Shift4 Expands Global Reach with $2.5B Acquisition of Swiss Paytech Global Blue

Shift4 to acquire Global Blue in a $2.5bn deal to expand global payment capabilities

US payments firm Shift4 has signed a $2.5 billion agreement to acquire Swiss paytech Global Blue, enhancing its merchant solutions with tax refund and currency conversion capabilities.

With a focus on global e-commerce and cross-border payments, this move aligns Shift4 with major players like Ant International and Tencent, who are exploring strategic partnerships.

Could this be a game-changer for international payments? 🌍💳

Capital on Tap secures £750m to expand UK and US operations

UK FinTech Capital on Tap has raised £750 million through two major funding facilities, including a £550 million Master Trust from BNP Paribas and Citi – the first non-bank credit card master trust in Europe since 2015.

The funding will fuel the company’s expansion in the UK and US, enhancing its ability to support small businesses with credit solutions.

Could this signal a new era for SME financing? 💳📈

Klarna brings flexible payments to the car subscription market

Klarna has partnered with Munich-based car subscription start-up FINN, allowing German customers to pay their monthly car subscription fees using Klarna’s “monthly invoice” product.

As the car subscription market grows, this move aims to provide greater flexibility and convenience for drivers, integrating seamless payment solutions into modern mobility.

Could this redefine how we pay for car ownership? 🚗💳

BNP Paribas partners with Broadridge to enhance $13.7T in asset recovery

BNP Paribas Securities Services has partnered with Broadridge to improve asset recovery across $13.7 trillion in custody, leveraging automated claim processing and data analysis.

The collaboration aims to streamline class action claims and maximize recovery opportunities for BNP Paribas’ clients.

Could this set a new standard for securities litigation? 🔍📊

Investcorp partners with Awaed to offer pre-IPO investment opportunities  

Investcorp has launched a commercial partnership with Awaed, a commission-free Saudi trading platform, allowing investors to access pre-IPO Saudi and GCC companies through the Investcorp Saudi Pre-IPO Growth Fund.  

Could this reshape access to private market investments in the region? 📈🌍

Is tokenization the future of finance?

As we prepare for our exclusive event with Ángela Álvarez, author of Banks and Whales, let’s explore one of the book’s key themes: the rise of tokenized finance.

What is tokenization, and why does it matter?

Tokenization is the process of converting real-world assets like stocks, bonds, real estate, or commodities into digital tokens on a blockchain. This could make investing more accessible by enabling fractional ownership, increasing liquidity, and reducing settlement times. By eliminating intermediaries and automating transactions through smart contracts, tokenized assets could reshape traditional finance.

How are financial institutions and regulators responding?

While institutions are exploring tokenization for efficiency and cost reduction, regulatory uncertainty remains a challenge. Europe is leading with MiCA regulations, the US has a fragmented approach with evolving SEC oversight, and Asia is embracing tokenized finance in regions like Singapore and Hong Kong. Meanwhile, the Middle East is positioning itself as a hub for blockchain-based financial services.

What’s next for tokenized finance?

As technology evolves, regulators and financial institutions must balance innovation with investor protection. With increasing institutional adoption and developments in decentralized finance (DeFi), tokenization could become a key driver of financial market transformation. The big question is whether it will scale beyond niche applications into mainstream global markets.

Join us at the event to dive deeper into the future of tokenized finance. 🚀

Check out Ángela Álvarez’s book Banks and Whales for a deep dive into the future of tokenized finance and its impact on global markets.

Banks and Whales (Amazon)

Event sign-up link: IE Connects Link