Love Finance, the UK’s fastest-growing SME lender and broker, has announced it has secured £45 million in its first debt financing deal to expand its loan book and provide more small and medium-sized businesses in the UK with rapid and flexible access to capital. The package consists of a £35 million Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) from FTSE 250 specialist lender Paragon Bank and a £10 million junior Medium-Term Note (MTN) programme from LGB Capital Markets. This landmark arrangement enables Love Finance to lend directly from its own balance sheet, streamlining decision-making processes and widening access to vital capital for SMEs…
Author: News Team
• Major expansion sees the recruitment of a six-member quant team based across Paris and Geneva• Innovative active strategies driven by data and mathematical models to enhance the traditional active fund range Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management has broadened its investment expertise with the addition of an active quant management team. Led by seasoned professional Bruno Taillardat, the group includes senior quant portfolio managers Xavier Marconnet and Frédéric Girod, alongside two further quantitative portfolio managers and a quant research analyst. The quant team will develop active return strategies using decision-making processes based on advanced mathematical models, employing computer-driven algorithms and…
Corpay’s business and financial institution clients will now gain access to near real-time payouts in 22 new markets, powered by Mastercard Move’s extensive global network. Corpay and Mastercard have announced the expansion of their long-standing partnership to enable corporates, small businesses, and financial institutions to make near real-time payments across 22 additional markets in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. The announcement, made in Frankfurt during the annual Sibos conference, builds on more than a decade of collaboration between the two firms and leverages Mastercard Move’s money movement capabilities and broad network to deliver faster, more secure,…
Quant has been appointed by UK Finance and a consortium of leading commercial banks to deliver the core technology behind the UK’s tokenised sterling deposits (GBTD) initiative, an ambitious financial market infrastructure project scheduled to run until mid-2026. The programme, spearheaded by UK Finance in partnership with Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest, Nationwide and Santander, aims to explore how tokenised commercial bank deposits can enhance payments, settlement processes and fraud prevention across the UK economy. Supporting organisations include Quant, EY and Linklaters. Following its successful role in the first phase of the Regulated Liability Network (RLN) in 2024, Quant…
A new model expands access to financial research, extending the use of Orbit Insight’s exclusive data and workflows. Orbit Financial Technology has introduced a monthly membership option for Orbit Insight, its flagship research and analytics platform already trusted by hedge funds and major asset managers. The update makes institutional-grade tools available to smaller firms, boutique funds, and independent analysts, levelling the playing field with global investment institutions. Orbit Insight combines proprietary financial data with advanced AI technology, including Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), to enable investors to review tens of thousands of companies at once and perform dependable multi-document analysis. The newly…
Boodil, a specialist in eCommerce payment technology, has formed a partnership with DIMOCO, a licensed payment institution, to enhance the online payment experience for Shopify merchants across Europe. The collaboration offers a secure, flexible and innovative solution tailored for mid-sized and large-scale retailers. The alliance delivers a comprehensive eCommerce platform that accommodates a wide range of payment methods. From traditional cards and digital wallets to region-specific options favoured across Europe, the solution is designed to meet the varied demands of today’s consumers. Engineered for growth, the system provides high transaction success rates, transparent fee structures and reliable performance, supporting Shopify…
By 2035, global obesity levels could climb to nearly 40 per cent of the adult population. Buşra Nur Özger, founder of Nur Ozger Health, stresses that bariatric surgery alone is not enough and that patients must be offered wider support that covers both their physical and psychological needs. For many people, surgery provides a crucial breakthrough. Yet Özger reminds patients that the real journey begins afterwards, with lifestyle changes, aesthetic options, and psychological support forming essential parts of recovery. Having battled her own weight for over twenty years before choosing surgery, she now shares her insights and has guided more…
Checkout.com, the global digital payments provider, is supporting Rail Europe’s expansion by delivering faster, more resilient, and more secure payments. Since adopting Checkout.com’s platform, Rail Europe has recorded an 8% increase in acceptance rates across its B2C and B2B channels, while significantly lowering fraud levels and chargebacks. This has strengthened confidence for millions of international customers booking European rail journeys. With nine decades of experience connecting travellers to Europe’s extensive rail network, Rail Europe sells over 5 million tickets annually through its website and mobile app. Acting as a central hub for tickets and passes from more than 200 rail…
