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CNBC And Statista Spotlight The World’s Top Fintech Companies

Expanding The Fintech Horizon

CNBC, in strategic partnership with market research powerhouse Statista, has opened applications for the fourth edition of its renowned World’s Top Fintech Companies list. Now in its mature phase, this annual compendium identifies leading global fintech entities, spanning startups and established corporations alike, across sectors that include payments, wealth technology, insurance, and the newly introduced regulation tech segment.

Charting A Transformative Era

Fintech has moved from a fast-growing niche into a core part of the global financial system. Digital adoption accelerated during the Covid-19 period, while advances in artificial intelligence continue to reshape financial services. According to KPMG, global fintech investment reached approximately $44.7 billion across more than 2,200 deals in the first half of 2025, reflecting sustained investor interest despite a more selective funding environment.

Building On A Legacy Of Excellence

Last year’s ranking included global players such as Mastercard, Stripe, and Visa, alongside fast-growing companies including Bilt, TerraPay, and Entsia. The expanded 2026 framework reflects industry shifts, particularly the growing role of regulation technology companies that help financial institutions meet evolving compliance and risk management requirements.

A Call For Fintech Leaders

Applications are open to companies developing technology-driven financial services with measurable market impact. Applicants are expected to demonstrate clear product focus, innovation, and business scalability. The submission process, managed by Statista, requests information related to business models, revenue performance, and workforce growth.

Application Details And Key Dates

To apply, interested companies can submit their information online. The application deadline is April 24, 2026. For further clarification on the application process or additional support with the form, inquiries can be directed to Statista via email at topfintechs@statista.com.

Cyprus Launches €1.5 Million Grant Scheme For Cybersecurity Innovation

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE) has announced a €1.5 million grant scheme to accelerate the development and commercialisation of innovative cybersecurity products and services. Established businesses can apply for up to €100,000 per project.

Launched by the Digital Security Authority (DSA), under the Office of the Commissioner of Communications, the initiative is implemented in collaboration with the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF). The DSA serves as Cyprus’ National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCC-CY).

Funding For Market-Ready Cybersecurity Solutions

The scheme aims to help established businesses bring innovative cybersecurity solutions from concept to market, supporting projects involving software, hardware and educational materials.

Educational projects may target critical infrastructure operators, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and students, with the broader aim of strengthening cyber resilience.

Grant Amounts And Application Deadline

With a total budget of €1.5 million, the programme offers grants of up to €100,000 for each eligible project.

Applications opened on October 9, 2026, and must be submitted by December 8, 2026.

Funding comes from the Republic of Cyprus and the European Union’s Digital Europe Programme through the N4CY2 project, titled “Advancing the NCC-CY – The Next Chapter of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre of Cyprus”.

How To Apply

Eligible businesses can review the requirements and submit applications through the Research and Innovation Foundation’s IRIS platform. The relevant call is listed in the platform’s calls section.

To explain the application process and funding conditions, NCC-CY and RIF will host an online information webinar on October 26, from 12:00 to 13:00. Interested applicants can register for the webinar here.

KEVE has encouraged eligible businesses to consider applying for funding to help bring their cybersecurity innovations to market.

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