Good morning, Fintech insiders! Welcome to Fintech Pulse, your daily op-ed–style briefing on the stories shaping our industry. Today we cover six major developments—from blockbuster funding rounds to cutting-edge AI trends, high-profile mergers, and education initiatives—alongside incisive commentary to help you stay ahead of the curve.
1. Thunes Secures US$150 M Series D to Fuel U.S. Expansion
Key News
Cross-border payments innovator Thunes has closed a US$150 million Series D round led by Apis Partners and Vitruvian Partners, marking its largest ever capital raise. The Singapore-based fintech, which connects traditional banking rails to digital wallets in over 130 countries, will deploy the proceeds to expand its Direct Global Network and deepen its newly-licensed U.S. operations across all 50 states. CEO Floris de Kort highlighted Thunes’ US$150 million revenue run-rate and positive EBITDA as proof that rapid growth and financial discipline can go hand in hand.
Analysis & Opinion
Thunes’ ability to attract blue-chip growth capital underscores a broader investor appetite for cross-border payment platforms that tackle real-world inefficiencies. With remittance corridors booming and digital wallets proliferating, Thunes is well-positioned to capture market share in the U.S., where instant, low-cost transfers are still nascent. Yet, scaling a global network poses regulatory and compliance challenges; the true test will be executing seamless integrations with U.S. banks and digital wallets without sacrificing speed or reliability. If Thunes can replicate its international success domestically, it could trigger a new wave of consolidation among smaller regional players.
Source: FinTech Magazine
2. Forbes Spotlights AI Agents for Investment Research
Key News
In a thought-provoking piece, Forbes’ Jeff Kauflin identifies “AI agents” as fintech’s next frontier for deep investment research. Leading platforms—from trading app Robinhood to nimble NYC startups—are deploying autonomous AI agents that process vast datasets (SEC filings, earnings calls, macro reports) to generate actionable insights faster than human analysts. These agents can simulate investment theses, adjust portfolios in real time, and even draft regulatory filings.
Analysis & Opinion
The shift toward autonomous AI in asset management is inevitable, but it raises profound questions about accountability and transparency. While AI agents promise cost efficiencies and 24/7 research capabilities, financial firms must guard against overreliance on black-box models. Rigorous backtesting, explainable-AI frameworks, and human-in-the-loop oversight will be essential to mitigate model drift and guard against false signals—especially in volatile markets. Firms that navigate this balance effectively will gain an edge, but regulators are watching closely and may soon demand disclosures on algorithmic decision-making.
Source: Forbes
3. Railsr and Equals Merge in £283 M Deal to Forge Embedded Finance Powerhouse
Key News
UK-based Railsr (formerly Railsbank) has agreed to acquire Equals Group in an all-cash £283 million transaction, creating one of Europe’s largest embedded finance platforms. Under the terms, Equals shareholders will receive 140 pence per share (135 pence cash plus a 5 pence special dividend). The deal—expected to close in Q2 2025—brings together Railsr’s BaaS/CaaS capabilities (virtual cards, balance holding, open banking) with Equals’ strengths in cross-border payments (FairFX, CardOneMoney). Leadership teams from both firms, including Ian Strafford-Taylor (CEO, Equals) and Philippe Morel (CEO, Railsr), will spearhead the integration.
Analysis & Opinion
This merger signals a coming era of embedded finance consolidation. By pooling resources, Railsr-Equals will offer end-to-end solutions—from issuing payment instruments to facilitating international transactions—under one roof. Cross-selling opportunities abound, but integration risks loom large: aligning technology stacks, unifying compliance frameworks, and retaining client trust will be critical. Success here could set a new M&A benchmark in embedded finance, prompting VCs and strategic investors to reevaluate other mid-market fintechs as future roll-up targets.
Source: FinTech Magazine
4. Singapore’s Surfin Meta Digital Technologies Nets US$26.5 M
Key News
Surfin Meta Digital Technologies, a Singapore-based fintech serving the underbanked, has closed US$26.5 million in a fresh round led by Insignia Ventures Partners, with participation from Woori Venture Partners, Washington University in St. Louis, and Phillip Private Equity. Founded by Dr Yanan Wu, Surfin’s platform spans consumer lending, payments, and wealth management services for emerging markets. Proceeds will fuel expansion into new geographies and bolster R&D for intelligent financial products.
Analysis & Opinion
Surfin’s focus on underserved segments taps a massive, often overlooked market. As interest in financial inclusion intensifies, platforms like Surfin that marry tailored lending with digital onboarding can leapfrog legacy institutions. Yet competition is heating up, with incumbents and neobanks eyeing similar demographics. Surfin must differentiate via superior credit-scoring algorithms and localized partnerships. The level of institutional investor support here suggests confidence in its unit economics—but execution will hinge on balancing rapid scale-up against credit risk management.
Source: FinSMEs
5. Inside the Rapid Rise of UK Fintech
Key News
The UK’s fintech workforce now exceeds 82,000, with projections to surpass 100,000 within two years—a testament to a sector that has thrived on regulatory support, talent density, and customer demand for digital services. From London-based challengers (Monzo, Starling) to BaaS platforms and insurtechs, the ecosystem has become a global benchmark.
Analysis & Opinion
The UK’s ability to cultivate fintech lies in its “sandboxes,” progressive open-banking mandates, and close ties between HM Treasury and the FCA. Yet Brexit uncertainties and visa restrictions pose lingering talent challenges. Firms must continue to advocate for flexible immigration policies and invest in domestic upskilling to sustain momentum. Moreover, the next phase will emphasize AI-driven personalization, regtech, and cross-sector collaborations (e.g., healthtech + fintech). The UK is at a crossroads: maintain its edge by adapting to emerging technologies, or risk ceding ground to agile hubs in Asia and North America.
Source: Yahoo Finance
6. University of Notre Dame and Visa Launch Fintech Foundations Program
Key News
The Meruelo Family Center for Career Development at the University of Notre Dame, in partnership with Visa, has introduced the inaugural Visa Fintech Foundations Program—a six-week immersive for undergraduates. Covering fundamentals of banking, digital currencies, decentralized finance, and industry career pathways, the pilot drew over 40 students within 48 hours of launch. Industry experts from Visa led weekly sessions, one-on-one consultations, and a capstone project. The program will run again in Fall 2025, with plans to expand to other universities.
Analysis & Opinion
As fintech reshapes finance, academia-industry alliances like this are vital to bridge the skills gap. Visa’s investment signals a recognition that tomorrow’s fintech leaders must understand both technology and regulatory nuances. Programs of this sort create a talent pipeline and foster brand affinity—benefitting both students and sponsors. The broader question: can similar models scale across disciplines (insurtech, regtech, wealthtech) and institutions? If so, we may see a new standard for fintech curricula, combining theory, practice, and peer networking.
Source: University of Notre Dame