Mileo Luxury Boutique Hotel has become a symbol of sustainable indulgence in Mykonos, blending ecological responsibility with five-star sophistication. The boutique retreat, home to 25 suites above Kalo Livadi beach, offers a setting where travellers can enjoy refined elegance and environmental care in equal measure. Over the past two years, the hotel has consistently delivered high guest satisfaction by integrating eco-principles without sacrificing comfort or style. “We haven’t simply built a hotel; we’ve created a living space that elevates our guests’ environmental awareness whilst offering them a meaningful and memorable escape,” explains Yaşam Ayavefe, founder of Mileo Luxury Boutique Hotel.…
Terra One, a leading European developer of grid-scale battery storage systems, has secured up to €150 million in mezzanine financing from Aviva Investors. Combined with equity and project-level funding, this new capital will allow Terra One to deploy as much as €750 million into additional storage projects, supporting the creation of a total storage capacity of around 3 GWh. This capacity is equivalent to meeting the electricity demand of around 20% of German households* for one hour. Germany currently has approximately 41 million households (as of 2024/2025). “This financing is a milestone for Terra One and for the energy transition…
Crypto has scaled from a niche market to a global asset class with real institutional demand. Rules now shape how exchanges, funds and fintechs collect, store and report data. Teams that use clean, well-documented information move faster and avoid audit surprises. Regulators in the EU and the United States keep tightening expectations around transparency, benchmarks and market integrity. That pressure raises the bar for vendor selection. Investors and institutions need data pipelines they can defend to risk teams and regulators — not just feeds with many endpoints. What Makes Crypto Market Data Compliance-Ready? According to Statista, the projected revenue in…
Liberis, a global leader in embedded finance, has announced a strategic collaboration with Przelewy24, the Polish e-commerce payments provider and part of the Nexi Group, to introduce Przelewy24 Finance. This new initiative significantly extends Liberis’ embedded finance offering in Poland. Building on its existing presence, the launch introduces a streamlined, automated funding process created specifically for e-commerce businesses. The partnership will open up fast and flexible access to working capital for around 10,700 Polish merchants, with funding of up to 1.2 million PLN (approximately £250,000) – a level that surpasses existing market options. Powered by Liberis Create, the API-driven embedded…
The new initiative will assist African Debt Management Offices in embedding sustainability into debt strategies, mitigating refinancing risks, and attracting private capital. FSD Africa, the UK-backed financial sector development agency, in collaboration with the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and with support from the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), has announced the launch of a funded technical assistance and institutional support programme for Debt Management Offices (DMOs) across the continent. This programme aims to integrate sustainable finance into sovereign debt strategies, thereby unlocking fiscal space for both development and climate action, while also mobilising investment from domestic and international…
PXP, the global omnichannel payments platform, has introduced Checkout Components, a new enterprise-level solution designed to tackle one of ecommerce’s biggest issues – customers abandoning their purchases at the final stage. The system allows businesses to fully control how payments are displayed, processed and optimised across both desktop and mobile channels. Developed for medium to large-scale enterprises that have previously had to choose between payment flexibility and checkout efficiency, PXP Checkout Components provides both. Unlike conventional systems that confine merchants to standardised, inflexible checkout formats, this technology enables businesses to deliver secure, high-performance, and fully tailored payment flows. The result…
ING has introduced its Global Investment Centre, a major initiative aimed at consolidating and enhancing investment expertise across its markets. The new structure brings together ING’s Investment Offices in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, as well as ING Solutions Investment Management (ISIM) in Luxembourg, into one coordinated global framework. Launched on 1 September, the Global Investment Centre represents an important step in ING’s ambition to develop Private Banking Wealth Management & Investments as the third pillar within its Retail division. It has been designed to provide a consistent, high-quality investment service across markets, guided by a single global philosophy while…
Liberis, a leading global embedded finance platform, has announced a new partnership with Pay-Jet, the Munich-based payment solutions provider, to launch Pay-Jet Flex — an innovative revenue-based financing solution designed specifically for hospitality businesses across Germany. As part of this collaboration, thousands of hospitality merchants within Pay-Jet’s extensive network — including restaurants, cafes, hotels, and franchise operators — will gain simplified access to fast, flexible, and pre-approved funding options. These financing solutions are seamlessly integrated into merchants’ existing payment systems, providing an efficient, tailored approach to securing working capital without disrupting day-to-day operations. “The hospitality industry is a cornerstone of…
