Sequoia Capital has unveiled a US$750 million Series A fund and a US$200 million seed fund, its sixth dedicated seed vehicle, to support early-stage innovation in emerging tech sectors. The new funds extend Sequoia’s focus on partnering with founders at the start of their journeys. The firm plans to invest in startups advancing AI, infrastructure, security, and other emerging technologies including healthcare, robotics, and digital commerce. Sequoia said AI is driving a platform shift comparable to the rise of the internet, creating opportunities for founders who can turn new technologies into scalable businesses. Partners at the firm highlighted progress in video and image models, developer infrastructure, and AI applications across healthcare, e-commerce, and finance. They also noted emerging opportunities in network security, silicon photonics, and physical AI, as well as in automating services through AI co-pilots and forward-deployed engineering. Josephine Chen, Partner at Sequoia Capital, said, ““We’re about to see a new world of consumer apps. Anytime there’s a platform shift, it opens up new dimensions in how people live. Stablecoins will change how consumers interact with financial services.” George Robson, Partner at Sequoia Capital, added, “I see a lot of potential in providing digital asset solutions to regulated financial institutions. Cryptocurrencies have existed at the periphery of financial services for a long time, but new regulations in the US and Europe mean that financial institutions can start to buy these products and sell them to their customers.” Sequoia added that it remains active in Europe and Israel, citing a strong base of product and engineering talent and a new generation of globally minded founders. The firm said both funds aim to back early-stage teams building technologies with long-term impact as industries continue to transform under the influence of AI and new computing models.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by asylab via Freepik The post Sequoia Commits US$950M to Early-Stage Startups in AI, Emerging Tech appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Paris-based Ingenico, a provider of payment acceptance solutions, has appointed Floris de Kort as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 November 2025. He succeeds Laurent Blanchard, who will step down as CEO and from the Supervisory Board to pursue other opportunities. Catherine Guillouard, Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board, said: Catherine Guillouard “As Ingenico enters its next chapter, the Board welcomes Floris de Kort as Chief Executive Officer, based at Ingenico’s global headquarters in Paris. He brings extensive experience in the payments sector, with a strong record of operational and commercial leadership. We are confident he will accelerate Ingenico’s growth and execution efforts.” De Kort has held senior leadership roles in several global payment and technology companies. He was previously CEO of Global eCommerce at Worldpay, where he led a major transformation culminating in its 2015 IPO. He later served as CEO of Xplor Technologies and most recently as CEO of Thunes, a cross-border payments network. De Kort commented: Floris de Kort “I am honoured to join Ingenico at a time of great opportunity. The company has a unique position in the payments ecosystem, trusted by merchants, banks, and partners worldwide. I look forward to working with the team to further expand our global offering and deliver reliable solutions to our customers.”   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by digitizesc via Freepik This article first appeared on Fintech News Switzerland The post Ingenico Names Floris de Kort as CEO appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Singapore has launched a multi-agency effort to strengthen high-integrity carbon markets, seen as vital to funding global climate action. Led by the National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS), Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the initiatives address weak demand, limited supply, and underdeveloped infrastructure. The measures include new voluntary carbon market (VCM) guidance for companies, plans for an industry-led buyers’ coalition in Asia, and a financial sector grant to encourage market participation. The VCM guidance, released by NCCS, MTI, and EnterpriseSG, helps companies integrate carbon credits into credible decarbonisation plans. Developed with input from the Singapore Sustainable Finance Association, industry partners, academics, and international organisations, it clarifies how to identify and use high-quality credits. It also incorporates feedback from the International Advisory Panel for Carbon Credits and a public consultation held earlier this year. Ravi Menon Ravi Menon, Ambassador for Climate Action and Senior Adviser, NCCS, said, “Carbon markets play an important role in mobilising finance for climate action and supporting the global transition to net zero. At the same time, they support sustainable development and growth in countries where the carbon projects are situated. Through the VCM guidance, we seek to provide our businesses with greater clarity and assurance to tap on high-quality credits, alongside their own efforts to decarbonise. We hope that this can encourage greater corporate climate ambition, contributing to global climate action.” EnterpriseSG is in talks with major Asian corporates to form a buyers’ coalition that will align regional demand for verified credits, with details expected in 2026. MAS will roll out a S$15 million Financial Sector Carbon Market Development Grant to help financial institutions manage the costs and risks of early market participation. Funded through the Financial Sector Development Fund until 2028, the grant supports team expansion, transaction structuring, due diligence, verification, and insurance costs. Abigail Ng Abigail Ng, Chief Sustainability Officer of MAS, said, “High-integrity carbon markets are integral to financing the global transition, and financial institutions play a key role in bringing capital, innovation and scale to this space. The new Financial Sector Carbon Market Development Grant will enable financial institutions to deepen expertise, forge partnerships and develop solutions, laying the foundations for their sustained engagement in the carbon markets.” Applications open on 1 November 2025. These efforts build on existing initiatives such as the Carbon Project Development Grant launched at COP29 and collaborations under Article 6 and the Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets. The government said the initiatives aim to catalyse high-integrity carbon markets and deliver measurable impact for global climate action.