而在近日举办的"朋友们碰一下支付宝线下支付合作伙伴大会"上，拉近众博被授予"2025支付宝商圈数 字化先锋"和"支付宝优秀合作伙伴年度最佳好碰友"两个殊荣。除了特显拉近众博与支付宝的深度合作 关系外，亦是对"琥珀PASS卡"从场景到消费的解决方案成效的肯定。 琥珀PASS卡通过其技术核心"碰付通"实现了支付营销一体化，支持支付宝全系智能POS机，为用户提供 从"碰一下打卡领红包"到"支付后自动成为会员"的无感流畅体验，为商户提供了"支付即结算"的跨域分 账能力。北京工体燃冬市集、北京动画周、西城商圈等多个场景中已经成功验证，通过统一收银、周边 引流打卡、消费后发复购红包等组合策略，有效提升了商户收益和用户复购率。琥珀PASS卡通过"碰一 下"的NFC等技术，将线下分散的流量有效聚合与转化，成为本集团新媒体业务增长的核心动力。 除此外，拉近众博亦与蚂蚁云通签订了一份为期三年的《文旅智能体市场拓展框架合作协议》。据此， 拉近众博打造了以"琥珀PASS卡"为核心的智能文旅SaaS平台，融合区块链、加密技术与互联网视听能 力，已成功推出"琥珀智能PASS卡"及配套宣发、销售与定制化技术服务体系，并作为支付宝"碰一下" ...

Core Insights - Expedia Group and Affirm have announced an expanded multi-year partnership, making Affirm the exclusive provider of BNPL installment payment methods for lodging and packages across Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo [1] - The partnership will also extend to Canadian travelers on select properties in the near future [1] Payment Options - Eligible travelers can receive real-time approval decisions and choose customized monthly payment plans of up to 24 months when shopping for hotels and packages [2] - In the US, eligible travelers can access 0% APR offers on three- or six-month plans [2] Strategic Vision - The partnership aims to empower travelers by providing clarity and confidence in payment options, enhancing their ability to plan meaningful experiences [3] - The integration of payment choice and transparency is becoming increasingly important in the booking experience, especially with the rise of AI-powered tools [3] Market Position - Affirm has been a partner of Expedia Group for a decade, indicating a long-standing relationship that adapts to changing consumer preferences regarding payment methods [4] - Expedia Group is part of a network of nearly 420,000 merchants globally that trust Affirm for flexible payment options, including major brands like Amazon and Costco [4]

Core Viewpoint - The fintech stock Block is currently trading 77% below its all-time high established in August 2021, indicating a potential investment opportunity as it may surge before Wall Street takes notice [2]. Valuation - Block's shares are trading at an attractive EV-to-EBIT ratio of 15.1, making it a compelling valuation in a market where valuation is a significant concern [3]. - A lower valuation multiple provides a margin of safety for investors, minimizing downside risk if future performance expectations are overly optimistic [4]. Business Performance - Block is experiencing growth and profitability, with the Square segment showing a 9% year-over-year gross profit growth in Q3, while Cash App's gross profit rose by 24% during the same period [5]. - The company's operating income has been increasing significantly [5]. Bitcoin Focus - Block's Bitcoin initiatives are often overlooked, but they present underappreciated upside potential [6]. - CEO Jack Dorsey has been a proponent of Bitcoin since 2021, believing it could serve as a native currency for the internet due to its digital, decentralized, and scarce nature [7]. - Block's Bitcoin projects include a self-custody wallet called Bitkey, cryptocurrency mining equipment under the Proto brand, Bitcoin trading for Cash App users, and the ability for Square sellers to accept Bitcoin payments [8].

Core Viewpoint - The rise of populism is influencing financial policies, favoring fintech companies that aim to improve affordability and efficiency in the financial system [2][3]. Financial Sector Outlook - The financial sector is viewed positively, with expectations of consumer resilience and stable credit conditions [3]. - Policy shifts away from deregulation are expected to benefit disruptors and innovative companies in the fintech space [3]. Fintech Opportunities - Companies targeting small and medium-sized businesses or retail are likely to experience significant tailwinds [6]. - Key fintech subsectors identified include Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services and digital assets, with companies like Affirm, Circle, and Coinbase highlighted as potential winners [7][8]. Regulatory Environment - Increased regulation in digital assets may affirm the legitimacy of these businesses, transitioning from an enforcement-focused environment to a regulatory one [12]. - The market may have overreacted to negative news regarding credit card rate caps, as fintech companies can adapt their pricing structures more easily [11]. Investment Strategy - The fintech basket is characterized as high beta compared to traditional equities, suggesting it should be a satellite position within a diversified portfolio [13]. - Investors may achieve similar exposure to traditional financials with a smaller investment in fintech, given its higher volatility [15]. Corporate Response to Political Climate - Companies are already responding to the political discourse around affordability, even without concrete policy changes [16][17]. - The ongoing populist narrative may drive corporate actions that benefit fintech companies, increasing liquidity in the system [18].

SoFi Technologies (NASDAQ: SOFI) announced fourth-quarter results for 2025 on January 30, 2026, with profitability surging thanks to steady loan activity and accelerated expansion in its fee-based operations. The San Francisco-based firm, which began as a student loan refinancing platform in 2011 and has since broadened into personal loans, mortgages, investing, credit cards, and other digital financial services, achieved a milestone by crossing $1 billion in adjusted net revenue for the first time.SoFi‘s l ...

