Exodus, the self-custodial crypto wallet provider based in Omaha, has launched a new feature, XOPay, through a strategic partnership with paytech giant Worldpay. This new functionality allows users to purchase cryptocurrencies directly within the Exodus wallet using their credit or debit cards.
With over five million users, Exodus now offers a seamless and secure payment experience, leveraging Worldpay’s native checkout infrastructure. The integration aims to simplify the crypto buying process, enabling users to acquire and store digital assets within a single, secure platform.
To enhance security and transaction success rates, Exodus will also implement Worldpay’s advanced fraud prevention system, FraudSight. The feature is currently available to U.S. customers, with plans underway to expand internationally.
JP Richardson, CEO of Exodus, highlighted the collaboration as a major step in improving user experience, saying, “We’re proud to be the first self-custodial wallet to embed native card payments directly into our platform with Worldpay.”
Nabil Manji, Head of Fintech and Financial Partnerships at Worldpay, emphasized the importance of giving users easy and secure access to digital assets. “We’re helping Exodus customers buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies more easily, while also promoting self-custody and control,” he noted.
This move follows Worldpay’s recent partnership with BVNK to offer stablecoin payout services globally, reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovation in digital finance.
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News Source: Finance.Yahoo.com
Payments technology firm Dojo has raised $190 million in equity funding from Vitruvian Partners, marking the company’s first capital raise since its inception in 2021.
The UK-based fintech plans to use the funds to accelerate its domestic growth and expand into key European markets, including Ireland, Italy, and Spain. The investment will help Dojo scale its cloud-native payment platform, which currently processes between six and nine million transactions daily, providing real-time, uninterrupted connectivity for merchants.
Vitruvian Partners, known for its strong track record in fintech investments, will partner closely with Dojo’s leadership team to execute the company’s strategic roadmap. J.P. Morgan Securities acted as the sole placement agent for this funding round.
Commenting on the milestone, Francois Callens, CFO at Dojo, said: “Our cutting-edge technology and strong customer proposition have quickly made us the UK’s market leader. This funding gives us the fuel to expand across Europe and support in-person commerce on a larger scale. We’re proud to show that UK tech remains a magnet for global investors.”
In 2023, Dojo secured an e-money license (EMI) from the Central Bank of Ireland, enabling it to offer regulated payment services in the region.
The announcement underscores Dojo’s ambition to become a leading name in Europe’s competitive card payments sector, driven by innovation and strong customer support.
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News Source: Finance.Yahoo.com
Salesforce (CRM) delivered a rare surprise this earnings season by raising its full-year sales and profit guidance, even as broader economic uncertainty continues to cloud the market. CEO Marc Benioff credited strong performance across the board, including revenue, bookings, and favorable currency impacts.
“Everything went well for us this quarter,” Benioff told Yahoo Finance. “We’re seeing exceptional results from our customers.”
Shares edged higher in Thursday’s pre-market trading after the upbeat announcement.
The software leader reported that its data cloud and AI operations are generating over $1 billion in annual recurring revenue — a 120% increase year-over-year. Meanwhile, its Agentforce technology has secured more than 8,000 deals, with roughly half of those on paid plans.
JP Morgan analyst Mark Murphy noted the company’s steady 10–11% organic growth in constant currency for its current remaining performance obligations (cRPO), adding that the results aligned with expectations.
Analyst Reactions: Divided Views Persist
Despite the improved outlook, Wall Street remains split.
Guggenheim’s John Difucci reiterated a Neutral stance, pointing out that while the Platform segment saw slight acceleration, Salesforce’s core Clouds — Sales, Service, and Marketing — all posted slowing growth. Constant currency subscription growth dipped to 8.7%, down from 9.1% last quarter and 12.8% a year ago.
KeyBanc’s Jackson Ader maintained an Overweight rating, highlighting the strong 11% cRPO growth, which beat estimates and drove bookings up 16.3% — more than double his forecast. “The core metrics were mixed,” Ader said, “but the strong bookings and optimistic outlook keep us bullish, especially at this valuation.”
D.A. Davidson’s Gil Luria kept an Underperform rating, though he raised the price target to $225 from $200. He noted that while AI drove meaningful gains, the core business segments continued to decelerate. “AI makes up 2% of the business — and it’s booming — but the other 98% is slowing,” Luria commented.
