A coalition of crypto, fintech, and retail trade groups has urged President Donald Trump to take a firm stance in defending the nation’s open banking framework, warning that legal challenges by major banks threaten consumer data rights and could derail the administration’s innovation agenda.

In a July 23 letter, the Financial Technology Association, Blockchain Association, Crypto Council for Innovation, and several national retail groups said that big banks are attempting to “unwind progress” made under Trump’s leadership by imposing high data access fees and challenging the open banking rule in court.

The groups claim that these actions could restrict Americans from using digital wallets, payment apps, and investing platforms that rely on secure bank connectivity.

The open banking rule, finalized during Trump’s first term, established a legal foundation for consumers to link their financial data to third-party services free of charge.

It also set stringent security and privacy standards aimed at balancing the interests of fintech companies and banks while positioning the United States as a global leader in financial technology. However, the largest U.S. banks filed lawsuits on the day the rule was finalized, seeking to block its implementation.

The trade groups argued that banks are exploiting regulatory uncertainty to preserve their dominance and slow innovation, putting smaller competitors and emerging digital asset firms at a disadvantage.

The letter emphasizes that the next critical juncture in the legal battle is July 29, when the administration must file its brief in the ongoing case.

The signatories are urging the government to explicitly affirm that financial data belongs to consumers, who should be free to share it with fintech or crypto services of their choosing, without additional costs or restrictions.

The appeal comes as the U.S. faces growing competition from overseas markets that are aggressively adopting open banking standards and blockchain-powered financial services.

The coalition warned that weakening consumer data rights could erode the nation’s leadership in fintech and digital asset innovation.

The letter was signed by 11 organizations, including the Chamber of Progress, the Digital Chamber, the Financial Data and Technology Association, and major retail groups like the National Association of Convenience Stores, the National Restaurant Association, and the National Retail Federation.

Together, these trade groups represent tens of millions of consumers and businesses relying on modern, affordable financial services.

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Top stablecoin issuer Tether (USDT) is unveiling its investment branch’s portfolio, which includes over a hundred different companies in multiple sectors.

In a new thread on the social media platform X, Tether chief executive Paolo Ardoino says the investments were made with the company’s own profits and that he expects the portfolio to grow.

“Today Tether publishes (a portion) of its investment/venture portfolio. Overall Tether group invested in more than 120+ companies and this number is expected to grow significantly in the next months and years.

These investments have been made with Tether’s own profits ($13.7 billion in 2024), outside of USDT (and other stables) reserves and are part of Tether Investments arm.”

Some noteworthy companies Tether has invested into include the video sharing platform Rumble, brain-to-interface medical equipment firm Blackrock Neurotech, blockchain intelligence firm Crystal Intelligence, Bitcoin (BTC) treasury company Twenty One, various stablecoin-related businesses, and Juventus, one of the most popular and successful European soccer clubs in the world.

According to Tether Ventures, it is aiming to back firms that further decentralization and individual sovereignty.

“Our focus spans critical sectors including payment infrastructure, renewable energy, Bitcoin, agriculture, artificial intelligence, and tokenization. Our capital is not merely financial; it is a catalyst for change.

We back projects that reduce reliance on centralized systems, promote privacy, and empower individuals globally. Through strategic investments and partnerships, we are actively shaping a more resilient and equitable world.”

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JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon is defending the bank’s controversial plans to charge fintech companies such as PayPal and Coinbase fees for access to customers’ account information.

In an earnings call for the second quarter of 2025, Dimon said that the fintech-fee decision was made to protect its customers when asked about the new policy.

“So, this is very important. So forget pricing for a second, we are in favor of the customer, but we think the customer has the right to if they want to share their information. What we ask people to do is, what do they – do they actually know what’s being shared? What is actually being shared? It shouldn’t be everything. It should be what their customer wants. It should have a time limit because some of these things went on for years. It should not be re-marketed or resold to third parties. And so, we’re kind of in favor of all that, done properly.

And then the payment, it just costs a lot of money to set up the APIs and stuff like that to run the system’s protection. So, we just think it should be done and done right. And that’s the main part. It’s not like you can’t do it.”

The fintech companies use the information to make it easier for their customers to send, receive and trade money. JPMorgan is reportedly poised to collect hundreds of millions of dollars in fees for the service.

Alex Rampell, general partner at Andreessen Horowitz and co-founder of the buy now, pay later business Affirm, is slamming JPMorgan’s move, warning it will make it more difficult to move money into crypto.

