Fintech
Standard Chartered and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism sign Cooperation Agreement to promote business opportunities between Hong Kong and Dubai
Standard Chartered announced the signing of a Cooperation Agreement with Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism to jointly promote business growth and development opportunities between Hong Kong and Dubai.
The Agreement was signed by Mary Huen, Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong, Standard Chartered, and Hadi Badri, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Economic Development Corporation, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
According to the Agreement, Standard Chartered Hong Kong and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism will deepen cooperation on a range of strategic areas between Hong Kong and Dubai, including:
- promoting the growth of capital market activities, family offices, asset management, fintech and virtual asset industries;
- developing innovative sustainable and green financing solutions;
- developing innovative solutions to support trade and commodity financing for imports, exports and re-exports; and
- promoting incubation and development of start-ups and new technology-based service providers that develop cutting edge technology-based solutions for banking, financial, investment and capital market transactions.
Standard Chartered and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism will also set up a joint working group to discuss about how to achieve these objectives.
Rola Abu Manneh, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered, UAE, said: “In this era of global connectivity, our partnership with the Dubai Economic Development Corporation marks a significant milestone for us. We are committed to facilitating seamless banking services to organisations and investors within the UAE-Hong Kong corridor. This Memorandum of Understanding not only fosters trade and liquidity but also underscores our dedication to promoting sustainable finance while leveraging our extensive global network to connect businesses and individuals across both sides of the corridor to opportunities worldwide.”
Hadi Badri, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Economic Development Corporation, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism added: “By joining forces with partners like Standard Chartered we aim to create cross-border platforms to accelerate opportunities for trade and innovation exchange across the fastest growing economies in the world. Building on Dubai’s position as a gateway to the wider Middle East, Africa and beyond; the agreement gives companies from across Asia access to a wealth of resources and expertise to reinforce their expansion and growth plans. We look forward to working closely with our partners at Standard Chartered to help their clients and customers set up successful operations in Dubai.”
To share insights on how global businesses can capture the opportunities arising from the increasing connectivity between China and the Middle East, Standard Chartered held a panel discussion at the Belt and Road Summit organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (“HKTDC”). Speakers included Hadi Badri, CEO, Dubai Economic Development Corporation, DET, Benjamin Hung, CEO, Asia, Standard Chartered, Dr Patrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director, HKTDC, H.E. Hussain Mohammed Al Mahmoudi, CEO, Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park, Rola Abu Manneh, CEO, UAE, Standard Chartered, and Karen Ng, Head, China Opening & RMB Internationalisation, Standard Chartered. Around 200 business and finance leaders joined the event and witnessed the exchange of the Agreement by Mary Huen and Hadi Badri.
Standard Chartered
We are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 53 of the world’s most dynamic markets and serving clients in a further 64. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, here for good.
Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges.
The history of Standard Chartered in Hong Kong dates back to 1859. It is currently one of the Hong Kong SAR’s three note-issuing banks. Standard Chartered incorporated its Hong Kong business on 1 July 2004, and now operates as a licensed bank in Hong Kong under the name of Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Chartered PLC.
For more stories and expert opinions please visit Insights at sc.com. Follow Standard Chartered on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism is the principal authority for the planning, supervision, development and marketing of Dubai’s key economic sectors. The department is responsible for the full spectrum of services from economic development, licensing and classification to marketing and promotion of the key economic sectors. Through collaboration and partnership with both public and private sector entities, the department promotes Dubai’s vision and develops strategies to attract tourists, talent and inward investment.
Fintech
Fintech Pulse: Today’s Key Industry Developments, Appointments, and Regulatory Challenges
The Changing Landscape of Global Fintech
The financial technology (fintech) industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, making headlines worldwide. Today’s briefing dives into transformative moves and strategic shifts within fintech companies across diverse geographies. From innovative alliances to prominent executive appointments and ambitious expansions into banking, the industry is positioning itself for a future that intertwines financial inclusivity, regulatory compliance, and customer-centric technology. Let’s unpack these developments.
XTransfer’s Hong Kong Fintech Week Entry: Scaling Financial Access in China
XTransfer, a Shanghai-based cross-border financial services firm, has joined the Hong Kong Fintech Week to showcase its solutions, marking a significant milestone in its journey to bridge financial gaps for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China. Founded in 2017, XTransfer addresses common barriers faced by Chinese SMEs in accessing international financial networks due to regulatory complexities. The firm’s platform facilitates smoother cross-border transactions by helping businesses navigate regulatory and compliance challenges seamlessly.
