Asia

September 21, 2025 @ 10:17 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Singapore’s central bank pledged to safeguard price stability and financial sector resilience while deepening innovation and climate transition efforts, as global uncertainties weigh on growth prospects. Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who also oversees the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), said in an addendum… Read More

September 20, 2025 @ 2:19 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

SoftBank Vision Fund, the fintech venture capital powerhouse, announced plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 20% as part of a broader initiative to channel resources into artificial intelligence -focused ventures. The decision, which has sent ripples through the investment community, underscores the fund’s push… Read More

September 18, 2025 @ 10:48 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has made announcements that underscore a commitment to robust data protection and innovative financing for regional challenges. On one front, ADGM has introduced new rules aim to enhance privacy safeguards under its Data Protection Regulations 2021. On another, a strategic… Read More

September 18, 2025 @ 2:04 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In a boost to Saudi Arabia’s digital payments ecosystem, global payments intelligence company Thunes has announced key developments: a live partnership with mobile wallet provider barq and an expansion of its real-time cross-border payment capabilities directly into the Kingdom. These moves, aligning seamlessly with Saudi… Read More

September 18, 2025 @ 12:55 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) continues to support strategic initiatives that aim to bolster financial stability and value creation. Recent developments, including enhanced regional cooperation with entities like the HKMA, calls for transformational leadership in corporate governance, and a push for risk resilience, underscore… Read More

September 17, 2025 @ 10:49 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Pakistan’s  Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) has issued a call to global cryptocurrency firms to apply for local licenses. The initiative, announced by the finance ministry, aims to integrate Pakistan’s expanding crypto market—estimated to serve 40 million users—into the global digital economy. This development signals… Read More

September 17, 2025 @ 5:39 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

In an escalation of efforts to curb Iran’s illicit financial activities, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions on September 16, 2025, targeting a sophisticated shadow banking network. This operation, valued at over $600 million in cryptocurrency inflows,… Read More

September 17, 2025 @ 8:22 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Greater China private capital market, encompassing mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, experienced a continued slowdown in investment activity in the first half of 2025, driven by macroeconomic pressures, geopolitical uncertainties, and global capital reallocation. According to PitchBook s 2025 Greater China Private… Read More

September 17, 2025 @ 1:17 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank), which claims to be one of the nation’s largest banks, has made significant strides across physical expansion, financial performance, and technological partnerships. These developments underscore Maybank’s commitment to enhancing accessibility, sustaining growth, and embracing digital transformation amid evolving market demands. These… Read More

September 17, 2025 @ 12:12 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (HKMC) announces that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China International Capital Corporation Limited (CICC) in Hong Kong, China on co-operation of Infrastructure Financing and Securitisation (IFS). Both parties will enhance co-operation across multiple areas, such… Read More

September 16, 2025 @ 8:05 am By Omar Faridi  |  

HashKey Exchange, Hong Kong’s licensed virtual asset exchange,  announced an enhanced collab with Elliptic, a global enabler of  blockchain analytics and compliance solutions. Building on its compliance and risk management framework, HashKey Exchange is said to be “strengthening its capabilities in anti-money laundering (AML), Know-Your-Transaction… Read More

September 16, 2025 @ 8:00 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Standard Chartered‘s innovation arm, SC Ventures, is gearing up to launch a substantial $250 million investment vehicle dedicated to digital assets within financial services. According to reports from Bloomberg, the initiative aims to attract commitments from investors, particularly those in the Middle East, with the… Read More

September 16, 2025 @ 3:28 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency, where digital assets promise innovation but also harbor risks like fraud and money laundering, tools like those from Chainalysis can be useful. Blockchain analytics firms Chainalysis claims that it has been at the forefront of providing more clarity… Read More

September 16, 2025 @ 2:27 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In the evolving ecosystem of cryptocurrency and financial planning, OKX is making strides to bridge traditional finance with digital assets. The crypto exchange has unveiled two groundbreaking updates: a SMSF-compatible platform tailored for Australian retirement savers and the integration of Tether’s USDT0 on its X… Read More

September 16, 2025 @ 1:26 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s financial technology landscape continues to evolve at a steady pace, as highlighted in the latest Saudi Fintech Annual Report. Released amid the nation’s Vision 2030 initiatives, this comprehensive document underscores the sector’s pivotal role in diversifying the economy and enhancing… Read More

September 16, 2025 @ 12:24 am By Omar Faridi  |  

UnionPay International (UPI) has initiated a pilot program for cross-border QR code payments between China and Indonesia. This project aims to streamline digital transactions, fostering stronger economic ties between the two nations by enabling seamless payments for travelers and merchants. The pilot, currently in a… Read More

September 14, 2025 @ 7:19 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Asia Pacific markets are demonstrating cautious optimism despite global economic headwinds, with the region emerging as a key driver of cross-border capital flows, according to Colliers’ Global Capital Flows September 2025 report. Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong secured positions among the world’s top 10 sources… Read More

September 13, 2025 @ 2:12 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Central banks are grappling with transformative challenges, from liquidity management to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and the implications of global trade shifts. Updates from the Riksbank, Sweden’s central bank, and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) highlight critical developments that underscore the need… Read More

September 11, 2025 @ 9:37 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

South Korean fintech Toss, operated by Viva Republica, is gearing up for its first international venture by launching its “all-in-one” finance app in Australia before the end of 2025. This move marks a significant step in the company’s plans to become a global fintech platform,… Read More

September 11, 2025 @ 12:33 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The rise of stablecoins has transformed the financial landscape, offering faster, programmable payments while introducing complex regulatory and compliance challenges. As banks and financial institutions increasingly engage with stablecoin issuers, managing associated risks—regulatory, cybersecurity, operational, liquidity, and counterparty—has become paramount. Recent updates from the Wolfsberg… Read More