“This isn’t about a new revenue stream. It’s about strangling competition. And if they get away with this, every bank will follow…

If it suddenly costs $10 to move $100 into a Coinbase or Robinhood account – maybe fewer people will do it.”

Arjun Sethi, co-CEO of crypto platform Kraken, is criticizing JPMorgan for “asserting ownership over data that is generated by users but stored inside infrastructure the bank controls.”

“We should not be optimizing for defensibility through restriction. We should be leveraging our position and profitability to build better access, more open architecture and more composable systems. That means investing in protocols, not just platforms. It means participating in shared infrastructure, not just extracting value from it.”

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Financial technology (Fintech) companies may move away from traditional lending services, as decentralized alternatives offer more accessible loans with smaller fees.

Decentralized finance (DeFi) lending protocols enable users to lend and borrow their cryptocurrency for passive income in a permissionless manner, via smart contracts instead of numerous financial intermediaries.

The growing efficiency and accessibility of DeFi lending protocols may inspire more fintech companies to opt for them over centralized lending alternatives, according to Merline Egalite, co-founder of Morpho, the second-largest decentralized lending protocol.

He told Cointelegraph during an exclusive interview at EthCC 2025:

“Fintechs have realized that integrating DeFi is a strategic move. If they don’t do it, they will lag behind others because fintechs are competing on the UX and the product they give to users.”

“Fintechs are realizing that DeFi can provide a higher rate,” explained Egalite, adding that DeFi adoption can help financial institutions “provide the best financial products,” in terms of lending and trading.

This will inspire the lion’s share of global fintech firms to migrate to DeFi within the next three years, he added.

Related: Chainlink reveals compliance standard, targets $100T institutional crypto flows

Morpho is the crypto industry’s second-largest lending protocol, worth over $5.5 billion in total value locked (TVL) across 20 blockchains, behind AAVE’s industry-leading $31 billion TVL, DefiLlama data shows.

DeFi loans can present an important financial lifeline for global citizens without access to traditional banking infrastructure. 

Related: Trump administration mulls ‘debanking’ executive order: WSJ

DeFi’s permissionless nature helps bypass traditional banking restrictions

Increasingly more fintech firms are recognizing the advantages of DeFi’s permissionless nature, which removes financial intermediaries and centralized risks involved in the lending and borrowing process.

Fintech using traditional banking rails still risk losing their license or Application Programming Interface (API) access, Egalite said, adding:

“So are you hooked by large banks? In DeFi, you don’t fear that because there are no intermediaries. You just trust the code itself.” 

While fintech firms already recognize these advantages, regulated yield-bearing products may inspire even more financial institutions to explore DeFi lending in the future, added Egalite.

DeFi lending rose to a new cumulative all-time high of $66.7 billion in TVL on Friday, according to DefiLlama data.

AAVE protocol’s $31.7 billion TVL currently accounts for 47% of the total DeFi lending value, while Morpho’s $5.5 billion accounts for over 8.2%.

This marked a significant recovery for crypto lending, which saw a decline starting in 2022 when centralized finance (CeFi) lenders Genesis, Celsius Network, BlockFi and Voyager filed for bankruptcy within two years as crypto valuations fell.

Magazine: Crypto-Sec: $11M Bittensor phish, UwU Lend and Curve fake news, $22M Lykke hack

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/fintech-firms-will-move-to-defi-lending-within-3-years-morpho-co-founder/feed/ 0 48298 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ripple-makes-list-of-the-worlds-top-fintech-companies-in-2025/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ripple-makes-list-of-the-worlds-top-fintech-companies-in-2025/#respond Thu, 17 Jul 2025 17:08:06 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ripple-makes-list-of-the-worlds-top-fintech-companies-in-2025/

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Popular American-based payment company, Ripple Labs or Ripple, has made it into the headlines once again with its latest key development. The company continues to demonstrate its strong presence in the broader financial sector, reaching several significant milestones.

Top 2025 Fintech Honors Go To Ripple

Fintech is flourishing, and Ripple, a technology company, is at the forefront of this renewed wave. In a recent report, it was revealed that the firm has received official recognition as one of the top fintech companies in the world.

The 2025 survey, which includes fintechs both big and small across seven different market segments, was carried out by CBNC and Statista. Ripple’s appearance among the 2025 top fintech companies marks a major milestone in its evolution from a blockchain-based payment network to a global financial technology leader.

Furthermore, this distinguished award emphasizes the firm’s ongoing innovation in enterprise blockchain adoption, cross-border payments, and its expanding impact on the direction of digital finance. The payment company has taken to the social media platform X to celebrate this notable achievement and landmark. 

