Fintech
Innovation in financial technology — digital payments, neobanks, blockchain, and more.
Munify integrates with Circle to enable USDC local payouts in Philippines
Munify integrated with Circle Payments Network so that users can receive funds from abroad in USDC and have them converted into Philippine pesos and paid out to local bank accounts and e-wallets.
MTN finalising Nigeria and Uganda fintech spinoffs, partners Ant International
MTN is completing the separation of its mobile-money businesses in Nigeria and Uganda and has signed a technology partnership with Ant International to turn MoMo into a super app, starting in Nigeria.
Canadian mortgage-tech Nesto closes CAD 302 million Series E at CAD 1.47 billion valuation
The Montréal-based lender achieved unicorn status with a round backed by La Caisse and Fidelity Canada funds to accelerate its AI lending platform.
GIFT City opens applications for second fintech cohort in India
GIFT City opened applications for its second fintech cohort, offering three months of in-person residency followed by three months of virtual support to early-stage start-ups focused on product development and market validation.
Credit Bureau Singapore and Experian Malaysia sign MOU to develop cross-border credit reporting service
Credit Bureau Singapore and Experian Malaysia signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a consent-based, two-way cross-border credit reporting service, helping lenders assess borrowers with credit histories in both markets.
Klarna launches a high yield savings account to deepen its consumer reach
Klarna launched a US high yield savings account paying from 3.28% APY through partner WebBank, expanding beyond buy now pay later services.
US fintech iCapital doubles Hong Kong office space amid regional wealth surge
US fintech iCapital more than doubled its Hong Kong office footprint by leasing 9,000 sq ft at One International Finance Centre as it plans to double its Hong Kong staff by 2029 amid rising demand for wealth-management services in Asia.
SoFi says testing its AI adviser Coach showed how advice is framed matters
SoFi's head of advice and planning said testing Coach showed that the snowball debt-repayment method works better for most people than the mathematically optimal avalanche approach, leading SoFi to train the AI guide on how to position its advice.
US fintechs expand rent now pay later loans amid housing affordability squeeze
Fintech lenders in the United States are offering 'rent now, pay later' loans that cover tenants' payments to landlords and are repaid in instalments, targeting renters squeezed by housing costs, the Financial Times reported.
United States: FTX co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried applies for Trump pardon
Sam Bankman-Fried applied for a pardon from President Donald Trump, more than two years after his conviction over the collapse of his multi-billion dollar cryptocurrency empire, Moneyweb reported.
Vietnam Maritime Bank cuts loan approval times to 15 minutes
Vietnam Maritime Bank halved its loan turnaround time to 15 minutes after deploying FICO's AI decisioning platform with regional partner Blitz, completing the integration of AI, machine learning and rules in ten months.
ZA Bank and Industrial Bank launch Southbound Wealth Scheme for GBA investors
ZA Bank said it partnered with Industrial Bank to launch a Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect Southbound Scheme service, becoming the first Hong Kong digital bank to offer this cross-border option.