All articles by Refna Tharayil
Refna Tharayil
Klarna available to millions of new businesses, in strengthened partnership with Stripe
Stripe-powered businesses in 25 countries can now instantly offer Klarna to their customers
US-based CNB Financial to acquire ESSA Bancorp in $214m all-stock deal
ESSA Bancorp, based in Pennsylvania, operates 20 community offices across the Lehigh Valley, Greater Pocono, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and suburban Philadelphia areas
United Bankshares completes acquisition of Piedmont Bancorp
The acquisition is United’s 34th, and the combined organization has more than $32 billion in assets and a network of over 240 locations
Bank Alfalah acquires stake in UAE-based fintech company Jingle Pay
By leveraging its proprietary AI-powered platform, Jingle Pay is said to have processed more than two million transactions, while facilitating over $1bn in international money transfers in 2024
Bison Holdings announces merger of Bison Wealth and Bison Advisors
The combined entity will offer a comprehensive suite of wealth management services, centering on both private wealth and wealth advisory practices
Intercontinental Exchange acquires AFX from 7RIDGE
The transaction is not expected to significantly impact ICE’s financial results for 2025 or its ongoing plans for deleveraging and capital returns
CommunityAmerica Credit Union accelerates St. Louis expansion, merging with Electro Savings Credit Union
he merger will add more locations across the St. Louis metro, improving access for members of both credit unions, as well as making it convenient for St. Louisans to experience CommunityAmerica’s unique commitment to delivering financial peace of mind
Julius Baer to sell Brazilian wealth management unit to BTG Pactual in $100m deal
Following the divestment, the Swiss wealth management group will maintain its service to Brazilian clients through its international operations, leaving its Brazil international business unaffected
BRISKPE launches unified platform for cross-border payments
By combining A2A transfers with card- and wallet-based collections, BRISKPE offers MSMEs unparalleled flexibility to cater to diverse client preferences, broaden market reach, and accelerate growth
Stifel Financial to acquire European investment bank Bryan Garnier
Bryan Garnier provides a range of services, including M&A advisory, private and public growth financing, research insights, and institutional sales and execution