Mastercard has launched a new service aimed at helping enterprises adopt agentic AI as software and business workflows become more autonomous. The offering, called Mastercard Agent Suite, combines advisory support with configurable AI agents that businesses can build, test, and deploy for specific operational needs. It draws on Mastercard’s payments infrastructure, data capabilities, proprietary platforms, and a global advisory network of around 4,000 advisors, with structured workshops available to help customers define their agentic AI strategy and roadmap. Mastercard said enterprise demand is rising as agentic AI becomes more embedded in business software. The company cited industry forecasts indicating that about a third of enterprise applications are expected to incorporate agentic AI by 2028, with AI agents supporting a growing share of customer interactions and operational tasks by 2030. Kaushik Gopal “Readiness is the new competitive advantage. It’s no secret that those who lay the groundwork can embrace new commercial opportunities much faster. Mastercard Agent Suite builds on our core strengths and capabilities to ensure our customers can be both nimble and practical as they turn innovation into outcomes.” said Kaushik Gopal, Head of Insights and Intelligence for Mastercard. The suite is expected to be available in the second quarter of the year and will complement Mastercard’s existing AI and agentic AI offerings across payments security, customer experience, and data-driven insights. The company said agents developed through the service will follow its privacy, responsible AI, and security standards. Initial use cases are expected to focus on banks and merchants. Banks may use agents to recommend products such as travel cards or fee-saving accounts, while merchants can configure agents around inventory, pricing, promotions, and brand voice to support conversational shopping. The launch also forms part of Mastercard’s broader agentic commerce push, including a dedicated agentic commerce and services track within its Start Path startup programme.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by Mastercard  The post Mastercard Launches Agentic AI Suite for Banking, Retail Automation appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Saxo has launched AutoInvest in Singapore, offering an automated way for investors to put money into ETFs on a regular basis. The feature allows clients to set a fixed monthly investment amount and allocate it across up to 10 ETFs from a list of more than 100 options. Once activated, investments are executed automatically each month, with users able to adjust, pause or stop the plan at any time. AutoInvest is available to all Saxo account holders and does not require a minimum investment or lock-in period. ETF purchases made through the feature are commission free, and investors can buy fractional units, allowing them to start with smaller amounts. The firm said AutoInvest is intended to simplify long term investing and provide a lower cost alternative to traditional managed funds or mutual funds, which typically charge ongoing fees that can reduce returns over time. Mahesh Sethuraman Mahesh Sethuraman, Singapore CEO said, “To truly serve the broadest population, investing must feel simple – not overwhelming. AutoInvest cuts through decision fatigue, lowers costs, removes the pressure of timing the market, and aligns with real human behaviour. This makes long-term investing both accessible and rewarding. With AutoInvest, Saxo has removed every barrier that stands between people and their journey towards financial independence.”     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by RSplaneta via Freepik The post Saxo Adds Automated ETF Investing Feature for Singapore Users appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

HitPay has launched a new feature called Borderless QR to help merchants accept QR-based payments from international visitors across Asia. The Singapore-based payments platform said the solution allows merchants to generate transaction-specific QR codes that support multiple regional and international wallet standards without requiring separate technical integrations. The feature is available to more than 20,000 MSMEs on HitPay’s network. With Borderless QR, merchants enter a sale amount and select the customer’s home country to generate a QR code that can be scanned using the visitor’s preferred wallet. Customers pay in their home currency, while merchants receive settlement in their local currency, typically by the next day. HitPay said transactions are processed at mid-market exchange rates with no additional fees. The feature supports regional QR schemes such as PayNow in Singapore, PromptPay in Thailand, QRIS in Indonesia, VietQR in Vietnam, and QR Ph in the Philippines, as well as international standards including WeChat Pay in China and India’s Unified Payments Interface. Aditya Haripurkar “As Southeast Asia advances its collective digital payment goals, our focus is on making those connectivity practical for small businesses. Borderless QR is about supporting the region’s spirit of collaboration by providing a streamlined checkout flow. Merchants can simply select a customer’s home country to generate a specific QR with a real-time converted amount, ensuring visitors pay with the wallets they trust while merchants continue to settle in their own currency”. said Aditya Haripurkar, Co-Founder and CEO of HitPay. The rollout is initially focused on Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, although HitPay said the feature can be scaled to other markets through a software update. The company said consolidating multiple payment standards into a single checkout flow reduces operational complexity, including time spent on staff training and payment reconciliation.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by farknot via Freepik The post HitPay Introduces Borderless QR for Merchants to Accept Overseas Wallets appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

OCBC has launched a securities lending programme that allows customers of OCBC Securities, and eventually its private banking arm Bank of Singapore, to lend idle securities to institutional borrowers. The programme is supported by Citi’s Securities Lending Access platform and enables eligible clients to earn fee income while retaining economic benefits such as dividends, coupon payments and bonus issues, as well as the flexibility to sell their securities at any time. Through the platform, OCBC gains access to a global pool of institutional borrowers, including prime brokers and investment banks, which borrow securities for strategies such as short selling, arbitrage and hedging. The programme is currently available to OCBC Securities customers, who can lend out US and Hong Kong shares. It will be extended to Bank of Singapore clients in 2026, starting with equities from Singapore, Hong Kong, the US and Japan. Eligible securities must be held in custody with OCBC Securities or Bank of Singapore. The launch comes as the global securities lending market continues to expand. Data from S&P Global Market Intelligence showed the market generated US$14.9 billion in revenue in 2025, up 27 percent from a year earlier. December revenue reached US$1.2 billion, marking the tenth consecutive month above US$1 billion. Citi launched its Securities Lending Access platform in 2021. Kenneth Lai Kenneth Lai, Head of Global Markets, OCBC, said, “Securities lending brings benefits such as higher trading volumes, price discovery and market efficiency. OCBC Securities and Bank of Singapore customers can also now enjoy the benefits of earning additional return on their investment portfolios by choosing to lend their securities. This development marks an important milestone in our journey, and demonstrates our unwavering commitment to delivering innovative solutions and value to our customers.” Mridula Iyer Mridula Iyer, Asia South Head of Services, Citi, said, “Bringing the benefits of securities lending to a broader base of market participants is important for Citi, and our support of OCBC is a clear demonstration of our strategy in action. By integrating CSLA, we are creating value for OCBC, introducing a significant new pool of untapped securities to the lending market, and expanding Citi’s servicing of private and retail assets in securities lending.”   