Inovatif

Category: Personal Finance

  • insureKU goes live with first native aggregation service

    Censof Holdings Berhad (Censof or the Group), a technology holdings company specialising in financial management software solutions, today announced that insureKU — Malaysia’s first fully digital, end-to-end insurance and takaful aggregator — is now officially live.

    Developed by its subsidiary, Censof Maal Sdn Bhd, insureKU is built with the consumer in mind and delivers a seamless, transparent, and user-friendly experience for comparing, understanding, and purchasing a wide range of insurance and takaful products — from life and general insurance to travel coverage and beyond.

    Commenting on the service launch, Ameer Shaik Mydin, Group Managing Director of Censof said, “insureKU represents a natural extension of Censof’s vision to empower Malaysians through innovative financial technologies. This service launch is not just about offering insurance online, it is about removing barriers, building confidence, and enabling consumers to make informed decisions about protecting their future. We believe insureKU is a key milestone in that journey.”

    The platform currently features travel insurance options for consumers to engage with, alongside plans to expand into other categories later this year, with an initial list of insurance providers that includes Generali, TokioMarine and Tune Protect. Using the service, insureKU is able to help consumers specify, identify, understand and purchase their specific travel insurance product in under three minutes which is a tremendous and empowering time and money saving hack.

    “insureKU is built to remove the complexity around insurance decisions and give consumers the clarity they need to feel in control,” said Shadhana Sekaran, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of insureKU. “From a single platform, users can compare plans from multiple providers, understand their options with greater transparency, and complete their purchase with confidence — all in just a few clicks. Our goal is to simplify insurance for everyone, and we’re just getting started.”

    More Than Just Comparisons – A Smarter, Trusted Way to Secure Coverage

    Backed by Censof Maal Sdn Bhd’s decades of experience in developing complex financial systems, insureKU leverages this expertise and the domain experience in insurance of its management team, to enhance how it offers an intuitive, technology-driven solution that places consumer empowerment in their hands.

    As one of the earliest authorised participants under Bank Negara Malaysia’s Financial Technology Regulatory Sandbox, insureKU has been extensively developed and tested over the past one year to meet real-world needs. The platform is the first of its kind in Malaysia to offer fully integrated aggregation and digital solutions across both the insurance and takaful sectors.

    To shift perceptions and expectations of what insurance can and should be for consumers, insureKU’s service launch focuses on the first step of its long-term planning; education, comparison, and the aggregation of information to allow consumers to make easier, better, and value-driven decisions for their insurance needs. Savings gained through insureKU’s processes are also passed back seamlessly to consumers, aiming to make insurance more affordable over time.

    insureKU is committed to continual innovation, with upcoming enhancements including multi-lingual support, expanded product offerings, and user-centric tools such as the Need Analysis Calculator and Financial Budget Calculator — all designed to help users tailor their insurance plans to suit their personal goals and financial circumstances, further simplifying and enhancing the digital insurance experience.

    “This is more than a product service launch — it is the beginning of a much needed movement to dismantle the barriers that have long excluded many Malaysians from securing their financial future,” added Shadhana.

    To celebrate the service launch, insureKU is rewarding the first 100 customers who purchase travel insurance through the platform with items from a limited exclusive merchandise offering – making it even more rewarding as consumers in Malaysia take their first steps toward easier, smarter, and empowered insurance choices.

    For more information and to explore your insurance options, visit www.insureku.com.

  • RAM: Malaysian banks on steady footing despite external pressures

    RAM Ratings maintains a stable outlook on the Malaysian banking sector in conjunction with the release of its latest sector commentary, Banking Insight 2025 – Maintaining Momentum.

    While uncertainties from US protectionist measures and ongoing geopolitical tensions could spill over to the domestic economy, it is still too early to assess the full extent of these effects. With the US and China being key trading partners of Malaysia (approximately 14% of Malaysia’s total value-added production), the retaliatory tariff contest may dampen the positive trade momentum and Malaysia’s growth trajectory.

