The FinTech IPO Index was awash in a sea of red this past week, with nary a positive showing to be found. Earnings were met, by and large, with dissatisfaction, as investors sent shares down by double digits in many cases, even when results topped expectations or management’s projections. The index slid by 6.2%. Flywire Leads Declining Stocks

IntroductionHave you ever wondered how some people manage to build significant wealth without earning a massive salary? The answer often lies in compound interest—a simple yet powerful concept that allows small investments to snowball into substantial sums over time. Whether you’re saving for retirement, a home, or financial freedom, understanding how compounding works can be a game-changer.At its core, compound interest is the process of earning interest on both the money you initially invest and the interest that accumulates over time. Unlike simple interest, which only applies to the original amount, compound interest has a multiplier effect, making time your greatest ally. Even modest investments, when left untouched and allowed to grow, can lead to surprising results.In this article, we’ll break down how compound interest works, why time matters, and how you can take advantage of it—no matter how small your initial investment.What Is Compound Interest?Compound interest is often called “interest on interest,” and for good reason. When you invest or save money in an interest-bearing account, you earn interest on your principal. Over time, that interest gets added to your original deposit, and you start earning interest on the new total.Here’s a simplified example: Imagine you invest $1,000 at an annual interest rate of 5%

FinTechs — especially platforms — are capitalizing on the continued buildout of digital solutions and products, including cards, to give consumers an alternative to traditional banks. In doing so, and by offering a continuum of financial services, Block, Affirm, SoFi and PayPal, and are moving beyond the confines of commerce to become, in essence, banks themselves. The latest earnings reports from these firms underscore the increased use of cards, buy now, pay later (BNPL) and direct deposit activity tied to a single point of access (an app) that keeps customers transacting not only with merchants on the platforms, but off the platforms as well