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Managing money is tough for anyone, but it hits especially hard for adults with learning disabilities. Just opening a banking app or trying to make sense of monthly statements can feel like solving a puzzle. And with banks pushing aggressively toward digital-only services, many people find themselves struggling to keep up.

This isn’t just about inconvenience. When someone can’t handle their own money, they lose their independence bit by bit. Having to hand over control to someone else often feels like a step backward instead of forward.

The scale of this problem in the UK is significant – 1.5 million people with learning disabilities face these barriers daily. As bank branches close and digital payments become the norm, many find themselves excluded from basic financial services. The rise in sophisticated scams adds another layer of risk, making financial independence feel increasingly out of reach.

Project Nemo, a grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, is joining forces with Fintech Fringe and The Payments Association on a new initiative aimed at dismantling financial barriers for adults with learning disabilities.

Launched in 2023, Fintech Fringe connects innovative fintech startups with established financial institutions, sparking breakthroughs in the sector. The Payments Association, at the heart of the UK’s payments industry, promotes innovation and collaboration.

Their collaborative effort is geared towards crafting more user-friendly financial services that empower those with learning disabilities to handle their finances independently.

The challenge

This initiative marks the first challenge in Fintech Fringe’s new Innovation Challenge Series, designed to connect financial institutions with innovative startups to develop solutions for pressing industry challenges. Winners will be showcased at Pay360, one of Europe’s largest payments show, on 26 March at London’s Excel.

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Source : https://thefintechtimes.com/fintech-fringe-and-project-nemo-team-up-to-tackle-financial-exclusion/

Senegal is one of many countries across the Middle East and Africa trying to diversify its economy and future-proof itself by hosting financial inclusion by employing fintech solutions.

Historically, Senegal’s economy has centred around agriculture, particularly peanuts. However, in recent decades, the government has engaged in efforts to diversify the economy to include other agricultural products, as well as non-agricultural sectors such as tourism and natural resources like oil, gas, and gold.

Economic, financial services and fintech overview

By 2025, the government aims to create 35,000 new jobs in the technology sector. Mobile phone usage in Senegal has surpassed 60 per cent this year. Despite this digital advancement, only seven per cent of the population utilises traditional financial services.

As a Francophone nation located in West Africa, Senegal is relatively stable and prosperous compared to some of its neighbouring countries. It is a member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), and its fiscal and economic policies are influenced by this union, including foreign exchange controls.

However, Senegal remains a developing economy with significant challenges in financial inclusion, particularly in rural areas. The majority of traditional financial services infrastructure, such as ATMs and point-of-sale terminals, are concentrated in the capital city of Dakar, leaving rural areas underserved. Additionally, cash remains the preferred payment method for 56 per cent of Senegalese.

Fintech presents opportunities to address these challenges and promote financial inclusion. Mobile money, in particular, has had a significant impact, with over 70 per cent of adults in Senegal reporting its use within the last 30 days.

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Source : https://thefintechtimes.com/fintech-overview-of-senegal-in-2024/

 

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) -Orsted, the world’s biggest offshore wind power developer, said on Thursday it expected core profit this year to be equal to, or above 2024, a day after cutting investment plans for coming years, sending its shares higher.

After the market close on Wednesday, Orsted said it had decided to scale back the total amount it planned to invest for the years through 2030 by about 25% to shore up its finances in a challenging market.

It also said it saw no need to raise new cash, and that the revised plan would allow the group to keep cutting costs given it would construct at a slower pace than previously planned.

Shares in the Danish company were up 6% in early trade, trimming a year-to-date fall to 8%. Sydbank analyst Jacob Pedersen said many investors had feared the company would announce a capital increase.

Offshore wind companies have faced challenges including rising costs, supply chain issues and planning delays. President Donald Trump created further uncertainty by suspending offshore wind leases on his first day in office last month.

“Our ambition is to solidify our position as the undisputed leader in offshore wind,” Rasmus Errboe, the company’s CEO since Feb. 1, told journalists in a media call. He said the company expected market challenges to continue in 2025.

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Source : https://www.globalbankingandfinance.com/ORSTED-RESULTS-d266d280-244f-47c5-81c5-f47b6599b5ac

More than 80 per cent of EU companies eligible for a new carbon border tax will be exempted under reforms planned by Brussels, tax commissioner Wopke Hoekstra has said. 

Hoekstra told the FT he wanted to restrict the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) to the biggest importers and spare most businesses the costs of compliance and charges as part of the bloc’s push to cut red tape and boost productivity.

“Less than 20 per cent of the companies in scope are responsible for more than 95 per cent of the emissions in the products,” he said.

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“It doesn’t do anything to [diminish] the importance of the climate objectives, but it is a way to make life much easier for a wide range of companies across the continent.

The move would free up to 180,000 of the 200,000 businesses affected from complying.

European companies have complained about the complicated and costly form-filling during a trial run of CBAM, which aims to protect heavy industry in the EU — a sector that already has to pay for its greenhouse gas emissions.

