Fintech
Cyberport Fintech Delegation to London led by Financial Secretary Concluded
Hong Kong, Oct. 31, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HONG KONG, 31 October 2019 – Hong Kong Cyberport (Cyberport) successfully organised a Fintech delegation of 15 Hong Kong Fintech start-ups and companies from the Cyberport community, led by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, to visit London from 28 to 31 October to bolster collaboration between the two economies in promoting financial innovation.
The delegation includes start-ups in the fields of RegTech, blockchain, wealth management technology, cross-border payments, and artificial intelligence. The mission aims at forging connections amongst stakeholders in the global Fintech landscape, with a view of fostering collaboration and developing business and investment opportunities.
The Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, said, “It is my great pleasure to bring a delegation of Fintech start-ups from Hong Kong to London. We entered into a Fintech Bridge Agreement with the UK Government in September 2017 to foster collaboration between the two economies in promoting financial innovation. With an increasingly vibrant Fintech ecosystem, we hope to see Hong Kong’s home-grown Fintech firms flourish and expand their footprint to other Fintech hubs. I hope the visit of our delegation to the UK this time will help drive a stronger flow of Fintech entrepreneurs and companies of both places across the bridge in the future.”
Peter Yan, Chief Executive Officer of Cyberport, said, ‘‘Cyberport is pleased to organise a Fintech delegation to the UK once again after its fruitful visit in 2017. The delegation exemplifies the strong connection between the two major Fintech ecosystems and provides an opportunity for Cyberport’s Fintech start-ups to demonstrate the innovative solutions they have on the global stage. Talent cultivation and development is one of our strategic focuses. We are committed to propelling start-ups towards global expansion and cultivating strong impetus to the economic growth of Hong Kong, as well as promoting Hong Kong’s role as the leading Fintech hub of Asia.’’
During the visit, the delegation first visited the Accenture Fintech Innovation Hub to learn about the latest Fintech trends in the UK including the local developments in virtual banking. They also visited Dun and Bradstreet, Level 39, Innovate Finance, KPMG and other renowned banks and met with a cohort of Fintech innovators, to gain an understanding on topics such as the role of data in accelerating London to be a global open banking hub, acquiring new funding from venture capital (VC) and the London Fintech VC landscape, as well as an overview of advantages and concerns when it comes to running a business in London and how to build connections with local firms for future landing. They also joined a roundtable event to network with key London Fintech stakeholders like the Department for International Trade (DIT) to promote Fintech opportunities in Hong Kong.
Calvin Cheng, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Wizpresso Limited, said, “We are very grateful for being invited to join the FS delegation to London. As a start-up, it’s quite challenging for us to go international, especially when it comes to a more mature financial capital like UK. This delegation provides precious opportunities to meet with accelerators, VCs, potential partners, law firms and more. We hope the bonds we’ve formed during the trip will help us in expanding our business into the UK market.”
William Lam, Chief Executive Officer of iFinGate Limited, said “The trip to UK is very valuable, allowing us to meet with renowned enterprises and UK government officials, and gain a better understanding about its sophisticated FinTech ecosystem and elements that are worth drawing on. We are glad to share that we’ve successfully connected with different industry stakeholders and have scheduled meetings for potential partnerships next week. This could prove to be crucial for our business development.”
As Hong Kong’s premier Fintech hub, Cyberport presented the potential and strength of Hong Kong’s Fintech market against the backdrop of the Greater Bay Area development to the UK financial industry. Cyberport also invited UK Fintech firms to use Hong Kong as the perfect springboard for expanding into China and Asia markets and shared about Cyberport’s role in the development of Fintech in Hong Kong.
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About Cyberport
Cyberport is an innovative digital community with over 1,400 start-ups and technology companies. It is managed by Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, which is wholly owned by the Hong Kong SAR Government. With a vision to be the hub for digital technology thereby creating a new economic driver for Hong Kong, Cyberport is committed to nurturing a vibrant tech ecosystem by cultivating talent, promoting entrepreneurship among youth, supporting start-ups on their growth journey, fostering industry development by promoting strategic collaboration with local and international partners, and integrating new and traditional economies by accelerating digital transformation in the public and private sectors. For more information, please visit www.cyberport.hk Attachments
Hong Kong Cyberport
[email protected]
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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