DeCard by DCS and Coin98 have launched the Coin98 Fusion Card, a payment solution that allows users to spend digital assets at more than 150 million Visa-accepting merchants worldwide. The partnership brings together DeCard’s regulated payments infrastructure and Coin98’s Web3 wallet, marking one of the region’s earliest collaborations between a licensed financial institution and a major DeFi platform trusted by millions. Crypto interest in Southeast Asia remains high, with 92 percent of consumers aware of digital assets and 64 percent expressing interest in using them for payments. Even so, everyday spending has been held back by regulatory uncertainty, infrastructure gaps, trust concerns and the need for OTC conversions or additional apps. The Fusion Card aims to close this last-mile gap by allowing users to sign up, top up and spend directly through the Coin98 Super Wallet. The card connects Coin98’s global user base to DeCard’s compliant rails, enabling routine purchases without conversion steps, OTC fees or extra applications. Users can spend stablecoins on common transactions such as food, shopping or travel through the Visa network. Joan Han “Bridging stablecoins into real-world utility has always been at the heart of DeCard’s mission. For Web3 to go mainstream, it needs trusted rails, and that’s exactly what we’ve built at DeCard: a secure, compliant, and scalable product that gives innovators like Coin98 the confidence to bring everyday crypto payments to life.” said Joan Han, COO of DeCard. Thanh Le “We chose to partner with DeCard because of their proven track record in compliance, security, and infrastructure. DeCard gives us the foundation we need to build confidently, while we focus on creating a product that makes spending digital assets as easy and intuitive as any payment method people already use,” said Thanh Le, Founder of Coin98. The Fusion Card will launch first in Asia Pacific and will offer rewards including a sign-up bonus, referral incentives, cashback tiers and perks for high-usage customers.   The post DeCard by DCS and Coin98 Launch Card for Stablecoin Spending at Visa Merchants appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Tencent Cloud has expanded its partnership with Ryde, a Singapore-based mobility and quick commerce platform. The new phase introduces a Weixin Mini Program in Singapore, building on the previous integration of Tencent Cloud Real-Time Communication (TRTC) technology that enhanced in-app communications within Ryde. Weixin, known internationally as WeChat, is China’s most widely used messaging and social platform. The Weixin/WeChat Mini Program allows Chinese tourists in Singapore to book Ryde rides directly within the platform, without downloading a separate app. The interface supports Simplified Chinese, displays fares in RMB, and accepts payments via Weixin/WeChat Pay. Kenneth Siow, Regional Director for Southeast Asia and General Manager for Singapore & Malaysia at Tencent Cloud International, said: Kenneth Siow “This expanded partnership underscores our commitment to deepening digital integration within the Weixin/WeChat ecosystem. We are proud to support Singapore’s inbound tourism by enhancing connectivity and user experience through our Mini Programs.” Nitin Dolli, CTO at Ryde Group, added: Nitin Dolli “Partnering with Tencent Cloud strengthens Ryde’s position as a local platform collaborating with global technology pioneers. The new Mini Program offers a familiar and localised booking experience for over 3 million Chinese visitors each year, aligning with their language and currency preferences.”     Featured image credit: Ryde The post Tencent Cloud and Ryde Launch Weixin Mini Program in Singapore appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

SEON has upgraded its AML platform to give compliance teams more flexibility as they navigate increasingly fragmented regulations. The enhancements are designed to help businesses manage multijurisdictional requirements with more control over screening, rules and investigations. The platform now supports configurable AML Search Profiles that let teams build jurisdiction-specific screening setups without writing code. Users can select data sources, fine-tune fuzzy matching sensitivity by list type and apply different standards across regions or customer segments. New profiles can be created in minutes when entering markets with different expectations. SEON has also introduced Rule Categories, allowing users to label and filter rules by jurisdiction, regulatory framework or use case. On the investigative side, SEON’s tools use graph theory and network science to uncover links between accounts. The Network Graph maps relationships using device data, behaviour patterns and more than 900 real-time fraud indicators to help teams distinguish legitimate connections from coordinated networks. A Movement of Funds view tracks transaction flows to highlight layering schemes, structuring patterns and coordinated transfers. “Compliance teams are juggling more jurisdictions and tighter rules with systems that simply can’t keep up. Too often, data sits in silos; when one tool flags a high-risk signal, the others stay blind to it. Legacy platforms make it worse by locking down core settings, so teams can’t fine-tune matching or adapt screening by market. The result is blunt, one-size-fits-all compliance that either over-screens everyone or misses real threats. We’re giving teams the freedom to configure risk on their own terms.” said Tamas Kadar, Co-founder and CEO, SEON. Other updates include dashboards that track alert volumes, trigger trends and team performance, payment screening for BIC codes, SWIFT identifiers and crypto wallet addresses and a unified workflow that brings screening, investigation and case management into one interface.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by ahmedemad11 via Freepik   The post SEON Upgrades AML Platform as Global Compliance Rules Grow More Fragmented appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Crypto exchange Kraken has secured US$800 million in fresh funding to accelerate its plan to bring traditional financial products on-chain. The round includes a US$200 million strategic investment from Citadel Securities at a US$20 billion valuation. Arjun Sethi “This investment represents long-term conviction in Kraken’s mission to build trusted, regulated infrastructure for the open financial system. Our focus has always been straightforward: to create a platform where anyone can trade any asset, anytime, anywhere. The caliber of our new investors reflects both the scale of the opportunity ahead and the depth of alignment around how this infrastructure should be built.” said Arjun Sethi, Co-CEO at Kraken. The primary tranche was backed by Jane Street, DRW Venture Capital, HSG, Oppenheimer Alternative Investment Management and Tribe Capital, along with a significant commitment from Sethi’s family office. Founded in 2011, Kraken operates a globally scaled and regulated infrastructure stack that supports spot trading, derivatives, equities, tokenised assets, staking and payments. Its vertically integrated architecture covers exchange matching, custody, clearing, settlement, market data and wallet services, which the company said enables rapid deployment of new asset classes while maintaining regulatory and security standards. Kraken reported US$1.5 billion in revenue in 2024 and said it surpassed that figure within the first three quarters of 2025. It added that it has maintained sustained profitability and had raised only US$27 million in primary capital before this round. The company has expanded its product range in recent months by integrating U.S. futures trading through the NinjaTrader acquisition, launching equities and tokenised equity trading and rolling out KRAK, a global app for payments, savings and investing. Citadel Securities President Jim Esposito said the firm will support Kraken’s next phase of growth. Kraken said the partnership will include differentiated liquidity provision, risk management support and market structure insights. The new funding will be used to scale operations, strengthen its regulated footprint and expand its product suite through organic growth and targeted acquisitions. Kraken plans to enter new markets in Latin America, Asia Pacific and EMEA, while adding more asset classes, advanced trading tools, staking solutions, expanded payment services and enhanced institutional features.