Fintech
Wild Digital Sea 2019 Closed On a Crowd of 1700+ Attendees
Powered by Catcha Group, Wild Digital Southeast Asia 2019 saw a record-breaking crowd of 100+ speakers, 1700+ attendees, 50+ sessions and 2 After Parties over the two days of 3rd and 4th July 2019.
Its fifth year running, Wild Digital was birthed with the objective of connecting tech and digital leaders, and key decision makers of the region on one platform, allowing for the exchange and furthering of ideas with the aim of driving the region’s tech advancements. This year’s theme was aptly “Advancing SEA’s Billion-Dollar Ideas”.
Keynote speakers included Patrick Grove, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, YB Syed Saddiq, Roger James Hamilton (The New York Times Bestseller), Nick Nash (Managing Partner & Co-founder, Asia Partners), Eric Gnock Fah (Klook), Mark Britt(iflix), Agung Bezharie (Warung Pintar) and many more. Key pull out quotes included,
“Only 10 years behind China, we, Southeast Asia are currently in the unicorn phase – a turning point for most regions in the world.” Nick Nash, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Asia Partners.
“Our focus is mostly right now on gaming companies, video entertainment, OTT, and to some extent e-commerce and also fintech companies. Me and you, as consumers, spend most of our time on our phones. There are a lot of services there that can be monetized. Therefore, having the platform that allows for end to end monetization is something we have built,” Zoran Vasiljev, CEO, Apigate Sdn. Bhd.
“Traditional grocery retail industries in SEA will change more in the next 5 years than in the past 50!” Ronald Chan, Group COO, Happy Fresh.
“There is no better time than now to prove that women have a voice and people need to listen.” Beverly Chen, Marketing Director, APAC, AppsFlyer.
The two-day event also saw many firsts for Wild Digital. A live crowdfunding segment took place throughout the two days. A collaboration with PitchIn, Malaysia’s leading crowdfunding platform, the segment allowed for all attendees to invest in 15 curated investment-ready start-ups from the region, from as low as USD100. By Day 2 of Wild Digital SEA, PitchIn recorded a total of RM80k in pledges.
Wild Digital also held a private session with Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the evening of day one, co-hosted by Khailee Ng, Managing Partner of 500 Startups and Amira Karim, Head of Public Policy, Stripe. A closed-door by-invitation only session, the segment was a cozy dialogue between Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Khailee, Amira, and over fifty internet leaders of the region.
Patrick Grove, Catcha Group, Co-Founder, “This is the reason we started Wild Digital and this is our differentiator. We don’t just wanna have a hyped-up mass conference. We want to actually be the platform where cool, change-making internet leaders come together to engage, share ideas, and push for growth – and Wild Digital is committed to doing this. To always be that platform and hopefully open doors to the next generation of a fresh digital tsunami.”
Khailee Ng, 500 Startups, Managing Partner, “If all of us are walking the right steps, we can run.”
Amira Karim, Stripe, Head of Public Policy, “We are just expanding and starting with Malaysia here, officially launching in Sept/Oct. Stripe is traditionally US-centric and coming to Malaysia meant that we had to learn (about this country and market). To listen to you; and this is just our Beta version, but we already have 20 companies with us, many of them start-ups. Malaysia is looking to expand its inclusiveness. How do we, all of us here, expand and grow the GDP of internet in Malaysia?”
Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, President, People’s Justice Party, “Let’s encourage local startups and the localization of companies. We have to, all of us, trust the local players. Replace race-backed economic policies, and not ignore the plight of the poor.”
Dr. Sumitra Nair, MDEC, Vice President, Talent & Digital Entrepreneurship, “We have to break the silos by fostering a sense of conversation. Have new ways of thinking, new ways of working together. There’s so much to do, so much to accelerate.”
Choo Ping Ang, Expedia, Asia Senior Director, Corporate and Government Affairs, “Skill is important. This year alone, we brought 3 million in business to Malaysia. We’re looking to work with more SMEs, hotels and the like to bring more tourists to Malaysia. Expedia is committed to working in the tourism and hospitality industry in the country by continually upskilling them.”
Raymond Hor, Kejora Ventures, General Partner, “We are working with governing bodies like the Securities Commission to co-ordinate more funds here but money is never enough. Rather than wait for the government to give us funds, why don’t we look to inviting VCs from the outside to invest in Malaysian start-ups? We can have regional funds and participate in high growth countries like Indonesia, as well as Malaysia. That’s the key — matching foreign and local money.”
