Markets

India’s National Payments Corporation (NPCI) has announced an expansion of its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to support cross-border transactions with key Southeast Asian countries. The move aims to provide instant, low-cost payment solutions for merchants, consumers, and businesses operating between...

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has approved the first AI-driven mortgage lending platform, enabling banks and fintechs to automate credit assessments while maintaining regulatory compliance and transparency. The platform leverages machine learning algorithms to evaluate borrower risk, streamline application...

Binance has unveiled a new Layer-2 scaling solution for the Ethereum blockchain, aimed at significantly lowering transaction fees and improving processing speed for decentralized finance (DeFi) users and NFT traders. The announcement comes as Ethereum continues to face congestion issues...

Germany’s Bundesbank is reportedly studying the potential of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) tailored specifically for cross-border trade, signaling a new phase in the eurozone’s exploration of digital money. The initiative aims to improve settlement efficiency, reduce transaction costs,...

The European Union has approved its first regulatory framework for AI-driven banking applications, setting a benchmark for algorithmic transparency, data privacy, and operational risk management. The framework applies to digital banking apps that use artificial intelligence for credit scoring, fraud...

Stripe has launched a suite of AI-powered credit tools aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Europe access financing more quickly and efficiently. The new offerings leverage artificial intelligence to automate risk assessment, streamline underwriting, and provide personalized...

HSBC has unveiled a tokenized green bond fund designed for Asian investors, marking a significant step in combining sustainable finance with blockchain technology. The fund aims to make environmentally-focused fixed-income assets more accessible, efficient, and transparent, while leveraging digital tokens...

The Korea Exchange (KRX) has launched a pilot program using blockchain technology to settle equities trades, marking a significant step toward modernizing South Korea’s financial infrastructure. The initiative aims to increase efficiency, reduce counterparty risk, and enhance transparency for market...

A leading Nigerian fintech unicorn has announced the launch of a continent-wide stablecoin remittance service, aiming to revolutionize how African migrants send money home. The service promises faster, cheaper, and more transparent transactions, addressing long-standing issues with high fees, delayed...

The European Central Bank is preparing to expand its digital euro pilot, signaling a significant push toward integrating a central bank digital currency into everyday EU transactions. Officials have indicated that the new phase will focus on both retail adoption...

Shell and BP are facing a joint lawsuit in the UK High Court that could set a precedent for how multinational oil companies are held accountable for climate change. Filed by a coalition of environmental groups, local councils, and individual...

SoftBank has announced a $2.3 billion investment in artificial intelligence healthcare startups, marking one of its largest sector-specific bets since the launch of its Vision Fund. The move reflects growing confidence in AI’s ability to reshape the global healthcare industry,...

Tesla has launched a blockchain-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging network across Europe, marking one of the company’s most ambitious expansions into decentralized technology. The initiative, unveiled this week, integrates blockchain for payments, authentication, and grid management, with the aim of...

El Salvador is seeking to expand its role as a regional leader in Bitcoin adoption by proposing a cooperative mining pact with other Latin American nations. President Nayib Bukele’s administration has begun discussions with governments in Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil...

Denmark’s finance ministry has issued a stark warning that the European Union’s expanding regulatory framework could impose annual costs of up to €124 billion on businesses across the bloc. The report, published ahead of next week’s EU Council meeting, highlights...