PvX, a Singapore-based financial services platform for consumer applications, has announced it has surpassed US$250 million in committed user acquisition (UA) financing facilities. The platform has committed this capital to 20 mobile gaming and consumer app companies in its existing portfolio. The balance sheet for these financing commitments is provided by General Catalyst, an existing investor, through its Customer Value Fund (CVF). Alongside this milestone, PvX has raised a US$4.7 million seed extension led by Z Venture Capital, the corporate venture capital arm of LY Corporation. The round also saw participation from Drive by DraftKings and existing investors General Catalyst, Play Ventures, and Storyhouse Ventures. The firm will use the proceeds from the seed extension to build out its SaaS services, specifically its proprietary machine-learning platform, PvX Lambda. Lambda analyses industry trends and forecasts outcomes to support underwriting and capital allocation decisions. According to the company, this technology was central to evaluating the 20 companies eligible to access the new capital commitment. PvX operates using a “cohort financing” model, which provides non-dilutive funds for marketing. Unlike traditional venture capital, PvX does not take an equity stake in exchange for this financing. Instead, the capital functions as a revolving facility where companies draw funds over 12 to 24 months and repay the principal plus a fixed, capped percentage of the revenue generated from the deployed capital. Joe Wadakethalakal “Surpassing US$250 million in commitments alongside this new round underscores the demand we’re seeing for financing that is both flexible and tied directly to growth,” said PvX Co-Founder and CEO Joe Wadakethalakal. Daniel Song of Z Venture Capital pointed out that high acquisition costs and restrictive financing are significant hurdles for founders, praising PvX for using its combined gaming and financial expertise to help startups scale efficiently. Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Philippines based on an image by pvproductions via Freepik and PvX Partners. The post PvX Secures US$250M Financing Capacity and Raises US$4.7M Seed Extension appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Airwallex has raised US$330 million in a Series G funding round led by Addition, with participation from T. Rowe Price, Activant, Lingotto, Robinhood Ventures, and TIAA Ventures. The round values the company at US$8 billion, a roughly 30% increase since its Series F six months ago. The funding will support growth in the US and other key markets, alongside expanded AI recruitment and product development. The company has established a second global headquarters in San Francisco and plans to invest over US$1 billion from 2026 to 2029 to scale US operations, attract talent, and extend its presence. Jack Zhang “We believe the future of global banking will be borderless, real-time, and intelligent,” said Jack Zhang, co-founder and CEO. “Legacy providers are fundamentally incompatible with how modern businesses operate. We’re building a modern alternative, a single platform that powers global banking, payments, billing, treasury, and spend on top of proprietary financial infrastructure. This capital will accelerate our growth, extend our technical leadership, and strengthen our position in the US and across key markets worldwide.” Airwallex reported annualised revenue of more than US$1 billion in October, up 90% year-on-year, and annualised transaction volume of over US$235 billion, doubling year-on-year. Around half of its customers use multiple products. The company holds 80 licenses worldwide, enabling operations in more than 200 countries. It expanded regulated operations in 12 new markets in 2025, including France, the Netherlands, Israel, Canada, Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brazil, Mexico, and the UAE. The San Francisco office will house core product, engineering, partnerships, and go-to-market teams. The company plans to double its US headcount to over 400 employees within 12 months. Airwallex currently employs over 2,000 people globally. It expects to increase its workforce by more than 50% by the end of 2026. The company is developing AI agents to automate financial workflows across payments, treasury, and spend. The first, an Expense Submission Agent, collects receipts, matches transactions, categorises expenses, and completes submissions. A forthcoming Expense Policy Agent will verify submissions against company policies, reducing manual review and streamlining processes.     Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by fledermausstudio via Freepik The post Airwallex Secures $330M Series G, Eyes US Growth and AI Expansion appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

10x Banking, a cloud-native core banking platform, has partnered with audax, a digital banking technology provider supported by Standard Chartered, to help banks in Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East modernise their core systems and expand digital offerings. Research by 10x Banking indicates that 93% of APAC banking leaders consider the right platform critical to future success, yet two-thirds remain concerned about migration risk. In APAC, 67% of executives acknowledge they are falling behind in digital transformation, while only 8% prioritise core banking. Fintech in the region is expected to grow at over 21% CAGR through 2028, as QR payments, digital wallets, and cross-border transactions drive expansion. The partnership allows audax to deploy digital banking capabilities in as little as six months while banks use 10x Banking’s platform, adopted by institutions including Chase UK, Westpac and Old Mutual. Antony Jenkins, Founder and CEO of 10x Banking, said: Antony Jenkins “This partnership shows banks don’t need to choose between speed and resilience, they can have both. By combining 10x Banking’s modern core with audax’s digital agility, banks in high-growth regions can innovate at pace, minimise risk, and deliver lasting customer value.” Kelvin Tan, CEO of audax, added: Kelvin Tan “Traditional core banking projects take years and cost tens of millions. Our partnership with 10x Banking changes that equation entirely, banks can launch full digital services in as fast as six months for a fraction of the cost.” 10x Banking processes over a billion real-time transactions annually and maintains 99.99% uptime. It can also onboard 60,000 customers in a single day. audax has implemented digital banking solutions integrated with ecosystem platforms serving over 150 million users. The company is also leading Maybank Islamic’s digital transformation. Together, the firms help banks modernise infrastructure incrementally and reduce technical debt. They also support the introduction of new services such as Banking-as-a-Service, digital wallets, and super apps. The partnership ensures compliance across diverse regulatory environments.     Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by Borin via Freepik The post 10x Banking, audax Partner on Core Banking Modernisation appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Vietnamese consumers are favoring digital channels and social commerce for their Tet shopping, leveraging e-commerce platforms, social media, and messaging apps, to discover products, gather information, and make purchases. This trend underscores the profound shift in consumer shopping habits fueled by the rise of the digital economy, according to a new consumer study by market research agency Decision Lab. Tet, Vietnam’s lunar new year, is the country’s biggest cultural and economic period in the year. While the holiday is traditionally centered on giving and togetherness, consumer behavior has evolved far beyond a mere pre-holiday shopping rush. Spending now stretches across an extended period, rising in the days leading up to Tet as consumers prepare for celebration and gifting, then rebounds strongly afterwards as they shift from rewarding others to rewarding themselves. This evolving spending pattern creates distinct opportunities for brands throughout the entire Tet season. The Decision Lab study, produced in collaboration with Meta, polled more than 800 consumers in Vietnam to understand their shopping habits and preferences during Tet season. It found that digital-first behaviors dominate the purchasing journey. For retail products in particular, social media and e-commerce platforms are the primary sources of product awareness, research, and purchase. Notably, a brand’s official page on e-commerce platforms like ShopeeMall and LazMall is the most used channel for product discovery (49%), product consideration and information gathering (54%), and final purchase (44%). Retail and health and beauty products discovery phase, Source: Unveiling Tet Consumer Trends, Decision Lab, 2025 Results vary for health and beauty (H&B) products. During