A new kind of money mindset is taking hold - one built around confidence, control, and smarter choices. 

After years of economic turbulence, consumers have become more intentional about how they manage their money. Many are turning away from traditional finance and are now seeking flexible, digital-first tools that support better budgeting and long-term planning.

A shift in financial habits

NatWest has today announced a major expansion of its support for UK entrepreneurs, aiming to grow the Accelerator community to 50,000 members – a five-fold increase on the 10,000 ambition set for 2025.

This step-up‑ follows a strong 2025, when the bank exceeded its ambition by growing the community to c12,000, beating in a single year the total number it had supported over the previous ten years in total and underlining the acceleration of the scale and impact.

The Republic of South Africa has today officially acceded to the Establishment Agreement of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Africa’s leading Multilateral Financial Institution, marking the formal entry of one of Africa’s largest economies into the Bank’s membership, heralding deeper financial sovereignty. 

Evolve Bank & Trust (“Evolve”) today announced Arlon Duke as Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer (“CTO”). Duke began his Evolver career in 2023 as Director of Information Technology.

Affirm and Virgin Media O2 are today announcing a new partnership that will see the transparent and flexible payment network provide upfront and honest hardware financing to O2 - one of the UK’s leading mobile providers.

Through the partnership, new and existing O2 customers will be able to enjoy increased flexibility to choose a payment option that suits their needs when purchasing a device.

LHV Bank has been formally granted consumer credit permission by the UK Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), following a comprehensive and rigorous six-month application process.

Duna, the identity fintech founded by two Stripe alumni, today announced a €30 Million Series A funding round led by CapitalG, Alphabet’s independent growth fund. Existing investors Index Ventures and Puzzle Ventures also participated in the round. 

A new report released today by financial innovation consultancy W Fintechs examines how Brazil’s Pix became one of the world’s most advanced public payments infrastructures, and why its design is now shaping global debate on the future of payments.