Despite lingering macroeconomic uncertainty, global M&A activity in the financial services sector showed resilience in the first half of 2025. According to EY’s latest analysis, 1,125 publicly announced or completed transactions were reported globally in H1 2025 — a modest 2% increase from the 1,106 deals reported in H1 2024. However, deal value tells a more compelling story, rising from $137.2bn in H1 2024 to $160.8bn in H1 2025.

A Return of High-Value Transactions

One of the most striking trends of the first half of 2025 has been the marked increase in large-scale deals. A total of 35 transactions exceeded $1bn in value — up from 23 in H1 2024 — and these accounted for 83% of the total disclosed value. The top 10 deals alone made up $90.6bn, or 56% of global deal value, highlighting a renewed appetite for megadeals as firms pursue strategic growth and scale.

“Despite challenging market conditions, dealmaking across the world’s major financial centers has not abated, as falling inflation and interest rates maintain market confidence,” says Omar Ali, EY Global Financial Services Leader.

Regional Highlights

Europe: Sharp Growth in Deal Value

M&A activity across Europe rose by 6%, with 358 deals reported in H1 2025, up from 337 in the same period last year. The region saw a dramatic increase in total disclosed deal value, from $17.5bn in H1 2024 to $44.4bn — thanks in part to ten deals over $1bn and one exceeding $10bn. All core sectors — banking, insurance, and wealth/asset management — contributed to this surge, particularly insurance, where deal value grew nearly five-fold.

North America: Slight Decline in Volume, Outbound Surge

North America experienced a 4.5% decline in deal volume, with 505 deals in H1 2025 versus 529 a year earlier. Total disclosed value also dipped, from $104.6bn to $91.5bn. However, U.S. and Canadian firms showed increased interest in overseas expansion — outbound deal value rose more than tenfold to $12.5bn, a notable strategic shift.

Asia and Oceania: Steady Growth in Both Volume and Value

Asia and Oceania posted healthy M&A momentum, with 176 deals (+6% YoY) and total disclosed value nearly doubling from $9.2bn to $17.6bn. This rise was supported by three $1bn+ deals, along with a significant increase in wealth and asset management deal value.

Sector Snapshots

Banking: Deal activity remained stable in Europe and Asia but dipped slightly in North America. Total global banking deal value grew in all regions.
Insurance: European deal value surged, while North America saw a mild decline in both volume and value. Asia posted growth across the board.
Wealth & Asset Management: Volume rose in Europe and North America but fell in Asia. However, deal value increased significantly in all three regions.

Outlook for H2 2025

As inflation and interest rates continue to decline, and as regulatory environments ease (particularly in the U.S.), optimism is building for the second half of 2025. According to Andre Veissid, EY-Parthenon Global Financial Services Industry Leader:

“With high levels of market volatility, only the most compelling deals moved forward in H1. But provided macroeconomic conditions continue to improve, M&A activity is expected to accelerate, as firms pursue scale, cost efficiency, and strategic growth.”

Сообщение EY Analysis: Global Financial Services M&A Reaches $160.8bn in H1 2025, Driven by a Resurgence in Megadeals появились сначала на KEYtec.

If working from home has left you feeling isolated or disconnected from your team—or even from your sense of purpose—you’re not alone. According to Gallup’s 2024 State of the Global Workplace report, 1 in 5 employees worldwide reported feeling lonely “a lot” the previous day. And for fully remote professionals, that number climbs even higher. In Buffer’s State of Remote Work survey, 23% of remote workers listed loneliness as their second biggest challenge—right behind communication and collaboration.

As Forbes and the U.S. Surgeon General have highlighted, social disconnection can be as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It’s linked to depression, anxiety, poor sleep, and burnout. For companies, a lonely workforce means lower engagement, weaker collaboration, and higher turnover.

So, what can you do about it—both for your own well-being and for your team’s? Here are five science-backed strategies to stay connected while working remotely.

1. Get Out of the House and Into Human Spaces

• Work outside your home at least once a week—a coffee shop, co-working space, or library can help you feel part of a broader community.
• Connect with local remote workers for co-working sessions or work-alongs.
• Use your flexible schedule to grab coffee with a friend, walk your dog at lunch, or spend mornings with family. These small interactions go a long way toward meeting your social needs.

2. Use Tech to Build Real Connection

• Choose video over email or chat for important or complex discussions—it reduces miscommunication and adds human context.
• Record short video messages with tools like Loom for feedback or updates. Seeing your face builds trust.
• Suggest informal calls like virtual coffee breaks or “camera-on” optional chats. Sometimes a quick voice call is better than a long Slack thread.

