Tag: mobile

LendingClub: Mobile App Features Drive Member Engagement and Loan Issuance

admin — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:44:51 +0000

LendingClub is finding that its mobile app is reducing servicing costs, increasing interaction with members and boosting loan issuance.

In the time since the company added a free credit monitoring tool called DebtIQ to the app, it has seen 60% higher logins and a 30% increase in loan issuance among the enrolled members, LendingClub CEO Scott Sanborn said Tuesday (April 29) during the company’s quarterly earnings call.

“We’re currently working on new DebtIQ features to drive wider adoption, deeper engagement and even more issuance,” Sanborn said.

Part of that project will include incorporating artificial intelligence-powered spending intelligence functionality from LendingClub’s newly acquired app Cushion — a transaction that LendingClub announced Tuesday.

LendingClub will also incorporate the credit card management technology it added when it acquired intellectual property of Tally Technologies in October, Sanborn said.

The company also continues to improve its core personal loan offering, Sanborn said. For example, it enhanced its TopUp product by making it easy for members to refinance their non-LendingClub loans. This joins the product’s initial offering, which allows members to add an additional balance to an existing LendingClub loan as they refinance it.

“So, as you can hear, we have multiple tools to drive continued efficient growth,” Sanborn said.

LendingClub is making these moves at a time when it saw its loan originations grow 21% in the first quarter to reach $2 billion, according to a Tuesday earnings release.

The company attributed this increase to its product and marketing initiatives as well as strong investor demand in its loan marketplace.

Sanborn said during the call that there continues to be strong demand for debt consolidation.

“While a personal loan can be used for more than debt consolidation, there is a historically large credit card refinance opportunity that we are especially focused on penetrating,” Sanborn said. “Through a combination of product and experience innovation and marketing, we’re making great progress against our strategy with compelling proof points that it’s working.”

LendingClub wrote in a presentation released Tuesday in conjunction with the call that there is a “historically large total addressable market” for the company because both total outstanding consumer credit and credit card interest rates are near historic highs.

Looking ahead, LendingClub expects to see continued growth in originations, according to the presentation. The company’s guidance calls for total originations to rise to $2.1 billion to $2.3 billion in the second quarter and greater than $2.3 billion in the fourth quarter.

Sanborn said during the call that LendingClub’s buyer demand, balance sheet capacity, total addressable market, marketing vehicles, product roadmap and other factors have it well positioned for any macroeconomic environment.

“In a good environment, I would say we feel like we would really be set up to crush it,” Sanborn said. “In a tougher environment, I think we’re still poised to deliver.”

The post LendingClub: Mobile App Features Drive Member Engagement and Loan Issuance appeared first on PYMNTS.com.

Booking Holdings Defies Travel Slump With 7% Surge in Gross Bookings

admin — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 23:37:18 +0000

Travel can a tricky business to be in when consumer confidence is so notably down.

As PYMNTS CEO Karen Webster noted in a recent column, this isn’t a projection based on complex economic models or worst-case scenarios. It’s the simple math derived from actual consumer behavior already underway nationwide.

Still, those impacts may take some time to fully play out across the travel marketplace, and they didn’t hold down Booking Holdings, which on Tuesday (April 29) reported $46.7 billion in gross bookings for the first quarter of 2025, a 7% year-over-year increase, or 10% when adjusted for constant currency. Room nights booked grew 7% to 319 million, while revenue climbed 8% to $4.8 billion, similarly reflecting a 10% rise on a constant currency basis.

“I am pleased to report a good start to 2025 where healthy growth of room nights and gross bookings benefited from our globally diversified business,” said Glenn Fogel, CEO of Booking Holdings.

However, Fogel also acknowledged persistent macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties, as well as near-term headwinds such as geopolitical risks, currency volatility and macroeconomic uncertainty.

“There is uncertainty in the market,” he told investors.

Executives in turn stressed to investors on Tuesday’s call that Booking’s globally diversified platform and significant cash reserves would provide a meaningful buffer and emphasized the company’s long-term commitment to delivering value for travelers and suppliers.

At the same time, company executives painted the picture of a travel landscape where the company can continue to benefit from secular trends toward online and mobile travel bookings, as well as a broadening product portfolio encompassing flights, rental cars, dining and experiences.

The company’s share price was down mid-single digits as of reporting, despite results coming in above analyst estimates.

The Challenge of Growth in a Shifting Landscape

Volatility is the new normal, and Booking Holdings will need to continue balancing growth initiatives with disciplined execution to stay ahead of its travel competitors. For the most recent quarter, alternative accommodations remained a bright spot, with room nights at Booking.com in this category growing by a low double-digit percentage. Constant currency average daily rates (ADRs) rose 1% year-over-year, signaling stable pricing power.

In transportation, rental car days grew 7.7% and airline tickets surged 44.8% year-over-year, reflecting ongoing recovery in broader travel demand. These figures underscore Booking’s increasingly diversified product mix beyond traditional hotels.

Booking Holdings comprises Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, KAYAK and OpenTable. A network of subsidiary brands includes Rocketmiles, Fareharbor, HotelsCombined, Cheapflights and Momondo.

Beyond the numbers, Booking continues to evolve its strategic focus. The company is doubling down on the connected trip vision — integrating flights, accommodations, car rentals and attractions into a seamless end-to-end user experience.

