💰 Trump’s Bitcoin Reserve

Presented by

Fintech’s eating the world—don’t get left behind in 2025! If you haven’t already, check out our FREE Spot The Next Big Fintech Guide

Hey Fintech Explorers—Welcome back to Money Explored, the essential Sunday newsletter to stay ahead in fintech!

This week, fintech and policy are colliding in a big way. A major crypto move from the White House, an AI-powered fintech surging in value, and a regulatory shake-up that has big banks breathing easier—it’s all happening.

Here’s what we’re diving into:

• Trump launches a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, shaking up crypto markets. 💰

• Ramp’s valuation surges to $13B, doubling in a year on AI-driven growth. 🚀

• CFPB backs down on its Zelle lawsuit, signaling a shift in consumer protection. 🎉

It’s all happening—and that’s just the start...

First time reading? Sign up here to join thousands staying ahead in fintech every Sunday.

Let’s dive in!

🌎 3 Major Stories

Dive into this week’s top Fintech developments.

Trump Launches Strategic Bitcoin Reserve 💰

The Big Story 📰: President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to establish a "Strategic Bitcoin Reserve," which will use bitcoin already seized by the government rather than purchasing new tokens. This move led to an immediate drop in bitcoin's value, briefly sinking below $85,000 before rebounding to approximately $89,200. White House crypto czar, David Sacks, confirmed that the reserve will consist solely of government-held bitcoin but left the door open for future acquisitions if they are budget-neutral. While some claim this recognition is a significant step for Bitcoin as a reserve asset, critics argue the plan lacks substance and is merely a rebranding of existing holdings.

Key Takeaway ⚡️: This executive order symbolizes a historic moment for crypto regulation in the U.S., yet many see it as a missed opportunity for active market engagement. The lack of new purchases has left enthusiasts underwhelmed, sparking debate about the government's commitment to cryptocurrency. For fintech professionals and investors, this situation underscores the importance of staying alert to regulatory developments, as Trump's actions could shape future valuations and the overall market landscape. Institutions should remain strategic in adapting to changing regulatory frameworks, leveraging increased government interest in digital assets to inform their own investment and operational strategies.

Ramp's Valuation Soars to $13B as AI Boosts Growth 🚀

The Big Story 📰: Ramp, a fintech start-up backed by Peter Thiel and Thrive Capital, has surged in valuation to $13 billion, almost doubling from its previous valuation of $7.65 billion just last year. This significant growth follows a successful share sale where investors, including the Singaporean sovereign wealth fund GIC and venture capital heavyweights like Thrive and Sequoia Capital, collectively purchased $150 million in stock from early investors and employees. Ramp’s co-founder and CEO, Eric Glyman, credits their success to the company's deep integration of AI into its products, enhancing expense management, corporate card operations, and accounting automation. The firm has seen rapid growth, with annualized revenue skyrocketing from $300 million to $700 million in less than a year.

Key Takeaway ⚡️: Ramp’s impressive leap in valuation signals a broader recovery for fintech companies following a turbulent economic climate. Their strategic use of AI positions them as an innovative player in a competitive market, potentially reshaping how corporate payments and expenses are managed. As Ramp diversifies its offerings to become a more comprehensive platform—expanding beyond payments into areas like procurement and travel booking—it sets itself up to capture more market share as businesses seek streamlined financial solutions. Investors, industry analysts, and fintech enthusiasts should take note: this is a notable moment that may indicate a return of vigor and potential stability in the fintech space.

CFPB Backs Down on Zelle Lawsuit, Banks Rejoice! 🎉

The Big Story 📰: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is retracting a recent lawsuit against Zelle and its banking partners like Wells Fargo and JP Morgan Chase, amid broader shifts in regulatory oversight under new leadership. Originally filed during the Biden administration, the lawsuit claimed Zelle rushed to launch without proper consumer protections, leading to $870 million in fraud losses for users. The CFPB's withdrawal represents a significant pivot in the agency's approach, coinciding with Trump-appointed leadership scaling back scrutiny of financial institutions. This decision is part of a series of legal withdrawals that many see as diminishing consumer protection efforts.

