Your Weekly Fintech Sales Intelligence Newsletter | Volume 18

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TODAY’S PICK 🎯

The Sales Intelligence team were on the ground at the Fintech Meetup 2025 with over 6,000 industry leaders, investors, and innovators, exploring the trends shaping the future of financial services. One theme was clear, AI is no longer optional. From underwriting to fraud detection, AI’s impact on FinTech is undeniable, especially in sales.

We also explored the power of real-time execution. Companies leveraging AI in sales aren’t just gaining insights, they’re acting on them immediately, driving faster, more effective sales. In fact, FinTech organizations embracing AI such as Hive Perform for their sales teams have seen a 38% increase in deal velocity and a 27% improvement in conversion rates.

The FinTech landscape is shifting, and sales teams must adapt or risk falling behind.

The Sales Intelligence team will also be at ShopTalk! Come meet the team and explore how AI is changing sales processes as we know them.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS 🌐

Klarna and DoorDash Partner for Buy Now, Pay Later Options

Klarna's strategic partnership with DoorDash marks a significant expansion in the U.S. market by introducing a flexible payment system to the popular delivery service. Customers can soon choose to pay via full installments, interest-free options, or deferred payments that align with their payday schedules. This initiative broadens Klarna's reach in everyday spending categories, showcasing its intent to solidify its presence before its anticipated IPO on the New York Stock Exchange.

The momentum for Klarna is evident with its recent role as the exclusive provider of buy now, pay later loans for OnePay, bolstering its growth and competitiveness. Last year's revenue climbed 24% to $2.8 billion, underscoring its robust financial health. As Klarna aligns with major players like DoorDash and Walmart-backed OnePay, it not only prepares for a promising IPO but also strengthens its position amidst potential regulatory challenges in other markets like the U.K.

Affirm Aims to Replace Credit Cards, Not Debit Cards

Affirm positions itself as a strategic alternative to credit cards, rather than a substitute for debit cards, according to CEO Max Levchin. In a detailed CNBC interview, Levchin explains Affirm's competitive stance despite Klarna's recent partnership with Walmart. The goal is to provide consumers with a transparent financial option, offering clear benefits over traditional credit methods.

The conversation with Levchin reveals Affirm's commitment to redefining financial transactions for better transparency and affordability. By focusing on credit card replacement, Affirm aims to enhance financial literacy and empower consumers. This initiative reflects the company's strategic efforts to establish its unique position in the fintech landscape, inviting users to consider the advantages of modern payment solutions.

Ingo Payments Empowers Seamless Real-Time Payments and AI-Driven Fraud Prevention

Ingo Payments has steadily positioned itself as a vital player in the financial services ecosystem, expertly transitioning from its origins in check cashing to become a leading payment orchestration platform. The company specializes in real-time disbursements across various channels including debit cards, ACH transfers, and digital wallets. This flexibility caters to several sectors from insurance to gaming, providing consumers with more control over fund reception and facilitating seamless, frictionless transactions for businesses.

Additionally, the company is leveraging AI to enhance risk management and fraud prevention. With accumulated years of transaction data, Ingo's AI models improve fraud detection, especially in high-risk areas like instant account funding. Notably, its comprehensive payment options via a single API make Ingo Payments distinct in a competitive fintech landscape. Going forward, the firm aims to be at the forefront of embedded finance, continuously innovating to support the integration of banking services without regulatory burdens.

AI Fintech Market Surging to $97.7 Billion by 2033

The AI in the fintech market is experiencing remarkable growth, with projections indicating it will exceed USD 97.7 billion by 2033. Driven by a 19.9% CAGR, this expansion is fueled by increasing AI adoption in banking and the rise of AI-driven personalization tools. From chatbots to fraud detection systems, AI is revolutionizing customer experiences and operational efficiency. As financial institutions strive for real-time insights, the integration of AI becomes crucial. The market's growth underscores the urgent need for financial entities to adopt AI technologies or risk falling behind in offering innovative solutions.

