A PYMNTS survey shows that most users of standalone BNPL services are interested in bank-backed versions—including customers of the biggest standalone players.

Its fintech is out of stealth mode and is making acquisitions to build a neobank that will call itself as ONE. Its scaling potential makes it a threat to US banking players.

It’s not alone in the race. An influx of new BaaS entrants indicates the emergence of an industry to underpin embedded banking.

In the increasingly crowded US buy now, pay later (BNPL) space, the convenience of Upgrade’s single-invoicing feature could catch consumers’ attention.

The US banking giant will launch its first international retail presence this week. Its resources, market experience, and patience about attaining profitability suggest that it could be a formidable player.

The banking giant will buy fintech GreenSky in a deal worth about $2.24 billion, broadening the line of products available to consumers through its direct bank unit.

Digital-only banks—and neobanks in particular—have emerged as potent threats to incumbents, and many disruptors that could further shake up the US banking market loom large. But incumbents can still secure digital account holders by adopting digital best practices championed by challengers.

Global crypto ETF assets tripled to $9 billion year over year—and US market players are set to boost AUM and revenues once given the regulatory green light, switching global volume growth into overdrive.

The UK neobank is the latest to join the hot and crowded installment-payments space—and cross-promotion to its 5 million users could ramp it up quickly.

The UK-based neobank is looking to do buy now, pay later (BNPL) trials in Europe next year—and it could quickly find a following within its large customer base.

Co-brand card issuers and brand partners have an opportunity to reimagine their offerings in the pandemic’s wake. Leaning on newfound digitization and shifting spending habits can help providers tailor their offerings in ways that widen their net, grow volume, and appeal to the maximum number of customers.

The banking giant will build out its buy now, pay later footprint by creating two key roles within its Marcus direct bank—and its ambitions could add prospects for its upcoming checking account.

The retail giant is making its prepaid debit card—offered with Green Dot Bank—available as a demand deposit account. That and its big store footprint could pose a threat to smaller banks in rural areas.

Goldman Sachs’ direct bank is partnering with working capital platform C2FO to offer unsecured loans to SMBs—and its latest expansion in the SMB space could bolster its bottom line.

eBay rolls out lending to UK SMBs: The ecommerce giant is partnering with embedded finance platform YouLend to extend loans to its sellers—giving the former a chance to make itself stickier for platform sellers and the latter access to data and loan growth.

Digital transformation is vital for wealth managers, as consumer expectations are changing, fiscal pressures are tightening, and competition is stiffening. These drivers have been further accelerated by the pandemic. But transformation efforts across the front, middle, and back office can help incumbents get their services up to speed and better compete with fintech wealth managers that are challenging the status quo.

After the coronavirus pandemic forced issuers to adapt rewards, enhance forbearance, and build out digital tools to cope with a volume hit in 2020, they’re looking to reimagine their offerings in the future to add new customers and regain primary card status.

Digital ad spending in Germany will approach €7.3 billion ($8.6 billion) this year—nearly 10% more than in 2018. The sectors we analyze—including automotive, consumer packaged goods (CPG), financial services, healthcare/pharma, retail and travel—will all see much higher spending on mobile ads.

Esports has evolved into a huge, global business with attractive marketing opportunities for brands looking to connect with young, digitally savvy and engaged fans.