News
NPCI’s FiMI AI model to handle UPI disputes
NPCI’s FiMI AI model to handle UPI disputes
It uses an agentic AI framework for multi-step reasoning tasks.
CIMB tests tokenised sukuk under Malaysia’s digital asset hub
It will evaluate bank-grade tokenisation across issuance, payment, and settlement.
Maybank pilots tokenised ringgit for cross-border payments
The bank aims to pioneer a range of tokenised assets, from Islamic finance to wealth products.
CMB International and MA Financial to co-manage $600m private credit fund
The fund will focus on senior secured leveraged loans.
NAB underlying net profit jumps 12% to $3.1b in Q1
This was driven by the strong performance of its customer facing divisions.
DBS pilots Visa Intelligent Commerce for agent-initiated payments
Pilot tests AI agents completing everyday purchases using issuer-controlled payment flows.
Philippine cash remittances hit record $3.52b in December
Full-year inflows and personal remittances both hit an all-time high.
Australia’s BEN to see low credit losses but at risk from housing shock: S&P
Operating efficiency will likely continue to improve on digital investments.
Mizuho FG’s CET1 ratio climbs to 13.76% as capital base grows
The megabank earlier announced that it has achieved 90% of its profit target.
BEA’s profit down 24% to $447.87m in 2025 as China losses mount
Commercial real estate (CRE) accounted for 77% of BEA’s loan loss provisions.
Alipay’s agentic-powered AI Pay exceeds 120 million transactions
AI Pay is being used by Luckin Coffee and Rokid, amongst others.
Japan’s PayPay files for Nasdaq IPO
A public offering of the American depositary shares is also planned.
MariBank links remittances to Weixin Pay via TenPay Global
Users can send salaries and savings via MariBank Overseas Transfers.
ANZ logs $1.38b profit in Q1 2026 on higher deposits and improved costs
The bank’s productivity program is underway, said CEO Nuno Matos.
DBS to focus on tech resilience and grow fee income in 2026: analyst
The bank should balance increased distributions and M&As, an analyst said.
SMBC appoints Salim Zaman as global head of FX
Zaman will continue to serve as co-head of global markets and treasury in APAC.
Hong Leong Bank rebrands wealth segment as HLB Priority and revamps centres
Modernisation of priority centres is scheduled to be completed around March 2026.
Commentary
Built to last: How Japan is approaching the cross-border payments challenge
Asia’s 20% advantage: The simplification strategy rewriting banking from Singapore to Shanghai
Perth is emerging as an unlikely testbed for the future of global finance