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> For once, the USA seem to have no competitive advantage.

For some businesses maybe, but given that in the past week or so, Square filed to IPO and Stripe raised several more tens of millions, it seems there's plenty of 'gravity' here too.

The global reserve currency will always act as a dramatic inherent advantage; it acts as a massive force of gravity. As will having the world's largest economy, the largest government, the largest bond and debt markets, the largest tax base, ~40% of all global private wealth, the largest real estate market, and by far the largest stock market. It also has by far the best business / financial news, and financial information systems. Add all of that together, under one integrated market, and the US will continue to have remarkable advantages in fintech.

And the most majestic eagles.

The US has the largest local markets, but London is larger for international transactions and many markets such as foreign exchange and derivatives.

And the UK government is actively encouraging challenger banks.