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Welcome to another episode of our Daily Fintech Podcast.
This podcast episode is sponsored by Sokin. Sokin is the trusted global FX payment provider for some of the world’s leading brands. With Sokin Premium you can send and receive unlimited international payments for one fixed monthly fee. Market beating rates, no commission, hassle-free.
THE NEWS HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY IS
Revolut is making its first venture into physical devices with the launch of a card reader for shops and restaurants. Revolut, which now caters to a global customer base of 18m and garnered a $33bn valuation in its latest funding round, told City AM it was launching the device in UK and Ireland. Customers will be able to make card payments via the reader and use services such as Chip & Pin, Contactless, Google Pay and Apple Pay.
JUST IN:
‘Buy now, pay later’ finance firm Payl8r is calling for open banking to be adopted as a legal requirement for credit assessment.
ALSO:
Quirk launches to the wider public this week after reaching 10,000 beta users.
FURTHERMORE,
The South Africa Reserve Bank is working on a new Rapid Payments Programme (RPP) which is set to significantly shake up payments in South Africa.
LET’S HEAR ALL ABOUT MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS:
Careem acquired start-up Denarii (Acquired by Careem) as it aims to expand its reach in the FinTech sector.
Talenom announced its acquisition of Nomo from Innocells, the corporate venture arm and digital innovation hub of Banco Sabadell.
AS FOR PARTNERSHIPS
Veriff announced its partnership with Twisto, A Zip Company to provide identity verification services for online merchants.
WHAT ABOUT FUNDING ROUNDS AND INVESTMENTS?
Reciprocal Ventures announced on Wednesday that it has closed a $70 million fund.
Knox Financial plans to expand its lending business and loan products with $50 million in funding it received from a real estate advisory firm.
The South African fintech Sava Africa has raised $2 million in pre-seed funding.