Big deals, bold launches, and global moves — this week’s financial headlines spotlight everything from home savings in Canada to a $24 billion payments mega-deal.

Interactive Brokers, also known as IBKR, has introduced the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) for eligible Canadian residents, offering tax-free investment growth

Interactive Brokers, commonly known as IBKR, has introduced the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) for eligible Canadian residents. This new offering provides a valuable tax-free option for individuals to save and invest in their preferred assets as they work towards buying their first home.

The FHSA is designed to help Canadians save up to $80,000 in a tax-free manner over 15 years, with annual contributions limited to $8,000 or, in 2025, the maximum yearly TFSA contribution, whichever is greater.

Those eligible for the FHSA include Canadian residents aged 18 or older who are planning to purchase their first home. They can open the account directly through the Interactive Brokers Canada website or mobile app.

FPFX Tech, a technology provider serving the proprietary trading industry, has opened a new office in Limassol, Cyprus. This move is part of FPFX Tech’s broader international expansion strategy, aiming to bring its advanced trading technology solutions to a wider range of clients in the European market.

The company’s cutting-edge technology solutions are designed to empower market-makers, hedge funds, and other institutional traders with efficient and high-performance trading capabilities.

Singapore-based investment platform Syfe has won the race to acquire Selfwealth, one of Australia’s top digital investing platforms, for A$65 million ($54.5 million).

The acquisition comes after a six-month bidding contest that began in January 2025, with several bidders vying for the Australian fintech.

Syfe's bid ultimately prevailed, and the deal is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026, pending approval from relevant authorities.

Food tech startup Spoon Technologies, backed by UnionPay and venture capitalists, is planning to launch its food delivery services in mid-2026.

The company, which offers food delivery and a digital yuan payment gateway, aims to expand rapidly and become a major player in the Chinese food tech industry.

Spoon Technologies is also developing a digital yuan payment service that will allow users to make contactless payments at over 100,000 stores and restaurants in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.

Global banking technology provider Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) will acquire the Issuer Solutions unit of Global Payments Inc for $13.5 billion in cash and take over the equity units of the Global's private equity fund.

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

The deal will see FIS gain a leading issuer processing and technology provider, while Global Payments can focus on driving growth in its core merchant and integrated payments business.

Syfe Technologies, a leading Southeast Asian investment platform, is acquiring Australian digital investing platform Selfwealth in a A$65 million ($54.5 million) all-cash deal.

The acquisition will create a pan-Asian investment platform with over A$3 billion in customer assets under management and an expansive reach across key Southeast Asian and Australian markets.

The move follows a six-month bidding contest that began in January with several bidders, including Count Financial and OpenMarkets.

After a competitive process, Syfe's bid was ultimately successful.

Small-business bank Huntington Ingalls Industries is planning to launch a new checking account designed specifically for gig workers and freelancers.

The bank, which has been expanding its offerings to cater to a broader range of customers, sees an opportunity to serve the growing contingent workforce with a product tailored to their unique needs.

The new checking account will offer features such as flexible fee structures, early pay options, and integration with gig economy platforms.

Gig workers and freelancers often face challenges with traditional checking accounts, such as high fees and limited flexibility.

To help customers save money on home heating this winter, Canadian energy provider EnerQi is offering a new program that provides financial assistance and energy-saving tips.

The program, called "Winter Energy Savings," will provide up to $500 in direct financial aid to customers struggling to pay their heating bills.

Applicants must demonstrate a financial need and be actively engaged in energy-saving practices to qualify for the assistance.

In addition to the financial aid, EnerQi will offer a series of free webinars and online resources to help customers save energy and reduce their heating costs.

"We are committed to helping our customers stay warm and safe this winter," said EnerQi CEO Jean-Pierre Monahan.

To further its international expansion, FPFX Tech, a leading technology provider serving the proprietary trading industry, has announced the opening of a new office in Limassol, Cyprus.

This strategic move will enable FPFX Tech to forge deeper connections with clients and partners in the European region.

The company's advanced technology solutions are designed to empower market-makers, hedge funds, and other institutional traders with efficient and high-performance trading