UK payments system is deceptively complex Opinion Beneath every tap of your card is a complex web of payment systems you don't even notice – and we mustn't fall behind, writes Keith Douglas.
Grounds for expansion: Airwallex’s Europe chief bets on London in licence pursuit Fintech As payments giant Airwallex laid out plans to double down on Europe, they turned to a man with experience at a multi-billion dollar deposit holder. The $8bn cross-border specialist was looking for someone to steer the ship amid expansion plans across Europe but in that endeavour didn’t poach a veteran of Wall Street or the [...]
Block slashes 4,000 jobs in latest AI warning Tech Payments giant Block will slash nearly half its workforce, cutting more than 4,000 roles as it pivots towards a business model built around AI and leaner teams. In a message to staff, the company confirmed it will reduce headcount from more than 10,000 employees to just under 6,000, with affected workers either leaving immediately or [...]
US giants dominate AI payments race amid Wall Street jitters February 25, 2026 US giants continue to lead the charge in the payments industry’s AI acceleration even as the sector gets swept up in Wall Street’s tech jitters. Visa led a three-horse race followed by Mastercard, then Paypal in the Evident AI’s inaugural index for the payments sector. The three towered above their peers, thanks largely to consistently [...]
Checkout.com defies AI job fears with hiring spree February 24, 2026 Checkout.com has defied fears of a slowdown in tech company recruitment after one of Britain’s most valuable private tech firms ramped up hiring despite widespread implementation of new AI tools. Top tech companies have reportedly pared back hiring of junior staff, which much of the work of junior recruits becoming automated by artificial intelligence. New [...]
Revolut: Inside Nik Storonsky’s $75bn fintech empire still waiting for its crown February 24, 2026 In Revolut’s shiny new Canary Wharf headquarters, the command ‘Get Sh*t Done’ is bolted onto the walls. The unconventional office mantra is a stark reminder of co-founder Nik Storonsky’s acerbic, straight-talking manner that has kept the gas pumping at the UK’s most valuable fintech since it opened for business in 2015. “Whenever a target is set, [...]
Bank of Ireland’s UK arm hit with £3.8m fine for fraud failures February 19, 2026 The Bank of Ireland’s UK arm has been slapped with a hefty fine after failing to hit the deadline by over a year to implement an anti-fraud service. The lender was hit with a £3.7m fine from the Payments Systems Regulator (PSR) for missing the deadline by 14 months for a “vital” service that would [...]
Payments watchdog won’t be abolished ‘any earlier than 2027’ February 4, 2026 The boss of the payments watchdog has said he doesn’t expect the regulator to be officially abolished any earlier than the first quarter of 2027 as criticism grows over the slow progress of reforms in the sector. David Geale, managing director at the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR), said he had “not seen the outcome” of [...]
London fintech Teya launches in Spain and Italy amid European expansion February 3, 2026 Payments business Teya has added two new countries to its operations as it marks the next phase in its global expansion. The London-based fintech, which is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, is this week launching in Spain and Italy after successful pilot projects in both countries began in July. The move means Teya, which was [...]
CAB Payments rejects ‘highly opportunistic’ Helios takeover bid February 2, 2026 London fintech CAB Payments has pushed back against another takeover proposal from African-focused private investment giant Helios. The firm – which was behind the “worst IPO of the year” in 2023 – has said the increased takeover proposal from a consortium led by Helios Investment Partners was “highly opportunistic” and undervalued the company’s future. Helios [...]