Asia

January 13, 2026 @ 10:08 am By Omar Faridi  |  

HashKey Capital, a global asset manager that is said to be specializing in crypto and blockchain, announced the initial closing of its fourth fund, HashKey Fintech Multi-Strategy Fund IV. The fund concluded with US$250 million in total commitments, exceeding “initial expectations and drawing significant interest”… Read More

January 13, 2026 @ 12:46 am By Michael Wong  |  

Republic Polytechnic (RP) rolled out a campus-wide artificial intelligence (AI) transformation strategy, pledging to redesign curricula, upskill staff, and broaden partnerships with technology firms as Singapore pushes to build a deeper pipeline of AI-skilled talent. RP said the initiative aims to embed practical and responsible… Read More

January 13, 2026 @ 12:32 am By Omar Faridi  |  

South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) is preparing to impose a 5% ceiling on corporate allocations to digital assets. This development, highlighted in recent reports from local outlets like Seoul Economic Daily, signals a cautious yet progressive shift in the nation’s regulatory landscape. The FSC… Read More

January 12, 2026 @ 2:02 pm By JD Alois  |  

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has launched a new crypto regulatory framework. According to a statement distributed by the DFSA, they have monitored market developments over the past three years, while working with policy counterparts and industry insiders to ensure the new rules are… Read More

January 12, 2026 @ 1:42 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the international financial centre in the UAE capital, has taken another significant step forward in supporting its real estate sector. Through its Registration Authority (RA), ADGM recently announced a new integrated suite of real estate services, building upon the comprehensive… Read More

January 11, 2026 @ 10:13 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Malaysia’s top anti-graft official has warned that the absence of clear laws governing online crowdfunding has opened the door to widespread abuse of public donations, as authorities probe alleged misuse linked to high-profile fundraising campaigns. Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Azam Baki said irresponsible… Read More

January 11, 2026 @ 5:14 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Hong Kong is now said to be pushing ahead with enhanced oversight in the web3 and cryptocurrency sector by rolling out mandatory licensing for virtual asset dealers and custodians. This step reportedly aims to broaden the city’s regulatory net, moving past its earlier focus solely… Read More

January 9, 2026 @ 8:09 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Hong Kong’s financial sector is currently undergoing a significant digital transformation, positioning itself as a hub in global finance. In a recent update shared by Oliver Wyman featuring Bonnie Y Chan, CEO of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), it was noted that… Read More

January 9, 2026 @ 4:44 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

As we enter 2026, Pakistan is making strides in its digital finance sector, aiming to attract global capital through targeted reforms and innovative policies. In late 2025, government officials engaged with international fintech leaders from the Middle East to showcase advancements in digital banking and… Read More

January 9, 2026 @ 8:57 am By Omar Faridi  |  

PwC Hong Kong released an update titled “Our Point of View on Stablecoins Distribution,” underscoring the pivotal role stablecoins now play in the digital asset landscape. As cryptocurrencies mature, stablecoins—digital tokens pegged to stable assets like the US dollar—have become indispensable for facilitating seamless, efficient… Read More

January 9, 2026 @ 1:59 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In a step toward further modernizing public transportation, Taipei Metro has introduced a QR code-based payment option, allowing commuters to breeze through station gates using only their smartphones. This initiative, which officially rolled out on January 3, 2026, aims to enhance efficiency and reduce reliance… Read More

January 5, 2026 @ 10:09 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Hong Kong’s financial authorities are joining forces to accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence and fintech innovations across multiple sectors in the coming years. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), led by Chief Executive Eddie Yue Wai-man, is actively engaging with the Securities and Futures… Read More

January 5, 2026 @ 8:21 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Currenc Group Inc said it has agreed to sell its 60% stake in Malaysian cross-border payments hub Tranglo Sdn Bhd to New Margin Holding Limited for $400 million in cash, marking the first completed step in the Nasdaq-listed fintech firm’s broader restructuring and value-unlocking plan…. Read More

January 5, 2026 @ 8:45 am By Michael Wong  |  

The United Arab Emirates has issued two federal decree laws revamping the governance of its capital markets, strengthening the independence and powers of the country’s securities regulator as the Gulf state seeks to bolster investor confidence and align its financial framework with global standards. The… Read More

January 4, 2026 @ 2:28 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

As the world steps into 2026, the landscape of digital payments continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements, regulatory shifts, and changes in consumer behavior. From central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) gaining new features to concerns over cybersecurity and cash accessibility, several trends are poised… Read More

January 3, 2026 @ 1:25 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Knight Fintech, an Indian provider of banking and digital lending infrastructure, has raised $23.6 million in a Series A funding round led by Accel, the company said. The round also saw participation from IIFL and Rocket Capital, along with existing investors Prime Venture Partners, 3one4… Read More

January 2, 2026 @ 4:34 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

In a significant policy shift for one of the world’s most isolated countries, Turkmenistan has reportedly begun regulating cryptocurrency activities as a new framework for virtual assets took effect on January 1, 2026. The legislation permits licensed mining and trading of digital currencies, marking a… Read More

December 31, 2025 @ 1:30 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

In the evolving ecosystem of digital finance, a Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) executive has raised alarms about potential U.S. policy missteps that might undermine America’s position in global monetary innovation. Faryar Shirzad, the cryptocurrency exchange’s chief policy officer, highlighted how limiting incentives on American stablecoins could inadvertently… Read More

December 30, 2025 @ 5:47 pm By JD Alois  |  

Meta (NASDAQ:META) has acquired artificial intelligence firm Manus. The Singapore-based firm is developing autonomous AI agents, and the deal has been valued at between $2 to $3 billion. Manus’s tech is said to be able to execute complex tasks such as booking flights and conducting… Read More

December 30, 2025 @ 5:26 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Hong Kong’s digital banking service provider, Mox Bank, has solidified its position as a fintech powerhouse in 2025, now serving 750,000 customers—representing an impressive 12% of the city’s bankable population. As shared by CEO Barbaros Uygun, the year has been defined by robust expansion across… Read More