appointment of John Wise as the company’s first Chair of the Board. The move is the latest part of ESG Book’s rapid global expansion as the company responds to fast-growing demand for technology-based sustainability data solutions.
Wise joins from InvestCloud, the world’s leading SaaS-based global wealth platforms provider, which he co-founded and grew into a business with over 550 direct clients and more than $6 trillion in assets on platform in just over 10 years.
Following the company’s $35 million Series B in 2022, ESG Book is transforming the financial industry’s approach to ESG data through the world’s largest sustainability disclosure platform. Wise will lead ESG Book’s board of global investors to help scale the company’s growth in a burgeoning $5 billion market1.
Sustainability-led assets under management are expected to swell to $50 trillion globally by 20252, driven by investor commitments, new worldwide regulation, and real economy changes. However, financial institutions and corporates are increasingly seeking better data to meet ever more complex sustainability requirements.
According to a recent Bloomberg survey3, more than 90% of executives are expecting to meaningfully increase their spending on ESG data over the next year, with the vast majority believing that ESG data investment is required to keep pace with competitors and to develop a competitive advantage.
Through the world’s largest sustainability disclosure platform, ESG Book’s real-time, cloud-native technology directly connects corporates with financial institutions. Built on Google Cloud infrastructure, ESG Book’s platform hosts over 10,000 users globally, and enables companies to disclose ESG data directly to stakeholders in a digitised, secure, and centralised way.
ESG Book serves over 100 institutional clients globally including Bloomberg, BNY Mellon, Citi, Dow Jones, Glass Lewis, JP Morgan, and HSBC.
The company’s data is available on every Bloomberg Terminal worldwide, and is the only third-party ESG data feed accessible to Bloomberg Data License customers.
John Wise, Chair of ESG Book, said: “It’s no secret that financial markets have been crying out for a new and better approach to data in order to meet the phenomenal worldwide demand we now see for sustainability integration. The ESG data industry is growing in scale. However, too many providers are not delivering the solutions that can truly help direct capital towards more sustainable and higher-impact assets.”
“I was impressed at the foresight ESG Book had in investing in technology and resources to do the heavy lifting required to source and process data at scale. By offering raw ESG data, analytics and a complete SaaS through a single platform, ESG Book is uniquely able to address the needs of the buy and sell side, exchanges and platforms together with corporates for climate and sustainability scoring.”
“Having looked extensively at providers across the landscape, I am convinced that ESG Book’s approach, which is grounded in data transparency, and harnesses the latest advances in technology, is a game-changer.”
Dr Daniel Klier, CEO of ESG Book, said: “Having pulled back the curtain on the inefficiencies and redundancies in the ESG data market, we have found that clients are no longer accepting of the status quo. Our vision is to transform finance through sustainability by making ESG data accessible, comparable, and transparent. Through ESG Book’s range of solutions, our customers can access a one-stop shop to support sustainable capital decision-making, with a unique single delivery mechanism and data model across all our products.”
“I am thrilled to welcome John as Chair of ESG Book’s board. Having grown InvestCloud from an idea in a Californian garage to a global platform with over $6 trillion in assets in little over a decade is a measure of his ambition, passion, and vision, and I am excited that ESG Book will benefit from his vast experience as we continue to grow in the years ahead.”
John Wise is a serial entrepreneur with a long history of successful startups. He formerly founded Synergo Technology, the leading UK Agency and Brokerage Foundation; TCA Syntec, the first EAI company in Europe; and Netik (acquired by Bank of New York Mellon in 2002), the securities market leading data warehouse and portal company, responsible for 70 of the world’s largest banks.
As a CEO, Wise has won multiple industry awards including Top 50 CEOs in the USA, and Top 50 CEOs for Women. Wise has created several technology patents as well as several methods and approaches to enhance sales teams. He received a double honors degree in Cybernetics and Computer Science and is a Chartered Software Engineer.
References:
1) UBS, Future Re-imagined, June 2020.
2) Bloomberg Intelligence, January 2022.