The post OCBC Taps Citi to Roll Out Securities Lending Programme appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Singapore-based HeyMax has secured US$11 million in Series A funding as it looks to scale its travel and loyalty platform across multiple Asia Pacific markets. The round was led by Peak XV Partners, with participation from Betatron Venture Group and continued backing from existing investors January Capital and Tenity. Strategic investors include Agoda co-founder and chairman Rob Rosenstein and fintech advisor and former Visa Asia Pacific president David Lee. Founded in 2023, HeyMax operates a platform that allows consumers to earn and redeem rewards across merchants, payment cards, airlines and hotels through its proprietary rewards currency, Max Miles. The company said the funding will support product development, including AI-enabled features, as well as regional expansion. Beyond Singapore and Hong Kong, HeyMax plans to enter Japan, Taiwan and Australia by the end of 2026. Joe Lu “Across Asia-Pacific, travel increasingly shapes how people spend and save, yet rewards remain fragmented across markets. HeyMax unifies earning and redemption across borders so frequent travellers can capture value more easily into one universal travel wallet allowing our customers to travel better and faster. This also gives our partners a stickier, higher-engagement way to reach travellers and tap into the growing flow of spending and loyalty tied to travel across the region. This funding helps us accelerate how consumers earn and redeem travel rewards, scale our platform, and deepen partnerships.” said Joe Lu, CEO and Cofounder of HeyMax. Users earn Max Miles through spending with more than 800 participating merchants, including Trip.com, Shopee, Starbucks and foodpanda. Miles can be redeemed for flights, gift cards or transferred to over 30 airline and hotel loyalty programmes such as Cathay, ALL Accor and Qatar Airways. The platform also offers FlyAnywhere, which enables flight bookings at a fixed redemption rate per mile, and Card Maximiser, a tool that helps users identify the most rewarding Visa card for eligible spending. Founded by four former Meta engineers, HeyMax has grown to more than 150,000 users since raising a US$2.7 million seed round in July 2024 and issues over 500 million Max Miles annually. In 2025, the company expanded beyond Singapore through the acquisition of fintech firm krip and its entry into Hong Kong as its first international market. HeyMax has reported fivefold year-on-year revenue growth and an annualised revenue run rate of about US$6 million, and is targeting strong triple-digit annual GMV growth over the next two years.   The post HeyMax Raises US$11 Million in Series A to Scale Across APAC appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Indian crypto exchange WazirX has integrated Fireblocks into its operations to strengthen how customer crypto assets are secured. The integration brings Fireblocks’ infrastructure into WazirX’s custody setup, giving the exchange access to tools for digital asset custody, settlement and trading operations, including support for stablecoin payments. WazirX said the move will help it scale faster, operate more securely and expand its blockchain support. Fireblocks provides wallet infrastructure based on multi-party computation, which is designed to remove single points of compromise and strengthen protection for assets held on the platform. WazirX said it will also apply stricter transaction policies and governance controls, alongside real-time monitoring, to reduce unauthorised or anomalous activity. The move comes after a July 2024 cyberattack in which WazirX lost about US$235 million following a breach of a multi-signature wallet. The incident was later linked to a North Korean hacking group. Nischal Shetty Nischal Shetty, Founder of WazirX, said, “Security and asset safety remain a top priority at WazirX. We are continuously reviewing and strengthening our systems to reduce risk and improve resilience as the platform evolves.” Fireblocks provides digital asset infrastructure to more than 2,400 institutions and has reportedly handled transactions worth over US$10 trillion.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by thanyakij-12 via Freepik The post WazirX Taps Fireblocks to Upgrade Digital Asset Custody appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Gaming isn’t just a hobby; it’s a global infrastructure challenge. In this episode Vincent Fong (Chief Editor, Fintech News Network) explores the intersection of gaming and fintech with Livia Ang (Global Business Director, NetEase) and Juan Pablo Ortega (CEO & Co-Founder, Yuno). We discuss how NetEase, the powerhouse behind global hits like Marvel Rivals, Eggy Party, and LifeAfter navigates the complexities of international expansion where “standard” payment stacks are no longer enough. Key Discussion Points: The Fragmentation Crisis: Managing 450+ providers through a single API. The D2C Economic Trap: Why saving 30% on app store fees is a loss if your conversion rate drops. Serving the Unbanked: Reaching players in markets where credit cards are not the norm. The post 1.8 Billion Gamers Deserve Better Payment Experience | ft. Yuno & Netease appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

When something goes wrong inside an organisation, the instinct is usually to ask a simple question. Who approved this? That question has anchored corporate accountability for decades as decisions were made by people, systems executed them, and responsibility could usually be traced back to a role, a team, or a signature. Even as automation expanded, that basic logic held. But Agentic AI somewhat unsettles it. As AI systems gain the ability to plan, decide, and take actions across enterprise systems, the familiar lines of responsibility, as always, begin to blur. These systems can now trigger transactions, interact with other systems, and act at machine speed, which most of the time is without a human watching every step. That is why Singapore came up with the Model AI Governance Framework for Agentic AI last week, as a response to this shift. Rather than debating whether AI should be allowed to act, the country’s framework starts from the assumption that it already is. Its focus is more uncomfortable and more practical. Singapore wants to know, if lets say, AI systems are allowed to act, someone must remain meaningfully accountable for what they do. And that someone, is us. Agentic AI Changes the Nature of Responsibility Taken from Model AI Governance Framework for Agentic AI (page 3). Traditional AI systems largely sat on the advisory side of decision-making. They flagged risks, generated insights, or recommended next steps, but humans retained direct control over execution. Agentic AI is different. It more often or not, changes that old dynamic. Agentic systems can decide which tools to invoke, chain multiple actions together, interact with other agents, and adapt their behaviour as situations evolve. They can trigger transactions, update records, send communications, or take operational