Mastercard has introduced Mastercard Credit Intelligence, a suite of analytics tools designed to help lenders assess consumers and small businesses more efficiently. The solution is available in select markets. Credit Intelligence draws on Mastercard’s network data and proprietary insights to support faster analysis, more transparent decision-making and a broader view of potential borrowers. When combined with information such as credit bureau files and telco data, the tools can help lenders form a more complete picture of applicants and tailor underwriting decisions. Kaushik Gopal “A healthy digital economy is an inclusive one – and with the right insights, our trusted network and deep expertise, we can create new opportunities for consumers and small businesses who may have traditionally been overlooked. Together with our partners, we’re making lending smarter, more personalized and more secure – and in the process, helping to drive more entrants into the digital economy.” said Kaushik Gopal, Executive Vice President, Business & Market Insights, Mastercard. The tools can support assessments of applicants with limited credit histories. With the borrower’s permission, a bank can access network insights such as transaction categories and identity signals to supplement traditional checks. Mastercard says this approach can also help lenders evaluate small businesses planning to expand or open new locations by providing historical transaction insights that are not typically included in standard assessments. Mastercard is rolling out the suite across several markets, including the United States, Philippines, UAE, Australia and Brazil. In Brazil, acquirer Stone is using the tools to strengthen its credit offerings for merchants. In the United States, Mastercard’s open finance program is being applied to small business underwriting by integrating permissioned financial information, including cash flow analytics and payment risk insights. Jess Turner “Securely permissioned data is the cornerstone of open finance – fueling not only new financial experiences, but strengthening traditional ones like small business lending. Working with our partners to intelligently put alternative data to work, we can empower small businesses to start, grow and thrive.” said Jess Turner, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Open Finance and Developer Experience, Mastercard. Mastercard is inviting financial institutions, fintech firms, credit bureaus and technology partners to explore Credit Intelligence through Mastercard Developers, where documentation and integration tools are available. The company said availability varies by jurisdiction. Initial activities in the United States will focus on small business solutions that use permissioned open finance data together with Mastercard network insights.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by HobieArt via Freepik   The post Mastercard Introduces Analytics Suite for Smarte Credit Decisions appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Circle Asia Technologies, Visa and Pismo have partnered to launch an AI-powered PayLater card in Vietnam. The card, scheduled for a phased rollout in early 2026, uses AI to assess risk, underwrite customers, and provide virtual credit cards with flexible installment options, allowing users to manage finances without a traditional bank account. The initiative involves a major commercial bank in Vietnam to ensure regulatory compliance and market reach. Arnab Ghosh “Our mission is to deliver a seamless, rewarding and inclusive financial experience for Vietnamese consumers,” said Arnab Ghosh, Founder and CEO of Circle Asia Technologies. “Circle is fundamentally redesigning the financial experience in Vietnam. By starting with a modern credit product, we can build deeper customer relationships than traditional banks or debit-focused neobanks. Working with Pismo and Visa enables us to innovate rapidly and offer convenience and security.” Varun Dudeja, Head of Business Development, APAC at Pismo, said: Varun Dudeja “Our collaboration with Circle and Visa shows how combining core processing technology with global payments infrastructure can create more transparent and accessible consumer experiences. It supports the development of a smarter digital financial ecosystem.” Pismo provides a microservices-based platform and APIs for continuous innovation. Acquired by Visa in 2024, Pismo remains network-agnostic, supporting multiple card networks.     Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by brilian via Freepik The post Circle Asia, Visa and Pismo Launch AI PayLater Card in Vietnam appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Across Southeast Asia, leaders are shipping new customer experiences at record speed, yet many still run into the same wall: the core. When every change depends on vendor queues, tightly coupled code, or batch based processes, product velocity drops, compliance becomes a bottleneck, and engineering time disappears into maintenance. A better pattern is emerging among high growth institutions in the region. Move core capabilities to a modern, cloud native, API first platform that is designed for rapid change and regional compliance. This is not a rip and replace ideology. It is a pragmatic, staged approach that protects live operations while unlocking speed where it matters. Why the core is now a growth decision Source: Fujin via Freepik For fintechs, neobanks, and embedded finance platforms, the edge has moved faster than the center. Teams launch new flows in weeks, but underlying systems can take months to adapt. The result is tension between product ambition and operational reality. In Southeast Asia’s competitive market, that gap is costly. A modern core resolves the tension in three ways: 1. Time to market. Configurable products and workflows move from spec to production in weeks, not quarters. 2. Open integration. API first design lets you plug in scoring engines, onboarding, and payments without brittle workarounds. 3. Compliance agility. Real time reporting and embedded controls keep releases moving while meeting regulatory expectations. Build versus buy with clear economics Many teams start with a custom core. It works until growth, audits, and expansion expose fragility. Others inherit a legacy vendor that was not built for API ecosystems. The white paper created with IBS Intelligence details the trade offs and a simple rule of thumb: build what differentiates your customer experience, and buy the core infrastructure so your teams can focus on the edge. The research also provides a 90 day sprint to evaluate options, model total cost of ownership, and pilot safely without disrupting live operations. Proof from the region The shift is already delivering outcomes. • Salmon in the Philippines went live in under six months, with real time alerts and custom logic enabling rapid product rollout and strong early engagement. • Esquire Financing in the Philippines tripled its loan portfolio in three years, cut approvals from days to hours, and moved to paperless operations through API enabled integrations. The common thread is not a single feature. It is the operating model: an API first core, data that is accessible in real time, and a delivery cadence that lets product, risk, and compliance move together. What to do in the next 90 days Source: Freepik Baseline the bottleneck. Identify where launches slow, whether in product definition, integration, or controls. Open the data path. Ensure critical product, risk, and customer data is accessible through APIs or governed database access. AI pilots depend on this. Pilot with guardrails. Stand up a targeted product on a modern core alongside existing systems. Define success metrics, timelines, and a clear path to scale if it works. Who this helps • CEOs and founders who want faster growth without risky rewires • CTOs and CIOs who need their teams building features, not maintaining plumbing • COOs and CROs who seek real time visibility and simpler controls If your roadmap is bigger than your current foundation, now is the time to change the base in phases and with clear guardrails. The institutions winning in Southeast Asia are not the ones with the most features. They are the ones with a core that lets those features ship, learn, and improve quickly. Download the Oradian and IBS Intelligence white paper for the full analysis, real world timelines, and a 90 day plan to modernise with lower risk.   Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by thanyakij-12 via Freepik The post What a Modern Core Means for Fintechs Looking to Scale in Southeast Asia appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Banking software company Temenos has appointed Takis Spiliopoulos as its new CEO, effective immediately. He has served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer since 2019 and took on the role of Interim CEO in September 2025. He now holds the positions of CEO and interim Chief Financial Officer. The appointment follows a search process led by the board and supported by an external executive search firm, which considered both internal and external candidates. Temenos said the decision reflects the board’s assessment of his leadership experience, familiarity with the company’s long-term plans and his background in software, product development, finance and operations. Spiliopoulos has been involved in shaping the company’s strategic roadmap and overseeing its execution over the past year. Before joining Temenos, he held senior roles in investment research and technology coverage at Vontobel, where he advised clients on capital market transactions and technology investments. Earlier in his career, he worked in venture capital and in management and technology consulting for financial institutions. The company has also noted his experience working with teams and contributing to organisational culture. Temenos will now begin a search for a new Chief Financial Officer, with updates to follow. Thibault de Tersant Thibault de Tersant, Chair of the Board, said, “On behalf of the board, I congratulate Takis on his appointment as CEO. He has been instrumental in defining and executing our strategy, delivering strong results while continuing to invest for