Stifel’s Lane Parker reiterated a Buy rating with a $375 price target. He believes Salesforce still has substantial growth potential, especially through its multi-cloud and industry cloud strategies. “AI is attracting attention, but there’s a long runway for mid-market and multi-cloud growth outside of AI,” Parker said.
As Salesforce navigates shifting market dynamics, the company’s AI and data bets are gaining traction — but the pace of core growth continues to fuel debate across Wall Street.
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News Source: Finance.Yahoo.com
Germany is preparing to introduce a 10% tax on major online platforms such as Google (Alphabet Inc.) and Meta (Facebook), Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer revealed in an interview with Stern magazine. The move aims to address what Berlin sees as systematic tax avoidance by global tech giants and to ensure fairer contributions to Germany’s economy and cultural sector.
The proposed digital services tax could raise tensions with the United States, especially ahead of an expected—though unconfirmed—meeting between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington. Trump has strongly opposed such levies in the past, arguing they unfairly target American firms.
Weimer confirmed that his ministry is drafting legislation while initiating discussions with the tech companies involved. He accused platforms like Google and Meta of generating billions in revenue from German users while giving little back in return.
“These companies operate with huge profit margins, benefit from Germany’s cultural and media environment, yet contribute minimally in taxes and investment,” said Weimer.
Neither Alphabet nor Meta responded to media inquiries regarding the tax proposal.
Germany’s coalition government had already agreed earlier this year to implement a digital tax, aligning with several countries including France, the UK, Spain, Italy, India, and Canada—all of which have introduced similar levies on digital services.
During Trump’s first term, the U.S. initiated a Section 301 investigation into such taxes, claiming they discriminated against American firms. Trump recently directed his trade officials to revive those efforts, potentially reopening the door to retaliatory tariffs.
Despite these geopolitical risks, the newly formed German government appears committed to pursuing the tax.
Weimer also criticized the growing concentration of media influence in the hands of digital monopolies, warning of the broader consequences for free speech and democratic discourse.
He offered a stark hypothetical: “If Google, under political pressure, were to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America and push that change through its global platforms, we’d clearly see the dangers of unchecked digital power.”
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News Source: Reuters.com
A coalition of financial industry groups, led by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), is urging the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to reconsider its cybersecurity disclosure rule, citing significant risks to companies and investors.
In a joint letter submitted on May 22, major trade associations — including the American Bankers Association, Bank Policy Institute, Independent Community Bankers of America, and the Institute of International Bankers — asked the SEC to roll back the requirement under Form 8-K Item 1.05. This rule mandates that public companies disclose material cybersecurity incidents within four business days of determining their impact.
The petition highlights that the rule has led to hasty and speculative disclosures, which not only confuse investors but also create legal liabilities and cyber vulnerabilities. According to the groups, the current structure compromises confidential threat-reporting processes maintained by other federal agencies and may be exploited by cybercriminals.
A prominent example cited in the letter involves ransomware group AlphV, which reported its victim, MeridianLink, to the SEC in 2023 for allegedly not disclosing a breach — demonstrating how malicious actors might weaponize the rule.
The trade associations also criticized the rule’s narrow exemption clause, which requires attorney general intervention to delay disclosures on national security grounds. They argue this is impractical during fast-moving cyber incidents and hinders timely, coordinated responses.
Furthermore, the petition points out that the threat of SEC enforcement has had a chilling effect on internal and external communication about cybersecurity threats, with companies reluctant to share intelligence for fear of legal scrutiny.
Despite the rule’s intent to protect investors, the groups argue that existing SEC guidance already ensures material cyber events are reported. They also note that many firms voluntarily use Form 8-K Item 8.01 for disclosures, offering a more flexible alternative.
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, known for her critical stance on regulatory overreach, has previously questioned the scope of the disclosure rule, stating it exceeds the SEC’s authority and could ultimately harm investors.
The petition concludes by calling for a return to a principles-based disclosure framework, arguing this would lead to clearer, more useful information for the market.
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News Source: Finance.Yahoo.com
BlackRock Inc. and Jio Financial Services have received regulatory clearance from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to begin their mutual fund operations under the joint venture, Jio BlackRock Asset Management.
The venture is gearing up to roll out a wide array of investment products for both retail and institutional investors, emphasizing a digital-first approach. Leveraging BlackRock’s expertise in data-driven investing and platforms like Aladdin, the JV aims to make investing more accessible and tech-enabled across India. Sid Swaminathan will serve as the Managing Director and CEO of the newly approved entity.
Background of the Joint Venture
The 50:50 joint venture between BlackRock and Jio Financial was first announced in July 2023. The partners pledged $150 million each to create affordable investment solutions, combining BlackRock’s global scale and experience with Jio’s strong local presence and digital infrastructure.
In April 2024, the collaboration expanded to include wealth management and broking services, reflecting the firms’ ambition to tap into India’s rapidly growing retail investor market.
Strategic Context for BlackRock
This initiative supports BlackRock’s broader growth strategy, particularly in emerging markets like India where demographic trends, digitalization, and rising affluence are converging. The company sees India as a key market to expand its global footprint and transform the way investment services are delivered.
In recent years, BlackRock has pursued several strategic acquisitions and alliances. These include:
- Preqin (March 2025) for $3.2 billion to boost private market offerings.
- HPS Investment (December 2024) for $12.1 billion to enhance its credit platform.
- Global Infrastructure Partners (October 2024) for infrastructure and origination capabilities.
- SpiderRock (May 2024) to expand separately managed account offerings.
Additionally, BlackRock has formed major partnerships:
- With Banco Santander (September 2024) to strengthen its position in infrastructure.
- With Partners Group to develop a multi-private markets model for retail investors.
BlackRock continues to make bold moves in global finance. As seen with the Capital One–Discover merger in February 2024, BlackRock believes in strategic alignment to deliver strong returns. With synergies expected to generate $2.7 billion by 2027, the company forecasts over 15% accretion to its adjusted non-GAAP earnings per share by that year.
With SEBI’s nod, Jio BlackRock is poised to redefine India’s mutual fund space and extend BlackRock’s influence in one of the world’s most dynamic investment markets.
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News Source: Finance.Yahoo.com
Defined benefit (DB) pension plans across the U.S. are adjusting their investment strategies in response to ongoing market fluctuations. Jeff Passmore, Lead LDI Strategist at MetLife Investment Management, explains how a mix of strong equity returns, rising interest rates, and persistent volatility has pushed many plan sponsors toward derisking their asset allocations.
“Equity markets have posted above-average gains in recent years, significantly improving the funded status of many pensions,” Passmore notes. “This, combined with interest rates climbing above 4% since August 2023, has created favorable conditions for derisking.”
Plan sponsors nearing or achieving full funding are reallocating assets from equities into bonds, aiming for more stable returns. Those with a substantial fixed-income portfolio are exploring diversification within that segment, while some overfunded plans are building surplus portfolios that include equities and alternative assets. Additionally, private credit—particularly investment-grade—is gaining traction due to its combination of steady cash flow, capital preservation, and attractive yield premiums.
For plans that are slightly under or overfunded, balancing equity exposure with long-duration fixed income remains key. Passmore points out that higher bond yields offer an opportunity to lock in value and hedge liabilities, especially for corporate pension plans sensitive to interest rate changes.
With potential rate cuts on the horizon, he advises plans to add longer-duration bonds to better manage the impact of falling rates on liability valuations. “Additional duration helps hedge the risk of declining rates and supports returns,” he says.
Plan termination remains a consideration for many sponsors. Since the Fed’s rate hikes in 2022, more plans have moved toward this route, often ending in annuity purchases. However, some sponsors are reconsidering, opting to manage derisked plans long-term instead of terminating.
Passmore emphasizes the importance of projecting future funded status and liquidity needs. For frozen plans, even a modest surplus can grow quickly, offering new strategic options. “Hedging a portion of the liabilities and using the rest to build a surplus can unlock new opportunities,” he adds.
Looking ahead to the second half of 2025, Passmore highlights the importance of remaining agile. “We hope for a stable investment climate but are prepared to help clients execute their derisking strategies amid any challenges,” he concludes.