actions without waiting for a human prompt. The framework is explicit that this shift creates new accountability challenges. Outcomes may emerge from the interaction of multiple agents rather than a single decision. Actions may be taken at machine speed, outside the visibility of any individual operator. Responsibility can easily become fragmented across developers, vendors, and deploying organisations. Without deliberate governance, the result is not just technical risk, but organisational ambiguity. When something goes wrong, it becomes harder to answer who was responsible, who had authority, and who should have intervened. Making Humans Meaningfully Accountable Singapore’s response is not to limit autonomy outright, but to remove any ambiguity about where accountability sits. The  Model AI Governance Framework for Agentic AI repeatedly stresses that delegating tasks to AI agents does not mean delegating responsibility. Organisations remain accountable for the behaviour of the systems they deploy, even when those systems operate independently and even when outcomes arise from complex interactions. What is notable is the emphasis on meaningful accountability. It is not enough for responsibility to exist on paper. We are expected to be able to explain why an agent was given certain permissions, what boundaries were placed around its behaviour, and how its actions are monitored and reviewed. Accountability, in this framing, is not retrospective. It begins at design and continues through deployment, operation, and intervention. If humans cannot realistically understand or control an agent’s scope of action, the framework suggests that the deployment itself may be irresponsible. Infographic edited by Fintech News Singapore based on the Model AI Governance Framework for Agentic AI (page 14-15). Rethinking Human Oversight Beyond Slogans The framework also confronts a long-standing weakness in AI governance discussions. The idea of “human in the loop” has often been treated as a catch-all safeguard, even when it no longer reflects how systems operate in practice. Singapore’s guidance acknowledges that continuous human oversight does not scale once AI agents operate at speed and volume. Expecting humans to approve or review every action is unrealistic, and in some cases misleading. It can create a false sense of control while introducing automation bias, where people defer too readily to system behaviour. Instead, the framework calls for risk-based oversight. Human intervention should be required at points where actions are high-impact, irreversible, or legally sensitive. Examples include executing financial transactions, deleting critical data, or communicating externally on behalf of an organisation. At the same time, organisations are expected to regularly test whether their oversight mechanisms are actually working. Oversight is treated as something that must be maintained and validated over time, not assumed to be effective once implemented. Giving Agents Authority, But Not a Blank Cheque One of the more practical aspects of the framework is how it treats AI agents within enterprise systems. Rather than viewing them as passive tools, it treats them as actors operating with delegated authority. This has concrete governance implications. Agents are expected to have defined identities, scoped permissions, and clear limits on what they are allowed to do. The principle of least privilege is applied directly to agentic systems. An agent should only be able to access the tools and data necessary for its function, and nothing more. Traceability is equally important. Organisations should be able to distinguish between actions taken by humans, actions initiated independently by agents, and actions carried out by agents on behalf of humans. This distinction matters not just for audits, but for assigning responsibility when incidents occur. The framework’s approach mirrors long-standing practices in regulated industries. Authority is delegated deliberately, access is controlled tightly, and actions are logged with accountability in mind. Agentic AI is expected to operate under the same discipline. Accountability Does Not Stop at the Organisation’s Boundary The framework also recognises that agentic AI systems rarely exist in isolation. They often rely on models developed by one provider, agent platforms from another, and tools or APIs maintained by multiple third parties. Singapore’s position is clear. Accountability cannot be outsourced. Organisations deploying agentic AI are expected to understand the limitations of their vendors, assess the controls available to them, and ensure that any gaps in visibility or intervention are acceptable within their risk tolerance. Where responsibilities are shared across parties, they should be explicitly defined through governance arrangements and contracts. Acknowledging that perfect transparency is often unattainable, the framework recognises that organisations cannot realistically maintain absolute control over every link in the AI supply chain. What it requires is honesty about those limits and restraint in deploying agentic systems where accountability cannot be clearly established. A Governance Question That Will Not Go Away Singapore’s framework does not pretend that agentic AI can be made perfectly safe or entirely predictable. It assumes the opposite. Systems will fail, behaviours will surprise, and not every outcome will be traceable to a single decision. What it insists on is clarity. If AI agents are given authority, someone must be prepared to answer for their actions. Accountability cannot disappear simply because a system acted autonomously or faster than a human could intervene. In most organisations, mistakes made by people carry consequences. Decisions are reviewed, responsibility is assigned, and accountability follows. As AI agents take on more responsibility inside enterprises, the harder question is whether organisations are prepared to apply the same standard. If an outcome is unacceptable when a human causes it, should it become acceptable when an AI does? And if the answer is no, who is prepared to be held accountable when the system acts on their behalf? Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore based on images by bunnyhop and f11photo via Freepik. The post Who’s to Blame When AI Goes Wrong? Singapore Seems to Have the Answer appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Indonesian payment infrastructure provider Artajasa has signed a MoU with Ant International to integrate cross-border payment systems and digital solutions for SMEs. The agreement, signed in Singapore, aims to connect Indonesia’s domestic payment infrastructure with Ant International’s global ecosystem. The partnership focuses on integrating cross-border transactions, implementing AI-driven mobile innovations, and providing digitalisation tools for local merchants. Artajasa currently operates the ATM Bersama network, connecting over 80,000 ATMs and 98 institutions, and serves as the largest QRIS provider with a reach of over 41 million merchants. Ant International, through its Alipay+ gateway, connects approximately 1.8 billion user accounts to 150 million merchants across 100 markets. Commenting on the collaboration, Armand Hermawan, President Director & Chief Executive Officer of Artajasa stated, Armand Hermawan “This MoU reflects our commitment to fostering open collaboration, exchanging insights, and jointly exploring innovative opportunities that will advance the payment ecosystem.” Edward Yue “Indonesia is one of the most dynamic digital economies in the world, and we’re proud to collaborate with Artajasa to further Indonesia’s digital capabilities and learn from the local ecosystem,” said Edward Yue, Alipay+ General Manager for SEA, ANZ and South Asia, Ant International. “Ant International will fully support Artajasa and local Indonesian partners through our technologies and know-how, from payments and beyond, to make innovation accessible to local users and businesses.” The companies will launch the initial phase of the collaboration in 2026. This partnership improves transaction mobility for both Indonesian consumers and international visitors while increasing the global competitiveness of Indonesia’s national payment system.     