Blockchain
Global Fintech M&A continues two-year climb to defy broader M&A slowdown, says Hampleton Partners’ report
Embedded finance applications, crypto, blockchain and OpenAPI banking services surge
‘Potential recession won’t dampen Fintech M&A as it did in 2008’
London, UK – 14 September 2022. The latest Hampleton Partners’ Fintech M&A Report, reveals that global Fintech M&A rose sharply in the first half of 2022 with 591 recorded deals, defying the broader M&A slowdown.
The report, by the international M&A and corporate finance advisory firm for technology companies, showed a 46 per cent increase on 1H2021 numbers (406 Fintech deals), and a massive 70 per cent increase on 1H2019 pre-pandemic figures (348 Fintech deals).
Meanwhile, valuations remained steady: 1H2022 saw the trailing 30-month median revenue multiple at 3.1x – broadly in line with the levels seen in the past two years. The trailing 30-month median EBITDA multiple came in at 14.2x, still in the 13-15x range Hampleton has monitored since 2015.
Miro Parizek, founder and principal partner, Hampleton Partners, said: “Fintech is proving to be a very attractive target for financial and strategic dealmakers, defying the broader global M&A slowdown.
“As for the impact of any potential recession, there is one major difference between now and the previous real recession of 2008. This year, deployable private capital, including buyout, VC, growth and real estate, hit its highest level in history at $3.6 trillion – three times the figure in 2008.
“The availability of capital is driving buyers and investors to increase their acquisitions at a time when their pockets are full and high-growth Fintech companies are being sold at all-time affordable prices. Any potential recession won’t dampen Fintech M&A as it did in 2008.”
New technologies driving Fintech M&A
The Crypto & Blockchain segment experienced a significant jump in the number of deals in the past 12 months, with a total of 107 transactions recorded, a 75 per cent growth year over year.
As blockchain technology enables monetisation in the metaverse, companies are piling in to create digital assets. In February, investment firm Republic Realm paid a record $4.3 million for land in Sandbox, currently the largest metaverse platform. In May 2022, US-based Descrypto Holdings acquired OpenLocker, a provider of an online NFT trading portal & marketplace for $11 million.
Open banking APIs are expected to transform the market, following the introduction of European PSD2 regulation, requiring banks to offer APIs so that customer data can integrate more effectively with third-party services. Open banking features are expected to have 64 million users by 2024, a five-fold increase relative to 2020[1].
In May 2022, Yapily Limited acquired finAPI, a provider of open banking, data intelligence, Know Your Customer (KYC) and payment SaaS worldwide. Yapily has focused its efforts on official API integrations covering thousands of banks, consolidating its position in Germany and Europe.
Embedded finance provided by companies such as Stripe, Clearpay and Clear Bank, are on the rise. They embed payment and credit products in checkout seamlessly to satisfy customers’ needs. The global market for embedded finance is estimated to reach $7.2 trillion by 2030[2].
Healthy future for Fintech M&A
Miro Parizek continued: “Many Fintech companies raised significant investment capital recently. Some will grow and mature to become serial acquirers in their niches. Many other Fintechs will be sellers in what continues to be an attractive M&A market.
“As increasing numbers of private Fintech companies run out of money needed to fuel and maintain their operations, their options will be to raise capital from venture capital firms; sell to private equity or strategic acquirers; or entirely shut down business operations. These options make a sale appear attractive.
“At the same time, public companies with massive capital and PE with large amounts of dry powder, well financed late-stage high-growth private companies, and traditional financial services companies looking to remain relevant, are on the lookout for good assets in the sector.
“These two sides of the equation are bound to increase overall M&A activity in the Fintech sector.”
Hampleton Partners’ Fintech M&A Report analyses transactions, trends and activity across the Financial Management Solutions, Payments, Banking/Lending Technology, Crypto and Blockchain and Wealth & Capital Markets Technology segments.
Download the full Hampleton Partners’ Fintech M&A Market Report 2H2022: https://www.hampletonpartners.com/reports/fintech-report/
[1] McKinsey Report
[2] Forbes, 2022
ENDS
For interview requests, copy of the report or photography, please contact:
Jane Henry
Marylebone Marketing
[email protected]
+44 789 666 8155
Note to Editors:
Hampleton Partners’ M&A Market Reports are compiled using data and information from the 451 Research database (www.451research.com).
About Hampleton Partners
Hampleton Partners is at the forefront of international mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance advisory for companies with technology at their core. Hampleton’s experienced deal makers have built, bought and sold over 100 fast-growing tech businesses and provide hands-on expertise and unrivalled advice to tech entrepreneurs and companies which are looking to accelerate growth and maximise value.