According to the report, this milestone marks the third consecutive year for the firm as one of the world’s top fintech companies. “We’re honored to be named one of CBNC’s World’s Top Fintech Companies for the third year in a row,” the company stated.

Thus far, the company has expressed its appreciation for this recognition. Ripple stated that this milestone demonstrates our continued dedication to creating the Internet of Value and revolutionizing global financial transactions.

A Shift Into The Banking Sector

It is worth noting that this significant milestone comes as the firm takes a step forward into the banking landscape. “True to our long-standing compliance roots, Ripple is applying for a national bank charter from the OCC,” Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse stated. 

According to the CEO, if authorized, the payment company would have federal and state oversight (through NYDFS), which would set a new and distinct standard for confidence in the stablecoin market. His statement follows the team application for a national bank license, joining the swarm of cryptocurrency businesses attempting to bridge the gap into traditional finance.

In addition, the firm has applied for a Fed Master account through Standard Custody, while banks are leaning in, and Congress is moving toward clear rules and regulations. Garlinghouse highlighted that this access would give the team the ability to hold RLUSD reserves with the Federal Reserve (Fed) directly, and add another degree of protection to RLUSD’s future proof of trust.

The CEO concluded by saying that building reliable, secure, and tried-and-true infrastructure has always been a priority for the company. “In a $250B+ market, RLUSD stands out for putting regulation first, setting the standard that institutions expect,” he added.

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Canadian fintech Mogo announced on July 2 that its board had cleared up to $50 million for staged Bitcoin purchases as a long-term treasury reserve, prompting its shares to jump 140% at market opening on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

MOGO closed July 1 priced at 1.74 Canadian dollars, worth roughly $1.28. It opened on July 2, priced at 4.18 Canadian dollars, equivalent to $3.08. The move is the largest daily increase in Mogo’s shares since 2021.

As of press time, MOGO was trading at 3.60 Canadian dollars, up roughly 107% over the past 24 hours.

The firm told investors it will fund the allocation with surplus cash and future portfolio monetizations once the WonderFi–Robinhood sale closes in the second half of 2025.

Management expects to hold approximately $50 million in cash and investments at that point. It plans to convert the balance into Bitcoin in tranches, while maintaining sufficient working capital for its lending, wealth management, and payments arms.

President and co-founder Greg Feller said the move continues a crypto strategy that began with Canada’s first retail Bitcoin account in 2018 and the firm’s initial balance sheet purchase in 2020.

Bitcoin reserve and capital benchmark

Management will now test every deployment of corporate capital, such as mergers, product investments, and share buybacks, against an internal Bitcoin hurdle rate and will reject projects expected to yield returns that lag behind the asset’s long-term return. 

Feller called the rule “a new bar for capital discipline” and framed it as a hard-coded check on incremental spending.

CEO David Feller linked the policy to Mogo’s “Warren Buffett” behavioral framework, which stresses long-horizon decisions and mental focus. 

The company will embed Bitcoin across its businesses in a “Wealth” model, consisting of a 60/40 equity and Bitcoin portfolio on the $400 million assets under management platform, and a lending arm with collateralised BTC loans aimed at lower borrowing costs.

Furthermore, an effort to explore stablecoin rails will focus on $12 billion in annual cross-border volume.

Mogo holds minority stakes in Gemini and Hootsuite, which it can liquidate to accelerate purchases. It also retains indirect exposure through a 12% stake in WonderFi, the parent of Canada’s largest independent crypto exchange.

X (formerly known as Twitter) is ramping up efforts to integrate financial services directly into its ecosystem and moving beyond its roots in social networking, the Financial Times reported on June 19.

According to the report, the social media giant is preparing to let users carry out a wide range of financial transactions within the app. This includes day-to-day payments like buying food or tipping content creators, as well as more advanced tools for investing and digital fund transfers.

X CEO Linda Yaccarino also confirmed that the company is exploring the launch of a branded debit or credit card by the end of the year.

Yaccarino, who took the helm in 2023 after Elon Musk acquired the social media platform, has overseen a period of rapid transformation.

Under her leadership, X has added capabilities such as AI tools, live video, audio calls, and the soon-to-launch XChat, an upgraded messaging system with encrypted communication and disappearing messages.

These changes have helped boost engagement, with usage metrics trending upward in recent quarters.

“Everything App”

These moves are part of a broader strategy to evolve X into an “everything app,” echoing Musk’s long-held vision of combining social media, entertainment, payments, and commerce under a single platform.