Featured image credit: Ant International This article first appeared on Fintech News Indonesia The post Artajasa and Ant International to Bridge Indonesia’s QRIS with Global Networks appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Databricks has appointed Jeremy Cooper as Vice President of Marketing for Asia Pacific and Japan, as the company continues to expand its presence across the region. Cooper has more than 20 years of experience in marketing leadership roles across global cloud and enterprise software companies. He most recently led marketing for Amazon Web Services across Asia Pacific and Japan, where he oversaw regional go-to-market strategy and demand generation across enterprise, public sector, partner and startup segments. Prior to AWS, he held senior marketing roles at Salesforce, Google and LinkedIn, working on global brand and go-to-market initiatives. Based in Australia, Cooper will lead Databricks’ marketing strategy and execution across Asia Pacific and Japan. Joseph Puthussery “Jeremy’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Databricks and our customers in Asia Pacific & Japan. He brings a rare mix of deep cloud experience, brand-building expertise, and a great blend of regional and global experience that will be instrumental as we help more organisations in APJ unify and scale their data and AI.” said Joseph Puthussery, Vice President of Global Demand Generation & Field Marketing, Databricks. Jeremy Cooper “AI is driving the most profound technology shift since the advent of the cloud, and Databricks is at the heart of it, helping organisations turn data into true intelligence. What drew me here is the opportunity to help customers build systems of intelligence on the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform, which unifies AI apps, analytics and agents, so every team can work with trusted data, move faster, and make smarter decisions.” said Jeremy Cooper, Vice President of Marketing, Asia Pacific & Japan, Databricks.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by smartmalik6384 via Freepik The post Databricks Appoints Jeremy Cooper to Lead Marketing Across APAC, Japan appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Amazon is preparing job cuts that would reduce its corporate workforce by nearly 10% and bring total white-collar layoffs close to 30,000, according to Reuters. The company is expected to begin another round of layoffs next week, with people familiar with the matter saying the scale will be similar to the roughly 14,000 corporate roles cut in October. Amazon declined to comment. The reductions are expected to affect several business units, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), retail, Prime Video and the human resources division known internally as People Experience and Technology, though the final scope could still change. The planned cuts come despite Amazon reporting strong business performance in recent quarters. Amazon initially linked last year’s job cuts to the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI). CEO Andy Jassy later said the reductions were driven by internal complexity rather than financial pressure or AI. He has also said Amazon’s corporate workforce will continue to shrink over time as automation improves efficiency. Although the cuts represent a small share of Amazon’s global workforce of around 1.58 million employees, they would account for a significant portion of its corporate staff. If completed, the layoffs would be the largest in Amazon’s history, surpassing the roughly 27,000 roles eliminated in 2022. Employees affected by the October layoffs were placed on a 90-day notice period, which ends on Monday.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by mukorathai via Freepik The post Amazon Said to Be on Track for Largest Corporate Layoffs in Its History appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Pranav Seth has been appointed Chairman of Techcom General Insurance, taking up the role in January 2026. In a LinkedIn post, Seth said he plans to focus on strengthening the relationship between insurance and healthcare in Vietnam, as the country advances its digital and health technology agenda. He also said the company aims to create material impact for millions by rethinking how insurance products and services are designed and delivered. Seth said Techcom General Insurance will draw on Techcombank’s digital and data capabilities, as well as partnerships in health technology, to support this direction. He joins the insurer after serving as Chief Digital Officer at Techcombank from 2021 to 2026. Techcom General Insurance is a general insurance company established by Techcombank, one of the largest joint-stock commercial banks in Vietnam. Prior to that, he spent more than a decade at OCBC Bank, where he led digital and innovation initiatives, and earlier worked at McKinsey & Company and Bell Labs.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by ilygraphic via Freepik The post Pranav Seth Appointed Chairman of Techcom General Insurance appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Fraud in the Asia Pacific is growing at an explosive pace and scale, forcing financial institutions to rethink where and how they detect risk. This threat has evolved from a consumer issue into a trillion-dollar cybercrime economy that legacy controls can no longer withstand. Regulators are responding with stronger action, with Singapore introducing the Scam Bill and Malaysia rolling out a National Fraud Portal to drive earlier intervention. As criminals increasingly exploit the earliest stages of the customer journey, financial institutions now need smarter ways to detect high-risk users before onboarding even begins. Getting a snapshot of current fraud trends in the region Understanding how regulators are reshaping financial crime safeguards Leveraging emerging technologies to stay ahead of fast-moving threats Speakers: Vincent Mok, Group Chief Risk Officer at GXS Bank Arun Muraleedharan, SVP, Fraud Program Management, UOB Sateesh Reddy, Group CTO, Tonik Troy, Htwe Nyi Nyi, SVP & GM, APAC, SEON Moderator: Vincent Fong, Chief Editor, Fintech News Network The post Webinar: Inside Asia Pacific’s Fraud Crisis and the Battle to Stop It appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Payoneer has received in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India to operate as a cross-border payment aggregator. The authorisation enables Payoneer to expand its operations in India and offer end-to-end cross-border payment services to Indian importers and exporters. The company said SMEs will be able to access a wider range of its products, including accounts payable services, alongside simpler onboarding and customer verification processes. Payoneer has been operating in India for more than a decade and serves businesses involved in international trade. Rohit Kulkarni “Our in-principle authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India is a testament to our more than decade-long presence in the local market and support of India’s thriving export economy, which is projected by the India Department of Commerce to exceed $850 billion in 2026. With the PA-CB authorisation, we will be equipped to provide comprehensive cross-border payment solutions for both import (Outward) and export (Inward) transactions, helping Indian businesses tap into new opportunities and scale globally.” said Rohit Kulkarni, CEO, Payoneer India. Globally, Payoneer operates in over 190 countries and territories and works with nearly 100 banking and payment partners. Over the 12 months ended in the third quarter of 2025, the company reported serving close to two million active customers and processing more than US$80 billion in transaction volume. Payoneer is regulated across several major markets, including the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, China and Australia, supporting businesses and marketplaces in managing international payments.