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Thinking Machine, the stealthy AI startup founded by former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, has closed one of the largest seed funding rounds in Silicon Valley history—raising $2 billion and reaching a $10 billion valuation, according to reports.

The company has kept its mission largely under wraps, but insiders say Murati’s name recognition and leadership pedigree played a central role in attracting top-tier investors.

Murati, who left OpenAI in September 2023 and briefly served as interim CEO during the Sam Altman leadership shakeup, launched Thinking Machine in February 2024. At the time, she described the company’s vision as advancing AI through “solid foundations, open science, and practical applications.”

The massive funding round marks a significant milestone in the wave of new AI ventures launched by former OpenAI executives. Other breakaway efforts include Safe Superintelligence, led by former chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, and Periodic Labs, started by ex-VP of research Liam Fedus.

As the AI industry continues evolving from buzzword to backbone of enterprise infrastructure, the scale of investment in Thinking Machine signals investor confidence in Murati’s ability to shape the next era of AI development.

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Business

Swiss International University (SIU), a worldwide university renowned for its innovative vision in higher education, has received accreditation from TAG-EDUQA, the quality assurance arm of the Arab Organization for Quality Assurance in Education (AROQA). The achievement represents a major event in SIU’s ongoing effort to provide academically rich, affordable education to students the world over.

This recognition qualifies SIU to join an elite group of institutions that have met AROQA’s stringent standards for quality teaching, learning, and institutional transparency. It upholds SIU’s compliance with international educational standards and underlines the institution’s credibility as a reliable deliverer of quality higher education.

Awarding the accreditation came under the patronage of the founder of SIU, Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, one of the most highly successful Arab businessmen and the most powerful advocate of reform in education. Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh also chairs the board of TAG-EDUQA. The pride is deeper when the honorary President of TAG-EDUQA, along with the Secretary General of the Arab League, endorses the accreditation and highlights its importance in the Arab World.

“This accreditation is a confirmation of the dedication and professionalism of academic and administrative staff at SIU,” said SIU’s Academic Program Director Derya Briand. “Receiving this honor on our first attempt shows the solid foundation we’ve already laid and our continued dedication to excellence. It’s a message to our students, partners, and faculty that SIU is committed to the highest quality of education.”

The honor comes at a historic time in SIU’s history, when the university is increasing academic programs and growing ties globally. SIU is part of an expanding international network that includes OUS International Academy in Zurich, IBMS International Business Management School in Lucerne, and ISB International Vocational College and SIU Almaty (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan). Collectively, these educational institutions are driving a borderless education model that encourages cultural exchange and global partnerships.

SIU is raising the bar for local and international standards in higher education institutions as regional governments and regulatory bodies prioritize quality assurance. As more and more students in the Arab region and beyond seek a reputable academic institution, SIU is a popular option.

SIU, more than just an institution of learning and research, is committed to developing well-rounded, responsible, and engaged leaders who are equipped to master the complex challenges of today’s competitive and collaborative global landscape by maintaining the Quadrangle’s universal values. The focus of the university—innovation, cultural inclusiveness, and leadership—has garnered the interest of overseas partners and Education authorities as well as being recognized by the Chinese education officials and other global stakeholders.

In the future, SIU is considering a stronger diversification of its educational offerings to meet global demand, the introduction of new academic fields and programs, and the establishment of collaborative programs for acquiring knowledge abroad. The accreditation from TAG-EDUQA comes at a critical time for these efforts and will help enhance the university’s position in the international arena.

This announcement affirms the quality of SIU’s current offerings while demonstrating the university’s dedication to student-centered, forward-looking education. It showcases the university’s role in promoting innovation and building global ties in higher education.

For more details on Swiss International University and its programs, visit www.swissuniversity.com.

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Technology

Explore exclusive insights from Hara Krishna Reddy Koppolu on the evolving role of AI in enterprise systems, data engineering, and intelligent automation.

AI isn’t just transforming businesses, it’s rebuilding their core. To explore what lies ahead, we sat down with Hara Krishna Reddy Koppolu, who has decades of hands-on experience and has led some of the most ambitious AI and data engineering projects in telecom, finance, and enterprise tech.

