Top tech news today: January 3, 2025

Top tech news today: January 3, 2025 is profiled by BTW Media because public-source evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

1. Wefox closes €170M refinancing deal

Wefox, a European insurtech leader, has successfully closed a €170 million refinancing deal to support its growth in the insurance market. Source

<h2>2. Regnology secures investment for global expansion</h2>
<p>Regnology has received a major investment from CPP Investments, aimed at fueling the company’s global expansion in financial services. <a href="https://fintech.global/2025/01/02/regnology-secures-major-investment-from-cpp-investments-for-global-expansion/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>3. Swiss Re appoints Aisyah Fuad for Southeast Asia</h2>
<p>Swiss Re has appointed Aisyah Fuad as Market Head for Southeast Asia to strengthen its operations and drive growth in the region. <a href="https://fintech.global/2025/01/02/swiss-re-appoints-aisyah-fuad-as-market-head-for-southeast-asia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>4. PXP Financial and DisputeHelp roll out fraud solutions</h2>
<p>PXP Financial and DisputeHelp have launched new fraud prevention solutions to help businesses combat growing online threats. <a href="https://fintech.global/2025/01/02/pxp-financial-and-disputehelp-roll-out-fraud-prevention-solutions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>5. Hiscox appoints CTO to drive digital transformation</h2>
<p>Hiscox has appointed Frank Lamantia as its new CTO to lead its digital transformation and enhance its tech-driven capabilities. <a href="https://fintech.global/2025/01/02/hiscox-appoints-frank-lamantia-as-cto-to-drive-digital-transformation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>6. Qi Card partners with Ant to boost Iraq’s digital economy</h2>
<p>Qi Card has teamed up with Ant International to enhance Iraq’s digital economy by launching new fintech solutions and expanding mobile payments. <a href="https://fintech.global/2025/01/02/qi-card-collaborates-with-ant-international-to-boost-iraqs-digital-economy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>7. Checkout.com cuts staff after sales losses</h2>
<p>Checkout.com has announced staff cuts following a slowdown in sales, as the company refocuses its operations to adapt to market conditions. <a href="https://www.finextra.com/newsarticle/45255/checkoutcom-cuts-staff-after-sales-losses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>8. Blockchain groups sue IRS over DeFi regulations</h2>
<p>Several blockchain groups are suing the IRS over new DeFi regulations, claiming that they impose unfair burdens on decentralized finance projects. <a href="https://www.finextra.com/newsarticle/45254/blockchain-groups-sue-us-irs-over-new-defi-regulations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>9. Putin orders Russian bank to collaborate on AI</h2>
<p>President Putin has ordered a major Russian bank to cooperate with China on AI development, signaling a push for stronger bilateral tech ties. <a href="https://www.finextra.com/newsarticle/45253/putin-orders-russian-bank-to-cooperate-with-china-on-ai" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>10. Binance secures Brazilian regulatory approval</h2>
<p>Binance has secured regulatory approval in Brazil, solidifying its position in the South American market and expanding its international operations. <a href="https://www.finextra.com/pressarticle/103716/binance-secures-brazilian-regulatory-approval" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>11. Nigeria’s Bankit MFB unveils web banking platform</h2>
<p>Bankit MFB in Nigeria has launched a web banking platform, offering enhanced financial services to customers across the country. <a href="https://www.finextra.com/pressarticle/103715/nigerias-bankit-mfb-unveils-web-banking-platform" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>12. Binance Labs invests in Thena</h2>
<p>Binance Labs has made a strategic investment in Thena, a decentralized exchange platform, expanding its portfolio of DeFi-related projects. <a href="https://www.finextra.com/pressarticle/103714/binance-labs-invests-in-thena" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>13. Qi Card launches SuperQI app with Ant</h2>
<p>Qi Card has partnered with Ant International to launch the SuperQI app, aimed at enhancing Iraq’s digital payments ecosystem. <a href="https://www.finextra.com/pressarticle/103713/iraqs-qi-card--partners-ant-international-to-launch-superqi-app" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>14. Union Bank of India adds CBDC app features</h2>
<p>Union Bank of India has updated its CBDC app with new accessibility features, aiming to provide more inclusive digital currency services. <a href="https://www.finextra.com/pressarticle/103712/union-bank-of-india-adds-accessibility-features-to-cbdc-app" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>15. Employer.com acquires Bench Accounting</h2>
<p>Employer.com has acquired Canadian fintech firm Bench Accounting, bolstering its position in the financial services and accounting market. <a href="https://www.fintechfutures.com/2025/01/employer-com-buys-canadian-fintech-bench-accounting-for-undisclosed-sum/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>16. Infinant raises $15M in Series A funding</h2>
<p>Infinant, a U.S. banking technology startup, has secured $15 million in a Series A funding round to enhance its digital banking solutions. <a href="https://www.fintechfutures.com/2025/01/us-banking-technology-start-up-infinant-lands-15m-in-series-a-funding-round/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>17. Robinhood plans aggressive comeback in 2025</h2>
<p>Robinhood, already seeing a stock revival, plans an aggressive expansion strategy for 2025 to reclaim its market leadership in online trading. <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/01/robinhood-already-a-comeback-stock-has-even-more-aggressive-plans-for-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>18. RIPE publishes 2025 activity plan and budget</h2>
<p>RIPE has released its 2025 activity plan and budget, outlining goals for improving global internet infrastructure and governance. <a href="https://www.ripe.net/about-us/news/activity-plan-and-budget-2025-published/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>19. ARIN announces 2025 plans</h2>
<p>ARIN has unveiled its plans for 2025, focusing on enhancing the management and allocation of internet resources across North America. <a href="https://www.arin.net/announcements/20250102/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>20. Poet Technologies acquires Chinese firm SPX</h2>
<p>Poet Technologies has acquired Chinese photonics firm SPX, bolstering its capabilities in high-performance photonic devices. <a href="https://www.capacitymedia.com/article/poet-technologies-acquires-chinese-photonics-firm-spx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>21. Veon, Starlink partner on Ukraine communications</h2>
<p>Veon has partnered with Starlink to improve telecommunications services in Ukraine, focusing on enhancing connectivity in conflict zones. <a href="https://www.capacitymedia.com/article-veon-and-starlink-kyivstar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>22. Telecom giants test copper networks for 5G</h2>
<p>Telecom giants are testing copper networks as part of 5G rollouts, aiming to extend network capabilities while reducing costs. <a href="https://www.capacitymedia.com/telecom-giants-copper" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>23. Swisscom collaborates with Vodafone Italia</h2>