Options Technology, a global provider of cloud-enabled managed services for the financial sector, has earned Microsoft Solutions Partner specialization for Threat Detection. The recognition underscores Options’ leadership in delivering secure, compliant, and private cloud services tailored for enterprise financial clients.
Cohere Capital Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm specializing in technology and tech-enabled services, has made a strategic growth investment in Leverege, a Rockville, Maryland-based provider of AI-native software solutions leveraging Internet of Things (IoT) and VisionAI technology.
ROYC, a leading global Platform-as-a-Service provider for alternative investments, has announced a strategic partnership with I Squared Capital, a prominent independent global infrastructure investment manager. Under the agreement, ROYC will serve as I Squared’s technology partner in Europe, supporting its expansion into the private wealth channel.
The Association for Financial Technology (AFT) wrapped up its Fall meeting in Banff, Alberta, with record-breaking attendance, underscoring the growing influence of fintech in the U.S. financial ecosystem. The 53-year-old association, known for connecting banks, credit unions, lenders, payment companies, and fintechs, leveraged the event to celebrate leadership transitions, expand networking, and support professional development.
Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is turning the spotlight on decentralized perpetual exchanges—and a new competitor is grabbing attention. In its latest Bybit Crypto Insights report, the exchange analyzes the rise of Aster and its challenge to Hyperliquid’s dominance.
Lithuania just strengthened its fintech credentials. payabl., a European payments and business accounts provider, has formally registered a local entity in Vilnius, cementing its presence in a country that has quietly become one of Europe’s most dynamic fintech hubs. The move sets Lithuania as payabl.’s base for the Baltics and Nordics, markets known for fast-growing tech, mobility, healthcare, and e-commerce sectors.
The U.S. futures market is getting a new player. Miami International Holdings (MIAX), best known for its regulated equities and options exchanges, announced it will begin supporting financial futures trading on its MIAX Futures™ Onyx platform starting February 22, 2026 (for the Feb. 23 trade date).
The payments industry isn’t short on heavyweights, but North has just earned a spot near the very top. The U.S.-based fintech and payments solutions provider ranked #4 on The Financial Technology Report’s “Top 25 Payments Companies of 2025”—a list spotlighting firms shaping the future of money movement. Adding to the recognition, North’s CFO Kirk Haggarty landed at #11 on the companion list of “Top 25 Payments Executives.”
The stablecoin wars just got more interesting. Stable, the layer 1 blockchain network already powered by USDT, announced today that it will integrate PayPal USD (PYUSD)—PayPal’s regulated, dollar-backed stablecoin—into its network. The move brings PayPal’s digital dollar into a blockchain built specifically for stablecoin-powered payments, while PayPal Ventures is putting skin in the game with an investment in Stable’s $28 million seed round.
Big data isn’t just for Wall Street titans anymore. Orbit Financial Technology today rolled out Orbit Flex, a monthly membership model for Orbit Insight, the company’s flagship AI-driven research and analysis platform. Already trusted by heavyweight hedge funds and asset managers, Orbit Insight is now aiming to break down the velvet rope, giving boutique funds, independents, and even solo researchers access to institutional-grade tools.
