Worldline, a European leader in payment services, has strengthened its long-term partnership with PSA Payment Services Austria GmbH to help bring next-generation payment solutions to Austria.As part of the expanded partnership, Worldline will help PSA move to a modern, cloud-based, and API-enabled payments platform that meets European payment standards and national infrastructure requirements “The ambitious project we are launching with Worldline marks a major milestone in our long-term strategy,” says David Ostah, Co-CEO at PSA. “It is one of the most important initiatives for the coming decade, enabling us to pursue our growth ambitions, enhance our product and service offering, and provide our customers…
Author: FI Team
OakNorth has given Verso, a UK wealth and investment management group, a £4 million revolving credit facility to help it buy independent financial advisers across the country. The funding shows that more people trust Verso’s buy-and-build model as the UK advice market continues to consolidate.Verso was founded in 2021 with help from Cairngorm Capital Partners. Since then, it has quickly expanded across the country through careful acquisitions. It now manages £2.75 billion in assets and gets more than 80% of its revenue from recurring advisory and investment management services. As the group grows, the new facility will give them flexible…
Speculation that the United States could attempt to influence Greenland’s future has shifted quickly from political noise to something markets are beginning to take seriously. What once sounded far-fetched is now prompting investors to reassess assumptions around critical minerals, Arctic security, and the durability of long-term global supply chains.The CEO of deVere Group says that this change is already showing up in assets related to rare earths, advanced materials, and polar infrastructure. As strategic interests come together in the Arctic, Greenland is becoming a focal point with effects that go beyond politics in the region. “Greenland sits at the centre…
SHC Capital and Cynergy Bank, two companies that know a lot about real estate finance, have teamed up to get money for a hotel project in East London that is worth more than £50 million. This is a big step forward for both businesses. This is the first time Cynergy Bank has given money for a hotel to be built.The money will help a large international hotel chain build a design-led hotel with 116 rooms, a restaurant, a bar and a space for events. This will make East London an even better place for businesses in the hospitality industry to…
Gamuda Berhad and Castleforge have awarded a construction contract valued at more than £250 million to Multiplex for the redevelopment of 75 London Wall, marking a significant step forward for one of the City of London’s most ambitious commercial projects. The agreement brings together international engineering expertise and long-term real estate investment at a pivotal moment in the scheme’s delivery. Signed on 6 January 2025, the contract clears the way for main construction to begin toward the end of 2025, following enabling and demolition works led by the Erith Group. The redevelopment is expected to reach practical completion in the…
Afin Bank has promoted Tippie Malgwi to Head of High Net Worth and Diaspora Banking, reflecting the growing strategic importance of both customer segments for the specialist lender. In his new role, Malgwi will lead the bank’s newly re-branded Afin High Net Worth proposition. Since joining Afin last year, Malgwi has played a central role in developing tailored solutions for “asset rich, income light” borrowers, while continuing to support diaspora customers, a core part of the bank’s mission to serve traditionally underserved communities. Originally called ‘Afin Premier’, the newly re-branded Afin High Net Worth (HNW) mortgage allows borrowers to include…
The announcement that Lumera has acquired Acuity did not arrive with dramatic language or sweeping claims, yet its implications feel substantial for an industry that has learned to pay close attention to small, deliberate moves rather than grand gestures. For years, the life and pensions sector has been shaped by quiet consolidation, driven less by ambition than by necessity. Regulatory complexity, ageing systems, and rising customer expectations have created an environment where scale and specialisation increasingly depend on each other. Lumera’s decision to bring Acuity into its fold fits neatly into that pattern. Lumera, headquartered in the Nordics, has built…
ProRata.Ai has partnered with the Danish Publishers Group DPCMO to launch the first decentralized sovereign AI answer engine, enabling fair credit and compensation for generative AI use of media content. The partnership, which puts publishers in control of their content, establishes a replicable framework for media associations worldwide seeking fair and transparent collective licensing solutions. DPCMO members can opt into a pre-negotiated partnership agreement with ProRata.Ai and embed Gist Answers—ProRata’s attribution-based, RAG-powered AI answer engine—across their digital properties. Participation is free and non-exclusive, and Gist Answers is designed to boost audience engagement and dwell time on publisher sites. Implementation is…
