Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has announced the conclusion of the Web3 Unleashed #3 Hackathon, hosted in partnership with DMCC. The event recognized five projects with a combined prize pool of USD 140,000 following a global competition that brought together 90 teams across six innovation tracks.

The Power 50 opened nominations for the Payments Power 50 2026, celebrating the 40 most innovative companies and 10 industry leaders shaping the global payments ecosystem.

Entrust, a global leader in identity-centric security solutions, today released its seventh annual Identity Fraud Report for 2026. The report examines global trends, tactics, and techniques used in identity fraud over the past year, providing actionable insights to help businesses protect their customers and operations.

The scale and sophistication of fraudulent advertising and AI-generated scams on social media are growing rapidly, making it harder than ever for people to know what’s real. New research from Visa reveals that people who mistake fake AI-generated content for real are nearly nine times more likely to be tricked by scammers than those who don’t (70% vs. 8%). This highlights how digital misinformation directly increases vulnerability and underscores the importance of collective action to protect consumers and restore trust in digital platforms.

Santander has today issued a warning about the risks posed by fake AI-generated social media adverts that could scam unsuspecting shoppers in the lead up to Christmas. The bank has created 10 fake AI social media adverts1 to show just how realistic the fake adverts can be, whilst helping Brits spot the tell-tale signs.

Allica Bank, the business bank dedicated to established SMEs, is today expanding its owner-occupier mortgage appetite to enable businesses to borrow while keeping more capital in the business.

60% of hospitality businesses say speed is their key reason for investing in smarter point-of-sale (POS) systems ahead of the 2025 holiday shopping season, according to new research from Lloyds Merchant Services. As festive trading ramps up, businesses are upgrading their checkout technology to handle higher volumes, reduce wait times and deliver a more seamless payment experience across busy venues. From restaurants to retail counters, faster and more reliable POS systems are now seen as critical to maintaining customer satisfaction and securing sales during peak periods.

Valereum Plc (AQSE: VLRM) is pleased to announce that it has entered into legally binding heads of terms agreement to raise USD $200m of Royalty and Streaming (R & S) capital from Valereum QGP-SP ("V QGP").

Kraken, one of the world’s longest-standing, most secure and most liquid crypto platforms, today announced the phased rollout of the Krak Card with 1% cash back rewards on all purchases, alongside new features, such as salary deposits and expanded wealth-building opportunities.

Neutrinos, a leader in AI-native intelligent automation for insurers and financial services, announced the launch of the Neutrinos Venture Studio at Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025. The studio was introduced in the presence of Shri Abhishek Singh, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Dr. Madan Padaki, President, TiE Bangalore and Member, Karnataka Start-up Vision Group.

Bridgepoint, one of the world’s leading mid-market investors, today announced that it has agreed to acquire a majority stake in ht.digital, a leading, London-headquartered provider of digital asset assurance and technology solutions. The investment will be made by Bridgepoint Development Capital V – Bridgepoint’s lower middle-market fund focused on supporting fast-growing businesses across Europe.

Regula’s report, “What’s Reshaping IDV in Banking & Fintech: 2026 Trends and Predictions,” reveals that biometric verification has become the most attacked point in the digital identity verification (IDV) process across financial organizations. New global data shows that at least three in ten financial institutions are hit by impersonation fraud, driving a shift toward more robust identity verification.

Payments technology company, CONCRYT has released its annual Payment Fraud Trends: 2024–2025 Update, revealing a troubling pattern: public awareness of payment fraud spikes dramatically around major regulatory announcements and incidents, then rapidly returns to baseline – even as AI-enabled threats continue to intensify.

Financial pressure is eroding the UK and Irish workforce, with 92% of employees reporting financial stress in the past year, according to new findings from Zellis. Launched today by Zellis, the UK and Ireland’s leading provider of HR, pay, workforce management (WFM), and benefits solutions, the Financial Wellbeing Report 2025 underlines the growing need for employers to treat financial wellbeing as a core part of their duty of care.

UK manufacturing firms are urging the Government to tackle the late payments crisis, as new research from independent funder Bibby Financial Services (“BFS”) reveals the dual pressures of unpaid invoices and high costs are hampering the sector.