Mastercard Partners with MoonPay to Explore Web3 Technology

Partnerships
MoonPay, Mastercard Collaborate to Redefine Payment Solutions
Mastercard has partnered with MoonPay, a crypto payment platform, to explore Web3 technology, revolutionize payments, and engage with Web3 experiences. This collaboration integrates Mastercard’s features into MoonPay’s ecosystem, focusing on decentralization, blockchain, and cryptocurrency in the finance industry. Read More>>
Ualá Partners with Soriana for Cash Deposits in Mexico
Uala, an Argentine fintech, has partnered with Soriana stores in Mexico to enable customers to deposit cash at over 1,000 locations, enhancing access to banking services. The partnership aims to serve the 82% of Mexicans who still predominantly use cash for financial transactions. Read More>>

Deal
Financial Conduct Authority Signs £675 Million Digital Services Framework
The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority has appointed 62 suppliers to a £675 million long-term framework for digital tool development and support over a four-year contract period. The framework is expected to run until September 2027 and will provide critical support for the FCA’s technology transformation journey. Read More>>

Centre Setup and Expansion
Valley National Bank OpensHQ in Morristown
Valley National Bank has officially opened its new headquarters in Morristown, a modern 120,000-square-foot facility designed for collaboration and innovation. With a focus on community engagement, the bank supports the Ethan and the Bean café, a venture providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Read More>>
F&M Bank Expands Presence with New Downtown Headquarters
F&M Bank is set to open its new regional headquarters at 128 Wayne Street in Downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana, expanding its presence in the area with a full-service bank office and additional office space. Offering comprehensive in-branch and digital banking services. Read More>>

Mergers and Acquisitions
Old National Bank to acquire Nashville bank
Old National Bank is set to acquire CapStar in an all-stock transaction to strengthen its presence in the Nashville market and expand to high-growth regions, adding significant assets, loans, and deposits. Read More>>
DTCC Acquires Securrency in US$50 Million Deal
The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation is acquiring Securrency Inc., a digital asset infrastructure developer, to establish DTCC Digital Assets. This move aims to enhance digital asset innovation and offer innovative solutions for blockchain-based offerings and interoperability in financial markets. Read More>>

Executive Movements
Kraken Appoints Fintech Entrepreneur Bivu Das as New UK Managing Director
Kraken has named Bivu Das, an ex-Starling Bank executive, as its Managing Director for the UK market. With experience in fintech startups and a previous role at Starling Bank overseeing operations strategy and scaling. Read More>>
Bank of Canada announces appointment of Nick Leswick as Executive Director of Policy
The Bank of Canada has appointed Nick Leswick as Executive Director of Policy, effective January 9, 2024. Leswick, who has held roles at the Department of Finance Canada and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, will oversee the Bank’s economic and financial sector departments. Read More>>
CNO Financial Group Names Karen DeToro President, Worksite Division and Jeremy Williams Chief Actuary
CNO Financial Group appointed Karen DeToro as President of the Worksite Division and Jeremy Williams as Chief Actuary, effective January 1, 2024. DeToro, with nearly 30 years of insurance and financial services experience, succeeds Michael Byers. Williams, with nearly 20 years at CNO, brings extensive actuarial expertise to his new role. Read More>>

New Product Development and Product Launch
Deutsche Bank and Standard Chartered Begin Testing UDPN
Deutsche Bank and Standard Chartered are testing UDPN, a system promoting seamless communication between digital assets, stablecoins, and CBDCs, focusing on decentralization and security. It aims to enhance financial efficiency and reduce transaction costs for a more interconnected and secure financial ecosystem. Read More>>

Secure Payment Acceptance

• U.S. Bank focuses on enhancing digital capabilities and enabling businesses to streamline secure payment transactions. U.S. Bank introduced Real-Time Payments (RTP) which offers clients to send instant payments, improve the biller-customer interaction, cash flow management, reducing payment costs, and strengthening supplier relationships.   
• U.S. Bank focuses on expanding the embedded payment tools to enhance online account opening, account-to-account transfers, small business e-invoicing, and simplified payables that meet clients’ evolving digital needs.

Small Business Empowerment

• U.S. Bank streamlines next-generation point-of-sale solution aims to help small business owners manage their operations efficiently.    
• U.S. Bank allows business owners to accept payments and offers features like credit card surcharging, inventory management, and employee management support.      
• U.S. Bancorp’s investment in digital product enhancements to strengthen its fee-based businesses and enhance services for small business owners.

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