Braithwate - Specialist Advisors in Financial Services

Outside the US, few fintechs achieve unicorn status without international growth; navigating regulatory licensing is key to unlocking new markets and achieving billion-dollar valuations.

In FintechXpndr’s latest blog post, we explore how neo-banks use licensing to (1) Expand their Total Addressable Market; (2) Build investor trust by showcasing regulatory competence; (3) Drive product and service innovation.

7 Oct 2024

22 May 2024

“We Can't Afford This Risk Management Project”

22 May 2024

Today’s £62 million fine imposed on Citi by the PRA and FCA underscores the real cost of inadequate risk management systems. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident; significant fines have been levied on most major financial institutions for similar failings in risk management and controls.

22 May 2024

21 May 2024

Consumer Duty Board reporting

21 May 2024

A recent poll revealed that only 1% of firms have completed their annual Consumer Duty Board report. With the deadline of July 31, 2024, fast approaching, it's crucial for firms to expedite their efforts to avoid non-compliance and potential FCA sanctions.

21 May 2024

16 May 2024

ESMA MiCA third consultation paper: a deep-dive into proposed market abuse requirements for crypto-assets

16 May 2024

The proposed market abuse rules for crypto-assets under MiCA are based heavily on the existing TradFi rules set out in MAR. Potential challenges facing crypto firms operating in the EU include: the expansive scope of Persons Professionally Arranging or Executing Transactions (PPAETs); prohibition of certain business practices (e.g. MEV); and difficulty attributing responsibility for STOR submission.

16 May 2024

5 Mar 2024

FCA Dear CEO letter to Annex I firms (non-bank lenders) on financial crime controls

5 Mar 2024

The FCA has written to CEOs of Annex 1 firms setting out findings from recent assessments of how firms are complying with money laundering regulations

5 Mar 2024

26 Feb 2024

Singapore’s Generative AI Model Governance Framework: impacts on the Financial Services Industry

26 Feb 2024

Singapore launched its first Model Governance Framework on traditional AI in 2019, later revising it in 2020. Updating the framework again is necessary amid emerging concerns and threat scenarios surrounding the use and development of generative AI. The main aim of the new Framework is to promote public understanding and trust in technologies enabling end-users to access generative AI confidently and safely.

26 Feb 2024

12 Jan 2024

UK Car Finance Discretionary Commission Scandal: A Guide For Car Dealers, Car Finance Firms and Motor Finance Credit Brokers

12 Jan 2024

As the UK Car Finance Discretionary Commission Scandal unfolds, Car Dealers, Car Finance Firms and Motor Finance Credit Brokers find themselves at the epicentre of potentially substantial financial exposure.

This guide helps Car Dealers and Car Finance Firms understand the background to the Car Finance Discretionary Commission Scandal and what they need to do to mitigate the impact on their business.

12 Jan 2024

6 Nov 2023

Introducing FintechXpndr - Accelerating International Expansion for Fintechs

6 Nov 2023

FintechXpndr helps fintechs expand internationally. For firms expanding overseas, we offer a one-stop shop for strategy, regulatory licensing, company incorporation, bank account opening, accounting and tax, and company directors. For regulated firms already operating in one of our core jurisdictions, we offer an outsourced compliance and risk management service, enabling firms to focus on their core business, while we take care of the rest.

6 Nov 2023

24 Oct 2023

Why the EU’s established Investment Firms have the edge in MiCA compliance

24 Oct 2023

The EU’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulation paves the way for the rapid growth of the European market in crypto and digital assets.

While MiCA applies to a broad spectrum of market participants, existing investment firms established in the EU hold a distinct advantage when it comes to compliance. This blog explains why.

24 Oct 2023

4 Oct 2023

Seizing the Opportunity: Why Successful FinTechs Should Expand Internationally During Market Downturns

4 Oct 2023

Now is the ideal time for successful FinTechs to take the global stage – Braithwate explains why.

It may seem counter-intuitive, but the current FinTech market downturn presents an ideal opportunity for astute FinTechs to expand their market presence.

4 Oct 2023