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by ilygraphic via Freepik The post Kraken Hits US$20 Billion Valuation After Raising US$800 Million appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore has cleared TransferMate to expand its payment services in the market, adding new account and money transfer capabilities. The approval allows TransferMate to issue accounts, process domestic transfers and provide e-money services in Singapore under its Major Payment Institution licence. With the variation, TransferMate can support local fund storage through dedicated Global Accounts, giving businesses in Asia the option to store funds locally, move money into and out of the region, convert currencies and run payroll or supplier payments from one platform. The expanded capabilities strengthen the functionality of Global Accounts for companies with regional operations. The approval also reinforces Singapore’s role as TransferMate’s Asia-Pacific hub, where the company provides businesses with access to a regulated platform for making, receiving and holding payments across multiple currencies and markets. Gary Conroy “Approval from MAS represents more than a regulatory milestone – it’s an enabler for innovation and growth across Asia. With the enhancement of our license capabilities in Singapore, we can help businesses connect their financial operations across borders more seamlessly than ever before. Our vision is to give every company the power to move money globally with the same ease and transparency as they do locally.” said Gary Conroy, CEO of TransferMate. TransferMate facilitates payments in more than 140 currencies across over 200 countries and territories.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by Trend2023 via Freepik The post TransferMate Gets MAS Approval to Add More Payment Services in Singapore appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Hong Kong-based fintech Statrys has launched its business account service in Singapore to help SMEs, entrepreneurs, and startups manage international payments more efficiently. The move strengthens Statrys’ presence in Asia Pacific. Its platform supports company setup, maintenance, bookkeeping, accounting, and payment management, combining technology with personalised service to simplify cross-border finance. SMEs, which contribute about 45% to Singapore’s nominal GDP, often face lengthy onboarding processes and high transaction costs in global trade. Statrys said its entry aims to make payments smoother, offer competitive foreign exchange (FX) rates, and help businesses capitalise on new global opportunities. Bertrand Théaud “In today’s global economy, entrepreneurs and businesses need more than just traditional business accounts; they need a partner that redefines how payments work across international borders. At Statrys, we’ve built a platform that challenges outdated and conventional systems by combining speed, transparency, and personalised service in every transaction. Our expansion in Singapore isn’t just about growth; it’s about setting a new standard for how fintechs can help entrepreneurs manage their business operations and finances more easily and efficiently, without ever compromising on compliance. Trust, transparency and integrity are the foundation of everything we do at Statrys,” said Bertrand Théaud, CEO and founder of Statrys. Statrys’ Business Account offers a centralised multi-currency solution to streamline operations and improve cash flow. Companies incorporated in Singapore can open accounts supporting 11 major currencies, make international and local transfers with competitive FX fees, and access dedicated account managers for personalised support. “Statrys’ Business Account was created to help entrepreneurs focus on their business so they don’t need to waste time on financial admin. We’ve built a platform that gives SMEs complete control over multi-currency payments, FX, and cash flow, all in one place. Our mission has been clear from the start: to remove the complexities from global operations and empower businesses to grow faster, with confidence and precision,” added Théaud. Founded in 2020, Statrys operates in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the European Union, offering tailored payment, corporate, and accounting solutions for SMEs, entrepreneurs, and startups.     The post Statrys Launches Multi-Currency Business Account for Singapore SMEs appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

First Abu Dhabi Bank is moving to offer real-time cross-border and mobile wallet payouts to more than 130 countries through a new partnership with Thunes. The integration will give FAB customers faster and more transparent international transfers once the service is fully launched. The agreement expands FAB’s global payment reach by connecting directly to Thunes’ Direct Global Network. Both companies say the partnership supports national initiatives aimed at modernising the UAE’s financial infrastructure and strengthening digital innovation, interoperability and financial inclusion. The collaboration reflects their shared aim to advance next-generation cross-border payment channels. Thunes’ Direct Global Network will enable FAB to link to mobile wallet providers and other payout partners worldwide, offering customers a more accessible and efficient way to send money abroad. Simon Nelson Simon Nelson, Chief Commercial Officer at Thunes, said, “First Abu Dhabi Bank joining our Direct Global Network is a clear vote of confidence in Thunes’ ability to deliver global interoperability at scale. Together, we are making cross-border payments faster, and easier for everyone.”       Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on images by Thunes via LinkedIn, and Andersonrise via Freepik   The post Thunes to Power Instant Cross-Border, Mobile Wallet Payments for First Abu Dhabi Bank appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Digital banks now account for a growing slice of scam and fraud complaints in Singapore, even as traditional banks continue to face similar risks. Fresh figures provided to The Straits Times by the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (FIDReC) show that online-only lenders are handling more cases as customers fall victim to Compromised Credentials and Impersonation Scams. FIDReC received 94 scam and fraud claims involving the five licensed digital banks from January to August 2025, already more than double the 42 cases recorded in all of 2024. Losses for the eight-month period reached S$2.5 million. The affected institutions are Trust Bank, GXS Bank and MariBank, which serve retail customers, as well as ANEXT Bank and Green Link Digital Bank, which focus on micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. While digital bank disputes remain a minority within the broader financial sector, their share is rising. Such claims accounted for 2.1 percent of all industrywide complaints in 2023 and 4.8 percent in 2024, climbing to 8.7 percent as at the end of August 2025. FIDReC noted that scams made up 84 percent of digital bank cases, with service standards comprising 11 percent and practices or policies representing 5 percent. AI-driven scams are getting harder to spot Industry analysts told The Straits Times that digital banks rely entirely on apps and websites, creating more opportunities for scammers to strike with phishing links, malware or fabricated messages. They added that traditional banks face similar exposure since most transactions now take place online. Many victims are targeted when they are distracted or under pressure, and the growing use of artificial intelligence and deepfakes has made impersonation attempts far more convincing. The sector has expanded its safeguards in response. Under the Shared Responsibility Framework, banks, telcos and customers each have defined obligations to reduce scam losses, and the authorities can restrict transactions under the Protection from Scams Act if they suspect active fraud. Another safeguard introduced on October 15 allows banks to delay transfers when accounts with at least S$50,000 in deposits experience steep outflows. If more than half the balance moves out within a day, subsequent transfers may be held for 24 hours or blocked. Digital banks have introduced additional controls. They use real-time monitoring systems, round-the-clock support and alerts that disrupt high-risk transactions. Some prompt customers to verify unfamiliar recipients, while others offer fund-locking features that prevent large withdrawals without further checks. Their newer technology stacks also enable faster deployment of countermeasures as scam patterns evolve. Banks and police ramp up joint response Customers remain a critical line of defence. Banks urge users to avoid unfamiliar links, verify anyone requesting financial information and notify their bank immediately if they detect transactions they did not authorise. Industry groups also emphasise the need for stronger sharing of fraud intelligence across institutions to help spot emerging threats early. Collaboration has intensified at the Singapore Police Force’s Anti-Scam Centre, where seven banks now station staff to support rapid account-freezing and fund-recovery operations. The participating institutions are DBS Bank, OCBC Bank, UOB, Standard Chartered Bank, HSBC, CIMB and GXS Bank, which joined the effort earlier this year.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by user6724086 via Freepik The post Digital Bank Fraud Losses in Singapore Climb to S$2.5 Million Amid More AI-Driven Scams appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

BENEFIT and Singapore-based technology company MonetaGo, in collaboration with Bahrain Fintech Bay (BFB), have begun implementing Bahrain’s National Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Initiative. The project aims to create a digital ledger for all financed trade transactions and invoice submissions, providing an alternative data credit score to support trade finance and reduce risk in SME lending. The collaboration brings together Bahrain’s fintech ecosystem and Singapore’s digital trust frameworks, with the goal of developing interoperable, cross-border digital public infrastructure connecting Asia and the Middle East. The initiative is intended to strengthen financial and economic linkages and support secure, transparent trade finance. Abdulwahed Al Janahi, Chief Executive of BENEFIT, said: Abdulwahed Al Janahi “By building technology that de-risks finance and increases liquidity, we are enabling a more transparent and resilient financial ecosystem, and positioning Bahrain as a regional leader in digital public infrastructure and innovation.” Neil Shonhard, CEO of MonetaGo, said: Neil Shonhard “This phase represents more than technological progress; it’s about establishing a trusted, interoperable framework that connects digital public infrastructure between Bahrain and Singapore, strengthening financial integrity and advancing secure, inclusive trade across regions.”     Featured image credit: BENEFIT This article first appeared on Fintech News Middle East The post Bahrain, Singapore Launch National Digital Public Infrastructure Initiative appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Aspire has rolled out AspireOS, an AI-powered platform designed to help banks upgrade digital business banking without replacing their core systems. The launch builds on Aspire’s technology, which serves more than 50,000 businesses globally. Aspire estimates the annual global market for modern business banking software at about US$9 billion, driven by more than 6,000 commercial banks seeking to strengthen their digital business banking offerings. Many SMEs still face gaps in onboarding, payments, reconciliation and integrated financial tools, leading them to explore digital-first challengers. The two modules offered under AspireOS AspireOS is built around two modules. The core banking module provides tools for onboarding, compliance, payment flows, smart cards, and credit and yield products. The Financial OS is powered by AI and layers automation, intelligence and control across invoicing, receivables, payables, expense management, accounting and payroll. Andrea Baronchelli “This demand marks a major white space in digital business banking: businesses want the trust and stability of a bank, but with the user experience and automation they’ve come to expect from fintechs. AspireOS bridges that gap by helping banks deliver the same seamless experience within their own branded ecosystem, backed by enterprise-grade compliance and security,” said Andrea Baronchelli, CEO and co-founder of Aspire. Baronchelli added that the platform extends the company’s focus on building infrastructure that compounds value for SMEs. How Banks Can Integrate and Deploy AspireOS AspireOS is designed to work alongside a bank’s existing systems rather than replace them, offering a modular setup that lets institutions deploy only the components that align with their priorities. Banks typically begin with a sandbox environment to test data flows, APIs and product configurations, with Aspire handling most of the provisioning and compliance validation. Implementation timelines vary, though most clients reach a working proof of concept in two to four months. The platform connects via APIs and is compatible with major core systems such as Temenos, Mambu, Thought Machine and nCino. AspireOS offers a complete full-stack solution AspireOS also incorporates built-in risk and compliance controls, supported by ISO 27001 certification, PCI-DSS v4.0 compliance and SOC 2 audits. Aspire is headquartered in Singapore, operates across more than 30 markets, and has over 600 employees in nine countries. Its platform spans international payments, treasury, and end-to-end expense, payable and receivable management.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by Zohaib Shakeel via Freepik The post Aspire Expands Its Offerings to Now Include Business Banking Technology appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Grab is working with StraitsX on a Web3 settlement model that may bring stablecoin payments to consumers and merchants across Asia. The MOU covers plans for a Web3-connected wallet in the Grab app and a stablecoin-based clearing and settlement layer for cross-border transactions. StraitsX will support technical development of wallet functions such as compliant custody and programmable payments. Both companies will review regulatory and technical requirements for enabling Web3-compatible wallets for merchants, including mitigating risks related to money-laundering and terrorism-financing. The aim is to allow GrabPay merchants to accept stablecoin payments from local and overseas customers through widely used Web3 wallets. Tianwei Liu “Southeast Asia is one of the world’s fastest-growing digital economies, but payments remain fragmented and costly. By uniting Grab’s scale with StraitsX’s established stablecoin infrastructure, proven track record in market expansion, and network of partners across broader Asia, we can deliver a financial network that is faster, cheaper, more inclusive, and regulatory-compliant. This collaboration will accelerate the growth of Southeast Asia’s digital economy on an interoperable payments infrastructure of the future,” said Tianwei Liu, Co-Founder and CEO of StraitsX. If the initiative moves forward and receives regulatory clearance, Grab users may be able to hold and use StraitsX-issued stablecoins such as XSGD and XUSD, both designed for enterprise-grade, cross-border settlement. The companies are also exploring fiat-to-stablecoin conversions within the app. The proposed network aims to streamline regional payments through a single integration layer that links country-specific systems and supports real-time settlement. It is designed to bridge existing Web2 payment rails with Web3 infrastructure, allowing users to pull funds from external Web3 wallets and giving merchants access to on-chain treasury and settlement tools. Kell Jay Lim “Grab sees potential for Web3 technologies to improve cross-border retail payments while providing a familiar experience for users. We look forward to working with StraitsX to bring their capabilities and expertise to bear in solving these problems for our consumers and merchants.” said Kell Jay Lim, Head of Grab Financial. Grab and StraitsX will continue developing the roadmap as they explore expansion across key Asian markets. The post Grab and StraitsX Explore Regulated Cross-Border Stablecoin Settlement appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

SGX Derivatives will launch Bitcoin and Ethereum perpetual futures on 24 November 2025, its first offering of a product widely used in global crypto markets. The contracts use a no-expiry structure common in crypto trading and will be cleared and margined under SGX’s regulated framework. Access will be limited to institutional, accredited and expert investors. Perpetual futures are the most heavily traded payoff in crypto derivatives, generating more than US$187 billion in average daily volumes. Much of this trading is still priced and settled on offshore platforms outside Asia. SGX aims to bring part of this activity on-exchange, giving institutions a regulated venue to gain exposure to Bitcoin and Ethereum at scale. The contracts will reference the iEdge CoinDesk Crypto Indices, which are widely recognised as institutional benchmarks. SGX says this supports more consistent price discovery and alignment with established market standards. Industry participants have welcomed the launch, noting rising demand for regulated access points, regional benchmarks and traditional clearing as digital asset adoption expands. Firms including Bitstamp by Robinhood, DBS, Liquibit Capital, GSR, OKX Singapore, QCP and Virtu Financial said regulated perpetual futures can strengthen transparency, liquidity and risk management for institutional trading flows. Michael Syn Michael Syn, President, SGX Group, said, “Digital assets have made their way into institutional investors’ portfolio. We have taken the next logical and deliberate step – applying the same institutional discipline that underpins global markets to crypto’s most traded pay-off. By bringing the perpetuals into an exchange-cleared, regulated framework, we offer institutions the trust and scalability they have been waiting for.”     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by Tanu via Freepik The post Regulated Bitcoin and Ethereum Perpetual Futures Coming to SGX on 24 November appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Bettr’s credit tech reached more than 30 million users by October 2025 as digital platforms adopted its lending solutions, tripling its reach from a year earlier. The increase reflects growing demand from MSMEs in emerging markets and the push by platforms to embed credit services that strengthen merchant engagement and support revenue. The launch of Bettr’s expanded credit tech suite comes as MSMEs face an estimated US$8 trillion financing gap in emerging markets and developing economies, according to the International Finance Corporation. As platforms scale, many are seeking tools to deliver more tailored lending within their ecosystems. Bettr provides SaaS, Risk-as-a-Service and alternative data-driven Data-as-a-Service offerings that support partners across their credit operations. Its solutions use alternative data and AI to build risk profiles for MSMEs in more than 20 markets. A core product is Bettr’s credit engine, which applies machine learning, large language models, heterogeneous networks and deep neural networks to support real-time and dynamic credit assessment. Bettr says partners can deploy credit policies in minutes through a template-based, code-free interface. The company is also developing AI tools for fraud detection, risk assessment and customer support, and plans to introduce a strategy bot that designs credit rules based on market conditions. Bettr’s expansion includes a deeper partnership with Dock, a Brazilian payments and banking technology provider. The collaboration begins in Brazil and will extend to other Latin American markets through Dock’s network of more than 400 banks and fintech companies, helping digital platforms provide credit and financing support to MSMEs. Quan Yu “Emerging markets are driving global growth, powered by millions of MSMEs with untapped potential. What they need are the right tools and partners to realize it. Our goal is to equip digital platforms with the infrastructure, technology, and products they need to embed credit services directly into their ecosystems. By doing so, these platforms can reach underserved MSMEs at scale quickly and sustainably. This approach is already in place across around 20 markets, and we will continue expanding its impact.” said Quan Yu, General Manager of Global Credit Services, Ant International. Bettr is part of Ant International, which oversees Ant Group’s international digital finance and technology operations.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by suksao via Freepik The post AI and Alternative Data Push Bettr’s Credit Tech to 30 Million Users Across 20+ Markets appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Banking Circle has joined forces with JD Fintech to support faster and more reliable cross-border payment services for global businesses. The partnership gives JD Fintech access to Banking Circle’s infrastructure for real-time payments, foreign exchange and marketplace collections. JD Fintech said the integration will help reduce friction in international transactions and deliver scalable, compliant payment solutions for businesses and consumers. The collaboration enables multi-currency accounts for collections, payments, currency exchange and real-time funds management. Banking Circle’s virtual IBANs and local clearing networks will help businesses manage funds across markets while meeting regulatory requirements. Banking Circle said its single API and local clearing rails will support a more localised payment experience for both merchants and shoppers on JD Fintech’s platform. Mishal Ruparel “With JD Fintech we are playing a part in strengthening the international digital commerce corridor for expansion. By connecting JD Fintech to our unparalleled local clearing network, we provide enhanced speed and transparency in cross-border transactions which will give Asian PSPs and fintech new ways to serve merchants looking to expand globally.” said Mishal Ruparel, Chief Commercial Officer at Banking Circle.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by ilygraphic via Freepik The post Banking Circle, JD Fintech Form Cross-Border Payments Infrastructure Partnership appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

XTransfer and Siam Commercial Bank signed an MoU at the Singapore Fintech Festival 2025 to build more transparent, secure and cost effective FX services for businesses trading internationally. The agreement focuses on developing FX solutions in Thailand that provide clearer pricing and more competitive conversion rates for enterprises engaged in cross border trade. Both companies will use API and digital platform connectivity to enable automated real time FX conversion and faster transaction processing, with the aim of improving cash flow management and reducing operational costs. The partnership also includes plans to explore further cooperation beyond FX, including domestic and cross border payment services across ASEAN markets such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand. Bill Deng Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, said, “SCB’s market leadership and digital capabilities, combined with XTransfer’s foreign trade enterprises’ focused infrastructure, will help our clients achieve better rates, faster settlement, and enhanced transparency. This collaboration not only strengthens service delivery for Thai enterprises, but also enables XTransfer to deepen our development across ASEAN. Together, we will continue to strengthen compliance and risk management to build a trusted financial backbone for cross-border trade.” Rungsi Vongkitbuncha Rungsi Vongkitbuncha, Executive Vice President, Head of Large Corporates and International Business Function of SCB, said, “It is an honour to represent SCB at today’s Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony, establishing our role as XTransfer’s key financial partner in ASEAN. As Thailand’s longest-established local bank, SCB supports XTransfer’s cross-border business development by providing advanced technological systems and efficient financial solutions, thereby offering more convenient business models for international traders.” The post XTransfer and SCB Partner on FX Collaboration for Cross Border Trade in Thailand appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

The Singapore Fintech Association (SFA) has released 10 Years, 10 Voices, a publication marking the tenth anniversary of the Singapore Fintech Festival by profiling ten women whose work has influenced the development of the sector. The honourees were selected through public nominations and reviewed by a panel from the SFA and the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Source: Singapore Fintech Festival The report combines industry analysis with profiles of leaders across payments, lending, wealth management, digital assets and financial infrastructure. Here are the ten leaders celebrated in the report: 1. Adeline Kim, Country Manager, Singapore & Brunei, Visa Adeline Kim Adeline Kim, Country Manager for Singapore and Brunei at Visa, is recognised for shaping Singapore’s payments infrastructure and advancing interoperability initiatives. Her leadership includes representing Visa on the MAS Payment Council, where she contributes to national standards for payments. She has also overseen stablecoin-related collaborations with DCS, dtcpay and StraitsX, which introduced stablecoin cards linking Web2 and Web3 payment networks. Her work highlights Singapore’s push toward regulatory clarity and new cross-border payment models. “It’s not just about hustling more; it’s about navigating differently. Women in fintech often bring a multidimensional lens to leadership, balancing strategic thinking with empathy, resilience and collaboration.” 2. Amanda Ong, Singapore CEO & Global Head of Partnerships, Arta Finance Amanda Ong Amanda Ong, Singapore CEO and Global Head of Partnerships at Arta Finance, is profiled for leading a partnership-led approach to digital wealth management. She has formed collaborations with Bank of Singapore and Hong Leong to equip financial advisors with AI-driven tools. She also worked with Income Advisory FA to introduce a platform designed for high-net-worth clients. Her strategy helps institutions navigate margin pressure and rising operating costs by adopting scalable digital solutions. “Technology is only as powerful as the problem it solves. The best products don’t start with code – they start with empathy.” 3. Caecilia Chu, Co-Founder and CEO, YouTrip Caecilia Chu Caecilia Chu, Co-Founder and CEO of YouTrip, is featured for her role in building a multi-market payments business grounded in personal experience with financial exclusion. When cross-border travel shut down during the pandemic, the company lost most of its transaction volume overnight. Chu responded by developing YouBiz, a B2B platform that expanded the firm’s revenue base. She is also an active member of the MAS Anti-Scam Working Group, where she contributes to efforts that strengthen user protection as digital payment fraud evolves. “Be bold, and don’t be afraid to express yourself. If there is a problem out there that you believe you can solve, build the solution and be the change you want to see, regardless of your gender.” 4. Charis Liau, Chief Investment Officer, IFS Asset Management Charis Liau Charis Liau, Chief Investment Officer at IFS Asset Management, is highlighted for her leadership during the early days of the pandemic when she launched an S$8 million SME Help Fund to address sudden cashflow disruptions. The initiative, built with support from corporates and family offices, became the first private-sector programme of its kind in Singapore. It used digital processes for applications and due diligence, enabling fast deployment of working capital to small businesses. She also helped establish a standardised reporting framework for digital lending platforms in her role within the Singapore Fintech Association’s Marketplace Lending Subcommittee. “Leadership in fintech isn’t about gender – it’s about clarity of vision, consistency, and the courage to build something meaningful.” 5. Huey Ru Lin, Board Member, SGX and Hang Seng Bank and Co-Founder, Built Different Ventures Huey Ru Lin Huey Ru Lin, a long-time fintech operator and now Board Member at SGX and Hang Seng Bank, is recognised for a career that began before the term “fintech” was widely used. She was part of PayPal in its early years and later joined Affirm as its founding Chief Operating Officer, where she helped shape new ways for consumers to access credit. Her work has recently extended into environmental finance. At Terraformation, she has applied lessons from digital payments and consumer fintech to create models that make biodiverse forests investable assets. Her focus is on building trust for new climate-related financial instruments and enabling capital to flow more effectively into restoration projects. “Do the AND instead of the OR.” 6. Rachel Freeman, Chief Growth Officer, Tyme Rachel Freeman Rachel Freeman, Chief Growth Officer at Tyme, is profiled for her long-standing commitment to financial inclusion. Her earlier work included co-creating AFIN and the APIX platform with MAS, which positioned Singapore as the IFC’s fintech hub and fostered cross-border collaboration. At Tyme, she has led strategy and expansion into the Philippines, Indonesia and Pakistan, offering digital banking services tailored to underserved communities. Her career reflects a sustained focus on building access to financial tools while navigating the fragmented regulatory and operational realities of emerging markets. “Play the long game – this is a marathon and not a sprint.” 7. Rosaline Chow Koo, Founder & CEO, CXA Group Rosaline Chow Koo Rosaline Chow Koo, Founder and CEO of CXA Group, is recognised for challenging traditional health insurance models by creating a platform that integrates benefits, wellness and data-driven insights. After investing her own savings to establish the company, she launched the HSBC Life Benefits+ platform, a SaaS solution that enables cross-selling to the bank’s SME clients. CXA is now preparing to wind down after nearly twelve years, although parts of its platform continue through partner deals in Singapore, Hong Kong and China. Her current focus on technology that supports aging in place is informed by her experience caring for elderly relatives. She continues to refine solutions that address demographic shifts and rising demand for home-based support. “When you reach a fork in the road, try to choose the harder path as it’ll force you to rise to the occasion to stretch and grow your skills.” 8. Samantha Horton, Chief Operating Officer, Syfe Samantha Horton Samantha Horton, Chief Operating Officer at Syfe, is featured for transforming wealth management operations and steering the company to become the first among its peer group to reach profitability in Singapore. She led the acquisition of Australia’s Selfwealth to accelerate regional scale and broaden Syfe’s product capabilities. Her approach reflects a focus on strong operational discipline and the belief that long-term success in wealth management is built on incremental improvements rather than single breakthroughs. “Don’t ask, don’t get. If you don’t advocate for yourself then you can’t expect anyone else to. Back yourself and you won’t regret it!” 9. Sharon Lourdes Paul, Head of Gnosis Business & Ramps Sharon Lourdes Paul Sharon Lourdes Paul, Head of Gnosis Business and Ramps, is recognised for her early role in developing one of the world’s first compliant SGD stablecoins while at StraitsX. She helped secure early pilots and navigated regulatory considerations during the launch of XSGD. She later founded HQ.xyz and led it through an acquisition that required approval by a public DAO vote, one of the first deals of its kind. She also co-led the mapping of Singapore’s on-chain ecosystem through Singapore: The Onchain State, a project that documented builders, infrastructure and capital flows in Web3. “In fintech, this heightened level of global awareness and conviction is a superpower.” 10. Chin Shi Mei, Chief Financial Officer, Spark Systems Chin Shi Mei Chin Shi Mei, Chief Financial Officer at Spark Systems, is profiled for strengthening financial strategy and governance at the trading infrastructure firm as it progressed from early stages to Series C. She previously served as Treasurer of the Singapore Fintech Association, where she enhanced financial governance and helped secure the MAS FSTI Grant. Her work includes mentoring founders through accelerator programmes, speaking at industry events and supporting early-stage companies through practical guidance on finance and operations. “We don’t need to silence emotions to lead – we need t understand them. Emotional intelligence fuels courage, empathy, and clarity – and it’s one of the greatest strengths women bring to leadership.” Holly Fang, President, Singapore Fintech Association    Source: Singapore Fintech Festival Holly said, “The Singapore Fintech Association’s 10 Years 10 Voices campaign is our way of recognising the women who have pushed boundaries, redefined leadership, and inspired a more inclusive future for finance.  