ChainWatcher

Last month, the ShinyHunters hacking collective stole the names, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, bank account numbers, birth dates and passport numbers of millions of current and former Odido customers.

According to local media reports, the hackers demanded a one million euro ransom for th

Morningstar Equity Research raised the uncertainty rating for LSEG, highlighting increased potential variability in its data business despite unchanged strong demand for its datasets. The report presents both bullish and bearish scenarios regarding the future of financial data analytics and pricing models.

For the better part of a decade, the financial services industry has been engaged in a relentless race to the bottom of the curve. The prevailing philosophy has been simple and seductive: the fewer clicks, taps, and seconds involved in a transaction, the
higher the conversion rate and

Mastercard is launching a virtual C-suite for small businesses, starting with a virtual CFO. This AI-powered system will enhance financial, security, and marketing operations, providing insights to help owners make informed decisions and achieve growth.

The SEC ordered Nyse to pay a $9 million penalty after a simultaneous run of its trading systems on January 24, 2023, led to incorrect auction processing for over 2,800 securities, causing market disruptions and trading pauses.

_Introduction_
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Artificial intelligence has been part of financial services for years. Algorithms already support credit scoring, fraud detection, algorithmic trading, and customer analytics.
What is changing now is the degree of autonomy.
Banks are increasingly

This essay explores how financial institutions are leveraging AI for data-led innovation to enhance operations and customer experiences, focusing on real-time insights, the rise of agentic AI, and strategies for successful implementation.

Revolut has received its full UK banking license after 18 months of regulatory scrutiny, allowing it to start lending in its home market. The company aims to expand further by applying for a US banking charter.

Launched in 2023, BC Payments offers fintech and banks cross-border payment solutions to address local firms' challenges. With an ASF Licence, Ripple Payments can manage transactions end-to-end in Australia, leveraging blockchain for faster, transparent services.

For years, when I spoke to marketing leads at investment managers, private banks, and capital groups about employee advocacy, the conversation would reach the same wall.
"We love the idea," they'd say, "but legal won't touch it."
And they were right to be cautious. Financial services are

Financial institutions face escalating payment fraud threats due to AI's misuse by fraudsters. To combat this, they must adopt AI, adhere to regulations, and collaborate across the industry, emphasizing KYC for effective customer data management.

The essay discusses the challenges of scaling AI in banking due to fragmented data and emphasizes the need for unified data sources and strong governance for enhanced operational efficiency and customer experience.

This report analyzes how financial institutions are using AI to combat increasing fraud and financial crime risks, based on a survey of 154 industry leaders. It highlights trends in AI adoption, data privacy concerns, and the need for regulatory compliance while addressing challenges like talent shortages.

There was a time when payments were the most visible part of a transaction. Entering card details, waiting for approvals, handling declines, and navigating
multiple authentication steps were all part of the experience.
Today, the goal is the opposite.
In modern digital ecosystems, the

The essay examines the evolution of wealth management, highlighting the role of AI, changing regulations, and the rise of alternative assets. It addresses investor sentiment towards ESG and tokenised assets while proposing strategies for wealth managers to adapt.

Financial institutions must modernize to meet shifting consumer demands for seamless digital and physical experiences while maintaining efficiency and regulatory compliance. This study explores the challenges and strategies for achieving omnichannel banking.

Organizations, particularly banks, must modernize outdated systems to meet evolving customer expectations. This report, based on insights from EBAday 2025, examines advancements and challenges in enhancing customer experiences in the financial sector.

GenAI can transform financial institutions' operations and customer experiences, but many still struggle with data integration and governance. This report discusses insights from a Finextra webinar on GenAI's impact, data governance considerations, and ROI tracking strategies.

The essay discusses how unexpected events, like illness, can drastically affect financial stability, as exemplified by a friend's cancer diagnosis. It emphasizes the need for lenders to provide compassionate support and proactive assistance to individuals facing financial challenges.