Recent platform enhancements, including AI-powered travel planning tools and a more integrated loyalty program, are aimed at boosting customer stickiness and reducing dependence on paid marketing. Booking also cited stronger cross-selling metrics in key markets as a positive early signal of success in building a vertically integrated travel ecosystem.

See more: Expedia’s Private-Label Push Turns Loyalty Points Into Economic Leverage

The company’s executives acknowledged the transformative potential of GenAI technologies for the travel sector, though it remains mindful of operational and regulatory challenges.

This aligns with the industry trends long tracked by PYMNTS. According to a PYMNTS Intelligence report, “At Your Service: Generative AI Arrives in Travel and Hospitality,” airlines and hospitality businesses are exploring the potential of AI. The report shows 52% of customers expect AI to assist with interactions, while 44% believe it will enhance guest engagement.

Booking Holdings is also executing a transformation plan announced in late 2024, aimed at improving expense efficiency, organizational agility and customer offerings. Related transformation costs totaled $32 million in Q1 and were excluded from adjusted financial metrics. The company sees these changes as critical to long-term competitive positioning.

“We remain focused on optimizing our cost structure while investing strategically in product innovation,” CFO David Goulden said. “Our team executed well in managing variable costs while driving productivity across the organization.”

While GAAP net income fell 57% from the prior year — reflecting investment cycles and tougher comparison periods — adjusted earnings per share rose 22%, and adjusted EBITDA climbed 21%, underscoring operational efficiency and margin resilience.

The post Booking Holdings Defies Travel Slump With 7% Surge in Gross Bookings appeared first on PYMNTS.com.

Sam’s Club Adds More Data Tools to ‘Retail Experience Network’

admin — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 19:48:04 +0000

Sam’s Club is expanding its retail media network, Member Access Platform (MAP), to include more data tools for mobile, onsite, offsite and in-club solutions that enable brands to reach customers.

These additions add up to a “Retail Experience Network” and help create personalized experiences for customers and measurable outcomes for brands, Sam’s Club said in a Tuesday (April 29) blog post.

“This evolution brings brands closer to members at every stage of their shopping journey whether they are browsing online, shopping in-club or engaging across channels in between,” Harvey Ma, vice president and general manager, Sam’s Club Member Access Platform, said in the post. “It’s a seamlessly connected, omnichannel experience designed to drive awareness, deepen loyalty and boost conversions.”

One of the latest additions to MAP is a data tool called Brand Lift, which provides advertisers with data about things like brand preference, favorability and purchase intent. With this data, advertisers can optimize their campaigns and customers will receive more relevant advertising, according to the post.

Other new data tools include a Customer Lifetime Value (CLTV) measurement to help brands refine their media strategy based on things like long-term return on investment; Multi-Touch Attribution (MTA) that helps brands understand how touchpoints like display, offsite and in-club contribute to conversion; and Propensity Modeling with Signal Fidelity that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to help advertisers reach the right audiences, per the post.

Sam’s Club is developing other offerings for MAP, including influencer and creator-led content and generative AI tools providing smarter search and personalized product discovery, the post said.

“MAP is building more than media campaigns — we’re creating meaningful experiences that deliver real value for both members and brands,” Ma said in the post.

Sam’s Club parent company Walmart has been expanding its digital advertising platforms amid the competition with rival retail giant Amazon, PYMNTS reported in August.

Around that time, Sam’s Club said it became the first retail media platform to introduce advertisements through a mobile self-checkout app, while Walmart’s retail media business, Walmart Connect, said that companies that do not sell through Walmart, such as financial firms and restaurants, found that in-store platforms increase brand exposure.

The post Sam’s Club Adds More Data Tools to ‘Retail Experience Network’ appeared first on PYMNTS.com.

Mastercard Debuts Agent Pay to Promote ‘Agentic Commerce Future’

admin — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 17:28:32 +0000

Mastercard has launched Agent Pay, its agentic artificial intelligence (AI)-driven payments program.

The new offering, announced Tuesday (April 29), introduces Mastercard’s Agentic Tokens, which the company said builds upon tokenization capabilities that power global commerce solutions like mobile contactless payments, along with programmable payments such as recurring expenses and subscriptions.

“This helps unlock an agentic commerce future where consumers and businesses can transact with trust, security, and control,” the company said in a news release. “Mastercard Agent Pay will enhance generative AI conversations for people and businesses alike by integrating trusted, seamless payments experiences into the tailored recommendations and insights already provided on conversational platforms.”

That means, the company said, that someone planning a party could chat with an AI agent to curate outfits and accessories or plan a venue. The agent can then make purchases based on that customer’s preferences and feedback, while also recommending the best way to pay.

According to the release, Mastercard plans to collaborate with a number of tech companies on the program: Microsoft on new use cases to scale agentic commerce, IBM to accelerate B2B use cases and companies like Braintree and Checkout.com to enhance tokenization capabilities already in use.

“The launch of Mastercard Agent Pay marks our initial steps in redefining commerce in the AI era, including new merchant interfaces to distinguish trusted agents from bad actors using agentic technology,” said Jorn Lambert, Mastercard’s chief product officer.

“Recognizing the seismic implications of this evolution, we are keen to collaborate with industry players to advance the standards for agentic payments, such as applying the Model Context Protocol to Secure Remote Commerce,” he added. “This lays the foundation for scale and builds trust in agentic commerce.”

In other agentic AI news, PYMNTS explored the technology’s use in things like loan underwriting, fraud detection and cross-border payments in a recent interview with TerraPay Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Ram Sundaram.

He noted that while automated decision making and streamlined processes will continue to transform global money movement, there’s still a need for have some human interaction.

“Obviously, in the best-case scenario, everything goes smoothly, but when things are not going smoothly, that’s when the customer queries come in,” Sundaram said.

It’s not always easy to immediately determine where a transaction is, as company analysts and representatives have to examine logs and query partner systems.

“A lot of that work is done manually,” Sundaram said, adding that the agents “know the corridors and the markets that they are working in, but it still takes some time.”

The post Mastercard Debuts Agent Pay to Promote ‘Agentic Commerce Future’ appeared first on PYMNTS.com.

Mastercard Invests in 3% Stake in Corpay’s Cross-Border Business, Forms Exclusive Agreements

admin — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:29:06 +0000

Mastercard has invested in a 3% stake in Corpay’s cross-border business, and the two companies have formed exclusive agreements.

These moves expand upon the companies’ decades-long collaboration, they said in a Tuesday (April 29) press release.

Mastercard invested $300 million in Corpay for a 3% equity stake, resulting in an enterprise valuation of $10.7 billion, according to the release.

In addition, Corpay will be the exclusive provider of currency risk management and integrated large-ticket cross-border payments solutions to Mastercard’s financial institution customers, Mastercard will be the exclusive provider of virtual card programs to Corpay’s customers, and Mastercard Move’s cross-border services will be offered to Corpay’s customers, per the release.

Corpay’s cross-border business helps banks, institutional investors and businesses mitigate foreign exchange exposure, while the company’s payments platform and network enable customers to process large ticket and mass payments in more than 160 currencies, according to the release.

Mastercard Move provides financial institutions and other customers with reach to more than 10 billion end points in 200 countries; supports delivery channels like bank accounts, mobile wallets, cash-out locations and cards; and supports a number of payment types, per the release.

Mastercard Chief Commercial Payments Officer Raj Seshadri said in the release that the expanded partnership will extend the company’s commercial cross-border solutions.

“Our work with Corpay expands our reach into the large and growing cross-border B2B payments space helping our financial institution partners deliver on the non-carded needs of their commercial customers, simply and efficiently,” Seshadri said.

Corpay Chairman and CEO Ron Clarke said in the release: “We expect Mastercard’s sponsorship of our cross-border solutions will accelerate our financial institution revenue build.”

Corpay said in February that its cross-border payments business’ revenue jumped 24% year over year, driven by 43% sales growth in the fourth quarter. The company said it is aggressively expanding its cross-border solutions, leveraging a proprietary network that allows it to compete effectively with banks.

Mastercard introduced Mastercard Move Commercial Payments in October, saying this solution enables banks to facilitate commercial cross-border payments that are near real-time, predictable and transparent.

For all PYMNTS B2B coverage, subscribe to the daily B2B Newsletter.

The post Mastercard Invests in 3% Stake in Corpay’s Cross-Border Business, Forms Exclusive Agreements appeared first on PYMNTS.com.

Payment Firm Ideem Reports $2.4M Seed Round

admin — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 13:47:40 +0000

Payments firm Ideem has announced a $2.4 million seed funding round, backed by Sovereigns Capital, Quona Ventures, Everywhere Ventures, Hustle Fund, Oread Angels, Network KS, and strategic angel investors. The funding will accelerate Ideem’s mission to remove the friction, fraud, and costs in today’s mobile payment... Read More

Common Launches First Privacy Web App With Subsecond Proving Times for Arbitrum and Aleph Zero EVM

admin — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 13:33:35 +0000

April 29, 2025 – Zug, Switzerland

With a simple, easy-to-use interface, users will be able to shield their transaction history and trade privately across multiple blockchains in a fraction of a second.

Common, a new privacy-first DeFi platform built on Aleph Zero’s infrastructure, today announced the launch of its web app, in collaboration with the partner responsible for the operation of Common Labs Inc.

The mobile version, due at the end of May 2025, will be the world’s first privacy-preserving mobile app in the crypto space that combines speed with ease of use.

For this reason, Common represents a watershed moment for crypto mass adoption.

The platform initially supports Arbitrum and Aleph Zero’s EVM, with plans to expand to additional chains, including Base and Ethereum, in the coming months.

Common serves as the intuitive interface for Aleph Zero’s Shielder Network, a system of smart contracts, relayers and ZK (zero-knowledge) cryptography that enables private transactions across multiple chains.

This infrastructure makes it possible for users to protect their onchain activity without relying on centralized exchanges.

At the core of the experience is ‘shielding,’ the process of depositing tokens into a shielded pool to break the link between public wallet activity and future transactions.

Users can later unshield by withdrawing to a fresh public address, maintaining privacy throughout.

With subsecond proving times performed directly on the device, Common delivers seamless privacy without the usual waiting periods or technical barriers.

Unlike other privacy solutions, Common does not commingle funds, preserving full provenance for compliance or auditing if needed.

Adam Gagol, co-founder of Aleph Zero and co-creator of Common Labs Inc., said,

“Privacy shouldn’t be a luxury in crypto. It should be the default.

“We’ve spent years building the technical foundation to make that possible, and with Common, we’re finally delivering it in a way that anyone can use – without plugins, without compromises and without needing to trust a third party.