True progress comes when we embrace different voices and experiences, that’s what keeps our ideas bold and our community resilient. When women thrive, ecosystems thrive. Through our Women in Fintech Subcommittee and community initiatives, SFA is committed to ensuring that every voice has a seat at the table, and that the next generation of women in fintech see not just role models, but open doors.” The report closes by noting the growing influence of AI, tokenisation and interoperability in shaping the future of financial services. It also highlights the need for trust, talent development and regulatory clarity as the sector matures, and calls for continued support for women in leadership to build a more inclusive industry.      Explore all SFF 2025 updates on our dedicated hub here.  The post Meet the Top 10 Women Shaping Singapore’s Fintech Sector appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Taking place from November 12 to 14, the 2025 Singapore Fintech Festival (SFF) drew a massive crowd of 65,000 participants in one of the world’s biggest fintech gatherings. This year’s annual event, which marked its tenth edition, explored the theme “Technology Blueprint for the Next Decade of Finance”, delving into how the emerging technology stack, including artificial intelligence (AI), tokenization, and quantum technologies, are reshaping global finance. Discussions centered on the industry’s major challenges and opportunities, with some 800 distinguished speakers taking part in 400 sessions to highlight how advanced technologies are advancing sustainable growth and inclusion across emerging markets and the Global South. More than 40 international pavilions and 600 exhibitors showcased the latest innovations from governments, financial institutions, technology providers, and startups, providing a global perspective on the future of financial services. A major theme this year was tokenization, which is steadily moving from experimentation toward commercial applications. The government also reinforced its commitment to accelerate AI adoption, announcing new initiatives to foster collaboration and integration, in addition to proposed guidelines for the responsible use of the technology in financial services. Like previous editions, SFF 2025 featured numerous announcements from public authorities, corporates and startups, reflecting rapid innovation and increased partnerships across the sector. Companies like Visa, Mastercard, and Ant International, rolled out new solutions designed to reduce friction, tap agentic commerce opportunities, and enhance cross-border payment capabilities, while governments across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East unveiled new collaborations to explore opportunities across AI, digital assets, and payment linkage. Singapore: a leading fintech hub Speaking on November 13, Chia Der Jiun, Managing Director of MAS, highlighted Singapore’s progress as a global fintech hub. Over the past decade, MAS has fostered an ecosystem where innovation can flourish by supporting innovative projects and centers, enabling experimentation with emerging technologies and business models, and applying regulation in the right proportion, at the right time, to the right risk. Today, Singapore is home to a vibrant fintech sector comprising more than 1,800 fintech firms in a range of domains. Robo-advisors are broadening access to wealth management, multi-currency mobile wallets are reducing the complexity and costs of cross-border payments, fintech firms are using data-driven underwriting to give small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access to small loans with flexible terms and tenor, and startups are leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance efficiency across fraud prevention, customer support, risk assessment, and more. Financial institutions are also active stakeholders in the fintech ecosystem, having set up over 50 innovation centers across Singapore. More than 30 financial institutions have established AI competency centers in the country, working on solutions that serve not just the local market, but also their global operations. Supporting AI development and adoption To further support the adoption of AI across financial services, MAS has launched a number of initiatives for the industry to share resources, co-develop, and implement effective solutions. Its latest initiative, called BuildFin.ai and announced at SFF 2025, is a platform that brings together tech providers and research institutes to work with financial institutions on complex problems of common interest. This builds on PathFin.ai, a collaborative initiative launched in July 2025 on which financial institutions and tech companies share their AI adoption experience and successful use cases to accelerate development and implementation. Examples include an AI solution to optimize multi-currency cash management for corporate treasuries, and an agentic AI solution for end-to-end insurance claims processing. PathFin.ai has already grown to more than 100 participants. Guidelines for AI risk management To ensure that Singapore’s rapidly expanding and increasingly sophisticated fintech and AI ecosystem continues to grow in a safe and sustainable way, MAS is proposing a set of guidelines on AI risk management to guide financial institutions on the responsible use of AI in the financial sector. The proposed guidelines, issued for public consultation on November 14, set MAS’ supervisory expectations across three key areas: Oversight of AI risk management; Key AI risk management systems, policies and procedures; and AI lifecycle controls, capabilities and capacities. Tokenization moves towards commercial use After AI, tokenization was another major theme at this year’s SFF. The tech is steadily moving from experimentation toward early commercial use, promising faster settlement, fewer intermediaries, smarter automated transactions, and the possibility of making financial markets more efficient and accessible. However, to advance this transition, three essential building blocks are needed for asset-backed tokens to scale: standardized tokens and interoperable networks; safe and reliable settlement assets; and institutional-grade networks. MAS is working with global policymakers and major financial institutions to build this foundation by developing standards, promoting network interoperability, and exploring the use of different settlement assets, Chia said. The central bank is also finalizing the features of its stablecoin regulatory regime and will be preparing draft legislation, he added. Expanding cross-border use cases At the Layer One Summit, on November 12, Leong Sing Chiong, Deputy Managing Director of Markets and Development at MAS, shared updates on the central bank’s digital asset initiatives. He noted that MAS is expanding Project Guardian to support cross-border applications of tokenized assets. One initiative, dubbed Les Gardiennes and jointly led by the Banque de France and MAS with UBS and Société Générale-FORGE, is testing repo transactions using tokenized assets and digital money. In payments, Leong highlighted BLOOM (Borderless, Liquid, Open, Online, Multi-currency), launched in October. This project brings together over 16 global banks, financial institutions and fintech companies to advance tokenized deposits and regulated stablecoins for wholesale settlement, and create shared compliance and settlement frameworks. He said MAS is considering a hybrid model that would give financial institutions access to wholesale central bank digital currency (wCBDC) while ensuring interoperability between distributed ledger and traditional systems. Leong also described the Global Layer One (GL1) initiative, a public-private collaboration supported by MAS, the Bank of England, Banque de France, the European Central Bank, and global financial institutions. This initiative aims