News and Views by the Fintech Times

Key topics: Evolution of payment infrastructure over the last 3-4 years, driven by fintech innovations and the pandemic The role of stablecoins and blockchain in enabling faster, cheaper cross-border transactions Challenges and opportunities in regulatory frameworks for stablecoins globally The potential of Ripple, Circle, and other networks to create interoperable payment rails The impact of consumer expectations and B2B needs on adoption of innovative payment solutions Predictions: 30-40% stablecoin adoption in payments within the next 2 years How traditional legacy systems like SWIFT compare with emerging blockchain-based rails The importance of global standards and proactive regulation to enable widespread adoption Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome to the Future of Payments with stablecoins and blockchain innovation 01:08 - Overview of recent developments in cross-border payments and fintech evolution 02:15 - How pandemic accelerated demand for faster, cheaper high-value payments 03:44 - The rise of stablecoins and crypto solutions as reliable settlement tools 04:36 - Challenges caused by lack of regulation and trust issues in crypto history 05:47 - How regulation like the GENIUS Act is shaping stablecoin adoption 07:00 - Consumer expectations driving banks and fintechs towards instant transactions 08:22 - The growth of stablecoins in emerging markets during macroeconomic pressures 09:52 - Younger generations' curiosity and global access shaping demand 11:32 - How messaging infrastructure differs from traditional money movement 12:56 - Payments ecosystem’s lack of transparency and the need for better understanding 13:16 - Adoption hurdles and the need for global regulatory frameworks 14:36 - Role of major networks like Ripple and Circle; are they enough? 16:14 - Main trends: stablecoins as a primary global settlement method in next 18-24 months 17:04 - Regulatory developments in Europe and their impact on stablecoin models 18:52 - The importance of proactive, global regulation and industry standards 20:44 - Future payment rails: multiple networks and interoperability needed 22:38 - Predicting stablecoins' market share in payments by 2025 24:24 - The transformational potential of real-time settlement and cost reduction 25:00 - Final thoughts: exciting transition ahead for the payments ecosystemResources & Links: Ripple Circle - CPN Network GENIUS Act SWIFT USDT (Tether) USDC Connect with Nkiru: LinkedIn Twitter The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.

Join Mark Walker as he delves into the world of stablecoins with Vincent Chok, CEO of First Digital. Recorded at Abu Dhabi Finance Week, this episode explores the latest announcements from First Digital, including their public listing and the launch of a new platform for agentic payments. Vincent shares insights on the future of stablecoins, the role of digital currency in Web3, and the importance of a multi-network approach. Discover how stablecoins are set to revolutionize digital payments and what the future holds for this transformative technology.Chapters:Introduction to FinTech Times(0:00)Vincent Chok's Introduction and First Digital's Announcements(1:30)The Role of Stablecoins in Agentic Payments(5:00)Future of Digital Currency and Web3(10:00)Multi-Network Approach and Global Adoption(15:00)Closing Thoughts and Reflections on Abu Dhabi Finance Week(20:00) Topics Discussed:Introduction to FinTech Times and Abu Dhabi Finance WeekFirst Digital's public listing and new platform launchThe significance of stablecoins in agentic paymentsPredictions for the future of digital currency and Web3The necessity of a multi-network approach for global adoptionUseful Timestamps:1:30 - Vincent Chok introduces First Digital5:00 - Discussion on agentic payments and stablecoins10:00 - Insights on digital currency and Web315:00 - Multi-network approach and its importance20:00 - Reflections on Abu Dhabi Finance Week The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.

In this engaging episode, Mark Walker, Editorial Director at the FinTech Times, sits down with Matthew Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise Asset Management, at Abu Dhabi Finance Week. They explore the UAE's emerging role as a leader in the digital asset space, highlighting its regulatory clarity and technological advancements. Matthew shares Bitwise's journey from launching the world's first crypto index fund to becoming a major player in the ETF and ETP markets. The conversation delves into the challenges of gaining regulatory approval and educating institutional investors about crypto. They also discuss the transformative potential of AI in finance, emphasizing the inevitability of crypto's integration into mainstream financial systems. The episode concludes with reflections on the vibrant atmosphere of Abu Dhabi Finance Week and the promising future of digital finance.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction to the FinTech Times News and Views podcast[02:15] Matthew Hougan on the UAE's leadership in digital assets[05:30] Bitwise's journey and the creation of the first crypto index fund[10:45] Challenges in gaining regulatory approval[15:00] The role of AI in the future of finance[20:00] Reflections on Abu Dhabi Finance Week The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.

