South Korea’s digital finance debate is intensifying as experts call for nonbank firms to be allowed to issue won-denominated stablecoins – a move they say would ignite innovation, sharpen competition and widen consumers’ payment choices
Manulife has named a new technology chief for Asia to lead an accelerated AI push across the region. The move aims to speed up digital innovation, simplify operations and transform customer experiences in its key markets
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is backing Glory Ventures Fund III to supercharge deep‑tech across Asia – accelerating bold breakthroughs from next‑generation semiconductors to cutting‑edge advanced manufacturing
Singapore has sprinted onto the global tech stage-propelled by bold EDB-led investments, world-class digital infrastructure, and vibrant partnerships that draw top innovators and fast-scaling startups
Grab is turbocharging its fintech push, poised to buy buy-now-pay-later provider Atome for about $1.5 billion – a blockbuster move that would rank among Southeast Asia’s biggest digital finance deals
Apple Pay’s push into Asia has faltered: regulatory red tape, resistant banks and aggressive local rivals have slowed its advance, leaving the tech giant scrambling to gain traction, Asia Tech Review reports
Founders across Asia are pursuing global markets earlier than ever – often expanding overseas before their business models are fully defined, says Stripe’s managing director for Southeast Asia
Asia Pacific’s technology, media and telecom sectors are being reshaped at speed. J.P. Morgan spotlights artificial intelligence, the roll-out of 5G and the surge in digital consumer platforms as the main engines driving the region’s next wave of growth
Komgo has appointed a new head for Asia Pacific to drive regional expansion and fast-track the adoption of digital trade finance, Global Trade Review (GTR) reports – a bold strategic push into key emerging markets
Asia Business Outlook reports that Ant International has unveiled an AI-powered model that forecasts global FX risk – a smart new tool to help businesses navigate and hedge against increasingly volatile currency markets
Danggeun and Toss Place have joined forces to turbocharge neighborhood commerce – integrating financial tools directly into local marketplaces so small businesses across South Korea can grow and thrive
Naver Pay and KEPCO have teamed up to digitize electricity billing. Customers can now receive, view and pay their monthly power bills directly through Naver’s fintech platform-no paper, no fuss, just faster and far more convenient bill management
Stripe has unveiled a set of product updates designed to fast-track global expansion for businesses across Asia. The changes deliver simpler, faster payments, broader local support, and more robust cross-border tools to reduce friction as companies scale internationally
South-east Asia’s tech unicorns are evolving, increasingly adopting banking-like models amid rising regulatory pressures and fintech growth. This shift signals a new era blending tech innovation with financial services.
Southeast Asia sees a surge in AI investments, focusing on fintech, healthcare, and e-commerce. Startups leveraging AI for localization and data analytics attract significant funding, driving regional tech growth.