Latest news with #Kats
Business Wire
28-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
As Fintech Funding Falls to Seven-Year Low, Founders Debate Bootstrapping vs VC
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Global fintech investment slumped to its lowest level since 2017, falling to $95.6 billion across 4,639 deals, according to KPMG's latest Pulse of Fintech report. In the UK, investment dropped by more than 25% year-on-year – its weakest level since the height of the pandemic. 'It's no longer about who raises the most,' says Dima Kats, CEO and Founder of Clear Junction. 'It's about who builds something that lasts. Bootstrapping forced us to focus on efficiency, product-market fit, and real value – not hype.' But not all fintech sectors are suffering equally. Payments stood out as a rare bright spot, with global investment rising to $31 billion – up from $17.2 billion the previous year. Analysts point to infrastructure innovation, market consolidation, and improved investor confidence as key drivers. As fintech's investment landscape shifts from growth-at-all-costs to sustainability, the funding paths chosen by founders are under renewed scrutiny. That question takes centre stage at Money20/20 Europe 2025, where two prominent fintech leaders will go head-to-head in a debate titled: Bootstrapping vs. Backers: The Fintech Funding Showdown. Dima Kats, CEO and Founder of leading global payments service provider Clear Junction, and Babs Ogundeyi, Founder and Group CEO of Nigerian neobank Kuda, will share radically different perspectives on how to build and scale a fintech under pressure. Kats built Clear Junction without external capital, scaling it into one of Europe's fastest-growing companies (FT1000, 2025). Ogundeyi, meanwhile, turned to venture funding to rapidly launch and expand Kuda – one of Africa's first challenger banks, now serving millions of customers. 'It's no longer about who raises the most,' says Kats. 'It's about who builds something that lasts. Bootstrapping forced us to focus on efficiency, product-market fit, and real value – not hype.' 'We had no time to lose,' says Ogundeyi. 'Millions were excluded from the financial system. Venture funding helped us build quickly with other knowledgeable and experienced people to meet urgent needs.' With investor appetite beginning to cautiously return in 2025 – albeit with more conservative deal sizes and heightened expectations – the discussion is expected to resonate with founders, funders, and policymakers alike. Moderated by Simone Ishikawa, founder of fintech and impact startup consultancy ishikoo, the session will examine: Would either business have survived on the other's funding path? The trade-offs between control, speed, and mission Whether founders can stay true to their purpose under investor scrutiny How funding models shape strategy in emerging vs. developed markets What both leaders wish they had known at the start of their journeys 'We're not here to pitch a playbook,' says Kats. 'We're here to show what it really takes.' 'Trust and inclusion are at the heart of both our missions,' adds Ogundeyi. 'But we chose different paths.' About Clear Junction Clear Junction helps regulated financial institutions access and manage cross-border payments, with a focus on operational security backed by strong compliance and risk management practices. The Group is licensed and approved by regulators in the UK, EU, and Canada to provide payment and crypto services. Through its extensive bank network and proprietary technology, Clear Junction offers reliable payment infrastructure, correspondent account services, and access to major clearing networks. By filling the gaps left by traditional providers, Clear Junction enables businesses to operate efficiently and expand globally. For more information, visit:.
West Australian
28-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Karratha Kats and Falcons on the hunt for long-lost Derby Cup ahead of 40th anniversary match
The Karratha Kats and Falcons are calling on the Pilbara community to help find a missing piece of local footy history: the derby Cup, which hasn't been seen in more than a decade. With the 40th anniversary of the in-season derby fast approaching on June 21, both clubs are hoping to recover the original trophy. 'I found the cup in 2007 when we were doing a clean-out,' Falcons committee member Peta Mott said. 'It was pretty damaged, so I gave it to (local business) Keyspot to fix, and I don't recall seeing it after that. 'But the cup was last confirmed seen in 2012.' 'I would say a player or somebody had a good night after a game and thought to themselves 'Oh, I'll take that back', and as people do, they just forgot about it, or it's in a cupboard somewhere — in a box or in the shed.' Despite extensive efforts by both clubs, the cup has not resurfaced. Beyond its symbolic value, the trophy also serves as an important historical record. Engraved on it are the results of derby matches between the Kats and Falcons — information that is otherwise difficult to trace because of the region's highly transient population. The Kats and Falcons are going halves on the cost of a new cup, which will be presented by 1985 Falcons captain Mitchell Thomas at the upcoming derby. 'We're going to put scores around the bottom and replicate the cup. As scores come to light, we will put them on, but it would really be nice if the cup was found somewhere, because then we could get all that history,' Ms Mott said. 'It's only been the last four games that we've actually beaten Kats, so that was sort of another trigger, to get a bit of red on to the cup. 'If someone does have the cup, we would appreciate if they could send in photos from near or far so we can get the new one updated before June 21.'
