Fintech
Palau partners with Japanese fintech firm to issue blockchain-based bonds

Palau: The small island nation’s finance ministry is keen to use blockchain technology | Credit: Jay Park (Pixabay)
A Japan-based fintech company has been tasked with developing a blockchain-based government bond issuance platform in one of the world’s smallest countries.
According to an announcement this week by the company, Soramitsu will build a system to issue, manage and operate savings bonds using blockchain technology in Palau, an Asia-Pacific island nation with a population of just 18,000.
The initiative, backed by funding from the Japanese government, is the latest sign that the potential of fintech to help governments is increasingly being recognized by governments in every corner of the world, no matter how small and relatively remote.
Tourism is the main driver of the economy of Palau, which has the US dollar as its official currency in an archipelago of about 340 islands, islets and atolls (only eight of which are inhabited). It has been 30 years since Palau, which hosted a ‘Blockchain SummitIn August 2023, it became independent thanks to a “Pact of Free Association” with the United States.
“Although U.S. dollars are the circulating currency in Palau and banks in the United States (such as those in Hawaii and Guam) take residents’ funds as deposits, these funds are used in the continental United States rather than for economic growth or infrastructure in Palau,” Suramitsu he explains in his job announcement.
“To address this problem, Palau’s Ministry of Finance intends to issue savings bonds to diversify national financing methods and use the absorbed funds for economic growth and infrastructure investments such as bridges, roads and public facilities, with the support of Soramitsu technology.”
RELATED ARTICLE Blockchain Bonds: Digital Issuance Innovations Create Excitement – a webinar report (convened by Global Government Fintech on March 23, 2023) asking: “Blockchain-based bonds: what potential for the public sector?” (the report contains a link to a video recording, which is 1 hour, 23 minutes and 29 seconds long)
The advantages of blockchain
The Tokyo-based company says that, “at the request” of Palau’s Ministry of Finance, it will develop the savings bond system and its application using Iroha Hyperledger blockchain technology: distributed ledger software from the Hyperledger Foundation, part of the Linux Foundation.
According to Soramitsu’s announcement (July 16), the Japanese government funding comes from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s 2023 supplementary budget titled “Subsidies for Future-Oriented Co-Creation Projects in the Global South (Indirect Subsidy Project Related to the Investigation of Overseas Infrastructure Development by Japanese Companies).”
The company outlines the benefits of using blockchain for a bond issuance and management system, including reducing operating costs and fees and preventing counterfeiting, tampering and “impersonation,” which translates into greater security.
It also takes a cross-sectional look at central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), stating that “in the future, the introduction of technologies like CBDCs (including those potentially issued in the continental United States) that use blockchain could make the buying and selling of savings bonds through smart contracts and other technologies more efficient.”
US authorities have adopted a very cautious attitude towards the potential introduction of a CBDC. Former President Donald Trump earlier this year vowed to stop the launch of a US CBDC if he is re-elected to the White House in November’s elections, calling the potential digital dollar a “dangerous threat to freedom.”
RELATED ARTICLE Melody Unleashed: Finance Ministries Explore Blockchain – a report from a blockchain-focused session at the Global Government Fintech Lab 2023
Payment projects in the Pacific region
Soramitsu’s announcement also states that in addition to its work in Palau, the company will also work with the Central Bank of Papua New Guinea to conduct a CBDC proof of concept and “aim to build a common platform for the entire Pacific Island region using Soramitsu’s blockchain technology.”
“Financial inclusion remains a significant challenge in the country, where some areas are plagued by instability, violence and frequent robberies and assaults,” the company says, explaining that it is “exploring digital technologies that will enable the recovery of funds after such incidents using blockchain technology to address these issues.”
In its announcement, the company seeks to link its multiple new roles together.
“Since Pacific island nations each have relatively small populations and economies, the burden of introducing and maintaining IT system infrastructure is significant,” he says. “Therefore, Soramitsu aims to develop an architecture that enables the more convenient and efficient introduction of financial instruments such as CBDCs and savings bonds by building a common platform using secure, permissionless blockchain technology based on Hyperledger Iroha.”
The company partnered with the National Bank of Cambodia to develop the Bakong payment system, which has been operational since 2020. Bakong is used for both wholesale transactions between major banks and retail payments for daily transfers and payments by citizens and businesses. “Idle cash in rural areas has been transformed into bank deposits through Bakong, revitalizing the economy through use for infrastructure and financing for small and medium-sized businesses,” the company says.
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Global trend
Palau’s Ministry of Finance would become the latest addition to an increasingly diverse list of public sector “blockchain bond” issuers.
THE The World Bank has kicked off its “blockchain bond” project with the launch of bond-i – the first bond to be created, allocated, transferred and managed throughout its lifecycle using distributed ledger technology (DLT) – in 2018.
Hong Kong authorities announced successful issuance of tokenized green bonds just under 18 months ago and, in August 2023, released a report outlining potential next steps to promote broader use of tokenization technology for bondsEarlier this year The Hong Kong government has completed the issuance of two-year digital green bonds denominated in Hong Kong dollars, renminbi, US dollars and eurosThe Hong Kong Monetary Authority described the issuance as “the world’s first multi-currency digital bond issuance.”
THE The Philippine government has announced its first tokenized treasury bond offering in November 2023, saying it wanted to “provide proof of concept for broader use of DLT in the government bond market.”
A couple of months ago, an urban authority in the US state of Massachusetts broke new ground for the use of innovative technologies in the US public sector by launching a municipal bond issuance using blockchain. The City of Quincy Public Authority has issued $10 million (about £8 million) of tax-exempt bonds using the technologydeclaring that it had taken “a first step in transforming the U.S. municipal debt markets.”
Fintech
US Agencies Request Information on Bank-Fintech Dealings

