Core Insights - The Pulse of Crypto — Singapore 2025 survey indicates a growing maturity in Singapore's cryptocurrency market, with increased ownership and cautious allocations among retail investors [2][4][10] Group 1: Survey Findings - 61% of finance-forward Singaporeans reported holding cryptocurrency, indicating a shift from niche participation to mainstream retail finance [7][8] - The average self-reported portfolio allocation to crypto is between 6% and 12%, reflecting interest with a limited risk appetite [8] - Trust is the primary factor in exchange selection, with 65% of respondents prioritizing it over fees (42%) [8] Group 2: Education and Trust - The report emphasizes the need for targeted educational initiatives to close knowledge gaps and reduce reliance on social media for information [9] - Platforms are encouraged to enhance security, transparency, and regulatory compliance to build consumer confidence [9] Group 3: Growth Opportunities - The report outlines priorities for the financial and crypto ecosystem in Singapore, focusing on inclusive access, diversified participation, and responsible long-term allocation [9]

Core Insights - The Pulse of Crypto — Singapore 2025 survey indicates a growing maturity in Singapore's cryptocurrency market, with increased ownership and cautious allocations among retail investors [2][4][10] Survey Findings - The survey involved 3,513 active retail investors and crypto-curious individuals in Singapore, conducted from August 15 to 19, 2025 [2] - 61% of respondents reported holding cryptocurrency, suggesting that crypto is becoming a mainstream component of retail finance in Singapore [7][8] - The average portfolio allocation to crypto was reported to be between 6% and 12%, indicating a moderate risk appetite [8] - A significant 58% of respondents identified as "long-term holders," while only 22% considered themselves "active traders," reflecting a preference for longer holding periods [8] Trust and Education - Trust emerged as the primary factor in selecting cryptocurrency exchanges, with 65% of respondents prioritizing it over fees, which were considered by 42% [8] - Most respondents (62%) learned about cryptocurrency through social media, highlighting both accessibility and the risk of misinformation [8][9] Recommendations for Growth - The report outlines three key priorities for the development of Singapore's financial and crypto ecosystem: 1. Education: Initiatives to close knowledge gaps and reduce reliance on social media for information [9] 2. Trust: Emphasizing security, transparency, and regulatory compliance to enhance consumer confidence [9] 3. Growth: Focusing on inclusive access and responsible long-term allocation aligned with individual risk tolerance [9] Company Collaboration - MoneyHero Limited collaborated with Coinbase to produce the survey, aiming to provide data-driven insights into consumer sentiment regarding digital assets [6][10] - The partnership reflects a commitment to financial literacy and transparency in the evolving cryptocurrency landscape [6][10]

Core Insights - Block, Inc. shares increased nearly 9% following the announcement of a strategic plan to achieve $15.8 billion in gross profit by 2028 and a $5 billion share repurchase program, indicating strong confidence in future profitability [1][6] - The company is shifting focus from its core point-of-sale operations to consumer services, AI tools, and Bitcoin infrastructure, as outlined during the 2025 Investor Day [1] Financial Targets - Block aims for mid-teens percentage gross profit growth annually through 2028, with adjusted operating income expected to rise about 30% per year, reaching $4.6 billion by 2028 [2] - Adjusted earnings per share are projected to exceed 30% annual growth, reaching $5.50 by 2028 [2] - For fiscal year 2026, gross profit is projected to increase by 17% to nearly $12 billion, with adjusted operating income and earnings per share expected to exceed 30%, reaching $2.7 billion and $3.20 respectively [4] Performance Metrics - Block aims to achieve the "Rule of 40" benchmark in 2026, combining revenue growth and profit margin over 40%, which is a key target for software and fintech firms [5] - The new non-GAAP cash flow metric is forecasted to account for 25% of gross profit, exceeding $4 billion by 2028 [4] Share Repurchase Program - The expanded buyback program adds $5 billion to the existing $1.1 billion, totaling approximately $6.1 billion available for share repurchases, reflecting confidence in cash generation [6] Recent Performance - Block reported mixed Q3 results, with earnings and revenue slightly below analyst expectations; however, gross profit rose 18.3%, primarily driven by a 24.3% increase in Cash App [7] - Monthly active users for Cash App reached 58 million, with profit per user increasing by 25.3% and Gross Payment Volume growing 10.9% year-over-year [7] - Subscription and services revenue increased by 22.6%, indicating healthy recurring income streams, while Bitcoin-related revenue fell by 19% [8] - Despite the decline in Bitcoin revenue, Block maintains strong liquidity with ample cash reserves against manageable debt levels [8]

