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/people

UK Chancellor halts ISAs reductions after backlash

Rachel Reeves, UK Chancellor, announced reductions to allowance for tax-free cash savings in a push to get the public to allocate more funds into stocks and shares to boost the economy. However, backlash from building societies and banks has led to these plans being shelved.

/inclusion

Binance launches Sharia Earn, an Islamic banking-aligned token

Global blockchain platform Binance has launched a Sharia-compliant multi-token in alignment with Islamic principles to promote inclusivity in crypto-trading.

/wholesale

Ageras makes 8th acquisition with payroll company Employes

Accounting, admin, and banking software platform Ageras has made its eighth acquisition in Dutch payroll company Employes.

/regulation

FCA closes 1600 websites in fight against financial crime

Over 1600 websites suspected of promoting financial services without permission were suspended, removed or blocked in 2024 because of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority.

/startups

Propel Venture Partners closes $100m fund

Propel Venture Partners, the BBVA-backed seed-stage venture firm targeting fintechs, has closed a $100 million fund.

/ai

Nationwide taps Microsoft and Accenture for GenAI-powered cybersecurity

Nationwide Building Society has enlisted Microsoft and Accenture for an AI-powered overhaul of its cybersecurity operations.

/payments

Judge dismisses antitrust suit against Apple, Visa and Mastercard

A US judge has dismissed a lawsuit accusing Apple, Visa and Mastercard of conspiring to suppress competition in the market for point-of-sale payment card services, according to Reuters.

/wholesale

Deutsche Bank goes live with Swift Instant Cash Reporting

Deutsche Bank has gone live with Swift’s new API-driven Instant Cash Reporting (ICR) tool for accessing real-time account and balance information with a single, standardised connection.

/wealth

Alternative investment platform iCapital raises $820m

Alternative investment platform iCapital has raised over $820 million at a valuation of more than $7.5 billion.

/crypto

Ant International takes aim at stablecoins; integration with USDC on the cards

Ant International, is evaluating the possibility of applying for stablecoin licenses in several countries, according to comments made during the Reuters Next Conference in Singapore.

/retail

Revolut to seek $65 billion valuation in new funding round

Revolut is looking to raise a new funding round that would give it a $65 billion valuation, according to the Financial Times.

/wealth

US fintech Alpaca to acquire WealthKernel

US fintech Alpaca is to acquire the UK's WealthKernel, a provider of digital investment infrastructure and tax-advantaged products for businesses.