News and Views by the Fintech Times

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.

On this week's episode of News & Views, The Fintech Times Podcast team speak about the extent to which financial education impacts financial well-being & why In-app wallets are proving to be a popular payment method in the UK. 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 Boon Brokers research into why the majority of young adults in the UK are leaving school with a worrying lack of financial education & how the financial services sector has seen positive progress to better support deaf customers in the last two years, according to a new report by the Lending Standards Board (LSB). 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, Sponsored by TrustVanta, the Fintech Times Podcast team speak about recent reports from Wise finding that two in three UK adults have experienced a fraudulent attack, Revolut expanding its services once more into the mobile world as it looks to launch mobile plans & KMPGs new research into peoples attitude towards AI. 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, Sponsored by TrustVanta, the Fintech Times Podcast team speak about the UK Government pledging a £121Million investment into Quantum technology to combat fraud & Chipi Pays expansion into Mexico following a partnership with Starknet Foundation. 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.