SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Korea Startup Forum (KSF, Chairman Sangwoo Han) announced that COMEUP 2024, held on December 11 and 12 at COEX in Seoul, successfully concluded. The event welcomed startups, investors, global corporations, aspiring entrepreneurs, and the general public from 45 countries, establishing its international reputation.

Approximately 260 startups from 45 countries participated, with over half being international companies. National pavilions from the UAE, India, Japan, and Sweden showcased technologies, while 120 startups from 21 countries, including Germany, Austria, Sweden, and South Africa, engaged in pitching sessions, exhibitions, and networking events. Organizations like the International Trade Center (ITC) and the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) also participated.

COMEUP 2024 focused on global tech ecosystem trends such as deep tech, inbound innovation, and sustainable innovation (SIS). On December 11, Qamar Aftab from Wa’ed Ventures and Sunghyun Park from Rebellions discussed cross-border innovation. On December 12, SooJong Kim, CEO of INNOSPACE, spoke about opportunities in the space industry, drawing significant attention.

The public IR pitching event Startup Valley crowned Toonimotion, Foretell My Health, and POSCORE as Rookie League winners, securing their spots at Viva Technology 2025 in France. Other notable finalists included CUBIG, ZETIC.ai, and Tublet Korea, which are recognized for advancements in fields like AI and cybersecurity.

The Open Innovation Ground program facilitated collaborations between startups and companies like Microsoft, NVIDIA, Hyundai Motor, and Siemens. Customized matchmaking sessions featured expert talks on global expansion and funding, while the On the COMEUP platform enabled 1,900 successful business matches, nearly doubling last year’s record.

The Inbound Innovation track spotlighted foreign startups, including AiMA Beyond AI, a Spanish company developing AI-powered digital human solutions, which gained attention for its innovations and market entry efforts in Korea.

Sangwoo Han, Chairman of the Korea Startup Forum, stated, “COMEUP 2024 has become a global festival where startups and investors worldwide collaborate, break innovation boundaries, and shape the future. We will continue supporting startups in taking on new challenges and achieving global success.”

COMEUP 2024 highlights and replays are available on its official YouTube channel.

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As we close out 2024, the fintech industry continues to deliver headlines that underscore its dynamism and innovation. From IPO aspirations to groundbreaking regulatory milestones, today’s updates highlight the transformative power of fintech partnerships, regulatory evolution, and disruptive technologies. Here’s what you need to know.

Chime’s Quiet Step Toward Public Markets

Chime, the U.S.-based financial technology startup best known for its digital banking services, has taken a significant step by filing confidential paperwork for an initial public offering (IPO). As one of the most valuable private fintechs in the U.S., Chime’s move could potentially signal a renewed appetite for fintech IPOs in a market that has been cautious following fluctuating valuations across the tech sector.

With a valuation that reportedly exceeded $25 billion in its last funding round, Chime’s IPO could set a new benchmark for the industry. Observers note that its strong customer base and revenue growth may make it an appealing choice for investors seeking to capitalize on the digital banking boom. However, the timing and success of the IPO will depend on broader market conditions and the regulatory landscape.

Source: Bloomberg

ZBD’s Pioneering Achievement: EU MiCA License Approval

ZBD, a fintech company specializing in Bitcoin Lightning network solutions, has made history by becoming the first to secure an EU MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) license. This landmark approval by the Dutch regulator positions ZBD at the forefront of compliant crypto-fintech operations in Europe.

MiCA, which aims to harmonize the regulatory framework for crypto-assets across the EU, has been a focal point for industry players aiming to establish legitimacy and expand their offerings. ZBD’s achievement not only validates its operational rigor but also sets a precedent for other fintech firms navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.

Industry insiders view this as a strategic advantage for ZBD as it broadens its footprint in Europe. By leveraging its regulatory approval, the company can accelerate its product deployment and establish trust with institutional and retail users alike.

Source: Coindesk, PR Newswire

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The Fintech-Credit Union Synergy: A Blueprint for Innovation

The convergence of fintechs and credit unions continues to reshape the financial services ecosystem. Collaborative initiatives, such as the one highlighted in the recent partnership between fintech innovators and credit unions, are proving to be a potent force in delivering tailored financial solutions.

This “dream team” approach allows credit unions to leverage fintech’s technological expertise while maintaining their community-focused ethos. Key areas of collaboration include digital payments, personalized financial management tools, and enhanced loan processing capabilities. These partnerships not only enhance member engagement but also enable credit unions to remain competitive in an increasingly digital-first financial environment.

Industry analysts emphasize that such collaborations underscore a broader trend of traditional financial institutions embracing fintech-driven solutions to bridge service gaps and foster innovation.

Source: PYMNTS

Tackling Student Loan Debt: A Fintech’s Mission

Student loan debt remains a pressing issue for millions of Americans, and a Rochester-based fintech aims to offer relief through its cloud-based platform. This innovative solution is designed to simplify loan management and provide borrowers with actionable insights to reduce their debt burden.

The platform’s features include repayment optimization tools, personalized financial education, and seamless integration with loan servicers. By addressing the complexities of student loan management, this fintech is empowering borrowers to make informed decisions and achieve financial stability.

As the student loan crisis continues to evolve, solutions like this highlight the critical role fintech can play in addressing systemic financial challenges while fostering financial literacy and inclusion.