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by nmmobile789 via Freepik The post Singapore Unveils S$15 Million Grant, Guidance to Boost Carbon Market Integrity appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Bottomline is set to launch an AI assistant that simplifies cash management and forecasting through natural-language interaction and predictive insights. The AI agent, Bea, will be integrated into Bottomline’s Global Cash Management and Payments Hub, with rollout expected in early 2026. Acting as a digital team member in the Office of the CFO, Bea supports treasurers, cash managers, and compliance professionals by providing real-time, data-driven answers to questions about balances, forecasts, and intra-company payments. Powered by large language models and predictive analytics, Bea offers proactive guidance while replacing complex, manual workflows. Its role-based personalisation helps finance teams make faster liquidity decisions and improve forecasting accuracy. All financial data remains within Bottomline’s secure environment, ensuring confidentiality, compliance, and trust. Leo Gil “Our goal is to embed intelligence into every daily interaction, helping the Office of the CFO operate with greater efficiency and strategic clarity. Bea is more than technology. It’s a trusted team member delivering insights, usability, and simplicity.” said Leo Gil, VP of Product for Global Cash Management and Payments Hub at Bottomline.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by vykhopentaras via Freepik The post Bottomline to Embed AI Agent ‘Bea’ for Real-Time Treasury Management appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

IBM has launched Digital Asset Haven, a new platform that enables financial institutions, corporations, and governments to manage digital assets securely and at scale. The solution supports the entire asset lifecycle, from custody to transactions and settlement, while meeting sovereignty, security, and compliance requirements. Developed with digital wallet infrastructure provider Dfns, the platform combines IBM’s enterprise security with Dfns’ custody technology. Dfns has created over 15 million wallets for more than 250 clients worldwide. With tokenized assets and stablecoins gaining traction, IBM said the platform helps institutions modernize their offerings and enter the digital asset economy with greater assurance. It features key residency controls, multi-party approvals, and policy-based governance frameworks for regulated organizations. Digital Asset Haven supports transactions across more than 40 public and private blockchains and includes tools for governance, access management, and integrations with third-party services for identity verification, anti-money laundering, and yield generation. Developer-friendly APIs and SDKs allow partners to build and integrate new capabilities. Security relies on IBM’s Multi-Party Computation and Hardware Security Module (HSM) technology, using IBM Crypto Express 8S HSMs embedded in IBM Z and LinuxONE. The platform also incorporates the IBM Offline Signing Orchestrator for regulatory cold storage requirements and offers quantum-safe cryptography guidance for key management and compliance. IBM Digital Asset Haven will be available via SaaS and Hybrid SaaS on LinuxONE and IBM Z in the fourth quarter of 2025, with an on-premises version planned for the second quarter of 2026.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by IBM The post IBM Launches Unified Platform for Institutions to Scale Digital Asset Operations appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Alipay+ has partnered with HUMO, Uzbekistan’s national payment system, to enable inbound and outbound QR payments. Octobank’s Octomobile app will be the first Uzbek e-wallet integrated with Alipay+, with more HUMO-connected wallets and banking apps expected to join by the end of the year. HUMO is now the tenth national QR network to partner with Alipay+. In the initial phase, HUMO users travelling from Uzbekistan will be able to make payments in China and more than 50 other markets, including Kazakhstan, Thailand, the UAE, and the US, using their home payment apps in Uzbek som across retail, dining, and transport sectors. The partnership will also allow Uzbek merchants to accept payments from international users of Alipay+ partner wallets. Maksad Mukhitdinov, First Deputy to the Chairman of the Board at HUMO, said: Maksad Mukhitdinov “This partnership not only enables seamless global travel for Uzbek users but also creates tangible growth opportunities for businesses. As an integral part of Uzbekistan’s payment system, HUMO is connected to 35 local banks and 42 non-bank financial institutions. We look forward to achieving more with Alipay+.” Edward Yue, General Manager for Southeast Asia, ANZ, and South Asia at Ant International, said: Edward Yue “The payment link will enhance the travel experience for Uzbek tourists with easy payments and digital services. It will also help local merchants welcome international tourists and support Uzbekistan’s tourism economy.”     