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by Freepik The post Payoneer Moves Closer to Full Licensing in India With In-Principle Approval appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Singapore has unveiled a S$1 billion plan to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) research and engineering capabilities. The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen domestic expertise and improve the commercial application of AI technologies, according to The Edge. The funding will be deployed under the National AI Research and Development Plan, which will run from 2025 to 2030. The programme is expected to support core research in areas such as AI safety and resource efficiency, while also working with industry partners to accelerate the adoption of AI across key sectors. A key focus of the plan is to build engineering capacity that can translate academic research into practical systems and applications. This includes strengthening capabilities across the technology stack, from hardware design to software deployment. Part of the allocation will be directed towards existing initiatives, including the AI Visiting Professorship, which aims to attract leading international researchers to collaborate with local universities and research institutes. The new funding is separate from earlier government commitments. In 2024, the Ministry of Digital Development and Information announced that more than S$1 billion would be invested over five years to secure AI compute resources, support talent development and grow the domestic AI industry. Singapore has also introduced the world’s first Model AI Governance Framework for Agentic AI to guide the responsible deployment of autonomous systems.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on images by s.m.al_ferdous and mrsiraphol via Freepik The post Singapore Unveils S$1 Billion Plan to Expand AI Research and Engineering appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Japanese insurer Tokio Marine has invested US$5 million for a minority stake in Singapore-based insurtech startup Igloo, according to a regulatory filing. The investment gives Tokio Marine a 1.65% stake in Igloo, formerly Axinan, confirming a report by DealStreetAsia. Filings with Singapore’s Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) show that the insurer acquired 493,984 shares at US$10.12 each. The investment adds Tokio Marine to Igloo’s cap table alongside Openspace Ventures, Cathay Innovations, Blue Orchard and FinnFund. Sources previously told DealStreetAsia that Tokio Marine views Indonesia as a priority market. The insurer is seeking to scale its retail insurance business in the country. The group already has a presence in Indonesia’s property and general insurance segment. It is now shifting its focus towards technology-led and embedded insurance, working with digital-native partners. In September, reports said Tokio Marine anchored an extension round of Indonesian insurtech PasarPolis, estimated at around US$5 million. Its involvement underscores growing Japanese institutional interest in Indonesia’s fintech and insurtech sectors. Igloo operates across eight Southeast Asian markets and says it has facilitated more than 600 million insurance policies. Its most recent fundraising in December 2023 raised over US$26 million, bringing total equity funding to US$79.19 million since its launch in 2016. The company has expanded into climate resilience insurance, offering embedded, data-driven protection against risks such as floods, fires and extreme weather. It has also formed a joint venture with Thailand’s JMT Network Service to launch a fully digital insurer. The company plans to replicate this model in Indonesia and the Philippines. Regulatory filings show that Igloo’s net loss widened by 11% to US$21.8 million in 2024, up from US$19.66 million in 2023. Losses increased despite strong revenue growth driven by its third-party administration (TPA) business. Revenue rose 49% to US$55.46 million from a restated US$37.14 million. The increase was supported by a near threefold rise in TPA revenue to US$39.72 million. The company expects to reach breakeven by early next year. Igloo competes with PasarPolis, Qoala and Singlife in the region.     Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by lekhawattana via Freepik This article first appeared on Fintech News Hong Kong The post Tokio Marine Invests $5M in Igloo appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

PayPal is set to acquire Cymbio as it moves to expand its agentic commerce services across AI-powered shopping platforms. Financial terms were not disclosed. The acquisition builds on PayPal’s existing partnership with Cymbio, which has supported its agentic commerce services. PayPal said its agentic commerce services and checkout options are available for merchants on Microsoft Copilot and Perplexity, with OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini app and AI Mode coming soon. Cymbio’s team and technology will support Store Sync, a PayPal service that makes merchants’ product data discoverable and routes orders to existing fulfilment and management systems. PayPal said merchants will remain the merchant of record and retain customer relationships and control over their brand. Abercrombie & Fitch, Fabletics, Ashley Furniture, Newegg and Adorama are currently live with Store Sync on Microsoft Copilot and Perplexity. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Tel Aviv, Cymbio works with brands on multi-channel commerce enablement, including marketplaces. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. Michelle Gill “PayPal has established itself as a leading commerce partner for merchants looking to sell within top AI platforms. Acquiring Cymbio’s technology and team will enhance our agentic commerce capabilities and accelerate the expansion to more of our merchants. By making their product catalogs discoverable on AI surfaces, merchants can increase sales while expanding product choice to the millions of consumers shopping on AI platforms today.” said Michelle Gill, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Small Business and Financial Services at PayPal.