long-term growth. In his role as Interim CEO, Takis clearly demonstrated he was the right choice for the CEO role, having brought stability and an execution-focused mindset to the company. In addition to bringing our employees together, he has also helped preserve our corporate culture and values, empowering his team to deliver for all stakeholders. We are confident he will continue to drive Temenos forward.” Takis Spiliopoulos Takis Spiliopoulos, Chief Executive Officer, said, “I am honored to lead Temenos in its next chapter of growth and thank the board for their trust and confidence. Our strategy and investment plan are clear, and our strategic roadmap and priorities remain unchanged; delivering value for our clients and shareholders. Temenos has a strong set of values built on collaboration, empowerment and trust. I look forward to working with our Executive Committee and across the business, to further strengthen our people-first culture and drive our future growth.”     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by brilian via Freepik The post Temenos Confirms Takis Spiliopoulos as CEO Following Interim Role appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

bolttech has acquired Kenya-based digital insurance platform mTek, strengthening its presence in East Africa and expanding its global embedded insurance capabilities. Founded in 2019, mTek offers a digital platform that lets customers in Kenya compare, purchase and manage insurance online. The company works with GA Insurance, Sanlam and Britam, and in September announced a collaboration with Mastercard to introduce embedded insurance solutions across East Africa. Its platform is designed to improve access to insurance through simple, transparent and paperless experiences. bolttech said it will integrate mTek’s technology and local market expertise into its global insurance and protection ecosystem. The acquisition supports bolttech’s strategy to grow its footprint in East Africa and enhance its embedded insurance capabilities worldwide. mTek’s leadership team, led by chief executive Bente Krogmann, will continue to oversee operations in East Africa to provide stability for customers, partners and employees during the transition. The company will adopt bolttech branding at a later stage. bolttech and mTek said they will work together to ensure continuity for employees, customers and partners throughout the integration. Stephan Tan Stephan Tan, Chief Executive Officer, EMEA, bolttech said, “This represents an exciting step forward for bolttech as we expand our footprint in Africa. mTek’s innovative platform and talented team share our vision of using technology to make protection more accessible. Together, we can accelerate digital transformation in insurance and extend the reach of embedded protection across the region.” Bente Krogmann Bente Krogmann, Chief Executive Officer, mTek, said, “Joining the bolttech family marks an exciting next chapter for mTek. Our technology, local insight, and commitment to inclusive insurance have transformed how customers access protection in Kenya, and this partnership allows us to scale that impact even further – bringing more innovative and relevant insurance solutions to customers at scale.”     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by tsyhun via Freepik   The post bolttech Acquires Kenya’s mTek as It Expands Footprint in East Africa appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Binance has named co-founder Yi He as co-CEO alongside Richard Teng, marking a shift to joint leadership as the exchange enters its next phase of global growth. The appointment was announced in a company blog post and follows Teng’s comments at Binance Blockchain Week, where he described the move as a natural progression given Yi’s influence since the firm’s launch. Teng said Yi has been central to Binance’s strategy, product development and community expansion. He added that her new role strengthens the leadership team as the company scales and works through regulatory requirements across markets. Yi said she looks forward to partnering more closely with Teng, noting the value of their different experiences. Teng comes from decades in regulated financial markets, while Yi has helped shape Binance’s culture and user-focused approach. Binance said the co-CEO structure supports its goal of responsible global expansion, stronger compliance and continued work in Web3.0 development. The company added that both leaders will guide long-term strategy with an emphasis on user trust and product innovation. Richard Teng Teng said in a LinkedIn post, “As we move forward, Yi and I are fully aligned in our mission to strengthen Binance as a trusted and responsible global platform. Our focus remains clear: deepen our regulatory foundations, advance innovation, and ensure that users remain at the center of everything we do. Together, we will continue building a more resilient, transparent, and long-term ecosystem for digital assets, an ecosystem that empowers people everywhere to participate in the future of finance.”     