The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) today entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA).

Following the successful launch of a series of index strategies targeting themes related to disruptive technology and innovation, Solactive is introducing the Solactive Blockchain Technology & Hardware Index (the “Index”). The Index mirrors the performance of global companies focusing directly on blockchain innovation and development, as well as companies providing hardware and hardware-related services used in the process of mining, an essential part in supporting blockchain technologies.

At the FCA’s recent asset management conference, the regulator revealed that it will be undertaking a ‘diagnostic’ review of a range of organisations on the topic of research and inducements.  With more than $1bn being spent on dealing commissions, the regulator indicated that it wants to be sure that such a vast sum is being spent wisely, and not wasted by investment firms.

Alfa-Bank Belarus, part of the Alfa-Bank Group valued at $44 billion in total assets, has completed its migration to the WAY4 platform by OpenWay, a top-ranked digital payment software provider. Well-known in Eastern Europe for its digital banking approach, Alfa-Bank migrated its payment cards and online services to an on-premise WAY4 solution to cut operational expenses and time-to-market, and promote innovation. 

PrePay Solutions (PPS), Europe’s leading prepaid and digital banking services provider, is delighted to share in the success of its customer Countingup, which has reached 1,000 customers just two months after officially launching in April 2018.

One in every four dollars sent via remittances in 2017 was received in Europe

Remittances have provided a $50bn economic boost to the UK since 2008

Banks must seek an alternative to branch closures, as only 23 per cent of rural residents are using mobile banking, according to the FCA. The FCA surveyed 13,000 people and found that only 23 per cent of rural residents use mobile banking and 54 per cent use internet banking, compared to the 45 per cent and 78 per cent respectively in urban areas.  

The Alliance is a global blockchain consortium for cross-industry cooperation
Commerzbank has already carried out several pilot transactions based on blockchain

BNP Paribas Asset Management (BNPP AM) has appointed Link Asset Services as the debt servicer for its new SME Alternative Financing platform.

The SME Alternative Financing platform, currently operational in the UK, will invest through direct loans to finance ambitious projects for SME companies, complementing lending by domestic commercial banks to finance their growth. The platform has already successfully closed its first loan in the UK.