The Week in Review

Friday March 22, 2019 –

Here are the new and noteworthy stories we have been following this week.

Fidelity National Information Services to Buy Worldpay for $35 Billion

FIS announced that it is acquiring Worldpay for about $35 billion in cash and stock marking one of the biggest payments deals.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/fidelity-national-information-services-to-buy-worldpay-for-35-billion-11552895935

IBM Launches A Blockchain-Based Global Payments Network Using Stellar’s Cryptocurrency

IBM has created “IBM Blockchain World Wire”, a real-time, global payments network to support cross-border transactions and foreign exchange in 50+ countries using digital assets.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelwolfson/2019/03/18/ibm-launches-a-blockchain-based-global-payments-network-using-stellars-cryptocurrency/amp/

Instagram launches shopping checkout, charging sellers a fee

Instagram is launching  “Checkout with Instagram” allowing its users to buy products without leaving the app.

https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/19/instagram-checkout/

Moving beyond ride-hailing, Southeast Asia’s Grab is rolling out financial services

Grab is rolling out financial services starting with digital payments acceptance and credit, to be followed by insurance.

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/19/grab-rolls-out-new-financial-services-in-southeast-asia.html

Banks seek Congress’ help to block fintech path to ‘industrial’ charters

The ICBA has distributed a policy paper around Washington calling for an immediate moratorium on providing federal deposit insurance to ILC’s.

https://www.rollcall.com/news/banks-seek-congress-help-block-fintech-path-industrial-charters

Amazon Pay inks Worldpay integration as it branches out in the wider world of e-commerce

Worldpay is adding “Amazon Pay” as a payment option for its merchants starting with e-commerce merchants.

https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/20/amazon-pay-inks-worldpay-integration-as-it-branches-out-in-the-wider-world-of-e-commerce/

Startup Marqeta Rides Investor Enthusiasm for Payments

Marqeta is reportedly in talks to raise $250 million at a valuation of approximately $2 billion.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/startup-marqeta-rides-investor-enthusiasm-for-payments-11553192854

eBay to Begin Rolling Out Google Pay on its Marketplace Platform

eBay is introducing Google Pay to its suite of payment options available to buyers and sellers on its new managed payments platform.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-to-begin-rolling-out-google-pay-on-its-marketplace-platform-300816120.html

Regional banks ready to join forces to battle JP Morgan in anticipated merger wave

Industry analysts expect consolidation in the regional bank sector but think that deal terms will be driven more by outcomes vs. premiums.

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/22/regional-banks-to-forgo-big-merger-premiums-to-battle-banking-giants.html