The strategic choice to participate in Hong Kong Fintech Week highlights XTransfer’s commitment to strengthening connections within the Asian financial hub. The firm seeks to tap into the region’s wealth of potential clients and partners, as Hong Kong continues to be a pivotal gateway for businesses engaging in cross-border trade with China. The move is also symbolic of the broader fintech community’s push to create inclusive and accessible financial networks, even amid evolving regulatory landscapes.
Source: XTransfer Joins Hong Kong Fintech Week to Expand Global Presence (Yahoo Finance)
Propelld’s New Chief Business Officer: Driving Growth and Product Innovation
Propelld, an Indian ed-finance company, recently appointed Manoj Shetty as its new Chief Business Officer (CBO), signaling a strong commitment to enhancing its market penetration and product offerings. Known for his extensive experience in fintech, particularly in business development and scaling, Shetty is expected to spearhead Propelld’s ambitions to bring tailored financing solutions to India’s education sector.
Propelld focuses on providing student loans and education financing to underserved sections of India, leveraging advanced data analytics to assess borrowers’ potential rather than conventional credit scores. Shetty’s addition to the leadership team suggests that Propelld aims to double down on its innovative data-driven model to better serve the unique financial needs within education.
As the industry grows more competitive, having a seasoned executive like Shetty could be instrumental for Propelld to fortify its unique value proposition. His track record indicates a capacity for handling the nuanced needs of financial services catering to niche markets, and he may well position Propelld to scale sustainably in the expanding ed-finance space.
Source: Propelld Names Manoj Shetty as Chief Business Officer (IBS Intelligence)
Solo Funds Faces Legal Hurdles: The Class-Action Lawsuit Dilemma
In a move that could impact peer-to-peer lending’s regulatory path, Solo Funds faces a class-action lawsuit, alleging that the company’s lending practices breached consumer protection laws. As a platform designed to offer emergency loans to consumers facing cash flow issues, Solo Funds charges “tips” rather than conventional interest rates, a tactic intended to circumvent traditional lending regulations. However, plaintiffs argue that these tips effectively function as disguised interest, making Solo Funds’ practices deceptive and exploitative.
This lawsuit is a critical test for the burgeoning peer-to-peer lending segment, which has grown immensely in recent years as consumers seek alternatives to traditional financial institutions. The outcome may force similar platforms to reassess how they balance operational flexibility with regulatory compliance, potentially reshaping the industry’s approach to short-term lending.
With growing scrutiny on fintech lending platforms, the legal proceedings could also open a wider debate on how fintech firms should transparently operate within the bounds of financial laws. If Solo Funds is found liable, it may prompt stricter regulatory frameworks, affecting peer-to-peer platforms that rely on nontraditional models to attract users.
Source: Lending Fintech Solo Funds Faces Class-Action Lawsuit (TechCrunch)
Slice’s Transformation: A Fintech Company’s Foray into Traditional Banking
India-based Slice, originally a credit-based fintech, has announced its transition into a full-fledged bank, allowing it to offer conventional banking services in addition to its credit solutions. By securing regulatory approval to operate as a bank, Slice aims to expand its product range and deepen its relationship with a fast-growing consumer base in India. This move exemplifies a larger trend of fintech firms seeking to bridge the gap between traditional banking and innovative financial services.
Slice’s venture into banking will also set an intriguing precedent for other fintech companies in India and beyond. The company has successfully carved a niche among young users with its simple, digital credit products. As a bank, it can now offer savings accounts, lending products, and other services, thus creating a one-stop platform that could enhance customer retention and lifetime value.
The expansion to full banking status raises questions about how effectively Slice will manage its dual roles as a fintech innovator and a traditional bank, especially in a market as large and complex as India’s. It also marks a pivot point in the narrative of fintech companies morphing into full-service financial institutions, a trend that is gaining traction globally.
Source: India Fintech Slice Expands to Become a Bank (TechCrunch)
FullCircl’s 2025 Identity Verification Report: Insights into Compliance Challenges
FullCircl, a leading regulatory technology provider, recently released its “2025 State of Identity Verification” report, shedding light on the evolving landscape of identity verification and the challenges businesses face in maintaining compliance. As financial crimes become more sophisticated, firms increasingly invest in identity verification tools to stay ahead. According to the report, over 75% of financial institutions rank identity verification as a critical priority, citing the surge in fraudulent activities as a prime concern.
The report also highlights an industry-wide push towards digital identity systems and the use of artificial intelligence in detecting fraud patterns. As regulatory demands tighten and compliance risks rise, firms are urged to adapt swiftly. FullCircl’s findings underscore a need for seamless, real-time verification solutions that do not compromise customer experience—a delicate balance to maintain as identity verification protocols become more stringent.
