Fintech PR
Nielsen: Virtual Banks to Become a Real Game Changer to Banking Industry Landscape
With the rapid development of Financial Technology (FinTech), the idea of virtual banking has been widely discussed and is gaining more traction among the local banking population. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) first issued the Guideline on the Authorization of Virtual Banks under the Banking Ordinance back in 2000. However, the concept remained at an inception stage until 2018 when HKMA started to receive license applications. So far, out of the 30 applications, only eight had been approved and it was not until March 2020 that the first virtual bank was launched, 20 years after the first issuance of the Guideline.
It has been a long journey for virtual banking to be officially in place in town. To explore the dynamics of virtual banking in Hong Kong, Nielsen has conducted a Personal Finance Monitor to study customer perspective towards virtual banking. This yearly syndicated study aims to provide a holistic view on consumers’ personal financial status and identifying the impact virtual banking brings to the financial industry.
INCREASED AWARENESS AND ADOPTION OF VIRTUAL BANKING
According to the Nielsen Personal Finance Monitor 2020, more banking consumers have heard of the term “virtual bank”, with the corresponding awareness level rocketing from 67% in 2018 to 93% in 2020. However, 42% of them have heard of this term but do not have a strong understanding of it and 38% of them are unable to correctly cite any virtual bank’s name.
Around 7% of the banking customers claim that they are currently using virtual banking services, which is an encouraging figure as the first virtual bank has become fully operational just three months before the survey took place. Moreover, the survey shows that there has been a spike of intention to use virtual banking services, from 20% in 2018 to 37% this year.
“While virtual banks gain popularity among the public, consumers lack a clear understanding of the services and nature. It is imperative for corresponding financial organizations to dedicate more efforts to promote the virtual banking concept and educate the public about this innovative initiative,” recommends Eddie Au, Senior Director, Financial Services, Nielsen.
MOBILE WALLET USERS ARE MORE RECEPTIVE TO VIRTUAL BANK
The study also observed the relationship between virtual bank usage intention and mobile wallet usage. Over half (51%) of active mobile wallet users who use it on a weekly basis express their intention to use virtual banking services in the future, compared with remarkably lower rates of 27% among inactive mobile wallet users and 16% among non-users. The result is not surprising as frequent mobile wallet users are more tech-savvy and have already adopted technology for financial management. In addition, the decision of using virtual banking for customers who are not active peer-to-peer (P2P) service users could be hindered by their unfamiliarity with FinTech, such as making cash deposits or withdrawals through Fast Payment System (FPS).
“Given the positive relationship between virtual bank usage intention and mobile wallet usage, partnering with various Stored Value Facility (SVF) providers could help boost virtual bank usage. Alternatively, the feasibility of facilitating SVF issuance should also be explored,” advised Eddie.
ISSUING CREDIT CARDS AS AN EFFECTIVE WAY TO LURE VIRTUAL BANKING CUSTOMERS
When it comes to popular virtual banking services, the survey reveals that around 75% of potential virtual bank customers prefer to start using virtual banks by opening a deposit account. Meanwhile, credit card services are also on demand, with over half of respondents (54%) showing interests in virtual bank credit card applications. Nonetheless, customers are less excited about virtual personal loan services, which are regarded as one of the popular market entry products for virtual banks. Only 18% of the customers claim they would consider applying for the loans in the future.
“Virtual bank has become a prominent and irreversible trend. Continuous growth is expected in virtual bank usage in the coming years along with the opening of more virtual banks. Still, facing competition from not only their peers but also traditional banks, virtual banks are recommended to fight for market share by putting their focuses on the most demanded services and offering competitive deposit interest rates to trigger trial usage,” said Eddie.
Virtual banks are expected to disrupt the financial industry by offering innovative and extraordinary products and services which are attractive and competitive, likely to force traditional banks to upgrade and improve their offerings and make better use of technology. In the end, banking customers would benefit from the competition.
Fintech PR
2025 Will See Increased QR Code Payments but Payment Card IC ASPs Will Not Return to Pre-Covid Levels
ABI Research’s 5th annual Trend Report identifies the key Digital Payment Technologies trend that will come to fruition —and the 1 that won’t—in 2025
NEW YORK, Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As 2025 kicks off, predictions abound on the technology innovations expected in the year ahead. In its new whitepaper, 101 Technology Trends That Will—and Won’t—Shape 2025, analysts from global technology intelligence firm ABI Research. ABI Research analysts identify 54 trends that will shape the technology market and 47 others that, although attracting vast amounts of speculation and commentary, are less likely to move the needle over the next twelve months. In the Digital Payment Technologies space, 2025 will see increased QR code payment acceptance but little growth for payment card IC ASPs.
