Fintech
Latest news, explainers and analysis on Fintech. Tracking 211 stories on Arth Vani.
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BreakingMDR on UPI Transactions Over ₹2,000 Deferred Until After Diwali
The Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions exceeding ₹2,000 has been deferred, meaning merchants will not be charged this fee for now. This decision provides a temporary reprieve for businesses and consumers, with the potential charges set to come into effect only after the Diwali festival, as reported by The Economic Times.
IPOBreakingZetwerk Eyes IPO Amidst AI Marketing Shift
Industrial manufacturing marketplace Zetwerk is reportedly preparing for an Initial Public Offering (IPO). This comes as the digital marketing landscape evolves, with a growing emphasis on AI-driven strategies.
BreakingUPI Merchant Fee Shake-up: Digital Payments Face Business Model Test
India's recent changes to UPI merchant fees are challenging the established business models of digital payment providers. The move aims to ensure a sustainable ecosystem for all stakeholders.

Meta Claims 5.3 Million Child Abuse Content Removed in H1 2026 Amid Regulatory Scrutiny
Social media giant Meta has reported taking action against 5.3 million pieces of child abuse content during the first half of 2026. This move comes as the company faces intensified regulatory scrutiny in India concerning online safety and content moderation. The claim highlights ongoing efforts by Meta to address harmful content on its platforms.

Japan's SBI Group Forms Digital Asset Joint Venture with Mesh Connect, Money Forward
Japan's SBI Group is partnering with crypto infrastructure provider Mesh Connect and fintech firm Money Forward to launch a new digital asset joint venture. This collaboration highlights the growing trend of established financial players globally entering the cryptocurrency and blockchain space.

Airtel Money Debuts on London Stock Exchange in Largest Listing in Five Years
Airtel Money, the financial services arm of Indian telecommunications giant Bharti Airtel, has made its debut on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). This significant listing marks the largest on the LSE in the past five years, underscoring its growing global presence in the financial technology sector.
BreakingPFRDA Enables NPS Account Opening via PhonePe, BHIM for Easier Digital Access
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has announced a significant push for digital access to the National Pension System (NPS), enabling new account openings through popular fintech platforms like PhonePe and BHIM. This 'NPS Tatkal' initiative aims to simplify and expedite the registration process, making retirement planning more accessible for Indian citizens.
IPOBreakingAirtel Africa Plans £5.3 Billion London IPO for Mobile Money Business
Airtel Africa is preparing to list its mobile money arm, Airtel Money, on the London Stock Exchange with an estimated valuation of £5.3 billion (approx. ₹58,000 crore). This move marks one of the largest London listings in recent years and highlights the growing value of digital payment ecosystems in emerging markets.

Anyflo Acquires Native to Simplify Enterprise Stablecoin Payments
Anyflo, a new service focused on orchestrating stablecoin payments for businesses, has officially launched, emerging from its 'stealth mode'. This debut includes the acquisition of Native, a platform previously known for Bitcoin lending. The move aims to streamline and simplify how companies handle transactions using stablecoins.

Univest Highlights Future Trends for Intraday Trading Apps in India for 2026
Univest has published a '2026 Feature Guide' focusing on the anticipated evolution of intraday trading applications in India. The guide aims to outline key advancements and functionalities expected to shape the experience for retail traders in the coming years, though specific details from the guide are not yet publicly available.
BreakingFintech Platforms May Retain Service Fees Despite UPI Zero-MDR Directive
Indian fintech platforms are expected to continue levying certain "platform fees" for value-added services, a practice distinct from the National Payments Corporation of India's (NPCI) directive for zero Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions. This means that while core UPI payments remain free for users, charges may still apply for specific conveniences offered by these payment applications.
BreakingRBI Expands Financial Data Scope, Makes Account Aggregators Interoperable
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the widening of a key financial data system (CAS) and enabled interoperability for Account Aggregators (AAs), a move set to streamline personal finance management. This development aims to empower Indian retail investors and borrowers with greater control over their financial data and potentially improve access to various financial services. It signifies a significant step towards a more interconnected and efficient digital financial ecosystem.
BreakingIndia May Delay UPI Fee Plan Amid Payment Firm Concerns
The Indian government is reportedly considering a delay in implementing transaction fees on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions. This potential postponement comes as payment service providers are preparing for a significant shift in their business models.