Core Insights - Brown University has made a significant investment in Chime Financial, acquiring 102,805 shares valued at approximately $2.59 million [2][6] Company Overview - Chime Financial is a leading U.S. fintech platform that provides mobile banking services, including checking, savings, early paycheck access, and overdraft protection [5] - The company generates revenue primarily through interchange fees from card transactions processed via partner FDIC-insured banks [5] - As of January 31, 2026, Chime's stock price is $25.42, with a market capitalization of $9.52 billion and a revenue of $2.07 billion [4] Financial Performance - Chime Financial reported a net income of -$984.77 million for the trailing twelve months (TTM), which is common for newly public companies [4][8] - The investment by Brown University represents 1.8% of its 13F reportable assets under management after the trade [9] Investment Context - Brown University's investment aligns with its strategy, as college students are a key demographic for Chime's services [6] - The university's investment portfolio is relatively small, with only 10 holdings, ranking 7th among Chime's holdings [7]

Group 1: Nvidia - Nvidia is the world's largest semiconductor company with a market cap of $4.6 trillion and is projected to grow to $10 trillion by 2030 through vertical integration in AI [3][5] - The company reported a 62% year-over-year increase in third-quarter revenue and a 65% increase in net income [5] - Nvidia's stock has a forward P/E ratio of 24, significantly below its five-year average of 37, indicating it is attractively priced [6] Group 2: MercadoLibre - MercadoLibre has a market value of $116 billion and operates as a combination of an online marketplace and fintech business in Latin America [7][9] - The company reported a 39% year-over-year increase in net revenue and has 77 million unique active buyers, with both figures growing over 25% year over year [9] - MercadoLibre's stock has a forward P/E of 31, well below its five-year average of 64, suggesting it is also attractively priced [10]

Core Insights - Affirm Holdings, Inc. and Expedia Group, Inc. have expanded their travel payment partnership, making Affirm the exclusive Buy Now, Pay Later option for lodging and packages on major travel brands [1] Group 1: Expanded US Coverage - Under the new agreement, Affirm's installment payment option will be the only Buy Now, Pay Later method for travelers booking hotels and vacation packages on Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo in the U.S. [2] - Eligible customers will receive real-time approval decisions and customized monthly payment plans that can extend up to 24 months [2] - Affirm plans to expand its Buy Now, Pay Later service to Canadian travelers on select properties in the near future [2] Group 2: Payment Options - In the U.S., eligible buyers can select three- or six-month plans with 0% APR, with no compounding interest or late fees, and all terms are visible before checkout [3] - The Vice President of Global Payments at Expedia Group emphasized that clear payment choices help individuals pursue meaningful travel experiences [3] Group 3: Adapting to New Booking Habits - Expedia Group is evolving consumer trip planning with tools like AI-powered itinerary discovery, which integrates payment decisions earlier in the booking process [4] - The Senior Vice President of Revenue at Affirm noted that travelers are now considering payment options alongside their destination choices, reflecting the integration of payment flexibility in modern trip planning [4] - Affirm collaborates with nearly 420,000 merchants globally, including major retail brands, to enhance customer access and increase average order value for businesses [5]

Core Insights - Coronation Fund Managers increased its stake in MercadoLibre by 53,352 shares, valued at approximately $112.06 million, reflecting a significant investment in the company [2][3] - The total value of Coronation's position in MercadoLibre reached $285.59 million, marking an increase of $78.93 million from the previous filing, driven by both new purchases and share price appreciation [2] - MercadoLibre's shares have appreciated by 19.7% over the past year, outperforming the S&P 500 by 4.68 percentage points [3] Company Overview - MercadoLibre operates a leading e-commerce and fintech platform in Latin America, with a market capitalization of $114.02 billion and a revenue of $26.19 billion over the trailing twelve months [4][5] - The company generates revenue through transaction fees on its marketplace, financial services, logistics, and value-added services for merchants and consumers [8] - MercadoLibre's competitive advantage lies in its integrated ecosystem of online marketplaces, digital payments, credit, and logistics, tailored to the Latin American market [5] Financial Performance - The company reported a net income of $2.08 billion over the trailing twelve months [4] - Revenue growth remains robust, with a year-over-year increase of 39% in the third quarter, alongside expanding margins and improved logistics efficiency [10] Investment Implications - The increased stake by Coronation Fund Managers indicates a strong conviction in MercadoLibre's long-term growth potential, as it now represents 12.81% of their $2.23 billion reportable assets under management [3][9] - The fund's strategy includes pairing MercadoLibre with other emerging-market growth companies, suggesting confidence in the company's competitive position despite its size [11]

Sunlit skyline overlaid with U.S. dollar bills, symbolizing a weakening dollar boosting emerging markets. Key Points Emerging markets have been outperforming the U.S. stock market as commodity strength and a weaker dollar drive capital flows. MELI, DLO, and NU offer exposure to Latin America’s growth through e-commerce, payments, and digital banking. Long-term tailwinds remain despite potential short-term volatility in commodities and the dollar. Interested in DLocal Limited? Here are five stocks we l ...