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News Source: InvestmentNews.com
Salesforce revealed plans on Tuesday to acquire data management software firm Informatica in an $8 billion all-cash transaction. Under the terms of the deal, Salesforce will purchase all outstanding shares of Informatica that it doesn’t already own, offering $25 per share to its shareholders.
Both companies’ boards have approved the acquisition, which is expected to be finalized in Salesforce’s fiscal year 2027. Following the announcement, Salesforce’s stock saw a notable uptick during early trading hours.
The acquisition aims to fortify Salesforce’s data foundation, which it deems essential for advancing responsible and scalable agentic AI. This move marks a renewed effort after previous talks between the two companies fell through over a year ago due to disagreements on terms.
The integration of Informatica’s data capabilities—including cataloging, integration, governance, privacy, and metadata management—will complement Salesforce’s platform, creating a unified architecture designed for enterprise-scale AI agents.
Marc Benioff, Salesforce CEO, emphasized that the combined strengths of both companies will result in the industry’s most comprehensive, agent-ready data platform. “Autonomous agents will deliver smarter, safer, and more scalable outcomes, reinforcing our leadership in the $150 billion-plus enterprise data space,” Benioff said.
Salesforce continues to strengthen its Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) dominance through strategic acquisitions. Past deals include the 2018 acquisition of MuleSoft and the 2021 purchase of Slack Technologies.
Robin Washington, Salesforce’s Chief Operating and Financial Officer, noted that the acquisition aligns with the company’s disciplined approach to expansion. “We move decisively when the value is clear. Informatica adds transformative capability, especially in public sector, health care, life sciences, and financial services,” she added.
This latest acquisition reflects Salesforce’s continued push to lead in enterprise AI and data integration across industries.
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News Source: Finance.Yahoo.com
A coalition of top financial planning organizations is urging the Department of Labor (DOL) to maintain its stance on the proposed Retirement Security Rule. In a joint letter dated May 22, leaders from the CFP Board, Financial Planning Association (FPA), National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), and XY Planning Network (XYPN) called on Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to keep defending the rule, which is currently under legal scrutiny in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
The proposed fiduciary rule mandates that financial professionals act in their clients’ best interests when advising on retirement assets—an area not fully protected under existing regulations such as the SEC’s Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI). The coalition emphasized that the rule fills crucial regulatory gaps and aligns with public expectations for retirement advice.
Citing 2024 research from the CFP Board, the letter noted that 92% of Americans believe financial professionals should act in their best interests, and 97% support this standard even for one-time advice. The groups argued that despite concerns, stricter fiduciary standards have not reduced access to financial advice. They pointed to XYPN’s 29% annual growth in serving Gen X and Gen Y clients without requiring asset minimums as evidence.
The coalition rejected claims that the rule would hurt middle-income investors, asserting instead that it would shield retirement savers from biased advice that benefits advisors more than clients. They also referenced recent actions by regulators, including the North American Securities Administrators Association, which updated its Conduct Rule to limit the use of “advisor” titles to certified professionals.
They praised the DOL for updating what they described as a “50-year-old, outdated rule,” noting that the modernization is essential for protecting today’s retirement investors—especially in areas like insurance products that currently fall outside the reach of existing standards.
The coalition concluded by urging the DOL to stay the course, emphasizing that American workers and retirees deserve confidence that their advisors are acting in their best interest as they plan for a secure and dignified retirement.
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News Source: InvestmentNews.com
Summit Financial Holdings has extended its Southern footprint by investing in Parsons Broach Financial Services, an Alabama-based RIA managing over $250 million in client assets. The move brings a duo of experienced advisors, Todd Parsons and Robbie Broach, into Summit’s fold after they departed Raymond James earlier this year.
The acquisition was executed through Summit Growth Partners, the firm’s platform tailored for independent advisors aiming for long-term growth. This marks Summit’s 26th investment since the beginning of 2024, reinforcing its aggressive expansion strategy in the RIA space. According to Echelon Partners’ 2024 RIA M&A report, Summit secured $2.7 billion in assets through seven deals last year, ranking it among the most active buyers.
Founded in 2011, Parsons Broach specializes in comprehensive financial planning, offering services like investment management, estate and retirement planning, risk management, and philanthropic strategies. The founders cited a need for a more scalable, client-focused platform as the key reason for aligning with Summit.