to develop interoperable infrastructures to facilitate cross-border financial transactions, all the while meeting regulatory compliance. Domestically, MAS is also advancing with its wCBDC experimentations, successfully testing the use of a wholesale digital Singapore dollar for settling overnight loans between banks. DBS, OCBC, and UOB took part in this first live issuance of wCBDC, and the transactions were officially recorded just like real-world financial activity. MAS now wants to expand on this work by running another trial in 2026 that will involve tokenized MAS Bills settled using the same type of digital currency. Supporting instant cross-border payments Cross-border connectivity was also prominent in payments topics. Singapore and Cambodia officially launched the first phase of a new cross-border QR code payment system, allowing Cambodian travelers to use their local bank accounts for real-time transactions in Singapore. Cambodia and Singapore Launch Phase One of Their QR Payment Linkage Separately, the Cambodian central bank has agreed to link KHQR, the country’s official QR code payment standard, with Weixin Pay, setting a framework to connect Cambodia’s Bakong system with the Chinese mobile payment platform to facilitate faster, more seamless remittances and payments between the two markets. In the corporate sector, Liquid Group and TerraPay are exploring a shared framework that could enable QR payments to flow between their global networks, including key corridors in Africa and Asia. The agreement, signed at SFF 2025, will examine how Liquid Group’s RoamQR network can connect with TerraPay’s global payment infrastructure to enable real-time QR acceptance and settlement. RoamQR is an industry-led QR interoperability network developed under MAS’s SGQR+, Singapore’s interoperable payment QR code standard. Bilateral partnerships Like previous editions, SFF 2025 served as a platform for Singapore to announce several significant bilateral fintech collaborations. MAS and the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched the UK-Singapore AI-in-Finance Partnership,  an initiative aimed at promoting trustworthy AI innovation and helping financial institutions and tech providers scale solutions across both markets. The two authorities will jointly test AI applications, share regulatory insights, and host discussions on responsible adoption. Singapore and UK Regulators to Advance AI in Finance Singapore is also collaborating with German on tokenized cross-border settlement. The cooperation aims to improve international financial transactions, including flows between both countries, and will see the two countries promote common standards for payments, foreign exchange (FX), and securities flows involving tokenized assets to support interoperability across digital asset platforms. Finally, MAS, the Bank of England and the Bank of Thailand are jointly exploring the technical and policy implications of settling FX transactions using synchronized settlement mechanisms. Building on insights from Project Meridian FX, this collaboration will use simulated versions of participating central banks’ real time gross settlement systems (RTGS) and distributed ledger technology (DLT)-based settlement environments to examine interoperability between the central banks’ systems and complex, multilateral scenarios involving different settlement infrastructures, and jurisdictions. GFTN launches ALFIN and expands partnerships At SFF 2025, GFTN, one of the organizers of the event, announced several major initiatives, including the beta launch of ALFIN, a research intelligence platform providing trusted and explainable AI applications for finance. ALFIN integrates three data layers: GFTN’s proprietary insights from global innovators, investors, and regulators; publicly available financial and regulatory data; and user-referenced inputs for real-world context. GFTN also added five new platform partners, namely Finternet, the Linux Foundation, Mojaloop Foundation, RegGenome, and Universal Pensions, to expand its suite of digital solutions. In addition, it expanded its impact efforts, forming a strategic alliance with Accion to mobilize capital for digital finance and inclusive fintech companies targeting financially underserved communities. Established by MAS, GFTN is a not-for-profit organization that connects policymakers, financial institutions, and technology providers to build more resilient and inclusive financial systems. Through its subsidiaries GFTN Services and GFTN Capital, the organization provides advisory and technology solutions, and invests in growth-stage fintech companies. Payment networks focus on stablecoin, agentic commerce SFF 2025 also featured several corporate announcements, with payment networks in particular focusing on integrating stablecoins, enabling agentic commerce, and removing friction. Visa launched a new pilot program, allowing businesses and platforms to send payouts using Visa Direct directly to recipients’ stablecoin wallets. This initiative aims to improve the speed and accessibility of global payouts, particularly in regions with currency volatility or limited banking infrastructure. The pilot is being launched with select partners, including Nium, with a broader rollout planned for the second half of 2026 as client demand and regulatory frameworks develop. Visa also rolled out its Scan to Pay feature for QR payments across Asia-Pacific (APAC). The feature is supported by digital wallets like Samsung Wallet across the region, LINE Pay in Taiwan, VNPT Money in Vietnam, and Woori Card and Hyundai Card in South Korea, and works with QR payment providers including Lakala in Mainland China, FOMO Pay in Singapore, VNPAY and NextPay in Vietnam, and OpenRice in Hong Kong. Visa is also advancing its agentic commerce strategy with the rollout of Intelligent Commerce across APAC and pilots planned for 2026. Visa Intelligent Commerce combines APIs and a partner program to enable AI agents. Like Visa, Mastercard is also advancing stablecoin integration, expanding its payout network through a partnership with Thunes that enables direct transfers to stablecoin wallets. The collaboration will integrate Thunes’ Direct Global Network with Mastercard Move to support near real-time payouts using regulated stablecoins. Mastercard also outlined its goal to eliminate passwords and manual card entry for online shopping across APAC by 2030, aiming to make online transactions more secure and seamless through tokenization and biometric authentication. Early adoption is focused on Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam, with full tokenization and password-free payments expected by 2027. Other corporate announcements Ant International CEO Peng Yang outlined the firm’s next-stage AI priorities, naming the Falcon TST and SHIELD models as its focus for the next 18 months. CEO Peng Yang Outlines Ant International’s Core AI Strategy at SFF The firm also expanded its partnership with DBS to integrate Ant International’s Alipay+, Antom, WorldFirst, and Bettr Platform Tech. Meanwhile, Ant International’s merchant payment and digitization services arm Antom introduced EPOS360, an application integrating point-of-sale (POS) systems, payments, banking, lending, and business support designed for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Thunes, a Singaporean cross-border payment infrastructure, launched new account top-up and withdrawal solutions for digital asset platforms. These enterprise-grade tools enable exchanges, infrastructure providers, networks, and issuers to offer instant, compliant on- and off-ramp transactions in local currencies and payment methods. China’s XTransfer, another cross-border payment specialist, teamed up with Maybank and Kasikornbank (KBank) to collaborate on cross-border financial solutions for SMEs, and Shariah-compliant solutions. Crypto exchange Coinbase launched Coinbase Business in Singapore, its first international expansion outside the US. The all-in-one financial platform supports crypto trading, instant payment settlement, and lower transaction fees using stablecoins. It operates in partnership with Standard Chartered. Revolut Business rolled out Flexible Cash Funds in Singapore, offering companies a way to earn daily returns on idle balances through low-risk money market funds. It supports up to 100 funds across