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by graphiccrew via Freepik The post PayPal to Acquire Cymbio in AI Agentic Commerce Push appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Juspay has raised US$50 million in a Series D follow-on investment from WestBridge Capital, in a deal that values the payments infrastructure firm at US$1.2 billion. The round includes both primary and secondary funding. The secondary portion will provide liquidity for early investors and employees holding stock options, marking the second such liquidity event the company has enabled within the past year. The funding comes after a year of growth for Juspay, with annualised total payment volume now exceeding US$1 trillion. The company processes more than 300 million transactions daily for clients including Agoda, Amazon, Flipkart, Google, HSBC, IndiGo, Swiggy, Zepto and Zurich Insurance. Juspay operates across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Latin America, Europe, the UK and North America, and provides payment infrastructure to enterprises, merchants, banks and networks. The company positions its platform as open-source, interoperable and modular, and said the new funding will support its international expansion and product development, including efforts to improve workforce productivity and merchant experience through AI. Sheetal Lalwani Sheetal Lalwani, Co-founder and COO of Juspay, said, “Our focus over the last decade has been on solving the core complexities of global payments through first-principles engineering & design. As we scale globally, we are grateful for the continued trust of our partners. This round reflects our growth and provides liquidity opportunities for our early investors and team members who have been part of this journey. We welcome WestBridge Capital as a partner as we build the next generation of payments infrastructure.”     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by mkmult via Freepik The post Juspay Secures US$50 Million Funding at US$1.2 Billion Valuation appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Thailand’s fintech market value has been on the rise over the past decade, supported by the public sector. The Thailand 4.0 scheme, launched by the government in 2016, is an economic development plan aimed at transforming the country’s economy from traditional agriculture and heavy industry toward a high‑income, innovation‑driven, technology‑centric “value‑based economy.” Fintech plays a key part in this strategy, supporting the digital economy, financial inclusion, and smart banking. With fintech continuing to advance in Thailand, many conferences are being scheduled in the country, attracting industry leaders from around the world to explore local fintech opportunities while also addressing emerging challenges. Among these events, the following nine stand out as the most significant gatherings in 2026, expected to bring together top decision-makers, regulators, and innovators to shape the future of the sector. Top Fintech Events to Attend in Thailand in 2026 Cybersec Asia 2026 x Thailand International Cyber Week 2026 February 04-05, 2026 Plenary Hall 1-4, QSNCC, Bangkok, Thailand   Cybersec Asia 2026, held alongside Thailand International Cyber Week 2026, will take place on February 04-05, 2026 at Plenary Halls 1-4 of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand. Organized by VNU Asia Pacific in association with the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), the event aims to serve as a regional platform for IT security, data management, and cloud solutions across the CLMVT and broader Asia-Pacific markets. The conference and exhibition are expected to welcome more than 4,000 visitors, over 100 speakers, and 140 exhibitors from 15 countries across 1,800 square meters of exhibition space, with a mix of 40% international and 60% local participation. It will bring together cybersecurity professionals, technology providers, government stakeholders, and business leaders to explore current challenges and practical solutions shaping the future of digital security. The conference program will feature 90 sessions and 120 speakers from 12 countries, covering cybersecurity strategy, human risk management, cloud and infrastructure protection, data protection and privacy, identity and access management, resilience and recovery, governance, innovation, and emerging technologies. Participants will hear from leading organizations including ACER Cyber Security, CompTIA, Nextwave, Zoho Corporation, Palo Alto Networks, and Google Cloud Security, and engage with partners such as EC-Council, CREST, and NECTEC. They will also benefit from hands-on demos, workshops, competitions, hackathons and interactive technical sessions, along with opportunities to meet top buyers and industry leaders. For the first time, Cybersec Asia will be co-located with AI Asia 2026, highlighting developments in AI infrastructure, cloud platforms, data systems, and applied AI solutions that support enterprise transformation. Together, the two events are expected to provide a comprehensive view of how cybersecurity, AI, and digital infrastructure intersect. FutureCFO Thailand Conference 2026 February 12, 2026 Crowne Plaza Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand FutureCFO Thailand Conference 2026 will take place on February 12, 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Bangkok, bringing together senior finance leaders to examine how the finance function can balance growth, efficiency, and risk management in an increasingly uncertain environment. Now in its fourth year, this year’s edition will be held under the theme “Forging Future Advantage” and focus on helping CFOs and finance executives sharpen strategy, improve forecasting accuracy, and drive enterprise-wide cost optimization while identifying new sources of value. Across a full-day program of keynotes, panels, and executive interviews, industry practitioners and technology leaders will share practical approaches to guiding organizations toward new revenue opportunities, managing risk with confidence, and preparing for major business initiatives. A strong emphasis will be placed on the growing role of AI and automation in finance, including the use of autonomous agents, advanced analytics, continuous planning, and digitally self-sufficient finance operations. Sessions will also examine how to evaluate AI investments, achieve measurable returns, and integrate AI across workflows to improve decision-making and operational efficiency. Cost optimization will be another central theme, with discussions focused on balancing investment in innovation with financial discipline, redesigning processes for sustainable savings, and using technology to enhance productivity. Additional sessions will address regulatory and compliance readiness, governance and risk management, sustainability and ISSB-aligned reporting requirements, organizational resilience, and the evolving skills needed in modern finance teams. Confirmed speakers in 2026 include: Allan Tan, Group Editor-in-Chief, CXOciety; Alvin Liew Voon Siong, CFO Thailand, OCS; Ashok Jhanwar, Head of Finance, Kenvue; Ishant Agarwal, Finance Director (Thailand and Vietnam Cluster), Mead Johnson; Kanyaratana Chok-oon-kit, Chief Strategy and Financial Officer, The Mall Group Co., Ltd.; Keith Tan, Regional Senior Strategic Consultant, Tungsten Automation; Kreetakorn Siriatha, Group CFO, Minor Food Group PCL; Laurent Richer, Group CFO, SEA Connect (FazWaz, Dot Property, Lamudi); Pijittra (Gigi) Trirattanathada, CFO & Member of Executive Committee, Aurora Design Public Company Limited; Punrada Lertkomonsuk, CFO, B. Braun Thailand; Shameek Bhushan, Senior Vice President – JustPerform, insightsoftware; Sreenadh Ambarkhana, Head of Governance, Risk and Compliance, True Corporation PCL; Steven Siew, Editorial Consultant, CXOciety; Sudwin Panyawongkhanti, CFO, Jenkongklai Public Company Limited (JPark); Vinnie Tangsirikusolwong, FMCA, CGMA, SEVP, Strategy and Operation Group, Krung Thai Asset Management; and Yogesh Gopalkrishnan, Finance Director, Thailand & Malaysia, GSK. Thailand Wealth Management Forum 2026 March 10, 2026 Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, Thailand The Thailand Wealth Management Forum 2026 will take place on March 10, 2026, at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, bringing together the country’s private banking and wealth management community for a focused, one-day exchange of strategy, insights, and industry best practice. Recognized as a leading