3. Build Your Social Network at Work

• Join or create interest-based channels on Slack or Teams—book clubs, pet photos, parenting groups.
• Initiate informal events: virtual lunches, remote productivity circles, or hobby-based chats.
• Engage in non-work conversations. Ask how your teammates’ weekends were. Celebrate birthdays. Share photos. Real relationships need real moments.

4. Set Boundaries Between Work and Life

• Designate a clear workspace—even a corner counts. Avoid working from your bed.
• Build end-of-day rituals like a walk, a workout, or even changing clothes to signal the shift to personal time.
• Schedule social plans after work to avoid the temptation of working late. Solo dinner out? Game night with friends? Make it part of your rhythm.
• Take care of your body and mind—exercise, sleep, and community engagement all help buffer against isolation.

5. Advocate for a More Inclusive Remote Culture

• Champion inclusive meetings where remote team members are fully included—especially if hybrid setups favor in-office side chats.
• Suggest and organize team-building activities that work for distributed teams—virtual games, collaborative projects, or shared learning experiences.
• Push for parity in benefits—like co-working stipends or home office budgets—for remote employees.
• Request in-person meetups if possible—quarterly team offsites or local meetups create lasting bonds.

Final Thoughts

Loneliness isn’t just a side effect of remote work—it’s a serious challenge that requires real solutions. Staying socially connected is essential for your mental health, productivity, and long-term success. These strategies work best when used together—and they work even better when your whole team adopts them.

Being proactive about social connection isn’t just good for you—it helps build a healthier, more human remote work culture for everyone.

Сообщение Beating Loneliness While Working Remotely: 5 Science-Backed Strategies появились сначала на KEYtec.

Switzerland has reclaimed the number one spot in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2025, reinforcing its reputation as a global leader in innovation, infrastructure, and effective governance. Published annually by the Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, the ranking evaluates how 69 economies support sustainable value creation and business growth.

Why This Ranking Matters

The IMD Competitiveness Ranking is recognized as one of the most respected and data-driven global benchmarks for assessing the economic and business environment of nations. It is widely used by governments, investors, and global companies to inform policy, investment strategy, and reform priorities.

The ranking stands out for its balanced methodology:

• 2/3 of the data is derived from objective statistics (e.g. GDP, productivity, education, infrastructure).
• 1/3 is based on surveys of over 6,000 executives worldwide, capturing first-hand insights into business perceptions and challenges.

Top 10 Countries in 2025

1. Switzerland – Leading in infrastructure, public sector efficiency, and education.
2. Singapore – A model of consistency in digital economy and regulatory quality.
3. Hong Kong SAR
4. Denmark
5. United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Rising steadily through strategic reforms.
6. Taiwan (Chinese Taipei)
7. Ireland
8. Sweden
9. Qatar
10. Netherlands

Other notable shifts:

• Saudi Arabia surged to 17th place, driven by infrastructure upgrades and economic diversification.
• Canada advanced 8 places, reflecting improvements in business confidence and innovation capacity.

What Is Measured?

Countries are assessed across four main pillars:

1. Economic Performance – Growth, trade, employment, and prices.
2. Government Efficiency – Public finance, legislation, institutional quality.
3. Business Efficiency – Labor market, productivity, attitudes and values.
4. Infrastructure – Technology, education, health, and sustainability.

A Globally Trusted Benchmark

Since its launch in 1989, the IMD Competitiveness Ranking has become a critical tool for understanding how nations position themselves for long-term success in a globalized economy. Its combination of quantitative data and executive opinion makes it uniquely relevant to real-world decision-making.

As global competition intensifies, the 2025 ranking underscores the importance of agility, innovation, and good governance — and highlights which countries are setting the pace for the future.

Сообщение Switzerland Returns to the Top of Global Competitiveness – IMD 2025 Ranking появились сначала на KEYtec.

Сообщение EU Updates High-Risk Country List: Monaco Added, UAE Removed — What It Means for Cross-Border Payments появились сначала на KEYtec.

Market reflections from KEYtec AG based on the KPMG Venture Pulse Q1’25 report

The global venture capital (VC) landscape experienced a notable rebound in Q1’25, with total funding reaching a 10-quarter high of $126.3 billion, according to the latest KPMG Venture Pulse report. However, while the aggregate investment volume tells one story of renewed optimism, the steep decline in deal count signals another — a market still defined by selectivity, sector concentration, and caution.