Meanwhile, the new financial features are expected to build upon earlier initiatives like X Money and a peer-to-peer payments system.

Notably, the Musk-owned platform has partnered with Visa to develop the X Money Account, a digital wallet that supports fund transfers and peer-to-peer payments.

X has obtained money transmitter licenses in over 4 US states and is registered with FinCEN to support its growing fintech stack. These regulatory moves give the company a green light to offer many types of financial services across major jurisdictions legally.

Crypto integration?

Despite this progress, it is unclear whether digital asset transactions will be part of the platform’s offerings.

This is surprising considering Musk has consistently expressed interest in crypto and some of his companies, like Tesla, hold Bitcoin on their balance sheets.

However, his social media platform has not confirmed plans to support crypto transactions. There is also no indication that the platform will launch a token, despite increased speculation from the community.

Still, many users expect X to embrace digital assets, given its tech-forward direction and Musk’s pro-crypto disposition.

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The continuous evolution of the job market with the arrival of emerging technologies has created opportunities as well as challenges. You could no longer rely on a traditional degree only for a successful career in any field. It is probably one of the top reasons to get certified in blockchain, AI or fintech as they are the most popular emerging technologies. Why should you pick these three areas for your career? You can find the answer to such questions in the growing demand for professionals with specialized skills in novel technologies.

Blockchain, AI, and fintech are not just trends in the domain of technology. Let us find out the top reasons to get a professional certification in blockchain, AI or fintech.

Build your identity as a certified blockchain, AI, & fintech expert with 101 Blockchains’ Blockchain, AI, & Fintech Certifications designed to provide enhanced career prospects.

Decoding the Reasons to Pursue Blockchain, AI or Fintech Certifications

Readers are likely to think that blockchain, AI, and fintech are just buzzwords that will fade away into obscurity. As a matter of fact, the three technologies will establish the foundations of the next industrial revolution. The integration of these technologies in almost every industry has led to growing demand for skilled experts. Every employer needs certified experts who can create new benchmarks for innovation with the emerging technologies. 

Most of the discussions on benefits of fintech certification programs or credentials for blockchain and AI focus on job security. You must look beyond the usual advantages of professional certification to recognize their value for your professional growth. Professional certifications in cutting-edge technologies place you at the forefront of innovation and guarantee higher earning potential with career growth.

The following reasons will show how certifications in blockchain, AI or fintech can boost your career growth.

1. Growing Demand for Professionals with Specialized Skills

The existing job market has employers seeking specialized skills in professionals, which would add more value to their organization. It is also important to note that the competition for jobs in blockchain, AI or fintech is less fierce. The three fields offer promising opportunities for long-term growth and the demand for talented professionals exceeds the supply by huge margins. 

• Demand for Blockchain Professionals

You can use a credential like the Certified Enterprise Blockchain Professional certification by 101 Blockchains to land your first blockchain job. The use cases of blockchain have disrupted conventional models across different industries. It has also introduced prospects for innovation in DeFi, digital identity, secure data sharing, and supply chain management.

Some of the notable roles for certified blockchain experts include blockchain developers, project managers, architects, and consultants. Since blockchain is a unique technology, professionals with a tangible proof of expertise in its principles and applications can find unique employment opportunities. 

Understand the core concepts of blockchain technology and its ecosystem, and learn how to approach blockchain implementation effectively with the Certified Enterprise Blockchain Professional (CEBP) certification.

• Demand for AI Professionals

You don’t have to worry about learning to work with artificial intelligence as it is easier to get an AI certification. Artificial intelligence has become embedded in the daily lives of people across different types of systems. You can find the applications of AI in advanced fraud detection and personalized recommendation systems. The use cases of AI in finance help in ensuring better customer experience with algorithmic trading tools and credit scoring with the support of intelligent chatbots.

One of the significant advantages of AI certifications is the assurance of comprehensive preparation for different AI jobs. For example, certified AI professionals can pursue roles like AI engineers, machine learning specialists, AI ethicists, or data scientist. As a certified AI expert, you will create intelligent algorithms and develop AI-powered solutions that boost efficiency.

Unlock your potential in Artificial Intelligence with the Certified AI Professional (CAIP) Certification. Elevate your career with expert-led training and gain the skills needed to thrive in today’s AI-driven world.

• Demand for Fintech Professionals

Certification programs for fintech professionals have gained traction due to the transformative impact of the blend of finance and technology. Fintech has promoted different types of innovative developments in finance, such as mobile banking, peer-to-peer lending, robotic advisors, and digital payments. As a melting pot of innovation, fintech needs experts who have technological fluency and financial acumen. 