Hara Koppolu’s work on 5G network optimization, fraud detection, and real-time analytics has changed how companies think and act. In this interview, he breaks down the complex world of AI-powered systems into clear, understandable concepts and real-world applications. From cloud-native platforms to predictive intelligence, Krishna shares what’s working now and what’s next. To him, it’s not just about the future of AI, it’s about making that future real.

Q1: Hara Krishna, thank you for joining us today. Your extensive experience in AI, machine learning, and data engineering has positioned you in a leading position of intelligent automation. Could you share how your journey led you to specialize in these areas and what drives your passion for advancing enterprise AI solutions?

Hara Koppolu: Thank you for having me. My journey into AI and data engineering began with a deep curiosity about how intelligent systems could automate and optimize complex business operations. Working across organizations like TCS, CSG, and Savantis gave me a firsthand view of the challenges in scaling enterprise infrastructure. This inspired me to explore how AI and machine learning could introduce agility, personalization, and predictive intelligence into legacy environments. My passion lies in building scalable, autonomous systems that go beyond automation to enable real-time, adaptive decision-making—something I focus on through agentic AI and deep learning frameworks that support intelligent enterprise transformation.

Q2: In your paper, “Advancing Customer Experience Personalization with AI-Driven Data Engineering,” you discuss integrating deep learning methodologies for real-time customer interactions. How do you envision this approach transforming customer engagement strategies in the next five years?

Hara Koppolu: In my paper “Advancing Customer Experience Personalization with AI-Driven Data Engineering,” I propose a shift toward hyper-personalized, real-time engagement powered by deep learning. Over the next five years, I envision enterprises deploying agentic AI to process live customer data streams and dynamically adjust content, recommendations, and support interactions across channels. This will result in truly individualized customer journeys. Businesses will move from reactive engagement to anticipatory service, leveraging sentiment analysis, behavioral modeling, and NLP-based interaction engines to foster loyalty and increase lifetime value.

Q3: Your research, “AI-Powered Revenue Management and Monetization,” presents a data engineering framework focusing on automation and predictive analytics. What challenges do organizations face when implementing such frameworks, and how can they overcome them to enhance billing accuracy and customer segmentation?

Hara Koppolu: In “AI-Powered Revenue Management and Monetization,” I explore challenges such as data silos, inconsistent billing systems, legacy architecture limitations, and resistance to automation. These issues can hinder scalability and lead to billing inaccuracies. To overcome them, organizations must invest in centralized data pipelines, enforce robust data governance, and implement modular AI systems that are both explainable and interoperable. A phased approach—starting with predictive analytics for billing and gradually layering in segmentation AI—ensures smoother adoption and measurable ROI.

Q4: Considering your work on agentic AI for automated payment fraud detection, how does incorporating deep learning enhance the predictive intelligence of merchant services, and what implications does this have for the future of digital payment security?

Hara Koppolu: Deep learning brings pattern recognition and predictive power to fraud detection, as explored in my research “Deep Learning and Agentic AI for Automated Payment Fraud Detection.” Traditional rule-based systems often miss subtle anomalies, while deep learning models can detect evolving fraud patterns across multiple data streams—transactional behavior, geolocation, device fingerprints, etc. The future of digital payment security lies in autonomous, self-learning systems that adapt to new fraud techniques in real time while maintaining explainability and compliance. This shifts fraud management from reactive to preemptive.

Q5: Your work spans both the technical and strategic dimensions of enterprise AI. Drawing from your extensive experience across organizations like TCS, CSG, and Savantis, how do you approach aligning AI initiatives with long-term business objectives in legacy enterprise environments, and what challenges have you encountered in bridging the gap between AI solutions and organizational readiness for change?

Hara Koppolu: Aligning AI with long-term business objectives in legacy environments requires a strategic blend of technological innovation and cultural transformation. My experience has shown that one key challenge is the gap between executive vision and operational readiness. At organizations like TCS and CSG, I’ve implemented AI roadmaps that align with core KPIs such as customer retention, revenue growth, and cost reduction. By starting with quick wins—like AI-enabled CPQ systems or predictive maintenance—we build confidence. Change management, training, and executive buy-in are crucial to overcoming organizational inertia and ensuring sustained impact.

Q6: Reflecting on your contributions to 5G network optimization and AI-driven digital transformation, what emerging trends do you foresee in the integration of AI with next-generation network solutions, and how should enterprises prepare to adapt to these advancements?