Featured image credit: Alipay+ The post Alipay+ and Uzbekistan’s HUMO Partner on Cross-Border QR Payments appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Mastercard and PayPal have expanded their longstanding collaboration, focusing on the emerging field of secure agentic commerce, where transactions are completed by AI agents on behalf of users. The core of this collaboration is the integration of Mastercard Agent Pay, the company’s agentic payments platform, directly into the PayPal wallet. The integration will enable AI agents to make secure purchases on behalf of consumers and businesses. It will reach hundreds of millions of PayPal users and tens of millions of merchants worldwide, including those using Mastercard cards on file and the companies’ co-branded credit and debit cards. Michelle Gill “PayPal is committed to enabling innovative commerce experiences. By bringing together Mastercard’s Agent Pay with our wallet, we are empowering merchants and consumers to participate in agentic commerce with trust and flexibility at the center,” said Michelle Gill, Executive Vice President, General Manager, Small Business & Financial Services at PayPal. PayPal will co-develop and pilot Mastercard’s Agent Pay Acceptance Framework to test compatibility with merchants and AI agents, focusing on agent verification and secure data exchange under emerging agentic protocols. When a PayPal user instructs an AI assistant to make a purchase, the agent identifies a PayPal-enabled merchant, initiates checkout, and prompts the user to verify their identity before completing the payment. Mastercard and PayPal’s tokenization and authentication systems ensure the process remains seamless and secure. For merchants, the collaboration enables participation in AI-led commerce without complex integrations, reducing checkout friction and helping businesses reach new customer segments. Sherri Haymond “Mastercard doesn’t just enable payments—we’re relentlessly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in commerce. Our work with PayPal is driving a catalyst for agentic innovation at global scale, empowering merchants and consumers to transact with confidence, speed, and trust. Together, we’re building the future of commerce where seamless, secure payments are the launchpad for new experiences and bold ideas.” said Sherri Haymond, Co-president, Global Partnerships at Mastercard. Both companies said they plan to continue developing AI-driven payment solutions as agentic commerce evolves, aiming to make secure, automated transactions a mainstream part of digital payments.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by Borin via Freepik The post Mastercard Agent Pay to Enable AI-Driven Transactions Across PayPal’s Network appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Citi is partnering with Coinbase to develop digital asset payment solutions for its institutional clients and potentially other global clients, starting with fiat pay-ins and pay-outs. The collaboration aims to support Coinbase’s on and off ramps, which connect traditional fiat systems with digital asset networks, while improving payment orchestration. Both firms plan to share further details in the coming months, including the potential introduction of alternative fiat-to-onchain stablecoin payout methods. Citi said the initiative builds on its ongoing efforts to expand payment solutions in an always-on digital finance environment. These include Citi Token Services and 24/7 USD Clearing, which provide real-time settlement capabilities for institutional clients. The bank operates in the top 50 e-commerce markets globally and serves 90% of the world’s leading e-commerce companies and 15 of the top 20 fintech firms. Debopama Sen “The financial landscape is changing fast, and we’re thrilled to join Coinbase to explore new and innovative payment options for our global clients. With more than 300 payment clearing networks across 94 markets globally, we see collaborating with Coinbase as a natural extension of our ‘network of networks’ approach, further supporting our clients to make payments as if there were no borders.” said Debopama Sen, Head of Payments, Services. Brian Foster “Citi’s global network and expertise in payments make them an ideal partner as we work to advance digital asset capabilities. By combining their reach with Coinbase’s leadership in digital assets, we’re creating solutions that can simplify and expand access to digital asset payments. This collaboration reflects our commitment to building the infrastructure needed for the next generation of financial services.” said Brian Foster, Global Head – Crypto as a Service at Coinbase.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by EyeEm via Freepik The post Citi and Coinbase to Explore Fiat-to-Stablecoin Payouts for Global Clients appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Thredd has entered the credit space through a partnership with LoanPro to power a new suite of credit products for fintechs and financial institutions across the U.S. and beyond. The partnership marks a step in Thredd’s broader strategy to offer full-stack issuing and processing capabilities that include credit, debit, and prepaid solutions. Under the collaboration, Thredd will integrate LoanPro’s composable credit infrastructure with its real-time card issuance and processing platform, which supports digital wallets and embedded fraud detection. The combined system aims to help clients design and scale differentiated credit products more quickly and with greater personalisation, while ensuring compliance and operational efficiency. Jim McCarthy “Credit-based value propositions drive not only more opportunities for both B2B and B2C verticals, but also generate more revenue for issuers, fintechs and enterprises. LoanPro’s platform solves much of the inherent complexity in providing truly differentiated credit, allowing us to offer our clients the tools to build sticky, profitable credit products, while maintaining compliance and operational efficiency.” said Jim McCarthy, CEO at Thredd. Rhett Roberts “There is a massive opportunity to launch credit products in the U.S. and globally in a way that truly meets consumers and businesses where they are. The future of finance is personalised. Thredd brings together the entire ecosystem needed to launch revolving credit products, and with LoanPro’s modern, composable platform, clients can personalise and differentiate their offerings at scale in a way that drive share of wallet. We’re proud to support Thredd’s vision for global credit innovation.” added Rhett Roberts, Co-Founder & CEO at LoanPro. Thredd serves more than 100 fintechs, digital banks, and embedded finance providers across 47 countries. LoanPro supports over 600 lenders through its credit and lending platform designed to enhance borrower, agent, and back-office experiences.