Source: RBJ

Industry Implications and Takeaways

Today’s updates underscore several key themes shaping the fintech landscape:

1. Regulatory Milestones: ZBD’s MiCA license approval exemplifies the importance of regulatory compliance in unlocking growth opportunities.
2. Strategic Partnerships: The collaboration between fintechs and credit unions demonstrates the value of combining technological innovation with traditional financial models to drive customer-centric solutions.
3. Market Opportunities: Chime’s IPO move reflects a potential revival in fintech public offerings, signaling confidence in the sector’s long-term prospects.
4. Social Impact: Fintech’s ability to tackle systemic issues, such as student loan debt, showcases its role as a force for positive change.

The post Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Chime, ZBD, MiCA) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.

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ABU DHABI, UAE, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ADGM, the leading international financial centre of Abu Dhabi and a globally recognised hub for asset and wealth management unveiled nineteen major announcements from global financial institutions during the third edition of ADFW. These represent almost USD 635 billion in assets under management (AUM) and follow other Q4 announcements from the world’s largest asset managers, BlackRock, PGIM, and Nuveen, which have also been set up in ADGM.

This remarkable increase, from USD 450 billion to USD 635 billion, within a year has reinforced the centre’s reputation as the region’s fastest-growing and one of the world’s most dynamic jurisdictions for asset management. This growth has been further bolstered by the establishment of billionaire-led family offices, including those of British businessman Asif Aziz, prominent philanthropist and financial strategist Wafic Said, and Singaporean entrepreneur and real estate leader Kishin RK, underscoring the centre’s growing appeal as a global wealth management hub.

Commenting on Abu Dhabi and ADGM’s continued momentum, H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Member of Abu Dhabi’s Executive Council & Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and ADGM said, “These milestones reflect the heart of what makes Abu Dhabi so special—a shared vision of progress, partnership, and possibility. The growing number of global financial leaders and innovators choosing ADGM is a testament to the trust they place in our infrastructure, robust regulations, commitment to excellence and Abu Dhabi’s reputation as the world’s safest and most dynamic jurisdiction for asset and wealth management. As we welcome these new partnerships, we remain dedicated to driving the growth and diversification of the ‘Falcon Economy’ and creating opportunities that resonate across industries and borders. It’s an exciting moment for ADGM, Abu Dhabi, and all those who are part of this remarkable journey.”

Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of Blackrock praised Abu Dhabi commenting, “It’s been a long journey watching how Abu Dhabi has matured as an economy. The constant innovation that I’m seeing from the economy and from the leadership. And Abu Dhabi has really positioned itself to become a leader over the next 20 years. Its psychology was different, and now it’s blossoming into this magnet of opportunity. With that strength, it is now becoming a foundation for innovation.”

“We see a real burgeoning of entrepreneurship happening in the region and believe that the Middle East is the next big entrepreneurial hot spot. We’ve watched this happen before and always had our eye out on areas emerging in terms of entrepreneurship,” said Bill Ford, Chairman & CEO of General Atlantic, during the second day of ADFW. 

Sir Paul Marshall, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Marshall Wace said, “Abu Dhabi is such a great place. Abu Dhabi is absolutely nailing it. It’s a very attractive place.”

Confirming their establishment in ADGM during ADFW were leading private equity firms General Atlantic, Lone Star Funds, and Investindustrial along with private credit giants Golub Capital and Polen Capital, insurance manager – Eldridge as well as leading global equity management company, Carta and hedge fund Marshall Wace.

This recent wave of commitments from global financial institutions signifies ADGM’s leadership in attracting the world’s foremost investment firms. Reflecting this confidence and growth, billionaire-led family offices have also been drawn to ADGM, recognising it as a trusted hub for managing and growing wealth.

Asif Aziz, Founder and CEO of Criterion Capital commented, “Abu Dhabi’s transformation into a global financial powerhouse makes it an ideal base for our operations. ADGM’s world-class infrastructure and strategic location provide unparalleled opportunities to forge partnerships that align with our growth ambitions across the UAE and beyond.”

Building on its role as a leading destination for global investors and asset managers, ADGM is also redefining financial innovation by advancing its digital ecosystem. A cornerstone of this effort was the launch of Finstreet, a first-of-its-kind international securities market and an ecosystem for private securities, which exemplifies ADGM’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge digital solutions with its robust financial infrastructure. The week also saw a new funding round for Themis and the entry of international digital pioneers Zodia Markets, Polygon Labs, FJ Labs, Aptos Digital, Chainlinks, Astra Tech and Themis, further solidifying the Emirate’s reputation as a global innovation hub.

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Meanwhile, FinTech Astra Tech’s Quantix announcement of a landmark USD 500 million financing from Citigroup, among the largest provided to a UAE FinTech company to date, to expand its CashNow consumer lending platform. Additionally, Themis—renowned for its advanced financial crime prevention technologies—is further reinforcing ADGM’s position as a hub for the next generation of financial technologies, secured over USD 9.75 million in scale-up funding, building on its success in partnerships with global leaders, including ADGM underscoring its role in advancing financial crime prevention in innovative regulatory environments.

The market announcements were released during the third edition of ADFW held under the theme “Welcome to the Capital of Capital,” which gathered more than 20,000 leaders and executives from across the financial services industry, which collectively represented more than USD 42 trillion in assets under management.

This wave of newcomers ADFW underscores Abu Dhabi’s position as a global financial powerhouse and ADGM’s role as a catalyst for economic diversification, attracting top-tier talent, cutting-edge technologies, and transformative investments that are shaping the emirate’s future.

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