December 16, 2023 @ 1:33 pm By Michael Wong  |  

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director’s recent visit to Korea highlighted the urgency of establishing stringent regulations for the cryptocurrency sector. Addressing a conference in Korea, Kristalina Georgieva emphasized the critical need for robust rules in managing the risks associated with digital currencies, drawing… Read More

December 16, 2023 @ 12:22 pm By Michael Wong  |  

OneDegree, a Hong Kong-based insurer specializing in digital assets, has formed a strategic alliance with Dubai Insurance Company to introduce digital asset insurance in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This partnership includes Dubai Insurance’s investment in OneDegree’s Series B funding round. The collaboration aims to… Read More

December 16, 2023 @ 8:44 am By Michael Wong  |  

The online lending sector in India is witnessing a significant upswing, as highlighted in a recent report by the Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE). The report details a notable annual growth of 39% in digital loan disbursement volumes and a 43% increase in value,… Read More

December 12, 2023 @ 9:35 am By Michael Wong  |  

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched a “regulatory sandbox” framework, issuing preliminary guidelines to foster innovation in the financial technology (Fintech) sector. This initiative, part of the central bank’s Vision 2028 strategy, aims to create a more collaborative regulatory environment for startups and… Read More

December 11, 2023 @ 9:43 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Mumbai-based Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), Ashv Finance, part of the Aavishkaar Group, has announced raising $10 million in fresh funding from Encourage Capital. This round of funding marks a pivotal step for the company in expanding its services across India. Intellecap served as the exclusive… Read More

December 11, 2023 @ 8:45 am By Michael Wong  |  

The European Union (EU) is set to significantly expand the powers of the European Central Bank (ECB), entrusting it with the oversight of risks associated with climate change and the burgeoning digital asset market. This sweeping update, detailed earlier this week, positions the ECB at… Read More

December 10, 2023 @ 4:55 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Lendo, a Saudi Arabia-based Shariah-compliant debt crowdfunding marketplace, has announced raising about $28 million in its Series B funding round anchored by Public Investment Fund (PIF)’s Sanabil Investments. The round also saw participation from Shorooq Partners, AB Ventures, and other investors, according to the announcement…. Read More

December 10, 2023 @ 4:54 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Tokyo-based fintech startup Yoii has announced raising $5.5 million in a Series A funding round anchored by Emellience Partners. The startup, which provides a revenue-based financing (RBF) platform, said the round was also backed by Itochu Technology Ventures, FFG Venture Business Partners, and five other… Read More

December 10, 2023 @ 4:44 pm By Michael Wong  |  

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has announced a series of new initiatives in digital finance and capital markets, aimed at strengthening financial cooperation with China. These initiatives were unveiled at the 19th Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) in Tianjin, co-chaired by Singapore Deputy… Read More

December 10, 2023 @ 3:33 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Experts in Kenya have criticized digital lenders for charging high interest rates, often perceived as infringing consumer rights. Reportedly, the average interest rate for a 30-day digital loan ranges from 20-30% for online lenders, based on the borrower’s risk profile. For a Sh1,000 loan, the… Read More

December 9, 2023 @ 2:07 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Fintech firm Pontera has raised $60 million in a funding round led by ICONIQ Growth, bringing its total funding to $160 million, according to an announcement. This investment highlights Pontera’s commitment to improving retirement account management for the 85 million Americans with workplace retirement plans,… Read More

December 5, 2023 @ 7:17 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Philippine-based fintech superapp GCash has teamed up with agritech startup Mayani to provide local farmers and fisherfolk with access to a financial platform that will support their needs, according to an announcement. The two tech players teamed-up with a joint mandate to create the Philippines’… Read More

December 4, 2023 @ 6:01 pm By Michael Wong  |  

The digital lending market in the Philippines is poised for a significant expansion, with expectations to grow by 45.4%, reaching $488.8 million this year, from just $336 million a year earlier. This forecast, as per the latest report by PayNEXT360, a research and consulting firm… Read More

December 3, 2023 @ 10:48 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Paysend, a London-based fintech company specializing in international money transfers for both consumers and businesses, has announced a substantial $65 million funding boost in its latest round. This round was backed by influential brands, including Mastercard and TelevisaUnivision, and sees continued support from existing investors… Read More

December 3, 2023 @ 3:03 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Coinchange, a digital asset platform that enables businesses to trade and access yield as a service, has announced raising $10 million in its latest funding round to help finance its planned expansion. The round was backed by key investment players including Good News Ventures, Spirit… Read More

December 3, 2023 @ 3:00 pm By Michael Wong  |  

U.S. Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has voiced strong opposition to Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), emphasizing the risks they pose to individual freedoms and privacy. In a recent social media post, Ramaswamy firmly rejected the idea of CBDCs, suggesting they pave the way for… Read More

December 3, 2023 @ 11:37 am By Michael Wong  |  

Verto, a London-based fintech and payment solutions provider, has partnered with United Bank of Africa (UBA) to officially enter Kenya and the East Africa market, according to an announcement. The partnership marks a crucial step forward in providing enhanced financial transaction platforms for entrepreneurs, small… Read More

December 3, 2023 @ 9:11 am By Michael Wong  |  

GX Bank Berhad (GXBank), Malaysia’s first digital bank backed by Southeast Asia’s super app Grab, has officially launched its app, marking a significant milestone in the country’s banking sector. The launch event, attended by high-profile figures including YBhg. Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican, Secretary General of… Read More

December 2, 2023 @ 3:48 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Paytabs, a payment solutions provider in the MENA region, announced the launch of PayTabs Issuance — secure prepaid card issuing solutions aimed at scaling business operations regionally. Abdulaziz Al Jouf, CEO and founder of PayTabs Group, emphasized the potential of the issuing market in the… Read More

December 2, 2023 @ 8:58 am By Michael Wong  |  

Buenos Aires-based fintech firm Uala has launched a no-fee credit card in Argentina, targeting the massive population of unbanked Argentines, according to a Bloomberg report. The company, which is backed by investors George Soros, Steve Cohen, and Tencent Holdings, is offering its no-fee credit card… Read More