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Source : https://www.ft.com/content/c6102135-eefa-488f-81c2-4aa8eaf95644

Cryptocurrency presales have historically delivered life-changing returns, and Lightchain AI is emerging as the next big opportunity. Lightchain AI has already raised over $15.1 million at a presale price of $0.006, attracting investors eager to capitalize on its AI-powered blockchain innovation.

With early adopters of XRP in 2017 and SHIB in 2021 turning small investments into massive gains, many are wondering—could a $50 investment in Lightchain AI transform into $5,000? With its strong momentum and cutting-edge technology, this presale could be one of 2025’s biggest success stories.

Despite the ups and downs, Cardano isn’t slowing down. With advancements in decentralized finance (DeFi) services and smart contracts, it’s boosting scalability and security. These upgrades are cementing Cardano’s position as a key player in the competitive blockchain arena. Stay tuned—there’s a lot more to come from this powerhouse!

Can Lightchain AI Replicate XRP’s 2017 and SHIB’s 2021 Surge?

Lightchain AI is an emerging cryptocurrency that integrates artificial intelligence with blockchain technology. Currently in its presale phase, it has raised over $15.1 million, reflecting significant investor interest.

Historically, XRP experienced a remarkable surge in 2017, increasing from approximately $0.006 to $3.02, marking a 25,000% rise in five months. Similarly, Shiba Inu (SHIB) saw an unprecedented 147,000% increase from its presale price to its all-time high in October 2021.

While Lightchain AI’s innovative approach positions it as a promising contender, replicating such extraordinary gains is uncertain. The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile, and past performance of other tokens doesn’t guarantee future results. Investors should conduct thorough research and exercise caution when considering investments in emerging cryptocurrencies.

Lightchain AI’s Path to Turning $50 into $5,000

Lightchain AI’s path to turning $50 into $5,000 is fueled by its commitment to mitigating bias in AI models through decentralized training and federated learning, ensuring fairness and inclusivity. The platform’s Transparent AI Framework builds trust by offering auditable AI processes, making it an attractive solution for developers and investors alike.

Additionally, privacy-preserving data utilization ensures that sensitive data remains secure through techniques like Zero-Knowledge Proofs and homomorphic encryption. As Lightchain AI continues to gain traction, these foundational features enhance its value proposition, positioning it for exponential growth and offering substantial returns as adoption increases.

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Source : https://techbullion.com/investing-50-in-lightchain-ai-can-it-turn-into-5000-like-it-did-with-xrp-in-2017-and-shib-in-2021/

Ozak AI is experiencing a surge as its presale shows great investor interest. The project has raised $780,000 as investors have confidence in its AI-based solutions. As the cryptocurrency market is shifting, Ozak AI and other AI-centered tokens are coming up as strong contenders. Investors are actively looking for projects that combine blockchain and artificial intelligence.  

Meanwhile, economic uncertainty continues to affect traditional markets. Rising inflation and changing monetary policies have led many investors to seek alternative assets. Cryptocurrencies, especially AI-driven ones, are becoming a preferred option. Ozak AI is at the forefront in developing technologies that improve decision-making processes and productivity in various industries.  

Bitcoin stands as the top cryptocurrency when it comes to digital currency standards. The decentralized system with a limited issue of 21 million coins protects Bitcoin users from inflation and excessive money creation. Bitcoin has demonstrated its role as an economic downturn protection asset, which caused both institutional and retail investors to enter the space during dangerous times. Bitcoin is a suitable replacement for traditional fiat currency when inflation rises due to tariffs.

AI and Blockchain Are Reshaping the Market

Business and investment have changed significantly how they used to operate due to the innovations brought about by real-time and blockchain technology. Ozak AI integrates advanced automation of computer trading and provides reality-based analytics using both. Its decentralized infrastructure ensures security and transparency, making it a valuable tool for investors.  

Traditional financial systems often struggle with inefficiencies and slow transactions. Ozak AI’s predictive models and fast data processing provide an edge in the rapidly changing market. Many investors are shifting their focus towards AI-oriented crypto projects. The successful presale of Ozak AI indicates there is a growing demand for startups of this nature.

Why Investors Are Betting on Ozak AI

Ozak AI is now offering its presale in phase 3, and each $OZ token is priced at $0.003, having risen from $0.001. Such low pricing is attracting retail and institutional investors who are looking for an early entry at a promising project. Experts predict that the price will increase after this phase; thus, demand will increase, and hence more investors will join.

The project has allocated 3 billion tokens for the presale, creating a balance in distribution. The final listing price is expected to be $0.05 and early participants stand to benefit significantly. Ozak AI’s real-world applications in finance, healthcare, and supply chain management further boost its appeal.

President Donald Trump’s new tariff policies created major economic instability across the global economy. Recently implemented import tariffs have elevated overall business and consumer costs, creating supply chain issues and increasing inflation rates. The shifting economy has prompted investors to investigate additional assets that might protect them from market turbulence alongside rising inflation rates.

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Source : https://techbullion.com/ozak-ai-token-secures-780k-in-presale-as-economic-shifts-fuel-interest-in-ai-crypto/

European Union antitrust regulators will decide by March 12 whether to clear U.S. chipmaker AMD’s $4.9 billion bid for server maker ZT Systems, a European Commission filing showed on Wednesday.