In this episode of the FinTech Times News and Views podcast, Mark Walker interviews Samantha Yap, founder of Yap Global, at Abu Dhabi Finance Week. They discuss the explosive growth of digital assets and Web3, the role of stablecoins in cross-border payments, and the regulatory environment in the UAE.TakeawaysBitcoin hit all-time highs, indicating explosive industry growth.Stablecoins are becoming essential for cross-border payments.FinTechs are bridging crypto and traditional finance worlds.UAE offers a favorable tax environment for crypto companies.Regulatory clarity in the UAE attracts global crypto players.Yap Global focuses on the evolving crypto story.Stablecoins offer instant payments, beneficial for service providers.Klarna's stablecoin launch could drive mainstream adoption.Multiple stablecoins for different currencies are expected.Amazon might soon accept stablecoin payments.Sound bitesBitcoin hit all-time highs.Stablecoins are essential for payments.UAE's favorable tax for crypto.Regulatory clarity attracts players.Yap Global on crypto evolution.Instant payments with stablecoins.Klarna's stablecoin launch impact.Multiple stablecoins expected.Amazon's potential stablecoin use.Crypto and traditional finance merge.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction to FinTech Times00:01:00 Samantha Yap on Digital Assets00:03:00 Trends in Crypto and Web300:05:00 Stablecoins and Cross-Border Payments00:07:00 UAE's Regulatory Environment00:09:00 Yap Global's Crypto Journey00:11:00 Future of Stablecoins The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.

In this episode of the FinTech Times News and Views podcast, Mark Walker interviews Rico van de Veen, co-founder and CEO of Semi Liquid, at Abu Dhabi Finance Week. They discuss the launch of the Programmable Credit Protocol, its impact on digital asset lending, and the advantages of operating in Abu Dhabi's regulatory environment.Takeaways:Programmable Credit Protocol allows bilateral credit without moving collateral.The protocol solves counterparty risk and scales bilateral lending.Tokenization makes assets more mobile and instantly settled.Abu Dhabi offers a collaborative regulatory environment.ADGM is risk-averse but pro-innovation.Assets remain within regulated environments in Abu Dhabi.The Middle East fosters integration potential for custodians.ADGM stands out with a robust regulatory framework.Semi Liquid aims to be fully live by March next year.The goal is to be the new rail for institutional credit.Sound bites:"Bilateral credit without moving collateral.""Solves counterparty risk for both parties.""Assets are mobile now, settled instantly.""Abu Dhabi offers a collaborative environment.""ADGM is risk-averse but pro-innovation.""Assets stay within regulated environments.""Middle East fosters integration potential.""ADGM stands out with robust framework.""Fully live by March next year.""New rail for institutional credit."Chapters:00:00:00 Introduction to FinTech Times00:00:00 Introduction of Rico van de Veen00:00:00 Launch of Programmable Credit Protocol00:00:00 Advantages of Abu Dhabi's Regulatory Environment00:00:00 Future Plans and Integration The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.