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by Trend2023 via Freepik The post Thredd Partners with LoanPro to Expand into the Credit Space appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Singapore Fintech Festival (SFF) 2025 is returning from November 12 to 14, 2025, bringing together thousands of global leaders in finance, technology, and policy to explore the future of finance. This year’s edition, organized by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Global Finance and Technology Network and Constellar, in collaboration with the Association of Banks in Singapore, will mark the festival’s 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of growth and innovation in fintech. Themed “Shaping the Next Decade of Growth,” SFF 2025 will discuss how artificial intelligence (AI), tokenization, and quantum computing can be harnessed to promote a secure and efficient global financial system. It will gather senior ministers, central bank governors, policymakers, industry and technology leaders for keynotes, panels, roundtables, and curated meetups. Key sessions at SFF 2025 SFF 2025 will feature over 70 focused sessions exploring how AI, tokenization, and quantum computing can transform global finance over the next decade. Discussions will delve into AI’s role in transforming risk management, regulatory compliance, financial inclusion, tokenization’s potential to enhance capital market efficiencies, and how cybersecurity and encryption standards will need to evolve given advances in quantum computing. Topics will be anchored around three themes: New Payments Settlement Layer: Explore how stablecoins, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and tokenized deposits are reshaping payment infrastructure and settlement systems; Get insights on regulatory frameworks shaping digital money adoption across major markets; and Discuss the creation of open and interoperable networks to enable cooperative global development of tokenized financial systems. New Intelligence Financial Systems: Explore what’s emerging in AI innovation such as agentic AI and small language models and how institutions are scaling AI strategies from pilots to production; See how banks are integrating AI into legacy infrastructure while managing operational risk, regulatory requirements, and ethical considerations; and Hear from regulators and financial institutions on AI governance frameworks, regulatory approaches across major markets, and practical implementation challenges. New Encryption Architecture: Learn how institutions are building quantum-safe systems to protect data and critical infrastructures; Understand the global standards and policies shaping the transition to quantum-resilient finance; and Explore how quantum computing could unlock new business potential and competitive advantage. Among the marquee sessions, “Central Banking: Preparing for the Next Decade of Transformation” will feature perspectives of central bank governors from different parts of the world to discuss how institutions are adapting to AI, tokenization, and quantum computing while maintaining monetary and financial stability. Speakers will include H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, Governor, National Bank of Cambodia; Dr. Joachim Nagel, President, Deutsche Bundesbank; Michael Barr, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve Board; and Tommaso Mancini-Griffoli, Assistant Director, Monetary and Capital Markets Department, International Monetary Fund. The “C-Suite Insights: Roadmap for AI in Financial Services” will explore how AI will reshape financial services, driving significant innovation, enhancing risk management and fostering resilient, inclusive and secure digital finance. Participants will get to hear from leading industry thought-leaders on the emerging trends, implications in practice, critical challenges and strategic directions for sector evolution, and learn how you might navigate the evolving financial landscape and harness AI for sustainable growth. Speakers will include: Craig Vosburg, Chief Services Officer, Mastercard; Javier Pérez-Tasso, Chief Executive Officer, Swift; Tan Su Shan, Chief Executive Officer, DBS Bank; Yang Peng, Chief Executive Officer, Ant International; Yoshihiro Hyakutome, Deputy President Executive Officer, Co-Head of Global Banking Unit, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC); and Kfir Godrich, Founder, mAIndfulness. The “Digital Money: How Forward-Looking Institutions Are Managing Risks and Seizing Opportunities” session will explore how digital money is moving from fringe to mainstream, presenting new opportunities and risks for traditional financial institutions. This session will convene speakers from forward-looking institutions that are leveraging digital money, programmable payments, and blockchain-based settlement systems to explore. These will include Cuy Sheffield, Head of Crypto, Visa; Mishal Ruparel, Chief Commercial Officer, Banking Circle; Naveen Mallela, Global Co-head of Kinexys, J.P. Morgan; and Elise Soucie Watts, Executive Director, Global Digital Finance. The “Agentic Commerce: Solving for Trust, Transparency, and Building Commercial Models” session will bring together leaders from technology, networks, and merchant services to explore how agentic AI is reshaping the payments stack. Speakers from Google, Ant International, and Visa will discuss how AI systems are moving beyond automation to autonomous decision-making and how businesses can balance innovation with governance. In “Digital Wealth for an Inclusive Future: How and which technologies are driving transformation across the wealth continuum”, experts from BlackRock, Bank Julius Baer & Co., and Endowus will explore how AI-driven platforms, robo-advisors, and micro-investing tools can expand financial access while ensuring sustainable and equitable outcomes. Additional sessions will examine AI-driven cybersecurity, tokenization in capital markets, regulatory harmonization in digital assets, and preparations for “Q-Day”, the era of quantum migration in finance. Each session will contribute to the festival’s overarching theme of shaping the next decade of financial growth through collaboration, resilience, and innovation. Other highlights of SFF 2025 In addition to