annual gathering for the sector, the forum aims to convene senior decision-makers to examine how Thailand’s wealth industry is evolving as client expectations grow more sophisticated and cross-border financial needs become more complex. With more than 20 speakers and over 200 senior practitioners expected to attend, the program will combine presentations and panel discussions that reflect on the significant regulatory, tax, and market changes seen across 2024 and 2025 and assess the opportunities and challenges for 2026. The forum will explore how firms are adapting their business models to deliver more advisory-led, relationship-driven services, strengthen client-centric propositions, and build scalable offerings for the expanding mass affluent and emerging high-net-worth (HNW) segments. A central focus will be the increasing globalization of Thai wealth. Many HNW families are diversifying assets overseas, managing multiple domiciles, and pursuing cross-border estate and succession planning. In response, wealth managers are developing more sophisticated global investment, structuring, and tax-planning capabilities to meet these multi-jurisdictional needs. At the same time, the forum will examine how digital transformation and fintech innovation are reshaping the industry, with firms investing in AI-driven analytics, automated and hybrid advisory models, enhanced CRM systems, and seamless digital platforms to improve efficiency and personalize client engagement. Discussions will also address the operational and regulatory headwinds facing the sector, including stricter compliance requirements, evolving tax frameworks, product approvals, and the constraints of legacy systems. Additional attention will be given to rising client demand for sustainable and environment, social and governance (ESG) investments, digital assets, alternative strategies, and more transparent reporting, all of which require greater agility and innovation from wealth firms. Beyond knowledge sharing, the forum will provide a structured environment for networking and collaboration, enabling participants to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and benchmark their strategies against leading institutions. Money20/20 Asia 2026 April 21-23, 2026 Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Bangkok, Thailand Money20/20 Asia 2026 will take place from April 21-23, 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok, bringing together leaders from across banking, payments, fintech, technology, retail, financial services, and policy. Recognized as Asia’s leading fintech gathering, the event aims to serve as a regional hub where global and local decision-makers meet to exchange ideas, form partnerships, and drive business across the money ecosystem. The three-day conference is expected to attract more than 4,000 attendees, including a high proportion of senior executives, with one in three participants at C-suite level. Over 1,200 companies from more than 75 countries will be represented, alongside 350 speakers, 130 sponsors, more than 120 regional and local banks, and 200 media organizations. The 2026 program will features keynote presentations, panels, and industry discussions focused on the technologies and strategies reshaping financial services. Topics will include the modernization of traditional banking systems, digital transformation, AI-driven financial services, payments innovation, wealthtech, compliance, and sustainable finance. Money20/20 Asia will also highlight forward-looking fintech trends and predictions for 2026, examining how emerging technologies, new business models, and regulatory developments could redefine the future of money. Speakers include senior leaders from organizations such as Silverlake Group, IBM, Bolttech, Coinbase, GCash, Revolut, and WeLab. Beyond the conference, the event will also provide dedicated initiatives designed to foster connections and growth. The Startup and Investor Park will connects early-stage companies with capital and strategic partners, while regional summits across Southeast Asia will extend engagement with local fintech ecosystems. Meanwhile, programs such as RiseUp will support greater diversity and inclusion by creating mentorship and visibility opportunities for women in fintech. Asian Banking and Finance and Insurance Asia Summit – Thailand April 28, 2026 Bangkok, Thailand The Asian Banking and Finance and Insurance Asia Summit – Thailand will take place on April 28, 2026, in Bangkok. The summit aims to serve as a key platform to address the opportunities and challenges in achieving sustainable profitability in the banking, finance, and insurance industries amidst rising rates, evolving regulations, and technological disruption. With the theme “Smart Finance Thailand: Precision Profitability, Pricing Discipline and Customer Value in the Digital Era,” this year’s summit will bring together financial and insurance leaders to explore how digital innovation, profitability strategies, and operational transformation are reshaping Thailand’s financial services landscape.Discussions will span AI and analytics in underwriting and claims automation, insurtech innovation, ESG finance, and the readiness of virtual banks in Thailand. Attendees will also gain insights into cybersecurity resilience, wealth management trends, and data sovereignty in an increasingly interconnected financial ecosystem. They will also get to engage directly with Thailand’s leading banking and insurance executives, policymakers, and technology innovators. Confirmed speakers in 2026 include: Karin Boonlertvanich, Ph.D., CAIA, CAP, FRM, Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Innovation Division Head, Kasikornbank Public Co. Ltd.; Christopher Saunders, Partner, Head of Advisory, Head of Financial Services, KPMG Thailand; Representative, Representative, Black Rock; Amber Chang, AVP, Business Development, Systemweb Technology; Pattarakit Saingarm, Assistant Vice President of Enterprise Data and AI Strategy, Kasikornbank (KBank); and Dr. Silvio Struebi, Partner, Simon-Kucher. DigiTech ASEAN Thailand 2026 July 22-24, 2026 Hall 9-10, IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre, Bangkok, Thailand DigiTech ASEAN Thailand 2026 will be held from July 22 to 24, 2026, at Hall 9-10 of the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre in Bangkok. Positioned as a regional “Digital Solutions for Business” exhibition and networking platform, the event aims to connect technology providers with businesses and buyers from across Southeast Asia and international markets. The show will present the latest developments across business software, cybersecurity, e-commerce and digital marketing, data and cloud services, smart solutions and the Internet of Things. The AI segment will highlight practical applications of AI in areas such as customer service automation, sales and marketing optimization, supply chain and logistics management, human resources, finance and accounting, product development, IT security, customer analytics, energy management, and compliance. Beyond the exhibition floor, the event will includes a comprehensive program of conferences, technology presentations, and workshops that address current challenges, emerging trends, and market opportunities. Participants will get to attend masterclasses and certification courses designed to upgrade digital skills, as well as structured business matching sessions that arrange pre-scheduled meetings between buyers and exhibitors. DigiTech ASEAN Thailand 2026 will be co-located with AI Connect 2026, a focused showcase on AI for business, and is hosted by Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. The exhibition is expected to feature more than 400 technology and digital solution