New research from Brava Finance reveals that digital assets have become a strategic priority for wealth managers globally, with 92% actively developing strategies and 96% viewing them as an effective portfolio diversifier. Almost all (92%) of wealth managers questioned in the US, UK, UAE, Denmark, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Luxembourg say they are developing a digital asset strategy, with 16% claiming to have a well-defined strategy already in place. More than eight out of 10 wealth managers (84%) already have some allocation to digital assets, the research from Brava Finance found. Brava Finance,…
A new joint study by Cybernews and nexos.ai reveals that data privacy is Americans’ second-highest concern regarding artificial intelligence (AI), underscoring a growing challenge for enterprises. The research highlights a paradox for businesses: as companies invest heavily in safeguarding data, employees may increasingly bypass security protocols, potentially slowing AI adoption. Analyzing five categories of AI concerns between January and October 2025, the study found that “data and privacy” averaged an interest level of 26, just one point behind the top concern, “control and regulation.” Both categories saw similar trends, with privacy concerns surging in the second half of 2025, indicating…
Wakam UK Ltd, a leading digital insurer for MGAs, brokers, and embedded insurance, has partnered with Vitesse, the global financial infrastructure platform, to transform claims fund management and enhance capital efficiency for its network of managing general agents (MGAs) and third-party administrators (TPAs). As Wakam UK Ltd expands across the UK and Europe, it is leveraging Vitesse’s platform to gain real-time visibility, control, and integrity over claims funds and data. This move replaces manual processes with a centralized funding model, enabling instant payments, reducing financial leakage, freeing up capital, and strengthening operational efficiency across its network. “Partnering with Vitesse has…
Global investors looking toward 2026 are beginning to identify structural forces grounded in observable economic realities rather than optimism alone, according to Nigel Green, CEO of the deVere Group, one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory firms. Green highlights that the year ahead is supported by three credible tailwinds. “Markets reward evidence over enthusiasm,” Green says. “As 2026 approaches, investors are increasingly distinguishing between stories and substance.” The first tailwind he identifies is the persistence of global economic growth, which, while uneven, is broader than in recent years. “Current projections continue to point toward expansion rather than contraction, with…
Cashflows has partnered with Boodil to provide UK e-commerce merchants with enhanced card and digital wallet payment solutions. The collaboration integrates Cashflows’ acquiring and gateway technology with Boodil’s innovative payment platform, delivering a seamless payment experience for Shopify merchants. The joint solution is now fully live via the Boodil – UK application, just in time for the high-volume “Golden Quarter” peak season, helping merchants manage payments efficiently and boost sales during the busiest trading period of the year. The new partnership addresses merchant requests for a full payment stack. Designed to streamline checkout processes, reduce cart abandonment, and boost conversion…
Farrer & Co, a leading independent UK law firm, has advised James Hambro & Partners (JH&P) on a minority equity investment by Bixby Wealth Solutions, part of the Texas-based Moontower Group. The transaction includes Bixby acquiring equity from JH&P’s external shareholders and select founding-generation partners, alongside a direct capital injection into the business. This strategic investment aims to broaden equity participation among current and future partners, support the firm’s long-term independence, and reinforce its commitment to attracting and retaining top-tier talent. The deal, which has now received regulatory approval, marks a significant milestone in JH&P’s strategic growth journey. The Farrer…
MAIRE, a global technology and engineering group focused on energy transition, has standardized on the Exabeam New-Scale Security Operations Platform to enhance cybersecurity operations and analyst efficiency worldwide. Over the past three years, MAIRE’s Cyber Fusion Center / CROC-Cyber Risk Operation Center team has used Exabeam to automate investigations, provide timeline-based visibility into user activity, and enable Tier 1 analysts to act quickly and accurately. Previously relying on a legacy SIEM primarily for log collection in its Microsoft-centric environment, MAIRE recognized the need for a scalable, intelligence-driven platform to meet evolving cybersecurity threats. The adoption of Exabeam has accelerated incident…