Join us as we delve into the dynamic world of stablecoins and digital transformation with Anthony Soohoo, CEO of MoneyGram. Recorded live at Abu Dhabi Finance Week, this episode explores the rapid evolution of digital currencies, the potential of stablecoins as a "killer app," and the convergence of AI and digital assets. Anthony shares insights on MoneyGram's strategic refounding, likening it to Microsoft's shift under Satya Nadella, and discusses the importance of scaling trust in financial services. Discover how MoneyGram is leveraging its vast global network to simplify complex transactions and support diverse use cases, from remittances to real estate.Topics Discussed:Introduction to stablecoins and their impact on the financial landscapeMoneyGram's digital transformation and strategic refoundingThe role of AI and agentic AI in financial servicesThe future of digital currencies and the importance of trustTimestamps:[00:00] Introduction by Mark Walker[02:15] Anthony Soohoo on stablecoins as a "killer app"[10:45] MoneyGram's global network and digital transformation[18:30] The convergence of AI and digital assets[25:00] Closing thoughts on the future of financial services The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Linda Fitz-Alan, CEO and Registrar of ADGM Courts, as we explore the digital transformation of Abu Dhabi's judicial system. Discover how the direct application of English common law and the digitization of court processes have positioned Abu Dhabi as a leading investor-centric jurisdiction. Linda shares her journey from Australia to New York and finally to Abu Dhabi, highlighting the strategic vision that has driven the modernization of the courts. Key topics include the role of FinTech and technology in enhancing accessibility and transparency, the importance of regulatory frameworks, and the UAE's leadership in the GCC region. Tune in to learn about the benefits of digitization, the challenges faced, and the future of judicial services in Abu Dhabi.Useful Timestamps:Introduction to the podcast and guests [00:00]Linda Fitz-Alan's background and journey [02:00]Digital transformation of ADGM Courts [05:30]The role of FinTech and technology [10:00]Regulatory frameworks and investor confidence [15:00]The UAE's leadership in the GCC [20:00]Advice for FinTechs considering Abu Dhabi [25:00] The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.

Takeaways:eToro's evolution from TradFi to digital assets leader.The impact of DeFi and non-custodial wallets on finance.Tokenization of real-world assets is now possible.Regulatory environments are adapting to digital finance.The rise of Gen Y as a wealthy cohort.eToro's global expansion and local services.Trust in established brands like eToro is crucial.Digital assets are reshaping traditional finance.The importance of innovation in financial services.Abu Dhabi Finance Week's growth in fintech presence.Sound Bites:eToro: The OG of digital financeCrypto is software for moneyDigital assets will eat financeTrust in established brandsThe rise of Gen Y wealthDeFi and non-custodial walletsTokenization is now possibleInnovation in financial servicesAbu Dhabi's fintech growtheToro's global expansionChapters:00:00:00 Introduction to FinTech Times00:01:00 Yoni Assia's Background00:03:00 eToro's Evolution00:05:00 The Role of DeFi00:08:00 Tokenization and Real-World Assets00:11:00 Regulatory Changes00:14:00 Global Expansion and Local Services00:17:00 Trust and Innovation00:20:00 Abu Dhabi Finance Week Insights The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.

Key Topics: Introduction to embedded finance and its growth - The role of banks as data mediators - Challenges and opportunities in data monetization - The future of stable coins in global finance - Insights into the digital transformation of banksQuotes:"Embedded finance is in its relative infancy.""Banks evolving from balance sheet providers to data mediators."Chapters:Introduction to Embedded Finance (0:00)Data as a New Revenue Stream (3:00)The Role of Stable Coins (6:00)Digital Transformation Challenges (9:00)Future Outlook and Closing Thoughts (12:00) The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.

Introduction to Stablecoins (00:41):Mark Walker introduces the topic of stablecoins and their role in economic stimuli, focusing on the Japanese yen and government strategies.Global Perspectives (01:04):Aishwary discusses the varying approaches to stablecoin integration in countries like Japan and India, highlighting the challenges posed by capital controls.Regulatory Challenges (02:12):The conversation shifts to the regulatory concerns surrounding stablecoins, particularly the nervousness of central banks about losing control over monetary policies.Future Predictions (04:40):Aishwary predicts a significant increase in the number of stablecoins, potentially leading to a complex financial ecosystem with thousands of digital currencies.Consumer Behavior (06:09):The discussion explores how large merchants and tech companies might influence stablecoin adoption, potentially altering consumer behavior and financial transactions.The Role of CBDCs (08:00):The episode concludes with insights into the challenges faced by central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) compared to stablecoins, and the potential for a dual system involving deposit tokens and stablecoins.Key Quotes: "Stablecoins are reshaping the financial landscape, offering new opportunities and challenges.""The future might see an explosion of stablecoins, each vying for a place in the global economy." The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.