With offices in London, Frankfurt, Stockholm and San Francisco, Hampleton offers a global perspective with sector expertise in: Artificial Intelligence, Autotech, Cybersecurity, Digital Commerce, Enterprise Software, Fintech, Healthtech, HR Tech, Insurtech and IT & Business Services.
Follow Hampleton on LinkedIn and Twitter.
For more information visit https://www.hampletonpartners.com.
Source: RealWire
Blockchain
DYOR Partners with Ava Labs, Announces Major Developments With Matt Dyor Joining as Advisor Plus Acquisition of DYOR.com
DYOR, the innovative cryptocurrency research and analytics platform, has announced a listing partnership with Ava Labs, the company behind the Avalanche blockchain and AVAX coin, to launch on January 25th. The collaboration coincides with Ava Labs’ decision to reduce gas fees on Avalanche by one-twenty-fifth, a 96% decrease and a significant move to further drive blockchain adoption and accessibility.
The announcement also marks a series of exciting developments for DYOR, including the acquisition of the premium domain DYOR.com and the appointment of Matt Dyor as an advisor. Dyor, who has held key roles at Google, Amazon, Microsoft and other leading tech companies, brings a wealth of expertise in scaling technology platforms and user-focused innovation.
“What excites me the most is DYOR’s focus on bringing new users into crypto,” said Matt Dyor. “The most exciting aspect is how DYOR addresses real-world financial needs—going beyond just buying and holding crypto. By enabling smart contracts, decentralized trust, and seamless, automated payments, DYOR is bridging the gap between Web3 and traditional finance in a truly impactful way.”
The partnership with Ava Labs underscores DYOR’s mission to empower crypto enthusiasts and institutional users with transparent tools to make informed decisions. Avery Bartlett, Head of Business Development at Ava Labs, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Avalanche has some of the smartest devs building some of the most forward thinking applications in crypto. What we’ve been needing more of is cutting edge trader tooling for the on-chain degens that make this industry so exciting. DYOR is moving at the speed of light to deliver on some of the tooling this chain deserves. Excited for them.”
The acquisition of DYOR.com further cements the platform’s position as a trusted resource for crypto research and education, making it more discoverable and user-friendly for audiences worldwide.
DYOR Labs is redefining DeFi with a cutting-edge platform that empowers traders and developers alike. Offering real-time insights, advanced token data, and customizable workflows, users benefit from unmatched speed and cost efficiency. With features like fiat on/off ramps, cross-chain swaps, a native DEX, and Team Dashboards for transparency and project management, DYOR ensures seamless trading and trust-building across blockchains. Looking ahead, DYOR is set to launch AI-powered insights, gamified user engagement, on-chain ad auctions, and integrated social feeds, solidifying its position as a leader in DeFi innovation.
As DYOR continues to expand its capabilities and partnerships, this collaboration sets the stage for a new era of transparency, accessibility, and utility in the cryptocurrency space.
The post DYOR Partners with Ava Labs, Announces Major Developments With Matt Dyor Joining as Advisor Plus Acquisition of DYOR.com appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Blockchain
Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – January 24, 2025 (IBM, SAP, Oracle, Bitfury Group, Auxesis Services Technologies, Binance, European Central Bank)
The blockchain and cryptocurrency industry continues to evolve at breakneck speed, reshaping global finance, technology, and governance. From central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) to cutting-edge tools simplifying blockchain development, today’s updates offer a glimpse into how blockchain technology is transforming industries. Here’s your daily briefing on the latest news in blockchain, crypto, and Web3.
Blockchain in Retail: Competitive Intelligence and Trends
A new report analyzing blockchain adoption in the retail sector forecasts significant growth between 2025 and 2034, with major players like IBM, SAP, Oracle, Bitfury Group, and Auxesis Services Technologies leading the charge. The report highlights blockchain’s role in enhancing supply chain transparency, combating counterfeit goods, and enabling seamless loyalty programs.
Why This Matters:
Blockchain’s ability to enhance traceability and trust in supply chains makes it an ideal solution for the retail industry. With consumer demand for transparency growing, retailers are under pressure to provide verifiable data about the origins of their products—a gap blockchain is poised to fill.
Commentary:
Retailers that fail to adopt blockchain solutions risk falling behind as industry leaders use this technology to build trust and customer loyalty. As adoption grows, smaller players may also turn to blockchain-powered SaaS platforms to stay competitive.
Source: GlobeNewswire
ECB’s Digital Euro Pitch in Response to Growing Crypto Adoption
The European Central Bank (ECB) has pitched the idea of a digital euro, citing the growing influence of cryptocurrencies and global pushes toward digital currencies. The ECB framed the digital euro as a stable, secure alternative to decentralized crypto assets, addressing the region’s need for innovation while preserving monetary sovereignty.
