Tagged: asia

January 19, 2026 @ 8:36 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The mBridge platform—a collaborative initiative spearheaded by China for cross-border payments using central bank digital currencies (CBDCs)—has exceeded $55 billion in total transaction value. This milestone, highlighted in a recent analysis, underscores the evolution of digital payment systems amid efforts to streamline international trade and… Read More

January 15, 2026 @ 4:52 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

dLocal Ltd, a payments platform specializing in emerging markets, is set to significantly strengthen its footprint in Asia during 2026. The Uruguay-based fintech company, which enables global merchants to seamlessly connect with consumers in high-growth regions across Latin America and Asia, views the continent as… Read More

January 13, 2026 @ 12:32 am By Omar Faridi  |  

South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) is preparing to impose a 5% ceiling on corporate allocations to digital assets. This development, highlighted in recent reports from local outlets like Seoul Economic Daily, signals a cautious yet progressive shift in the nation’s regulatory landscape. The FSC… Read More

January 9, 2026 @ 1:59 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In a step toward further modernizing public transportation, Taipei Metro has introduced a QR code-based payment option, allowing commuters to breeze through station gates using only their smartphones. This initiative, which officially rolled out on January 3, 2026, aims to enhance efficiency and reduce reliance… Read More

December 30, 2025 @ 5:21 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

South Korea’s efforts to establish a proper framework for digital assets have encountered significant delays as of late, with the proposed Digital Asset Basic Act now postponed until 2026. The recent holdup reportedly stems primarily from ongoing disagreements among the country’s various regulatory authorities regarding… Read More

December 27, 2025 @ 5:16 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

In the evolving sector of commercial real estate (CRE), JLL‘s “2025 Guide: The State of Commercial Real Estate – Private Investor” offers a roadmap for private investors seeking to build steady positions. Released amid stabilizing markets, the report underscores the personal nature of CRE investments,… Read More

November 24, 2025 @ 4:44 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Hang Feng Technology Innovation Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: FOFO), a Cayman Islands holding company providing corporate management consulting and asset management services, and Animoca Brands, a global enabler of Web3 and digital property rights, announced that they entered into a “non-binding” memorandum of understanding for a… Read More

November 23, 2025 @ 8:11 am By Michael Wong  |  

SGX Group and Nasdaq have agreed to build a cross-border “Global Listing Board” that would let large companies list in Singapore and the United States using a more unified process, as the city-state tries to revive a stock market that has struggled to attract high-growth… Read More

November 13, 2025 @ 3:22 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

SIFMA, BNY, Broadridge and The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC), in collaboration with The ValueExchange, today released findings from their “U.S. Treasury Central Clearing Pulse Survey”, which draws upon insights from global market participants. The survey, conducted by The ValueExchange, was meant to provide… Read More

November 6, 2025 @ 4:30 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Franklin Templeton (NYSE:BEN) has recently introduced Hong Kong’s tokenized money-market fund. This latest launch comes as the HK government unveiled its 5-year fintech strategy intended to incorporate both artificial intelligence and blockchain across the city-state’s vibrant financial services ecosystem. The so-called Franklin OnChain U.S. Government… Read More

November 4, 2025 @ 11:12 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

CyberCube, the provider of cyber risk analytics for the insurance industry, is pleased to announce its expansion across Asia with a recent partnership in the Philippines. The Insurtech firm said it has signed a deal for its Broking Manager solution with Lacson & Lacson Insurance… Read More

October 23, 2025 @ 6:37 pm By Michael Wong  |  

South Africa-based Bitget Wallet launched the Bitget Wallet Card in selected Asia-Pacific markets, including Malaysia, expanding the crypto firm’s payments reach in a region it says is the world’s fastest-growing for digital assets. The self-custodial card connects users’ crypto balances to Mastercard’s network of more… Read More

September 23, 2025 @ 9:41 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Tokyo-based Metaplanet Inc. has executed what stands as the most substantial single Bitcoin purchase by an Asian public company to date. The firm shelled out approximately $632.53 million to secure 5,419 BTC, catapulting its total reserves to an impressive 25,555 coins. Valued at around $2.91… Read More

September 22, 2025 @ 6:33 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

In a move to reshape digital payments across Asia, LINE NEXT—the Web3 innovation arm of the messaging platform LINE—and the Kaia blockchain ecosystem have jointly revealed Project Unify. This initiative aims to deliver a versatile superapp centered on stablecoins, specifically engineered to streamline cross-border transactions…. Read More

September 17, 2025 @ 10:49 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Pakistan’s  Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) has issued a call to global cryptocurrency firms to apply for local licenses. The initiative, announced by the finance ministry, aims to integrate Pakistan’s expanding crypto market—estimated to serve 40 million users—into the global digital economy. This development signals… Read More

September 8, 2025 @ 10:50 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has taken significant steps to bolster Hong Kong’s position as a global hub for sustainable finance, with two key initiatives announced in September 2025. The launch of a public consultation on the Phase 2A prototype of the Hong Kong… Read More

September 7, 2025 @ 3:24 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Sora Ventures, a Taiwan-based venture capital firm specializing in digital assets, has launched Asia’s first $1 billion Bitcoin (BTC) treasury fund. Announced at Taipei Blockchain Week, the initiative is backed by an initial $200 million from institutional investors across the region, with plans to acquire… Read More

August 21, 2025 @ 8:01 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Stripe has reportedly introduced over 50 upgrades to accelerate global growth for Asian businesses. The announcements were shared at Stripe Tour Singapore 2025, “where over 1,300 business leaders, entrepreneurs, and developers gathered for the company’s annual conference in Southeast Asia.” Updates included: Stripe Reader S710, Stripe’s… Read More

July 27, 2025 @ 5:20 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Citigroup has released a comprehensive report outlining its strategic vision to enhance remittance services across Asia. As Asia remains a critical hub for global remittances—accounting for a significant share of the $700 billion global market—Citi’s report highlights approaches to address consumer and business needs, leveraging… Read More

July 8, 2025 @ 1:39 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Blackstone (NYSE:BX) announces a key senior leadership appointment in Japan, as the firm continues to expand its footprint in the market and strengthen its commitment to Japan. Muneya Taniguchi will join as Vice Chairman of Japan and Executive Advisor to lead the firm’s expansion, focusing… Read More