Hara Koppolu: AI is increasingly central to 5G and next-gen network optimization. In my research “Enhancing Large-Scale Network Optimization Through Agentic AI” and “Next-Gen AI-Driven Network Solutions,” I highlight the role of deep reinforcement learning and data engineering in enabling intelligent traffic routing, load balancing, and self-healing networks. Trends include edge AI for latency-sensitive applications, AI-powered orchestration for hybrid cloud infrastructure, and autonomous SLA management. Enterprises should prepare by investing in scalable AI infrastructure, upskilling talent in AIOps, and fostering agile data cultures that enable experimentation and rapid deployment.

Conclusion

Hara Krishna Reddy Koppolu has made one thing crystal clear for all of us: the future of enterprise isn’t built on buzzwords; it’s built on smart systems that work in real time. He engineers AI, scales it, and turns it into business results. His views on autonomous decision-making, predictive intelligence, and scalable infrastructure offer a roadmap.

Hara Koppolu’s insights are deeply relevant to everyone running a startup or managing enterprise systems at scale. Since he’s one of the very few who are staying grounded while working in a leading position of innovation, we believe him when he says AI isn’t some distant force. It’s here, it’s growing, and it’s changing everything, from how we manage networks to how we make decisions. That change looks more practical and more promising than ever. The future of AI-driven enterprises is already unfolding.

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Business

Project management is vital for any construction project, whether residential, commercial, or industrial. Without a skilled and experienced project manager, construction projects can easily fall behind schedule, go over budget, or fail to meet necessary safety and quality standards.

1. Expertise in Managing Complex Construction Projects

Construction projects are inherently complex, often involving multiple stakeholders, tight deadlines, and an array of regulatory requirements. A professional project management company possesses the expertise necessary to oversee all these aspects, ensuring the project runs efficiently.

Specific Example: Consider the Burj Khalifa project, which required a skilled project management team to coordinate between various global contractors, suppliers, and regulatory bodies to ensure the building met its aggressive timeline and high-quality standards. Without a dedicated project management consultancy, such a massive undertaking would not have been possible.

By working with a construction project management company, you’re not just delegating tasks but also benefiting from specialised knowledge of the construction industry. These experts are trained to foresee potential risks, implement proactive measures, and prevent project delays or budget overruns.

2. Streamlined Communication and Coordination

Effective communication is vital to the success of any construction project. A project management company plays a key role in ensuring that all parties involved remain on the same page regarding the project’s goals and deadlines. Whether it’s coordinating between subcontractors, architects, suppliers, or government officials, the project manager serves as the primary point of contact, keeping everyone aligned. A news article stated that  

For instance, consider a high-rise development project in Dubai, where international architects, local contractors, and regulatory agencies all have to collaborate. Without a clear communication strategy in place, misunderstandings and arguments can easily arise, leading to costly delays or errors. The project manager ensures that communication flows smoothly, preventing such setbacks and making sure that tasks are completed in the correct order.

Additionally, project management companies are skilled at coordinating complex timelines associated with construction. This ensures tasks are completed in the correct order and on time, reducing conflict between stakeholders and keeping the project on track.

3. Optimal Use of Resources and Cost Management

Construction projects are notorious for going over budget due to poor planning, unforeseen circumstances, or inefficient resource management. A professional project management consultancy mitigates these risks by implementing robust planning and cost control measures.

Project managers optimise resources, from labour and materials to equipment and technology. They also closely monitor expenditures, making necessary adjustments to keep the project financially feasible throughout its lifecycle.

This level of cost control helps avoid unnecessary expenditures, allowing the project to meet financial and deadline targets. It calls for transparency by providing clients with a clear understanding of how their budget is being managed.

4. Adherence to Quality Standards and Regulations

Construction in Dubai and the UAE must adhere to strict building standards, safety regulations, and environmental guidelines. A project management company ensures that your project complies with these regulations, safeguarding your investment from legal issues and costly fines.

Specific Example: A commercial development project in Abu Dhabi faced potential delays due to complex regulatory requirements, but a skilled project management team can ensure full compliance while maintaining project momentum.

Project managers establish quality control processes to ensure each stage meets regulatory requirements and client expectations. Whether overseeing structural integrity or ensuring the use of sustainable materials, the project management consultancy can guide and guarantee high-quality construction processes that last. Their knowledge of local building codes and regulations ensures compliance, helping to avoid penalties and delays.