“Joining Summit allows us to grow with purpose while maintaining our client-first philosophy,” said Robbie Broach, co-founder of the firm.
With this partnership, Parsons Broach now gains access to Summit’s deep bench of tax experts, legal advisors, investment strategists, and planners.
Stan Gregor, CEO of Summit Financial, highlighted the firm’s mission in a statement: “For over 40 years, we’ve supported advisors who choose independence to better serve their clients and shape their legacy.”
Earlier this year, Summit also invested in Genex Consulting, a $700 million multi-family office, bringing its total assets under advisement close to $20 billion. The firm is co-owned by Gregor and Merchant Investment Management, a minority investor in numerous independent advisory firms.
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News Source: InvestmentNews.com
A growing number of Americans are losing confidence in their ability to reach long-term financial goals, according to new data from Allianz Life.
The survey, released in 2025, reveals a sharp drop in optimism. Only 70% of respondents now feel confident about funding the lifestyle they desire—down from 83% in January 2020. Experts point to a range of global and domestic challenges over the past five years, including the pandemic, conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, inflation, and economic instability, as major factors eroding financial confidence.
Despite the decline in optimism, a vast majority—96%—say they understand what it takes to regain control: setting clear financial goals and mapping out a long-term plan. However, less than half have actually created such a strategy.
“People often lack financial confidence because they don’t have a plan,” said Kelly LaVigne, Vice President of Consumer Insights at Allianz Life. “Having a written strategy is essential, especially when preparing for retirement. It’s difficult to feel secure about your future without knowing the steps it takes to get there.”
The study also highlights a retirement savings gap, with more than half of respondents saying they’re behind on building their nest egg. Millennials are trailing even further behind compared to older generations.
When asked about their biggest concerns, 62% worry that another major crisis could derail their retirement plans. Health issues (37%) and the risk of a recession (35%) also rank high among the fears.
While economic downturns and global events may be beyond personal control, LaVigne emphasizes that proactive planning can reduce uncertainty. “You can’t prevent every risk, but you can create a financial strategy that prepares you for them. Working with a trusted financial advisor and relying on institutions that take a long-term view will strengthen your foundation.”
The message is clear: while uncertainty remains, the path to financial confidence lies in planning, preparation, and professional guidance.
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News Source: InvestmentNews.com
Smarter Technologies, an emerging force in healthcare automation, has introduced the industry’s first AI-powered revenue management platform, aiming to revolutionize how hospitals and health systems handle administrative workflows and boost financial performance.
Formed by uniting three influential companies—Access Healthcare, SmarterDx, and Thoughtful.ai—Smarter Technologies blends advanced AI with global service capabilities. These companies recently secured strategic growth investments from New Mountain Capital, a private equity firm managing over $55 billion in assets.
The platform integrates the strengths of its founding entities: Access Healthcare’s proven revenue cycle management (RCM) services, SmarterDx’s clinical AI for revenue integrity, and Thoughtful.ai’s AI-driven automation tools. Together, they deliver a scalable, modular system designed to cut through the inefficiencies in billing and collections—a burden that costs U.S. hospitals over $250 billion annually, according to a McKinsey report.
Smarter Technologies is already supporting over 200 clients, including 60+ hospitals and health systems, with 27,000 employees across 24 global service centers. The platform processes more than 400 million transactions and manages over $200 billion in combined revenue each year.
Jeremy Delinsky, the former CTO of athenahealth and founding COO of Devoted Health, will lead Smarter Technologies as CEO. “Healthcare providers are overwhelmed by rising administrative complexities,” Delinsky said. “Our platform is built to deliver immediate results by automating revenue workflows through a hybrid approach that leverages cutting-edge AI and high-quality global operations.”
Matt Holt, Managing Director and President of Private Equity at New Mountain Capital, added, “This launch represents our commitment to modernizing the U.S. healthcare system using scalable digital tools and AI. Smarter Technologies brings together the best of both human and AI capabilities to deliver measurable ROI and operational efficiency.”
With its launch, Smarter Technologies positions itself as a transformative player in healthcare tech—offering hospitals a cost-effective solution to streamline revenue processes and refocus resources on patient care.
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News Source: Finance.yahoo.com