discovery, 40% self-search for information online or contact sellers via messaging apps. During the consideration phase, 58% gather additional information by directly contacting the seller through messaging apps, or by searching for information on social media posts. For final purchase, shoppers typically complete the transaction directly with the seller through messaging apps like Facebook Messenger, or Zalo. Retail and health and beauty products consideration phase, Source: Unveiling Tet Consumer Trends, Decision Lab, 2025 The popularity of social media platforms and messaging apps across the discovery and consideration phase underscores the growing influence of digital ecosystems in shaping consumer decisions across the purchase journey. This influence is concentrated within a handful of channels. Among Tet shoppers, 27% said that Meta’s Family of Apps (FOA), comprising Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp, was the only channel that they used to purchase a retail product most recently. For H&B products, this figure rises to 53%. Retail and health and beauty products purchase channels, Source: Unveiling Tet Consumer Trends, Decision Lab, 2025 Changing spending patterns and payment preferences Vietnamese consumer spending accelerates during the Tet season, with several key trends and shifts emerging over the past years. 2024 data from Visa reveal that international expenditure is growing twice as fast as domestic spending, an increase which is attributed to rising overseas travel and a strong growth in cross-border e-commerce. Vietnamese consumers are also growing more confident in online shopping, even for traditionally physical interaction-heavy categories like insurance, transport, and lodging. These areas were the top three categories for e-commerce transactions last year. Payment methods used are also changing. Between January and February 2024, 64% of Visa card transactions in Vietnam were contactless, reflecting growing acceptance of contactless payments. According to Visa’s Consumer Payment Attitudes 2023 study, at least 74% of Vietnamese consumers frequently use contactless payments, particularly mobile wallets, for food and dining, shopping, and convenience store purchases. An increasing number of consumers are also using their credit cards domestically. A separate study that more than half (55%) of the Vietnamese consumers polled preferred using their credit cards when shopping in Vietnam because of rewards, miles and cashback offers. Vietnamese consumers embrace AI The Decision Lab study also reveals rising consumer adoption of AI tools throughout the purchase journey. Of the consumers polled, 20% use AI to search for shopping information, and 18% to find locations, reflecting increased reliance of AI for information retrieval and real-time assistance. Furthermore, 13% use AI to track spending and budget planning, highlighting AI’s growing role as a real-time personal financial management tool. But AI adoption in Vietnam extends well beyond shopping. A separate study by Decision Lab shows that 78% of consumers have used at least one AI platform in the past three months, and 33% are now integrating AI into their daily routines. Vietnamese users mostly use AI for work and education purposes, entertainment, and daily routines. Top applications include getting updates and information (37%), learning new skills (34%), and translating content (33%).  When asked about their main motivations for using AI, consumers most often cites saving time (67%), simplifying learning (60%), boosting creativity (51%), and improving accuracy (48%). Though consumer AI usage in Vietnam is led by global leaders ChatGPT (81%), Gemini (51%) and Meta AI (36%), homegrown platform AI Hay ranks second in users satisfaction. This underscores the relevance of local AI solutions tailored to Vietnamese users’ needs and context. AI adoption in Vietnam by activity, Source: Unveiling Tet Consumer Trends, Decision Lab, 2025 Vietnam’s booming e-commerce market Total e-commerce transaction value in Southeast Asia reached US$100 billion in 2024. Vietnam accounted for US$25 billion of this, making it one of the fastest-growing e-commerce markets in the region and placing it among the top ten globally with over 60 million online shoppers, according to Lai Viet Anh, deputy director general of the Vietnam’s Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy. Growth continues into 2025, with sales across the country’s four major e-commerce platforms, namely Shopee, Lazada, Tiki, and TikTok Shop, rising nearly 42% year-over-year (YoY) in H1 2025 to reach VND 202.3 trillion (US$7.8 billion). Total sales volume also increased, growing 25.4% YoY to 1.9 billion products. Within this market, social commerce subset is expanding rapidly, with “shoppertainment” gaining particular momentum. This model blends video content with real-time shopping, making the shopping process more interactive and enjoyable, which in turn increase sales and customer loyalty. Among the Vietnam’s biggest e-commerce platforms, TikTok Shop, a leading shoppertainment channel in the country, led in growth with a 69% YoY surge in revenue. The platform also saw its market share increase from 29% to 39%, further underscoring the growing influence of shoppertainment.   Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by mohammadhridoy12 and ganzevayna1 via Freepik The post Vietnamese Consumers Turn to Digital Channels and Social Commerce for Tet Shopping appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Payment Options, a Singapore-based payment solutions provider, is pleased to announce that it has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) for a Major Payment Institution (MPI) licence under the Payment Services Act 2019. This milestone underscores Payment Options’ commitment to supporting Singapore’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with simple, secure, and accessible digital payment solutions. If granted the licence, Payment Options will be authorised to provide three regulated payment services: Merchant Acquisition, Domestic Money Transfer, and Cross-Border Money Transfer. Through these services, the company aims to empower SMEs with a full suite of payment capabilities — from online payment gateways and QR code payments to the upcoming SoftPOS payments technology — enabling merchants to accept digital payments easily and securely. Aaron Yip “We remain deeply committed to supporting Singapore’s SMEs as they grow and compete in an increasingly digital-first economy. Our vision is to position digital payments as a growth enabler — not a challenge — for small businesses. Our goal is to make digital transactions seamless, secure, and accessible for every business, regardless of size.” said Aaron Yip, Director of Payment Options. Building on this vision, if the licence is granted, Payment Options will continue to work closely with local merchants, financial institutions, and technology partners to enhance payment accessibility and drive innovation across Singapore’s SME ecosystem. “We reaffirm our commitment to regulatory compliance and innovation, as we contribute to Singapore’s ongoing journey toward a secure, inclusive, and cash-lite economy.” The IPA granted by the MAS indicates that a licence may be issued upon the fulfilment of specified conditions and provided there are no material adverse developments affecting the applicant. The IPA does not constitute a licence to provide payment services at this stage, and MAS reserves the right to rescind the approval if it deems appropriate.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by wtmn via Freepik The post Payment Options Secures In-Principle Approval from MAS for Payment Licence appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Citi has appointed Minh Ngo as the new Citi Country Officer and Banking Head (CCOBH) for Vietnam, marking the first time a Vietnamese national has held the CCO post since the bank began operations in the country 32 years ago. In addition to her country leadership role, Ngo will assume the position of General Director of Citi’s Ho Chi Minh City branch. As the bank’s most senior representative in Vietnam, she will act as the primary representative of the franchise in the local market. According to the bank, Ngo will be responsible for leading Citi’s strategy across all client segments and product lines. Her remit includes direct accountability for the financial performance of the banking business. Beyond financial oversight, Ngo is tasked with leading regulatory engagement and overseeing legal entity governance. The bank also noted that she will drive the execution of Citi’s global transformation initiatives within the Vietnamese market. Citi has maintained a presence in Vietnam since 1993. Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore based on an image by ilygraphic via Freepik. The post Citi Appoints Minh Ngo as First Vietnamese Country Officer appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Coda has announced its new executive leadership team and board composition following the acquisition of Recharge, a European prepaid payments platform. The combined company will operate under the Coda brand, integrating capabilities across payments, consumer storefronts, and digital content distribution. The parent entity will consolidate operations under the Coda brand. Meanwhile, Recharge’s established consumer-facing brands (including Recharge.com, Startselect, and Giftcloud) will continue to operate within the global portfolio. According to the company, the move brings together B2B and B2C capabilities. The goal is to build a unified global infrastructure that streamlines how digital products are discovered and purchased. Shane Happach continues as Chief Executive Officer of the combined organisation. The new executive team includes former Recharge leaders, with Fabian Spaargaren appointed as EVP B2C and Martine Tiemersma joining as Chief Operating Officer. Rounding out the leadership team, Zac Liew joins as Chief Commercial Officer B2B, alongside Mike Feldkamp as Chief Technology Officer, Abhi Sharma as Chief Financial Officer, Linda Lee as SVP People, and Liz Adam as VP Corporate Affairs. In the boardroom, Michael Kent assumes the role of Chairman, transitioning from his previous chairmanship at Recharge. Günther Vogelpoel, the outgoing CEO of Recharge, will move to a non-executive director role at the end of the year. The board retains representatives from investors Apis Partners, GIC, Insight Partners, and Smash Capital. Shane Happach “Bringing our teams and capabilities together gives us a stronger foundation … We now operate with more scale, deeper expertise, and a shared focus on powering the future of digital commerce,” said Happach. Kent noted that the company now possesses the necessary leadership and unified infrastructure to define the direction of the digital commerce industry. Featured image by Coda. The post Coda Unveils New Leadership Team Following Recharge Acquisition appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Adoption of AI is accelerating across Southeast Asia, with Singapore leading in overall adoption and Malaysia emerging as one of the region’s fastest-growing markets, according to a new study by Amazon Web Services. Much of this growth is being propelled by the startup community. The study, which polled 1,000 members of the public and 1,000 business in each of the 13 markets studied, found that while large enterprises remain the largest adopters of AI, startups are actually the true leaders in AI innovation, positioning Malaysia’s dynamic startup sector as a key engine of AI-driven competitiveness in the region. Despite this growth, the study also found that most businesses are still at an early stage of AI implementation, focusing on efficiency gains and automation rather than full operational transformation. The vast majority of organizations are still lacking a comprehensive AI strategy, with the skills gap identified as the biggest barrier to AI adoption, mirroring global trends. AI adoption higher in Singapore Singapore leads Southeast Asia in AI adoption, with nearly half (48%) of Singaporean businesses now leveraging AI, up from 40% last year. In comparison, 32% of businesses in Thailand have adopted AI, 28% in Indonesia, 27% in Malaysia, 21% in the Philippines, and 18% in Vietnam, showcasing Singapore’s leadership in AI adoption. In the past year alone, 27,000 businesses in the city-state began using AI, equivalent to over three every hour on average. This brings the total number of AI-adopting businesses from around 143,000 in 2024 to 170,000 in 2025. Singapore’s strong AI adoption is supported by high uptake of cloud technology, with 53% of businesses using the cloud. Cloud computing represents a foundational capability in digital transformation, enabling broader and faster scaling of AI. Singaporean businesses report larger gains Businesses in Singapore are also witnessing larger gains from their use of AI. Among AI adopters, 82% are reporting increased revenue, at an average increase of 19%, and 90% are seeing significant productivity improvements. These gains are significantly higher than those in Malaysia, where 65% of AI-adopting businesses are seeing an increase in revenue by also an average increase of 19%, and 72% reporting significant productivity improvements. This may be explained by differences in digital maturity, infrastructure quality, and how deeply AI is integrated into local businesses. Firms in Singapore typically have greater access to more advanced resources, enabling them to deploy AI across more strategic, high-impact areas beyond basic applications. As a result, Singapore businesses are now redirecting their focus toward strategic value creation and innovation-centric AI efforts. 52% are looking to use AI to enhance customer service and relationships, 46% to develop new products and services, and 42% are investing in employee training. Higher maturity and advanced sectors drive adoption Singapore also boasts the highest level of AI maturity in the region. 17% of Singaporean businesses have reached the most transformative stage of AI integration, where they are now leveraging the technology for advanced purposes, combining multiple AI tools for complex tasks, or developing custom AI systems for operational transformation. This compares with 10% in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, 9% in Vietnam, and 8% in the Philippines, underscoring Singapore’s leadership in AI but also highlighting the widening gap in AI readiness across Southeast Asia. Within Singapore, the financial services industry leads AI adoption, reporting a 71% penetration rate, followed by IT and technology, including software developers, data analytics firms, cloud service providers, and digital startups at 70%, and healthcare at 63%. Looking ahead, optimism remains strong, with 85% of AI adopters expecting the technology to increase their growth in the next year, and 89% anticipating cost savings. Faster adoption in Malaysia Compared to Singapore, AI adoption in Malaysia is lagging, with 27% of businesses using AI in 2025, versus 48% in Singapore. However, Malaysia is experiencing faster growth in AI uptake. In 2024, 630,0002 new businesses implemented AI technologies, a pace of more than one new AI adoption every minute throughout the year. This brings the total number of AI-adopting businesses from 1.77 million in 2024 to 2.4 million in 2025, representing a 35% growth in overall AI adoption, and surpassing Singapore’s 20% growth rate. In Malaysia, startups are emerging as leaders in AI innovation. Almost half (48%) of startups are leveraging AI in some way throughout their business, 27% have AI at the core of their business proposition and operations, and 26% apply AI for its most advanced uses. This ambition is matched by optimism. 83% of domestic startups believe AI will transform their industry within the next five years, positioning Malaysia’s fast-moving startup sector as a key engine of AI innovation and competitiveness in the region. AI adoption surges but remains basic While AI adoption in Malaysia is rising, most organizations remain at an early stage of AI implementation. 73% of local businesses are still primarily focused on basic uses of AI and incremental gains, concentrating on operational efficiency and process streamlining rather than innovation. These businesses are mainly using publicly available chatbots for routine tasks such as scheduling assistants, and are purchasing ready-made AI solutions for data analysis, financial analysis or cybersecurity. Nevertheless, 17% of organizations in Malaysia have advanced to the intermediate stage of AI adoption. This stage involves integrating AI across various business functions and products for improved efficiency and enhanced customer experience with tools like embedded recommendation and personalized features. Finally, only 10% of Malaysian businesses have reached the most advanced stage of AI integration, where the technology is used for operational transformation and more complex tasks. Large enterprises represent great untapped opportunity In both Malaysia and Singapore, large enterprises are leading AI adoption but are not yet leveraging the technology’s most advanced applications. In Malaysia, 44% of large enterprises are using AI technologies, significantly greater than the national average of 27%. However, the vast majority (74%) are using them for incremental gains. Singapore is seeing a similar pattern where 62% of large enterprises have adopted AI, higher than the national average of 48%, but where 60% are still at a basic level of adoption. Furthermore, only a minority of large companies in Singapore (30%) and Malaysia (12%) have a comprehensive AI strategy outlining how their organization will leverage AI. This suggests that most large firms in the countries are still in the experimentation phase, deploying AI across a few use cases rather than embedding the technology across the value chain. This represents an untapped opportunity for AI providers and stakeholders. Skills gap as the biggest barrier to AI adoption Across Southeast Asia, skills gap remains the biggest barrier to AI adoption. 