What is FINAVATOR up to?
Michelle Beyo launched her podcast: “Step into the Future of Finance!”
Michelle Beyo has officially launched her Podcast “Step into the Future of Finance,” a space where she dives deep into how innovation, technology and inclusion are transforming the financial world. The podcast brings in-depth conversations on trends reshaping banking, payments, digital identity, financial inclusion and responsible igaming. Three incredible episodes are already live, featuring visionary leaders who decode what’s next in finance innovation, deliver practical insights and give expert perspectives for forward-thinking listeners. Check the podcast out HERE.
Michelle Beyo hosted an Open Finance Network Canada(OFNC) Industry Event.
Michelle Beyo hosted an Open Finance Network Canada (OFNC) Industry Event in downtown Toronto, where the event panel discussed: “How Open Finance Can Accelerate Real-Time Rail (RTR).” The event explored how better data access through Open Finance can help drive Real-Time Rail adoption and what it means for smarter, faster and safer payments in Canada. Proudly sponsored by Matera, the evening brought together multiple fintech and banking leaders, innovators and industry experts to discuss how the country prepares for an advanced financial ecosystem.
Michelle Beyo moderated panels at Money 20/20, marking her 10 years attending.
Michelle Beyo marked her 10th Money 20/20 this year, and has been attending the event for a decade now, since 2015! Over 12,000 leaders and innovators attended this year, energised by bold ideas and a shared mission to shape the future of finance together. This year, Michelle moderated three powerful panels: 1) Open Finance in Latin America: how Embedded Finance is Accelerating Access, 2) Tap to Tap: Instant Beer, and 3) Canada Meet Up Stage. Each panel discussed significant advances in the Fintech space, including QR code payments, financial inclusion through open finance, AI, and more. Money 20/20 this year was filled with powerful content, meaningful insights, and, most importantly, in-person conversations that move the industry forward.
Michelle marked her 4th year attending the Women's Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO) Summit
Michelle Beyo spent two inspiring days in New York at the WEDO Summit, joining global leaders, innovators, and founders driving women’s economic empowerment worldwide. One standout session was United in Impact: Investing in Women Funds/Founders, Transforming Communities, filled with bold ideas and sharp business insights that push the industry forward. Michelle also had the opportunity to join the WEDO community in closing the Nasdaq bell - symbolising progress, partnership, and possibility for women in leadership.
What Are We Reading?
Revolut Receives Final Approval to Launch Banking Operations in Mexico
Revolut has received final approval from Mexico’s National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV) and the Bank of Mexico to launch full banking operations, becoming the first independent digital bank to secure a license from scratch in the country. The authorisation allows Revolut to offer regulated banking services with deposit protection of up to 3.4 million MXN, marking a major milestone in its expansion across the Americas.
Fintech News
Half of Global Currencies to Feature in Stablecoin Market by 2026, Predicts Investment Exec
By 2026, half of the world’s currencies are expected to feature in the stablecoin market, according to LIAN Group’s Fiorenzo Manganiello. The shift, driven by regulation, institutional adoption, and China’s potential entry with yuan-backed coins, marks a move beyond U.S. dollar dominance toward a more diversified and resilient global payments landscape.
Scottish Enterprise and FinTech Scotland Launch North America Fintech Gateway
Scottish Enterprise and FinTech Scotland have launched the Scotland-North America Fintech Gateway, an 18-month programme helping Scottish fintech firms expand into North America while attracting U.S. and Canadian investment. With Scotland’s fintech sector valued at over £14 billion, the initiative aims to strengthen the country’s position as a global fintech hub.
Global News in Payments
Klarna Launches Debit-First Card in UK to Disrupt Retail Banking, Moving Beyond Instalment
Klarna has launched its “Klarna Card” in the UK - a flexible, debit-first Visa card where purchases default to debit, and users can choose a spending plan (instalments) option when needed. This move marks a strategic leap from its core BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) business into everyday banking and payments, aiming to disrupt the traditional retail-banking sector.
Mastercard Launches Merchant Cloud to Simplify Payments and Drive Global Commerce Growth
Mastercard has introduced Merchant Cloud, a next-generation platform that unifies payment services. It offers AI-driven tools for tokenisation, fraud prevention, guest checkout, and approval optimisation, while supporting over 240 acquirers and 35+ payment types worldwide. This initiative positions Mastercard to simplify global commerce and strengthen digital payment infrastructure across markets.
A Moment of Good
A Greater Understanding of Investment: eToro and Sahab School Sign MoU to Improve Financial Literacy
eToro has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sahab School in the UAE to integrate its trading platform into the school’s curriculum and strengthen financial literacy among students. The collaboration will give students hands-on experience with global markets in a secure, educational setting. This initiative supports the UAE’s Vision 2031 goal of developing financially aware and investment-ready youth. Both partners aim to promote responsible investing, critical thinking, and a stronger understanding of personal finance from an early age.
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