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Fintech Nexus Newsletter (November 15, 2023): Tel Aviv Fintech Adapts to the Ongoing Challenges of Wartime

The Israel-Palestine conflict rages on, and for many fintech workers in the tech hub that is Tel Aviv, 44 miles from Gaza, life has had to continue through the chaos. 

Today, American Banker published a piece looking into the impact the conflict has had on many fintechs that have offices in the area. Although some, like Pagaya and Bluevine, have headquarters in the US, many have hundreds of employees based in Israel. 

Their thriving fintech sector, already facing challenges from the global tech slump, has receded further amongst concerns for safety, staff shortages, and the emotional toll on all involved.

The city’s infrastructure remains intact as the epicenter of the conflict continues in Gaza. Still, workers are disrupted by sirens, calls for military service, and mounting anxiety about the future trajectory of the war. 

However, aware that the tech sector feeds the country’s ongoing development, “after an initial shock,” technology companies are attempting to adapt to the conditions. As the war continues, smaller startups could face further challenges ahead. 


FEATURED

‘Everybody is on edge.’ How Israel’s fintech workers are enduring war.

By John Adams   

With employees regularly fleeing to bomb shelters — and some being called away to military service — these technologists must still serve a global clientele while confronting fear and destruction at home.


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  • USA: A Fintech Titan In Community Banker’s ClothingAlready a force to be reckoned with in Silicon Valley, once-and-future billionaire Jackie Reses is out to disrupt financial services with a 95-year-old Missouri bank without disturbing federal regulators.
  • Global: Blockchain.com Secures $110 Million in New FundingThe Series E raise includes participation from Coinbase Ventures and other firms.
  • USA: FDIC to conduct third-party audit following report of ‘sexualized’ cultureFollowing a Wall Street Journal report on his agency’s “boys’ club,” FDIC Chair Martin Gruenberg said BakerHostetler would conduct a review on his agency within 90 days.
  • USA: With a new savings account, Manufacturers Bank’s digital-only Jenius Bank has big plansWhile Goldman Sachs is scaling back Marcus, its venture into digital banking, not everyone is following suit. Manufacturers Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SMBC Americas Holdings., a member of SMBC Group, launched its digital banking division Jenius Bank earlier this year. 
  • Global: IMF says central bank digital currencies can replace cash: ‘This is not the time to turn back’Kristalina Georgieva of the IMF said that the public sector should keep preparing to deploy CBDCs and related payment platforms in the future.
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