LuLu Exchange, one of GCC’s biggest names in cross-border payments, has announced a partnership with Fintech Galaxy, a leader in Open Banking and financial innovation, in Bahrain. The partnership will see LuLu Exchange leverage Fintech Galaxy’s Open Banking Solutions to make cross-border payments faster and more convenient in Bahrain.

Fintech Galaxy, a leader in Open Banking and financial innovation, is licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain to offer Account Information Services (AIS) and Payment Initiation Services (PIS) in the Kingdom.

Avaloq, a leader in wealth management technology and services, has appointed Dr. Heiko Beck to its Group Executive Board. As Managing Director for Region Europe, Dr. Heiko Beck will oversee Avaloq’s activities in Germany, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg and the rest of Europe. In this role, Dr. Heiko Beck will drive the acceleration of the digital transformation in the region by enhancing service delivery and expanding the Avaloq community, also supporting the development of the Avaloq offering globally.

Fiserv, Inc., a leading global provider of  payments and financial services technology, today announced that the FirstRand Group, one of the largest banks in Africa with total assets of $130 billion, will become the first financial institution outside of the U.S.

Finzly, a leader in innovative payment and financial solutions, today announced that Vantage Bank will modernize and consolidate its payment processing infrastructure using Finzly's end-to-end payment hub. The implementation will enable Vantage Bank to meet evolving customer demands while strengthening its core payment capabilities through a fully ISO 20022 native platform.

Backbase, a provider of engagement banking solutions, announces a strategic partnership with Feedzai, a company providing AI-native fraud prevention solutions, aiming to support financial institutions in addressing digital fraud while maintaining operational efficiency in customer interactions.

The regulator has highlighted concerns with cryptoasset, debt solutions, and claims management company (CMC) promotions. 9,197 CMC promotions were withdrawn in 2024. Many of these promotions were related to housing disrepair and motor finance claims targeted at vulnerable consumers.

Trustly, the global leader in Pay by Bank, today announced a partnership with Spreedly, the world’s leading Open Payments Platform. Together, Trustly and Spreedly will provide merchants with full-service access to Pay by Bank to drive improved conversion rates and optimize payment efficiency across expanded regional and global markets.

Hex Trust, a leading digital assets financial service provider specializing in custody, staking, and market services, has successfully secured a strategic funding round led by Morgan Creek Digital with participation from global investors including Injective. Hex Trust's total funding to date is over $100 million. This latest investment marks a pivotal milestone as Hex Trust prepares for its Series C raise anticipated for later in 2025.

Pomelo, the first company to combine consumer credit with international money transfer, has released Pomelo Points, the industry's first points program for sending money overseas.

BMO today announced it has joined the IBM Quantum Network, extending its technology leadership in North America to further drive real financial progress for its customers, clients, and the communities it serves.