GBP, EUR, and USD with no minimum or maximum investment limits. Boku, a network for localized payment solutions, launched its Innovation Hub in Singapore. This hub includes a team focused on building new payment capabilities to solve merchants’ cross-border money movement challenges. It will collaborate with regional fintech startups and merchants to design, prototype, and validate capabilities. Finally, a Google executive confirmed plans for Google Pay to expand its footprint across Southeast Asia, with a launch in the Philippines expected shortly. Currently, the mobile wallet service is available in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Winners of the 2025 Global Fintech Hackcelerator and SFF Fintech Excellence Awards MAS and the Singapore Fintech Association unveiled the winners of this year’s Global Fintech Hackcelerator and the SFF Fintech Excellence Awards. The Global Fintech Hackcelerator recognizes the most innovative, market-ready solutions to address problem statements centered on “AI for Financial Services”. This year’s three winners are: ActuaViz, from Taiwan, which transforms insurance product management by converting complex documentation into structured, machine-readable formats; Claimsio, from Poland, which provides AI-native debt collection services designed for SMEs, replacing traditional collection agencies with automated workflows; and Oxford Risk, from the UK, which enables banks to deliver hyper-personalized financial services by training AI models with insights into investor decision-making processes. The SFF Fintech Excellence Awards, supported by PwC Singapore, celebrate innovative fintech solutions by corporates and individuals. In the Corporate category, these winners are Fennech Pte Ltd (Emerging Fintech Award), WeeFin (Financial Inclusivity Award), Cynopsis Solutions Pte Ltd (Regulatory Leader Award), ESGpedia Pte Ltd (Sustainable Innovator Award), and LexisNexis Risk Solutions (Thematic: AI). In the Individual category, the winners are Alice Liu, Digital Treasures Center Pte Ltd, CEO and Co-Founder; Jeeta Bandopadhyay Tookitaki Holding Pte Ltd, COO and Co-Founder; andLouis Liu, FOMO Pay, CEO and Founder.   Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by EyeEm via Freepik The post Singapore Fintech Festival 2025: Top Highlights and Announcements appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Amid the Belt and Road Initiative and expanding financial cooperation between China and Singapore, cross-border payments have become an important mechanism supporting regional trade and people-to-people exchanges. To strengthen financial connectivity, Development Bank of Singapore (DBS) has partnered with UnionPay International (UPI) to enable DBS UnionPay Platinum Debit Cardholders to access a more efficient cross-border payment experience. From now until 31 March 2026, cardholders can receive up to 8% cashback and a 3% waiver on transaction fees when spending in China, providing a total benefit of up to 11%. DBS said the programme supports the growing economic and social exchanges between the two countries. Through UnionPay’s global merchant network, the card can be used across Belt and Road countries, reflecting the concept of “One Card, Travel Across Asia.” The UnionPay “Global Privileges” programme additionally offers benefits such as hotel upgrades, dining discounts, and leisure privileges. Cardholders can also link the DBS UnionPay Platinum Debit Card to Alipay or WeChat Pay for a 3% waiver on transaction fees for single transactions above RMB 200. Overseas ATM withdrawals incur no fees, saving up to S$7 per transaction. DBS noted these measures aim to reduce the cost of cross-border mobile payments and support digital finance cooperation between China and Singapore.   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by freepik The post DBS and UnionPay Expand Cross-Border Payment Options appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Bank of Singapore has named Claude Andre Harbonn as its new Head of Investment Advisory, a newly created role he will take up on 5 January 2026. Claude Andre Harbonn Harbonn will be based in Singapore and will oversee the bank’s global investment advisory teams. His responsibilities include shaping the advisory strategy, supporting revenue growth, working with front office teams to deepen product engagement, and strengthening portfolio advisory services. He will report to the Heads of Private Banking in Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai, which are the bank’s main hubs. Investment advisors across these locations will have a functional reporting line to him alongside their existing local reporting structure. The bank said this arrangement is intended to help address local market nuances, support regional collaboration and maintain consistent global standards. Harbonn has more than 20 years of experience in private banking and wealth management. He was previously Co-Head of the UHNW Solutions Group at UBS Wealth Management, where he led a global team across Switzerland, Singapore and Hong Kong with a focus on complex mandates and family office clients. Before UBS, he held senior roles at Credit Suisse, including Market Group Head for Indonesia and Malaysia and Head of Advisory and Sales for South Asia. He built and led a team of nearly 50 investment consultants and spearheaded sales initiatives across asset classes.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by mkmult via Freepik The post Claude Harbonn Named Head of Investment Advisory at Bank of Singapore appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

China Construction Bank Singapore partnered with NUS Enterprise for the first time to support 22 startups at the Singapore Fintech Festival 2025, with funding provided through the CCB SG Vision Foundation. The collaboration was facilitated by Temasek Trust’s TT Foundation Advisors, its philanthropy advisory arm, and Co-Axis, its digital impact marketplace. It also builds on CCB Singapore’s work with Gprnt, the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s sustainability reporting platform. CCB Singapore signed a Statement of Intent with Gprnt in April 2024 to support SME decarbonisation and transition financing. The startups were selected from NUS Enterprise’s ecosystem, including BLOCK71 and the NUS Graduate Research Innovation Programme. NUS Enterprise has supported more than 3,000 startups and over 4,300 students. Companies featured at SFF 2025 included Ohceans, ConcreteAI, Polar Cold, Ecovolt and MADCash, offering solutions in marine conservation, construction efficiency, energy optimisation and financial inclusion. Sun Nianbei, General Manager of CCB Singapore, said, “We are delighted to partner with NUS Enterprise, Co-Axis, and TT Foundation Advisors to showcase 22 promising tech start-ups at SFF2025. This collaboration reflects our commitment to connecting cross-sector resources, advancing tech innovation, and amplifying social impact. Digital finance, fintech and green finance are important parts of our business strategy for both CCB Group and CCB Singapore, and we look forward to forging more collaborations with Singapore’s government agencies, our clients, and partners to drive meaningful fintech innovation within the green ecosystem.” Benjamin Tee Associate Professor Benjamin Tee, Vice President (Innovation and Enterprise), NUS Enterprise, said, “Partnering with China Construction Bank, Co-Axis and TT Foundation Advisors at this year’s Singapore Fintech Festival gives our start-ups a global stage to showcase their timely innovations especially for sustainability use cases. The deep networks across demand and supply-side stakeholders they access here through our partners help drive our ecosystem growth towards a thriving globally connected start-up ecosystem.” The initiative follows the establishment of a donor-advised fund by CCB Singapore and TT Foundation Advisors in June 2025 to support ESG and technology innovation. Co-Axis helped connect both organisations to coordinate SFF2025 participation and expand funding opportunities for sustainability-focused startups. CCB Singapore continues to develop its green finance activities and is an early member of Gprnt’s Green Circle programme. The post China Construction Bank, NUS Enterprise Showcased 22 Green Tech Startups at SFF 2025 appeared first on Fintech Singapore.