February 17, 2017 | Leave a comment API watch: Standard Chartered launches new API platform Standard Chartered is the latest bank to roll out an API platform, launching their version last week. While payments companies are better known for their API platforms, banks are catching up. While I always think of BBVA as the banking API leader today, the field is getting more crowded with others such as Citi and Silicon Valley Bank also in the fray. Nasdaq launches venture fund After dabbling in fintech investments around blockchain and AI, Nasdaq is joining the long list of corporate financial firms setting up a formal venture shop. However, Nasdaq is nearly three years behind rival CME Group, who launched in mid-2014. While the launch has not been formally announced, it appears that the focus will be on investing in companies that can help grow Nasdaq’s corporate business, positioning themselves as a corporate partner rather than a just a provider of capital. Everyone is getting a digital wallet – even auto makers Daimler Financial Services is building its own payments solution called “Mercedes pay”, aided in part by the acquisition of PayCash Europe. Mercedes pay will be integrated into Daimler’s Mobility offerings, and will include a digital wallet so that “customers… will only need to provide their payment details one time, in order to be able to use a range of Daimler’s services.” No word on whether or not customers actually want another niche digital wallet… CrediFi raises more cash for CRE data CrediFi, a provider of data and analytics for commercial real estate, has raised a Series B round totaling $13 million. The company claims to have data covering $1.2 trillion in loans and 2.3 million properties, and provides access to the data either through their platforms or into the customer’s software via API. Previous investors Battery Ventures and Carmel Ventures participated.