52% of businesses in Malaysia claim the shortage of digital and AI skills prevents them from adopting or expanding AI use. This challenge is more acute than in Singapore (43%) and in Thailand (47%), but less severe than in Indonesia (57%), the Philippines (57%), and Vietnam (55%). Amid ongoing talent shortages, Malaysian businesses say they would be willing to increase a salary offer by 34% for a candidate with strong AI skills. The skills most lacking skills in the Malaysian workforce today are adapting to new digital technologies (43%), data analysis and interpretation (39%), and the basics of AI and machine learning (32%). Malaysian businesses expect AI literacy to be important for 54% of jobs in the next three years and only 29% of businesses feel prepared with their current skillset. A fifth (22%) of employees have participated in digital training or upskilling in the past year. The AI talent shortage has become a pressing challenge for businesses worldwide. A recent survey by tech consultancy BearingPoint polled more than 1,000 C-suite executives and found that 92% of organizations are currently facing acute shortages of over 30% of AI-critical skills. While these shortages are expected to ease, nearly half of leaders still anticipate significant gaps of 20-40% in critical roles by 2028.   Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on images by leonunes and leonunes via Freepik The post AI Adoption Surges in Southeast Asia; Singapore Leads But Malaysia Shows Faster Growth appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Asian consumers are increasingly open to using artificial intelligence (AI) in customer service to achieve faster, more accurate, and more consistent support, according to a new study by Genesys Cloud Services. At the same time, they continue to value and request human interaction, indicating that empathy and emotional intelligence remain essential to positive customer experiences (CX). The survey, which polled 1,400 consumers across seven Asian markets in October, found that AI usage is high in Asia, with most consumers having already used the technology. According all markets surveyed, more than 70% of respondents had used a chatbot or a virtual assistant for customer support in the past 12 months, showcasing that AI-driven support is now a familiar part of the CX. Adoption was highest Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia where more than 80% of respondents reported using AI-based support over the past year. Have you interacted with a chatbot or virtual assistant for customer support in the past 12 months, Source: The future of customer experience in Asia 2025, Genesys and Twimbit, Nov 2025 Mixed sentiment Despite this high adoption rate, customer sentiment toward chatbots is mixed. While many find AI somewhat helpful, inconsistent issue resolution persists and overall customer sentiment remains largely neutral. Low positive sentiment was the most notable in Hong Kong and Taiwan, suggesting higher user expectations or more complex service needs. This reinforces the importance of language and tone adaptation to local expectations as users respond more positively to AI that communicates in a natural, human-like way. By contrast, consumers in Indonesia and Thailand reported the highest levels of satisfaction with AI interactions, likely due to stronger localization and simpler, more well-defined use cases. Other regions showed a neutral majority, reflecting willingness to engage but limited confidence in AI reliability. What was your experience with AI-based customer support tools, like generative AI chatbots or AI voice agents, Source: The future of customer experience in Asia 2025, Genesys and Twimbit, Nov 2025 Overall, the majority of consumers across Asia reported feeling frustrated with their experiences with chatbots, with 75% of consumers saying that chatbots failing to understand their issues is one of the biggest gaps in current support systems. This suggests that current chatbot technologies are failing to meet user expectations for accurate, context-aware support. A further 59% expressed frustration with reporting the same information, while 17% deplored a lack of personalization in service. AI viewed as an enhancer rather than a replacement for human agents Although Asian consumers are increasingly comfortable using AI, they expect the technology to improve speed, accuracy and consistency rather than replace human agents altogether. AI is largely viewed as a powerful tool for handling repetitive tasks and improving efficiency, but most consumers are not yet ready to rely on AI-only interactions. Only 24% of respondents said they were comfortable with fully digital AI agents on chat and voice. The majority expressed a preference for either human agents, or at least hybrid model combining AI and human involvement. Would you be happy with service delivered by AI gents, either on chat or voice, Source: The future of customer experience in Asia 2025, Genesys and Twimbit, Nov 2025 Regionally, Taiwan, Singapore, and the Philippines showed the strongest preference for hybrid interactions. Indonesia and Thailand, meanwhile, are increasingly open to fully digital agents. Finally, in Hong Kong and Malaysia, consumers are favoring a more cautious optimism approach combining human and AI integrations. When you need support or have a question, which of the following best describes how you prefer to get help? Source: The future of customer experience in Asia 2025, Genesys and Twimbit, Nov 2025 This preference for human-centered support is echoed in the finding that 75% of respondents ranked empathy and human connection as the second most important factor in customer service interactions. Poor customer service and lack of empathy were cited by 68% of customers as the leading reasons for abandoning a brand, further underscoring the direct link between emotional intelligence and customer retention. Which of the following experiences have caused you to stop using a brand, Source: The future of customer experience in Asia 2025, Genesys and Twimbit, Nov 2025 Speed and resolution as top priorities Across Asia, consumers are prioritizing fast response and resolution, along with clear communication and helpful service. Speed and resolution ranked as the top customer expectation, cited by 80% of respondents. This suggests that efficiency is the dominant factor in positive CX. What matters most to Asian customers when interacting with a brand’s customer service, Source: The future of customer experience in Asia 2025, Genesys and Twimbit, Nov 2025 A separate survey of 120 CX leaders in Asia found that 46% of leaders acknowledge that response time is where they are failing short, citing it as their top performance gap. Response time is a particularly significant pain point for CX leaders in the Philippines and Taiwan, where 75% of 60% of respondents, respectively, reported the longest delays. In contrast, only 10% of CX leaders in Hong Kong enterprises identified response time as a major shortcoming. In which areas do you believe your organization is falling short of customer expectations, Source: The future of customer experience in Asia 2025, Genesys and Twimbit, Nov 2025 AI adoption in Asia surges Adoption of AI has surged in Asia among consumers but also businesses. A July 2025 survey by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) polled more than 4,500 employees across nine Asia-Pacific (APAC) markets and found that 78% of APAC respondents now use AI at least weekly. The figure makes APAC one of the biggest adopters of AI, and surpasses the worldwide adoption rate of 72%. Emerging APAC economies such as India, Indonesia, and China are leading the way, with adoption rates of 92%, 89%, and 87%. This trend reflects a young, ambitious workforce eager to embrace AI as a growth enabler. In contrast, Japan stands out among APAC countries for its relatively low adoption rate, at 51%. Share of respondents who use AI at least several times a week (%), Source: AI at Work, Boston Consulting Group, Oct 2025   Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on images by ezps and hamzaazeem1387 via Freepik The post Asian Consumers Embrace AI, but Still Value Human Interactions appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Embed Financial Group Cayman Holdings (EFGH), a Singapore-headquartered Finternet infrastructure firm operating across emerging markets in Africa and Asia, today announced that it has entered into a definitive Business Combination Agreement (BCA) with WinVest, a publicly listed special purpose acquisition company. The proposed transaction values EFGH at a pro forma enterprise value of approximately US$425 million. Upon completion of the business combination, WinVest Holdings, a newly formed Cayman Islands holding entity that is expected to be renamed Embed Financial Global Holdings (Pubco), will become the parent company of the combined organisation. EFGH develops digital infrastructure for the emerging “Finternet”, enabling embedded financial services including insurance, remittances, credit and digital wallets for underserved consumers and SMEs. The Company designs and deploys platforms that link government agencies, telecommunications operators, financial institutions and SMEs to more efficient and accessible financial rails. Since its establishment in 2024, EFGH has expanded into eight African and four Asian markets, supported by collaborations with government bodies and enterprise partners. Dennis Ng “We are excited to mark this major milestone for EFGH,” said Dennis Ng, Founder, Executive Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of EFGH. “A Nasdaq listing will accelerate our mission to build the Finternet for underserved consumers and SMEs across Africa and Asia.” Manish Jhunjhunwala, Chief Executive Officer of WinVest, added: Manish Jhunjhunwala “EFGH’s work to broaden access to the Finternet is inspiring and aligns with our mission. We’re delighted to partner with them on this transaction.”       Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by wahyu_t via Freepik The post Embed Financial Group to Combine with WinVest in $425M Deal appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Nexus Venture Partners (Nexus), a Silicon Valley venture capital firm investing in early-stage startups in the US and India, has closed Nexus Ventures VIII, a US$700 million fund focused on AI, enterprise software, consumer and fintech companies at the inception, seed and Series A stages. The fund includes long-standing limited partners who have supported the firm since its early years. Founded by entrepreneurs and engineers with technical and operating experience, Nexus has built a two-decade track record as an early-stage investor. The firm has backed more than 130 companies and recorded over 30 exits, including several IPOs. Its portfolio spans AI infrastructure, developer platforms, open-source technologies, AI agents, consumer businesses and fintech. In a statement, Nexus partners said: “From infrastructure to applications, every layer of the tech stack is getting rewritten by AI. Agentic AI is transforming how work gets done, bringing a whole new wave of augmentation and automation across industries.” They added: “Over the years, we have had the pleasure of backing several founders from the early days of their journeys, who have gone on to take their companies public or are poised to do so soon. With Fund VIII, we’re doubling down on visionary entrepreneurs solving the hardest problems and shaping the next wave of global innovation.” Nexus invests across the Bay Area and India, two of the world’s largest startup ecosystems, supported by its network and operational experience in both markets. The firm says this approach positions it to support founders building companies across these geographies.     Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by freepik The post Nexus Venture Closes US$700 Million Early-Stage Fund appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is preparing to put its international financial center (IFC) into operation, with organizational and staffing arrangements largely finalized, Saigon Giai Phong, a Vietnamese Communist Party newspaper, reported on November 22, 2025, citing HCMC People’s Committee Chairman Nguyen Van Duoc. The IFC will be located in Saigon Ward, Ben Thanh Ward, and the Thu Thiem Urban Area in An Khanh Ward, covering a total area of nearly 900 hectares. It will be equipped with high-speed Internet network covering the entire IFC venue, while the municipal Department of Science and Technology currently building an online information portal for the hub. Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Huu Huan, a member of the IFC consulting team, said that the city is working with leading global and Vietnamese technology corporations to prepare infrastructure for the IFC. It’s partnered with the US Nasdaq Stock Exchange on governance, capacity building, cross-listing, and product development. Nasdaq is providing technology and technical services for the development and operation of the IFC, in addition to training Vietnamese professionals in securities, bonds, derivatives, digital assets, and carbon credit markets. The two sides have also committed to exchange best practices and experiences in the development of legal frameworks, operating mechanisms, risk management, product development, and international investment attraction, and will focus on strengthening businesses connections between Vietnamese, US, and global financial communities. HCMC is also working with the New York Institute of Finance to implement practical financial and investment training programs following international standards. HCMC’s IFC is expected to completed within five years, with preliminary total investment for the project estimated at around VND 172,000 billion (US$7 billion). Speeding up IFC initiatives News of HCMC’s progress follows an official telegram issued earlier in November by Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, which urged relevant authorities to accelerate efforts to launch IFCs. These authorities include the Ministers of Finance, Public Security, Industry and Trade, Agriculture and Environment, Home Affairs, Justice, the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam, and the Chairmen of the People’s Committees of HCMC and Da Nang. The Prime Minister called for establishing a Government Steering Committee to oversee the development of these IFCs, and instructed HCMC and Da Nang to cooperate with relevant agencies to promptly issue preferential policies and create favorable working and living conditions for international investors, covering healthcare, insurance, education, culture, and sports. They were also urged to nominate personnel for review by the Ministry of Finance. The government wants to launch its two IFCs in HCMC and Da Nang, a coastal city in central Vietnam, by the end of the year. Da Nang IFC to focus on fintech, green finance In Da Nang, Chairman of the city People’s Committee Pham Duc An said in October that the city was still working on establishing its IFC, focusing especially on formulating policies, upgrading infrastructure, building data centers, improving airport and seaport facilities, establishing free trade zones, training human resources in international finance, and piloting different management models. Da Nang’s IFC is intended to serve as a “laboratory” for new financial models, particularly in green finance, trade finance, and fintech. It strives to boost fund management activities to support fintech startups, and will promote green finance products and initiatives to support Vietnam’s net-zero goals and global sustainability vision. The center also seeks to develop cross-border trade finance linked to its seaports, logistics, and international tourism, along with offshore financial services for organizations, foreign-invested enterprises, and global investors. Finally, it will focus on fostering a favorable financial environment for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and innovative startups, working with ministries and agencies to develop a conducive regulatory landscape. Da Nang established the Advisory Council for the Development of Vietnam’s IFC in August 2025, consisting of 17 stakeholders, Theinvestor.vn reported. The council is responsible for research and policy advice on development strategy, governance model, incentives for the center, training programs, and policies to attract global experts and overseas Vietnamese professionals. Da Nang has partnered with a number of stakeholders to reach its objectives, including Vietcombank, Saigon Securities (SSI), VNPay, Frankfurt Main Finance, Tether, Apex Group, ARK Global, the Global Green Growth Institute, the Swiss Fintech Association, and the Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Association in Europe. These partnerships aims to help attract investors to the Da Nang IFC, promote joint outreach in international markets, connect the center with global capital markets, produce guidance materials, and develop regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies. Da Nang is targeting double-digit economic expansion for the year. To date, the city has attracted 1,282 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects with total registered capital of over US$10.96 billion. Vietnam’s IFC ambitions Vietnam’s National Assembly passed on June 27, 2025, a resolution on the development of IFCs in Vietnam. Effective from September 01, the resolution draws heavily on global models and outlines the development of IFCs located both in HCMC and Da Nang, with a unified regulatory framework but tailored products based on each city’s strengths. These IFCs aim to serve as hubs that connect markets, foster innovation, and improve governance and transparency while attracting investment and deepening global integration. They strive to create new momentum for socio-economic development, enable economic growth of at least 8% in 2025 and a double-digit expansion from 2026 onward, and help Vietnam achieve its long-term goal of becoming a modern, high-income nation. HCMC will focus on capital markets, banking, currencies, financial innovation sandboxes, and advanced trading platforms, serving as the nation’s main liquidity center. Meanwhile, Da Nang will focus on green finance, fintech, digital services, controlled testing of digital assets and currencies, and attracting investment and remittance funds, leveraging its strengths in logistics, tourism, coastal industries, and the East-West Economic Corridor. Within these IFCs, priority sectors will enjoy a preferential corporate income tax rate of 10% for 30 years, with a maximum corporate tax exemption of four years, as well as a 50% reduction on payable tax in the following nine years. Other projects will benefit from a 15% rate for 15 years, two years of tax exemption, and a 50% reduction for the next four years. Foreigners working in the center will be exempt from personal income tax until the end of 2030. By 2035, Vietnam aims of its IFCs to rank among the top 75 financial centers in the world and among the top 20 by 2045.   Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on images by Peter Nguyen and Anh Nguyen via Unsplash, and rachenzero via Freepik The post Ho Chi Minh City Readies International Financial Center; Da Nang Targets Green Finance, Fintech appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Singapore’s fintech scene never really has a slow season, but 2025 has been unusually packed. Some stories shook consumer confidence, others sparked long debates about trust and regulation, and a few reminded the region that Singapore is still pushing big ideas on the global stage. Here’s a look at five of the biggest stories that shaped the conversation this year, in no particular order. Tokenize Xchange Collapses And Leaves A S$266 Million Hole The year began with a jolt when Tokenize Xchange, once a familiar name among local crypto users, collapsed and left more than S$266 million owed to customers. Over 2,200 users filed claims, and many more continued surfacing as details came out. The company had been running under a temporary exemption while waiting for a licence under the Payment Services Act. When MAS rejected the application, everything unraveled at once. Withdrawals were delayed, client assets were suspected to be mishandled, and the firm’s director found himself facing charges. The situation didn’t just hit Tokenize users. It reopened the broader conversation about whether temporary exemptions still make sense in a market where consumer protection is becoming non-negotiable. Reality quickly shattered the illusion that ‘grey areas’ offered safety. Now, news are swirling that its users are sueing the founder and his wife, over S$60 Million for alleged losses. And as if one headline about trust wasn’t enough, the country then found itself dealing with a very different kind of crisis. Singapore’s New Transfer Safeguard Sparks a Nationwide Debate The news above confirms that scams have been getting more convincing, so banks stepped in with a safeguard that slows down large digital transfers. From 15 October, anyone with at least S$50,000 in their account will have a transfer paused if it moves more than half the balance in a day. The idea is to give people a moment to think before acting under pressure, especially since most scam cases happen through digital channels. What sounded simple quickly turned into one of the biggest debates of the year. Reddit users worried about missed property deadlines, stalled investment moves and frozen business payments. Some felt the rule was too blunt, especially when transfers between one’s own accounts were treated the same as transfers to strangers. In industry circles, the view was different. Regulators and banking leaders reminded the public that the safeguard is there to protect people during moments of stress, not to make banking more convenient. Under the Shared Responsibility Framework, banks must step in if something looks off, even if it means slowing everyone down a little. It ultimately became a question about how people think digital banking should work. Some want full speed and no friction, while others are willing to trade a bit of convenience for peace of mind. Either way, the debate showed that Singaporeans care deeply about how their money moves and how the system evolves. Chocolate Finance’s Turbulent Month Becomes a Test of Trust While Singapore was arguing about transfer rules, Chocolate Finance ended up facing its own pressure test. The company paused instant withdrawals after a wave of customers rushed to cash out. It all started when Chocolate removed AXS payments from its debit card, a feature that had become popular thanks to a generous two-miles-per-dollar partnership. Taking it away sparked immediate confusion and left people anxious. Withdrawals suddenly took days instead of minutes. MAS stepped in to ensure everything was handled properly and assured the public that customer funds were safe and held by independent custodians. Over the next week, Chocolate cleared most of the backlog, raised spending caps again and slowly returned to normal operations. The firm explained that the pause wasn’t a liquidity problem but a spike in transaction volume that overwhelmed their systems. Walter de Oude took responsibility for the communication gaps and acknowledged how quickly trust can be shaken in financial services. The episode became a reminder of how sensitive customer confidence can be. Even a well-regulated fintech can stumble when rewards, user behaviour and product limits collide. For customers, it was a lesson in patience. For the industry, it reinforced the idea that bold ideas still need steady foundations. Singapore Forms SPaN to Strengthen National Payment Governance Singapore also had a story that pointed in a different direction, you know, after these news about scams, safeguards and service disruptions. It is taking a step to tidy up its payments landscape with the launch of SPaN, the Singapore Payments Network. It is a new hub designed to oversee the country’s national payment schemes, make governance smoother, and give innovation a bit more room to breathe. SPaN is a not-for-profit company, backed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the country’s major banks, including Singapore’s Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs). The idea is simple. It is going to get all the key players together, make sure the rules are clear, and create a framework where both national and cross-border payment schemes can operate efficiently and safely. A board of directors is already in place to guide SPaN through its early stages, aiming for full operational readiness by the end of 2026. The 11-member board includes representatives from MAS, both bank and non-bank financial institutions, and four independent industry directors. Beyond just setting the rules, SPaN will personally handle who gets to join the national payment grid, ensuring every player sits under the same roof. The payment schemes moving under SPaN’s watch include familiar names like FAST, PayNow, Inter-bank GIRO, the Singapore Dollar and US Dollar Cheque Clearing Systems, eGIRO, Electronic Deferred Payment, and the Singapore Quick Response Code. It’s a comprehensive list that touches nearly every corner of Singapore’s payment ecosystem. Nexus Global Payments Officially Launches In Singapore Singapore also had a story that pointed in a different direction, you know, after these news about scams, safeguards and service disruptions. While the city was tightening its defences, it also became the home base for one of the region’s most ambitious payment infrastructure projects. Nexus Global Payments, built by the central banks of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India and the Philippines, officially moved into its operational phase. The idea behind Nexus is refreshingly straightforward. Instead of every country trying to link up one by one, Nexus provides a single connector that joins domestic instant payment systems together. Connect once and gain access to multiple markets. It is still early, but the potential is significant. With Singapore hosting the managing entity and the European Central Bank observing the rollout, Nexus could shape how Asia handles cross-border payments over the next decade. It also stood out because it wasn’t the usual crisis-management headline. At a time when scams and service hiccups grabbed the public’s attention, this was the rare story that showed the region still moving forward with long-term infrastructure. It reminded everyone that even in a noisy year, Singapore’s fintech ambitions didn’t slow down. Wrapping Up Singapore’s Fintech Rollercoaster Year Seen together, these stories show how much the fintech landscape shifted this year. Tokenize Xchange’s collapse forced a rethink of trust and regulation. The surge in scams made Singaporeans more aware of how easily authority can be imitated. Banks introduced stronger guardrails to protect customers, which sparked a national debate about how much friction people are willing to accept. Chocolate Finance’s withdrawal pause added another lesson on how sensitive user confidence can be in digital finance. And through all of this, Singapore still pushed ahead with Nexus, a project that could redefine regional payments for years to come. It has been a year of adjustment and accountability, but also one of progress. Singapore’s fintech sector is not just responding to challenges as they arise. It is still building for the future, even when the present feels chaotic. Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore based on images by kongchuenjit and pranavkr via Freepik. The post A Look Back at the Moves and Missteps Driving Singapore Fintech in 2025 appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Stripe has agreed to acquire Metronome, bringing the billing startup’s monetisation tools into its payments ecosystem. Metronome, which provides monetisation and billing software for businesses, said customers will continue to access its services after the deal closes. The company will become part of Stripe’s product suite, connecting its monetisation logic with Stripe’s payments infrastructure. Scott Woody Co founder and CEO Scott Woody said alignment on customer focused product development was a key consideration in joining Stripe. “As part of Stripe, our mission accelerates dramatically. Customers will continue getting world-class software, and now many more people will have access to Metronome.” Metronome said the integration will accelerate improvements across its platform, including real time spend alerts, seat based credits and hierarchical account structures. It added that customers will benefit from Stripe’s global financial infrastructure and higher reliability once the acquisition is complete. The deal is subject to customary closing conditions.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by thanyakij-12 via Freepik The post Stripe Acquires Metronome to Bolster Monetisation and Billing Tools appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Thailand has seized more than US$300 million in assets connected to regional cyberscam groups, according to information reported by AFP through Channel News Asia. The action follows coordinated efforts in Asia, Europe and the United States that have targeted Cambodia’s Prince Holding Group and its associated businesses with sizeable freezes and confiscations. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the seizures involve key figures flagged in earlier cross-border investigations. Those identified include Prince founder Chen Zhi, a Cambodian senator and two Thai nationals. Chen was indicted in the United States in October, where prosecutors allege he oversaw compounds in Cambodia where trafficked workers were forced to carry out online fraud. Thailand’s Anti-Money Laundering Office said about 373 million baht worth of assets linked to Chen have been taken into state custody. These include property, cash and other high-value items. Nearly US$15 million was confiscated from Cambodian senator Kok An, while roughly US$290 million was traced to two Thai suspects. Officials did not indicate when the seizures were executed. The move comes as cyberfraud hubs continue to expand across Southeast Asia, often operating from ordinary commercial spaces yet targeting victims globally. Some workers are recruited willingly, while others are trafficked and held in restrictive conditions. Authorities outside Thailand have mounted similar actions. Britain has frozen more than US$130 million in business and property assets connected to the same network, and regulators in Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong have issued additional orders, in some cases involving several hundred million dollars. The US Justice Department has described Prince Group as a major transnational criminal organisation and recently seized bitcoin valued at around US$15 billion that investigators believe to be illegal proceeds. Prince Holding Group has denied the allegations against the company and its founder.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on images by Freepik and Prince Group  The post Thailand Seizes Over US$300M in Assets From Prince Founder, Other Scam Suspects appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

HSBC has appointed Brendan Nelson as Group Chair, following his tenure as interim Group Chair since 1 October 2023. Brendan joined the Board in September 2023. The appointment follows a rigorous selection process that considered both internal and external candidates. Brendan brings extensive experience in financial services. He led KPMG’s Global Financial Services Practice, advising and auditing international banks, and has held board positions at BP, RBS, and HSBC. Commenting on his appointment, Brendan Nelson said: Brendan Nelson “I am honoured to be HSBC Group Chair. I look forward to continuing to work with the Board, Georges [Georges Elhedery, HSBC CEO] and the wider management team as we deliver on our strategic and financial objectives.” Brendan will continue as Chairman of the Group Audit Committee until the publication of HSBC’s Annual Results 2025 in February, after which a successor will be announced.     Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by lifeforstock via Freepik The post HSBC Appoints Brendan Nelson as Group Chair appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

LexisNexis Risk Solutions has upgraded its IDVerse platform to help organisations spot deepfakes and synthetic identities more accurately. The enhanced platform strengthens document checks, biometric verification and liveness detection while reducing steps in the onboarding flow. The company said the update improves accuracy, speeds up document capture and supports a simpler verification journey. Fraud attempts are becoming more complex as generative AI is used to forge identification and attempt account takeovers. Many organisations still depend on separate tools for device assessment, behavioural analysis and identity checks, creating gaps that add cost, complexity and friction. Kimberly Sutherland “Fraudsters innovate with speed and precision. Organisations can have both strong defenses and a seamless customer experience. This enhanced version of IDVerse delivers both. It enables efficient onboarding, sharper fraud detection and renewed trust at every stage of the customer lifecycle. We integrate innovative deepfake defenses and a more intuitive user experience, so organisations gain stronger protection without adding barriers for legitimate users.” said Kimberly Sutherland, Global Head of Fraud and Identity, LexisNexis Risk Solutions. IDVerse is now integrated with the LexisNexis Dynamic Decision Platform, which combines device risk insights, digital identity profiling, behavioural signals and fraud controls in a single workflow through one API. The integration is designed to give organisations a broader and more consistent view of identity risk while maintaining a smoother user experience. The upgrade expands global ID coverage across more than 220 countries and territories and supports over 140 languages and typesets. It recognises and extracts PII data from government-issued photo IDs and improves document capture through video-based liveness checks, dynamic frame optimisation and OCR stitching to reduce glare, blur and manipulated images. Capture times have dropped from an average of 12 seconds to near-instant results, with support for both front and back cameras. The verification flow now consists of six main screens, removing three steps from the previous version and reducing friction and drop-offs. A conceal mode hides the user’s image during selfie capture, which the company said improves liveness accuracy, lowers false positives and reduces abandonment. Advanced depth perception models eliminate the need to smile, improving accessibility for users with diverse abilities. A server-side deepfake detection engine identifies impersonation attempts without requiring additional user actions. LexisNexis Risk Solutions said the strengthened platform is aimed at helping financial services, gaming, retail, telecommunications and other sectors manage rising identity fraud risks while keeping digital onboarding efficient.