the main conference program, SFF 2025 will feature a wide range of events to delve deeper into critical topics, facilitate networking, and foster partnerships between policymakers, investors, innovators, and financial institutions. The Global Fintech Hackcelerator, organized by MAS in partnership with the Global Finance and Technology Network, will spotlight the boldest early-stage innovators transforming financial services. At SFF 2025, the finalists will step into the spotlight to pitch at Demo Day for a S$240,000 prize pool, investor backing, and the chance to pilot their solutions with industry giants. The SFF Fintech Excellence Awards will recognize innovative fintech solutions that have been instrumental in transforming fintech industry practices and spearheading the use of novel technologies in creating new growth opportunities, promoting financial inclusion and enhancing the delivery of financial services. The Insights Forum, an by-invitation forum, will convene regulators, policymakers, industry leaders, and investors for outcome-focused leadership dialogues and exclusive networking. As a prelude to SFF 2025, this forum will be held on November 10 and 11, at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre. The Capital Meets Policy Dialogue will provide a platform for policymakers and major capital providers to discuss issues affecting investment, value creation, and public policy. Complementing these will be the Founders Peak, Investor Hours, the Innovation Lab Crawl, and SFF MeetUp, bringing together capital, ideas, and talent to boost collaboration and growth. SFF is a leading fintech event held annually in Singapore that brings together the global fintech community to engage, connect and collaborate on issues relating to the development of financial services, public policy and technology. Last year, SFF brought together 65,000 participants from 134 countries and regions. Fintech News Readers will enjoy a 20% off delegate passes with the promo code: SFFSMPFNN. Register here: https://bit.ly/4o4RgXS   Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by EyeEm via Freepik The post Singapore Fintech Festival 2025: Key Highlights and Top Sessions to Attend appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

As Bizcap marks more than seven months of officially operating in the Singapore market, we’re thrilled to share that we’ll be attending the Singapore Fintech Festival (SFF) 2025. This global event brings together some of the brightest minds and most innovative leaders in the fintech space, and we couldn’t be more excited to be part of it. For us, this year’s festival represents more than just an opportunity to network and learn. It’s a milestone that celebrates how far we’ve come since launching in Singapore, and a reminder of why we’re here: to help local businesses thrive with fast, flexible funding solutions. Looking back: From scoping out to showing up It’s hard to believe that just a year ago, we attended the Singapore Fintech Festival for the first time, right as we were scoping out plans to launch in Singapore. Walking through the bustling event halls back then, surrounded by industry innovators, we were filled with ideas and ambition. Fast-forward to today, and it’s incredible to reflect on how much we’ve accomplished in such a short time. In the past seven months, we’ve set up a local presence, grown a talented Singapore-based team, and officially established Bizcap as a trusted name in the non-bank lending space. From the start, our goal has been to offer small and medium enterprises (SMEs) a better way to access capital — one that’s simple, fast, and tailored to their needs. Expanding our product suite for SMEs Since launching our low-doc Business Loan, we’ve supported about 500 Singapore SMEs, allowing them to achieve greater financial flexibility. Beyond this, we’re proud to have rolled out several new solutions tailored specifically for the Singapore market. The Line of Credit has been incredibly popular. It gives businesses access to up to $300,000, helping them manage cash flow or take advantage of new opportunities. The best part is that businesses only pay interest on the funds they actually use. Our Prime Loan is also an attractive option that lets SMEs borrow up to 150% of their monthly revenue, at lower rates and for longer terms of nine to 12 months. This product is particularly useful for businesses investing in growth or expansion while maintaining healthy cash flow. We’ve seen a noticeable shift in the calibre of customers engaging with these products. Based on feedback from our partners, our Line of Credit and Prime Loan are attracting more ‘bank-quality’ clients — established businesses with strong financials and sustainable growth plans. This not only speaks to the strength of our partner network but also reinforces the credibility and trust these products have earned in the market. Each of these products has been created with one goal in mind: to support Singapore’s vibrant SME sector with the financial tools they need to grow confidently. And the good news is, we’ve got more to come, including a secured loan product which we’ll share more details on soon. Looking ahead: Connecting, learning, growing The Singapore Fintech Festival is more than just an event. It’s a meeting point for ideas, partnerships, and progress. We’re looking forward to connecting with other fintech innovators, exchanging insights, and learning about the emerging trends and challenges shaping the industry. We’re particularly excited about the growing adoption of Open Banking among customers and partners — not only as a powerful tool to mitigate fraud, but also as a way to create a smoother, more seamless customer experience. The festival is also a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our relationships within the local fintech ecosystem. As part of this dynamic community, we’re eager to share our experiences, learn from others, and continue refining how we serve Singaporean businesses. At Bizcap, our mission is simple: to offer fast, flexible funding that empowers SMEs to do more. Whether it’s stabilising cash flow, hiring staff, or investing in the next stage of growth, we’re here to help local businesses move forward with confidence. I’m