Regulatory focus on AI transparency is shaping the fintech landscape, compelling firms to balance compliance with innovation. As governments emphasize ethical AI usage, especially in credit assessments, fintech companies are turning to explainable AI technologies to meet new standards while maintaining competitive edges. Furthermore, the consumer demand for hyper-personalized services is driving fintech firms to employ AI for tailored financial offerings. This trend highlights the sector's shift towards real-time, data-driven personalization, establishing AI as a fundamental pillar for future innovations and customer engagement.

Qlarifi Secures 1.4M To Enhance BNPL Credit Transparency and Reporting

Qlarifi, a FinTech start-up, has successfully raised $1.4 million in pre-seed funding to enhance credit transparency in the BNPL market. The backing comes from HoneyComb Asset Management, Carthona Capital, and notable investors such as Australian rugby legend John Eales. The funds will develop Qlarifi's real-time data infrastructure, giving lenders a clear view of consumers' borrowing behavior across BNPL platforms, which eclipses the daily applications for credit cards exponentially.

Rapid growth in the BNPL sector, with a market share of 5% in eCommerce transactions, underscores the need for Qlarifi’s services, aimed at improving underwriting decisions and aiding consumers in building responsible credit histories. CEO Alex Naughton emphasizes the significant industry demand for real-time credit insights, marking the funding as a testament to investors' confidence in Qlarifi's mission. Similarly, Dean Dorrell from Carthona Capital acknowledges the company's alignment with current market needs.

America Needs Stablecoin Integration To Secure The Dollar's Global Dominance

America faces a critical moment in ensuring its financial future by harnessing the potential of stablecoins. With the recent passing of the federal budget, lawmakers have the chance to shape a regulatory framework for stablecoins, which are pegged to fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar. These digital tokens have grown significantly, facilitating vast transactions globally and creating opportunities for the U.S. to extend its monetary influence. However, without comprehensive legislation, America risks falling behind as other regions develop their regulatory structures.

To remain competitive and protect financial integrity, the U.S. must lead in establishing clear stablecoin regulations. The GENIUS Act offers a balanced approach, combining federal oversight with innovation-friendly frameworks. This initiative could prevent market fragmentation, encourage fintech growth, and reduce transaction costs while maintaining competition. Lawmakers must prioritize crafting legislation that balances consumer protection, regulatory clarity, and technological advancement, securing the dollar's role in global finance and enhancing domestic financial services.

AI Technology Set To Tackle Financial Institutions' Top Risks in 2025

In 2025, financial institutions will need to strategically navigate emerging risks with the help of AI technology. Key threats include regulatory compliance, cybercrime, and economic uncertainties. Institutions must focus on adopting AI solutions that are not only efficient but also transparent and compliant with upcoming regulations such as the EU AI Act. Additionally, the complexity of regulatory compliance is rising, necessitating adaptable AI systems to streamline processes and reduce manual tasks.

Moreover, the shortage of AI and data science expertise poses a challenge in innovation for risk detection and compliance. Institutions are advised to enhance their real-time risk intelligence capabilities to address cyber threats and third-party risks effectively. Economic and geopolitical factors add another layer of complexity to risk management, demanding agility and continuous monitoring. Balancing privacy concerns with data-driven AI innovations remains crucial, ensuring robust risk management while safeguarding sensitive information. These steps are critical for thriving in the evolving financial landscape.

EDITOR’S INSIGHT 💭

Unlocking Growth: The Power of Adaptive Pricing in Fintech

Off the back of the Federal Reserve's two-day policy meeting, fintech firms are watching closely. In a high-rate, high-volatility environment, pricing agility has become a competitive necessity—not a nice-to-have.

Recent insights from a leading payments provider show that pricing models tied to benchmark rates can help fintechs stabilize revenue despite market shifts. This flexibility is especially valuable as clients grow more cost-conscious.

A top consulting firm also notes that rate-adjustable payment terms are accelerating customer acquisition, particularly among mid-market buyers. Aligning pricing with customers’ financial realities builds trust and strengthens long-term relationships.

Sales teams are seeing results too. CROs report that using real-time interest rate data during negotiations improves close rates, making pitches more relevant and credible.

As the Fed signals its next move, fintech sales leaders should prioritize flexible pricing, embed real-time data into their GTM strategies, and empower teams to adapt in real-time. In uncertain markets, adaptability is the key to sustainable growth.

LEADING VOICES📣

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