🇭🇰 NEW: AMINA Bank has secured a license from SFC to offer institutional crypto trading and custody services, making it the first international bank to receive this approval. https://t.co/TAWPqwrT2q ...

Coinbase has officially launched Coinbase Business in Singapore, offering crypto trading and payment services for local startups and SMEs. In partnership with Standard Chartered, the platform enables real-time transfers in Singapore dollars and instant settlement using stablecoins such as USDC and XSGD. This marks Coinbase’s first international business expansion outside the United States. https://t.co/haUK75AduZ ...

Core Insights - SoFi Technologies Inc. has become the first nationally chartered U.S. bank to offer cryptocurrency trading, allowing customers regulated access to Bitcoin and other digital assets [1][2]. Group 1: Company Developments - The launch of crypto trading is described as a "major milestone" for SoFi's all-in-one finance model, as stated by CEO Anthony Noto [2]. - The initiative follows a March interpretive letter from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) that permits banks to engage in cryptocurrency transactions [2]. - Initially, SoFi will support Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, with plans to expand the list of supported cryptocurrencies in the coming months [3][4]. Group 2: Competitive Positioning - SoFi positions itself as a regulated alternative to platforms like Coinbase and Robinhood, emphasizing the advantages of its national bank charter, which includes infrastructure and consumer safeguards [6]. - The integrated model allows customers to manage checking and savings accounts, borrow, invest, and trade crypto all within the same platform [7]. Group 3: Financial Features - Funds used for crypto trading are drawn directly from SoFi accounts that earn interest and are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), with coverage extending up to $2 million per customer [8]. - Noto highlighted that unused funds earn interest while remaining insured, differentiating SoFi from other trading platforms [8].

When markets are volatile, brokers tend to have pretty good years. A sharp surge in trading across equities and crypto, especially by retail investors, has powered a ~3x rise in shares of Robinhood ( HOOD ) since the start of theWith combined experience of covering technology companies on Wall Street and working in Silicon Valley, and serving as an outside adviser to several seed-round startups, Gary Alexander has exposure to many of the themes shaping the industry today. He has been a regular contributor o ...

Core Insights - Robinhood Markets, Inc. reported record revenue of $1.27 billion for Q3, reflecting 100% year-over-year growth [1] - Analysts are optimistic about Robinhood's performance, particularly in its prediction markets and crypto business [2][3] Revenue Performance - The company achieved a record revenue of $1.27 billion in Q3, marking a 100% increase compared to the same quarter last year [1] - The prediction markets business is nearing a $300 million run-rate, becoming the 11th product area to exceed $100 million in annualized revenue within a year of its launch [2] Business Segments - The prediction markets business has grown to be comparable in size to Robinhood's equities trading business within a year of its launch [2] - The crypto business saw a significant rebound, with crypto volumes on the Robinhood app increasing by 40.6% quarter-over-quarter, and Bitstamp volumes rising by 70% [3] Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Cantor analyst Brett Knoblauch maintained an Overweight rating on Robinhood and raised the price target from $130 to $155 [4] - Goldman Sachs also maintained a Buy rating and increased its price target from $170 to $181 [5] - Other analysts, including Barclays and Mizuho, raised their price targets, reflecting confidence in Robinhood's growth trajectory [7]

Let's talk about what I was just mentioning on on Robin Hood. Really the epitome of all the bullishness we have seen in markets. I how much longer can this continue.Hard question, but maybe not so hard. >> Well, I I don't think it's a hard question. There's this there's this desire to say the market's up big.There must be a lot of speculation and therefore, you know, things look expensive. But in reality, the markets are up because earnings are up. If you look at, you know, the, you know, the the suite of t ...

