Aspora, a US-based fintech company, has acquired a controlling stake in UAB Hokodo, a Lithuanian electronic money institution. The Bank of Lithuania approved the acquisition, which gives Aspora more than 50% of Hokodo's share capital and voting rights. Aspora provides cross-border financial services to customers in the United States, United Kingdom, and United Arab Emirates. UAB Hokodo is licensed by the Bank of Lithuania and offers digital payment solutions. The acquisition supports Aspora's expansion in Europe and strengthens its position in the regulated financial services sector. Sorainen advised Aspora on the transaction, including legal due diligence, transaction structuring, and regulatory approvals.

Francesco Burelli, Partner, and Malte Thom, Associate at Arkwright Consulting discuss one of the biggest current developments in the BNPL market - B2B payments, and whether they live up to their promises. The business-to-business (B2B) payment credit landscape has long been stable. Still, traditional lenders have neglected certain segments due to high service costs, risk concerns, and difficulties in addressing the needs of businesses often categorised under retail banking. Small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly micro and small companies, universally face challenges in accessing credit. B2B Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solutions are gaining traction as potential disruptors – can they reshape how small businesses handle payments and financing?. In essence, B2B BNPL is a hybrid solution that blends traditional credit tools (including purchase-on-account, trade credit, and factoring) and makes them available through various channels, often as an Embedded Finance solution at the point of purchase