“Privacy becomes something you tap, not something you configure. This launch is just the beginning of building a truly private, multichain financial layer for Web 3.0.”

Privacy across chains at the touch of a button

The Common web app works with many popular wallets – such as MetaMask, Ledger (via Metamask) or Rabby – requiring no migration and allowing users to begin transacting immediately.

The mobile app will offer the same privacy benefits in a mobile-native experience, including fiat on-ramp support via Banxa and seamless DApp (decentralized application) connectivity.

As a non-custodial and completely decentralized platform, Common adheres to core DeFi principles.

The entire platform is built on open-source, audited smart contracts, allowing users to verify rather than trust the system.

Simple, cross-chain privacy

This launch marks the first step in a larger rollout of Common’s ecosystem. Future features will allow users to do the following.

Shielded yield – Earn yield on shielded assets through integrated strategies, without exposing wallet activity.
Smart yield – Automated strategies designed to allow users to set their strategy once and let the system optimize their returns, hands-free.
Staking rewards – Aligning platform growth and user commitment by distributing a share of privacy fees and yield success fees to stakers.
Multichain privacy – Extending privacy support to key EVM chains (e.g., Sonic, Berachain, Monad) and emerging layer-two networks.
Seamless private bridging – Enabling private asset transfers between supported blockchains, simplifying multi-chain management.
Enhanced fiat access and payments – Streamlining access to/from TradFi via off-ramps, IBAN support and crypto payment cards for everyday use.

For more information about Common and to apply for early access, users can visit the website.

About Common

Common is a privacy-first DeFi platform that makes financial privacy simple, accessible and multichain.

Built on Aleph Zero’s Shielder Network, Common offers both web and mobile applications that allow users to shield their assets, earn private yield and transact securely across multiple blockchains.

With intuitive UX, fiat on-ramps and non-custodial architecture, Common combines the ease of fintech with the values of DeFi (decentralized finance), empowering users to take control of their on-chain privacy.

Contact

[email protected]" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ana Lezama, Aleph Zero

This content is sponsored and should be regarded as promotional material. Opinions and statements expressed herein are those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of The Daily Hodl. The Daily Hodl is not a subsidiary of or owned by any ICOs, blockchain startups or companies that advertise on our platform. Investors should do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in any ICOs, blockchain startups or cryptocurrencies. Please be advised that your investments are at your own risk, and any losses you may incur are your responsibility.

Check out the Latest Industry Announcements

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Bird Buddy’s new nature camera attracts and records more than just birds

admin — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 13:00:00 +0000

The Petal camera offers over a month of battery life that can be extended nearly indefinitely using a solar panel. | Image: Wonder

Bird Buddy’s camera-equipped smart feeders helped make bird-watching more accessible and easier by autonomously documenting all the wildlife that stopped by to eat. The company’s new Petal camera is designed to do the same for plants and insects, while its reconfigurable Wonder Blocks will help attract more nature to your yard. They were first announced at CES 2025, but are finally available for preorder.

The company has once again opted for a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign to bring its new products to consumers, with delivery expected sometime in mid-2026. The 12-megapixel Petal camera, which captures videos at 4K and uses a “proprietary AI model trained to recognize over 2,000 species of birds, bees, butterflies, insects, and native plants in real time,” will be available on its own for $129. It will also be sold in a discounted $249 Duo Petal Pack, which includes two cameras and a pole to mount them to.

Using a bendable grip the Petal can attach to various supports including a tree branch or other sturdy plants. | Image: Wonder" data-portal-copyright=" Wonder" />

Using “low-powered architecture,” the Petal camera can operate autonomously for over a month on a single charge, but it also comes with a solar panel that can potentially extend battery life indefinitely if it gets enough exposure to the sun every day. Its lenses are swappable, letting you choose between a wide-angle view of your garden, or a close-up macro shot to capture detailed video and images of insects.

All the footage it captures throughout the day is accessible through a mobile app, or you can watch what’s going on live. If you prefer just a highlight reel, the Petal Camera has a Nature’s Voice feature that pulls together “BBC Earth–style mini documentaries” that include AI-generated narration based on what insects and plants the camera identifies.

The Wonder Blocks modular smart habitat system can be upgraded with planters, feeders, and housing to attract insects. | Image: Wonder" data-portal-copyright=" Wonder" />

The Wonder Blocks are described as a “modular smart habitat system designed to support pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in your outdoor space” using components that offer water, food, and shelter. At its core is a smart planter called the Habitat, priced at $149, that serves as a base pedestal for upgrades like a bee habitat or a small constantly flowing stream.

For $299, the larger Wonder Blocks set adds a single Petal camera and an Observation Pole, while a $499 Wonder Blocks Hero set includes two cameras, an arched frame to which magnetic accessories can be mounted, and three attachments for feeding hummingbirds and sheltering butterflies.

The Wonder Blocks system will work with a dedicated Wonder App that is currently under development and will be separate to the app that works with the company’s smart feeders. However, Bird Buddy says “Petal and Wonder Blocks are designed as part of a broader nature tech ecosystem,” and it plans to eventually share more details about integrations between the two product lines in the future.

Navro Eyes New Digital Wallet Integrations After Raising $41 Million

admin — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 12:46:32 +0000

British payments FinTech Navro is aiming to expand after raising $41 million.