    “Despite these external challenges, we anticipate banks’ credit profiles to hold steady. Banks are also entering the year in strong shape, with still-solid capital buffers and asset quality at its most robust ever,” said Wong Yin Ching, RAM’s Co-head of Financial Institution Ratings.

    Key expectations:

    • Loan growth to hold steady at 5.5% in 2025. Household loans may ease slightly but will likely be the main driver of loan growth, while business loans increase from infrastructure projects and investments.
    • Capital reverting to pre-pandemic levels. The industry’s common equity tier-1 capital ratio declined to 14.3% as at end-2024 (2020-2023 average: 15.3%; end-2019: 14.6%), although still robust. Banks are cautiously raising dividends, with most estimating the impact of new Basel III reforms to be manageable.
    • GIL ratio to remain stable at 1.4% this year. The system’s gross impaired loan (GIL) ratio hit a historic low of 1.44% as at end-2024. Prudent underwriting and potential write-offs will help sustain the GIL ratio amid new challenges.
    • Funding and liquidity profiles to stay sound. As loan growth outpaced deposit growth, the sector’s loans to deposits ratio surpassed 90%. Other metrics like the liquidity coverage ratio and net stable funding ratio were kept healthy.
    • Moderate earnings increase in 2025. While 2024’s non-interest income surge may not repeat, banks are on track for moderate profit growth from stable credit expansion and a low credit cost of around 20 bps.

    RAM’s GDP growth expectation of 4.0%-5.0% for 2025 (2024: 5.1%), though slower, will be driven by domestic demand given favourable labour market conditions and accommodative interest rates.

    Investment activity will gain from progress on multi-year infrastructure projects and greater realisation of record-high levels of approved investments last year, as well as the ongoing rollout of catalytic initiatives under the national master plans. These factors are likely to stimulate business lending. On the retail front, home financing will continue to be a major growth contributor while auto lending is anticipated to normalise in line with the lower total industry volume forecast for 2025. “Beyond these, the overall loan growth trajectory will also inevitably depend on how global external risks and domestic adjustments to fuel subsidies and electricity tariffs unfold,” Wong adds.

    On the asset quality front, the weighted average credit cost ratio of eight selected local banks rated by RAM eased further to 18 bps in 2024 (2023: 23 bps). Banks’ loan loss coverage (with regulatory reserves) is strong, with the average of the eight banks improving to 143% as at end-2024 (end-2023: 134%)
    “Malaysian digital banks are also making a nascent mark on the industry, with all three operational banks ramping up deposit gathering efforts over the past year, driven by high-interest savings accounts,” said Sophia Lee, RAM’s Co-head of Financial Institution Ratings. Digital banks have also recently expanded their services to include lending, strategically focusing on specific customer segments.

    Expectedly, all three digital banks are still far from breaking even, with quarterly trends indicating that losses have yet to peak in view of high set-up costs. “The key hurdle for these banks lies in retaining tech-savvy and price-sensitive customers in a competitive market while managing acquisition costs and scaling up without assuming significant risks. Shareholders have so far demonstrated strong financial support, with all three players receiving additional capital injections in 2024,” Lee adds.

    RAM’s Banking Insight is available for download at www.ram.com.my.

  • Kenanga Investors celebrates multiple wins at the 2025 LSEG Lipper Fund Awards

    Kenanga Investors celebrates multiple wins at the 2025 LSEG Lipper Fund Awards

    Kenanga Investors Berhad (“Kenanga Investors”) was presented with a total of five awards at the LSEG Lipper Fund Awards 2025, surpassing previous successes by earning recognition across multiple categories,.

