Wary banks to enter fintech waters
While larger financial institutions have traditionally stayed out of the fintech space, this could soon change, according to some of Australia’s leading experts. “To date I’ve actually taken the view that I don’t think the banks have really played much in this space because it’s disruptive and it’s easier for them to not necessarily add fuel to the fire or to accelerate that disruption,” said Anthony Millet, CEO of BRICKX, in a panel discussion at the Millennial 20/20 conference in Sydney (14 November). This is now changing with new legislation being introduced in Australia that makes it easier for start-ups to enter the market, he said. “I think we’re going […]
10 Australian Fintech companies in the 2017 Fintech100
The Fintech100 represents the most innovative companies, creating products and services at the juncture of technology and financial services who are seeking to disrupt the existing processes and products that dominate the marketplace, with fintech companies from 29 countries featuring in this year’s 100. Congratulations to the Australian Fintech companies who made the H2 Ventures KPMG 2017 Fintech100 Top 50: 24. Prospa 37. zipMoney 44. AfterPay Touch And congratulations to the following Australian Fintech companies who made the Fintech100 Emerging 50: Airwallex Cover Genius Hyper Anna Macrovue MoneyMe Tic:Toc Valiant
Spaceship super’s secret talks with APRA, a $50 million capital raise and Julia Gillard buys in
Millennial super fund Spaceship has been in secret talks with banking regulator for its own licence. Investors have backed the licensing application with a $50 million capital raising round. One new investor, a US venture capital firm, has former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard on the board. Millennial online superannuation fund Spaceship has completed a $50 million capital raising round, while waiting for a rare Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) licence. Spaceship and other startup pension funds, like Grow Super, Zuper and Mobi Super, typically pay to use the licence of a traditional company to operate. Spaceship itself changed its parent licence holder over the winter, switching from Grosvenor Pirrie […]
BRICKX receives investment from Reinventure
Fractional property investment firm BRICKX has secured investment from the Westpac-backed venture capital firm Reinventure, in its Series A funding round. The Fintech, that provides access to residential property by enabling Australians to buy “Bricks” in individual property trusts, is not only tackling housing market accessibility but proving to be popular with those saving for a home deposit. BRICKX CEO Anthony Millet is proud to have formed this strategic partnership with Reinventure. “We look forward to working with Reinventure, who are wholeheartedly aligned with the BRICKX vision in providing a product which addresses the growing problem of housing affordability and investment accessibility,” Mr Millet said. “Over […]
From football to finance: Why Ted Richards wants to make investing easier
With 261 first-grade AFL games under his belt, former Sydney Swans defender Ted Richards isn’t your average financial guru – but he’s willing to bet that footy is a lot closer to money management than you think. After retiring from professional football at the end of 2016, Richards moved onto his second love of finance, becoming the Director of Business Development at Robo-advice startup Six Park. It sounds like the high-pressure world of being an Aussie rules superstar is the perfect antonym for the often-stuffy industry of finance management, but Richards says in many ways the two are the same. “Finance is a lot like footy in that while the […]
Myprosperity partners with $6.2bn platform
Myprosperity has partnered with an ASX-listed investment and superannuation platform provider to give clients whole-of-wealth solutions. Clients can now access HUB24 assets via myprosperity. HUB24 director of strategic development Jason Entwistle said by opening up the HUB24 platform and sharing data, it provides advisers and accountants the freedom to choose the technology solutions that provide the best experience for them and their clients. Former Xero Australia managing director and Myprosperity chief executive, Chris Ridd, said centralising clients’ wealth in one place creates massive opportunities for advisers. “By minimising time spent on administrative tasks, and providing their clients a bespoke wealth portal powered by live data feeds, advisers can grow their […]
Bitcoin’s rollercoaster ride: $50 billion wiped off before cryptocurrency bounces back
Bitcoin is proving that investing in digital currencies isn’t for the faint of heart. After plunging as much as 29 per cent from a record high following the cancellation of a technology upgrade on November 8, the largest cryptocurrency came roaring back in early trading Monday before fluctuating between gains and losses. “Crypto trading is not for the novice investor,” said John Spallanzani, chief macro strategist at GFI Securities in New York. While multiple reasons are being cited for the price volatility, one of the more viable is that some investors are switching to alternative coins. Bitcoin cash, an offshoot of bitcoin that includes many of the technical upgrades being […]
SMSFs in rugby legend’s sights as licensing numbers stagnate
In light of the limited take-up of the AFSL regime for accountants, one fintech and robo-advice oriented firm is ramping up its efforts as a referral partner to accountants looking to provide investment advice, including to SMSFs. Stirling Mortlock, Wallabies captain from 2006-2009, moved from a consulting role at NAB to Stockspot in July this year, with a view to boost distribution to professional intermediaries. The ‘Partners Program’ is now in full swing, and the company is eyeing accountants to secure the business of SMSF clients in particular, in light of the accountants’ exemption phase-out and the extremely low take-up of AFSLs among accountants. “We feel as though it’s a […]