providers and attract over 12,000 trade attendees and buyers seeking tools to support digital transformation. Techsauce Global Summit 2026 August 27-29, 2026 Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Bangkok, Thailand The Techsauce Global Summit 2026 will take place from August 27 to 29, 2026, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok. Recognized as one of Southeast Asia’s largest tech and startup gatherings, the summit will bring together founders, investors, corporates, and tech leaders to foster collaboration, investment, and business growth across the region. This year’s three-day program will provide a comprehensive platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and deal-making. Discussions will address emerging technologies, market trends, and real-world challenges, providing practical insights for startups and established enterprises alike. Attendees will also have access to more than 30 interactive workshops that focus on hands-on learning and skill development. In addition to its conference content, the summit will facilitate direct business opportunities through structured one-on-one matching sessions that connect companies with potential partners, customers, and investors. A large exhibition area will showcase over 200 technology providers and startups presenting new products and solutions, while a series of side events throughout the week extends networking and engagement beyond the main stages. More than 20,000 participants are expected to attend the Techsauce Global Summit 2026, alongside over 400 speakers and more than 130 sessions across 10 stages. Finance ReImagined Thailand 2026 September 10, 2026 Bangkok, Thailand Finance ReImagined Thailand 2026, taking place on September 10, 2026, will bring together over 150 CFOs, senior finance leaders, industry experts, and technology specialists for a full day of high-level discussions, executive insights, and valuable networking within Asia’s leading accounting and finance community. As Thailand accelerates its economic transformation, Bangkok is emerging as a critical hub for regional finance, innovation, and enterprise leadership. With 2026 set to be shaped by digitalization, regulatory evolution, and increasing global scrutiny, Thai organizations are navigating a landscape defined by cost volatility, geopolitical uncertainty, the rapid rise of AI, and growing expectations around sustainability and ESG reporting. In this environment, CFOs are being challenged to balance financial performance with technology adoption, data-driven decision-making, and transparent, credible sustainability outcomes. Rebranded from the DigitalCFO Asia Thailand Symposium, Finance ReImagined Thailand reflects the expanding role of the modern CFO, from financial steward to strategic architect, AI enabler, and sustainability champion. Under the theme “Transforming Strategy, Inspiring Leadership and Delivering Impact,” the conference will explore how finance leaders can leverage AI for smarter forecasting, risk management, and productivity while strengthening governance and meeting rising demands for ESG reporting. The 2026 edition will offer an immersive and interactive experience, placing a strong emphasis on high-quality peer engagement. Delegates will experience deeper breakout roundtable discussions that enable candid, off-the-record exchanges, alongside enhanced networking opportunities throughout the day, including a dedicated networking luncheon and relaxed after-event networking drinks, creating multiple opportunities to build meaningful connections with fellow CFOs and senior finance leaders. Fintech Revolution Summit 2026 September 30, 2026 Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit, Thailand Fintech Revolution Summit 2026, taking place on September 30, 2026, will bring together Thailand’s leading banking executives, regulators, startup founders, and global fintech innovators to explore the future of digital finance in Southeast Asia. From AI-driven payments and embedded finance to open banking, blockchain solutions, and digital lending, the summit will showcase strategies that are shaping the nation’s digital economy. Over the course of the day, participants will engage with 200+ pre-screened delegates from leading banks, insurance firms, microfinance institutions, credit unions, and regulatory bodies. The event will feature keynote presentations, one-to-one business meetings, and an exhibition area with 25 sponsors and solution providers showcasing the latest technologies in payments, digital finance, and the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) industry. The summit will also provide unparalleled opportunities to connect with industry decision-makers, showcase innovations, launch new products, and build meaningful partnerships. Themes will include regtech, wealthtech, digital payments, digitalization, crypto and blockchain, digital lending, financial inclusion, AI, and open banking.   Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by tonefotografia via Freepik The post Top 9 Fintech Events to Attend in Thailand in 2026 appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Nium’s latest financial results highlight the difficulty late-stage fintech firms face in converting scale into profitability, even as transaction volumes continue to rise. The Singapore-based payments company narrowed its net loss marginally to S$88.1 million in 2024, according to regulatory filings reviewed by DealStreetAsia, but remained firmly in the red after absorbing a sharp increase in operating costs. Total expenses climbed to S$267.8 million, driven largely by higher processing charges, which jumped to S$87.8 million during the year. The increase reflects the structural cost of running cross-border payment infrastructure as volumes expand across multiple markets. Revenue grew 13.3% to S$167.2 million, supported by stronger transaction activity as well as incremental gains in interest income and foreign exchange margins. However, the pace of growth was not sufficient to materially alter the company’s loss profile. Nium reduced spending in several discretionary areas. Employee compensation declined to S$97.1 million from S$114.1 million, while advertising and promotion costs fell sharply to S$5.1 million from S$15.6 million. Travel, commission and administrative expenses also trended lower. The financial performance follows a valuation reset in June 2024, when Nium raised US$50 million in a Series E round led by Brunei Investment Agency at a valuation of about US$1.4 billion, down from its 2021 fundraising when it raised US$200 million. The company has also deferred its initial public offering. Reports last year indicated that Nium pushed back its planned US listing to late 2026 from mid-2025 as it focuses on strengthening leadership and expanding revenue scale. It subsequently appointed former Credit Suisse banker Andre Mancl as Chief Financial Officer. Nium continued to expand its regulatory footprint in 2024, securing approvals in markets including Japan, India and New Zealand. It also received authorisation from Brazil’s central bank to operate as a payment institution. As of end-2024, Nium reported consolidated assets of S$804.5 million, slightly lower than the previous year, while total liabilities rose to S$722.3 million. Total equity declined to S$82.3 million from S$105.3 million in 2023, reflecting accumulated losses. Founded in 2014, Nium provides cross-border payments, card issuing and embedded finance services to banks, fintech firms and enterprises globally.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by thanyakij-12 via Freepik   The post Nium Narrows Annual Loss to S$88.1M Amid Double-Digit Revenue Growth appeared first on Fintech Singapore.