The conversation around global banking is no longer just about speed, accessibility, or digital convenience—it’s increasingly about sustainability and the ability to serve diverse markets responsibly. Black Banx, under the leadership of German Billionaire Michael Gastauer, has made it clear that its growth strategy is tied to reshaping how finance operates on a worldwide scale. Its Q2 2025 results reinforce this trajectory, showing both financial resilience and a widening impact across its client base. Q2 2025 Performance: A Snapshot of Strength Black Banx reported a pre-tax profit of USD 1.5 billion in Q2 2025, with revenues reaching USD 4.1 billion…
Clifton Wealth Partnership (CWP) has strengthened its national presence with the successful acquisition of two financial planning firms based in Bristol and Yorkshire, following a comprehensive integration and onboarding process. Over the past 10 months, the CWP team has collaborated closely with Grovebridge Financial Ltd and Clifton Business Consultancy to ensure a smooth transition, tailoring the approach to meet the specific needs of each business. Together, these acquisitions contribute an additional £146 million in assets under management (AUM) to CWP’s growing portfolio. About the financial planning firms Grovebridge Financial Ltd is based in Bingley, West Yorkshire, and has been providing financial…
Fieldfisher, the European law firm, has announced the appointment of Karen O’Grady as a partner in its Corporate practice, effective 1 September 2025. Karen joins from Sheridans and brings with her over 15 years of expertise advising clients on mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, and private equity transactions. Recognised as a highly trusted advisor, Karen is known for building strong, long-term relationships with a wide range of clients, including early-stage growth companies, private equity and VC funds, family offices, and entrepreneurs. Her experience spans multiple sectors, such as technology, media, FMCG, energy, and hospitality. Her notable credentials include advising on…
Fiinu Plc (AIM: BANK), the London-listed fintech behind the world’s first Plugin Overdraft® platform, has officially completed its reverse takeover of Everfex, a European foreign exchange brokerage. The £8 million acquisition represents a significant milestone in Fiinu’s journey towards profitability, coming ahead of the anticipated Q4 2025 launch of its flagship Plugin Overdraft® — a cutting-edge Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) solution. The platform enables customers to access overdraft facilities without switching their existing bank or eMoney accounts, providing mainstream credit access, improving credit scores, and helping users avoid costly late payment fees. As part of the deal, Everfex has been rebranded as…
New research from Quilter has provided an in-depth look at how UK retirees manage their finances, shedding light on spending habits, income disparities, and the growing importance of the state pension. According to Quilter’s inaugural Retirement Lifestyle Report, produced in partnership with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), UK retirees spend an average of £22,140 annually, which includes around £2,500 in gifts to loved ones. Drawing on a survey of 5,001 UK retirees, the report delivers the first annual snapshot of real-world retirement spending, segmented by factors such as age, gender, income level, region, and relationship status. To…
Financial troubles are not just felt when trying to buy something big; they can be felt in the smaller, everyday instances. Have you noticed your grocery hauls getting shorter as the month progresses? Do you skip meals often to save money and pass it off as a “diet”? The cost-of-living crisis has made it difficult to afford necessities, like one square meal a day. Inflation has made staples like bread and eggs more expensive than they were a few years ago, making many British households cut corners. Some months can be especially worse than others, with unexpected expenses and emergencies.…
Market-leading specialist lender Pepper Money has announced a significant update to its lending criteria, reducing the standard bank statement requirement for both employed and self-employed applicants to just one month. The move is part of the lender’s ongoing efforts to streamline the mortgage application process and create a smoother, more efficient experience for brokers and customers alike. Pepper Money understands that gathering documentation and managing the administrative requirements for a mortgage application can take up a significant amount of the journey from decision through to completion. Reducing the number of documents applicants are required to present will streamline the application…
BPI Asset Advisory was instructed to oversee the multi-site disposal of assets belonging to Subscan UDS Limited on behalf of FRP Advisory and several major finance houses. The brief, resulting from the company entering administration, involved the sale of a substantial range of drainage and surveying vehicles, plant machinery, and workshop equipment—amounting to a total of 467 lots. The sale achieved a hammer price exceeding £1.4 million, underscoring BPI’s established expertise in delivering complex, multi-vendor disposals with both efficiency and precision. Comprehensive Scope and Rapid Response The instruction covered a wide array of assets, including high-spec vehicles and specialist equipment…