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by Frolopiaton Palm via Freepik   The post Binance Names Co-founder Yi He as Co-CEO appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Senior UBS banker Sarah Tsao is poised to join DBS Group in a government-linked corporations coverage role, according to individuals with knowledge of the planned hire. Bloomberg reported that Tsao is expected to oversee DBS’ relationships with key state investment institutions, including Temasek Holdings, GIC and their portfolio companies. She is slated to begin in early 2026, the sources said, noting that details of the move remain confidential. DBS said it has agreed to bring Tsao on board. UBS did not respond to queries about her departure. The transition comes shortly after Tsao was promoted to head of global banking for Singapore at UBS in April. Public information shows she had earlier led corporate finance for Southeast Asia within UBS’ investment banking division, a role she has held since 2016. Her background also includes positions at Temasek, Goldman Sachs and ANZ. The hire fits into DBS’ expansion of its institutional and wealth management units. It comes at a time when Temasek is preparing to reshape its portfolio into three subsidiaries next year.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by DBS The post DBS Reportedly Poised to Hire UBS’ Sarah Tsao as to Bolster GLC Coverage appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Singapore’s GXS, the Grab and Singtel backed digital bank venture, is preparing to lay off staff as part of a shift in its operating model. Information reported by The Business Times indicates that the group is reducing 82 positions across its operations in Singapore, Malaysia and India, representing about 10 percent of its workforce. The restructuring comes after GXS posted higher net interest income of S$30.2 million for the 2024 financial year, up from S$14.9 million the year before. Losses, however, widened slightly to S$214.3 million from S$208.2 million. The decision follows a strategic review of the bank’s organisational structure as it moves from its early build stage into a period focused on steady-state operations. Management concluded that the roles required to run a full banking business differ from those needed when the bank was being established. According to an internal communication from group chief executive Lai Pei-Si, the streamlining reflects this transition in operational priorities. As part of the review, GXS examined functions across GXS Bank in Singapore, GXBank in Malaysia and its technology centre in India to determine which roles remain essential for the next phase of growth. Lai said the bank had tried to reshape its structure through natural attrition and by hiring only for positions considered necessary in the coming years, but the pace of organic adjustments was slower than needed. The Business Times also reported that the roles identified for removal were based on organisational needs rather than individual performance. Employees affected by the review will receive support measures such as extended medical coverage, career transition assistance, counselling and severance packages that align with market norms. The workforce changes come as GXS continues to scale its banking operations following the rollout of services in Singapore and Malaysia.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by Freepik The post Digibank Group GXS to Lay Off 10% of Staff Across Singapore, Malaysia and India appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Payments firm Nuvei and Microsoft have announced a major expansion of their strategic partnership, moving Nuvei’s core payment processing APIs onto Microsoft Azure. The deployment expands Nuvei’s global processing capabilities beyond the 10,000 transactions per second the platform already supports and targets 99.999 percent availability for enterprise merchants worldwide. The migration establishes an AI-driven foundation designed to support more than US$1 trillion in annual payment volume as businesses scale internationally. It reflects a multi-year effort to move all Nuvei platforms to the cloud to strengthen real-time performance, improve efficiency and deliver always-on availability. As part of this modernisation, Nuvei has refreshed key infrastructure components and reduced reliance on third-party technologies, creating more room for continuous innovation. Running core services on Azure improves elasticity, speed and global reliability. The distributed architecture absorbs peak transaction volumes, maintains continuous uptime and enhances latency and authorisation outcomes across regions. Nuvei said ongoing updates will focus on global performance, onboarding efficiency and Azure AI-driven transaction optimisation, with improvements compounding as the platform processes more transactions. The company is using Azure ExpressRoute for private connectivity, Azure Firewall for network protection and Azure Kubernetes Service for containerised workloads. Security and compliance are strengthened through Azure Defender for Cloud and Azure Application Gateway with Web Application Firewall. The system spans four