Core Insights - Ripple is partnering with Mastercard and Gemini to enable stablecoin payments for credit card transactions, specifically using the RLUSD stablecoin on Ripple's XRPL blockchain [1][5] - Mastercard is integrating regulated stablecoins into its global payments network, emphasizing consumer choice and safety, while exploring future blockchain applications [2] - The stablecoin market has grown 48% to a valuation of $305 billion, with expectations to reach $4 trillion by 2030, attracting institutional interest from major financial players [3] Partnership Details - The partnership allows purchases with a Gemini-branded credit card to be settled using RLUSD, with WebBank as the issuer [1][5] - This collaboration marks one of the first instances of a US bank settling credit card transactions using stablecoins on a public blockchain [5] Market Trends - The US government has adopted a more favorable stance towards digital assets, leading to regulatory easing and the signing of a landmark stablecoin bill [2] - Major financial institutions, including Zelle, Western Union, and Wells Fargo, are looking to engage with stablecoins [3] Company Developments - Mastercard is reportedly in late-stage talks to acquire stablecoin startup Zerohash for up to $2 billion [4] - Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin is backed by US dollar deposits, short-term US Treasuries, and cash equivalents, and is being integrated into Ripple's various business operations, including GTreasury [6] Industry Education - GTreasury's CEO expressed a commitment to educating clients on the benefits of stablecoins in treasury management during Ripple's Swell conference [7]

Core Insights - Ripple is raising capital for the first time in six years, announcing a $500 million strategic investment from notable financial partners [1][2] - The new funding round values Ripple at $40 billion, marking a 263% increase from its previous valuation [2] - Ripple's recent activities include a $1 billion tender offer and significant acquisitions to diversify its business [3][6] Funding and Valuation - The decision to sell an additional $500 million in common equity aims to strengthen relationships with financial partners [2] - Ripple's valuation increased from $11.3 billion in January 2024 to $40 billion, following a $285 million share buyback [2] - This funding round is the largest since Ripple's Series C in December 2019, which raised $200 million at a $10 billion valuation [3] Market Context - The capital raise occurs amid a surge in Wall Street's interest in cryptocurrency following new stablecoin regulations in the US [4] - A consortium of Wall Street firms recently invested $500 million in crypto exchange Kraken, indicating a growing trend in crypto investments [4] - Ripple's rising valuation sets a competitive benchmark for other crypto firms seeking Wall Street investments [5] Business Diversification - Ripple, established in 2012, is expanding its services beyond cross-border payments into prime brokerage and treasury management [6] - Recent acquisitions include GTreasury for $1 billion and Hidden Road for $1.25 billion, enhancing Ripple's service offerings [6][7] - The firm is positioning itself in a competitive landscape where major players are developing new blockchain solutions for payments [7]

Last chance to grab discounted #BinanceBlockchainWeek tickets!Secure yours before prices go up.Reserve now 👉 https://t.co/TrqEpCUpsHBinance (@binance):Crypto’s biggest event returns to Dubai this December!Who’s ready for round three of #BinanceBlockchainWeek in Dubai? 👀To reserve yours 👉 https://t.co/KD7OX9XhW9 https://t.co/ofxj052lzC ...

RT Bloomberg New Economy (@BBGNewEconomy)AI, AR, quantum computing, autonomous driving & blockchain are rewriting the rules — from trading floors to battlefields.Has the future ever felt more unpredictable?Follow the #BloombergNewEconomy Forum, Nov 19–21 in Singapore.https://t.co/Ed2uAXB1DN https://t.co/63N5Jmrn72 ...

Industry Overview - The Technology Services industry has experienced significant growth since the pandemic, driven by the rapid adoption of remote work and advancements in technology such as 5G, blockchain, AI, and ML [1] - The industry includes companies that produce, develop, and design software support, data processing, computing hardware, and communications equipment, catering to both consumer and business markets [2] Future Prospects - The demand for services in the industry remains healthy, with revenues and cash flows expected to return to pre-pandemic levels, supporting stable dividends for most players [3] - The sector benefits from broader economic recovery, with GDP growing at an annual rate of 3.8% in Q2 2025 and a Services PMI remaining above 50% for 11 of the past 13 months [4] Technological Advancements - The global shift towards digitization presents opportunities in markets such as 5G, blockchain, and AI, with the GenAI market projected to reach $59 billion by 2025 and a CAGR of 37.6% from 2025 to 2031 [5] Market Performance - The Zacks Technology Services industry ranks 94, placing it in the top 39% of over 243 Zacks industries, indicating strong near-term prospects [6][7] - Over the past year, the industry has outperformed the broader Zacks Business Services sector, increasing by 53% compared to a 7.5% decline in the sector and a 17.9% rise in the S&P 500 [8] Current Valuation - The industry is currently trading at an EV-to-EBITDA ratio of 17.19X, compared to the S&P 500's 18.33X and the sector's 10.49X, with a five-year trading range of 8.85X to 17.19X [11] Company Highlights Futu Holdings - Futu Holdings, a digital securities brokerage, reported a 69.7% year-over-year revenue increase in Q2 2025, with a significant operating margin expansion [16] - The company added 262,000 funded accounts, reaching a total of 2.7 million, with a 42% year-over-year growth in funded accounts [17] - Futu Holdings has a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), with earnings expected to grow 74.7% year-over-year in 2025 [18] Dave - Dave, a financial services platform, added 843,000 members, resulting in a 60% year-over-year revenue increase in Q3 2025 [19] - The company raised its full-year revenue guidance to $544-$547 million, up from $505-$515 million [21] - Dave holds a Zacks Rank 1, with earnings expected to soar 98.5% year-over-year in 2025 [22] Coherent Corp. - Coherent Corp. experienced a 16.4% year-over-year revenue growth in Q4 2025, driven by demand for 800G transceivers [23] - The company introduced a new 1.6T transceiver, contributing to improved profitability with a non-GAAP gross margin increase of 290 basis points [24] - Coherent has a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), with earnings expected to rise 30% year-over-year in fiscal 2026 [25]