proud of what we’ve built so far, but we’re even more excited about what’s ahead, majulah! The post Bizcap Joins Singapore Fintech Festival to Celebrate Growth in Local Market appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Authorities in Thailand have arrested suspects linked to an unlicensed Worldcoin exchange in Bangkok following a joint raid by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) at an iris scanning site. The operation on 24 October 2025 targeted Worldcoin (WLD) exchange services suspected of operating without a license. Jomkwan Kongsakul SEC Deputy Secretary-General Jomkwan Kongsakul said, “This collaboration will enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement in prosecuting and suppressing unlicensed digital asset businesses, while protecting users from lack of legal protection and mitigating risks of scams and money laundering.” The SEC earlier warned the public against exchanging WLD coins through unlicensed operators and urged users to verify whether providers are registered. It said it continues to monitor digital asset services and promotional activities for compliance, stressing that operators must not engage in or support illegal activity. Investors are advised to use only licensed platforms listed on the SEC website and the “SEC Check First” app. Reports of suspicious activity can be made via the SEC Complaint Center hotline 1207, its Facebook page, or live chat on the SEC website. Under Section 66 of the Digital Asset Businesses Law, operating without a license carries two to five years in prison, fines of 200,000 to 500,000 baht, and a daily fine of up to 10,000 baht for continued violations.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by EyeEm via Freepik The post Thai Authorities Arrest Suspects Linked to Unlicensed Worldcoin Exchange appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Singapore-based Thunes announced that it has opened a new real-time payments corridor with Colombia. This move connects the country’s instant payment system Bre-B to Thunes’ global network to enable faster, more reliable, and accessible cross-border transfers. The launch marks another step in Thunes’ efforts to link national real-time payment systems and support financial inclusion through faster, interoperable, and affordable transactions. Developed by Banco de la República, Colombia’s central bank, Bre-B was officially launched on 6 October and allows individuals and businesses to send and receive money instantly, 24/7, between banks, cooperatives, digital wallets, and fintechs. The addition of Bre-B also reflects Thunes’ collaboration with central banks and regulators working to modernise national payment systems and broaden access to financial products. More than 30 million Colombians, representing about 76% of the adult population, have already registered for Bre-B. Thunes is among the first global payment providers to integrate with the system, enabling real-time transfers in and out of Colombia for members of its Direct Global Network. Colombia’s financial landscape is shifting rapidly, with nearly 78% of transactions still cash-based and 92% of adults owning bank accounts. The integration with Bre-B is expected to accelerate this transition and expand access to digital financial services. Chloé Mayenobe “Across the world, Thunes is deeply engaged in building and connecting Real-Time Payment systems that enable people and businesses to move money instantly, securely, and transparently. We greatly value the vision and leadership of central banks, like Colombia’s, that are driving innovations to make financial systems more inclusive and interoperable. Together with Bre-B, we’re helping to power Colombia’s participation in the real-time global economy and set a new benchmark for interoperable payments in the region.” said Chloé Mayenobe, President and COO at Thunes. Aik Boon Tan “Our addition of Bre-B to Thunes’ Direct Global Network is a strong example of how public and private innovation can come together to drive financial transformation. Through this extension of our Network, we are proud to help expand Bre-B’s reach beyond Colombia’s borders, giving local people and businesses access to the global economy.” said Aik Boon Tan, Chief Network Officer at Thunes.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by Lanfira via Freepik The post Thunes Opens New Real-Time Payment Link with Colombia appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Thailand’s SMEs can now manage sales, loyalty, and payments through a single device following a new strategic partnership between NTT DATA Payment Services and Jaidee App by ISARASERI. The partnership introduces the “Super EDC,” a unified platform that combines Jaidee’s point-of-sale (POS) system with NTT DATA’s secure payment infrastructure. The device enables merchants to manage orders, track inventory, run loyalty programmes, and process multiple payment methods through one system. Targeting Thailand’s small business sector, especially food and beverage merchants, the integration allows acceptance of Visa, Mastercard, PromptPay QR, and various local and international e-wallets. Jaidee’s POS system also supports order and queue management, food ordering, stock control, and customer rewards such as digital stamps, points, and coupons. Together, the companies aim to help SMEs improve efficiency, cash flow, and customer engagement. The Super EDC is already available for Jaidee merchants across Thailand, allowing businesses to benefit immediately from integrated payment and business management. Prinya Jinantuya Prinya Jinantuya, CEO of NTT DATA Payment Services Thailand, said, “At NTT DATA Payment Services, our mission is to accelerate our client’s growth through tailored and responsible commerce solutions. Partnering with Jaidee App is a natural step toward this mission. By integrating our secure, scalable payment options into Jaidee’s innovative POS system, we are giving Thai SMEs the tools they need to embrace the digital economy, offering their customers faster, safer, and more convenient ways to pay.” Natavee Chavengsaksongkram, CEO of ISARASERI added, “Through Jaidee, we are committed to helping small businesses succeed by providing simple, powerful tools that go beyond transactions. This partnership with NTT DATA Payment Services allows us to deliver even more value to our merchants, combining business management, customer loyalty, and full payment acceptance into one accessible and unified platform.”     Featured image: (From left) Prinya Jinantuya, CEO NTT DATA Payment Services (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Pamorn Chanapirak, CPO ISARASERI, Pawoot Pongvitayapanu , CEO and Founder, Pay Solution Co., Ltd & efastructure Inc., Natavee Chavengsaksomgkram, CEO ISARASERI. The post NTT DATA and ISARASERI Partner to Streamline Payments for Thai SMEs appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

