SBI fuels $15m funding in Tangem’s blockchain smart cards
Swiss firm plans to “bring blockchain to people’s everyday life”.
Asia Pacific
China bosses blockchain and AI patents
Research by UHY reveals that Chinese companies filed 32% of all global blockchain patents in 2017.
Citi tests out TCS Bancs for core system revamp
EXCLUSIVE. The bank is testing the platform in Singapore.
Top fintech stories this week – 18 January 2019
Catch up on FinTech Futures’ top five fintech stories of the week – all in one place!
SBI and Wefox unleash new Asian insurtech
Shake-up planned as SBI Wefox Asia enters the insurance market.
South Korea all clear for fintech sandbox
Nation’s Financial Services Commission pushes industry onward.
UnionBank in Philippines sets up first digital branch with Appian tech
Offers internet-connected self-service kiosks and virtual reality boxes.
ZhongAn and Grab clutch at SE Asia’s digital insurance market
Their joint venture will distribute products via Grab’s app.
Two keys protecting the privacy of the underbanked in Asia
Functionality and security are two ideals that should go hand-in-hand.
Citi partners with MoneyBack for customer rewards
Do any of these niche APIs partnerships see much use?
Dashing OCBC Bank unleashes SME dashboard
“We anticipate that this will become a command centre for them.”
Malaysia gets real-time payments with ACI Worldwide
Under the DuitNow platform.
MUFG launches new $185m fintech fund
With a focus on innovation and partnerships.
Alipay powers Pakistan’s “first” blockchain-based cross-border remittance service
Service provided by Telenor Microfinance Bank and Valyou.
Seven Bank ATMs go biometric for account opening
Japanese bank plans to introduce face recognition capabilities.
Indonesia’s KinerjaPay collects $200m funding
Paytech gets backing from Wahana Group.
Wirecard releases Visa card for Chinese tourists
A multi-currency card for the most frequented destinations.
China Banking Association pushes trade finance on blockchain
New interbank platform unleashed with big names onboard.
Didi does in-app financial services across China
Launches mutual protection, personal credit and automobile financing products.
PaySend powers Vietcombank payments
Allowing remittances to any account or Napas cards.
Blockchain explorers get fearsome Enjin
Singapore firm unleashes “Google of the blockchain”.
Ant Financial looking to buy UK’s FX firm WorldFirst
Could take place in the next few weeks for over £550m.
JP Morgan Chase fined by Hong Kong regulator for money laundering fails
Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing not up to scratch.
Top ten digital bank initiatives in 2018
There have been a lot of digital bank projects in 2018. Here are our favourites.
Top ten fintech opinion pieces in 2018
Great minds share their views and ideas on all things fintech.
Top ten fintech analysis features in 2018
Dive into all things fintech!
MUFG picks TCS Bancs to consolidate payments
MUFG replaces a host of disparate payments systems with one regional hub powered by TCS Bancs.
HSBC launches mobile collections service in Thailand
Collections for customers via credit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets and cash.
Diginex deepens digital assets with Altairian acquisition
Hong Kong-based blockchain firm buys again – this time a UK wealthtech.
Finastra scores win in Myanmar with KBZ Bank
Fusion Treasury will enable the bank’s STP.
Malaysia files criminal charges against Goldman Sachs over 1MDB misuse
Bank denies wrongdoing – charges due to misappropriation of $2.7 billion from bonds.
NEO Global Capital invests in blockchain platform Ultrain
Decentralised computing platform plans to build cloud infrastructure.
Mayapada Group taps Pohon Dana for lending in Indonesia
Conglomerate pushes into fintech via investment.
Lending platform JUMO gets $12.5m funding
Takes total raised in excess of $103 million.
Line acquires GrayHash for fintech security
Looking to improve its messenger, AI, blockchain and digital asset exchange.
Ripple powers Coinone’s remittance app in South Korea
The nation’s “first blockchain-powered remittance mobile app and web service”.
UNICEF fuels SME funding for emerging markets
Its innovation fund gives Atix Labs some support for good causes.
PayPal gives a Toss about Viva Republica’s $80m funding
Aimed at expanding the firm’s consumer app Toss.
StanChart first in Hong Kong for digital savings account on-boarding
HKID security features validation and facial recognition.
Social trading firm Ayondo goes pro
Clients will be able to trade more than 2,000 instruments.