Federal banking regulators have issued a statement reminding banks of the potential risks associated with third-party arrangements to provide bank deposit products and services.
The agencies support responsible innovation and banks that engage in these arrangements in a safe and fair manner and in compliance with applicable law. While these arrangements may offer benefits, supervisory experience has identified a number of safety and soundness, compliance, and consumer concerns with the management of these arrangements. The statement details potential risks and provides examples of effective risk management practices for these arrangements. Additionally, the statement reminds banks of existing legal requirements, guidance, and related resources and provides insights that the agencies have gained through their oversight. The statement does not establish new supervisory expectations.
Separately, the agencies requested additional information on a broad range of arrangements between banks and fintechs, including for deposit, payment, and lending products and services. The agencies are seeking input on the nature and implications of arrangements between banks and fintechs and effective risk management practices.
The agencies are considering whether to take additional steps to ensure that banks effectively manage the risks associated with these different types of arrangements.
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Fintech
What changes in financial regulation have impacted the development of financial technology?

Exploring the complex landscape of global financial regulation, we gather insights from leading fintech leaders, including CEOs and finance experts. From the game-changing impact of PSD2 to the significant role of GDPR in data security, explore the four key regulatory changes that have reshaped fintech development, answering the question: “What changes in financial regulation have impacted fintech development?”
- PSD2 revolutionizes access to financial technology
- GDPR Improves Fintech Data Privacy
- Regulatory Sandboxes Drive Fintech Innovation
- GDPR Impacts Fintech Data Security
PSD2 revolutionizes access to financial technology
When it comes to regulatory impact on fintech development, nothing comes close to PSD2. This EU regulation has created a new level playing field for market players of all sizes, from fintech startups to established banks. It has had a ripple effect on other markets around the world, inspiring similar regulatory frameworks and driving global innovation in fintech.
The Payment Services Directive (PSD2), the EU law in force since 2018, has revolutionized the fintech industry by requiring banks to provide third-party payment providers (TPPs) with access to payment services and customer account information via open APIs. This has democratized access to financial data, fostering the development of personalized financial instruments and seamless payment solutions. Advanced security measures such as Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) have increased consumer trust, pushing both fintech companies and traditional banks to innovate and collaborate more effectively, resulting in a dynamic and consumer-friendly financial ecosystem.
The impact of PSD2 has extended beyond the EU, inspiring similar regulations around the world. Countries such as the UK, Australia and Canada have launched their own open banking initiatives, spurred by the benefits seen in the EU. PSD2 has highlighted the benefits of open banking, also prompting US financial institutions and fintech companies to explore similar initiatives voluntarily.
This has led to a global wave of fintech innovation, with financial institutions and fintech companies offering more integrated, personalized and secure services. The EU’s leadership in open banking through PSD2 has set a global standard, promoting regulatory harmonization and fostering an interconnected and innovative global financial ecosystem.
Looking ahead, the EU’s PSD3 proposals and Financial Data Access (FIDA) regulations promise to further advance open banking. PSD3 aims to refine and build on PSD2, with a focus on improving transaction security, fraud prevention, and integration between banks and TPPs. FIDA will expand data sharing beyond payment accounts to include areas such as insurance and investments, paving the way for more comprehensive financial products and services.
These developments are set to further enhance connectivity, efficiency and innovation in financial services, cementing open banking as a key component of the global financial infrastructure.
General Manager, Technology and Product Consultant Fintech, Insurtech, Miquido
GDPR Improves Fintech Data Privacy
Privacy and data protection have been taken to another level by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), forcing fintech companies to tighten their data management. In compliance with the GDPR, organizations must ensure that personal data is processed fairly, transparently, and securely.
This has led to increased innovation in fintech towards technologies such as encryption and anonymization for data protection. GDPR was described as a top priority in the data protection strategies of 92% of US-based companies surveyed by PwC.
Financial Expert, Sterlinx Global
Regulatory Sandboxes Drive Fintech Innovation
Since the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) pioneered sandbox regulatory frameworks in 2016 to enable fintech startups to explore new products and services, similar frameworks have been introduced in other countries.
This has reduced the “crippling effect on innovation” caused by a “one size fits all” regulatory approach, which would also require machines to be built to complete regulatory compliance before any testing. Successful applications within sandboxes give regulators the confidence to move forward and address gaps in laws, regulations, or supervisory approaches. This has led to widespread adoption of new technologies and business models and helped channel private sector dynamism, while keeping consumers protected and imposing appropriate regulatory requirements.
Co-founder, UK Linkology
GDPR Impacts Fintech Data Security
A big change in financial regulations that has had a real impact on fintech is the 2018 EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). I have seen how GDPR has pushed us to focus more on user privacy and data security.
GDPR means we have to handle personal data much more carefully. At Leverage, we have had to step up our game to meet these new rules. We have improved our data encryption and started doing regular security audits. It was a little tricky at first, but it has made our systems much more secure.
For example, we’ve added features that give users more control over their data, like simple consent tools and clear privacy notices. These changes have helped us comply with GDPR and made our customers feel more confident in how we handle their information.
I believe that GDPR has made fintech companies, including us at Leverage, more transparent and secure. It has helped build trust with our users, showing them that we take data protection seriously.
CEO & Co-Founder, Leverage Planning
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Fintech
M2P Fintech About to Raise $80M

