Weekly Highlights: Shows and Events to Look Forward To (August 4)

Headline: Euronet Merges with CoreCard, Acquires U.S. Credit Technology Provider in $248 Million Deal

In a strategic move to accelerate digital transformation and expand its U.S. footprint, Euronet has announced a $248 million stock-for-stock merger with CoreCard, a leading U.S.-based credit technology provider.

The acquisition integrates CoreCard's proven credit card issuing and processing platform into Euronet. This merger is expected to be accretive in its first full year post-close and position Euronet as a leading modern card issuer.

Paragraph 1 On the other side of the globe, Banking Circle, a digital-native banking solution, has acquired Australian Settlements Limited (ASL) for a borderless, real-time banking experience in Australia. The combined platform will provide comprehensive, end-to-end payment solutions for financial institutions, further strengthening the digital transformation in the Australian payments ecosystem.

Paragraph 2 Meanwhile, in the UK, Binq, an AI-powered app developed by Intelligent Lending, has launched to support the country's 5.5 million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Binq aims to simplify financial decision-making and empower SMEs with accessible, data-driven tools, responding to rising costs and reduced government support. The app uses open banking data and proprietary Smart Search technology to match users with tailored financial solutions, including loans, credit cards, insurance, energy, and banking services.

Paragraph 3 Binq features an AI assistant named Ali that provides real-time insights, alerts, and recommendations. Interestingly, it was not Intelligent Lending that developed the AI-based app BuzzBinq, which launched in early 2025 in the UK. Instead, Spinomenal, a leading global iGaming content developer, is responsible for this innovative app. Spinomenal partnered with UK operator Buzz Bingo to introduce advanced AI and content features tailored for the UK market.

Paragraph 4 In Brazil, QI Tech, a FinTech company, has secured $63 million in a Series B extension round led by General Atlantic. This funding will be used for product development, strategic acquisitions, and strengthening QI Tech's leadership in Brazil's digital banking sector. QI Tech offers a full-stack financial infrastructure platform covering banking, payments, lending, investments, and insurance through API integrations. Recently, they have launched an insurance-as-a-service platform and are building FX infrastructure for seamless international transactions.

Paragraph 5 Cybersecurity firm SAFE has raised $70 million in a Series C funding round, led by Avataar Ventures. The funds will be used for growth in cyber risk management and development of Agentic AI-native reasoning models. SAFE has also launched the world's first fully autonomous Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) solution, enhancing its Cyber Risk Singularity platform.

Paragraph 6 CoreCard's architecture supports rapid innovation and has powered major co-branded card programs, including partnerships with Goldman Sachs and Coinbase. QI Tech, on the other hand, has acquired firms like Zaig, Singulare, and Builders Bank, positioning itself as Brazil's largest FIDC custodian with $17 billion in assets under custody.

Conclusion These acquisitions and funding rounds underscore the ongoing digital transformation in the financial sector, with companies investing in technology, AI, and cybersecurity to provide innovative and secure solutions for their customers.