Five major fintech mergers reshape financial services
September 2026 saw five major mergers and acquisitions in the fintech sector, reshaping the financial services environment through significant deals involving US banks, a super-app, and a payment giant.
Two regional lenders join forces
US bank holding companies EverBank Financial Corp and WaFd Inc. have agreed to a $3.9 billion merger. The agreement will combine both holding companies and their primary banking subsidiaries to scale commercial banking services. The deal, expected to close in early 2027, will create a bank with a network of over 250 financial centers and manage around $75 billion in assets. The combined entity will be led by Greg Seibly as CEO and Brent Beardall as president.
Expansion into Southeast Asia
Grab, the Singapore-based super-app, is acquiring a 60% majority stake in Atome Financial for $1.49 billion. The buy now, pay later provider will bring financial services to Grab’s user base. The transaction, valued at $1.49 billion, includes $260 million of primary growth capital and is set to close by Q3 2027, subject to regulatory approvals.
Banking charters and acquisitions
Chime cited a “faster and more proven path to full-stack ownership” as the reason for acquiring an established bank rather than applying for a new charter.
