December 21, 2023 @ 3:10 am By Michael Wong  |  

Abu Dhabi-based Changer.ae has been granted a license by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to operate as a cryptocurrency custodian service. As the first regionally built, independent virtual asset custody provider in the UAE, Changer addresses the increasing… Read More

December 20, 2023 @ 10:04 pm By Michael Wong  |  

A new survey has highlighted a growing trend among Indian consumers towards using digital services for loans and financial transactions, coupled with a significant lack of awareness about data privacy. According to Home Credit India’s ‘How India Borrows Survey 2023’, only 18% of borrowers surveyed… Read More

December 17, 2023 @ 4:07 pm By Michael Wong  |  

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Economy and the Government Development has nominated ABHI, a Pakistani fintech operator, as one of the emerging companies contributing significantly to the nation’s economic sector. This recognition came as ABHI recently inked a deal with Visa Inc. and… Read More

December 17, 2023 @ 3:11 pm By Michael Wong  |  

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has officially introduced a set of rules aimed at regulating “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) services, marking a significant step in overseeing and controlling this rapidly growing sector. This development, as stated in a recent SAMA press release, is part… Read More

December 17, 2023 @ 2:46 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Warply, a rapidly expanding fintech innovator in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, has announced a significant collaboration with global payments technology company Mastercard. This partnership, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), is set to propel digital transformation in key MENA markets,… Read More

December 17, 2023 @ 6:17 am By Michael Wong  |  

The Association of Chief Audit Executives of Banks in Nigeria (ACAEBIN) has urged for tougher regulations in the fintech sector and the operations of Bureaux de Change. This call was made by ACAEBIN Chairman, Prince Akamadu, during the association’s 57th quarterly general meeting in Lagos…. Read More

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