    The firm was recognised for the performance of the following funds:

    1. Kenanga DividendEXTRA Fund (“KDEF”) – Best Equity Malaysia Diversified – Malaysia Funds Over 3 Years
    2. Kenanga Malaysian Inc Fund (“KMIF”) – Best Equity Malaysia Diversified – Malaysia Provident Funds Over 10 Years
    3. Kenanga Balanced Fund (“KBF”) – Best Mixed Asset MYR Balanced – Malaysia Provident Funds Over 10 Years
    4. Kenanga Managed Growth Fund (“KMGF”) – Best Mixed Asset MYR Flexible – Malaysia Provident Funds Over 10 Years
    5. Kenanga SyariahEXTRA Fund (“KSEF”) – Best Mixed Asset MYR Balanced – Malaysia Islamic Funds Awards Over 10 Years

    Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, expressed pride in the firm’s performance, stating, “These awards highlight our ongoing commitment to excellence and consistency, especially in delivering strong returns year after year, even in tough market conditions. Our success comes from a disciplined, bottom-up stock-picking approach, which helps us identify high-quality companies and spot opportunities others may miss. We dig deep into industry dynamics, company business models, and the key factors driving return on equity. Through thorough channel checks, we assess competitive advantages and growth drivers, focusing on management quality, sustainability, industry trends, and balance sheet strength. As such, we are glad to see our expertise demonstrated by our success in both conventional and Shariah categories”.

    Lee Sook Yee, Chief Investment Officer, shared the firm’s outlook for 2025, stating, “We will continue to emphasise stock picking, while maintaining a higher-than-usual cash allocation to ensure flexibility amidst ongoing external uncertainties. We will focus on sectors tied to Malaysia’s domestic growth story, such as financials, construction, and healthcare, while complementing these with increased defensive holding. Selected small-cap stocks could present an opportunity, especially after their underperformance compared to large-cap stocks in 2024. By staying consistent with our investment philosophy, I am confident we can manage our portfolios effectively to capitalise on market opportunities, even with volatility”.

    The performance1 of KMIF2 for the 2024 calendar year, which has received recognition for four consecutive times at the Awards, stands at 24.14%, significantly outperforming its benchmark of 16.98%. KDEF2 recorded returns of 21.31%, surpassing its benchmark of 16.98%, while KMGF3 delivered 19.24%, exceeding its benchmark of 10.39%. KBF4 posted a return of 18.53%, also outperforming its benchmark of 12.52%, and KSEF5 achieved 15.39%, outpacing its benchmark of 10.23%.

    The LSEG Lipper Fund Awards, granted annually, highlight funds and fund companies that have excelled in delivering consistently strong risk-adjusted performance relative to their peers. The Awards are based on the Lipper Leader for Consistent Return rating, which is a risk-adjusted performance measure calculated over 36, 60 and 120 months.

    With this year’s multiple wins, Kenanga Investors strengthens its position as a leading fund house in Malaysia, committed to delivering value and growth for its investors over the long term.

  • Maybank Asset Management launches first in-house Shariah Global Tech Fund to tap AI megatrends

    Maybank Asset Management launches first in-house Shariah Global Tech Fund to tap AI megatrends

    Maybank Asset Management Sdn Bhd (“MAM Malaysia”) is proud to introduce the Maybank Global Technology-I Fund (“the Fund”), its second in-house global fund and a key addition to its suite of Shariah-compliant investment solutions. Designed for investors seeking long-term capital growth, the Fund aims to offer investors access to high-growth technology companies that are shaping the future of the global economy while adhering to Shariah principles.

    Hisham Hamzah, CEO of MAM commented, “The launch of the Fund comes at a pivotal time as financial markets navigate heightened volatility. Following President Donald Trump’s return to office, the U.S. has imposed significant tariffs on key trading partners, including Canada, Mexico, and China, introducing renewed uncertainty in the global economy. Amid these challenges, investors seek resilient investment solutions, and the Fund is designed to meet this need.”

    He added, “Concurrently, China’s technological advancements are reshaping the competitive landscape. Notably, a Chinese startup has released a low-cost, high-performance AI model, R1, which has garnered significant attention and is seen as a major development in the AI industry. Keeping up with these rapidly evolving market developments can be complex for investors, requiring the expertise of professional fund managers to identify opportunities and mitigate risks. the Fund offers a unique opportunity to participate in the future of innovation while benefiting from professional investment management.”

