Asia

June 26, 2016 @ 10:40 pm By JD Alois  |  

Earlier this month Chinese search engine Baidu announced it would now require crowdfunding platforms to adhere to a strict set of qualifications designed to limit promotion from less reputable platforms. Baidu stated it would no longer open new accounts for crowdfunding platforms to access their… Read More

June 22, 2016 @ 12:14 pm By Samantha Hurst  |  

Real estate crowdfunding platform CoAssets (NSX:CAX) announced on Wednesday that it has appointed Chew Siang Chee as its new CIO. Chee is known as winner of Asia’s Best Treasurer at the Corporate Treasurer Marquee Awards 2015 and has expertise in cross-border currency transactions. Chee, commented: “Prior to my… Read More

June 22, 2016 @ 12:04 am By JD Alois  |  

Everybody’s Doing It. The State Bank of India (SBI) is the most recent government controlled financial entity that is embracing the Fintech rush. According to multiple reports, India’s largest bank has created a $30 million fund to help startups in the financial sector. The fund… Read More

June 21, 2016 @ 8:21 am By Erin Hobey  |  

Singapore-based private investment firm Shanda Group led Chinese billionaire Tianqiao Chen reported that Chen has raised his stake again in online lending platform Lending Club Corp following the recent ouster of founder and Chief Executive Renaud Laplanche. According to Reuters, Chen increased his Lending Club shares… Read More

June 20, 2016 @ 12:37 pm By JD Alois  |  

  If there is one area of crowdfunding where we consistently hear about unfilled, robust demand, it is Asian money looking to invest in high-quality real estate beyond the borders of their native country. While some real estate markets may be getting a bit hot,… Read More

June 18, 2016 @ 3:42 pm By JD Alois  |  

The Singapore Fintech Consortium and the Fintech Center of Korea, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to work more closely in support of emerging technology in the financial sector. The Singapore group posted a brief statement on the arrangement; We are pleased to sign… Read More

June 16, 2016 @ 7:06 pm By Spencer Li  |  

Auto financing P2P platform Weidai.com received RMB 1 billion Series C Investment Founded in 2011, Weidai.com is China’s first and largest specialty P2P platform that focuses on providing secured automobile loans. It also provides used car financing services through partnerships with used car marketplaces. The company… Read More

June 16, 2016 @ 9:33 am By Oscar Jofre  |  

I’ve been in Shanghai and Hong Kong quite often over the last few months, speaking at events and meeting with partners. As a Canadian, what struck me most is scale. There is outstanding potential here, and that in itself isn’t at all surprising; but for… Read More

June 14, 2016 @ 7:50 am By Karmei Tse  |  

This is interesting. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), a typically conservative government agency, has just released its proposal regarding raising capital online, including a guide on General Solicitation with examples for restricted and unrestricted platforms.  MAS has waved its digital wand over the private… Read More

June 10, 2016 @ 7:38 am By JD Alois  |  

This week the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) revealed their approach to “securities crowdfunding” announcing that platforms may raise up to S$5 million (USD $3.7million) from both sophisticated and retail investors.  The approach is more in line with the UK than the US providing a… Read More

June 9, 2016 @ 7:48 am By JD Alois  |  

In February of 2015, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) published a consultation paper on facilitating investment crowdfunding.  Yesterday MAS published a “Response to Feedback Received” sharing their perspective on easing restrictions to raise capital online. MAS also publish a brief FAQ regarding proposals for… Read More

June 9, 2016 @ 7:20 am By Samantha Hurst  |  

On Wednesday (June 8), the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced it is revamping the country’s crowdfunding industry by offering new ways for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to gain access to funds through securities-based crowdfunding (SCF) platforms easier. MAS stated in a press release it… Read More

June 8, 2016 @ 9:51 am By Erly Witoyo  |  

The spirit of entrepreneurship has always been a part of Islam. Nine out of ten companions of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who were guaranteed heaven were businessmen. Today, entrepreneurs continue to be a driving force of the economy. The lack of financial support for small and… Read More

June 7, 2016 @ 8:41 pm By JD Alois  |  

Lendit is expanding its portfolio of activities this year by launching Lang Di Fintech, their inaugural Chinese conference.  Lang Di means “enlighten” or “inspiration” thus representing the future of finance in the largest Fintech market in the world. Lang Di Fintech will take place in… Read More

June 7, 2016 @ 3:00 pm By JD Alois  |  

Eureeca is the very first investment crowdfunding platform to set up shop in the Middle East. The home office in Dubai has been complimented with offices in both London and Kuala Lumpur.  Eureeca is a truly global platform seeking to help smaller companies raise capital in… Read More

June 7, 2016 @ 1:55 pm By Erin Hobey  |  

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has issued a consultation paper proposing a regulatory sandbox for fintech startups and pilot schemes, according to a release. The proposal aims to enable firms to experiment with new technology in an environment of relaxed rules and appropriate safeguards. The consultation will… Read More

June 2, 2016 @ 3:12 pm By Erin Hobey  |  

myPINpad, UK based fintech company which enables multi-channel and multi-factor authentication via the Cardholder PIN, has today appointed Morten Hofstad as Head of the company’s Asia Pacific business.  “We are delighted to welcome Morten to the myPINpad team,” cited myPINpad Executive Chairman and CEO Philip… Read More

June 2, 2016 @ 1:49 pm By Erin Hobey  |  

The Malaysian wedding and baby e-commerce platform, Nuren Group, today announced the public launch of its Crowdo Equity Crowdfunding (ECF) offer with a target amount of MYR200,000. Nuren notes that it is the first Venture Capital Quality ECF Offer in South East Asia.  Nuren also recently announced the completion… Read More

June 1, 2016 @ 9:12 am By Samantha Hurst  |  

On Wednesday, Asian investment research and analysis marketplace, Smartkarma, announced that it has raised $4.7 million during its second  strategic funding round. The new funds will go towards further expand Smartkarma’s investment research offering. The company noted that the latest round brings the total capital raised to $7.5million… Read More

May 31, 2016 @ 2:42 pm By Erin Hobey  |  

The Swiss fintech provider for investment and pension solutions Leonteq AG (SIX: LEON), announced the launch of its Teqlabs innovation lab facility in Singapore’s Central Business District at Asia Square. The innovation lab will foster its fintech research and development to benefit of the financial services… Read More