3) ESG Data Acquisition & Management Survey 2023 – Bloomberg and Adox Research.
Notes to Editors
The Ever-Evolving Landscape of Fintech: Top Stories Today
The fintech world continues to thrive with new developments shaping its future. Today’s highlights cover Revolut’s enhanced crypto fraud protections, Bestow’s recognition as a leading fintech company, Advyzon’s CEO receiving a prestigious award, Tyme Group’s global expansion supported by Nubank, and the rise of Israeli fintech startups. Let’s dive into the details and explore the broader implications.
Revolut Steps Up Crypto Fraud Protection
In a significant move to fortify customer trust, Revolut has announced enhancements to its crypto fraud protection systems. Leveraging advanced security risk scores, the company aims to shield users from the growing menace of crypto-related scams. The platform’s new measures will involve deeper scrutiny of transactions, sophisticated algorithms to flag potential fraud, and proactive alerts for unusual activities.
Revolut’s focus on fraud protection reflects the escalating challenges faced by fintech firms operating in the crypto space. As digital currencies gain traction, fraudsters continue to exploit vulnerabilities, necessitating robust security mechanisms. Revolut’s initiative could set a precedent for the industry, emphasizing that user safety is as critical as innovation. However, the success of these measures will depend on striking the right balance between security and user experience.
Source: Coindesk
Bestow Earns a Spot Among Top 100 Financial Technology Companies of 2024
Bestow, a digital life insurance innovator, has been named one of the Top 100 Financial Technology Companies of 2024. This recognition highlights Bestow’s transformative approach to life insurance, combining cutting-edge technology with customer-centric solutions. By simplifying the traditionally cumbersome insurance process, Bestow has made life insurance more accessible and affordable.
The accolade underscores the growing importance of insurtech in the broader fintech ecosystem. Bestow’s achievements signal a shift in consumer expectations—convenience, transparency, and technology-driven solutions are becoming non-negotiable. As insurtech continues to disrupt traditional insurance models, the emphasis will likely shift from mere digital transformation to delivering personalized and predictive services.
Source: PR Newswire
Advyzon CEO Hailin Li Wins ThinkAdvisor 2024 Luminaries Award
Hailin Li, CEO of Advyzon, has been honored with the ThinkAdvisor 2024 Luminaries Award for Fintech Executive of the Year. This award recognizes his exceptional leadership and Advyzon’s commitment to empowering financial advisors with innovative tools. Under Li’s stewardship, Advyzon has excelled in providing comprehensive technology solutions, enabling advisors to deliver superior client experiences.
Li’s recognition highlights the pivotal role of leadership in driving fintech innovation. Advyzon’s success is a testament to how visionary leadership can redefine financial advisory services. As advisors increasingly rely on technology to navigate complex markets, platforms like Advyzon are becoming indispensable. The award also serves as a reminder that the human element—inspired leadership—remains crucial even in a tech-driven industry.
Source: Business Wire
Nubank Backs Tyme Group’s International Expansion
In a strategic move, Nubank has announced an investment in Tyme Group, a digital bank with operations in South Africa and the Philippines. This partnership aims to accelerate Tyme’s growth in emerging markets, leveraging Nubank’s expertise in scaling digital banking operations. Tyme’s unique business model focuses on financial inclusion, catering to underserved populations in developing economies.
Nubank’s investment signifies a growing trend among fintech leaders to expand their footprint in emerging markets. The collaboration between Nubank and Tyme underscores the potential of digital banking to bridge financial inclusion gaps. However, challenges such as regulatory complexities and technological infrastructure limitations in these regions must be addressed to ensure sustainable growth.
Source: Business Wire
Israeli Fintech Startups Gaining Global Momentum
Israel’s fintech ecosystem is making waves internationally, with startups leveraging the country’s robust tech culture and innovation-driven mindset. From payment solutions to cybersecurity for financial services, Israeli fintech firms are attracting significant investments and partnerships globally. This trend reflects the country’s position as a hub for technological advancement and entrepreneurial spirit.
