How Brexit Is Shaping UK–EU Financial Technology Partnerships

By wploansparks

When the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union in 2016, most headlines focused on trade, immigration, and politics. But for the financial technology (fintech) sector — one of the UK’s fastest-growing industries — Brexit represented a seismic shift in how companies collaborate, compete, and comply across borders. Years later, the dust is settling.…

The Rise of Banking-as-a-Service in North America and Europe

By wploansparks

Banking is no longer just for banks. Over the past decade, a quiet revolution has been reshaping the financial sector: Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS). This model allows non-banks — from retailers to fintech startups — to offer banking-like products by leveraging licensed banks’ infrastructure via APIs. What used to take years, cost millions, and require heavy regulatory…

Central Bank Digital Currencies: The US, Canada, and EU Plans Compared

By wploansparks

Money is changing. Around the world, central banks are exploring how to modernize their currencies for a digital future. Instead of relying solely on cash or private-sector payment apps, many governments are looking at Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) — state-backed digital versions of fiat money. While no major Western economy has yet launched a…

Green Finance: How European Banks Lead, and the US Is Catching Up

By wploansparks

In recent years, “green finance” has shifted from a niche concept to a mainstream priority. It’s no longer enough for banks to focus on profitability alone; they are now under pressure to ensure that the money they lend and invest also supports a sustainable future. Europe has taken a clear lead in this transition. From…

The Role of FinTech in Driving Financial Inclusion in Developed Economies

By wploansparks

Financial inclusion has long been associated with developing countries—helping unbanked and underbanked populations gain access to essential financial services. However, developed economies also face inclusion gaps, particularly among low-income groups, immigrants, rural communities, and small businesses. Here, financial technology (FinTech) plays a transformative role, not just by improving convenience, but by reshaping the entire financial…