Application Programming Interface (API) Infrastructure Platform M2P Financial Technology has reached the final round to raise $80 million, at a valuation of $900 million.
Specifically, M2P Fintech, formerly known as Yap, is closing a new funding round involving new and existing investors, according to entrackr.com. The India-based company, which last raised funding two and a half years ago, previously secured $56 million in a round led by Insight Partners, earning a post-money valuation of $650 million.
A source indicated that M2P Fintech is ready to raise $80 million in this new funding round, led by a new investor. Existing backers, including Insight Partners, are also expected to participate. The new funding is expected to go toward enhancing the company’s technology infrastructure and driving growth in domestic and international markets.
What does M2P Fintech do?
M2P Fintech’s API platform enables businesses to provide branded financial services through partnerships with fintech companies while maintaining regulatory compliance. In addition to its operations in India, the company is active in Nepal, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Bahrain, Egypt, and many other countries.
Another source revealed that M2P Fintech’s valuation in this funding round is expected to be between USD 880 million and USD 900 million (post-money). The company has reportedly received a term sheet and the deal is expected to be publicly announced soon. The Tiger Global-backed company has acquired six companies to date, including Goals101, Syntizen, and BSG ITSOFT, to enhance its service offerings.
According to TheKredible, Beenext is the company’s largest shareholder with over 13% ownership, while the co-founders collectively own 34% of the company. Although M2P Fintech has yet to release its FY24 financials, it has reported a significant increase in operating revenue. However, this growth has also been accompanied by a substantial increase in losses.
Fintech
Scottish financial technology firm Aveni secures £11m to expand AI offering

By Gloria Methri
Today
- To come
- Aveni Assistance
- Aveni Detection
Artificial intelligence Financial Technology Aveni has announced one of the largest Series A investments in a Scottish company this year, amounting to £11 million. The investment is led by Puma Private Equity with participation from Par Equity, Lloyds Banking Group and Nationwide.
Aveni combines AI expertise with extensive financial services experience to create large language models (LLMs) and AI products designed specifically for the financial services industry. It is trusted by some of the UK’s leading financial services firms. It has seen significant business growth over the past two years through its conformity and productivity solutions, Aveni Detect and Aveni Assist.
This investment will enable Aveni to build on the success of its existing products, further consolidate its presence in the sector and introduce advanced technologies through FinLLM, a large-scale language model specifically for financial services.
FinLLM is being developed in partnership with new investors Lloyds Banking Group and Nationwide. It is a large, industry-aligned language model that aims to set the standard for transparent, responsible and ethical adoption of generative AI in UK financial services.
Following the investment, the team developing the FinLLM will be based at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, in a state-of-the-art facility.
Joseph Twigg, CEO of Aveniexplained, “The financial services industry doesn’t need AI models that can quote Shakespeare; it needs AI models that deliver transparency, trust, and most importantly, fairness. The way to achieve this is to develop small, highly tuned language models, trained on financial services data, and reviewed by financial services experts for specific financial services use cases. Generative AI is the most significant technological evolution of our generation, and we are in the early stages of adoption. This represents a significant opportunity for Aveni and our partners. The goal with FinLLM is to set a new standard for the controlled, responsible, and ethical adoption of generative AI, outperforming all other generic models in our select financial services use cases.”
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