US Bank Launches New Service to Monitor Dark Web for Identity, Credit, Privacy Risks
US Bank has introduced a new service designed to help its customers detect and respond to identity, credit, and privacy risks found on the dark web. This offering aims to provide greater security by monitoring for potential threats and empowering customers to take corrective action.
IPOAnthropic Unveils Cheaper, Faster AI Model Haiku 5.5
AI firm Anthropic has launched its latest AI model, Haiku 5.5, designed for tasks like summarization and classification. This new model is 75% cheaper than its predecessor, Haiku 4.5, aiming to make advanced AI capabilities more accessible.

Prophix and PwC Belgium Partner for Automated Financial Management on October 7, 2026
On October 7, 2026, Prophix, a global leader in financial performance management, announced a strategic collaboration with PwC Belgium. This partnership aims to automate and scale essential financial functions such as budgeting, planning, reporting, consolidation, and closing for their respective clients.

JPMorgan Chase Leads Global Banking AI, Tops Evident AI Index Again
JPMorgan Chase has reaffirmed its position as the world's most advanced bank in artificial intelligence, according to the Evident AI Index. This marks an extended lead for the financial giant in leveraging AI for its operations and services.

Finnish M&A Intelligence Platform Comparables.ai Secures $6 Million Seed Funding
Finnish mergers and acquisitions (M&A) intelligence platform Comparables.ai has successfully raised $6 million, equivalent to approximately ₹50 crore, in a seed funding round. This investment aims to accelerate the company's growth and enhance its AI-powered data analytics solutions for businesses involved in M&A deals.
New LaunchAmerican Bankers Association Invests in BankTech Ventures Fund II to Boost Bank Tech
The American Bankers Association (ABA) has invested in BankTech Ventures Fund II, a venture fund focused on technology companies that help banks improve operations and customer service. This move aims to support innovation within the banking sector, particularly for community banks.

US Fintech Rain Seeks Federal Charter for Regulated Stablecoin Services
US-based fintech firm Rain has applied to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to establish a national trust bank. This proposed bank aims to bring stablecoin custody, reserve management, and issuance/redemption under direct federal supervision. The move signifies a growing global trend towards integrating digital assets into traditional regulated financial systems.

Navigating Investment Apps: A Future Guide for Indian Retail Investors Towards 2026
Investment applications are transforming how Indian retail investors engage with financial markets, offering accessibility and diverse investment options. As global financial platforms like Forbes highlight future trends, understanding the landscape of these digital tools is crucial for making informed decisions.
BreakingPB Fintech Can Withstand Any Revenue Impact from IRDAI Consultation Paper, Says CEO Dahiya
Yashish Dahiya, Chairman and CEO of PB Fintech, the parent company of popular insurance aggregator Policybazaar, has stated that the company is well-equipped to manage any potential revenue hits. This reassurance comes amidst discussions around a consultation paper issued by the IRDAI, India's insurance regulator, suggesting potential changes for the sector.

ANZ Bank Completes Landmark Cross-Border Payment Using Tokenised Deposits & Swift Blockchain
Australian bank ANZ has successfully conducted a live cross-border corporate treasury transaction using 'tokenised deposits' on Swift's new blockchain ledger. This marks a significant step towards faster, more secure, and potentially cheaper international payments for businesses globally.

Global Banks Shift AI Strategy: Building In-House Solutions Over Buying
Banks worldwide are increasingly choosing to develop artificial intelligence (AI) solutions internally or through co-building partnerships, rather than solely relying on external vendors. This marks a strategic shift in how financial institutions approach technological innovation and leverage AI capabilities.
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