The insights from FullCircl’s report reveal a heightened industry focus on ensuring robust identity frameworks that foster trust without hindering the ease of digital transactions. This growing demand aligns with broader trends where digital trust is crucial in retaining customers and enhancing their satisfaction.
Source: FullCircl Releases 2025 State of Identity Verification Report (PR Newswire)
The post Fintech Pulse: Today’s Key Industry Developments, Appointments, and Regulatory Challenges appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
Fintech
Xsolla significantly expands payment solutions in Cambodia and Indonesia to maximize game developers’ reach
Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, is pleased to announce the expansion of its payment solutions in Cambodia and Indonesia, providing access to localized payment methods tailored to each region. This initiative aligns with Xsolla’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence across Southeast Asia (SEA) and support game developers in effectively monetizing and distributing their games in these rapidly growing markets.
In Cambodia, Xsolla introduces eight new payment methods, including Internet banking options and digital wallets, tailored to the preferences of Cambodian users. This strategic expansion covers up to 90% of the payments market, ensuring that nearly every player in Cambodia can pay using their preferred method. For example, Bakong KHQR, a QR code-based payment system, holds 45% of the market share, while Acleda Bank accounts for 15%. Supported by the country’s ongoing digital transformation, with digital payment transactions surging by 28.7%, these solutions, including Wing Money, Pi Pay, and others, will enable game developers to reach nearly 2 million gamers in Cambodia, facilitating seamless checkout experiences and boosting sales.
In Indonesia, Xsolla is introducing several new payment methods to help game developers tap into the country’s vast gaming market, with over 185 million gamers out of a 275 million-strong population. Approximately 80% of consumers in Indonesia are unbanked or underbanked. With smartphone penetration reaching up to 80%, Alternative Payment Methods (APMs) are the most preferred option in Indonesia. By integrating these APMs, Xsolla can cover up to 90% of the market. This includes E-wallets, which account for 39% of the market, Bank Transfers at 27%, Cards at 17%, and Cash at 11%. Popular platforms such as ShopeePay, Jenius, and Akulaku are among the new payment options, simplifying transactions for Indonesian gamers and boosting market reach for game developers in one of the fastest-growing digital markets globally.
“Xsolla’s commitment to empowering game developers to access new markets is central to our mission. By introducing localized payment methods in Cambodia and Indonesia, we provide our partners with the tools they need to succeed in these dynamic and rapidly growing gaming environments. This expansion is part of our ongoing efforts to support developers globally and help them overcome payment challenges,” said Chris Hewish, Chief Strategy Officer of Xsolla.
The gaming market in Cambodia is projected to reach $75.21 million by 2027, with mobile games accounting for 66% of the revenue in 2023. In Indonesia, digital transformation opens up significant opportunities for game developers, mainly through localized payment solutions that reduce friction and improve transaction success rates.
The post Xsolla significantly expands payment solutions in Cambodia and Indonesia to maximize game developers’ reach appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
Fintech
Ibanera to Spotlight The Future of FinTech at RAK DAO Conference
Ibanera, a leading digital banking platform, is attending the RAK DAO conference this year as one of the primary sponsors. At the event, Michael Carbonara, CEO of Ibanera, will be driving discussion on the future of fintech amongst Web3 leaders, including what this looks like in the Middle East and the RAK DAO ecosystem.
Ibanera’s role at the event will showcase the fintech enablement platform’s commitment to driving innovation and leadership amongst the emerging technology industry as it showcases its latest projects.
Ibanera’s CEO Michael Carbonara will also play a key role at the conference, as he joins global business leaders to discuss the power of interconnectivity during a panel talk that will further highlight the company’s influence as a supportive power to global institutions and financial organisations alike. Within this talk, Carbonara will be exploring the RAK DAO vision, mapping a decentralized world built within a well-integrated ecosystem for which collaboration, partnerships and innovation mark key pillars of success.
“As the fintech space continues to pursue greater connections across the global Web3 and decentralized landscape, the more we are able to map out what the future of finance looks like and how it will shape businesses and banking”, said Michael Carbonara, CEO of Ibanera. “The RAK DAO Conference is a cornerstone moment for the industry to get together and explore this exciting world of innovation, and I’m looking forward to hearing fresh perspectives from leaders within the community”.
As a key partner for this year’s RAK DAO conference, the MENA region’s premier blockchain and Web3 summit, Ibanera continues to devote its focus on the innovative Web3 momentum in the Middle East. Carbonara’s panel discussion at RAK DAO 2024 this year will occur on October 25th in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.
The post Ibanera to Spotlight The Future of FinTech at RAK DAO Conference appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
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