Asia

January 19, 2026 @ 12:51 am By Michael Wong  |  

Veera, a Singapore-based crypto financial services platform focused on self-custody wallets and decentralised finance tools, has raised $10 million across its pre-seed and seed funding rounds as it expands its on-chain financial services and prepares to roll out a crypto-linked payment card. The company said… Read More

January 18, 2026 @ 6:12 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Chainalysis revealed in a report that in the midst of escalating geopolitical strife and internal upheaval, Iran’s cryptocurrency landscape has expanded dramatically, reaching a valuation exceeding $7.78 billion throughout 2025. Chainalysis also mentioned that this growth outstripped the previous year’s pace for much of the… Read More

January 17, 2026 @ 1:55 am By Tony Zerucha  |  

Singapore Gulf Bank has further strengthened its relationship with J.P. Morgan by opening a correspondent banking account, granting it direct access to one of the world’s most established USD clearing networks. The collaboration fortifies Singapore Gulf Bank’s existing network of correspondent banks and payment systems,… Read More

January 16, 2026 @ 7:08 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Hong Kong-based WeLab has reportedly closed a $220 million Series D funding round, marking the biggest capital raise for a digital banking group in the region this year. This milestone underscores growing investor enthusiasm for financial technologies amid evolving economic landscapes. Founded in 2013, WeLab… Read More

January 16, 2026 @ 7:07 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Animoca Brands has finalized the purchase of SOMO, a company focused on crypto-based collectibles and interactive entertainment. This development, announced recently this month, underscores Animoca Brands’ commitment to advancing blockchain-driven experiences that enable users with true digital ownership. Animoca Brands, a key player in the… Read More

January 15, 2026 @ 4:52 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

dLocal Ltd, a payments platform specializing in emerging markets, is set to significantly strengthen its footprint in Asia during 2026. The Uruguay-based fintech company, which enables global merchants to seamlessly connect with consumers in high-growth regions across Latin America and Asia, views the continent as… Read More

January 14, 2026 @ 2:13 am By Michael Wong  |  

Pakistan’s fintech sector has expanded digital access over the past decade, but the harder task is getting people to use digital payments in everyday life as cash retains a strong grip on daily commerce, Pakistan’s The Tribune reported, citing an Asian Development Bank (ADB) assessment… Read More

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