    As an equity fund, the Maybank Global Technology-I Fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of Shariah-compliant equities and equity-related securities of technology-driven companies worldwide. By maintaining at least 75% of its net asset value (NAV) in global Shariah-compliant technology-related equities, the Fund aims to provide investors with meaningful exposure to cutting-edge innovations in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital payments, and cloud computing.

    Denominated in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) as the base currency, the Fund is available in both retail (MYR Class) and institutional (MYR Institutional Class) offerings, with a minimum investment of RM1,000 and RM250,000, respectively.

    Investors are advised to read and understand the contents of the Fund’s Product Highlights Sheet and Prospectus, dated 6 February 2025, before making any investment decisions.

    The Maybank Global Technology-I Fund is now available on Maybank2U and Maybank branches nationwide. To learn more about the Fund, investors can visit www.maybank-am.com.my.

  • AHAM Capital declares income distribution of RM1.11 billion

    AHAM Capital declares income distribution of RM1.11 billion

    AHAM Asset Management Berhad (“AHAM Capital” or “the Company”) has declared a total income distribution of RM1.11 billion for the financial year 2024, spanning across a total of 89 wholesale and retail funds managed by the Company. These Funds encompass a diverse set of strategies and asset classes including equities, bonds, and mixed assets.

    Anton Tan, Chief Officer of Product Solutions of AHAM Capital said, “We are delighted to reaffirm our commitment to delivering consistent income to investors with average distribution yield ranging between 4.0% – 8.0% across our funds. In 2024, our strategic positioning in Malaysian equities paid off, supported by strong market performance driven by policy reforms and a surge in foreign direct investments. Additionally, easing inflationary trends and interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve created a supportive backdrop for fixed income markets, contributing to the overall stability of our income strategies.”

    Looking ahead to 2025, Anton adds, “As the global stage shifts under Trump’s new administration, alongside heightened geopolitical tensions and persistent currency volatility, the need for diversification is more critical than ever. Income strategies help provide a cornerstone for portfolio resilience by offering stability and capital preservation in an uncertain environment.

    “While the pace of rate cuts may slow, and interest rates could remain higher-for-longer, the current environment still offers a rare window for income-seeking investors to lock-in higher yields today. We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing globally diversified solutions spanning different strategies, assets and currency classes to help our clients recalibrate and position for the year ahead.”

    The Company’s Select and World Series funds delivered strong income distribution yields ranging from 4.0% to 8.0% across various asset classes and strategies. Notable highlights include the AHAM World Series – Income Fund, which achieved an impressive yield of 8.3% by capitalising on global income opportunities, while the AHAM Select SGD Income Fund and AHAM Select AUD Income Fund each recorded yield of 4.50%, offering investors the advantages of currency diversification. In the Shariah-compliant segment, the AHAM Aiiman Income Plus Fund and AHAM Aiiman Quantum Fund delivered competitive yields of 4.50% and 4.60%, respectively.

    As at 31 December 2024, AHAM Capital’s total Assets Under Administration (AUA) stood at approximately RM89.0 billion, encompassing assets under management, investment advisory, and those under distribution.

  • Shopee expands range of Shariah compliant financial services with Takaful IKHLAS

    Shopee expands range of Shariah compliant financial services with Takaful IKHLAS

    Leading digital payments and financial services provider SeaMoney, has partnered with Takaful Ikhlas General Berhad (Takaful IKHLAS) to offer Motor Takaful protection on the Shopee app. The latest addition to Shopee’s growing suite of digital insurance and takaful offerings, IKHLAS Private Car Comprehensive Plus Takaful, aims to provide holistic, Shariah compliant motor takaful protection to users.

    IKHLAS Private Car Comprehensive Plus Takaful provides the following coverage:

    • Third party bodily injury and death;
    • Third party property loss or damage;
    • Loss or damage to your own vehicle due to accidental fire or theft; and
    • Loss or damage to your own vehicle due to accidents.

