Asia Banking Research

Mar

Malaysia gets ready for virtual banks

Malaysia is set to introduce digital banking following the passage of a new regulatory framework by its central bank in December. The central bank said it would issue up to five licenses to qualified applicants to set up digital banks. The licenses will allow the holders to conduct either conventional…

Feb

Asia Banking Research

Will digital banks in Singapore cater to a niche market?

Some analysts are adamant that Singapore needs digital banks to boost financial inclusion. That’s an interesting argument, given that 98% of Singaporeans over 25 have a bank account, according to research by Allianz Global Wealth. By Allianz’s estimates, globally only Israel has a higher rate of financial inclusion than the…

Feb

Asia Banking Research

Why did Vietnam nix its plan to limit foreign ownership in fintechs?

The Vietnam fintech market was Southeast Asia’s hottest in 2019 after Singapore, an impressive feat given that the Lion City is a hub for the entire region. From Jan. to Sept. 2019, Vietnam accounted for 36% of Southeast Asia’s venture-capital fintech investment compared to 51% for Singapore, according to a…

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