The notable roles in fintech include product managers, fintech analysts, consultants, compliance officers, and cybersecurity analysts. The growing momentum for digital transformation of financial services has ensured that professionals who understand the concepts of finance and technology are invaluable assets.

Excited to explore the impact of technology on financial services? Enroll Now in the Certified Fintech Expert (CFTE) Certification Course Now!

2. Enhancing the Earning Potential

One of the biggest reasons to pursue a professional certification in blockchain, fintech, or AI is the salary premium. Everyone would agree that increased income is one of the significant motivation factors for professional development. 

Professionals search for “What is the most respected blockchain certification?” to ensure that the certification takes them closer to high-paying jobs. The scarcity of certified experts in blockchain, AI and fintech and the critical significance of these technologies for businesses imply that employers will pay more to certified professionals.

The average annual salary of certified blockchain, AI or fintech professionals can vary between $90,000 and $250,000. Certifications offer a tangible proof of expertise in a specific technology, thereby empowering you to ask for a higher salary.

3. Staying Ahead of the Competition

The competition for jobs in blockchain, AI or fintech might be less fierce. However, many candidates aspire to work with these technologies, thereby creating a competitive job market. With a certification from a renowned platform or industry body, you can showcase a proof of your skills. 

You can differentiate yourself from the competition by demonstrating your knowledge, practical experience, and commitment to the field. One of the foremost benefits of a professional certification in blockchain, AI or fintech is easier access to opportunities for professional networking.

Employers trust certified professionals because they know that certification programs validate your understanding of complex concepts and abilities to use them. Certifications show that you have completed rigorous training in a specific technology according to industry standards. 

Professional certifications also elevate your reputation for showing commitment to continuous learning, thereby earning employer trust. You can stand out from the crowd of applicants and attract the attention of employers and hiring managers instantly with a certification in your resume.

Start learning blockchain with world’s first Blockchain Career Paths with quality resources tailored by industry experts now!

4. Contribute to Innovation and Make an Impact

The discussions about top reasons to get certified in blockchain, AI or fintech focus a lot on the benefits for your career. How will certifications in these technologies make you a better professional? As a certified blockchain, AI or fintech expert, you can contribute to innovative advancements that will reshape industries, create new possibilities and solve complex problems. For instance, you can be a part of a project to create an inclusive financial system as a fintech expert. Your contributions to the project can have a direct impact on financial accessibility in the target regions.

Professionals can also use certifications in novel technologies to revolutionize business operations by using their distinctive strengths. Blockchain can promote improvements in cybersecurity and simpler cross-border transactions while ensuring better data integrity. Similarly, AI can support personalization of customer experiences and supply chain optimization. 

Certified professionals will also have a crucial role in ensuring ethical and responsible use of the technologies. With the right certification in your profile, you can become an integral part of a community of innovators contributing to projects that will have a huge impact on society.

5. Safeguarding Your Career in a Dynamic Job Market

One of the prominent highlights that define the current job market is consistent evolution. You cannot expect formal education to help you stay relevant in a rapidly changing world where new technological advancements pop up every day. The benefits of fintech certification or a professional certification in blockchain and AI enable you to adapt to massive shifts in the industries. Certified experts can stay relevant in the face of radical changes and transformation of businesses across various industries

Certifications provide a trusted resource for continuous upskilling and professional development. You can rely on professional certifications to prepare not only for existing jobs but also the career paths that will rise in future. Certification courses in blockchain, AI and fintech offer the foresight required to understand emerging trends and practical skills required to create new solutions.

By learning how to work with blockchain, AI or fintech, you can discover the future of finance and technology. The proactive approach earned through certifications can help in recognizing potential shifts in the job market, thereby allowing you to tailor your skills for relevant jobs. On top of it, you wouldn’t have to worry about the impact of automation on your job. Certifications in AI, blockchain or fintech will prepare you for high-value roles of the future and create your identity as a key player in evolving job markets.

Final Thoughts 

The five important reasons to obtain a professional certification in blockchain, AI or fintech explain why you should get one. The advantages of AI certifications and professional credentials in blockchain or fintech can help you prepare for any change. Most important of all, you can adapt to emerging technologies and become an invaluable asset for employers with your skills. One of the distinctive benefits of becoming a certified professional in blockchain, AI or fintech is the ability to contribute to innovation. You can solve real-world problems and use your knowledge to craft new solutions that will change how industries operate. Find the most useful certification courses for blockchain, fintech and AI from a reliable certification provider right now.