Key Concept - Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) is the maximum profit a block producer can capture by manipulating transaction order [1] Industry Perspective - The industry questions whether MEV is a necessary incentive or a hidden tax eroding trust in blockchains [1]

Core Insights - Ripple has secured a $500 million strategic investment, elevating its valuation to $40 billion, marking it as one of the most valuable private companies in the crypto sector [2][3] - The investment was co-led by Fortress Investment Group and Citadel Securities, indicating strong institutional confidence in Ripple's blockchain payment solutions [2][3] - Ripple's recent achievements include processing $95 billion in payment volume and holding 75 regulatory licenses globally, showcasing its scale and compliance [4] Investment and Valuation - The $500 million investment significantly boosts Ripple's valuation to $40 billion, reflecting a growing institutional trust in blockchain infrastructure [3] - This funding round is one of the largest single funding events in the crypto industry, highlighting the sector's consolidation and maturation [3] Regulatory Environment and Market Trends - The investment comes at a time of a more favorable regulatory environment in the US, with crypto mergers and acquisitions exceeding $10 billion in Q3 2025, a 100% increase from the previous quarter [5] - This trend allows established players like Ripple to accelerate their initiatives without facing previous legal uncertainties [5] Acquisition Strategy - Ripple has transformed its business through an aggressive acquisition strategy, deploying approximately $4 billion across six deals in two years, including notable acquisitions like Rail, GTreasury, and Hidden Road [6]

Dubai, here I come! Excited to speak and meet everyone at #BinanceBlockchainWeek. https://t.co/6qozwVxnCu ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Payoneer reported Q3 revenue of $271 million, a 9% year-over-year increase, with revenue excluding interest income reaching $211 million, up 15% year-over-year, marking a quarterly record [14][15] - Adjusted EBITDA was $71 million, representing a 26% adjusted EBITDA margin, with $12 million in adjusted EBITDA excluding interest income for the quarter [22][23] - Customer funds held by Payoneer increased 17% year-over-year to $7.1 billion, reflecting customer trust and future revenue potential [17][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - B2B revenue grew 27% in Q3, now representing roughly 30% of revenue excluding interest, up from 20% in Q1 2023 [8][15] - Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) increased 15% in the quarter and was up 22% excluding interest income, with a total increase of 65% since Q1 2023 [15][6] - The focus on larger customers has resulted in nearly 30% of Q3 revenue coming from customers with over $250,000 in monthly volume [7][33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - SMB volume grew 6% year-over-year, with B2B SMB volume up 11% and checkout volume up 46% [16] - Enterprise payouts volume increased 19% year-over-year, driven by strong demand in key travel routes and onboarding of new enterprise customers [16] - The take rate for Q3 was 121 basis points, roughly flat year-over-year, with a 12 basis point increase in the SMB customer take rate [16][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on profitable growth by refining its customer portfolio and prioritizing larger, more complex customers [6][12] - Payoneer is evolving its platform to capture opportunities in stablecoins and blockchain technology, with plans to offer Stablecoin Wallet functionality in 2026 [10][41] - The strategy includes prudent capital allocation, with nearly $500 million in cash and a $300 million share buyback program [12][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth potential despite short-term volatility, emphasizing a focus on quality customer acquisition and retention [4][5] - The company anticipates continued growth in customer balances and revenue, driven by the adoption of higher-value products and services [9][25] - Management noted a modest softening in volumes in October but remains optimistic about the upcoming holiday season and overall business performance [40] Other Important Information - Total operating expenses increased 10% to $235 million, driven by labor-related expenses and transaction costs [19][22] - The company has secured approximately $120 million of interest income for 2026 through hedging programs [18][19] - Payoneer is actively managing its transaction costs and leveraging strategic partnerships to improve operational efficiency [20][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on sustainability of key metrics for 2026 - Management highlighted the sustainability and durability of growth metrics, with ARPU consistently growing above 20% and a resilient business model [30][32] Question: Changes in go-to-market strategy - The company is focusing on acquiring larger, higher-quality customers through organic growth and strategic partnerships, enhancing its market presence [34][36] Question: Impact of macroeconomic factors on SMBs - Management acknowledged the impact of tariffs and macroeconomic volatility on SMB volumes but noted resilience and adaptability among customers [38][40] Question: Demand for stablecoin technology - Management sees stablecoins as a long-term opportunity and is exploring their integration into the platform, driven by customer demand for multi-currency capabilities [41][42] Question: Sustainability of take rate expansion - The company reported a 12 basis point increase in take rate, driven by B2B growth and product adoption, with expectations for continued expansion [47][49] Question: Growth in customer funds - Management indicated that customer funds are expected to grow in line with overall volumes, driven by increased utility and adoption of AP products [54][58] Question: Trends in the checkout business - The transition to a partnership with Stripe is expected to improve cost dynamics, with moderated growth rates anticipated but significant revenue potential [61][62] Question: Update on the Scout acquisition - The workforce management business is experiencing solid growth, expanding the ecosystem of AP capabilities and enhancing the B2B value proposition [67][68]

RT Lily Liu (@calilyliu)Crypto has always had dual capitals.Initially it was San Francisco and Shanghai.Then the West searched amongst Zug, Berlin, Lisbon (Paris and France for a hot second). Today it is New York.The East migrated from Shanghai to Hong Kong to Singapore, and today it’s the UAE.The UAE also attracts many from Europe and India and CIS - making it a crossroads for everything in between the Atlantic and the Pacific. ...