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Issue 472 · Jun 13, 2024 Weekly edition · 5 min read

FinTech Around the World

In this edition of FinTech Weekly, we take you on a journey across the globe to explore the latest fintech innovations and trends. From the surge in ChatGPT users in South Korea to strategic partnerships in the UAE and

FinTech Around the World
Photo: ro_ma
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A look at groundbreaking fintech developments across continents.

June 13, 2024

In this edition of FinTech Weekly, we take you on a journey across the globe to explore the latest fintech innovations and trends. From the surge in ChatGPT users in South Korea to strategic partnerships in the UAE and Switzerland, the fintech landscape is rapidly evolving. Discover how Deutsche Bank and Bitpanda are revolutionizing real-time payments, and learn about Mastercard's new program supporting fintechs in Western Europe. Gain insights from leaders like Julie Arnoux of Wise and Abdallah Abu Sheikh of Astra Tech. This and much more in this number of FinTech Weekly: discover top fintech news and events, and stay ahead of the competition!

ChatGPT tops 1 mln users in S. Korea amid growing popularity: data
ChatGPT tops 1 mln users in S. Korea amid growing popularity: data
— via Yonhap

In South Korea, the number of ChatGPT users surged by 30 percent last month, surpassing 1 million for the first time, according to industry data from IGAWorks. The mobile app reached 1.27 million users in May, up from 980,000 in April. This marks a steady growth from 697,000 users in February and 880,000 in March. User engagement also increased, with total usage time rising 55.8 percent to 739,000 hours in May.

The Definitive Guide to Synthetic Data for Financial Services
The Definitive Guide to Synthetic Data for Financial Services
— via Gretel

Download Gretel's free guide to learn how synthetic data helps financial services make the most of their data, while safeguarding sensitive information. In this guide we explore the fundamentals of synthetic data, practical use cases, and the key benefits of synthetic data for financial services. Download

FinTech World Forum 2024
FinTech World Forum 2024
— via FinTech World Forum 2024

FinTech World Forum 2024 is based in London UK Europe as one of leading fintech events 2023 for global financial services, finance and banking technology industry. Its focuses on Mobile Payments, Lending, Insurance, Blockchain, Bitcoin, Investment, Money, Crypto, Cryptocurrency, Digital, Innovation, Wallet, Pensions, Funds, Payment, Tech, Financial Services, Technology, Bank, Wealth Management, Insurtech, Regtech and Wealthtech. For more info visit: https://fintechconferences.com/

Introducing Wise: A Conversation with Julie Arnoux at Money 20/20 Europe
— via OBE

Julie Arnoux, Commercial Lead for Europe at Wise, gives a 30-second overview of Wise in her interview at Money 20/20 Europe.

Hong Kong and Switzerland Forge Stronger Ties in Fintech Innovation
— via Cointrust

Hong Kong and Switzerland are advancing in blockchain and cryptographic technologies. To boost these efforts, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Crypto Valley Association (CVA) of Zug, Switzerland, signed a memorandum of understanding at the 2024 Crypto Valley Conference. The MoU aims to strengthen the fintech ecosystems in both regions by fostering collaboration and providing updates on market trends.

Deutsche Bank Partners With Crypto Fintech Firm Bitpanda To Process Fiat Transactions: Report
— via The Daily Hodl

Deutsche Bank is partnering with Austrian fintech and crypto broker Bitpanda to offer customers real-time payment solutions for asset transactions, according to Reuters.

Applications open for 7th $50k Ecobank Fintech Challenge
— via Disrupt Africa

The pan-African Ecobank Group has opened applications for the seventh edition of its Fintech Challenge, offering $50,000 in prize money. Serving over 32 million customers across 35 African countries, Ecobank's annual challenge invites early-stage and mature startups to compete. Aligned with the bank’s strategic objectives, participants have the chance to win $50,000 and the opportunity to partner with Ecobank to scale their solutions.

Fintech’s future is in the palm of users’ hands — literally
— via Economy Middle East

In a conversation with Abdallah Abu Sheikh, founder of Astra Tech and CEO of Botim, he discusses the strategy behind Palm Pay and shares insights into the region’s fintech industry. He emphasizes innovation, financial inclusion, and the use of AI for social impact.

‘Mastercard For Fintechs,’ launched to support the dynamic fintech ecosystem in Western Europe
— via Mastercard

Mastercard has launched "Mastercard For Fintechs," a program aimed at supporting fintechs across Western Europe. This initiative provides tools and expertise to help fintechs grow and navigate the challenging fundraising environment. The program offers education, networking, and exclusive tools to foster sustainable growth and profitability. Eimear Creaven, Division President of Western Europe Mastercard, emphasized the company's commitment to innovation and partnership in driving meaningful impact and supporting fintechs at every stage.

UAE Proposes AI ‘Marriage’ With US
— via PYMNTS

The UAE aims to strengthen its AI relationship with the United States. Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE’s AI minister, told the Financial Times that Microsoft's $1.5 billion stake in Abu Dhabi-based AI firm G42 marks the beginning of many collaborations. He emphasized the importance of cooperation with U.S. tech players. Microsoft’s investment in G42, announced in April, includes a $1 billion fund for AI developers. The UAE, with $2 trillion in sovereign wealth funds, seeks to reduce its oil dependence by becoming a global AI hub.

Jobs

IT Project Manager (m/w/d) FinTech
IT Project Manager (m/w/d) FinTech
— via Keller West

For our client, a leading global FinTech company, we are looking for an experienced IT Project Manager (m/f/d) FinTech who will lead and successfully implement complex projects in the financial services industry with passion and expertise.

Chief of Staff to the CEO
Chief of Staff to the CEO
— via Coinbase

There are a few things we look for across all hires we make at Coinbase, regardless of role or team. First, we look for candidates who will thrive in a culture like ours, where we default to trust, embrace feedback, and disrupt ourselves.

Product Manager (Blockchain)
Product Manager (Blockchain)
— via Crypto

We are seeking a talented and experienced Blockchain Product Manager to join our dynamic team. As a Blockchain Product Manager, you will be responsible for driving the development and execution of blockchain-based products and services.

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