Core Insights - Robinhood Markets (HOOD) stock declined by 7.5% during Thursday afternoon trading due to disappointing October crypto revenue, full-year operating expense guidance, and the upcoming departure of its chief financial officer [2] Financial Performance - The company's Q3 earnings report included disappointing figures related to crypto revenue for October [2]

Core Insights - Hong Kong's financial regulator, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), will allow licensed crypto platforms to connect with global order books, marking a significant regulatory shift in the city's crypto landscape [1][2][8] - The new framework introduces a "shared order book" system, enabling cross-border matching and improved price discovery for local investors [3][8] - The SFC is also finalizing licensing regimes for crypto brokers, custodians, and stablecoin issuers, with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) expected to issue stablecoin licenses next year [4][5] Regulatory Changes - The SFC's announcement represents the most substantial relaxation of crypto trading rules since the city's three-year crypto initiative began [2] - Licensed exchanges will now be able to list new tokens and HKMA-approved stablecoins for professional investors without the previous one-year track record requirement [6] - The potential for locally licensed crypto brokers to access international liquidity pools could facilitate the entry of major global players like Binance and Coinbase into the Hong Kong market [4][5] Market Context - Despite these regulatory advancements, Hong Kong's crypto trading activity remains significantly lower than that of other major Asian markets, such as the U.S. [9][10] - The SFC's measures aim to enhance Hong Kong's position as a leading crypto hub in Asia, following years of cautious regulation and restrictions from mainland China [9]

Core Insights - SoFi has shown significant improvement in its financial performance, with a notable increase in earnings and sales, leading to a positive market reaction [3][4][5] - The company reported an adjusted EPS of 11 cents, exceeding the estimate of 8.5 cents, and more than doubling last year's earnings of 5 cents [3] - Total sales for the quarter reached $950 million, up 38% year-over-year, surpassing estimates of $885 million [3] - Loan originations increased by 53%, fee-based revenues rose by 50%, and student loan originations grew by 58% [4] - The company raised its adjusted EPS guidance for the fiscal year from 32 cents to 37 cents, a 15% increase [5] Financial Metrics - SoFi's adjusted EPS for the fiscal year is now projected at 37 cents, which translates to a valuation of approximately 80 times this year's earnings based on the current stock price of around $31 [6] - The company has experienced a stock price increase of about 97% year-to-date and 16.5% in the current month [13] Business Model and Growth - SoFi has evolved from a niche online loan originator to a comprehensive financial services provider, including traditional banking services, personal loans, credit cards, mortgages, insurance, financial planning, and crypto trading [7][8] - The company has successfully improved its scalability and profitability profile over the last six quarters, contributing to its stock price appreciation [5][9] Market Context - The current market environment is favorable for growth companies like SoFi, which has contributed to its stock performance [10] - Despite the positive trends, there are concerns regarding valuation, with short interest in SoFi still around 9% [10][11]

Core Viewpoint - Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is highlighted as a strong investment opportunity following its recent earnings report, with a favorable valuation compared to competitors like Robinhood [1] Financial Performance - IBKR reported record revenue of $1.6 billion, a 21% increase year-over-year, and adjusted EPS of $0.57, up 43% from $0.40 last year [1] - The stock experienced a 3% decline post-earnings, attributed to a decrease in net interest margin from 2.37% to 2.16% year-over-year [1] - Customer accounts grew by 30% year-over-year, with client equity exceeding $250 billion, a 40% increase from the previous year [1] Market Position and Growth Opportunities - IBKR operates in the same markets as Robinhood, including institutional custody, crypto trading, and retail brokerage, but trades at half the valuation [1] - The company is introducing new features such as recurring crypto buy orders and expanding the range of available coins for investors globally [1] Valuation Metrics - IBKR has a trailing PE ratio of 31x and a forward PE of 28x, with expected EPS growth of 20% this year and 10% next year, compared to Robinhood's 62x trailing PE ratio [1] Risk Management - IBKR found support at the $59-$61 level, which had previously been resistance, indicating potential for recovery [1] - The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is in the high 50s and rising, suggesting a favorable setup for future price increases [1]