Business Wire
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
UK Crypto Regulation Shows Promise But Uncertainty Remains, Clear Junction Poll Finds
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A poll of circa 150 crypto and financial experts, conducted just hours after the UK government published its draft legislation for a comprehensive crypto asset regulatory regime, reveals both optimism and lingering concerns about Britain's crypto future. Dima Kats, CEO and Founder of Clear Junction: "Regulators face the difficult task of designing future-proof rules in an ever-evolving space. While progress is being made, ongoing consultation and clarity are essential." The poll took place during a webinar titled 'Is the UK Getting Crypto Regulation Right?', hosted by Clear Junction, a global leader in cross-border payments for regulated financial institutions. The session brought together leaders from crypto firms, financial institutions, regulators, and policymakers to assess the UK's approach against global frameworks such as MiCA. Half of poll respondents (50%) believe the UK could possibly become a global crypto hub – but say success will depend on how the new rules are implemented. Just 15% of respondents are fully confident that the UK is already on track, pointing to the progress still needed to match the regulatory maturity of jurisdictions like the EU with MiCA, while 28% remain sceptical, highlighting a trust gap between policy intentions and industry needs. When it comes to organisational readiness, a mere 9% of firms say they're fully prepared to meet the incoming requirements. The majority are either early in assessment (34%), still building plans (26%), or unclear on what's required (24%). These poll findings uncover a huge opportunity – and a wake-up call – for solution providers and regulators alike. Dima Kats, CEO and Founder of Clear Junction, commented: 'The results show cautious optimism, but also a clear need for greater clarity. Crypto firms and traditional financial institutions alike are facing fast-evolving regulatory expectations. While regulation is welcome, its effectiveness will depend on how well it aligns with market realities and how clearly it's communicated.' Looking at the bigger picture, there is significant uncertainty around which aspect of upcoming regulatory changes will most impact businesses. When asked which changes are most relevant: 30% cited global frameworks, such as MiCA, showing how regulatory clarity can give firms the confidence to engage with crypto. 23% pointed to the upcoming FCA licensing regime (2025-2026) as a potential game-changer. Just 9% referenced new safeguarding rules for client assets, suggesting these are not yet fully understood or prioritised by firms. The most common response, from 39% of attendees, was that they were unsure and needed more clarity – clear signs that many firms still feel in the dark and need more guidance from regulators. Kats added: 'These findings highlight the demand for clear regulation, but they also highlight the gap between policy intent and operational reality. Regulators face the difficult task of designing future-proof rules in an ever-evolving space. While progress is being made, ongoing consultation and clarity are essential.' Speakers from CMS UK and Europe and Crystal Intelligence joined the panel to provide expert insight into the newly published draft legislation. Sam Robinson, Partner at CMS and financial services regulation expert, commented: 'The draft legislation forms the foundation for embedding crypto assets into the Financial Services and Markets Act. It's a milestone moment that supports the UK's ambition for growth and innovation.' Clair Wermers, Partner at CMS Amsterdam, welcomed signs of regulatory alignment: 'Europe is ahead of the UK right now with MiCA already in effect, but if the UK regime is similar, it will be easier for firms to operate across both jurisdictions. That kind of consistency would benefit the market greatly.' 'Jurisdictional arbitrage is already happening,' said Marina Khaustova, COO of Crystal Intelligence. 'Startups are weighing up options – and while the UK is moving in the right direction, the cost and complexity of getting licensed here remains high. For many, markets like the US, Dubai, or parts of APAC are still more attractive.' Clear Junction continues to advocate for regulation that supports innovation while ensuring high standards. The firm sees stablecoins as a major growth area, but only when underpinned by strong compliance frameworks. 'We see crypto – especially stablecoins – as a huge opportunity, but only when backed by strong compliance,' concluded Kats. 'At Clear Junction, we believe that for any fintech business, the best long-term investment is in risk management. The UK's announcement is a welcome step – it brings direction to a fast-moving sector. If regulation continues to evolve alongside the technology, the future is bright.' For more information about Clear Junction, visit here. About Clear Junction Clear Junction helps regulated financial institutions access and manage cross-border payments, with a focus on operational security backed by strong compliance and risk management practices. The Group is licensed and approved by regulators in the UK, EU, and Canada to provide payment and crypto services. Through its extensive bank network and proprietary technology, Clear Junction offers reliable payment infrastructure, correspondent account services, and access to major clearing networks. By filling the gaps left by traditional providers, Clear Junction enables businesses to operate efficiently and expand globally. For more information, visit:
