Is Europe’s payment system a risky game?

What we’ll cover today:

• 🎲 Is Europe’s payment system playing a risky game?

• 📈 VC market in the Czech Republic is "getting more professional." 

• 💼 Fintech employees tell if it’s worth it or not. 

• 🔗 The event roundup

Is Europe’s payment system playing a risky game?

With Trump possibly returning to power, TrueLayer CEO Francesco Simoneschi warns that Europe’s reliance on US payment systems could be a ticking time bomb.

He believes Europe needs to build its own payment infrastructure or face the risk of global threats.

Recent tech outages have already exposed the dangers of depending on US-based systems.

Key risks:

• Vulnerability: Heavy dependence on US companies like Visa and Mastercard.

• Outages: Global tech failures exposing weaknesses.

• Independence: Europe needs its own secure, resilient payment systems.

TrueLayer’s solution?

• The “pay by bank” system bypasses Visa and Mastercard, offering cheaper and faster payments for retailers.

Europe is taking action:

• Initiatives like the European Payments Initiative are aiming to reduce reliance on US systems and regain control.

Could this be the moment Europe breaks free?

Here’s the full article

1. VC market in the Czech Republic is "getting more professional."

Jaroslav Ton, founder and CEO of Malcom Finance, said the Czech VC market is evolving, and that it was "getting more professional". 

He said: “It is not just about one or two funds anymore like it used to be 10 years ago. Right now, there are plenty of venture capital funds out there. I think that is great news."

Here’s the article

2. Fintech employees tell if it’s worth it or not.

A post where a man asks US Fintech-based employees if they recommend working in Fintech jobs or not.

People who are already in the field respond to his questions and give their honest replies.

Here’s the article

1. FlapKap, the Abu Dhabi-based FinTech leader, announced today it has secured $34m in combined debt and equity during its latest pre-Series A funding round. 

The company is renowned for offering innovative revenue-based and embedded financing solutions tailored to the MENA region’s unique market demands.

2. Alumni of the 15 most influential fintech companies shaping the future of fintech

3. Barq and Mastercard collaborate to transform payment technology in Saudi Arabia. 

The partnership aims to empower Barq’s customers through Mastercard Gateway by enhancing the payment acceptance capabilities across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.