Open Calls

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.

RESIST II Opens €800,000 Funding Call For Process Innovation In Mobility And Transport

Overview

RESIST II Eurocluster has opened its Process Innovation Open Call, offering cascade funding to SMEs in the Mobility, Transport and Automotive ecosystem. The call supports companies seeking to improve their manufacturing or industrial processes by making their current operations more digital, greener and more resilient.

The call sits under RESIST II’s wider €1.6 million funding package for SMEs developing innovation projects linked to net-zero technologies and critical raw materials. The Process Innovation call itself has a budget of €800,000.

Benefits

Selected SMEs can receive lump-sum grants of:

  • Up to €20,000 for individual SME projects
  • Up to €30,000 per SME for consortium projects
  • Up to €60,000 per SME across RESIST II open calls

Beneficiaries will also have access to a pool of experts, coaching and mentoring, international market opportunities, online training for upskilling and reskilling, and technical support provided by CTAG.

Projects require 10% private co-financing from the beneficiary SMEs. Across the two cut-offs, RESIST II expects to support around 15 to 20 projects and fund around 25 to 30 SMEs.

Who Can Apply

The call is open to SMEs established in an EU Member State or a country participating in the Single Market Programme.

Applicants must be active in the ecosystem, either by working in sectors such as automotive, rail, waterborne and cycling, or by being a member of a cluster linked to the Mobility, Transport and Automotive ecosystem.

Criteria

Projects may be submitted by a single SME or by a consortium of two or three SMEs. Consortium projects must involve SMEs from different NUTS2 regions.

Submitted projects should address one or more of RESIST II’s four innovation pillars:

  • Net-Zero Manufacturing & Industrial Decarbonisation
  • Circular Critical Raw Materials & Resource Efficiency
  • Digital Mobility & Smart Industrial Systems
  • Resilient Mobility Value Chains

Projects funded under the first cut-off are expected to run for up to nine months, from October 2026 to June 2027.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically through the RESIST II platform. The first cut-off opened on 13 May 2026 and closes on 13 July 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time. A second cut-off is planned for May 2027.

About RESIST II

RESIST II Eurocluster supports European SMEs working in the Mobility, Transport and Automotive ecosystem, helping them advance their twin transition and strengthen resilience against market shifts and unexpected disruptions.

eCredo
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
Uol
Aretilaw firm

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter