Singapore FinTech Association Launches Project Tapir to Facilitate Expansion of FinTechs into Malaysia, Fostering Cross-Border Collaboration and Economic Growth
The Singapore FinTech Association (SFA) launches Project Tapir in collaboration with Artem Ventures and OSK Ventures International Berhad, aiming to facilitate the expansion of Singaporean FinTech companies into Malaysia. With support from venture capital firm 1337 Ventures, the initiative provides selected FinTechs with a comprehensive ecosystem to ensure successful market entry into Malaysia, fostering bilateral ties and promoting...
Yuno Secures $25 Million Series A Funding to Revolutionize Global Payments
Yuno, a leading payments orchestration platform, secures $25 million in Series A funding from prominent investors to expand its operations globally and enhance its innovative solutions for diverse industries. Founded by tech entrepreneurs Juan Pablo Ortega and Julián Núñez, Yuno aims to revolutionize the global payments landscape by integrating diverse payment methods and providing tailored solutions for clients across different...
Currencycloud Secures Singapore MPI License Approval, Expanding Payment Services in APAC Region
Currencycloud receives approval for Singapore MPI license, enabling the provision of comprehensive payment services in the APAC region, enhancing financial accessibility and efficiency for businesses across multiple countries and territories. 6 March 2024 – Currencycloud, a leading provider of solutions for navigating multi-currency transactions, has been granted an In-Principle Approval (IPA) for a Major Payment Institution...
MoneyX: Your AI-Powered Financial Assistant Arrives in Malaysia
MoneyX, a new AI-powered super app launched in Malaysia, aims to simplify personal finance management by offering data organization, financial insights, and access to various financial products within a single platform. 5 March 2024 – Hextar Vision Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Hextar Technologies Solutions Bhd (HexTech), today announced the official launch of MoneyX, a super app designed to simplify personal finance management for...
Visa and Western Union Partner for Easier Global Money Transfers and Humanitarian Support
Visa and Western Union strengthen their partnership, enabling money transfers to 40 countries through Visa cards and introducing prepaid cards for wider accessibility, while also collaborating on facilitating disaster relief efforts. 5 March 2024 – Financial giants Visa and Western Union have announced a significant expansion of their existing partnership, aiming to simplify cross-border money transfers. This 7-year agreement...
Bitcoin Surges to Two-Year High, Approaches Record Levels Amidst Inflow Surge
Bitcoin reaches a two-year high, nearing record levels as inflows into U.S.-listed bitcoin funds surge. Ethereum also sees gains amidst speculation of exchange-traded funds, reflecting a broader market rally reminiscent of 2021’s bullish sentiment. 4 March 2024 – Bitcoin soared to a two-year high on Monday, surpassing $65,000 and nearing its record level, driven by a surge in inflows into U.S.-listed bitcoin funds. The...
Soft Space’s FasstapTM Becomes World’s First MPoC-Certified SoftPOS Solution
Soft Space’s FasstapTM achieves historic MPoC Solution Provider certification, positioning the company as a global leader in the SoftPOS market and setting a new industry standard for secure and reliable payment solutions. 29 February 2024 – Soft Space Sdn. Bhd. (Soft Space), a global leader in fintech-as-a-service (FaaS), proudly announces that its innovative SoftPOS solution, FasstapTM, has achieved a groundbreaking...
Bitcoin Surges Past $60,000 as Market Optimism Soars: Insights and Implications
Bitcoin surpasses $60,000 fueled by institutional interest and market optimism, with Ethereum also hitting new highs, prompting anticipation of ETF approvals by U.S. regulators. 29 February 2024 – On Wednesday, Bitcoin soared above the $60,000 threshold for the first time in over two years, propelled by a surge of investment into new U.S. spot bitcoin exchange traded products. The cryptocurrency witnessed a remarkable 42% price...
Malaysia and Cambodia Strengthen Financial Cooperation with Cross-Border Payments Agreement
Malaysia and Cambodia strengthen financial ties with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), aiming to enhance cross-border payments and financial innovation, benefitting businesses and individuals in both countries. 28 February 2024 – Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) have formalized their commitment to enhance financial...
Visa and GSMA Foundation Unveil DFA Initiative to Advance Digital Financial Inclusion Worldwide
Visa and the GSMA Foundation have launched the DFA Initiative, targeting enhanced digital financial inclusion for 20 million individuals in low- and middle-income countries, focusing on women, small holder farmers, small enterprises, and refugees. 27 February 2024 – Visa and the GSMA Mobile for Development Foundation have joined forces to launch the Digital Finance for All (DFA) Initiative, aiming to enhance digital financial...