The National Enterprise Network (NEN), the UK’s leading advocate for start-ups and micro businesses, has called on the Chancellor to acknowledge the vital contribution of small businesses in the forthcoming Autumn Statement. The NEN is urging the government to address four key areas impacting micro and small businesses (MSBs), which together form the foundation of the UK economy. As of early 2024, the UK had approximately 5.5 million private sector businesses, of which 5.45 million employed 0–49 people, representing 99.2% of all UK businesses. These enterprises are vital engines of employment, innovation, and local prosperity. Yet their success depends on…
Arc & Co., a leading real estate advisory firm, has successfully completed three buy-to-let transactions with GB Bank over the past three months, totalling £19.5 million. Led by Nikita Nigai, Head of International at Arc & Co., the deals cover a diverse portfolio of residential properties across the UK. The collaboration highlights Arc & Co.’s expertise in structuring tailored funding solutions for complex borrower profiles and GB Bank’s increasing appetite for specialist residential and buy-to-let finance. This partnership reinforces both firms’ positions as key players in the UK property finance and investment market, supporting the growing demand for flexible and strategic funding options within the buy-to-let…
The Bank of England is expected to hold interest rates at 4% this week, pausing its cycle of quarterly cuts and entering a more cautious policy phase, according to Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory firms. The decision will be closely watched by global investors, as markets assess how long rates will remain on hold before any future adjustments. Nigel Green commented: “The Bank’s stance signals a balance between curbing inflation and supporting growth as the UK economy navigates post-recession pressures” The pause would mark the first time since the easing cycle began last year that…
Cynergy Business Finance (CBF) is celebrating four years of operations, having advanced £800 million in funding to businesses across the UK and grown its team to 52 employees. Since its launch, CBF has developed a comprehensive suite of Asset Based Lending (ABL) products to help SMEs achieve growth objectives. The introduction of block discounting 18 months ago has further diversified CBF’s offerings, boosting its balance sheet by over £100 million and strengthening relationships with leading asset finance providers. These milestones reflect the company’s strong partnerships with advisors and customers and highlight its ongoing commitment to supporting business expansion and maximising available capital. In addition, this Summer CBF launched its standalone asset finance (HP) product, signalling a…
deVere Group, one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory organisations, has reported a 45% surge in client enquiries about taking lump sums from their pensions over the past month. The sharp increase comes amid growing speculation that Chancellor Rachel Reeves may cut or cap the tax-free pension lump sum in the Autumn Budget on 26 November 2025. Currently, UK savers can withdraw up to 25% of their pension pot tax-free, capped at around £268,275. The possible policy change has led to a rush of interest from individuals seeking advice on retirement planning and tax-efficient withdrawals. Rumours in recent weeks have suggested the government could lower this limit to £100,000, or even…
Invesco, one of the world’s leading global asset managers, has been appointed by The People’s Pension — the UK’s largest commercial master trust — to manage over £260 million in AAA-rated Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs).This marks a first in the UK pension sector, as no other master trust has previously made a strategic allocation to CLO investments. AAA-rated CLO tranches offer attractive risk-adjusted returns, diversification, and capital efficiency. Their senior position in the credit structure provides strong capital protection while accessing a wider credit market. This partnership aims to enhance long-term growth and portfolio stability for members, combining direct CLO…
Clifton Wealth Partnership (CWP) has announced the addition of Wesleyan’s Smoothed With Profits Fund to its Morgan Lloyd Invest adviser platform. This strategic move enhances flexibility for financial planners and their clients, helping them navigate increasingly volatile market conditions. The Smoothed With Profits Fund, developed by Wesleyan—a UK-based mutual financial services provider—offers daily pricing, trading, and smoothing to promote transparency and timely access to information. Using a unique smoothing mechanism, the fund sets aside a portion of returns during periods of outperformance to help stabilise value when markets face turbulence, providing investors with a more consistent growth experience. The With…