DBS Bank has become the first Singapore bank to integrate Mastercard’s Gamer Exchange into its rewards ecosystem, allowing customers to turn loyalty points into gaming credits across leading titles and platforms. Through the collaboration, DBS and POSB cardholders can now redeem their DBS Points for gaming credits via the DBS PayLah! app or DBS Rewards online. The feature covers popular games such as EA Sports FC, Call of Duty, PUBG, and Honor of Kings, as well as platforms like Steam, Roblox, Xbox, and the PlayStation Store. The partnership expands DBS’s digital rewards ecosystem with lifestyle-driven benefits, letting customers use even modest point balances to unlock gaming perks. DBS said it plans to roll out the programme across other key regional markets over time. Gaming has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing entertainment sectors, with the global industry projected to generate about US$363 billion by 2027, up from US$282 billion this year. Asia Pacific remains the world’s largest gaming hub, accounting for nearly half of all gamers. In Singapore, the market is expected to exceed US$1.13 billion by 2030, with more than 2.1 million users, most of whom play on mobile devices. Ananya Sen Ananya Sen, Head of Regional Consumer Products, DBS Bank said, “Across our markets, we’ve seen gaming spend among DBS cardholders climb steadily across multiple customer segments, spanning various age groups and demographics. The integration of the Mastercard Gamer Exchange into our DBS Rewards ecosystem represents an exciting regional journey for us as we progressively roll this out to our other markets.” Kaveri Khullar Kaveri Khullar, Senior Vice President of Consumer Marketing and Sponsorships for Asia Pacific at Mastercard, said, “Mastercard Gamer Exchange was conceived with the vision of delivering tangible value for gamers, while addressing the growing disconnect between legacy loyalty programs and consumer behavior. It supports micro-redemptions, allowing even small amounts of points to unlock gaming value reducing expired points and keeping rewards fresh.” DBS cardholders can access the new redemption feature through the DBS PayLah! app or DBS Rewards website.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by DC Studio via Freepik The post DBS Rewards Can Now Be Used for Mastercard’s Gaming Credits appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Kyrgyzstan has launched a national stablecoin and a central bank digital currency (CBDC) in partnership with cryptocurrency exchange Binance, President Sadyr Japarov announced on Saturday (October 25). According to Reuters, the mountainous Central Asian nation of around seven million people, long reliant on labour migrants in Russia, has in recent years sought to position itself as a regional leader in cryptocurrency innovation. Changpeng Zhao, founder of Binance, was appointed as an adviser on digital assets to the Kyrgyz president in May. In a post on X on Saturday, Zhao said the Kyrgyz national stablecoin had been launched on the BNB Chain, and that the digital version of the country’s currency, the som, was ready for use in government payments. He added that a national cryptocurrency reserve had been created, which includes Binance’s BNB token. US President Donald Trump on Friday (October 24) pardoned Zhao, who had previously been convicted of money laundering-related offences. Once considered the most democratic of the five former Soviet Central Asian republics, Kyrgyzstan has seen tighter restrictions on dissent since Japarov rose to power following street protests in 2020. The country is set to hold a snap parliamentary election on November 30, with Japarov’s allies seeking to strengthen their control of the legislature.   Featured image credit, edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by Rawf8.com via Freepik The post Kyrgyzstan Launches National Stablecoin and Digital Som with Binance appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has launched a public consultation on proposed measures to make it easier for investors to seek civil compensation for losses from market misconduct. The regulator noted that retail investors often face challenges in organising themselves and securing funds for legal costs. The proposals form part of the Equities Market Review Group’s wider efforts to boost investor participation, attract quality listings, and foster a pro-enterprise regulatory environment. MAS said it aims to strengthen investor recourse while guarding against frivolous lawsuits that could burden the market. One proposal would allow the appointment of an independent representative to coordinate and bring legal actions on behalf of affected investors. Under current law, third parties can assist claimants but cannot act on their behalf. The designated representative must have no conflicts of interest or financial stake in the outcome. MAS also plans to introduce a grant scheme to co-fund legitimate investor actions and offset coordination costs. Market misconduct cases are often complex and expensive, requiring specialised legal expertise, expert witnesses, and detailed financial analysis. The scheme will include co-payment features and governance controls to prevent misuse. Other proposals include simplifying procedures for “piggyback claims,” which allow investors to reference prior enforcement outcomes such as criminal convictions, civil penalty orders or settlements, default judgments, or consent orders in public enforcement cases. The regulator also plans to ease proof-of-reliance requirements in misstatement cases and remove statutory caps on compensation, allowing courts to determine awards based on each case’s circumstances. MAS said the measures would complement enforcement actions and bolster confidence in Singapore’s capital markets. The consultation paper is available on the MAS website, and feedback can be submitted here by 31 December 2025.