Breaking news

Robinhood Buys One Of The Largest Crypto Exchanges For $200 Million

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 8, 2024

200 million dollars. Such an offer is being prepared by Robinhood Markets, co-owned by the Bulgarian Vlad Tenev, for the purchase of one of the largest crypto exchanges in the world – Bitstamp.

KEY FACTS

Trading platform Robinhood Markets announced it has agreed to buy crypto exchange Bitstamp for about $200 million in cash, accelerating its broader foray into digital assets to become a full-fledged financial services provider, the company said.
This is Robinhood’s largest deal to date. Before the start of trading, the shares of the company, co-owned by Bulgarian Vlad Tenev, rose by 3.4%.
The acquisition of Bitstamp, founded in 2011 with 50 active licenses and registrations worldwide, puts Robinhood in direct competition with industry giants such as Binance and Coinbase. The exchange has offices in Luxembourg, UK, Slovenia, Singapore and the US and has more than 50 active licenses and registrations worldwide, as well as clients in the EU, US, UK and Asia.
This acquisition will introduce Robinhood’s first institutional business and expand the company’s global expansion.
The deal is expected to boost Robinhood Crypto’s growth.

IMPORTANT QUOTE

“The acquisition of Bitstamp is an important step in the growth of our crypto business. Bitstamp’s highly reliable and long-standing global exchange has shown resilience through market cycles,” Johan Kerbrat, vice president and general manager of Robinhood Crypto, told Reuters.

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ACCENT

The deal, which is expected to close in the first half of 2025, comes as Robinhood’s crypto business is experiencing rapid growth but also faces regulatory hurdles in the US. The company said it intends to continue communicating with regulators as the deal moves forward.

BIG NUMBER

69%. That’s how much growth Robinhood’s shares have reported since the beginning of the year. Analysts expect the company is poised for higher earnings amid a resurgence in retail trade and greater cryptocurrency adoption.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Airbnb Unveils Reserve Now, Pay Later Option For U.S. Guests

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

August 15, 2025

Introduction

Airbnb has introduced an innovative payment solution designed to enhance user flexibility for U.S. travellers. The new “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature enables users to secure a booking without an upfront payment, offering a streamlined cancellation process should plans change.

Flexible Payment Terms

This new option applies to listings that feature either flexible or moderate cancellation policies. Under a flexible policy, guests can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before check-in, while a moderate policy offers no-fee cancellations until five days prior to arrival.

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Payment Timing and Reminders

Regardless of the cancellation window, guests are obligated to complete the full payment before the expiration of the free cancellation period. Airbnb ensures a smooth experience by sending timely payment reminders to avoid any last-minute issues.

Evolution of Airbnb’s Payment Solutions

This initiative builds on Airbnb’s previous forays into flexible payment structures. In 2018, the company offered a partial upfront payment model, and more recently, a collaboration with Klarna enabled guests to pay in four installments over six weeks. Such strategic advancements demonstrate Airbnb’s commitment to adapting and refining its payment solutions to meet evolving consumer demands.

Consumer Insight Driving Innovation

Airbnb’s decision to launch the “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature reflects robust consumer demand, with recent surveys indicating that 55% of respondents prefer flexible payment options. Additionally, 42% noted missed opportunities due to payment complexities when coordinating with travel companions, underlining the need for simplified financial arrangements.

Conclusion

By enhancing payment flexibility, Airbnb not only broadens its appeal but also addresses critical customer pain points, reinforcing its position as a leader in the evolving travel market. This initiative exemplifies how strategic innovation can drive customer satisfaction in an increasingly competitive landscape.