Asia

February 9, 2026 @ 10:20 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In the unpredictable ecosystem of cryptocurrency-facilitated crime, significant updates highlight both the adaptability of underground markets and the intensifying efforts by authorities to dismantle them. Despite global enforcement pushes, TRM Labs noted that some platforms continue to thrive, while others face severe repercussions for their… Read More

February 9, 2026 @ 9:17 am By Michael Wong  |  

South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb’s chief executive apologised to users after a recent Bitcoin overpayment incident, as the platform moved to compensate customers and strengthen internal controls. CEO Lee Jae-won said the company “sincerely apologizes for the concern and inconvenience caused,” adding that Bithumb would… Read More

February 9, 2026 @ 7:12 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Over the years, Regtech SlowMist has emerged as a key player in safeguarding digital assets. Founded in 2018, by a group of network security professionals, the company says it has spent the past eight years navigating the tumultuous landscape of the industry. From boom-and-bust cycles… Read More

February 8, 2026 @ 4:01 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance has proposed a 0.1% tax on turnover for each crypto-asset transfer conducted through platforms operated by licensed service providers, under a draft circular released for public consultation, The Hanoi Times reported. Under the draft framework, crypto-asset transfers and trading would be… Read More

February 8, 2026 @ 11:59 am By Michael Wong  |  

South Korea and Indonesia plan to launch a cross-border QR-code payment service in April, allowing visitors to pay at merchants in either country using their domestic QR payment apps, Indonesia’s central bank said. The planned linkage underscores how central banks are increasingly treating retail payments… Read More

February 8, 2026 @ 1:55 am By Omar Faridi  |  

South Korea’s cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb inadvertently distributed approximately 620,000 Bitcoins—valued at over $40 billion—to around 695 users during a routine promotional campaign. The mishap occurred when staff mistakenly credited accounts with 2,000 BTC per recipient instead of the intended modest cash prize of 2,000 Korean… Read More

February 6, 2026 @ 10:23 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Electric scooter maker SLEEK EV said it has secured an $8.5 million first close in its Series A funding round, led by KYMCO Capital and backed by more than 20 supply-chain partners from Taiwan and mainland China, as it looks to expand production and charging… Read More

February 6, 2026 @ 3:24 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Hong Kong Investment Corporation (HKIC), the city’s US$8 billion sovereign wealth fund, is sharpening its investment strategy by targeting sectors like fintech, aerospace, and artificial intelligence. This move aims to capitalize on Hong Kong’s unique position amid intensifying global competition, geopolitical tensions, and evolving… Read More

February 5, 2026 @ 9:34 pm By Tony Zerucha  |  

Payoneer this week announced the expansion of its global payment platform with new collection capabilities in Indonesia and enhanced local collection services in Mexico. These additions enable customers to transact and receive funds from local buyers and e-commerce platforms faster and more cost-effectively. Payoneer empowers SMBs… Read More

February 5, 2026 @ 3:35 am By Michael Wong  |  

Cross-border payments in Southeast Asia are shifting from pure remittances to “everyday” obligations, like social security contributions, where compliance and local rails are as important as speed. A new Malaysia–Philippines partnership is betting that overseas Filipinos will be an early driver of that interoperable-payments push…. Read More

February 4, 2026 @ 11:24 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has recently rolled out significant initiatives aimed at bolstering the financial landscape in Hong Kong. On February 3, 2026, the authority introduced a comprehensive strategy to propel fintech innovation forward, while a day earlier, it released findings from a… Read More

February 4, 2026 @ 10:22 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing their longstanding partnership.  The agreement, signed in Beijing, coincided with the UK Prime Minister’s official visit to China, underscoring the… Read More

February 4, 2026 @ 7:27 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

IG Group Holdings plc has reportedly wrapped up its acquisition of Independent Reserve, a prominent crypto exchange platform. This development, which received the green light from Singapore’s Monetary Authority, marks a strategic step forward for both entities as they aim to capitalize on the surging… Read More

February 2, 2026 @ 7:41 pm By Michael Wong  |  

In a year when capital is moving faster than diplomacy, two of the world’s most discreet financial hubs chose a quieter venue to compare notes: a closed-door meeting room in Switzerland’s capital. Hong Kong and Switzerland held the eighth Hong Kong–Switzerland Financial Dialogue in Bern… Read More

February 2, 2026 @ 7:33 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

In a move to enhance digital financial services in South Asia, Singapore-based fintech Pine Labs has announced its latest expansion in Sri Lanka. The company revealed a strategic collaboration with Pan Asia Banking Corporation (PABC), one of the island nation’s prominent listed banks. This partnership… Read More

February 2, 2026 @ 4:02 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Asia-based stablecoin trading and payment platform OSL Group said it has raised $200 million (HK$1.56 billion) in equity financing, as the company looks to expand globally and consolidate its position in regulated digital payments and stablecoin infrastructure. OSL said the net proceeds will be used… Read More

February 2, 2026 @ 12:39 am By Michael Wong  |  

For six days ahead of Bangladesh’s national election, the country’s most common political “campaign tool” may not be a rally or a poster, but a throttled digital wallet. Bangladesh Bank is preparing to cap mobile financial service (MFS) transfers at 10,000 taka (about $82) per… Read More

February 1, 2026 @ 5:02 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Sovereign wealth funds typically spread capital across global markets. The Philippines’ newest one says it is narrowing its focus instead. The Maharlika Investment Corporation, the Philippines’ sovereign wealth fund, said it will deploy capital in fiscal year 2026 across four strategic pillars — energy, logistics,… Read More

February 1, 2026 @ 3:05 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

In a new development expected to enhance how Asian SMEs handle transactions, global fintech Adyen (AMS: ADYEN) has formed a strategic alliance with Raptor, a point-of-sale (POS) system provider. This collaboration focuses on easing operational hurdles for the city’s service industry, particularly in food and… Read More

February 1, 2026 @ 12:34 pm By Tony Zerucha  |  

Researchers from Durham University found that successful crowdfunding campaigns tend to be based on clear financials; realistic targets; concise, readable messaging; authentic storytelling and clean, professional visuals. Zhibin Lin, Xue Chena, Jinjuan Yanga, Yan Zengb and Jiayuan Xinc used machine learning to compare 144 successful… Read More