Key Takeaway ⚡️: The CFPB’s backing down on the Zelle lawsuit raises serious questions about the future of consumer protection in the financial sector. As the agency shifts under new leadership, the reduced enforcement of regulations could embolden fintech platforms and big banks to operate with less oversight, posing risks to consumers. For fintech professionals and investors, the evolving regulatory landscape could necessitate a reevaluation of compliance strategies and risk management practices. It’s crucial for stakeholders to stay alert, as ongoing shifts could reshape competitive dynamics and consumer trust in financial services.

🔍 What Else We’re Watching

Keep an eye on these evolving Fintech Narratives.

• Fintech VC Funding Hits a Snag 📉: Venture capital activity in the fintech sector has plummeted to its lowest point in years, with only $21.5 billion invested across 1,800 rounds in 2024, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. This downturn marks a significant decline since the record highs of the pandemic era. Many investors are now pivoting to generative AI, as fintech valuations continue to lag—Stripe slashed its valuation from $100 billion to $50 billion, while Melio Payments raised $150 million at half its 2021 valuation. The market's expectations have shifted, leaving fintech in the lurch.

• Revolut and Visa's Legal Showdown with UK Regulator ⚖️: Fintech giant Revolut, alongside Visa, has launched legal challenges against the UK's payments regulator over its proposed cap on international transaction fees, which stands at $75 per month. The companies argue that the watchdog has overstepped its authority, claiming that such restrictive measures could hinder innovation in the payments landscape. Both players are pushing back against what they view as excessive regulatory control, seeking to ensure unimpeded growth and competitive dynamics in the financial technology sector. This legal battle could set significant precedents for the industry.

• BVNK Unveils All-in-One Wallet for Crypto & Fiat 💳: BVNK has launched a groundbreaking embedded wallet that seamlessly integrates both fiat and stablecoin transactions. Unlike existing solutions, BVNK offers broader access to fiat accounts and payment systems like Swift, aiming to enhance user experience in crypto and traditional finance. With a whopping annual processing volume of over $12 billion, this platform enables businesses to effortlessly send, receive, convert, and store various currencies, providing them with unprecedented payments flexibility. BVNK is setting the stage for a new era of global money movement!

💸 Major Money Moves

Tracking big market shifts in Fintech this week.

• Quantexa Secures $175M in Series F! 🚀: Quantexa, a trailblazer in Decision Intelligence, has successfully completed a $175 million Series F funding round, led by Teachers' Venture Growth (TVG). This investment boosts Quantexa's valuation to $2.6 billion and will enhance its mission to empower enterprises and government agencies with AI-driven solutions. The fresh capital will support innovation on its platform and help expand its presence in North America and beyond. With 23 new customers in 2024 and nearly 40% license revenue growth, Quantexa is positioned as a key player in the evolving AI landscape, ready to scale operations and partnerships.

• Grain Unveils $50M to Tackle FX Volatility 💱: Emerging from stealth mode, fintech startup Grain has secured over $50 million to offer foreign exchange (FX) hedging solutions to businesses of all sizes. With an impressive processing volume of over $1 billion, Grain aims to make FX trading accessible, previously dominated by only large enterprises. Their innovative product utilizes AI and FX derivatives to simplify the hedging process, enabling finance teams to navigate currency fluctuations meaningfully. Co-founder Dor Golan believes Grain is revolutionizing derivatives like Stripe did for payments, targeting the vast $150 trillion cross-border transaction market.

• Flex Gets $25M Boost for Biz Fintech 🚀: Flex, the up-and-coming fintech for business owners, has just secured $25 million in equity funding, alongside a hefty $200 million credit facility. With a valuation of nearly $250 million, Flex aims to simplify finance management for mid-market business owners. Founded by CEO Zaid Rahman, Flex has evolved from a construction platform to an all-in-one finance solution, focusing on the unique challenges faced by business owners. With its features like AI underwriting and integrated expense tracking, Flex is ready to revolutionize how personal and business finances coexist.

Thanks for reading and have a relaxing Sunday,

— The Money Explored team