Why This Matters:
CBDCs like the digital euro could redefine global finance, providing a government-backed alternative to private cryptocurrencies. For the EU, this initiative represents both a competitive response to projects like China’s digital yuan and a hedge against the risks posed by unregulated crypto markets.
Commentary:
The digital euro has the potential to address inefficiencies in cross-border payments and financial inclusion. However, its success will depend on balancing innovation with privacy—a concern central to public trust in government-backed digital currencies.
Source: Reuters
Simplifying Blockchain Development with Enso
Enso, a new development tool, promises to revolutionize blockchain coding by making the process more intuitive and accessible. Dubbed the “Intent Revolution,” Enso eliminates the need for complex, code-heavy development by allowing developers to articulate “intentions” that the platform then translates into blockchain logic.
Why This Matters:
The barrier to entry for blockchain development has long been its technical complexity. Enso’s approach could significantly lower this barrier, enabling a broader range of developers—and potentially businesses—to participate in blockchain innovation.
Commentary:
Simplifying blockchain development is a critical step in driving adoption. Tools like Enso are not just about ease; they democratize access to blockchain innovation, allowing smaller players to compete with industry giants.
Source: DL News
French Crypto Co-Founder Freed After Kidnapping Incident
In an alarming story, a co-founder of a prominent French cryptocurrency company was kidnapped but has since been freed after a swift operation by French authorities. While the specifics of the case remain under wraps, reports suggest that the incident stemmed from disputes related to crypto investments.
Why This Matters:
This incident underscores the risks associated with the crypto industry, particularly for high-profile figures. With cryptocurrencies often linked to high-value transactions, individuals in the sector may face heightened personal security threats.
Commentary:
As the crypto industry matures, security—both digital and physical—must become a priority for individuals and organizations. Expect to see increased demand for personal security services tailored to crypto executives.
Source: France24
Ex-Visa CFO Joins Blockchain Firm Amid Trump’s Crypto Push
Former Visa CFO, Charlotte Hogg, has joined the board of a leading blockchain firm, signaling increasing alignment between traditional finance and blockchain. The move comes as Trump’s administration accelerates its crypto-related policies, placing blockchain at the forefront of financial innovation.
Why This Matters:
Hogg’s appointment highlights the growing convergence of traditional finance and blockchain technology. The expertise of seasoned financial executives could lend credibility to blockchain firms, making the sector more appealing to institutional investors.
Commentary:
Bringing in talent from established financial institutions is a strategic move that positions blockchain companies for mainstream adoption. With figures like Hogg on board, the narrative of blockchain as a speculative industry is shifting toward one of legitimacy and innovation.
Source: CFO Dive
CZ, Crypto’s Wealthiest Man, Focuses on Philanthropy
Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the CEO of Binance and one of the wealthiest figures in crypto, has announced a renewed focus on philanthropy. CZ’s latest initiative involves leveraging blockchain technology to increase transparency and efficiency in charitable giving, with an emphasis on combating poverty and improving global education.
Why This Matters:
Blockchain-based philanthropy offers a unique opportunity to ensure donations are used effectively, addressing long-standing concerns about corruption and mismanagement in the charity sector. CZ’s initiative could set a new standard for transparency in philanthropy.
Commentary:
CZ’s pivot toward philanthropy not only reflects the growing maturity of the crypto industry but also highlights blockchain’s potential to solve real-world problems. As trust becomes a cornerstone of crypto adoption, initiatives like this can have a far-reaching impact.
Source: Yahoo Finance
Key Trends Shaping Blockchain and Crypto Today
Today’s stories illustrate several key trends in blockchain and crypto:
- Institutional Alignment: From the ECB’s digital euro to Charlotte Hogg’s new role, traditional finance is increasingly embracing blockchain technologies.
- Simplifying Innovation: Tools like Enso reflect a push to make blockchain development more accessible, which will drive adoption across industries.
- Security Concerns: The kidnapping of a French crypto executive serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by industry leaders.
- Social Impact: CZ’s philanthropic efforts demonstrate how blockchain can drive social good, particularly in areas like education and poverty alleviation.
Looking Ahead
As blockchain and cryptocurrency continue to evolve, the industry is moving beyond speculative trading toward meaningful applications. Whether it’s through enhancing supply chain transparency, driving financial inclusion, or simplifying development, blockchain’s potential remains immense. However, challenges like regulation, security, and public trust must be navigated carefully to ensure sustained growth.
This concludes Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain for January 24, 2025. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s briefing as we continue to track the trends and innovations shaping the future of blockchain and cryptocurrency.
The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – January 24, 2025 (IBM, SAP, Oracle, Bitfury Group, Auxesis Services Technologies, Binance, European Central Bank) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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