Gr4vy, the leading cloud-native payment orchestration platform, has announced the release of its Alpha MVP for Agentic Payments Orchestration, alongside a strategic collaboration with Google to support the development of a new open protocol for agentic payments. This initiative is designed to promote greater trust and transparency across digital ecosystems. As agentic commerce gains momentum—where AI-powered agents autonomously shop, compare, and transact on behalf of consumers—Gr4vy’s Alpha explores how orchestration can underpin this emerging paradigm, ensuring secure, seamless, and scalable payment experiences. “Agentic commerce is no longer a concept on the horizon; it’s becoming a reality. Our Alpha MVP shows how orchestration can empower merchants to embrace…
So, you want to talk about the big leagues? About stepping up to the plate and trying to hit a home run when a solid base hit will get you on the team? That’s what we’re talking about when we discuss beating the S&P 500. It’s the investing world’s equivalent of saying, “I’m not just here to play, I’m here to win.” Let’s get real for a second. The S&P 500 is the benchmark for a reason. It’s a collection of 500 of the largest, most stable companies in the U.S. Think of it as the “greatest hits” of the…
AAK has signed an agreement to sell its Foodservice facility in Hillside, NJ, as part of its strategy to optimize its portfolio. While divesting from the standalone Hillside site, AAK plans to boost investments in its European Foodservice operations, aiming to strengthen its strongholds in the UK and Nordic regions. This move supports the company’s broader strategic focus on expanding its European market presence. A binding transaction agreement has been signed with Stratas Foods LLC, and the transaction is expected to be completed before the end of the year, subject to customary closing conditions. Until completion, Hillside will continue to be…
When it entails making an investment, of the most famous alternatives are real estate and the stock market. Both avenues provide the potential for vast returns, but further they come with tremendous dangers and rewards. Deciding it is proper for you relies upon in your monetary dreams, chance tolerance, and investment method. In this text, we’ll harm down the key factors to remember while selecting between Real Estate and the Stock Market. 1. Nature of the Investment Real Estate: Investing in real assets consists of buying physical assets—whether residential, commercial, or land—with the intention of each producing condominium earnings or…
Bitrue, a pioneer in cryptocurrency services, has announced that it is pursuing an aggressive strategy in listings and promotions within the SUI ecosystem. SUI is a relatively new network built to solve many of the problems with traditional networks, with a focus on making it easy to create and deploy smart contracts and decentralized apps. It achieves this goal through parallel transaction processing, allowing for a large transaction throughput supporting more than 125,000 transactions per second. Bitrue has identified SUI as a key growth sector for the remainder of 2024 and early 2025, with numerous projects built on SUI currently…
Privalgo, one of the UK’s leading foreign exchange (FX) and international payments companies, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Experience UK, the leading trade body for the UK Experience Economy. This collaboration aims to provide Experience UK members with exclusive access to Privalgo’s tailored solutions for global payments, currency risk management, and multi-currency accounts. Experience UK is globally recognised for supporting UK companies that create, deliver, and operate world-class attractions and visitor experiences, including themed attractions, museums, retail venues, and live events. As part of its mission to offer “best in class” services, networking opportunities, and international business…
Paysend and Mastercard have joined forces to introduce Paysend Libre in Mexico, aiming to boost financial inclusion in a region where a large portion of the population remains underbanked or unbanked. Powered by a virtual Paysend Mastercard, Paysend Libre offers a secure, easy-to-use, and convenient solution for receiving remittances. This launch leverages the combined expertise of Mastercard’s extensive acceptance network and Paysend’s powerful digital remittance platform, simplifying money transfers between Latin America and the USA. Paysend Libre is the first to market with its unique solution to the old problems of speed, affordability, and security in remittance services. Paysend Libre…