The rise of Israeli fintech startups is a testament to the country’s ability to harness innovation for global impact. However, scaling these ventures beyond local markets remains a challenge. Strategic partnerships and a focus on addressing global financial challenges will be crucial for these startups to cement their position on the world stage.
Source: Calcalist Tech
Broader Implications for the Fintech Industry
- Enhanced Security in Crypto: Revolut’s initiative highlights the need for continuous advancements in fraud prevention. The increasing complexity of scams calls for adaptive security measures that can evolve with emerging threats.
- Recognition Drives Innovation: Bestow’s accolade and Hailin Li’s award demonstrate the power of recognition in fostering innovation. Industry acknowledgment not only boosts morale but also sets benchmarks for others to emulate.
- Global Collaborations: Nubank’s partnership with Tyme Group underscores the importance of cross-border collaborations in fintech. As markets globalize, such alliances will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of financial services.
- Emerging Market Opportunities: Investments in developing economies highlight the untapped potential of these regions. Fintech companies must focus on understanding local needs and challenges to create impactful solutions.
- Tech Hubs as Catalysts: The success of Israeli fintech startups emphasizes the role of regional tech hubs in driving industry growth. Policymakers and stakeholders must nurture these ecosystems to sustain innovation.
The post Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Revolut, Bestow, Advyzon, Tyme Group, Nubank) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Fintech
Asian Financial Forum returns as region’s first major international financial assembly in 2025
The 18th Asian Financial Forum 2025 (AFF), co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) on 13 and 14 January (Monday and Tuesday). Themed “Powering the Next Growth Engine”, AFF will be the first major financial and business event in the region in the new year, bringing together more than 100 global policymakers, business leaders, financial experts and investors, entrepreneurs, tech giants and economists to share their views on issues related to political leadership, geopolitical tensions, monetary policy shifts, macroeconomic challenges and more. These industry heavyweights will discuss the latest developments in financial markets and investment opportunities and explore how Hong Kong can leverage its strengths as an international financial centre to seek breakthroughs in a period of change.
Harnessing Hong Kong’s unique advantages to demonstrate financial excellence
Launched in 2007, the AFF has become a flagship financial event for Hong Kong and the broader region, showcasing the city’s status as an international financial centre and its role as a connector in spearheading regional financial activities. Against the backdrop of a constantly shifting global economic landscape, Hong Kong has been leveraging its unique geographical position, professional services and global perspective to continue fostering collaboration and ensuring mutual success between Asia and the world.
Luanne Lim, Chairperson of the AFF Steering Committee and Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong, of HSBC, said: “The geopolitical and economic landscape of 2025 is set to be fraught with challenges, underscoring the importance of international collaboration. The Forum adopts the theme ‘Powering the Next Growth Engine’, bringing together influential speakers and thought leaders to share insights, dissect the evolving global landscape and spotlight emerging investment opportunities. Key areas of focus include the growth potential of emerging markets such as Mainland China, ASEAN and the Middle East, as well as advancements in sectors like artificial intelligence, fintech, sustainability, philanthropy and family offices. The Forum continues to provide a premier platform for renowned global investors and fundraisers to collaborate and ignite new engines for growth with its strong international influence and diverse perspectives.”
Impactful sessions spotlight global issues
The Forum will feature a distinguished line-up of speakers, with a two-day programme featuring various panels and workshops, including plenary sessions, policy dialogues, keynote luncheons, breakfast panels and fireside chats, as well as thematic workshops focusing on development and innovation across different industries. It will continue to stage well-received sessions such as Global Economic Outlook, China Opportunities and CIO Insights. Global Economic Outlook will analyse international economic trends and provide insights into business opportunities and wealth accumulation in emerging industries and regions in 2025. China Opportunities will focus on examining the investment outlook in Mainland China under the acceleration of technological innovation and its impact on global businesses. CIO Insights will explore new opportunities for cross-regional cooperation from macroeconomic and asset allocation perspectives, offering participants insights and strategies that can help realise long-term growth.