5. Reduced Risk and Increased Accountability

Construction projects are fraught with potential risks, from safety hazards on-site to contractual disputes. A professional project management company is equipped to foresee, assess, and mitigate these risks through stringent risk management strategies.

Addressing Concerns: Some may question whether hiring a project management company is cost-effective compared to managing the project in-house. However, the risks of cost overruns, project delays, and legal issues far outweigh the initial investment. By implementing a strong risk management framework, project managers identify potential problems before they escalate into significant delays or cost increases.

Additionally, project management companies bring a heightened level of accountability. They take full responsibility for the project’s success, ensuring timely completion within budget. This accountability provides peace of mind, knowing that your project is in capable hands.

Conclusion: Why You Need a Project Management Company for Your Next Construction Project

The construction landscape in the UAE is constantly evolving, making it essential to have the right professionals guiding your project. Hiring a project management consultancy ensures that your construction project is completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with all regulations. Their expertise in managing complex projects, optimising resources, and mitigating risks makes them an invaluable asset to any construction venture.

A project management company allows you to focus on your core business, confident that your construction project is in capable hands. From streamlining communication to ensuring adherence to quality standards, they provide end-to-end support that guarantees the success of your project.

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Lifestyle

There’s a particular kind of heartbreak perfume lovers know all too well: the discontinuation of a signature scent. One day it’s your everyday luxury – the invisible accessory that completes your outfit – and the next, it’s gone. Reformulated. Retired. Erased from shelves.

But not all is lost. Thanks to Alexandria Fragrances UK, those unforgettable fragrances are getting a second life – and in many cases, coming back even better than before.

This quietly brilliant British perfume house has become the go-to destination for anyone seeking high-quality, modern interpretations of beloved classics, all crafted with care, sophistication, and surprising affordability.

A Mission Rooted In Memory

Perfume isn’t just scent. It’s memory, emotion, identity. That’s what drives Alexandria’s founders – Hany Hafez, whose perfumery roots trace back to Cairo, and Dave Wrench, who brought the brand to the UK with a mission to make niche fragrance more accessible to European fragrance lovers.

Their shared passion led to a brand that doesn’t just imitate great perfumes – it honors them, treating each fragrance as a time capsule and a work of art.

The result is a collection that feels both personal and powerful: a rare blend of nostalgia and innovation.

Reimagined, Not Replicated

What makes Alexandria’s fragrances so compelling isn’t just their uncanny resemblance to the originals – it’s the fact that they often improve on them. They’re the best dupe perfumes on the market, using premium materials and a meticulous blending process, Alexandria captures the essence of a scent while dialing up the richness, projection, or complexity that might’ve been missing from the original (especially post-reformulation).

Whether you’re chasing a long-lost designer cologne or a niche floral that vanished too soon, Alexandria has a way of resurrecting scent stories — and adding a modern twist that keeps them relevant.

Luxury You Can Live With

Let’s talk value. Alexandria fragrances don’t come with celebrity endorsements or glossy ad campaigns. What they do come with is quality, and a price tag that doesn’t make you flinch.

The bottles are elegant, the scents long-lasting, and the craftsmanship unmistakable. This is luxury that doesn’t just sit on a shelf – it’s made to be worn, layered, loved, and complimented.

And because the price point is refreshingly down-to-earth, you can build a scent wardrobe that covers every mood, memory, and moment, not just “special occasions.”

Something for Every Scent Story

Alexandria’s collection spans everything from bold oud-laced powerhouses to soft, skin-hugging florals and dreamy gourmand blends. There are fan-favorites inspired by iconic masculine classics and sensual feminine staples – plus original creations that stand entirely on their own.

And if you’re unsure where to start, Alexandria makes it easy with sample sets designed to help you discover your next signature without committing blindly.

An Underground Hit Goes Mainstream

What started as a cult secret among fragrance aficionados has blossomed into a full-fledged community. Online reviews are glowing. Social media is peppered with scent hauls and comparisons. And still, Alexandria retains its indie charm – a brand that values craft over hype, substance over flash.

For those who wear fragrance not as a trend but as a personal expression, Alexandria Fragrances UK is more than just an alternative to the mainstream. It’s a return to what made perfume magical in the first place.