Record-breaking investment, driven by AI megadeals

A single factor dominates the quarter’s headlines: AI. The unprecedented $40 billion raise by OpenAI — the largest private funding round in VC history — helped propel the US market to a 13-quarter high of $91.5 billion in venture investment. Other massive AI-related rounds, such as Anthropic ($4.5B) and Infinite Reality ($3B), also contributed to this historic surge.

But it’s important to look past the headline numbers. The global number of VC deals fell to just 7,551, the lowest level in recent memory, signaling a tightening of investment criteria across sectors. Outside of AI, many investors appear to be taking a “wait and see” approach as macroeconomic volatility, trade policy uncertainty, and a dormant IPO market continue to shape decision-making.

Regional outlook: contrasting fortunes

The Americas led the charge with $94.5 billion in funding, representing nearly three-quarters of the global total. In contrast, Europe remained stable in terms of investment value at $18 billion but saw deal volume fall to a six-year low. Asia-Pacific, meanwhile, experienced a sharp downturn, with VC funding falling to $12.9 billion, the lowest regional result in over a decade.

Europe’s VC scene, however, still showed strength in late-stage deal activity. Several megadeals exceeding $500 million (including Binance, Reneo, and Rapyd Financial) underscored investor confidence in later-stage companies with proven models. Germany, the UK, and France remained the key VC hubs on the continent.

Implications for fintech and B2B payments

At KEYtec AG, a Switzerland-based provider of B2B payment infrastructure, we view these developments through the lens of infrastructure resilience and business fundamentals. While artificial intelligence dominates investor attention, many sectors — including payments — continue to focus on pragmatic innovation: regulatory readiness, cross-border interoperability, embedded finance, and fraud mitigation.

AI undoubtedly holds promise in select areas like transaction monitoring and credit scoring, but its adoption in core B2B payment workflows remains limited and gradual. What the current VC climate tells us is that investor capital is flowing to clear, scalable value propositions, whether they are AI-driven or not.

Looking ahead: selective optimism

The outlook for Q2’25 is expected to remain cautious. IPO activity is likely to stay subdued, and deal flow outside of the AI vertical may continue to lag. Yet, sectors that offer clear ROI, operational efficiency, or mission-critical infrastructure — including fintech — are well-positioned to attract capital from strategic investors and corporate VCs.

As capital allocators shift from growth-at-all-costs to profitability and stability, companies that can demonstrate traction and resilience will have an edge.

Сообщение Global VC Investment Surges in Q1’25 – But Deal Volumes Tell a More Cautious Story появились сначала на KEYtec.

The world of global payments is like a complex puzzle—many elements that, when connected correctly, form a powerful and efficient ecosystem. According to Swift, four key trends are reshaping this system today, and adapting to them is essential for all participants.

1. Accelerating Innovation

We are living in an era of rapid technological advancement. Cloud computing, APIs, and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) are streamlining operations and redefining trust in the financial space.
Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), asset tokenisation, and artificial intelligence are opening the door to new opportunities—along with new challenges in security, compliance, and integration.

2. Rising Customer and Regulatory Expectations

Modern users demand fast, secure, and affordable payments—and regulators are pushing in the same direction. The G20 has set ambitious targets to improve the speed, transparency, and accessibility of cross-border transactions.
In the EU, the Instant Payments Regulation is accelerating demand for instant and validated payments, while updates to the Payment Services Directive (PSD) and growing focus on ESG are reshaping the financial landscape. Agility is the key to staying competitive.

3. New Players and Payment Networks

Fintechs, neobanks, big tech, and crypto networks are entering the cross-border payments space. Meanwhile, traditional institutions and regulators are pursuing interoperability across platforms and regions.
Without seamless interaction between systems, complexity and friction will only grow. Interoperability is critical.

4. Changing Trade and Economic Relationships

Global trade is becoming more regionalised. Geopolitical shifts, inflation, and macroeconomic uncertainty are driving countries to explore alternative payment systems, increasing fragmentation across the financial ecosystem.

How to Adapt: Swift’s Perspective

According to Swift, a resilient future for international payments depends on close collaboration between financial institutions, regulators, and technology providers. Three priorities stand out:

• Standardisation and interoperability: Connecting different systems and networks is vital to delivering a seamless global experience.
• Security and resilience: As innovation grows, so does the need for robust cybersecurity and operational continuity.
• Inclusion and accessibility: Financial systems must serve everyone—from global corporations to individuals and small businesses.

Сообщение The Future of Global Payments: Key Trends According to Swift появились сначала на KEYtec.