Financial pioneers share insights on future economy
One of the keynote speakers at AFF will be Prof Justin Lin Yifu, a globally renowned economist and Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank (2008-2012). Prof Lin will deliver an in-depth analysis of the shifting global economic landscape and the impact on Mainland China and international markets, exploring strategies for achieving stable growth and driving rapid economic development amid a complex international environment.
The Forum will also bring together scholars, financial officials and business leaders from the mainland, ASEAN, the Middle East, Europe and the United States to shed light on a range of key topics, including macroeconomics, China opportunities, investment prospects, artificial intelligence (AI) and fintech as well as sustainability.
As the world’s second largest economy, the mainland’s economic and industrial development plays a significant role in driving global economic growth. Heavyweight speakers include Dr Fred Hu, Founder and Chairman of Primavera Capital Group; Jin Liqun, President and Chair of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Li Yimei, Chief Executive Officer of China Asset Management, and Joe Tsai, Chairman of Alibaba Group, will take the stage at AFF to share their views.
Emerging markets such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Middle East will also be spotlighted. Speakers from ASEAN will include Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Economic Community of ASEAN while a new session will highlight the opportunities in financial cooperation and investment between the Middle East and Hong Kong, featuring speakers from the two places.
A stellar line-up of speakers and company representatives from Europe and the US will offer new impetus at various panel discussions. Featured speakers include Edward Dolman, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Phillips Auctioneers; J Christopher Donahue, President & Chief Executive Officer of Federated Hermes, Inc; Antoine Gosset-Grainville, Chairman of the Board of Directors of AXA; Dr Hou Yang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Greater China Region and Global Senior Vice President of Microsoft; Philip Lane, Chief Economist and Member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank; Vincent Mortier, Group Chief Investment Officer of Amundi; and Dr Olli Rehn, Governor and Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Finland.
AI and fintech are having a profound impact as they become more broadly adopted in the financial services sector. Prof Stuart Russell, Co-chair of the World Economic Forum Council on AI; Dr Kai-Fu Lee, Chairman of Sinovation Ventures and Ken Wong, Executive Vice President of Lenovo and President of Lenovo Solutions & Services Group, will address the latest industry developments and prospects at the AFF. Prof Russell, Distinguished Professor of Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley and Co-chair of the World Economic Forum’s Council on AI and the OECD’s Expert Group on AI Futures, will explore the prospects of AI becoming a new engine for global economic growth.
Sustainable development is another key topic at the AFF. In different sessions of the Forum, Sue Lloyd, Vice Chair of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB); Martin Neubert, Partner and Group Chief Investment Officer of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, and Jiadi Yu, Chief Investment Officer of International Finance Corporation (IFC), will share views on how the adoption of the ISSB will contribute to market confidence in Hong Kong’s capital markets.
Diverse exhibition zones create opportunities, innovative technologies drive growth
The Fintech Showcase, InnoVenture Salon, FintechHK Start-up Salon and Global Investment Zone will be assembled at the AFF to help fintech companies, start-ups and international investment agencies from around the world to connect businesses, showcase the latest technological innovations and promote collaboration.
In addition to offering pitching and startup advisory sessions, the InnoVenture Salon features an exhibition of innovative technologies across various fields such as regtech, deep tech, green tech, health tech and food tech and agri-tech. This capacity-building support will connect entrepreneurs with potential clients, users and investors from different regions and industries, helping businesses refine their strategies, expand operations and thrive in the global market. Additionally, AFF Deal-making, a unique deal-sourcing and matching session, will build on the success of previous years to connect sources of funds and deals from around the world through one-on-one meetings.
AFF – Hong Kong’s major annual financial event
International large-scale events play a strategically important role for Hong Kong. As the first major financial event of the year, the AFF is designed to provide industry professionals with the latest insights and help them explore new opportunities. Early bird registration is now open for participants. The AFF is collaborating with various organisations to provide special travel, dining and shopping discounts and privileges for overseas participants, encouraging them to make the most of their stay and experience the vitality of Hong Kong. More details regarding the content, speaker lineup and media registration arrangements for the AFF will be announced at a press conference on 7 January 2025.