Financial Performance - FinVolution Group achieved RMB 26 billion in net revenue in 3Q25[15] - The company's loan balance as of 3Q25 reached RMB 14 billion[21] - Net revenue in 3Q25 was RMB 3487 million, a 6% year-over-year increase[115] - Net profit in 3Q25 was RMB 641 million, a 3% year-over-year increase[115] Transaction Volume and User Growth - Transaction volume in 3Q25 was RMB 512 billion, a 2% year-over-year decrease[115] - Cumulative borrowers reached 31 million as of 3Q25[21] - The company added 18 million new borrowers, a 67% year-over-year increase[115] International Expansion - International markets contributed 25% of revenue in 3Q25[119] - Transaction volume in international markets grew by 33% year-over-year[119] - Outstanding loan balance in international business increased by 44% year-over-year[126] Risk Management - The company's fraud detection system has a 988% accuracy rate[72]

Core Insights - The article discusses the growing popularity of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services, especially during the holiday shopping season, with 50% of consumers planning to use BNPL for their holiday purchases according to PayPal's survey [2] - While BNPL offers interest-free payment options, it also poses risks such as late fees and potential impacts on credit scores, with 41% of BNPL users reporting late payments [3][6] What is BNPL? - BNPL services provide short-term loans that allow consumers to split purchases into multiple payments, typically interest-free, with popular providers including Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna, and PayPal [4][5] - The "Pay in 4" model is common, where purchases are divided into four equal payments due every two weeks [4] How BNPL Works - BNPL loans are often approved instantly at checkout, allowing consumers to complete transactions quickly [7] - For example, a $2,000 purchase could be split into four payments of $500, with the first payment due immediately [8][9] Benefits of BNPL - BNPL can help manage budgets by breaking down larger expenses into smaller, more manageable payments [11] - It typically does not require a hard credit check, minimizing the impact on credit scores [11] Risks of BNPL - Consumers may overspend due to the perception of lower upfront costs, leading to inflated holiday budgets [11] - Late fees can be significant, with some services charging fees that are disproportionately high relative to the purchase price [11] - The incorporation of BNPL data into credit scores by FICO could negatively impact users who miss payments [11] Alternatives to BNPL - Alternatives include 0% APR credit cards, personal loans, personal lines of credit, and Payday Alternative Loans (PAL), which may offer better terms in certain situations [12] Responsible Management of BNPL - Recommendations for responsible use of BNPL include avoiding discretionary purchases, not taking out multiple loans simultaneously, checking overall budget compatibility, understanding terms and fees, and choosing services with no fees or interest [13]

A former teen startup founder continues to reach milestones as a young CEO in the fintech industry. Miracle Nwankwo launched BookClinic at just 19 years old, beginning his professional career. The health-tech startup helped users get medical diagnostics and book appointments on the fly. The company’s success put Nwankwo on the map before he even finished his computer science degree. The 22-year-old told Techpoint Africa why he decided to pursue a career path that offers a lucrative future and still chang ...

Core Insights - The parent company of Square and Cash App has provided a positive long-term earnings forecast during its first investor day since 2022 [1] Company Summary - The company is optimistic about its future earnings potential, indicating strong growth prospects [1] Industry Summary - The event marks a significant moment for the company as it re-engages with investors after a hiatus since 2022, reflecting a renewed focus on investor relations and market confidence [1]

Core Insights - Klarna Group PLC reported a narrower quarterly loss of 25 cents per share, outperforming the market estimate of a 33 cents loss [1] - The company achieved quarterly revenue of $903 million, exceeding the market estimate of $881.898 million [1] - For the fourth quarter, Klarna provided revenue guidance of $1.065 billion to $1.08 billion, surpassing the $1.058 billion estimate [2] Financial Performance - Klarna's third-quarter results marked the strongest quarter ever, with U.S. revenue increasing by 51% and Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) rising by 43% [3] - The company anticipates an increase of over $100 million in transaction margin dollars in Q4 as revenue compounds [3] Market Reaction - Despite the positive earnings report, Klarna's shares fell nearly 10% following the announcement [2] - On the day after the earnings report, shares decreased by 3.2%, trading at $30.62 [3] Analyst Ratings - Morgan Stanley maintained an Equal-Weight rating on Klarna, lowering the price target from $43 to $39 [5] - JP Morgan kept an Overweight rating, reducing the price target from $50 to $45 [5] - Wolfe Research maintained an Outperform rating, also lowering the price target from $50 to $45 [5]

Core Insights - Max Levchin, CEO and co-founder of Affirm, emphasizes that artificial intelligence is set to revolutionize the shopping experience by automating human tasks and enhancing financial products [1] Company Insights - Affirm specializes in buy now, pay later plans, indicating a focus on consumer financing solutions that align with evolving shopping behaviors influenced by technology [1] Industry Insights - The integration of artificial intelligence in the retail sector is expected to streamline operations and improve customer experiences, suggesting a significant shift in how financial products are developed and marketed [1]

Nov 19, 2025 2:09 PM Eastern Standard Time Cash App Score Pilot Launches Utilizing Near Real- time Data Share Providing select customers with insight on choices that impact their Cash App Score, and ultimately lending decisions Underwriting behind the Cash App Score uses live financial behavior to expand credit access DISTRIBUTED-WORK-MODEL/OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today Cash App, a part of Block, Inc. (NYSE: XYZ), announced a pilot program that gives select customers visibility into their Cash App ...