Global Fintech Sees Major Deals and Digital Advances

July 2025 brought major advancements in global fintech, with institutions like SBI Group in Japan and Summit Bank in Nigeria adopting digital platforms, and Cathay United Bank in Taiwan partnering with Avaloq to upgrade private banking. The UK's FCA proposed stronger consumer protections for buy now, pay later products, while UniCredit introduced international transfers via Wise, and Africa launched the PAPSSCARD for cross-border payments. In mergers and acquisitions, Santander's £2.65 billion purchase of TSB will create the UK's third-largest bank, and Alpaca acquired WealthKernel to expand in Europe. Strategic buyers accounted for over 90% of early 2025 fintech deals as IPO activity slowed. MarketWise is scheduled to participate in the UBS 2025 Fintech One-on-One Conference, highlighting ongoing investor interest. These developments underscore the industry's shift toward digital innovation, regulatory adjustments, and market consolidation.