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by MAS The post MAS Seeks Feedback on Plans to Aid Investors in Civil Suits Against Market Misconduct appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Standard Chartered has partnered with Dandelion Payments, a Euronet Worldwide company, to expand the Bank’s low-value global disbursement capabilities. The partnership will allow the bank to offer clients access to a wider range of destination currencies, covering both bank accounts and digital wallet endpoints. Dandelion’s payments infrastructure supports last-mile delivery via domestic ACH, instant payment systems, and direct digital wallets. The collaboration addresses the growing demand for cross-border payments and complements traditional bank account transfers. By combining Standard Chartered’s PrismFX platform with Dandelion’s network, clients can execute foreign exchange payments more efficiently across multiple markets and endpoints. “This strategic collaboration underscores Standard Chartered’s commitment to innovation in cross-border payments, to create a seamless international payments and FX experience that delivers speed, cost efficiency and transparency,” the bank said.   Featured image credit: Standard Chartered The post Standard Chartered Partners with Dandelion for Broader Cross-Border Payments appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Fireblocks has announced its acquisition of Dynamic, a developer-first wallet infrastructure provider. The move aims to strengthen Fireblocks’ position as a key provider of digital asset and stablecoin infrastructure by integrating Dynamic’s embedded wallet technology into its enterprise-grade platform. The acquisition comes at a time when financial services are increasingly moving onchain, with payments, trading, and transfers operating on programmable, global networks. As regulatory clarity improves, demand is growing among enterprises and fintechs to safely offer digital asset services while maintaining compliance and user trust. Dynamic enables developers to embed digital asset functionalities directly into applications, handling user onboarding, authentication, wallet connections, and funding integrations. Its technology has been used by companies such as Kraken, which utilises Dynamic’s embedded wallet to provide a global trading experience through its Inky platform, and Zero Hash, which uses it to support crypto and stablecoin payments. Magic Eden, Lighter, and Ondo Finance have also integrated Dynamic’s infrastructure to enhance digital asset access across multiple chains. Itai Turbahn “It’s a familiar pattern,” said Itai Turbahn, Co-founder and CEO of Dynamic. “Simplifying complex infrastructure, whether it’s communications with Twilio or bank connections with Plaid, unlocks developer activity. The same applies to crypto. Our team has built tools that make embedding digital asset services simple and secure.” Fireblocks currently powers more than 2,400 financial institutions and supports secure digital asset access for over a billion end users worldwide. The company stated that integrating Dynamic’s technology will allow it to help businesses deliver digital asset experiences safely and efficiently, combining developer agility with institutional security and compliance. The Dynamic team, led by founders Yoni Goldberg and Itai Turbahn, will join Fireblocks, bringing their 30-member team and culture of innovation to the larger organisation. Michael Shaulov “The acquisition marks an important step for both companies and for the broader financial ecosystem,” Michael Shaulov, CEO & Co-Founder of Fireblocks said. “Global, programmable money is here, and the infrastructure must evolve accordingly. Together, we aim to provide the foundation for the next generation of financial applications.”   Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by deepart100 via Freepik The post Fireblocks Acquires Dynamic to Expand Onchain Infrastructure Capabilities appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Under the guidance of the Bank of Thailand, Ant International, National ITMX, and Krungthai Bank are collaborating to strengthen cross-border payment connectivity between Thailand and China via PromptPay. Krungthai Bank will serve as the settlement bank for the initiative, which will enable Chinese travellers to make payments at Thai merchants by scanning PromptPay QR codes using Alipay, an Alipay+ e-wallet partner. PromptPay, introduced by the Bank of Thailand in 2016 and operated by National ITMX, is the country’s national payment infrastructure supporting transactions across multiple channels, including regional cross-border payments. Chatchai Dusadenoad, Managing Director of National ITMX, said: Chatchai Dusadenoad “The launch of cross-border payment services between PromptPay and Alipay marks not only a significant enhancement of convenience for travellers from both countries, but also opens new business opportunities for Thai merchants of all sizes by connecting Thailand’s payment infrastructure to the global financial network.” Edward Yue, Alipay+ General Manager for SEA, ANZ and South Asia at Ant International, added: Edward Yue “Our partnership with NITMX and Krungthai Bank builds on the Bank of Thailand’s commitment to reducing barriers between global consumers and local merchants. With tourism an important driver between Thailand and China, this collaboration will help foster cross-border commerce and inclusive growth.” Alipay, part of Ant International’s Alipay+ e-wallet ecosystem, has been available in Thailand since 2015 and is accepted across key sectors including retail, food and beverage, attractions, and transport. The new partnership will expand Alipay acceptance to more merchants, particularly smaller businesses.   Featured image credit: ITMX The post Ant International, ITMX, and Krungthai Boost Thailand-China QR Payments appeared first on Fintech Singapore.