“2024 has been marked by challenges, from global conflicts and inflationary pressures to political uncertainty. These factors have strained enterprise and consumer spending, leading to market inertia, short-term technology investments, sidelined capital, and the exposure of vulnerable suppliers,” says Stuart Carlaw, Chief Research Officer at ABI Research. “From a technology perspective, many industries and end markets are in that awkward stage of technology adoption where they are formulating implementation strategies, assessing solutions and partners, and trying to see if they have the resources needed to roll out solutions at scale. This is a particularly sensitive time, which tends to suggest 2025 will have tech implementers and end users on the brink of a period of a massive technology shift as they work through these issues.”
What Will Happen in 2025:
QR code payment acceptance will continue to increase with use cases expanding
Although QR code payment acceptance is prevalent in countries such as China and growing in emerging digital payment markets, including in India, use cases and potential growth areas are not limited to these countries. Significant and continued investments by vendors, including PayPal, Stripe, and SumUp, are setting the foundation for increased adoption in other mature and established economies with use cases expanding. Although QR codes are already being used by many Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and pop-up retail businesses, 2025 will mark the year when the technology begins to shift from one niche to partial mainstream.
What Won’t Happen in 2025:
Payment card IC ASPs will not return to pre-COVID-19 levels
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, chipset pricing has been on a continual rise, driven by increased pricing in myriad manufacturing areas, including energy, raw material, transit pricing, and inflation, driving up wages. The chip shortage further compounded this, and according to ABI Research, the Average Selling Price (ASP) for a payment card Integrated Circuit (IC) increased by approximately +30% between 2020 and 2023. However, despite pricing pressures returning, the cost of payment ICs is some years away from matching pre-COVID-19 levels. Although 2025 will mark another year of pricing deprecation, it will not be until around 2028 when pricing is expected to drop to levels similar to those achieved in 2019 steadily.
For more trends that will and won’t happen in 2025, download the whitepaper, 101 Technology Trends That Will—and Won’t—Shape 2025.
About ABI Research
ABI Research is a global technology intelligence firm uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology solution providers and end-market companies. We serve as the bridge that seamlessly connects these two segments by providing exclusive research and expert guidance to drive successful technology implementations and deliver strategies proven to attract and retain customers.
ABI Research是一家全球性的技术情报公司，拥有得天独厚的优势，充当终端市场公司和技术解决方案提供商之间的桥梁，通过提供独家研究和专业性指导，推动成功的技术实施和提供经证明可吸引和留住客户的战略，无缝连接这两大主体。
For more information about ABI Research’s services, contact us at +1.516.624.2500 in the Americas, +44.203.326.0140 in Europe, +65.6592.0290 in Asia-Pacific, or visit www.abiresearch.com.
Contact Info:
Global
Deborah Petrara
Tel: +1.516.624.2558
[email protected]
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Fintech PR
Bybit Champions Web3 Innovation and Strengthens Ties with Asia’s Crypto Community at Taipei Blockchain Week
DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange, debuted at the Taipei Blockchain Week Dec. 12 to 14, 2024, spotlighting the vibrant Web3 innovations on its platform alongside a dynamic roster of its strategic Layer 1 ecosystem partners.
Featuring side events in collaboration with the Solana Foundation, the Sui Foundation, and a dazzling lineup of multichain projects, Bybit Web3 dedicated the Taipei tour to building up communities and deepening connections with Web3 ecosystem partners. The Bybit delegation also took the stage to uncover the latest insights on Web3, building with a purpose, and the future of blockchain utilities and DeFi.
Purpose, Innovation, and Partnerships
Representing Bybit at the conference were MK Chin, Core Contributor for Blockchain for Good Alliance and Head of Marketing of Bybit Web3, and Angela Huang, Bybit VIP Relationship Manager, at various panels.
Expanding on blockchain technology’s potential in building better realities for all, Chin joined as a panellist in the session Marketing Web3: Strategies to Engage and Onboard the Next Billion Users. Chin shared learnings and actionable insights from the Bybit-supported Blockchain for Good initiative (BGA), elaborating on both real-world utilities of blockchain technologies and the trickling down of benefits to grassroot communities.
Meanwhile, Angela Huang moderated three sessions closely tied to Bybit’s mission, steering conversations on crucial industry topics:
- The panel Bridging TradFi and DeFi: The Exchange’s Role in User Onboarding on Dec. 12 examined how exchanges could elevate access to the digital economy for users at scale.
- On Dec. 13, Networked Intelligence: The Rise of Decentralized AI explored the intersection of blockchain and AI, showcasing their potential to transform and democratize finance.
- The Building for Impact: How Female Founders Drive Purpose-Driven Innovation panel on Dec. 14 highlighted the evolving role of women leaders in driving solution-oriented innovation.
Another highlight at the event was amplified globally via Bybit Livestream. Collaborating with the Sui Foundation, Ondo, DeepBook, Scallop, NAVI, and other leading projects, Bybit Web3 led a critical debate on the future of Sui’s growth strategy: Sui Ecosystem Showdown: Mass Adoption vs. Native Growth. Hosted by Emily Bao, Head of Web3 and Spot at Bybit, the livestream attracted over 6,500 viewers live at the Taipei Blockchain Week and globally on Dec. 13.