The company says its Series B round, announced Tuesday (April 29), will allow it to expand into more U.S. states, as well as Hong Kong, India and Dubai.

And in the months ahead, Navro plans to integrate its payments curation platform with more than 30 digital wallets, dozens of new real-time payment options and additional ACH corridors, the company said in a news release provided to PYMNTS.

“Our vision is empowering businesses to transact like locals wherever they are. The Navro platform has been built from scratch to handle both the operational intensity and regulatory complexity surrounding large volumes of incoming and outgoing international transactions,” said Navro CEO Aran Brown.

“The next round of expansion goes into and beyond the world’s financial hubs. We’re seeing increasing demand for fast, reliable cost-effective payouts on local rails in compliance-driven sectors such as global workforce and supplier payments, and pensions.”

According to the release, the Navro platform supports cross-border collections, currency conversion and global payouts while reducing working capital requirements by up to 70%.

The company notes its funding round goes against a trend of declining investment in U.K. FinTechs, with funding slipping 27% between 2023 and 2024.

As covered here last month, FinTechs worldwide attracted $21.5 billion in venture capital (VC) investment during 2024, the lowest level of funding in eight years. It was a trend driven by a drop in FinTech valuation and slowing growth rates, with many VC investors turning their attention to companies in the generative artificial intelligence (AI) space.

The round is also happening as consumers around the world are showing a growing preference for digital wallets when sending and receiving money across borders.

This preference was especially pronounced among consumers, according to recent PYMNTS Intelligence research, with 42% naming digital wallets as their top choice, surpassing traditional methods such as bank account transfers and money transfer services.

The chief drivers behind this adoption included the perceived speed and increasing trust connected to digital wallets.

“However, the burgeoning popularity of digital wallets in cross-border payments presents opportunities and challenges for banks,” PYMNTS wrote earlier this week, citing research from the report “Global Money Movement: How Digital Wallets Are Transforming Cross-Border Payments,” a collaboration with TerraPay.

“While consumers and businesses embrace the convenience offered by digital wallets, the report found interoperability issues that hinder seamless transactions across different platforms and countries.”

And although most financial institutions expect an increase in cross-border digital wallet use, their enablement lags behind traditional payment methods.

The post Navro Eyes New Digital Wallet Integrations After Raising $41 Million appeared first on PYMNTS.com.

BloFin Surpasses Top Exchange Standards in Performance, Liquidity, and Broker Integration

admin — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 11:30:00 +0000

BloFin, a futures-focused trading platform and Title Sponsor of TOKEN2049 Dubai 2025, is accelerating the next generation of trading infrastructure.

According to its April 2025 technical performance report, BloFin’s trading system outperforms many top-tier global exchanges in key areas, including speed, stability, efficiency, and automation. From ultra-low-latency execution to industry-leading memory and CPU optimization, and the highest level of broker integration and API openness, BloFin is building an infrastructure designed for professional traders and institutions.

Low-Latency Performance Across Devices: BloFin Delivers Seamless Trading on Both Web and Mobile with Institutional-Grade Speed and Stability

– Data Source: Google PageSpeed Insights – Core Web Vitals (CWV) performance data

BloFin Outperforms Top Exchanges with Best-in-Class Homepage, Spot, and Futures Trading Performance. According to real-user data and Google PageSpeed testing, BloFin’s homepage scored 86, outperforming OKX (79), Binance (71), Bitget (60), and Bybit (54), which deliver faster loading, smoother interaction, and a superior first impression for users.

On the trading side, BloFin’s spot page achieved a score of 66, and its futures page reached 63, both surpassing major competitors.

These results highlight BloFin’s commitment to offering traders a consistently faster, more stable, and more reliable experience, even under heavy trading loads.

– Data Source: Google PageSpeed Insights – Core Web Vitals (CWV) performance data

Ranking Top 3: BloFin Among the Best-in-Class Exchanges for Mobile App Efficiency

BloFin also continues to lead in mobile performance, ranking among the top three exchanges for app speed and efficiency. With a startup time of just 1.57 seconds, BloFin outperforms BingX, Bybit, and Bitget, allowing traders to access the platform quickly without delay. BloFin also maintains a low stutter rate (68 times), closely following Binance and significantly outperforming Bybit, Bitget, and OKX for a smoother and more stable experience.

In addition, it demonstrates industry-leading memory efficiency, using only 354 MB compared to Binance (732 MB) and Bitget (832 MB), and achieves the lowest CPU usage at just 17%, which minimizes device strain and maximizes battery life during trading.

BloFin leads top-tier exchanges in broker integrations, with over 30 external partners, far ahead of Bybit, BingX, MEXC, and others.

Additionally, BloFin leads the industry with 30 broker integrations, far surpassing other exchanges. Major partners include CCXT, CoinStats, Tuleep Trade, Alertatron, and Crypto OS, giving users unparalleled access to external trading tools and ecosystems. BloFin stands out with clear, verifiable partnerships with top broker platforms.

The platform currently supports full public API access for futures trading, including copy trading strategies. More than 30 external brokers, including CCXT, CoinStat, and Compendium, are already integrated, making it easy for institutional traders, quants, and strategy providers to connect and operate at scale.

Additionally, BloFin has introduced direct support for high-frequency bots and automated strategy deployment, allowing users to execute, optimize, and scale their trading operations seamlessly. This infrastructure not only boosts platform liquidity but also promotes organic, strategy-driven growth.

