The Wild West days of crypto were decentralised, unregulated, and outside the boundaries of traditional finance. Although the industry experienced breakneck growth, it also opened the floodgates to scams, volatility, and criminal misuse. Today, it’s a sigh of relief as we see that era coming to a decisive end. Regulatory compliance is swiftly becoming a core requirement, forcing crypto businesses to overhaul their business models and ensure that their models are legitimate and stable. From recent crackdowns in Thailand to swift reforms in Singapore, the message is clear: compliance is the new currency of credibility in crypto. Why Regulators Are…

Just in the first six months of 2025, the crypto industry has lost over US$2.1 billion across at least 75 separate incidents, due to hacks and exploits. What’s startling to note is that the amount is nearly equal to the total losses recorded for 2024, according to data from TRM Lab’s latest report. Far from being the usual crimes of opportunity, the recent scale and sophistication of the attacks reveal how crypto is becoming a battleground for geopolitical cyber conflict. State-sponsored actors are now testing their skills against critical financial infrastructure, pushing the boundaries of international finance and exploiting the…

Coenraad (Coen) Jonker, Founder and CEO of Tyme Group, radiates quiet confidence, driven by his staunch belief that banking can always be rebuilt for the better. This is the mind behind Tyme Group, the digital banking business that began in South Africa with a simple mission: to bring the unbanked into the fold, profitably and at a population scale. In a sector famous for promising inclusion, Tyme has successfully delivered real impact to millions of customers without concern for borders, referring to itself as a multi-country digital bank. Today, Tyme calls Singapore home, with 15+ million customers across South Africa,…

Southeast Asia’s e-wallet landscape is a vibrant yet chaotic arena, shaped by rapid digital adoption, fierce competition, and an unrelenting push for financial inclusion. Digital-first players are racing to reshape customer expectations, while a broader transformation is underway to evolve from “super apps” into truly integrated “life apps.” At the heart of this transformation lies a decisive enabler: automation. From seamless onboarding to hyper-personalised financial recommendations, automation is quickly becoming the essential backbone that allows e-wallets to scale, differentiate, and remain competitive in a region where user expectations are rising fast. Nikkei Asia projects that the ASEAN digital payments market…

Singapore’s motor insurance market could be on the verge of a major change. Grab, the Southeast Asian super app giant known for its ride-hailing, payments, and financial services, is quietly making decisive moves to enter the insurance space. GrabInsure, which secured its MAS license and GIA membership back in May 2025, is gearing up to launch motor insurance products. These would reportedly be tailored for its large network of private-hire drivers, according to a company spokesperson. For an insurance segment historically dominated by players like Income Insurance, MS First Capital, and AIG, Grab’s entry could mark the beginning of a…

Singapore has taken a definitive step forward in digital asset regulation via its Singapore DTSP licensing framework. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) released its final position on the proposed regulatory regime for Digital Token Service Providers (DTSPs), under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2022 on 30 May 2025. Effective 30 June 2025, the new Singapore DTSP licensing framework significantly tightens compliance expectations for Singapore-based and Singapore-incorporated entities providing digital token services. This move firmly signals that Singapore is no longer willing to serve as a base for offshore crypto operators that evade domestic oversight. MAS has also clarified…

In Singapore, the future of retail is already in motion. Consumers here are making sharp, values-driven decisions about how they shop, who they trust, and what technologies they allow into that journey. These are, in fact, the key drivers of Singapore retail trends in 2025. From seamless AI-powered interactions to rising concerns over digital fraud, shoppers are setting new expectations for speed, safety, and social responsibility. The Adyen Index Retail Report 2025, drawing insights from over 41,000 consumers and 14,000 merchants across 28 global markets, also zooms in on Singapore’s retail landscape. It reveals a market that’s actively shaping the…

The fintech unicorns in Asia are moving to reshape the very fabric of how people and businesses interact with money. From digital payments to decentralised finance (DeFi), these companies are solving real-world challenges like financial inclusion and cross-border transactions, while setting new global standards for innovation. Out of the unicorns worldwide valued at a combined $4 trillion, a rising share are coming out of Asia’s fast-moving fintech ecosystem. These include two decacorns from India and China, each valued at over $10 billion. In this article, we take a closer look at Asia’s fintech unicorns, exploring how they’re changing the game,…

From bustling megacities to remote villages, digital finance is breaking down barriers, giving millions access to banking, credit, and investment opportunities for the first time. Nearly 96% of fintech companies are making financial inclusion a priority, proving that innovation is all about the people, not the tech; the driving force behind the fastest-growing Asia Pacific fintechs. With AI-powered financial tools, seamless cross-border payments, and intuitive super apps reshaping everyday transactions, these fintechs in the Asia Pacific are not just changing how money moves. They’re reimagining what’s possible. Here, we spotlight the fastest-growing Asia Pacific fintechs leading the charge in the…

BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) burst onto the scene as a game-changer, transforming how consumers shop and pay over time. What started as a consumer-friendly alternative to traditional credit is becoming a more concrete financing solution in the digital payments ecosystem, particularly in emerging markets like BNPL regulation in Asia. Research and Markets projects that the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) market in the Asia Pacific region will experience significant growth, expanding at an annual rate of 14.5% to reach an impressive $211.7 billion in 2025. However, as the BNPL payment model evolves, so do the challenges and opportunities surrounding…