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Fintech
Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Synapse, Shenzhen Institute, Visa, AutomatIQ, MeridianLink)
The Fragility of Fintech Giants: Lessons from Synapse’s Collapse
The fintech industry has been rocked by the unexpected collapse of Synapse, a once-promising company in the financial technology sector. The firm, which had positioned itself as a pioneer in backend solutions for fintech applications, recently declared bankruptcy, citing mismanagement and capital misallocation as core reasons. This serves as a sobering reminder of the volatility inherent in the fintech ecosystem.
Synapse’s downfall underscores the importance of robust financial planning and governance, particularly as competition intensifies in the fintech space. The firm’s inability to adapt to regulatory changes and maintain investor confidence contributed significantly to its demise. Analysts argue that companies in this sector must prioritize sustainable growth over rapid expansion, or risk facing similar fates.
Source: Independent
Zaha Hadid Architects Redefines Fintech Spaces in Shenzhen
In architectural and fintech innovation news, Zaha Hadid Architects has unveiled progress on the Shenzhen Institute of Financial Technology in China. The facility is set to redefine the physical manifestation of fintech by merging cutting-edge design with advanced functionality.
The Shenzhen Institute aims to foster collaboration among fintech startups, researchers, and established firms. With sustainability and connectivity at its core, this space exemplifies the growing need for physical hubs in a predominantly digital industry. Such centers could prove instrumental in shaping the next wave of financial innovation in Asia, often regarded as the world’s fintech capital.
Source: ArchDaily
Visa’s Modernization Efforts: Paving the Way for a Cashless Society
Visa continues its journey towards transforming global payment systems with its latest acceptance modernization program. By enhancing digital transaction capabilities, Visa aims to provide seamless payment experiences across diverse platforms and geographies. This initiative aligns with the broader industry push towards cashless ecosystems, which gained significant traction during the pandemic.
The modernization program focuses on integrating machine learning and artificial intelligence to identify and prevent fraud while also increasing transaction efficiency. Visa’s moves reflect the broader shift towards embedding advanced technologies into financial infrastructures, ensuring scalability and security for future growth.
Source: Yahoo Finance
Top Financial Technology Trends to Watch for 2025
Bernard Marr’s recent analysis outlines ten pivotal trends that will define fintech’s trajectory heading into 2025. These trends include the continued rise of embedded finance, decentralized finance (DeFi), and AI-driven personalization. Particularly noteworthy is the emergence of quantum computing as a potential disruptor in cybersecurity and transaction processing.
Another standout trend is the growing emphasis on financial inclusion facilitated by mobile technology. Fintech companies are increasingly targeting underserved populations, providing them with tools to access financial services. As environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations gain traction, green fintech solutions are also expected to dominate the landscape.
Companies aiming to thrive in this evolving environment must stay ahead of these technological shifts, leveraging them to create innovative, user-centric solutions.
Source: Bernard Marr
AutomatIQ and MeridianLink: Revolutionizing Dealership Lending
AutomatIQ has partnered with MeridianLink to transform the connection between lenders and dealerships. This collaboration aims to streamline automotive lending processes, reducing friction and enhancing customer satisfaction. The integration of these platforms simplifies loan approvals, making it easier for consumers to secure financing.
This partnership highlights the increasing role of fintech in reshaping traditional sectors. By leveraging data analytics and automation, companies like AutomatIQ are setting new benchmarks for efficiency in the automotive lending space.
Source: PR Newswire
Conclusion: The Fintech Balancing Act
Today’s fintech landscape is characterized by rapid innovation and intense competition. From Synapse’s cautionary tale to Visa’s modernization efforts and the Shenzhen Institute’s groundbreaking design, the industry is in constant flux. Emerging trends point towards a future defined by personalization, sustainability, and inclusivity, but companies must tread carefully to avoid pitfalls like those that brought down Synapse.
The fintech sector’s trajectory remains exciting yet unpredictable, promising new opportunities for those who can navigate its complexities.
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