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by suradechprapairat via Freepik The post LexisNexis Risk Solutions Upgrades IDVerse Platform to Counter Deepfake Fraud appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Mastercard has introduced Mastercard Credit Intelligence, a suite of analytics tools designed to help lenders assess consumers and small businesses more efficiently. The solution is available in select markets. Credit Intelligence draws on Mastercard’s network data and proprietary insights to support faster analysis, more transparent decision-making and a broader view of potential borrowers. When combined with information such as credit bureau files and telco data, the tools can help lenders form a more complete picture of applicants and tailor underwriting decisions. Kaushik Gopal “A healthy digital economy is an inclusive one – and with the right insights, our trusted network and deep expertise, we can create new opportunities for consumers and small businesses who may have traditionally been overlooked. Together with our partners, we’re making lending smarter, more personalized and more secure – and in the process, helping to drive more entrants into the digital economy.” said Kaushik Gopal, Executive Vice President, Business & Market Insights, Mastercard. The tools can support assessments of applicants with limited credit histories. With the borrower’s permission, a bank can access network insights such as transaction categories and identity signals to supplement traditional checks. Mastercard says this approach can also help lenders evaluate small businesses planning to expand or open new locations by providing historical transaction insights that are not typically included in standard assessments. Mastercard is rolling out the suite across several markets, including the United States, Philippines, UAE, Australia and Brazil. In Brazil, acquirer Stone is using the tools to strengthen its credit offerings for merchants. In the United States, Mastercard’s open finance program is being applied to small business underwriting by integrating permissioned financial information, including cash flow analytics and payment risk insights. Jess Turner “Securely permissioned data is the cornerstone of open finance – fueling not only new financial experiences, but strengthening traditional ones like small business lending. Working with our partners to intelligently put alternative data to work, we can empower small businesses to start, grow and thrive.” said Jess Turner, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Open Finance and Developer Experience, Mastercard. Mastercard is inviting financial institutions, fintech firms, credit bureaus and technology partners to explore Credit Intelligence through Mastercard Developers, where documentation and integration tools are available. The company said availability varies by jurisdiction. Initial activities in the United States will focus on small business solutions that use permissioned open finance data together with Mastercard network insights.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by HobieArt via Freepik   The post Mastercard Introduces Analytics Suite for Smarte Credit Decisions appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Circle Asia Technologies, Visa and Pismo have partnered to launch an AI-powered PayLater card in Vietnam. The card, scheduled for a phased rollout in early 2026, uses AI to assess risk, underwrite customers, and provide virtual credit cards with flexible installment options, allowing users to manage finances without a traditional bank account. The initiative involves a major commercial bank in Vietnam to ensure regulatory compliance and market reach. Arnab Ghosh “Our mission is to deliver a seamless, rewarding and inclusive financial experience for Vietnamese consumers,” said Arnab Ghosh, Founder and CEO of Circle Asia Technologies. “Circle is fundamentally redesigning the financial experience in Vietnam. By starting with a modern credit product, we can build deeper customer relationships than traditional banks or debit-focused neobanks. Working with Pismo and Visa enables us to innovate rapidly and offer convenience and security.” Varun Dudeja, Head of Business Development, APAC at Pismo, said: Varun Dudeja “Our collaboration with Circle and Visa shows how combining core processing technology with global payments infrastructure can create more transparent and accessible consumer experiences. It supports the development of a smarter digital financial ecosystem.” Pismo provides a microservices-based platform and APIs for continuous innovation. Acquired by Visa in 2024, Pismo remains network-agnostic, supporting multiple card networks.     Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by brilian via Freepik The post Circle Asia, Visa and Pismo Launch AI PayLater Card in Vietnam appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Across Southeast Asia, leaders are shipping new customer experiences at record speed, yet many still run into the same wall: the core. When every change depends on vendor queues, tightly coupled code, or batch based processes, product velocity drops, compliance becomes a bottleneck, and engineering time disappears into maintenance. A better pattern is emerging among high growth institutions in the region. Move core capabilities to a modern, cloud native, API first platform that is designed for rapid change and regional compliance. This is not a rip and replace ideology. It is a pragmatic, staged approach that protects live operations while unlocking speed where it matters. Why the core is now a growth decision Source: Fujin via Freepik For fintechs, neobanks, and embedded finance platforms, the edge has moved faster than the center. Teams launch new flows in weeks, but underlying systems can take months to adapt. The result is tension between product ambition and operational reality. In Southeast Asia’s competitive market, that gap is costly. A modern core resolves the tension in three ways: 1. Time to market. Configurable products and workflows move from spec to production in weeks, not quarters. 2. Open integration. API first design lets you plug in scoring engines, onboarding, and payments without brittle workarounds. 3. Compliance agility. Real time reporting and embedded controls keep releases moving while meeting regulatory expectations. Build versus buy with clear economics Many teams start with a custom core. It works until growth, audits, and expansion expose fragility. Others inherit a legacy vendor that was not built for API ecosystems. The white paper created with IBS Intelligence details the trade offs and a simple rule of thumb: build what differentiates your customer experience, and buy the core infrastructure so your teams can focus on the edge. The research also provides a 90 day sprint to evaluate options, model total cost of ownership, and pilot safely without disrupting live operations. Proof from the region The shift is already delivering outcomes. • Salmon in the Philippines went live in under six months, with real time alerts and custom logic enabling rapid product rollout and strong early engagement. • Esquire Financing in the Philippines tripled its loan portfolio in three years, cut approvals from days to hours, and moved to paperless operations through API enabled integrations. The common thread is not a single feature. It is the operating model: an API first core, data that is accessible in real time, and a delivery cadence that lets product, risk, and compliance move together. What to do in the next 90 days Source: Freepik Baseline the bottleneck. Identify where launches slow, whether in product definition, integration, or controls. Open the data path. Ensure critical product, risk, and customer data is accessible through APIs or governed database access. AI pilots depend on this. Pilot with guardrails. Stand up a targeted product on a modern core alongside existing systems. Define success metrics, timelines, and a clear path to scale if it works. Who this helps • CEOs and founders who want faster growth without risky rewires • CTOs and CIOs who need their teams building features, not maintaining plumbing • COOs and CROs who seek real time visibility and simpler controls If your roadmap is bigger than your current foundation, now is the time to change the base in phases and with clear guardrails. The institutions winning in Southeast Asia are not the ones with the most features. They are the ones with a core that lets those features ship, learn, and improve quickly. Download the Oradian and IBS Intelligence white paper for the full analysis, real world timelines, and a 90 day plan to modernise with lower risk.   Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by thanyakij-12 via Freepik The post What a Modern Core Means for Fintechs Looking to Scale in Southeast Asia appeared first on Fintech Singapore.