Azure regions in UK South, Sweden Central, US West and US East to ensure high availability and consistent performance. Philip Fayer “Every payment should succeed with speed and accuracy, every time, wherever our customers operate. Running our core processing on Microsoft Azure gives us an AI-native foundation that adapts in real time, optimises transactions globally, and meets regional data-residency requirements. It strengthens performance today and enables us to deliver new AI-driven capabilities as our clients scale.” said Phil Fayer, Chair and CEO, Nuvei. Tyler Pichach “Microsoft Azure’s AI-ready infrastructure complements Nuvei’s enterprise payments expertise. This step positions Nuvei to deliver the resilient, responsive, and optimised payment experiences required for the future of global commerce.” said Tyler Pichach, Global Head of Payments Strategy, Microsoft.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by mkmult via Freepik   The post Nuvei Shifts Core Payment Platform to Microsoft Azure appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

Apple has rolled out Tap to Pay on iPhone in Singapore, allowing thousands of businesses to accept in-person contactless payments using only an iPhone. The feature is already available through partner-enabled iOS apps and works on iPhone Xs or later running the latest iOS version. Merchants can take payments from contactless credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and other digital wallets without additional hardware. Customers hold their card or device near the merchant’s iPhone to complete the transaction using NFC technology. This setup allows businesses to process payments wherever they operate. The first payment platforms supporting the feature in Singapore include Adyen, Fiuu, HitPay, Revolut, Stripe and Zoho. Grab will add support early next year. The feature works with major card networks in Singapore, including American Express, JCB, Mastercard, UnionPay and Visa. Apple said the system processes transactions through the Secure Element and does not store card numbers or transaction details on devices or Apple servers. The company added that payment data for Store and Forward transactions may be stored temporarily on the device in encrypted form. Apple also noted that some contactless cards may not be accepted and that transaction limits may apply.     Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by Apple Developer  The post Apple iPhones Can Now Function as Payment Terminals for Singapore Merchants appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

UnionPay International (UPI) and the National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS) have launched a pilot programme for cross-border QR payments between China and Vietnam. The initiative aims to improve mobile payment options for Chinese visitors in Vietnam and strengthen links between the two countries. The pilot builds on earlier agreements. In October 2024, UPI and NAPAS signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cross-border payment cooperation. Leaders from both governments witnessed the signing. In April 2025, UPI, NAPAS, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), and Vietcombank signed a four-party agreement in Hanoi. The deal confirmed their plan to introduce QR payment interconnection within the year. Chinese tourists can now scan VietQR Global QR codes at participating merchants using the UnionPay App or partner bank apps. This allows cashless payments in major shopping areas, tourist sites, restaurants, and other outlets. Participating institutions expect more than 30,000 merchants to accept QR payments by the end of 2025. In 2026, NAPAS plans to expand the programme to all member institutions, including banks, payment companies, and major local e-wallets. This will widen acceptance across the country. UPI and NAPAS also intend to enable Vietnamese users to scan UnionPay QR codes in China through NAPAS member bank apps. This will create two-way QR compatibility for travellers and residents. Larry Wang, CEO of UnionPay International, said: Larry Wang “Vietnam is an important destination for Chinese tourists and a key market for Chinese enterprises’ international business. As economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries deepen, the China-Vietnam QR code interconnection will enhance payment convenience and boost regional financial cooperation.”     Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by freepik, maksin_priestess and maksin_priestess via Freepik The post China and Vietnam Begin Cross-Border QR Payment Pilot appeared first on Fintech Singapore.

From navigating ‘irrational’ market incentives to achieving operational profitability, DANA CEO Vince Iswara breaks down the contrarian strategies behind scaling Indonesia’s leading digital wallet to 200 million users. He reveals the critical pivot from high-burn growth to sustainable unit economics and why maintaining an ‘underdog’ mindset was essential for survival. The post How a Second Chance Led to Indonesia’s Largest E-Wallet | Vince Iswara, Co-Founder, DANA appeared first on Fintech Singapore.