AMD announced the proposed acquisition in August last year which will strengthen its portfolio of artificial intelligence chips and hardware to better compete with Nvidia.

The EU executive can either approve the deal with or without remedies after its preliminary review or it can open a four-month-long investigation if it has serious concerns.

ZT makes AI infrastructure for the world’s largest hyperscale computing companies, with Microsoft and Meta Platforms among its customers.

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Source : https://www.globalbankingandfinance.com/ZT-SYSTEMS-M-A-AMD-EU-efaeb511-cf3b-49a0-892b-aba48add2b03

Italian asset manager Anima Holding on Wednesday reported a 50% rise to 276.5 million euros ($288 million) in its 2024 adjusted consolidated net profit as acquisitions of new businesses pushed revenue higher.

The group, which is the target of a 1.6 billion euros buyout offer from shareholder Banco BPM, has proposed a dividend of 0.45 euro per share, up from the 0.25 euro per share it paid the previous year.

By 1250 GMT, the stock was up 3.6% at 7 euros per share, hitting its highest level since January 2016.

The company results were bolstered by the contribution of real estate management company Vita, acquired in August 2024, as well as the businesses of Kairos and Castello SGR, purchased in May 2024 and in 2023, respectively.

“Positive inflows, growing profitability, business diversification, strong capital generation, and attention to shareholder remuneration were the key elements for Anima in 2024,” Chief Executive Officer Alessandro Melzi d’Eril said in a statement.

Total revenue rose 44% from a year earlier to 530 million euros mainly due to higher commissions. Excluding the effect from acquisitions, revenue rose 33% compared to 2023.

Total assets under management reached 204.2 billion euros at the end of December 2024 thanks to the addition of Kairos Partners and the positive performance of managed assets.

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Source : https://www.globalbankingandfinance.com/BANCA-ANIMA-RESULTS-e9630f30-374d-4ea2-81a8-93b04c185d82

Luxury sports car maker Ferrari said on Tuesday its revenues and core earnings would rise this year, supported by strong product delivery and increased demand for personalisation after meeting targets for 2024.

The Italian company said it saw its adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) to grow this year to at least 2.68 billion euros ($2.77 billion), versus a 2.56 billion euro result in full-year 2024.

Milan-listed shares in the company reversed limited losses after results were published and were up 4.8% by 1140 GMT.

($1 = 0.9687 euros)

Finland’s Nokian Tyres reported a much lower than expected operating profit for the final quarter of 2024 on Tuesday and warned that geopolitical uncertainties, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, could cause volatility in its markets.

The company’s shares slumped 13% by 1143 GMT. They had been trading up 2.5% before the report was published at 1100 GMT.

“The recent announcements of trade tariffs are causing uncertainty,” CEO Paolo Pompei said in the earnings statement. He added that Nokian was analysing the possible impact of the tariffs and creating a strategy to address them.

Following Nokian’s exit from Russia, where it produced more than 80% of its passenger car tyres before Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, the company has moved production to other sites, including one in Dayton, Ohio.

Nokian said its comparable operating profit fell 19% to 35.9 million euros ($37 million) in the fourth quarter, well below the 59.5 million euros expected by analysts in a company-provided consensus poll.

Sales in the quarter were 415 million euros, versus 418.6 million expected by the market. Nokian booked 67.4 million euros of revenue in the Americas region, or 16.2% of the group sales.

European automotive companies are also struggling with weak demand, high production costs and stiff competition from China, which has led to a streak of layoffs and plant closures in recent months.

Nokian proposed a dividend of 0.25 euro per share for 2024, less than half of the 0.55 euro per share paid out last year.

($1 = 0.9679 euros)

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Source : https://www.globalbankingandfinance.com/FERRARI-RESULTS-855a7d2b-23f8-4393-acb0-2a63b1f34e42

The head of Britain’s statistical office said on Tuesday he was “super-hopeful” that the shift to a new, improved labour market survey could take place next year and not in 2027 which has previously been mentioned as a possible roll-out date.

“I would very much like the number to end with a six,” Ian Diamond, National Statistician at the Office for National Statistics, told lawmakers when asked when the Transformed Labour Force Survey might be introduced.

“My professional view is that I am super-hopeful,” Diamond told parliament’s Treasury Committee, adding he was encouraged by the results of the new approach to surveying which includes a shorter questionnaire.

The ONS said in December that the shift to its improved labour market survey might be pushed back to as late as 2027, a setback for the Bank of England which is trying to assess inflationary pressures in the economy.

The ONS has struggled to reach respondents for its surveys since the Covid-19 pandemic and is overhauling the way it measures the labour market with a focus on introducing the TLFS as a way to reach more people.

The Resolution Foundation, a think tank, has said the official labour market data may be failing to count almost 1 million people who are in work and overstating the number of people dropping out of the labour market altogether.

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Source : https://www.globalbankingandfinance.com/BRITAIN-ECONOMY-DATA-469d099f-8ce0-4d39-8bd8-b5079c0a0674