Asia

January 8, 2025 @ 8:06 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Maybank announced that it launched a counter-fraud security feature on the MAE App called Money Lock, which allows customers to lock funds in the savings or current accounts of their choice from “being digitally accessed, keeping the funds safe from online scammers.” With this added… Read More

January 8, 2025 @ 7:39 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Malaysia-based private equity firm Creador has acquired a controlling stake in Indonesia-based B2B hospitality marketplace MG Group from Indonesia Northstar and other shareholders, marking its entry into the global travel industry. The acquisition highlights Creador’s focus on Southeast Asia’s rapidly recovering travel sector, driven by… Read More

January 8, 2025 @ 7:06 am By Omar Faridi  |  

BRISKPE, a PayU-backed cross-border payment platform, has introduced a solution designed to meet the needs of MSMEs. This platform integrates account-to-account (A2A) transfers, card collections powered by PayU and PayPal, providing exporters, service providers, marketplace sellers and freelancers with “efficiency in managing international transactions.” By… Read More

January 7, 2025 @ 5:15 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) claims that it had a solid 2024, marked by new leadership, greater connectivity and engagement with international markets, the launch of multi-year infrastructure enhancement programs, and fresh trading records that “underscore the market’s vibrancy and resilience.” HKEX introduced… Read More

January 7, 2025 @ 5:06 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Mashreq Pakistan, a subsidiary of the UAE’s Mashreq Bank, has secured a restricted license from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to commence pilot operations as a digital retail bank in the country. The approval marks a significant milestone in Mashreq’s expansion and highlights its… Read More

January 7, 2025 @ 5:04 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Doha Bank in Qatar has officially introduced Visa Commercial Pay. Doha Bank, which claims to be one of the largest private commercial banks in Qatar is reportedly set to become the first banking platform in the market to  launch Visa Commercial Pay (VCP) and the… Read More

January 7, 2025 @ 5:03 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Crypto.com has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), the UAE’s Islamic Bank and a key player focused on the field of Islamic finance, as it expands its market presence in the UAE as well as the wider… Read More

January 7, 2025 @ 5:02 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Qi Card has recently introduced its third-generation app, SuperQi, in collaboration with Ant International. Powered by Alipay+ Wallet Tech solutions, SuperQi reportedly integrates a digital lifestyle super app with a “fully functional” digital banking platform, bringing a new era of financial inclusion and digital services… Read More

January 7, 2025 @ 8:27 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Global payment solutions provider Checkout.com has entered a partnership with noqodi, a payment gateway and financial service provider, to elevate the payment experience for businesses and consumers in the UAE. As part of the collab, Checkout.com will integrate its payment tech with noqodi’s digital platform,… Read More

January 6, 2025 @ 8:58 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Union Bank of India has reportedly introduced various accessibility features in its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) app, now widely known as the Digital Rupee (e₹). As one of the first PSBs to provide this kind of inclusive functionality, Union Bank reaffirms its ongoing commitment… Read More

January 6, 2025 @ 8:57 pm By Michael Wong  |  

United International Holding Co. has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Fintech firm NowPay Corp. to establish a specialized wage processing company in Saudi Arabia, according to a company announcement. The non-binding agreement, effective for two months with an option to extend, outlines… Read More

January 6, 2025 @ 8:50 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Sixteen years ago, Accel embarked on a journey to partner with founders across India—continuing the firm’s history of partnering with founders on a global scale. Accel is now announcing their eighth early-stage fund, a $650 million commitment to empower category-defining startups; companies that will “set… Read More

January 6, 2025 @ 4:20 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

SC Ventures, the fintech investment and incubation division of Standard Chartered, has reportedly launched Labamu, which is described as an invoicing and billing platform for SMEs that are based in the APAC region. Starting in Indonesia, Labamu will reportedly provide SMEs with digital billing, catalogue,… Read More

January 5, 2025 @ 7:10 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Right before of its planned initial public offering (IPO), Fintech company OfBusiness has unveiled the launch of Nexizo.AI. According to the announcement, this platform allows for the discovery of new opportunities, such as potential buyers, obtaining key market insights for more competitive intelligence as well… Read More

January 5, 2025 @ 7:05 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Malaysia’s communications regulator has granted operating licenses to two prominent technology firms, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to tighten oversight of internet messaging and social media platforms. According to a statement issued by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), WeChat, owned… Read More

January 4, 2025 @ 9:25 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region topped the global initial public offering (IPO) market, with 604 companies going for public issues to raise “a total of $33.9 billion” for the calendar year 2024. The performance was driven by strong market sentiment, a favorable macroeconomic environment, and a… Read More

January 2, 2025 @ 8:40 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) licensed “Hiberbay Ink Al-Saoudia for IT Systems” to provide E-wallet solutions. With “Hiberbay Ink Al-Saoudia for IT Systems,” there are now 27 licensed firms providng payments services across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This decision reflects SAMA’s aim to support… Read More

January 2, 2025 @ 4:53 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The initial public offering (IPO) market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region has demonstrated resilience in 2024, with a “sustained” upward trajectory despite a “high inflationary environment” and geopolitical tensions. This, according to a new research report. The APAC market witnessed a significant rise in IPO… Read More

January 2, 2025 @ 4:49 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

WeLab noted that in 2024, their regional expansion strategy has achieved considerable success, with the group now serving nearly 70 million users across Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Indonesia. According to the update from WeLab, this momentum propels them closer to their ambitious goal of… Read More

January 1, 2025 @ 11:10 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently released its Financial Stability Report. The update highlights key developments in the country’s financial ecosystem and what we can expect in 2025. Jaya Vaidhyanathan, CEO, BCT Digital has shared insights with CI on the nation’s banking sector…. Read More