Korean banks see over $1.5B outflow in funds to crypto market

eToro, M2 secure licenses bolstering UAE crypto developmenteToro, the retail and social trading platform, has successfully secured a coveted license from the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Additionally, virtual asset firm M2 has become a fully regulated Multilateral Trading Facility (MTF) and custodian through the ADGM.Photo by Mitul Grover on UnsplasheToro global expansionIn eToro’s case, the Financial Services Permission (FSP) license empowers it to operate as a broker in securities, derivatives and crypto assets within the UAE. The firm announced its regulatory success on Monday, the first day of Abu Dhabi Finance Week.eToro’s foray into the UAE market is part of its broader global expansion plan. With an eye on the potential of the UAE’s investor base, eToro seeks to extend its business beyond just providing trading opportunities. The company is committed to fostering financial education and encouraging community engagement among its users in the region.The latest issuance of a full license by the ADGM is the culmination of an initial in-principle authorization obtained over a year ago, showcasing a deliberate approach to regulatory compliance. eToro Founder and CEO Yoni Assia commented on the development in a press release, stating:“The approval of our operating license by ADGM is a key milestone in our continued global expansion. Abu Dhabi is increasingly recognized as a growing fintech hub, and we are excited to become part of this flourishing ecosystem.”M2 primed to onboard retail and institutional clientsSimultaneously, cryptocurrency exchange M2 has also been recognized by the ADGM, earning the status of a fully regulated Multilateral Trading Facility and custodian. M2 is now permitted by this license to serve both retail and institutional clients in the UAE, offering services such as crypto custody, UAE dirham-based Bitcoin and Ethereum trading and on/off-ramp services for the dirham (AED).Stefan Kimmel, CEO of M2, considers the timing of this license as particularly advantageous, coinciding with a renewed positive sentiment among investors. M2’s range of services in the UAE market is designed for diverse client groups, addressing the needs of both retail and institutional investors.Official platform launchIn rolling out its service offering in Abu Dhabi, the trading and custodial services platform has partnered with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB). Commencing this week, both retail and institutional clients within the UAE can now register on the M2 platform.The firm will offer custody and trading of digital assets while also extending yield-bearing products of up to 10.5% on BTC and ETH.The strategic geographical location, business-friendly environment and forward-thinking regulatory approach make the UAE an attractive destination for international crypto players seeking operational licenses. Earlier this month, the ADGM’s registration authority introduced comprehensive regulations, particularly focusing on Web3 organizations. The regulatory framework has focused in particular on distributed ledger technology (DLT)-oriented foundations and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs).The successful acquisition of ADGM licenses by eToro and M2 marks a significant milestone for both entities. As these platforms introduce their innovative services to the region, the UAE is poised to play a central role in shaping the future of cryptocurrency.

Korea’s KFTC launches blockchain-powered loan service for public servantsThe Korea Financial Telecommunications and Clearings Institute (KFTC) today launched a new blockchain-based loan service tailored specifically for public servants. This initiative is a collaborative effort with the Government Employees Pension Service (GEPS) and involves five banks: BNK Kyongnam Bank, Busan Bank, Woori Bank, Kwangju Bank and Jeonbuk Bank.Photo by REDioACTIVE on PixabaySimplified loan processAdministered by GEPS, this loan program offers loans up to KRW 50 million (approximately $38,600) to government employees based on their projected retirement benefits and years of service. Leveraging the joint financial blockchain system, KFTC has established an infrastructure to issue and verify digital loan recommendation letters, simplifying the loan application process for public servants.Up until now, the loan application process has been cumbersome, requiring government employees to obtain a recommendation letter from GEPS and physically submit it at a bank branch. The new service streamlines this process by allowing them to apply for loans at bank branches or through mobile banking using digitized recommendation letters.More banks to joinKFTC and GEPS are set to increase the number of participating banks, allowing government employees to access loan services at a total of 10 banks. Furthermore, KFTC and GEPS intend to introduce additional financial products that utilize recommendation letters and verification processes underpinned by blockchain technology.The plan indicates that starting early next year, five additional banks will participate in this initiative. These banks are KB Kookmin Bank, Nonghyup Bank, Daegu Bank, Hana Bank and Korea Post.In a statement, KFTC stated its plans to further expand identification verification services within the financial sector, aiming to streamline the application processes for various financial products, including deposits and loans.

Dtcpay Looks to Extend Crypto Payment Services to Hong KongDtcpay, a Singapore-based payment processor catering to both fiat and cryptocurrencies, has set its sights on expanding into Hong Kong by the end of this year. The company also has plans to establish an office in Dubai, another prominent crypto hub, by 2024.Photo by Jonas Leupe on UnsplashNorth Asia potentialIn an interview with Tech in Asia, Kanny Lee, the group CEO of Dtcpay, expressed optimism about the North Asia market, citing clear regulations and rules for digital assets and the recent opening up to retail participants. Lee believes that the region holds significant potential for growth over the course of the coming years.Dtcpay generates revenue through crypto conversion rates on transactions and has already acquired approximately 12 merchants. The company aims to onboard up to 100 merchants by the end of 2023. Since the beginning of this year, the firm has experienced a fourfold increase in transaction volume.Seamless regional paymentsLee acknowledged that most consumers view tokens primarily as investments. Dtcpay’s objective is to unify various payment methods across different countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Vietnam, and Singapore, providing a seamless experience for both merchants and consumers.As an example, Dtcpay enables users to purchase cars using cryptocurrencies, significantly reducing transaction fees from approximately 4% to just 0.5% compared to cash payments. Notable partnerships in Singapore include Cars and Coffee and DM Autohaus.In June, Dtcpay secured a pre-series A funding round, raising $16.5 million from Kwee Liong Tek. Tek, the chairperson of the Pontiac Land Group, which owns renowned hotels such as the Ritz-Carlton and Conrad Hotels in Singapore, has enabled Dtcpay to target the hospitality sector. At the time Lee said that there are an increasing number of businesses expressing interest in collaborating with regulated entities in the digital assets space and combined with an increase in the adoption of digital payments, that’s turbocharging DTCpay’s business.RebrandThat focus on digital payments led to the company rebranding back in April from Digital Treasures Center to Dtcpay. It appears that Hong Kong was already on the company’s radar back then as Lee stated at the time that “in Asia, particularly the key tier 1 financial capitals such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo, [they] have experienced a rapid rate of digital adoption primarily due to transparent regulatory frameworks for digital financial inclusion.”Additionally, Dtcpay obtained a major payment institution license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore in August 2022. The company plans to launch a debit card in Q4 2023. That product will allow cardholders to convert their cryptocurrencies into multiple currencies without incurring foreign exchange fees.The company was co-founded in 2019 by Sam Lin, Band Zhao, and Alice Liu, with Lee joining the company earlier this year with a view towards expanding its area of operations beyond Singapore.With its expansion plans into Hong Kong and its focus on innovation, Dtcpay is certainly aiming to establish itself as a leading player in the crypto payment services industry, catering to the evolving needs of merchants and consumers alike.