Tagged: fintech

December 5, 2023 @ 7:17 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Philippine-based fintech superapp GCash has teamed up with agritech startup Mayani to provide local farmers and fisherfolk with access to a financial platform that will support their needs, according to an announcement. The two tech players teamed-up with a joint mandate to create the Philippines’… Read More

December 4, 2023 @ 6:01 pm By Michael Wong  |  

The digital lending market in the Philippines is poised for a significant expansion, with expectations to grow by 45.4%, reaching $488.8 million this year, from just $336 million a year earlier. This forecast, as per the latest report by PayNEXT360, a research and consulting firm… Read More

December 3, 2023 @ 11:37 am By Michael Wong  |  

Verto, a London-based fintech and payment solutions provider, has partnered with United Bank of Africa (UBA) to officially enter Kenya and the East Africa market, according to an announcement. The partnership marks a crucial step forward in providing enhanced financial transaction platforms for entrepreneurs, small… Read More

December 2, 2023 @ 3:48 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Paytabs, a payment solutions provider in the MENA region, announced the launch of PayTabs Issuance — secure prepaid card issuing solutions aimed at scaling business operations regionally. Abdulaziz Al Jouf, CEO and founder of PayTabs Group, emphasized the potential of the issuing market in the… Read More

December 2, 2023 @ 8:58 am By Michael Wong  |  

Buenos Aires-based fintech firm Uala has launched a no-fee credit card in Argentina, targeting the massive population of unbanked Argentines, according to a Bloomberg report. The company, which is backed by investors George Soros, Steve Cohen, and Tencent Holdings, is offering its no-fee credit card… Read More

November 26, 2023 @ 9:42 pm By Michael Wong  |  

The future of Philippine fintechs, which have basic characteristics centered around innovation and sustainability, will be driven in major part by investments that value environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, analysis from consumer finance company Digido revealed. The global sustainability technology (SusTech) industry, characterized to… Read More

November 26, 2023 @ 5:57 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Dubai’s ambitious journey towards becoming a global leader in innovation and sustainability is gaining momentum, as highlighted by the emirate’s forward-thinking initiatives and investments in futuristic technologies. At the heart of this journey is the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, aimed at making Dubai the… Read More

November 25, 2023 @ 6:54 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Scapia, an India-based fintech company focused on making travel more accessible, has successfully raised $23 million in its Series-A funding round. The round was led by Elevation Capital and 3STATE Ventures, with participation from existing investors Matrix Partners India and Tanglin Venture Partners. Scapia said… Read More

November 25, 2023 @ 6:51 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Indonesia’s central bank, the Financial Services Authority (OJK), has partnered with the country’s fintech associations to issue what it describes as ethical guidelines on artificial intelligence (AI) use in the context of the fintech industry. The guidelines were formulated in collaboration with four leading fintech… Read More

November 25, 2023 @ 6:47 pm By Michael Wong  |  

India-based micro-lender Arohan Financial Services is reportedly planning to expand its digital lending operations as part of its overall goal of revolutionizing microfinance with digital push. Arohan said it will leverage its ‘Apna Arohan’ app for more efficient loan disbursements and improved repayment compliance. Launched… Read More

November 24, 2023 @ 7:22 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Indian fintech startup Kiwi has announced raising $13 million in a Series A funding round anchored by Omidyar Network India. The round, which followed the startup’s $6 million funding, was also backed by existing investors Nexus Venture Partners and Stellaris Venture Partners. Founded in November… Read More

November 23, 2023 @ 10:27 pm By Michael Wong  |  

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) have announced a significant development in fintech collaboration through the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement focuses on enhancing cross-border trade-related data… Read More

November 23, 2023 @ 8:35 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Lendela, a Singapore-based digital loan matchmaker, has announced raising $5 million in funding anchored by Chocolate Ventures, a venture investment firm started by Singlife founder and former group CEO Walter de Oude. The Series A funding round was also backed by Lendela’s seed investor Cocoon… Read More

November 23, 2023 @ 9:24 am By Michael Wong  |  

UK-based PaymentSense is planning to apply for an e-money license from the Central Bank of Ireland, the Irish Independent reported. PaymentSense, known for providing merchants with card terminals for contactless payments, is already established in Ireland. However, the approval of its e-money license application would… Read More

November 19, 2023 @ 5:18 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Green fintech has become a promising new growth area in Southeast Asia, with green fintech firms bringing innovative solutions to help businesses and governments address challenges and opportunities of going green. This insight was part of the report – Fintech in ASEAN 2023: Seeding the… Read More

November 19, 2023 @ 3:39 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Australia and the Philippines have agreed to cooperate in promoting trade and investment within the financial technology (fintech) sector, marking a major step towards enhancing the technological collaboration between the two nations. The memorandum of understanding that formalises the partnership was signed by FinTech Alliance.ph… Read More

November 19, 2023 @ 2:43 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Jordan Ahli Bank, a Jordanian financial institution with over six decades of banking experience, has announced its full compliance with the country’s Open Banking and Open Finance regulations. The bank said it has partnered with Open Banking and financial innovation firm Fintech Galaxy to boost… Read More

November 19, 2023 @ 2:09 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Ant International, Grab, and StraitsX have announced a collaborative effort to explore the potential application of Purpose Bound Money (PBM) in cross-border payments. PBM is a protocol that specifies the conditions upon which an underlying digital currency can be used and first introduced by MAS… Read More

November 18, 2023 @ 5:52 pm By Michael Wong  |  

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) have jointly introduced a real-time payment systems linkage connecting Singapore’s PayNow and Malaysia’s DuitNow. This initiative builds upon the earlier QR payment linkage announced on March 31, 2023, facilitating cross-border QR payments to merchants…. Read More

November 18, 2023 @ 5:46 pm By Michael Wong  |  

BC Technology Group, the digital asset and fintech-focused parent of digital asset platform OSL, has announced raising approximately HK$710 million from crypto group BGX. The deal, which still requires the approval of BC Group’s shareholders, will give BGX a 30% stake in the company. OSL… Read More