This week in finance: CIMB Singapore's new card for sole proprietors; banks' real estate woes; in-app chat services heat up

GoTyme Bank is now compatible with Google Pay.

The banking industry saw a plethora of new linkages, a new merger, and the real estate-related issues.

CIMB Singapore's new card lets sole proprietors and small business owners to take a drawdown with no interest in 114 days. Asian Banking & Finance spoke with Merlyn Tsai, the bank's head of consumer banking and digital, to learn more about the perks and services offered by the card.

Real estate is a consistent topic. Hong Kong's banks are expected to continue being pressured by real estate-related stress in 2026. In Australia, mortgage competition is expected to heat up between Australian homeowners and investors.

GoTyme Bank announced that it is now compatible with Google Pay; Siam Commercial Bank enables transactions to be completed using its in-app chat; and OCBC has rolled out in-app calls for its retail customers.

Bank Australia, meanwhile, has announced that it is merging with Australian Unity Bank.