MoneyGram and Mastercard Partner to Revolutionize Cross-Border Payments
MoneyGram and Mastercard have announced a strategic collaboration to enhance digital money transfers globally. Through Mastercard Move, MoneyGram customers can now send and receive funds faster, more securely, and with greater financial accessibility. SINGAPORE, 2 APRIL 2025 – MoneyGram, a leading global financial technology company, has partnered with Mastercard to enhance digital money movement both within the U.S. and across...
Mastercard Unveils Program to Accelerate Virtual Card Adoption and Transform Commercial Payments
Mastercard is introducing a new initiative to accelerate the adoption of Virtual Card Number (VCN) technology, making commercial payments more seamless and consumer-like. The program simplifies integration for banks, platform-partners, and corporate users, reducing onboarding time and improving efficiency in an $80 trillion market. MALAYSIA, 31 MARCH 2025 – Mastercard is revolutionizing commercial payments with a newly launched...
TOP1 Markets Rebrands as TOPONE Markets for Smarter Investing
In February 2025, TOP1 Markets officially rebranded as TOPONE Markets, unveiling a refreshed identity, cutting-edge AI-powered trading tools, and enhanced services designed to empower investors of all levels. SINGAPORE, 12 March 2025 – The transition from TOP1 Markets to TOPONE Markets marks more than just a name change—it signifies a complete transformation in brand philosophy, technology, and user experience. With a refined...
Bizcap Joins AFG Lending Panel to Expand SME Financing Options
Bizcap, a leading provider of fast and flexible business loans, has joined the Australian Finance Group (AFG) lending panel, offering brokers more financing solutions for SMEs. This partnership enhances access to alternative lending, catering to businesses that may not qualify for traditional loans. AUSTRALIA, 26 February 2025 – Bizcap, a prominent provider of rapid and adaptable business loans, has officially joined the...
Kenanga Group Achieves Record RM1 Billion Revenue in FY2024 Amid Strong Investment Gains
Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad posted record-breaking financial results for FY2024, with revenue surging 22.3% to RM1.0 billion and net profit rising 31.6% to RM95.8 million. The strong performance was driven by strategic investment gains, increased trading income, and robust contributions from its core business divisions. MALAYSIA, 26 February 2025 – Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (“Kenanga Group” or “the...
Boost for Regional Trade: Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand Harmonize Local Currency Transactions
Bank Negara Malaysia, Bank Indonesia, and the Bank of Thailand have launched harmonized guidelines for local currency transactions, expanding eligible transactions to include portfolio investments. This move simplifies cross-border trade and investment, promoting the use of local currencies and reducing reliance on the US dollar. 17 February 2025 – In a significant move to bolster regional economic integration, Malaysia,...
Malaysia Launches One-Stop Shop for Financial Dispute Resolution
Malaysia has streamlined financial dispute resolution with the launch of the Financial Markets Ombudsman Service (FMOS), a centralized platform offering free mediation and adjudication for consumers and investors. The new service, jointly overseen by Bank Negara Malaysia and the Securities Commission Malaysia, aims to boost consumer confidence and improve efficiency in resolving financial disputes. 23 January 2025 – Malaysia...
NTT DATA Enhances DuitNow QR with Cross-Border Payments, Driving Malaysia’s Cashless Tourism Growth
NTT DATA Payment Services has expanded its DuitNow QR service to support cross-border wallet payments, enabling seamless transactions for international tourists and merchants across Malaysia. This advancement has significantly boosted tourism spending and reinforces the nation’s growing cashless ecosystem. 28 November 2024 – NTT DATA Payment Services Sdn. Bhd. (formerly GHL Systems Sdn. Bhd.) has introduced cross-border wallet...
Bank Islam Redefines Digital Banking with Launch of BIMB Mobile and Web Platforms
Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad has launched its new BIMB Mobile and BIMB Web platforms, offering customers enhanced digital banking experiences with modern features, improved security, and a user-friendly design. This innovation aligns with the bank’s commitment to scalable, future-ready solutions that redefine branchless banking. 25 November 2024 – Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (Bank Islam) has launched two state-of-the-art digital...
JULO Poin: Indonesia’s Digital Rewards Program Bringing Credit Card Perks to the Masses
JULO has launched JULO Poin, a rewards program that brings credit card-like benefits to digital credit users in Indonesia, encouraging responsible financial behavior and loyalty through easy, redeemable points. This program enhances JULO’s mission to democratize credit in a market with low credit card penetration. 11 November 2024 – Indonesian fintech startup JULO is making strides in financial innovation with the introduction...