So go ahead – find the scent you thought you lost. Or better yet, find a new one that reminds you why you fell in love with fragrance to begin with.

Because great perfume doesn’t have an expiration date and Alexandria is here to prove it.

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Business

Nvidia is taking a major leap in European AI development with plans to launch its first industrial AI cloud platform in Germany, announced CEO Jensen Huang during the VivaTech conference in Paris.

This AI-powered cloud infrastructure will focus on industrial applications, combining artificial intelligence and robotics to support automotive giants such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The technology will aid everything from product design simulation to logistics management, enabling smarter and more efficient operations.

Massive AI Expansion Plans for Europe

As part of a broader strategy to boost AI capabilities across the continent, Huang revealed Nvidia will:

  • Expand technology centers in seven European countries
  • Open up its compute marketplace to European businesses
  • Support multilingual AI model development
  • Collaborate in drug discovery with major pharma players like Novo Nordisk

“In just two years, we will increase the amount of AI computing capacity in Europe by a factor of 10,” Huang stated, emphasizing the urgency for European nations to invest in AI factories—large-scale data centers designed to develop and deploy cutting-edge AI models.

Nvidia plans to build 20 such AI factories in Europe, reinforcing its commitment to supporting sovereign AI infrastructure, which Huang described as essential for national and industrial independence.

“No company, industry, or nation can outsource its intelligence,” Huang added, underlining the strategic importance of domestic AI development.

AI Cloud for Germany: Location Still Undisclosed

While Nvidia confirmed that the AI cloud platform will be built in Germany, it did not disclose the exact location, timeline, or investment amount. However, sources say Huang is expected to meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Friday, hinting at possible governmental collaboration.

If confirmed, the German facility would be a significant win for the country, especially after delays in local factory plans by companies like Intel and Wolfspeed.

Partnering with Europe’s AI Champions

Nvidia is also joining forces with French AI leader Mistral to provide AI computing powered by 18,000 Nvidia chips, tailored for European companies—strengthening Europe’s AI sovereignty.

Quantum Computing at the Forefront

Beyond AI, Huang reiterated that quantum computing is nearing a breakthrough. He believes it could soon solve problems that even Nvidia’s most powerful AI chips would struggle with, marking a turning point in computational science.

Nvidia’s ambitious push in Europe signals a transformative era in AI infrastructure, with Germany set to become a central hub in the company’s global strategy.

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Business

Oil markets opened the week on a cautious note, with prices holding steady ahead of critical U.S.-China trade talks set to take place in London. The meetings are expected to influence global economic momentum—and by extension, fuel demand forecasts for crude oil.

As of 0940 GMT on Monday, Brent crude edged up by 4 cents to $66.51 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dipped slightly by 1 cent to $64.57. The minor movement comes after a strong performance last week, with Brent rising 4% and WTI soaring 6.2% amid growing optimism around a trade resolution.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping recently spoke over the phone, setting the stage for the London negotiations. Markets are hoping a thaw in trade tensions will strengthen global growth prospects and reinvigorate demand for energy commodities.

“Bad timing for crude oil, which was testing the top of the range and knocking on the door of a technical break above $65,” noted Tony Sycamore, market analyst at IG, referring to the WTI benchmark.

The talks could overshadow a slew of bearish data out of China, where export growth slowed and factory-gate deflation hit a two-year low. Additionally, China’s crude oil imports fell to a four-month low in May due to scheduled maintenance by state-owned and independent refiners.

Still, traders appear more focused on the macro picture. A successful U.S.-China trade deal could offset worries about China’s cooling economy and even buffer the impact of increased oil output expected next month from OPEC+ nations.

As global economic negotiations unfold, crude oil markets are bracing for a decisive shift—either toward renewed growth or further uncertainty.

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Business

In a surprising pivot, China has extended a rare diplomatic olive branch to U.S. and European auto giants, offering a lifeline amid growing fears of a rare earth supply crisis that threatened to cripple global auto production.

The Ministry of Commerce announced a new “green channel” to fast-track export licenses for qualifying European firms, following urgent trade talks between Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic in Paris.

Additionally, Reuters reports that Beijing has granted export licenses to key suppliers of General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis—a significant concession after months of export curbs that stoked production shutdowns across the automotive sector.

The sudden move follows pressure from industry groups like the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), which warned that member companies were just weeks away from production stoppages due to depleting rare earth magnet inventories.

