Asia

July 14, 2026 @ 6:54 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has released its 2025 Annual Report, underscoring the authority’s success in balancing dynamic growth with rigorous regulatory standards. As the international financial hub of the UAE capital, ADGM continues to attract global… Read More

July 14, 2026 @ 12:48 am By Omar Faridi  |  

One of Japan’s convenience store operators is preparing to accept payments in a yen-pegged stablecoin. This initiative highlights the growing integration of blockchain-based assets into traditional shopping experiences, potentially paving the way for faster, lower-cost transactions in a cash-heavy society. Lawson, recognized as Japan’s third-largest… Read More

July 14, 2026 @ 12:23 am By Omar Faridi  |  

A new report highlights how artificial intelligence is transforming retail experiences in Hong Kong, with consumers increasingly turning to AI tools for discovery while merchants grapple with building lasting confidence during the final stages of a purchase. The latest findings from the Adyen (AMS: ADYEN)… Read More

July 13, 2026 @ 3:56 am By Omar Faridi  |  

A prominent Islamic scholar in Pakistan has issued a religious decree classifying cryptocurrency trading and investment as impermissible under Shariah law, igniting widespread discussions about the compatibility of digital currencies with Islamic principles. The ruling, released through a major seminary, highlights ongoing tensions between emerging… Read More

July 12, 2026 @ 10:55 am By Michael Wong  |  

The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has urged Filipinos to borrow only from registered lenders, warning that illegal operators may charge exorbitant interest rates and resort to unfair collection practices. The corporate regulator said consumers should use safe, transparent and regulated loan products, including… Read More

July 12, 2026 @ 6:57 am By Michael Wong  |  

“Innovation needs capital, and Hong Kong is where capital and ideas meet,” the city’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said as Hong Kong sought to reinforce its position as a regional technology and fundraising hub during the inaugural LEAP East conference. The three-day LEAP East… Read More

July 11, 2026 @ 3:42 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Indian microfinance lender Arohan Financial Services Ltd has secured an investment commitment of up to $30 million to support the expansion of its loan portfolio and icnrease access to creadit for low-income borrowers, according to project document seen by Crowdfund Insider. The commitment comes from… Read More

July 11, 2026 @ 3:22 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Japanese Bitcoin treasury firm Metaplanet has launched a collaborative feasibility study with yen stablecoin issuer JPYC and blockchain infrastructure provider Progmat. The initiative, known internally as Project NOVA, aims to develop innovative digital credit instruments that leverage Bitcoin as collateral or a credit enhancement tool,… Read More

July 11, 2026 @ 10:17 am By Michael Wong  |  

The total value of deposits covered by Hong Kong’s Deposit Protection Scheme rose to a record HK$3.656 trillion in 2025, up from HK$3.492 trillion a year earlier, according to the Hong Kong Deposit Protection Board’s annual report. The increase followed the raising of the protection… Read More

July 10, 2026 @ 8:23 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) on July 9, 2026, approved Mirae Asset Consulting’s plan to acquire a controlling interest in Korbit, one of the country’s established cryptocurrency exchanges. The decision marks the first time a major domestic financial conglomerate will gain direct ownership of… Read More

July 8, 2026 @ 7:11 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Swiss digital assets firm Bitcoin Suisse has taken a major step in its international growth by securing full regulatory authorization for operations in Abu Dhabi. Its regional subsidiary, BTCS (Middle East) Ltd., received the Financial Services Permission from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of the… Read More

July 6, 2026 @ 8:28 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Xiaomi, the consumer electronics and smart manufacturing company, has chosen Adyen (AMS: ADYEN) to handle payment processing for its consumer electronics division in 18 markets worldwide. The partnership gives Xiaomi a single integration point to manage both online and physical store transactions efficiently as it… Read More

July 5, 2026 @ 11:06 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Inveo Kripto and iChain Investment Holding, the blockchain-focused entities within Turkey’s Inveo Investment Holding group, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Moca Network. Moca Network is the flagship decentralized digital identity initiative developed by Animoca Brands. The agreement establishes a collaboration aimed at expanding regulated… Read More

July 5, 2026 @ 2:42 pm By Michael Wong  |  

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and China’s securities regulator have signed a staff exchange agreement to deepen regulatory cooperation as the two authorities expand collaboration on capital markets, digital assets, and cross-border investment initiatives. The agreement was signed during the 10th annual supervisory roundtable… Read More

July 5, 2026 @ 12:45 pm By Michael Wong  |  

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Golomt Bank have signed a $64 million loan agreement to expand sustainable finance and increase lending to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), including women-owned businesses, in Mongolia. The financing package comprises $60 million from ADB’s ordinary capital resources… Read More

July 4, 2026 @ 9:53 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Companies across Asia-Pacific are accelerating investments in artificial intelligence, but many are doing so with limited evaluation of returns as competitive pressure and fear of falling behind outweigh proven business outcomes, according to an IDC InfoBrief commissioned by Expereo. The survey of 800 technology leaders… Read More

July 2, 2026 @ 2:05 am By Omar Faridi  |  

PitchBook’s research team released its June 2026 Global Markets Snapshot on June 30, providing a clear view of performance across public equities, private capital, debt, real estate, and commodities. The report captures a month of solid equity gains amid regional differences, continued deployment in private… Read More

July 1, 2026 @ 10:23 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has rolled out a significantly improved version of its Corporate App, delivering a more intuitive and efficient mobile banking platform tailored for corporate and small-to-medium enterprise (SME) clients across Qatar. The upgraded application introduces a completely refreshed user interface designed to… Read More

July 1, 2026 @ 2:47 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Tabby, the MENA region financial technology platform, has obtained two significant licenses from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). The consumer finance license and SME finance license mark an important step forward, allowing the company to provide more flexible payment solutions for larger purchases and support… Read More

July 1, 2026 @ 8:32 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs has recently released a detailed report concluding that CoinEx has emerged as the dominant conduit linking Iran’s domestic cryptocurrency ecosystem to international markets. Through extensive on-chain tracing spanning more than seven years, TRM identified over $3.84 billion in verified transaction… Read More