    Additionally, participants can enjoy complimentary benefits that include:

    • Waiver of Compulsory Excess for Unnamed Driver
    • Complimentary Personal Accident cover for Participant
    • Transportation Fee Reimbursement

    IKHLAS Private Car Comprehensive Plus Takaful also provides complimentary roadside assistance with 24-Hour Bantuan IKHLAS Road Assist. This includes a 24-Hour Accident and Breakdown towing service that also covers Singapore, South Thailand, and Brunei within a 25km radius of the Malaysian border, as well as locksmithing and battery delivery services.

    In conjunction with the launch of IKHLAS Private Car Comprehensive Plus Takaful, Shopee is offering an RM15 voucher on top of a 10% discount for all Takaful IKHLAS insurance and takaful products.

    Here’s how you can purchase IKHLAS Private Car Comprehensive Plus Takaful on Shopee:

    Step 1: From the Shopee app home page, access the “Finance” circle, located right below the search bar. Once in the Finance page, click on “Insurance”.

    Step 2: Here, click on “Car” and proceed to fill in your vehicle details to receive an insurance quotation.

    Step 3: After receiving your quotation, select your preferred IKHLAS Private Car Comprehensive Plus Takaful and proceed to complete your purchase.

     

  • Key trading trends to watch in 2025

    Key trading trends to watch in 2025

    Developments such as Forex market volatility, rising commodity prices, and Southeast Asia’s economic growth are poised to reshape the trading landscape in 2025. Market participants need to be aware of these trends to develop strategic approaches and mitigate risks. Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa broker, highlights key trading trends to expect in 2025.

    Currency markets are bracing for heightened volatility in 2025, driven by shifting global economic conditions and monetary policy adjustments. According to S&P Global’s Economic Outlook, slowing global growth, rising inflation, and divergent interest rate policies among major central banks are expected to weigh heavily on currency pairs like EURUSD and GBPUSD. These factors, combined with trade uncertainties, could disrupt Forex market liquidity, increasing short-term volatility and widening spreads.

    The U.S. dollar is expected to maintain its status as a safe-haven asset amid continued global uncertainties. Emerging markets, however, face potential pressure as currency depreciation risks rise, particularly in regions reliant on external financing. As a result, traders are likely to focus on hedging strategies and closely monitor monetary policy decisions from the U.S. Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, and Bank of England.

    Commodity markets are set for dynamic shifts in 2025, shaped by inflationary pressures, geopolitical risks, and the global energy transition. Gold, which saw strong demand in 2024 as a safe-haven asset, is projected to maintain its upward trajectory as global economic uncertainty persists. Analysts point to ongoing geopolitical tensions and a slowdown in economic growth as key drivers of gold’s appeal in the coming year.

    Meanwhile, oil markets are likely to experience continued volatility. Supply constraints, coupled with shifts in energy demand, could push prices higher. Additionally, green energy-related commodities like lithium, copper, and nickel are increasingly valuable as governments accelerate their renewable energy initiatives. Reports highlight that commodities essential for electric vehicle production and energy storage will see sustained demand growth, creating new opportunities for commodity traders.

    Southeast Asia remains a focal point for global trade and investment, driven by strong economic fundamentals and rapid digital transformation. Countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore are leading the charge, with the region’s GDP growth forecasted to outpace global averages in 2025.

    Indonesia’s digital economy continues to expand, supported by strong consumer adoption and increased investments in infrastructure. By 2025, Southeast Asia’s internet economy is expected to reach $330 billion, reflecting a steady rise in e-commerce, fintech, and online services. Malaysia, on the other hand, remains a significant player in electronics and renewable energy, with government policies aimed at enhancing infrastructure and attracting foreign investment. Singapore, as a financial hub, maintains its strategic role in driving innovation and green technology adoption.

    While trading opportunities are abundant, 2025 brings its share of challenges. Rising global debt levels, coupled with higher borrowing costs, present risks to both developed and emerging economies. Bain & Company’s 2024 report highlights concerns over potential recessions in major markets, which could disrupt trade flows and investor sentiment.