Green Packet Partners with Malaysian Firm to Develop Tourism Digital Platform in Sri Lanka
Green Packet teams up with a Malaysian firm to develop a tourism digital platform for Sri Lanka, investing RM13 million initially. The initiative, led by its subsidiary Kiplepay Sdn Bhd, aims to introduce a multi-currency e-wallet system, marking the company’s entry into the international market and strategic expansion beyond Malaysia. 24 February 2024 – Green Packet Bhd, a prominent IT company, has forged a strategic...
Mastercard and GX Bank Launch Malaysia’s First Unlimited Cashback Debit Card
Mastercard and GX Bank Berhad (GXBank) have launched Malaysia’s first unlimited cashback debit card, the GXBank Card (GX Card), offering users 1% cashback on various transactions. This collaboration aims to enhance financial inclusion and support Malaysia’s digital transformation. 24 February 2024 – In a groundbreaking collaboration, Mastercard and GX Bank Berhad (GXBank) have introduced Malaysia’s inaugural...
Capital One to Acquire Discover Financial Services in Landmark US$35.3 Billion Deal
Capital One’s $35.3 billion acquisition of Discover Financial Services marks a strategic move to consolidate the US credit card industry, fostering competition and innovation. Under the leadership of CEO Richard Fairbank, the deal aims to establish a robust payments network to rival industry giants like Visa and Mastercard. 21 February 2024 – Capital One, a prominent US consumer lender, has announced its acquisition of...
Mastercard and CrescentRating Release Inaugural Muslim-Friendly Cruise Report 2024
Mastercard and CrescentRating release the inaugural Muslim-Friendly Cruise Report 2024, highlighting the significant growth of Muslim cruise passengers and providing valuable insights into booking preferences, budget allocations, cruise durations, and payment methods within the Muslim traveler segment. 19 February 2024 – Mastercard and CrescentRating have unveiled the first-ever Muslim-Friendly Cruise Report 2024, marking the...
Bitcoin Hits $1 Trillion Milestone Amidst Record Highs and U.S. Spot ETF Surge
Bitcoin surpasses the $1 trillion market cap milestone amidst a surge in U.S. ETF investments, reaching a 25-month high and signaling renewed investor confidence in the cryptocurrency market’s resilience. 15 February 2024 – Bitcoin’s total market value surged past $1 trillion on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone not seen since November 2021, fueled by continuous inflows into U.S. spot bitcoin exchange-traded...
Sophos Reveals Global Surge in DeFi Savings Scams by Sha Zhu Pan Scammers
Sophos exposes the expansion of sha zhu pan scammers’ DeFi savings schemes, highlighting the global proliferation of fraud facilitated by sophisticated scam kits and the emergence of new pig butchering rings across diverse regions. 15 February 2024 – Sophos, a global leader in cybersecurity services, has exposed the emergence of sophisticated “DeFi savings” scams within the realm of cryptocurrency fraud,...
RGE Secures US$1 Billion Sustainability-Linked Loan for Agribusiness Expansion, Reinforcing Commitment to Green Growth
Singapore’s RGE has secured a US$1 billion Sustainability-Linked Loan (SLL) for its agribusiness, incorporating Asian Agri and Apical. The SLL, tied to key performance indicators (KPIs), highlights RGE’s commitment to sustainability, with oversubscription by 1.4 times and the introduction of a Sustainability-Linked Derivative (SLD) reinforcing the company’s dedication to responsible growth and accountability. 29...
Mastercard Launches Biometric Authentication Service to Enhance Security and Streamline Digital Interactions
Mastercard has introduced the Mastercard Biometric Authentication Service, leveraging FIDO standards, to replace traditional authentication methods and enhance the security and convenience of digital interactions. The service integrates biometrics, such as fingerprint or face recognition, making account logins, account changes, and payment processes more seamless, supporting all card brands and various forms of payments. 25 January...
Myanmar Central Bank Launches Awareness Campaign to Tackle Mobile Payment Fraud
Myanmar’s Central Bank is intensifying efforts to combat mobile payment fraud by conducting awareness campaigns and establishing an action task force in collaboration with relevant ministries and financial organizations. The initiative aims to swiftly respond to reported fraud cases, protect consumers, and ensure the widespread use of mobile financial services in compliance with laws and regulations. 25 January 2024 –...
Maybank Islamic Pioneers Shariah-Compliant Portfolio Financing to Enhance Islamic Wealth Management
Maybank Islamic has become the first Islamic bank in Malaysia to launch a Shariah-compliant portfolio financing solution, enhancing its Islamic wealth management (IWM) offerings. The move aligns with the growing demand for ethical and purpose-driven investments, and Maybank Islamic aims for a 30 percent business growth by the end of the year with the introduction of this new solution. 24 January 2024 – Maybank Islamic Bhd has...
