📈 Block Hits $200B

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Hey Fintech Explorers—Welcome back to Money Explored, the essential Sunday newsletter to stay ahead in fintech!

Late January, and fintech is already pressing hard on the accelerator. Credit models are being rewritten, commerce is getting agent-driven, and non-banks are stepping straight into regulated finance.

Here’s what we’re diving into:

• Block crosses $200B in inclusive, tech-driven credit. 📈

• Mastercard lays the rails for agentic commerce at scale. 🚀

• Ford & GM launch banks to reshape auto lending. 🚗💰

Plus: a U.S. expansion pivot, digital currencies eyeing interoperability, and a major push to modernise trade finance in Asia.

It’s all happening fast—and that’s just the start…

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Let’s dive in!

🌎 3 Major Stories

Dive into this week’s top Fintech developments.

Block Tops $200B in Inclusive Credit 📈

The Big Story 📰: Block, Inc. has reached a significant milestone, providing over $200 billion in credit through its various financial products, including Cash App Borrow, Afterpay, and Square Loans. This achievement comes at a time when traditional credit systems falter, leaving millions in the U.S. without affordable credit due to outdated scoring models. By leveraging near real-time data and innovative underwriting technologies, Block is expanding access while effectively managing risk. The company’s unique approach has maintained stable loss rates, proving that responsible lending and inclusivity can coexist, paving the way for the next generation of credit solutions.

Key Takeaway ⚡️: Block's success demonstrates the power of modern technology in reshaping lending practices. By focusing on real-time behavioral data rather than traditional credit scoring, Block not only provides better access to credit for underserved populations but also encourages positive financial behavior. This could inspire other financial institutions to rethink their lending strategies and embrace technology-driven solutions that promote financial inclusion. As Block continues to grow, its model offers insights into how to address systemic biases in credit access and could influence broader industry standards while catering to the evolving needs of consumers, particularly younger generations.

Mastercard's Protocols Drive Agentic Commerce 🚀

The Big Story 📰: Mastercard is pioneering a new era in digital commerce with its focus on "agentic commerce," employing intelligent agents to elevate the shopping experience for consumers and businesses alike. This approach leverages interoperability protocols developed through partnerships with companies like Google and OpenAI, ensuring that these agents can operate securely and transparently. At the recent NRF trade show, it became clear that the age of agentic commerce is no longer science fiction, but a reality that demands robust frameworks of trust and responsibility. Mastercard's initiatives, such as Agent Pay, aim to deliver seamless and personalized payment experiences while continuing to expand its Start Path program to onboard innovative startups that will drive this transformation further.

Key Takeaway ⚡️: The concept of agentic commerce represents a significant leap toward a more automated and intelligent shopping ecosystem, where trust and security are paramount. This is critical for consumers who seek convenient and personalized shopping experiences. Mastercard's dedication to establishing clear standards and protocols means that businesses can innovate while retaining user confidence. As this space grows, stakeholders must adapt to the evolving landscape where AI-driven solutions become standard, potentially reshaping the retail and payment sectors. It's an exciting time for fintech, and everyone involved should be prepared to embrace these advancements for a competitive edge.

Ford & GM Launch Banks: Game On for Auto Loans 🚗💰

The Big Story 📰: Ford and General Motors have gained federal approval to launch their own banking units, marking a significant shift in financial oversight under the current administration. The Ford Credit Bank and GM Financial Bank will operate from Utah, focusing on automotive financing by purchasing retail installment sales contracts from Ford dealers. This move allows them to accept FDIC-insured deposits, providing access to lower-cost funding, which means they can offer more competitive loan options amid rising vehicle affordability concerns. While this may increase competition in automotive financing, opponents caution that these banks could take unnecessary risks to drive sales, mirroring past instances where similar firms faced financial crises.

Key Takeaway ⚡️: The launch of Ford and GM’s banking units signals a major transformation in the financial landscape, opening doors for manufacturers to directly provide financing solutions. This development is noteworthy for fintech enthusiasts and industry professionals, as it suggests a trend towards integrating traditional automotive sales with financial services. The approval also highlights a more lenient regulatory environment that is encouraging non-traditional players to enter the banking sector, hinting at increased competition and innovation in the financial services industry. However, stakeholders must remain vigilant about potential risks associated with manufacturer-led lending practices, emphasizing the need for strategic risk management in an evolving market.