Asia

September 14, 2023 @ 8:59 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Mastercard (NYSE: MA) and Bahrain Institute of Banking & Finance collaborate “to spur skill development in the regional financial sector” Described as a “first-of-its-kind” collaboration, Mastercard and the Bahrain Institute of Banking & Finance will aim to “initiate a renewed understanding of the latest industry… Read More

September 14, 2023 @ 4:30 pm By Michael Wong  |  

ADDX, the Singapore-based private market exchange, revealed plans to venture into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Middle East/North Africa (MENA) regions. This strategic move aims to enhance the efficient allocation of growth capital and bridge the existing gap between private entities in need of… Read More

September 14, 2023 @ 10:08 am By Michael Wong  |  

In a strategic move aimed at streamlining its operations and capitalizing on growth opportunities, British insurer Aviva plc has unveiled plans to sell its 25.9% stake in Singapore Life Holdings Pte Ltd, commonly known as Singlife, along with two debt instruments, to Sumitomo Life Insurance… Read More

September 14, 2023 @ 8:25 am By Michael Wong  |  

A new report by global index provider FTSE Russell reveals a dip in the interest surrounding sustainable investment (SI) in the Asia-Pacific region. This finding forms part of their annual 2023 global asset owner survey that delves deep into SI’s global reception and application. While… Read More

September 13, 2023 @ 7:09 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Thailand’s digital bank, KASIKORNBANK (KBank), has launched a $100 million flagship fund, KXVC, aimed at fintech startups specializing in AI, Web3, and Deep Tech globally. The move is set to capitalize on the booming digital economy in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, projected to hit $1… Read More

September 13, 2023 @ 9:14 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Qudian Inc. (NYSE: QD), a consumer-oriented technology company, announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2023. As noted by Qudian, the Second Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights are: Total revenues were RMB11.1 million (US$1.5 million), compared to RMB105.4 million for the same… Read More

September 12, 2023 @ 7:39 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Crypto exchange Bitget has introduced a $100 million fund in order to make strategic investments in exchanges, data analytics and other initiatives. As widely reported, Bitget’s EmpowerX Fund should support efforts related to expanding and further diversifying the crypto provider’s solutions.  The fund is expected… Read More

September 12, 2023 @ 7:55 am By Omar Faridi  |  

  The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has published its joint report on Project Sela. The initiative focused on the cybersecurity, technical, and policy aspects of a retail CBDC implementation. The HKMA is working with the Bank of Israel (BOI) and the Bank for International… Read More

September 11, 2023 @ 10:50 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Under its chairmanship of ASEAN this year, Indonesia is placing a strong emphasis on the expansion and enhancement of the region’s local currency transaction (LCT) network. The move is aimed at fortifying trade and investment, streamlining cross-border payments, and advancing financial asset substitutability. Iss Savitri… Read More

September 11, 2023 @ 10:02 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Globe, the telecommunications service provider and digital solutions platform in the Philippines, has partnered with international insurtech bolttech in order “to launch Gadget Xchange, a new mobile device program that will make postpaid device switching easier, no questions asked.” The innovative program reportedly “offers greater… Read More

September 11, 2023 @ 5:35 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Digital asset firm Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) provided a clarification following a an update indicating that the exchange operator will be suspending business operations for consumers residing in India. As widely reported, Coinbase India clients will cautioned via an email message that crypto services will no longer… Read More

September 11, 2023 @ 7:59 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Animoca Brands Corporation Limited, the company advancing digital property rights for gaming and the open metaverse, announced it has received binding commitments for a funding round to accelerate Mocaverse, one of the Company’s marquee projects. Animoca Brands has raised US$20 million (approximately A$31.3 million) via… Read More

September 11, 2023 @ 7:50 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Financial Stability Board (FSB) have advanced policy and regulatory recommendations “to identify and respond to macroeconomic and financial stability risks associated with crypto-assets.” Crypto-assets have been in existence “for more than a decade and have displayed significant volatility…. Read More

September 10, 2023 @ 11:42 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

LHV Bank, the UK’s newest licensed bank, has rolled out a new loan system for its SME Lending division, transitioning to the cloud-based banking system of its SaaS partner, Tuum. This move consolidates the bank’s architecture, “enhances resource allocation, and establishes a robust futureproof framework,… Read More

September 10, 2023 @ 5:16 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Ant Group Digital Technologies has launched a brand called ZAN which comprises of a full suite of blockchain application development products and services “for both institutional and individual Web3 developers.” For institutional customers, ZAN provides “a solution to help them issue and manage real world… Read More

September 10, 2023 @ 11:21 am By Michael Wong  |  

Tykhe Capital Group Limited (Tykhe) unveiled the PRINCE Token today, marking Hong Kong’s premier real estate fund security token offering (STO) accessible to professional investors. This initiative is the inaugural STO sanctioned under the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) regulations. Enabled by Tykhe’s virtual asset… Read More

September 10, 2023 @ 11:10 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Ant Group unveiled its financial large language model at the 2023 INCLUSION·Conference on the Bund, alongside two new applications powered by the financial LLM including Zhixiaobao 2.0, an intelligent financial assistant for consumers, and Zhixiaozhu 1.0, an intelligent business assistant serving financial industry professionals. According… Read More

September 10, 2023 @ 10:55 am By Michael Wong  |  

Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank (VPBank) and the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) signed a commitment letter for a bilateral loan valued at $300 million. The loan, with a tenure of seven years, is primarily targeted at enhancing financial accessibility for small- and… Read More

September 9, 2023 @ 4:35 pm By Michael Wong  |  

In a notable demonstration of faith in Central Asia’s growth potential, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has invested and mobilized a staggering $1.6 billion in the region during fiscal year 2023 (FY23). This investment, the highest ever for… Read More

September 9, 2023 @ 3:43 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), a top-tier exchange group globally, marked the inauguration of its latest office in London this week, further amplifying its international influence. A celebratory reception was held in The City of London. Nicolas Aguzin, HKEX Chief Executive Officer, alongside… Read More