The recent news of Velocity Capital’s $100 million+ investment in the European football agency Unique Sports Group underscores a growing trend in the sports world: the increasing involvement of private capital—particularly from family offices. This landmark deal, as reported by Forbes, highlights the attractiveness of sports-related businesses beyond traditional team ownership.

At KEYtec, we recognize the evolving financial landscape and the sophisticated needs of family offices. Just as Velocity Capital sees opportunity in sports infrastructure, we see a broader movement of family wealth into this dynamic and fast-growing sector.

Why Are Family Offices Increasingly Investing in Sport?

Family offices are strategically diversifying their portfolios, and the sports industry offers a compelling array of opportunities:

• Growth and Untapped Potential: From emerging leagues and sports technology to media rights and fan engagement platforms, the sector presents significant long-term growth prospects.
• Passion and Legacy: Many families invest in sports not only for financial returns but also to align with personal interests and to build a lasting legacy.
• Tangible Assets and Community Connection: Sports investments provide access to tangible assets and opportunities for meaningful community engagement.
• Diversification and Alternative Returns: Sports-related assets often exhibit low correlation with traditional markets, offering valuable portfolio diversification.
• Digital Innovation: Investments in areas like NFTs, esports, fantasy platforms, and immersive fan experiences are growing rapidly.
• Real Estate and Infrastructure: From stadium development to mixed-use entertainment districts, sports infrastructure projects are attracting capital for their long-term value.

Real-World Investments by Family Offices and Wealth Managers

Family offices and private wealth managers are already deeply embedded in sports through a variety of strategic investments. Some notable examples include:

• RedBird Capital Partners: Acquired AC Milan for €1.2B in 2022, owns a stake in Fenway Sports Group (Liverpool FC, Boston Red Sox), and has invested in Toulouse FC, SpringHill Company, and the YES Network.
• Josh Harris & David Blitzer: Through their family office structures, they own the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, Crystal Palace F.C., and recently acquired the Washington Commanders for over $6 billion—setting a record in North American sports.
• Ares Management: Invested €181.8M in Atlético Madrid and has a stake in Inter Miami CF, the Major League Soccer club co-owned by David Beckham.
• Dyal Capital Partners (Blue Owl Capital): Created a fund that holds minority stakes in multiple NBA franchises, offering investors a route into professional sports ownership.

These examples illustrate that sports investment is no longer just a passion play—it’s become a strategic asset class for sophisticated investors and family offices alike.

Our Role in Facilitating Family Office Investments in Sport

As a trusted Swiss payment provider, KEYtec AG delivers tailored financial solutions that support the unique activities of family offices investing in the sports sector. Our services include:

• Secure and Efficient Transaction Processing: Managing large-scale investments and operational payments with precision and reliability.
• Cross-Border Payment Solutions: Supporting international transfers related to player transactions, sponsorships, and global business operations.
• Multi-Currency Management: Offering robust tools for managing funds across the various currencies typical of global sports markets.
• Discreet and Reliable Service: Providing confidential, dependable support built on trust and long-standing client relationships.

Сообщение Powering the Future of Sport: How Family Offices are Changing the Game появились сначала на KEYtec.

Switzerland: From Alpine Shepherds to Digital Bankers – A History Forged in the Mountains

When we think of Switzerland, images of alpine meadows, precision watches, and, of course, reliable banks come to mind. But behind this façade lies a captivating story of how a nation shaped by its mountainous landscape transformed into a global financial center—a story where pragmatism and neutrality intertwine with innovation and foresight.

Geneva’s Early Financiers and the Rise of Swiss Banking

By the 17th century, Geneva had already become a hub for financiers, attracting capital from across Europe. Swiss banking traditions took root in this era, as the city’s wealth management expertise flourished. While myths suggest that remnants of the Templar Order’s fortune found refuge here, there is no historical evidence to support this claim. What is certain, however, is that the Swiss banking ethos—centered on stability and discretion—was already taking shape.

Neutrality as a Safe Haven

Switzerland’s neutrality, formally recognized at the Congress of Vienna in 1815, played a crucial role in its economic ascent. As wars ravaged Europe, Swiss banks became a safe harbor for capital, offering stability in times of turmoil. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Switzerland’s financial institutions grew in prominence, bolstered by the country’s political neutrality and economic pragmatism.

Banking Secrecy: The ‘Secret Ingredient’ of Success

The Banking Law of 1934 formalized Swiss banking secrecy, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a financial sanctuary. Originally designed to protect clients from political and economic persecution—particularly amid growing tensions in Europe—it became a defining feature of Swiss banking. However, in recent years, global financial regulations have evolved, and Switzerland now actively participates in international efforts for tax transparency and financial cooperation.