As BloFin continues to scale its infrastructure and expand its global presence, the platform is setting a new benchmark for speed, strategy, and institutional-grade trading.
With a commitment to technical excellence and continuous innovation, BloFin is shaping the future of professional crypto trading — staying true to its mission of being Where Whales Are Made.

—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-

Follow BloFin X（Twitter）｜Telegram｜Instagram｜YouTubeAbout BloFin
BloFin is a top-tier cryptocurrency exchange that specializes in futures trading. The platform offers 480+ USDT-M perpetual pairs, spot trading, copy trading, API access, unified account management, and advanced sub-account solutions. Committed to security and compliance, BloFin integrates Fireblocks and Chainalysis to ensure robust asset protection. By partnering with top affiliates, BloFin delivers scalable trading solutions, efficient fund management, and enhanced flexibility for professional traders. As the constant sponsor of TOKEN2049, BloFin continues to expand its global presence, reinforcing its position as the place “WHERE WHALES ARE MADE.” For more information, visit BloFin’s official website at https://www.blofin.com.

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Investors Flock to Bitcoin Solaris as Solana-Powered Token Aims to Replicate Bitcoin’s Historic Rise

admin — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:17:32 +0000

The post Investors Flock to Bitcoin Solaris as Solana-Powered Token Aims to Replicate Bitcoin’s Historic Rise appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Momentum is building fast around Bitcoin Solaris, and for many in the crypto space, it feels like a throwback to the early days of Bitcoin — when scarcity was real, rules were clear, and getting in early could change everything. Now, with new technology and a fairer, more open presale, Bitcoin Solaris is inviting a new wave of investors to participate in what could become one of the most talked-about launches of 2025.

This surge of interest isn’t happening by accident. Bitcoin Solaris is rooted in the same scarcity principle that made Bitcoin a global phenomenon. There will never be more than 21 million BTC-S tokens, period. That fixed supply is the foundation for every successful store of value in crypto history, and it’s what gives each token its potential for long-term growth. But the project doesn’t just rest on a proven model. It uses the Solana blockchain to solve the pain points that have slowed older projects — speed, accessibility, and everyday usability.

A Project Designed for Real Users

What sets Bitcoin Solaris apart is its blend of old and new. While honoring the value proposition that built Bitcoin’s legacy, this project takes a practical, user-focused approach for today’s market. Transactions are processed within seconds on Solana’s network, with network fees so low you barely notice them. That means BTC-S isn’t just something to hold and hope — it’s a token you can move, use, stake, or mine without running into slowdowns or hidden costs.

Accessibility is built in at every step. You don’t need deep technical knowledge or a background in blockchain to participate. Whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran, the path to owning BTC-S is straightforward, and everything you need is available through the official website. This approach is resonating across the crypto community, drawing both experienced investors and newcomers to the project.

Tokenomics: Scarcity and Transparency

The total supply of Bitcoin Solaris is locked at 21 million BTC-S tokens. Out of these, 20% — which equals 4.2 million tokens — are being offered during the presale at a fixed price of 1 USDT per token. There are no lotteries, no private allocations, and no confusing pricing. Everyone gets the same deal, and the process is clear from start to finish.

The remaining tokens are set aside for development, ecosystem incentives, and ongoing network support. The transparent allocation ensures that the project’s growth is built on solid ground, not hidden deals or artificial scarcity. For many investors, this clear structure is a breath of fresh air after years of complicated or unfair token launches.

Why the Presale is Turning Heads

The Bitcoin Solaris presale is more than just an early buy-in. It’s a chance for the community to shape the future of the network from the start. Unlike previous cycles, where early access often meant jumping through hoops or relying on insider connections, anyone can join this presale. All that’s needed is a Solana-compatible wallet, some USDT, and a few minutes to complete the process. The presale dashboard shows real-time availability and stats, so you always know exactly where you stand.

Demand has soared because the entry points are clear, the technology is solid, and the potential upside is easy to understand. With transactions settled instantly on Solana, there are no bottlenecks, and no high fees to eat away at your investment. Add in the fact that you can start mining BTC-S directly from your phone after purchase, and it’s no surprise that word is spreading fast.

How to Join the Bitcoin Solaris Presale

Getting started is simple — even for crypto newcomers. Here’s how you can secure your place in the presale:

Visit the Official Website

Go to bitcoinsolaris.com. Only trust the official site to access the presale.
Set Up a Solana-Compatible Wallet

If you don’t have one, the website offers easy guides and wallet recommendations.
Access the Presale Dashboard

From the homepage, head to the presale section to see live stats, available supply, and the current price.
Buy Your BTC-S Tokens

Decide how many you want to purchase (price is fixed at 1 USDT per token), enter your details, and confirm the transaction.
Download the Solaris Nova App

After your purchase, download the mobile app from the official site to start mining BTC-S straight from your phone and earning daily rewards.
Connect with the Community
Join Telegram and X for the latest updates, project news, and to connect with other early adopters.

Bitcoin Solaris is proving that scarcity, transparency, and community-first principles can still move markets — even in a crowded crypto market. With a record-setting presale, a robust technical foundation, and accessible mining from any smartphone, this project is attracting attention from every corner of the industry. The presale is live now, offering a rare shot at early participation for anyone ready to make their move. If you’re looking for a project built on the best parts of Bitcoin’s legacy — without the hurdles — Bitcoin Solaris is one to watch as 2025 unfolds.

Website: https://bitcoinsolaris.com/
X: https://x.com/BitcoinSolaris
Telegram: https://t.me/Bitcoinsolaris

What To Expect From Pi Network in May 2025?

admin — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 08:30:00 +0000

Pi Network has faced a significant setback recently, registering one of the few declines among the top tokens. Currently, Pi is trading at $0.6077, reflecting a 15% drop over the past month.

This poor performance has left many investors questioning its future, especially as it struggles to show signs of improvement.

Pi Network Needs To Note Inflows

Despite the decline, the Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) indicator reveals that Pi Network has observed some inflows. However, this increase is still stuck in the negative zone, under the zero line. This suggests that while there are occasional inflows, the outflows remain dominant, keeping the altcoin subdued.

The negative CMF reading indicates that selling pressure still largely controls the altcoin price movement. Even though there is some positive market activity, it is not enough to overcome the dominant outflows.

Pi Network CMF. Source: TradingView

The lack of support from investors is driven by fundamental issues with Pi Network, which Alvin Kan, COO, Bitget Wallet, agreed with, responding to BeInCrypto.

“Pi Network’s initial surge was largely driven by anticipation and years of community mining, but the follow-through has been more muted. As early users began realizing gains, increased token supply met limited exchange listings and a still-developing ecosystem. Without strong utility or broader liquidity, investor demand naturally tapered off. Like many new tokens, Pi is now facing the challenge of transitioning from early hype to long-term value delivery,” Kan told BeInCrypto.

Pi Network’s correlation with Bitcoin is also a point of concern. Currently, Pi shares a correlation of -0.11 with Bitcoin, indicating an inverse relationship. This means that whenever Bitcoin experiences upward momentum, Pi tends to face declines.

With Bitcoin nearing $100,000, Pi Network could struggle to capitalize on Bitcoin’s potential gains, potentially facing further corrections.

Given Bitcoin’s strength, Pi may continue to decline, as its price typically moves in the opposite direction of Bitcoin’s rise. This inverse correlation suggests that even if Bitcoin reaches new highs, PI might not benefit from the broader market rally. Instead, it could face additional downward pressure.

Pi Network Correlation To Bitcoin. Source: TradingView PI Price Needs A Strong Reversal

Pi Network’s price has dropped 15% over the last month, currently sitting at $0.6077. The decline in price, especially after the high expectations surrounding the token, has caused frustration among investors. As the selling pressure mounts, it appears that more investors are pulling their money out of Pi, resulting in ongoing losses for the token.

If this trend continues and Bitcoin’s price continues to rise, the altcoin could experience a further drop. The negative correlation with Bitcoin could result in Pi falling through the $0.6077 support level and heading toward the $0.5192 support. If the trend persists, the altcoin may approach its all-time low of $0.4000, further deepening its losses.

Thus, staying on alert is the best option for any investor.

Pi Network Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

While the novelty of Pi Network’s minting on the mobile device took off strongly, it did not stick around for long, impacting the price as a result.

“Pi Network’s mobile mining and referral model helped it build a massive user base, but also invited skepticism around sustainability. While the project clarifies that it doesn’t follow a multi-level structure, concerns persist over perceived lack of transparency and real-world use cases. To move past the debate, the focus will need to shift toward building credible utility and expanding access. If that happens, sentiment could recover—but trust takes time,” Kan told BeInCrypto.

However, if market conditions improve and investor sentiment shifts, Pi Network may have a chance at recovery. A breach of the $0.8727 resistance, followed by flipping it into support, could signal a reversal. This would set Pi on a path toward $1.0000, invalidating the current bearish outlook and setting the stage for potential growth.

The post What To Expect From Pi Network in May 2025? appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Update: Credit Unions Challenge the Challenger Banks for Gen Z Wallet Share

admin — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 08:00:57 +0000

The last decade has seen a dizzying acceleration in digital banking innovation. From slick mobile-first challenger banks to the sprawling networks of national giants, competition for consumer attention (and wallet share) has never been fiercer.

Yet, while headlines tend to focus on FinTech unicorns and megabank mergers, a quieter success story has been unfolding among credit unions (CUs).

These financial cooperatives, historically focused on community engagement, have turned that long-standing legacy of involvement and community trust into a powerful modern asset for winning over key growth audiences, particularly across main street businesses and among Gen Z consumers.

The most recent data from the PYMNTS Intelligence report “Credit Union Innovation Readiness Index: The Path to Top-of-Wallet Conversion,” a Velera collaboration, reveals that CUs have achieved a 71% top-of-wallet conversion rate among small-town and rural small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), and a 60% rate among Gen Z consumers.

Taken together, the top-of-wallet conversion rates among rural SMBs and Gen Zers look to indicate a paradigm shift: These segments are deliberately choosing credit unions. And this choice is coming at the expense of both legacy banking brands and digital-only upstarts, financial players commonly thought of as major contenders for the hearts and wallets of American consumers and small businesses alike.

Understanding Top-of-Wallet Success

To grasp the significance, it helps to clarify the term “top of wallet.” This refers to the financial institution that a consumer or business prioritizes for their primary transactional needs — such as receiving deposits, managing daily cash flow, or making routine payments.

