Money and you
Italian fintech map: trends and what to look for in 2025
The Italian fintech map for 2025 shows an exciting scene where several key factors are set to capture our attention. To start with, the Bank of Italy oversees the PSD2 (Payment Services Directive 2), which has been created to boost the payments market by encouraging innovation and security in the fintech sector. SEPA adoption is ramping up here, with instant credit transfers to be made available this year, creating a new challenge for banking apps that the Italian fintech companies will be looking to resolve. This European country has seen tremendous growth in its digital banking culture. With more people
Money and you
TARGET2 vs. SEPA: key differences explained
When comparing SEPA and TARGET2, it is essential to begin by explaining that both are integral components of the European payment system. They can both be described as foundational systems that allow the European Central Bank to ensure cross-border payments are smoothly controlled and carried out efficiently. The main difference is that SEPA and TARGET2 (T2) have different use cases. One is widely used for retail payment processing, while the other is best classed as a wholesale payment system. By looking in more detail, we can see how commercial banks can use these methods to meet client demands more effectively.
Money and you
Italian neobanks explained: what are they, market overview, and benefits
If you’ve ever seen a neobank in Italy or elsewhere, you’ve discovered the world of digital banks and online payments. This type of online bank is now springing up across the planet and enjoying rapid growth despite not having the physical presence of branches like traditional banks. We’ll be looking at the data to see the top players in the Italian digital banking scene. This is part of a fast-moving trend where millions of customers manage their bank accounts from an app or website, moving billions of pounds, euros, and dollars without visiting a bank branch. What is a neobank?
Money and you
What is an electronic money institution (EMI), and how does it work?
An Electronic Money Institution (EMI) is a type of financial entity authorized to issue, store, and manage electronic money – digital value that is backed by fiat currency and used for electronic transactions. Unlike traditional banks, e-money institutions are not permitted to offer full-scale banking services. However, they can now play a significant role in the modern economy by providing payment services, digital wallets, or facilitating international transactions. In countries that allow electronic money institutions, they are heavily regulated by financial authorities – often central banks – but not always in the same way as traditional banks. EMI must safeguard
Money and you
Best digital banking options for digital nomads in 2025
The need to find the best bank for digital nomads has become more important than ever before. Increased work flexibility and global reach have changed our lives, and traditional banks don’t always offer us what we need to handle multiple currencies and avoid hefty foreign transaction fees. With up to 80 million digital nomads currently working from laptops or smartphones across the planet, the idea of opening and using a bank account has changed for many people. These online workers now need to be able to handle their money in different countries and currencies without high currency exchange fees. Digital
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What are blockchain payments, and how can businesses use them?
Blockchain payments are part of a financial revolution that is changing how technology is used in many different parts of our lives. The blockchain is used to process crypto transactions that are recorded on encrypted distributed ledgers. It ensures that the transactions can be sent directly and safely from one person or business to another without using an intermediary such as a bank or financial institution. The Bitcoin blockchain is the most famous example of this, as this was the original cryptocurrency, and it has captured the imagination of millions of people across the planet since its launch in 2009.
Money and you
Transaction pending? What it means when money is taken but not yet processed
What happens when a transaction is pending but money is deducted from your bank account or credit card? This situation can occur with electronic transfers and card payments, but why does it happen? A bank pending transaction isn’t usually a problem and may be a sign of one of the different issues we’ll be looking at here. Common causes of pending transactions It is typically the amount of a purchase you’ve made, often with a debit or credit card. You’ll see that it’s listed as pending, but it’s not on your list of posted transactions that have been completed. That’s
Money and you
How much cash can you legally travel with? Limits explained
How much cash can you travel with? The answer depends on various factors, such as where you’re going. Each government imposes limits on how much national and foreign currency people can carry when crossing its borders. It is why there’s a legal obligation to declare how much cash you hold when traveling from one country to another. Before you leave home, you must know how much cash you can legally take. General cash-carrying limits across various regions If you’re getting ready to take an international flight, you should find out how much cash you can carry before reaching the stage
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How it works: cash pickup
Cash pickup services offer a simple way to send money abroad or to someone who doesn’t have a bank account. They provide an instant kind of cash transfer, although you need to be aware of the fees charged for this money payment service before you confirm the transfer of funds. We’ll be looking at all the relevant details to let you make an informed decision. It can be a valuable service for moving cash as part of your overall approach to international money transfers. However, you should also be aware of other transfer options, such as local and international transfers