Deepening Bonds: Key Web3 Ecosystems and Communities
Bybit Web3 brought the local community closer to its world-class ecosystem partners with engaging community events, co-hosting Taiwan DeFi Flow with Sui and Scallop on Dec. 12, and Solana Ecosystem Taipei Greetings with the Solana Foundation and Solar with the support of Orderly Network, Zetachain, Jupiter, and Sonic, on Dec. 14. Through collaborations and innovation, Bybit Web3 opens up new on-chain possibilities for partners and stakeholders to expand the Web3 universe.
These relaxed evening gatherings provided a convivial backdrop for like-minded builders and entrepreneurs to network, exchange ideas, and celebrate their shared enthusiasm for DeFi and dApps in Asia’s growing Web3 innovation hub.
“It’s been an incredible experience connecting with the builders, believers, users, creators, and supporters driving innovation on Solana and Sui. These moments remind us of the heart and spirit of Web3—a vibrant ecosystem shaped by collaboration and shared vision. I’m deeply proud to witness this growth, grateful for every connection made, and excited for the road ahead,” said MK Chin, Core Contributor for Blockchain for Good Alliance and Head of Marketing of Bybit Web3.
“Taipei Blockchain Week showcased the immense growth and potential of Web3 innovation in Asia. Representing Bybit, I had the honor to collaborate with industry leaders to explore Web3’s limitless possibilities, from DeFi and AI to real-world applications. Together, we are shaping a more inclusive global crypto community,” said Angela Huang, Bybit VIP Relationship Manager.
In the past year, Bybit has seen exponential growth in its user base, surging to over 60 million by the end of 2024. It has also invested in vertical growth through community engagements across the world. Connected by the passion for the future of crypto, blockchain, and Web3, the Bybit family is on track to building an inclusive and sustainable path to growth for the industry.
#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk / #BybitWeb3
About Bybit Web3
Bybit Web3 is redefining openness in the decentralized world, creating a simpler, open, and equal ecosystem for everyone. We are committed to welcoming builders, creators, and partners in the blockchain space, extending an invitation to both crypto enthusiasts and the curious, with a community of over 130 million wallet addresses across over 30 major ecosystem partners, and counting.
Bybit Web3 provides a comprehensive suite of Web3 products designed to make accessing, swapping, collecting and growing Web3 assets as open and simple as possible. Our wallets, marketplaces and platforms are all backed by the security and expertise that define Bybit as the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, trusted by over 50 million users globally.
Join the revolution now and open the door to your Web3 future with Bybit.
For more details about Bybit Web3, please visit Bybit Web3.
About Bybit
Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.
For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media
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TIANJIN, China, Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On December 7, 2024, AIMA Technology Group warmly invited a delegation of five top-performing U.S. IBD dealers to visit its headquarters. Accompanying the group was Angela Zheng, CEO of AIMA’s U.S. subsidiary, AIMA EBIKE, along with her sales, marketing, and customer service teams. This visit not only marked a deepened connection between AIMA and the mainstream U.S. market but also provided U.S. dealers with a valuable opportunity to witness AIMA Technology’s globally leading capabilities in research, development, and manufacturing of electric mobility solutions.
The delegation first toured AIMA’s state-of-the-art factory in Tianjin. Aima Technology possesses production factories with extremely high levels of intelligent manufacturing Additionally, AIMA has integrated advanced technologies such as AI visual recognition and established a CNAS-certified R&D laboratory, maintaining its industry leadership in intelligent transformation. During the tour, the dealers were deeply impressed by AIMA’s cutting-edge technology, large-scale production capabilities, and relentless pursuit of excellence in product development and manufacturing. They expressed that this rare visit not only enhanced their understanding of AIMA but also strengthened their confidence in promoting AIMA products as a symbol of outstanding performance and exceptional quality to their customers.
Furthermore, AIMA Technology’s R&D team engaged in in-depth discussions with the dealers regarding the new models AIMA EBIKE plans to launch in 2025. The dealers test-rode prototypes of the latest models and shared their innovative insights. They expressed high praise for AIMA’s product innovation capabilities and market acumen, recognizing these as key factors that distinguish AIMA in the industry.
Later, the dealers joined AIMA Technology’s team to witness the rollout of the 10,000th AIMA E-Bike. This milestone moment showcased AIMA’s exceptional manufacturing strength and market influence. The dealers were inspired and expressed strong confidence in the promising future of their partnership with AIMA.
This visit from the top-tier U.S. dealer delegation not only deepened mutual trust and friendship but also injected new momentum into AIMA’s ambition to become a leader in the U.S. E-Bike industry by focusing on the IBD channel. Looking ahead, AIMA Technology will continue to strive to provide market-leading performance and quality, enhancing its product development and manufacturing capabilities while working hand-in-hand with global dealers to create an even brighter future.
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