TakeawaysSustainable finance is crucial for renewable energy projects. Emirates NBD is a leader in financing electric vehicles. Green buildings reduce emissions and energy costs. Digital transformation enhances ESG data accuracy. AI chatbots handle sustainable finance inquiries efficiently. Green bonds are integral to corporate sustainability strategies. Transition finance is key for hard-to-abate sectors. Carbon trading is essential for achieving net zero. Sustainable sukuks offer diverse funding opportunities. ESG investing aligns with long-term market trends.Sound bites"Sustainable finance is any finance allocated towards a sustainable project." "Green buildings are really important for us." "Digitalization is key for ESG data accuracy." "AI chatbots handle 500 inquiries a month." "Green bonds are a growing part of our portfolio." "Transition finance is key for hard-to-abate sectors." "Carbon trading is essential for achieving net zero." "Sustainable sukuks offer diverse funding opportunities." "ESG investing aligns with long-term market trends." "AI enhances our understanding of customer needs." The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.

On this week's episode of News & Views, The Fintech Times Podcast team speak about Loqbox publishing new findings highlighting concerns about Brits’ understanding of the lending sector, GoHenry research into including financial education within the national curriculum & wac urging the government to do more to ensure more employees are paid correctly. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.

On this week's episode of News & Views, The Fintech Times Podcast team speak about HSBC receiving a fair amount of criticism after it revealed that it was quitting the Net Zero Banking Alliance & re:cap launching in the UK, backed by HSBC Innovation Banking and Avellinia Capital. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.

On this week's episode of News & Views, the Fintech Times Podcast team are joined by Mouloukou Sanoh, Cofounder and CEO at MANSA to discuss dLocals' new partnership with BVNK which will allow them to offer faster settlements to their global merchant base & PAPSSCARD, the first pan-African card scheme, which plans to reclaim the continent’s financial autonomy. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.

On this week's episode of News & Views, the Fintech Times Podcast team speak about dLocal and BVNK joining forces to bridge stablecoins and fiat currency, Yapil's new findings uncovering what merchants and shoppers view as the most important factors when offering or choosing a new payment method & the £40billion in crypto and web3 opportunities the UK can unlock, per Startup Coalition The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.

On this week's episode of News & Views, The Fintech Times Podcast team speak about new Project Nemo data revealing that 61% of adults with learning disabilities say banks don’t meet their needs, Mastercards research into Gen Alpha's digital financial experience & Bitget's collaboration with UNICEF Luxembourg to advance digital skills and blockchain literacy among young people. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.

On this week's episode of News & Views, The Fintech Times Podcast team speak about crypto scam losses exceeding $4billion in 2024 with an increase in Deepfake and AI Tech use, merchants and financial institutions not offering digital ID being at risk of losing customer trust & the Financial Conduct Authority unveiling its ‘supercharged sandbox’. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.

On this week's episode of News & Views, The Fintech Times Podcast team speak about a recent report from Zilch stating that 66% of shoppers insist on carrying a physical card despite digital wallet popularity & Revoluts' official announcement that it will roll out its own branded ATM machines in Spain. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.

On this week's episode of News & Views, The Fintech Times Podcast team speak about Apple launching Tap to Pay on iPhone in eight new European countries & Curve announcing that it will be launching Curve Pay on iOS as an alternative digital wallet to Apple Pay for iPhone users. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.

On this week's episode of News & Views, The Fintech Times Podcast team discuss Payit by NatWest uncovering obstacles facing open banking with solutions to overcome them & Binance announcing that Pix will now be integrated into its Binance Pay payments solution in Brazil. The Fintech Times News &Views Podcast delivers strategic insight into the trends redefining global financial services, with commentary from industry leaders and innovators. Discover more coverage, interviews, research, and partnership opportunities at thefintechtimes.com and follow The Fintech Times across all major social platforms.