According to the World Health Organization, almost half of the global population experiences oral and dental health issues. Dr Wonder Clinic warns that these problems can affect emotional stability, confidence, and social interactions as much as they affect physical health. Speaking on the subject, Erhan Ceylan from Dr Wonder Clinic said: “As a clinic, we aim not only to provide solutions for existing problems but also to raise awareness about preventive oral and dental health measures. Preventive and regular dental care can significantly reduce the risk of disease, improve treatment success rates, and help people maintain healthy smiles for a…
Bitpanda, Europe’s foremost cryptoasset platform, has entered the UK market, providing local investors with access to more than 600 cryptoassets — the most extensive offering currently available in the country. With a user base exceeding 7 million across Europe and holding multiple regulatory licences outside the UK, Bitpanda is regarded as one of the continent’s most secure and reputable cryptoasset platforms. Now open to UK customers, it delivers a tailored experience supported by institutional-grade infrastructure, enabling trading in a vast selection of assets ranging from flagship cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum to an array of emerging tokens and stablecoins. Users…
TOI Commodities SA has secured enhanced financing to further strengthen agricultural trade in the Danube region, surpassing initial expectations. The company is delighted to confirm the successful execution of the Facility Agreement for the refinancing and enlargement of its Borrowing Base Facility (BBF), effective 1 July 2025. The Facility has grown from USD 182.5 million to USD 295 million — an increase of 78% — which includes a $30 million commitment scheduled to join at a later stage. Key transaction details: Total committed Borrowing Base Facility: USD 295 million (with plans to expand to USD 325 million)Facility structure: Two tranches…
Close Brothers Invoice Finance has introduced a dedicated new team, ‘Scale Up’, aimed at providing tailored support to start-ups and smaller SMEs. The initiative will offer facilities of up to £350,000, along with prepayments of up to 100%, enabling businesses to maximise liquidity from their very first day. Through this service, companies will also gain access to the funder’s IDeal platform, which facilitates the transfer of the cash value of newly raised invoices directly into customers’ bank accounts as soon as they are issued. Larger deals will continue to be supported by the Commercial team for facilities from £350k–£3m, while…
Luceco, a market leader in the design and manufacture of residential and commercial electrification solutions, has secured £25 million in funding from AIB. The investment forms part of an expanded syndicated multicurrency revolving credit facility (RCF), which has been increased from £80 million to £120 million, providing greater balance sheet flexibility in line with Luceco’s capital allocation strategy. The funding underscores AIB’s commitment to backing high-growth businesses with a strong focus on sustainability. It will enable Luceco, headquartered in London, to advance its innovation pipeline, broaden its product portfolio, and pursue strategic acquisitions. The company also plans to accelerate the…
New research from GetAgent.co.uk reveals that the UK property market is enjoying its strongest spell since 2022, with both mortgage approvals and housing transactions hitting their highest average monthly figures in the past three years. The analysis, based on data from HMRC and the Bank of England, examined residential property transactions and mortgage approvals recorded so far in 2025. By comparing average monthly figures between January and June this year with the same period in previous years, GetAgent assessed the market’s current performance trajectory. The research shows that a total of 623,500 property transactions have taken place across the UK…
Clear Junction, a leading provider of global payment and banking infrastructure for regulated institutions, has introduced a new on-chain stablecoin transfer service as part of the rapid expansion of its digital assets division. This innovative solution enables clients to send, receive, and convert stablecoins—initially supporting USDC (Circle) and USDT (Tether)—across Ethereum, Solana, and Tron networks. This development marks a significant step in bridging the gap between traditional financial systems and the dynamic world of blockchain-based finance. By facilitating seamless on-chain transactions, the solution caters to the needs of institutions seeking efficient, compliant access to digital assets. As the first in…
• Mortgages are designed for people from the African diaspora and other foreign nationals in the UK who struggle to get home loans• Products could support any borrower struggling to get a mortgage because of their circumstances such as the self-employed A newly launched bank aimed at addressing the needs of underserved communities—including individuals from the African diaspora and foreign nationals living in the UK—has been granted full authorisation by both the PRA and the FCA to begin operating. Afin Bank is entering the market with a mission to improve access to home financing for those who have traditionally faced…