Wild Digital sets a fast-paced and specially curated first-class main stage programme with an exciting mix of established industry giants and rising digital disruptors. Speakers on stage must be of a CEO, MD (SEA/APAC), Founder or Co-Founder position. Start-ups included must have raised at least USD10 million, venture capital or corporate ventures firms a fund size of at least USD100 million.
In line with the global movement to combat pollution and save the planet, Wild Digital has also gone plastic-free this year on with Tengku Zatashah Idris leading the charge, on a panel on Day 2. In line with Tengku and Wild Digital’s aim this year to go #zeroplastic and #stopsingleuseplastic, plastic used before, during and after the conference was reduced, reused or recycled.
For more information and the full line-up of speakers and attendees, head on over to www.wilddigital.com.
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
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:
- Regulatory Milestones: ZBD’s MiCA license approval exemplifies the importance of regulatory compliance in unlocking growth opportunities.
- 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.
- Market Opportunities: Chime’s IPO move reflects a potential revival in fintech public offerings, signaling confidence in the sector’s long-term prospects.
- 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.
Leading global payments platform SPAYZ.io has confirmed it will be attending iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 on 14 to 16 January. Exhibiting at Stand 64 at Trade Centre Dubai, SPAYZ.io’s team of professionals will be on hand providing live demonstrations of its renowned payment services for payment providers. Attendees will also receive exclusive insight into SPAYZ.io’s plans for 2025 alongside early early access to its upcoming plans for the new year.
SPAYZ.io delivers a host of payment solutions that leverage the latest technological innovations and open access to the fastest growing emerging markets across Africa, Europe and Asia. Over the past year, there has been huge demand for its Open Banking and local payment method services, alongside bank transfers, mass payouts, online banking and e-wallets.
Yana Thakurta, Head of Business Development at SPAYZ.io commented: “We look forward to once again participating at iFX Dubai to expand our network of partners and clients. It’s a fantastic way to kick off the year, connecting with thousands of industry leaders from FOREX platforms to trading companies, and everything in between.
“Our key goal for iFX Dubai EXPO 2025 is to expand our portfolio of solutions and geographies. We’re using this as an opportunity to partner with like-minded entities who share our ambition to provide payment solutions that are truly global.”
Come meet SPAYZ.io’s team at the Trade Centre Dubai at Stand 64. You can also book a meeting slot with a member of a team.
The post SPAYZ.io prepares for iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Airtm, the most connected digital dollar account in the world, is proud to announce the addition of two distinguished industry leaders to its Board of Directors: Rafael de la Vega, Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane, and Shivani Siroya, CEO & Founder of Tala. These appointments reflect Airtm’s commitment to innovation and financial inclusion as the company enters its next phase of growth.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rafael and Shivani to Airtm’s Board of Directors,” said Ruben Galindo Steckel, Co-founder and CEO of Airtm. “Their unique perspectives and proven track records will be invaluable as we continue scaling our platform to empower individuals and businesses in emerging markets. Together, we’ll push the boundaries of financial inclusion and innovation to create a more connected and equitable global economy. Rafael and Shivani bring a wealth of experience and strategic insight that will strengthen Airtm’s mission to connect emerging economies with the global market.”
Rafael de la Vega, a seasoned leader in fintech global partnerships and technology innovation, is currently the Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane. With a proven track record of delivering scalable, impactful solutions at the intersection of fintech, innovation, and commerce, Rafael’s expertise will be pivotal as Airtm continues to grow. “Airtm has built a platform that breaks down barriers and opens up opportunities for people in emerging economies to connect to global markets. I am excited to contribute to its growth and help further its mission of fostering financial inclusion on a global scale,” said Rafael.
Shivani Siroya, CEO and Founder of Tala, is a pioneer in financial technology, renowned for empowering underserved communities through access to credit and essential financial tools. Her leadership in leveraging data-driven innovation aligns seamlessly with Airtm’s vision of creating more equitable financial opportunities. “Empowering underserved communities has always been at the core of my work, and Airtm’s mission resonates deeply with me. I’m thrilled to join the Board and work alongside such a dynamic team to expand access to financial tools that truly make a difference in people’s lives,” said Shivani.
The post Airtm Enhances Its Board of Directors with Two Strategic Appointments appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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