Mastercard Launches Bill Qkr to Simplify and Secure Digital Bill Payments Globally
Mastercard launches Bill Qkr, an advanced global solution for seamless, secure card-based bill payments. The service addresses challenges in the bill payment industry by offering recurring payment features, tokenization, and QR code payments, helping merchants and service providers enhance customer experiences and payment efficiency. Mastercard’s strategic partners in multiple regions are already adopting the solution to expand...
Project Mandala: BIS and Central Banks Lead a Compliance-By-Design Revolution in Cross-Border Payments
Project Mandala, led by BIS and central banks from Australia, Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore, successfully demonstrates a compliance-by-design system for cross-border payments, streamlining compliance and enhancing transaction efficiency. The project integrates with both digital and legacy financial systems, paving the way for the future of global financial regulation. 29 October 2024 – The Bank for International Settlements...
GHL Systems Partners with JCB International to Expand Payment Solutions Across Southeast Asia
GHL Systems Berhad and JCB International have formed a strategic partnership to enable JCB Card acceptance for GHL merchants in Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. This collaboration is expected to enhance payment convenience for JCB cardholders and boost tourism spending in the region as international travel rebounds. 22 October 2024 – GHL Systems Berhad (GHL) and JCB International Co., Ltd., the global operations...
Curlec by Razorpay Backs Malaysia’s Ekonomi MADANI in Budget 2025, Promoting Digital Growth and Financial Inclusion
Curlec by Razorpay supports Malaysia’s Budget 2025 initiatives under the Ekonomi MADANI framework, focusing on financial inclusion, cross-border payments, cybersecurity, and startup growth. The fintech leader aims to help drive digital transformation and strengthen the nation’s position as a global digital economy hub. 15 October 2024 – As Malaysia’s digital economy advances under the Ekonomi MADANI framework, Curlec...
Censof’s insureKU Empowers Malaysians with Seamless Digital Insurance Experience
Censof Holdings Bhd has launched insureKU, Malaysia’s first end-to-end digital insurance and takaful aggregation platform, beginning with travel insurance and set to expand into broader coverage. The platform simplifies the insurance process, empowering Malaysians to make informed, cost-effective decisions. 11 October 2024 – Censof Holdings Bhd, a leading local technology firm, has officially launched insureKU,...
Inclusive Financial Literacy Takes Center Stage at NFLS 2024
The National Financial Literacy Symposium 2024 emphasized the importance of inclusive financial education for vulnerable communities, with a focus on empowering low-income groups, women, and gig workers. The event featured 42 research submissions, with discussions highlighting the role of financial literacy in improving economic stability and reducing poverty. 7 October 2024 – The National Financial Literacy Symposium 2024 (NFLS...
Visa Launches VTAP Platform to Bridge Traditional Finance and Blockchain Ecosystems
Visa has introduced the Visa Tokenized Asset Platform (VTAP), enabling financial institutions to issue fiat-backed tokens and integrate blockchain technology into their operations. The platform supports seamless integration, programmability, and interoperability across blockchain networks, with live programs expected by 2025. 3 October 2024 – Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has announced the launch of its Visa...
MasterCard Advances Subscription Management with Minna Technologies Acquisition
MasterCard has acquired Minna Technologies to enhance subscription management, catering to the growing demand for convenient and flexible consumer services. This strategic move aims to simplify subscription processes, improve transparency, and foster lasting consumer relationships. 2 October 2024 – Subscriptions are integral to modern lifestyles, spanning delivery, entertainment, shopping, software, healthcare, and more. With...
BNM Fines Agrobank RM660,000 for Lapses in Sanctions Screening Compliance
Bank Negara Malaysia imposed a RM660,000 penalty on Agrobank for lapses in its sanctions screening processes, exposing the bank to potential terrorism financing risks. Agrobank has since taken corrective actions, and BNM will continue to oversee its compliance efforts. 2 October 2024 – On 3 September 2024, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) imposed an Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP) of RM660,000 on Bank Pertanian Malaysia Berhad...
Bank Islam Launches Shariah-Compliant Mastercard Inspire Credit Card-i with Exclusive Rewards for Young Professionals
Bank Islam has launched the Mastercard Inspire Credit Card-i, a Shariah-compliant credit card aimed at young professionals, offering rewards, travel perks, and a lifetime annual fee waiver. The card also promotes eco-friendliness and financial literacy through exclusive benefits, including TruPoints rewards and discounts for frequent travelers. 30 September 2024 – Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (Bank Islam) has introduced the...