Achieving top-of-wallet status is the holy grail for banks and credit unions alike: It means being the default financial partner, unlocking both direct revenue and critical opportunities for cross-selling.

A 71% conversion rate among rural SMBs means that in nearly 3 out of 4 cases, the local credit union is the go-to financial institution for daily business transactions. Similarly, a 60% rate among Gen Z — digital natives who grew up with PayPal, Venmo, and the promise of online-only banks — signals a dramatic validation of credit unions’ evolving value proposition.

Perhaps the greatest advantage credit unions have is their continued emphasis on local roots and community trust. Their structure as member-owned cooperatives allows them to prioritize the needs of their members over shareholder profits, leading to more personalized service and a perception of greater alignment with customers’ values.

See the data: Credit Union Innovation Readiness Index: The Path to Top-of-Wallet Conversion

For small-town and rural SMBs, banking can be about relationships as much as rates. National banks offer a wide array of services but may often lack the personal touch and local understanding that smaller businesses value. Digital-only banks can provide convenience but may miss the mark on more nuanced, community-based needs.

In contrast, local credit unions know their SMB members as neighbors, not just account numbers, allowing for customized lending and responsive support — especially visible during times of crisis. When the pandemic hit, many credit unions were able to respond quickly with lifeline lending, building loyalty that persists.

Credit unions have shown that with the right mix of trust, technology, and tailored benefits, they can win the loyalty of rural SMBs and Gen Z — groups that will shape the financial landscape for years to come.

While Gen Z is often characterized as digital-first, their banking choices are also guided by authenticity, community involvement, and ethical business practices. Credit unions, with their local roots and member-centric model, naturally align with these values.

Financial literacy is another differentiator. Credit unions invest in educational resources, providing Gen Z with guidance on budgeting, credit building and saving. These initiatives foster trust and long-term relationships. Lower fees and transparent policies further reinforce their appeal to a generation wary of hidden charges and fine print.

Credit unions’ dominance is not uniform. National and digital-only banks remain formidable competitors, particularly among older and wealthier consumers who are often enticed by richer rewards programs or the perceived status of a premium national bank card.

As credit unions modernize, they must not lose sight of the personalized, member-first ethos that differentiates them from larger, impersonal competitors.

The post Update: Credit Unions Challenge the Challenger Banks for Gen Z Wallet Share appeared first on PYMNTS.com.

66% of Zillennials Use Their Phones as Bank Branch

admin — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +0000

A recent report from PYMNTS reveals that zillennials, the demographic cohort straddling the late 20s and early 30s, are a driving force behind the evolution of digital banking, with a unique blend of tech-savviness and reliance on traditional financial institutions.

The study, “Generation Zillennial: Driving Financial Service Innovation,” explores the financial preferences and behaviors of this generation, highlighting their strong inclination towards mobile-first banking and an eagerness for innovative financial features.

Despite being digital natives with a keen interest in novel financial services like buy now, pay later (BNPL) and cryptocurrency, zillennials surprisingly show a greater affinity for national banks as their primary financial institution, signaling a nuanced relationship with the digital financial landscape.

The report, based on a survey of 3,724 respondents conducted in July, underscores that zillennials navigate a complex financial terrain characterized by multiple income streams, including salaries, freelance work and gig opportunities, coupled with various forms of debt such as student loans and credit card balances.

This generation actively engages with a diverse array of financial service providers, holding an average of nine different accounts, the highest among all generations, which may include savings, debit and credit cards, digital wallets, BNPL and cryptocurrency accounts. Their decision-making process when choosing a financial institution prioritizes technology, digital experience and customer care over traditional factors like branch proximity, reflecting their digital-first mindset.

Key data points from the report underscore zillennials’ distinct financial behaviors:

Mobile Banking Dominance: A significant 66% of zillennials primarily use mobile banking for their financial needs, making them 47% more likely to do so than the average consumer. This highlights their preference for digital access over physical branch interactions, with 22% reporting they hadn’t visited a physical branch or ATM in the year prior to the survey.
Traditional Roots in Banking: Despite their digital proclivities, zillennials are 23% more likely than the average consumer to primarily bank at national banks. Their adoption rate of digital-only banks as their primary financial institution (16%) is similar to that of Generation Z and millennials, indicating a cautious approach to fully digital banking relationships.
Demand for Enhanced Digital Features: Zillennials express a greater interest than other age groups in currently unused banking features, particularly live support and chargeback resolution. They also show a strong appetite for planning and budgeting tools and streamlined digital onboarding processes, suggesting they view digital banking not just for convenience but as a means for better financial management.

Beyond these key findings, the “Generation Zillennial: Driving Financial Service Innovation” report also delves into zillennials’ perspectives on emerging technologies like GenAI and voice assistants, their shopping habits beyond social media influence and the apparent paradox of their high debt and spending alongside a strong sense of social responsibility.

These diverse areas of exploration within the report offer a comprehensive understanding of this critical consumer demographic for financial institutions seeking to tailor their services and strategies to meet the evolving needs of the zillennial generation.

The post 66% of Zillennials Use Their Phones as Bank Branch appeared first on PYMNTS.com.

ONE Fight Arena is a free-to-play combat sports mobile game from Notre Game and ONE

admin — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 02:00:00 +0000

ONE Championship (ONE) and Notre Game, a subsidiary of Animoca Brands, today launched the mobile game ONE Fight Arena.Read More