The Code could very well be the regulatory catalyst for growth across global currency markets. We’ve seen this kind of effect of transparency on other industries, such as the cellular phone market, which now delivers greater pricing choice for consumers. This is because ultimately, transparency will lead to the democratization of FX which, in the long-term, benefits everyone by creating better liquidity. While it will not happen overnight, as the industry evolves, there is a real opportunity for participants to capture new market share and gain an edge on the competition.

For consumers, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) affords them a number of additional protections regarding their data and really gives them a say in how this data is managed and used. Meanwhile, for financial institutions, with GDPR they face a regulatory landscape which is more complex and which ultimately increases their costs as they try to get ready before May 2018. However, crucially, GDPR also creates a significant opportunity for banks to become more transparent in their business practices, which can only enhance the trust levels with their customers.

Domino Data Lab, the fastest growing data science platform provider by market share, today announced at the Strata Data Conference in London the addition of Ben Harknett, EMEA industry veteran, known for his ability to accelerate the growth of tech companies and build world-class customer service and operations teams.

ipagoo, a revolutionary mobile banking app is now available to customers in the UK. The app offers customers a new concept of banking and allows them, for the first time, to open multi accounts in different countries and send money across the world instantaneously. The simple task of setting up a new current account abroad can take up to several months with high street banks; it now takes just minutes with ipagoo.

The innovative mobile banking app has been designed for everyone but particularly benefits:

Liquidnet, the global institutional trading network, today announced the appointment of Stephen Grady as Non-Executive Director of Liquidnet Europe. Stephen will bring more than twenty years of experience in managing trading functions.  

Commenting on Grady’s appointment, Mark Pumfrey, Head of Liquidnet EMEA, said: “We are looking forward to Stephen joining as Non-Executive Director and providing strategic counsel to Liquidnet as it continues to expand its business across the EMEA region, with an overall focus on augmenting global membership.”

On May 19, the Czech capital hosted the largest conference on digital currencies and blockchain – Blockchain & Bitcoin Conference Prague. 15 speakers from 8 countries (300 participants in total) discussed the development of cryptocurrencies, blockchain projects in Fintech and Govtech, as well as legislative challenges.

Business & community

The unique environment for financial services in Africa is fertile ground for innovative FinTech players who are capitalising on the opportunities to disrupt or leapfrog established business models to make financial services more affordable, accessible and profitable across the continent.