The 500th Spark - Issue #500 December 26th, 2024

As the year draws to a close, the fintech sector reflects on a transformative 2024. Crypto made a roaring comeback, slow exit environments persisted, and emerging markets saw significant shifts. From cooled trends to reignited innovations, 2024 proved a year of surprises, challenges, and growth.

The 18th Asian Financial Forum returns to Hong Kong on 13-14 January 2025 to bring together global business communities, corporate leaders, policymakers and regulators for discussions and exchange of insights on the global economy from an Asian perspective.

Benjamin Ensor and guests recap the year’s final stories, including Current’s fundraise, Tyme's $250M unicorn status, and Visa and Mastercard's global challenges. Also featured: an open banking solution by Eviden, Ordo, and ByzGen, and a playful nod to Santa’s fintech naughty or nice list.

We're looking for a Country Manager to help us solve the toughest problems in our global fintech. Someone to roll up their sleeves and lead this team and all Revolut Bank’s Branch activities in Greece.

We’re looking for a Senior Product Operations Manager in our Global Product Tribe to join our growing Product Operations team in London. This role is a unique opportunity to have an impact on Wise’s mission, grow as a product operations leader and empower millions more people with instant, borderless money.

As a Product Director for App Experience, you’ll lead and develop a team of Product Managers to define and deliver a strategy that helps customers make the most of Monzo. You’ll help build the platform, capabilities and app structure needed to optimise a customer’s in-app experience and engagement.

2024 saw landmark crypto milestones with Bitcoin and Ether ETFs launching in the U.S. and growing political support. Yet, amidst the triumphs, the industry retained its eccentric charm. This year delivered plenty of bizarre crypto stories that continue to captivate enthusiasts and skeptics alike.

Federal regulators maintain pressure on banks partnering with fintechs, with enforcement actions focusing on Bank Secrecy Act failures. While action volume has decreased, cases like Axiom Bank’s highlight ongoing compliance challenges in balancing innovation with legal oversight.

Finland’s digital bank Alisa Bank teams up with Enfuce to launch a Visa business credit card for SMEs. This partnership aims to reshape SME banking by providing tailored financial tools, marking Alisa Bank’s continued commitment to transforming the business banking experience in Finland.

The CFPB alleges Walmart and Branch Messenger Inc. compelled Spark drivers to use costly bank accounts under threat of termination. The lawsuit raises questions about consent and transparency in fintech partnerships and corporate practices, spotlighting regulatory scrutiny on worker payments.