Imagine a world where you never have to step into a physical bank again. No more long queues, no paperwork, and no outdated processes. In Asia, that future is already here. With the rapid rise of digital banking, millions are now managing their finances seamlessly from their smartphones. But with so many options available, which digital banks are truly leading the charge in 2025? This article breaks down the top digital banks across Asia, according to The Banker’s Top 100 Digital Banks list, so you can find the best one for your needs by country. What is a Digital Bank?…

Cryptocurrency was built on the promise of financial autonomy, decentralisation, and security. Yet, as the industry evolved, so too have the threats that plague it. 2024 alone saw over US$2 billion in stolen funds, reinforcing a stark reality: crypto is a prime target for hackers. The recent Bybit hack of US$1.5 billion in February shattered previous records, proving that even so-called “secure” cold wallets are not immune to attack. The history of cryptocurrency comes littered with high-profile heists, each exposing critical vulnerabilities in exchanges, decentralised finance (DeFi) protocols, and security practices. From the downfall of Mt. Gox to the multi-million-dollar…

The digital banking landscape in Singapore has undergone a rapid transformation, with four players gaining approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). These digital banks are revolutionising how financial services are delivered to consumers and businesses alike, leveraging technology for convenience, innovation, and accessibility. In this article, we’ll explore the offerings of these players, highlighting their key features and what makes them unique. Last Updated: 11 February 2025 What Are Digital Banks? Digital banks are financial institutions that operate exclusively through digital platforms such as mobile apps and websites. They do not have traditional physical branches, which allows them…

The financial services industry has consistently led the way in embracing technological advancements, with Generative AI (GenAI) emerging as a transformative force in recent years. GenAI has contributed significantly to analysing vast datasets and enhancing customer interactions through chatbots and personalised services. However, the emergence of Agentic AI marks a significant evolution in this landscape. Unlike GenAI, which operates within predefined parameters, Agentic AI systems possess the capability to make independent decisions, learn from real-time data, and autonomously execute complex tasks without continuous human oversight. If applied successfully, Agentic AI could revolutionise financial services by introducing higher levels of autonomy,…

Payment trends in Asia are changing how businesses and people transact — from the digital-first economies of China and Singapore to the quickly changing markets of Indonesia and Vietnam. This shift is not merely a matter of convenience; it is emblematic of an increasingly complex convergence between state-of-the-art technology, consumer desires for seamlessness, and the region’s particular socio-economic landscape. Emerging trends such as cross-border payment systems and open banking initiatives are breaking down traditional barriers, fostering greater connectivity and efficiency in Asia’s financial landscape. However, the rapid progress comes with challenges. The shift toward digitised payments brings heightened concerns about cybersecurity,…

Thinking about diving into the world of cryptocurrency in Singapore? You’re in the right place. Singapore embraces digital currencies, combining cutting-edge innovation with solid regulations to ensure a safe trading environment. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) keeps the market secure through rules that protect investors while encouraging growth. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know on how to buy cryptocurrency in Singapore. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned trader, you’ll find practical tips and insights to confidently navigate the vibrant crypto market. What is Cryptocurrency? Cryptocurrency is a digital currency form that uses…

The e-wallets in APAC adoption are surging, transforming how millions manage their financial transactions. According to The State of Digital Retail Payments in Asia Pacific 2024 by Forrester, high-growth economies like Indonesia and Malaysia are leading the shift, with consumers increasingly favouring digital payments. This cashless revolution is reshaping the region’s financial landscape, with each country offering a unique approach. From China’s cutting-edge urban ecosystems to Malaysia’s substantial funding for e-wallet development, digital wallets have since seamlessly integrated into daily life, becoming an essential part of how people transact. Singapore’s Fluid Digital Payment Landscape Singapore’s digital wallet scene presents an…

In 2024, Indonesia’s fintech scene reached new heights, with one of the top highlights being. This milestone marked a pivotal moment for the country’s financial inclusion efforts. From regulatory shifts to technological breakthroughs, here’s our pick of the top Indonesia fintech stories 2024 that shaped Indonesia’s fintech landscape. Investree CEO Adrian A Gunadi Resigned Amid Misconduct Allegations and Company Challenges Investree’s co-founder and CEO, Adrian A Gunadi resigned on 31 January 2024 amid allegations of misconduct and ongoing company challenges. In his resignation letter, Gunadi stated his decision was final and that he had no further claims against the company.…

Singapore’s Shared Responsibility Framework (SRF) for phishing scams started today, officially implemented by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA). The framework, published for consultation on 25 October 2023, takes effect from today. Scam cases that arise after the SRF becomes operational and fall within its defined scope will be eligible for consideration. SRF will now assign relevant duties to financial institutions (FIs) and telecommunication companies (telcos) to mitigate phishing scams and set expectations of payouts to affected scam victims where these duties are breached. The SRF will be an integral component of…

Since Singapore launched its first digital bank in 2022, five digital banks—GXS Bank, MariBank, ANEXT Bank, Green Link Digital Bank, and Trust Bank—have entered the market, challenging traditional banking models and reintroducing fintech innovation to Singapore’s financial landscape. These Singapore digital banks are reshaping the sector by targeting underserved segments, driving innovation, and intensifying competition. But what does these Singapore digital banks’ performance reveal, and what lies ahead for this evolving landscape? Singapore Digital Banks Shaping a New Era Each digital bank is carving a distinct niche, catering to specific market needs. GXS Bank, a partnership between Grab and Singtel,…