Chetwood Bank has confirmed the appointment of Rob Pomphrett as its newest non-executive director (NED), bringing a wealth of experience to the Board. With a career spanning more than three decades in the banking and financial markets industry, Rob has developed deep expertise in trading risk management and has led global teams across a broad range of areas including credit, interest rate products, government bonds, and structured finance. Rob’s impressive track record includes nearly 20 years at the Royal Bank of Canada, one of the world’s top ten banks, where he held several senior leadership roles, including Global Head of…
HSBC has announced the appointment of Simon Russell as its new European Head of the Institutional Client Group (ICG), with the role taking effect from October 2025. In this leadership position, Simon will be responsible for shaping and executing an integrated service strategy for HSBC’s ICG client base across Europe. His remit will span a diverse range of institutional clients, including financial institutions, sponsors, the public sector, asset managers, hedge funds, and insurers. Operating out of London, Simon will report directly to Danielle Johnson, Global Head of ICG, who is based in New York. He joins from Standard Chartered where…
Aspray is proud to announce it has been shortlisted as a finalist in the esteemed 2025 BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards, competing in the highly regarded Franchise Support category. Headquartered in Lancashire, Aspray specialises in handling property damage insurance claims on behalf of policyholders throughout the UK. Since introducing its franchise model in 2005, the company has expanded its network to 45 franchisees nationwide. The BFA (British Franchise Association), established in 1977, is the UK’s foremost franchising authority. It champions ethical franchising practices and excellence in the sector, supporting both businesses and individuals through accreditation, education, and expert insight.…
Thanks to the substantial and continued advances in technology, modern consumers don’t have to do as much waiting as people have in the past. Not for a coffee order, a video to load, or a bank transaction to process. Thanks to the likes of Amazon, Netflix, and Uber, expectations for speed, personalization, and convenience have been permanently recalibrated. And now? Those expectations are knocking—loudly—on the doors of the banking industry. In this hyper-digital world, people want their finances to move as fast as their lives. It’s no longer enough for banks to be reliable; they must also be responsive, intuitive,…
Specialist mortgage lender Pepper Money has enhanced its residential lending criteria by accepting income from UK visa holders on applications up to 75% LTV, providing broader access to its comprehensive range of residential mortgage products where at least one applicant holds permanent right to reside. Renowned for delivering fair lending solutions to customers with non-standard financial backgrounds, Pepper Money will now include income from UK visa holders across all residential purchase and remortgage products. This move reinforces the lender’s ongoing commitment to making homeownership more inclusive and accessible. To qualify, visa holders must demonstrate a minimum of two years’ employment…
Altery is currently working closely with the DFSA to operationalise the licence, ensuring all compliance, operational and technical components are aligned for a smooth go-to-market rollout. The granting of the DFSA licence represents a strategic milestone, affirming its adherence to international financial standards and its commitment to delivering secure, innovative solutions within a trusted regulatory framework. UK-based fintech startup Altery Ltd has announced that its subsidiary, Altery MENA Ltd, has received a regulatory licence from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). This licence allows the company to facilitate local currency transactions (AED/GCC) within the UAE, marking a significant milestone in…
As financial services increasingly shift toward digital channels, one concept has become central to customer retention and satisfaction: personalization. In an environment where convenience is no longer a differentiator but a baseline expectation, leading digital banks are turning to tailored experiences to meet users’ unique financial needs. Black Banx, a global digital banking platform, is setting a benchmark in this domain by offering highly customizable and inclusive services that redefine what personalization means in the context of global finance. The Role of Personalization in Digital Banking Modern banking customers demand services that adapt to their lifestyles, not the other way…
HMRC has reported £1.5 billion in Inheritance Tax (IHT) receipts for April–May 2025, up £98 million year-on-year. Over the past 12 months, IHT revenue reached £8.35 billion—an increase from £7.68 billion the year prior. The continued rise reflects growing estate values and frozen thresholds amid inflation. Charlotte de Vries, director at EXE Capital Management, the Exeter-based wealth planning firm, said: “We shouldn’t be surprised that Inheritance Tax (IHT) receipts keep rising. Freezes on thresholds over the past few years together with decades of house price rises have brought more and more estates into the tax band. The HMRC’s inheritance tax…