Asia

July 5, 2025 @ 8:35 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Malaysia’s central bank launched its flagship Karnival Celik Kewangan (Financial Literacy Carnival) in Tawau on Saturday, as part of a broader push to strengthen financial resilience among underbanked communities. The event was officiated with opening remarks by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Deputy Governor Adnan Zaylani… Read More

July 5, 2025 @ 8:18 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the international financial center of the UAE’s capital, continues to solidify its position as a hub for innovation, transparency, and accessibility in financial and legal services. Two recent developments underscore ADGM’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and progressive ecosystem: the… Read More

July 5, 2025 @ 2:05 am By Michael Wong  |  

Qatar is positioning itself as a regional hub for open banking and Islamic Fintech, supported by robust regulatory frameworks, advanced API infrastructure, and strategic partnerships, according to the latest Islamic Finance Report by the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC). The report outlines how Doha is building… Read More

July 4, 2025 @ 10:15 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

In an evolving global environment, the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) recent updates have examined digital transformation trends that are reshaping economies worldwide. The 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions (AMNC) 2025, held in Tianjin, China, from June 24-26, and related discussions in Europe highlight… Read More

July 4, 2025 @ 9:17 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

In a fast-evolving financial landscape, access to global markets remains a significant challenge for investors in the Middle East, according to an update from Alpaca. Traditional brokerage systems, bogged down by manual processes and lengthy onboarding timelines, have often limited the ability of everyday investors… Read More

July 4, 2025 @ 12:51 am By Michael Wong  |  

Singapore’s central bank will strengthen liquidity risk management rules and overhaul its data collection regime for fund managers, as it seeks to bolster resilience in the country’s asset management sector amid heightened global economic uncertainty. In a keynote speech at the Investment Management Association of… Read More

July 3, 2025 @ 10:32 pm By Michael Wong  |  

The Asia-Pacific crowdfunding market is projected to surge nearly fourfold to $1.93 billion by 2033 from $496.77 million in 2024, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 16.33%, according to a new industry report published by ResearchAndMarkets. The report incorporates adjacent sectors rewards (e-commerce)… Read More

July 3, 2025 @ 9:29 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Oman Investment Authority (OIA) ended 2024 with $53 billion in assets under management and a net profit of $4.12 billion, enabling a $2.1 billion transfer to the state budget and reinforcing its fiscal importance, according to an announcement. Ranked among the top ten global sovereign… Read More

July 3, 2025 @ 8:12 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Vietnam-based artificial intelligence startup AI Hay has raised $10 million in a Series A funding round led by Southeast Asia-focused venture capital firm Argor Capital, the company said in a statement on Wednesday. The latest round, which also drew participation from existing investors Square Peg,… Read More

July 3, 2025 @ 6:53 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Web3 ecosystem, built on the promise of decentralized technologies, continues to face significant security challenges as it grows into a cornerstone of global finance, according to CertiK, a blockchain security firm, which has released its Hack3d report. The Web3 Security Quarterly Report for Q2… Read More

July 3, 2025 @ 1:36 am By Omar Faridi  |  

As the UAE gears up for another season of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), new data from Checkout.com reveals a sharp increase in digital spending during last year’s campaign, with signals pointing to even greater momentum this summer. The number of daily digital transactions in the… Read More

July 3, 2025 @ 1:24 am By Michael Wong  |  

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has proposed new measures to improve investor disclosures and simplify regulatory requirements for complex financial products, in a move aimed at balancing self-directed investing with protections for vulnerable consumers. The consultation paper, published on July 1, outlines enhancements to… Read More

July 2, 2025 @ 8:21 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Global investment major KKR has launched Ascend Asia Financial Services Group, a new financial advisory platform based in Singapore, according to an announcement. It also simultaneously announced the acquisition of Singapore advisory firm finexis and its affiliates. The acquisition, made through funds managed by KKR,… Read More

July 2, 2025 @ 7:15 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Japan Investment Corporation (JIC) has committed JPY3.5 billion ($22.5 million) to Genesia Venture Fund IV, a vehicle managed by Genesia Ventures, Inc., as part of its broader push to strengthen Japan’s startup ecosystem, according to a company announcement. The move also seeks to foster international… Read More

July 1, 2025 @ 10:54 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin has partnered with Thai brokerage Finansia Syrus Securities PCL to boost access to regulated digital asset trading in Thailand, a move that underscores the growing convergence between traditional finance and crypto markets in Southeast Asia. The partnership, involving KuCoin Thailand (operated by… Read More

July 1, 2025 @ 10:15 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Only 28% of Filipinos are familiar with Web3 technologies despite 96% awareness of cryptocurrencies, according to the Philippine Blockchain Industry Report 2025, the country’s first benchmarking study of its blockchain ecosystem. Released by the Blockchain Council of the Philippines in partnership with Gorriceta Africa Cauton… Read More

July 1, 2025 @ 3:50 am By Michael Wong  |  

Southeast Asia’s technology ecosystem raised $2 billion in total funding in the first half of 2025, reflecting both a short-term slowdown and signs of long-term recovery, according to data from Tracxn. The figure marks a 24% decline from the $2.6 billion raised in the second… Read More

July 1, 2025 @ 2:46 am By Michael Wong  |  

Malaysia’s Securities Commission (SC) has proposed a set of regulatory enhancements aimed at strengthening the country’s digital asset exchange (DAX) framework, seeking to accelerate token listings and bolster investor protection measures. According to a consultation paper published on Monday, the proposed changes include allowing certain… Read More

July 1, 2025 @ 1:20 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Southeast Asia’s Maybank has recently shared significant updates focused on advancing sustainability and social impact through innovative financial solutions and strategic partnerships. Recently, Maybank announced initiatives that underscore its commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive future across the ASEAN region. These efforts include providing… Read More

July 1, 2025 @ 12:46 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The APAC private capital outlook, released by PitchBook, offers a comprehensive analysis of the private capital landscape across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, updating forecasts made earlier in the year. Spanning venture capital (VC), private equity (PE), and other asset classes, the report highlights a region… Read More