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Weekly Research Highlights – 07 May 2024

The fintech industry is rapidly evolving and disrupting traditional financial systems. In this article, we bring you the latest research insights to help you stay ahead of the curve and understand the future of financial technology. Enjoy researching!

Scammed customers and Bunq are diametrically opposed to each other (FD)

A significant portion of Dutch investment funds labeled as sustainable actually invest in fossil fuel companies, in contradiction to new European regulations. This discrepancy highlights the challenge consumers face in discerning truly sustainable investment options. Despite the EU’s efforts to regulate sustainable finance, greenwashing remains prevalent, with many funds misrepresenting their environmental impact. The lack of clarity in defining sustainability allows fund managers to exploit loopholes, undermining the integrity of sustainable investing. Additionally, the fossil fuel industry’s failure to align with the Paris Agreement goals further complicates the issue. Ultimately, stricter regulations and clearer guidelines are needed to ensure transparency and accountability in sustainable finance. Read more

Q1’24 Venture Pulse Report – Europe (KPMG)

In Q1’24, VC investment in Europe rose to $17.9 billion, primarily due to a large raise by H2 Green Steel. Despite geopolitical and macroeconomic challenges, deal sizes remained healthy, although the number of VC deals dropped significantly. Cleantech emerged as a key investment sector in Europe, with substantial deals recorded. The UK experienced a notable decline in VC investment, while Germany saw a slight dip amid ongoing uncertainties. Austria showed positive signs with growing deal sizes, but Ireland’s VC investment and deal volume dried up considerably. Looking ahead, VC investors in Europe are expected to remain cautious, with a focus on cleantech, ESG reporting, defense technologies, and crypto. Read more

The Paypers Global Fintech Investments Analysis: Q1 2024 (The Paypers)

In the first quarter of 2024, the fintech industry maintained its growth momentum despite a 16% decrease in funding compared to the previous quarter, marking the lowest level since 2017. Europe, the UK, North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East all saw notable investments, with a focus on digital banking, payment technologies, fraud mitigation, and lending for small businesses. Despite challenges, the industry remained resilient, showcasing a commitment to innovation and adaptation to meet evolving customer demands and security needs. Read more

Argentina Revealed as the Most Crypto-Friendly Country in CryptoCasinos Research (The Fintech Times)

The latest research from CryptoCasinos reveals the top crypto-friendly nations, with Argentina leading the pack. Argentina boasts a significant percentage of the population holding crypto and favorable conditions for mining and trading. The United States follows closely behind, with a high percentage of crypto holders despite higher mining costs. Colombia ranks third, with crypto adoption driven partly by currency depreciation. Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates take fourth and fifth place, respectively. Other notable countries in the top 10 include Vietnam, Turkey, Canada, Singapore, and Pakistan. These countries exhibit varying degrees of crypto adoption, driven by factors like economic conditions and regulatory environments. Read more

Why so many bad bosses still rise to the top (McKinsey)

The article delves into the paradox of leadership selection, highlighting the prevalence of traits like narcissism and overconfidence over competence and emotional intelligence (EQ). Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic discusses how gender bias impacts leadership selection, emphasizing the importance of focusing on talent rather than gender for better outcomes. He underscores the significance of EQ in effective leadership, noting its decline in modern society alongside the rise of narcissism. Additionally, he explores the potential of technology to aid in identifying and cultivating genuine leadership potential, emphasizing the need to prioritize substance over style and to focus on soft skills that enhance collaboration and make others better. Ultimately, the article calls for a shift in leadership selection criteria to prioritize competencies that truly drive organizational progress. Read more

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