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Alpha Bank Finalizes Definitive Agreement for Full Acquisition of AXIA Ventures Group Ltd

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

August 6, 2025

Overview Of The Transaction

Alpha Bank, in collaboration with its subsidiary Alpha Finance Investment Services S.A., has announced the signing of the definitive agreement to acquire 100% of AXIA Ventures Group Ltd. This strategic move is designed to create a leading investment banking and capital markets platform across Greece and Cyprus.

Strategic Rationale And Timeline

The agreement, which follows an initial understanding reached on March 31, is slated to be finalized within the second quarter of 2025, pending the necessary supervisory approvals. By consolidating AXIA with Alpha Finance and Alpha Bank’s Investment Banking unit, the new entity will leverage M&A advisory services, capital market issuance (ECM/DCM), and securities transactions to drive enhanced value for corporate clients.

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Leadership Integration And Synergy

Maintaining strategic continuity, AXIA’s senior management will assume long-term leadership roles within the unified organization. This integration underscores a commitment to aligning operational capabilities and expanding service offerings, a critical element in accelerating high value-added activities and strengthening fee-based revenues.

Financial Impact And Performance Metrics

According to the bank’s announcement, the acquisition is expected to boost earnings per share (EPS) by 1.4% and deliver a return on invested capital (RoIC) above 20%. The capital impact on the CET1 ratio is projected to remain limited, affecting less than 20 basis points.

Future Outlook And Communication

This pivotal transaction reinforces Alpha Bank’s strategic initiatives, positioning the institution to better serve its corporate clientele and expand its market leadership in high-growth sectors. The bank remains committed to ongoing communication with the investment community in alignment with regulatory requirements.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 11, 2025

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

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Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.