“We’re gradually coming into a very, very critical moment… We are potentially going to see production stoppages,” said Jonathan O’Riordan, trade director at ACEA.

Rare earth elements, vital to electric and combustion vehicles alike, have been at the center of a growing geopolitical tug-of-war. In April, China imposed restrictions on key rare earth exports in response to escalating U.S. tariffs—moves that reverberated across Europe and Japan.

China currently dominates roughly 60% of global rare earth supply, making its trade decisions a critical bottleneck for the global EV transition. The latest developments, however, suggest a measured de-escalation, at least toward European allies.

“It’s a huge bureaucratic monster… I’m not sure if they can really speed up the process,” said Maximilian Butek of the German Chamber of Commerce in China.

While European automakers may breathe a short sigh of relief, experts stress the urgent need for long-term supply chain diversification to prevent future shocks. For now, the green channel represents a strategic pause in a brewing trade war—but not a resolution.

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Business

Gold prices edged higher on Monday, supported by a softer U.S. dollar and renewed focus on U.S.-China trade talks, as investors gravitate toward safe-haven assets amid global uncertainty.

As of 0806 GMT, spot gold rose 0.4% to $3,323.71 an ounce, recovering from earlier lows of $3,293.29—the lowest since June 2. Analysts point to persistent concerns around trade, geopolitics, and weak global growth as ongoing drivers of gold demand.

“Investors recognise that key drivers of gold like trade and geopolitical tensions, debt concerns and weak economic growth, remain in place,” said Giovanni Staunovo, analyst at UBS.

Tensions are high ahead of Monday’s U.S.-China trade talks in London, as both nations attempt to ease a widening rift marked by tariffs and export controls that threaten global supply chains.

Gold’s climb is also fueled by a reassessment of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate path, following stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs data. Markets now anticipate just one rate cut this year, likely in October. Traders are watching closely for U.S. CPI data due Wednesday, which could further shape expectations.

Adding to the bullish momentum, China’s central bank boosted its gold reserves for the seventh consecutive month, reflecting ongoing global demand from institutional buyers.

Meanwhile, platinum extended its rally for the sixth straight session, surging 3% to $1,210.80—its highest level since May 2021.

“The rally is supported by a combination of tight supply expectations, improving industrial sentiment, and technical follow-through,” said Alexander Zumpfe of Heraeus Metals Germany.

Other precious metals followed suit:

  • Spot silver rose 1% to $36.30 per ounce
  • Palladium jumped 2.3% to $1,070.97

With macroeconomic uncertainties and central banks reinforcing their gold reserves, precious metals continue to shine as global investors seek safety, stability, and strategic value.

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Business

Capital One has officially completed its $35 billion acquisition of Discover Financial Services, a transformational deal that positions the company as the largest credit card issuer in the United States by loan volume.

Finalized on Sunday, May 18, the long-awaited merger unites two powerhouse brands in the financial services industry, marking a strategic move to significantly expand Capital One’s reach in credit, payments, and digital banking.

“This deal brings together two innovative, mission-driven companies that together are poised to deliver breakthrough products and experiences,” said Richard D. Fairbank, Founder and CEO of Capital One. “We are well-positioned to continue our quest to change banking for good for millions of customers.”

The merger was first announced in February 2024 and received regulatory approvals from the Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Delaware State Bank Commissioner.

Despite regulatory clearance, the deal faced opposition from some lawmakers. Rep. Maxine Waters and Sen. Elizabeth Warren urged the Federal Reserve to reconsider, citing potential negative effects on consumers and small businesses.

“Merchants would have no choice but to accept the terms dictated by Capital One’s network,” they warned, expressing concerns about reduced competition in the payments industry.

Still, the merger proceeded, giving Capital One significant leverage. Through Discover’s independent payments network, Capital One can now compete directly with Visa and Mastercard, two giants that have long dominated the global payments landscape.

The acquisition not only scales Capital One’s credit card business but also strengthens its capabilities in cross-border commerce and payments technology. By owning Discover’s infrastructure, Capital One accelerates its vision to build a fully integrated payments ecosystem.

In related news, Capital One recently agreed to a $455 million settlement in a lawsuit regarding misleading interest rates offered on its 360 Savings accounts—highlighting the company’s ongoing regulatory and consumer-facing challenges.

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