From Gold Bars to Blockchain

Today, Switzerland is not only a stronghold of traditional banking but also a pioneer in financial innovation. The country has embraced the digital revolution, with regions like Zug’s “Crypto Valley” emerging as global hubs for blockchain and cryptocurrency technology. While traditional Swiss banks remain cautious in their approach to digital assets, Switzerland as a whole is strategically positioning itself as a leader in the future of finance.

Switzerland: Where History Meets the Future

As part of this evolving legacy, we are proud to offer our clients both time-tested reliability and cutting-edge financial solutions. Switzerland is a place where history meets the future, where the traditions of stability intertwine with bold innovation—and we strive to be the bridge between these two worlds.of finance.

Сообщение Switzerland: From Alpine Shepherds to Digital Bankers – A History Forged in the Mountains появились сначала на KEYtec.

In the world of ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals, family offices have emerged as a crucial pillar of modern wealth management. These exclusive entities provide bespoke financial services, from investment management to estate planning, ensuring long-term wealth preservation. But as global markets evolve, so do the needs of family offices. Here’s a look at their latest trends and the challenges they face in 2024.

A Brief History of Family Offices

The concept of family offices dates back centuries, with some of the earliest examples seen in the European aristocracy and noble families who employed financial stewards to manage their wealth. However, the modern family office model was pioneered in the 19th century when John D. Rockefeller established one of the first structured family offices in 1882. This approach set a precedent for wealthy families to create dedicated teams for managing their financial affairs, ensuring strategic long-term wealth preservation. Over time, family offices have evolved into highly sophisticated entities, incorporating advanced financial strategies and leveraging technology to navigate complex global markets.

The Role of Family Offices Today

A family office is essentially a private wealth management firm established by a single affluent family (Single-Family Office – SFO) or multiple families pooling their resources (Multi-Family Office – MFO). Unlike traditional financial advisors or banks, family offices offer holistic financial solutions, including:

• Investment management: Overseeing diversified portfolios, including equities, real estate, private equity, and venture capital.
• Estate and tax planning: Ensuring wealth is preserved and transferred efficiently across generations.
• Philanthropy and impact investing: Managing charitable donations and sustainable investments.
• Risk management and cybersecurity: Protecting assets from digital and geopolitical threats.
• Concierge services: Handling luxury lifestyle needs, from private aviation to security.

Key Trends Shaping Family Offices in 2024

1. Direct Investments Over Traditional Funds More family offices are bypassing traditional fund managers in favor of direct investments in startups, real estate, and private markets. This trend provides greater control and higher returns but also introduces higher risk.
2. Tech-Driven Wealth Management Advanced analytics, AI, and blockchain are revolutionizing family offices. Many are investing in fintech solutions for real-time portfolio tracking, automated reporting, and AI-driven investment strategies.
3. Sustainability and ESG Investing Younger generations inheriting family wealth are prioritizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investments. From renewable energy to social impact startups, sustainable investing is reshaping portfolios.
4. Global Diversification and Second Citizenship Wealthy families are increasingly seeking geographical diversification to mitigate geopolitical and economic risks. This includes acquiring properties abroad, opening international bank accounts, and participating in citizenship-by-investment programs.
5. Cybersecurity and Digital Asset Protection With the rise of cyber threats, family offices are investing heavily in cybersecurity protocols, blockchain-based asset management, and digital vaults to safeguard wealth.

Challenges Facing Family Offices

Despite their advantages, family offices must navigate key challenges:

• Regulatory Compliance: Stricter global regulations require family offices to stay compliant with tax laws, anti-money laundering (AML) policies, and transparency requirements.
• Talent Retention: Recruiting top-tier financial experts is increasingly competitive, as demand for specialized skills in alternative investments and AI-driven finance grows.
• Generational Shifts: The younger generation is more inclined towards digital assets, crypto, and sustainability, challenging traditional investment mindsets.

Conclusion: The Future of Family OfficesAs wealth management evolves, family offices must adapt to technological advancements, new investment strategies, and shifting regulatory landscapes. Companies like KEYtec play a pivotal role in providing secure and innovative payment solutions that align with the changing needs of family offices. By embracing fintech and sustainable investing, these institutions can ensure long-term success for generations to come.

Сообщение The Evolution of Family Offices: Trends and Challenges in Wealth Management появились сначала на KEYtec.