Author: Annette Rowena

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 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,…

Imagine a world where your wallet is obsolete, your smartphone is passé, and your very presence is all you need to make a purchase. Welcome to the future of transactions, where science fiction meets your daily coffee run.  Dive in to discover five payment methods that you could be using in the not-so-distant future. 1. Paying with a Smile You walk into a store, grab what you need, and walk out without taking out your wallet or phone. Face-to-pay payment methods use facial recognition to authorise payments. The system scans your face to complete transactions in seconds as it’s linked to your bank…