    Geopolitical conflicts and protectionist trade policies also remain key risks. Tensions in global supply chains, particularly between the U.S. and China, could impact commodity prices and currency markets. Traders must rely on robust risk management strategies, incorporating both technical and fundamental analysis to navigate these uncertainties.

    Trading in 2025 will be defined by the volatility of the Forex market, rising demand, and the strength of Southeast Asian economies. Traders are advised to acknowledge these and other trends in advance to adjust their long-term strategies accordingly. To facilitate trend watching, market players can rely on advanced tools that allow for faster and more accurate decision-making. Such tools include Space from OctaTrader, which provides predictive insights and expert strategies for traders. Such an approach allows for improved risk management amidst volatile markets.

  • ANGKASA and Zurich Takaful launch MyANGKASA Plus Protection Scheme

    ANGKASA and Zurich Takaful launch MyANGKASA Plus Protection Scheme

    ANGKASA, through its subsidiary MyANGKASA Holdings Sdn. Bhd. (MHSB), in collaboration with Zurich Takaful Malaysia Berhad and Zurich General Takaful Malaysia Berhad (collectively referred to as Zurich Takaful) has launched the MyANGKASA Plus Protection Scheme. This value-added product, which is part of ANGKASA’s Cooperative Credit System, is designed to enhance service quality, particularly for cooperatives and companies involved in the financial sector.

    ANGKASA President, Datuk Seri Dr. Abdul Fattah Abdullah, highlighted that the MyANGKASA Plus Protection Scheme serves as an affordable mechanism offering comprehensive protection for over 7.2 million cooperative members.

    “The scheme’s primary objective is to provide financial protection for cooperatives, companies, and members who finance loans through cooperatives or companies using ANGKASA’s Salary Deduction System (SPGA), in case of unforeseen events affecting borrowers,” he explained.

    “This scheme not only offers financial assistance to borrowers during disasters but also protects financiers by covering their financing to reduce risks of non-payment and arrears. Additionally, MyANGKASA Amanah Berhad, ANGKASA’s trust management arm, will act as the trustee and manager of the project through trust deeds signed by clients,” he added.

    “ANGKASA assures that the scheme will be managed with proper governance to ensure benefits are delivered directly to beneficiaries, along with additional protection features such as hibah (gifts), wasiat (wills), and inheritance management. This initiative sets itself apart from existing market products, offering unique advantages. Our collaboration with Zurich Takaful as a strategic partner is based on their proven excellence in management capabilities, service efficiency and claims payment reliability,” said Datuk Seri Dr. Abdul Fattah Abdullah during the launch of MyANGKASA Plus Protection Scheme at Wisma Ungku A. Aziz.

    Shamsul Azman, CEO of Zurich General Takaful Berhad, added, “In addition to benefits for death and permanent disability, Zurich Takaful also offers takaful protection for Involuntary Job Loss due to accidents.”

    Nur Fatihah Mustafa, CEO of Zurich Takaful Malaysia Berhad, highlighted that the MyANGKASA Plus Protection Scheme offers comprehensive coverage for both natural and accidental causes, ensuring that cooperative members are protected 24/7 worldwide against unforeseen circumstances.

    “This initiative is also in line with our brand ethos to ‘Care For What Matters,’ reflecting our ongoing commitment to safeguard Malaysians and empowering them to live confidently while striving for a brighter future” she added.

     

  • Funding Societies and foodpanda offer 2% per annum financing rates for Bumiputera merchants

    Funding Societies and foodpanda offer 2% per annum financing rates for Bumiputera merchants

    Funding Societies, Southeast Asia’s largest unified small and medium enterprise (SME) digital finance platform, has extended its partnership with Delivery Hero (M) Sdn Bhd [fka Foodpanda (M) Sdn Bhd] to offer exclusive financing for Bumiputera merchants. Eligible foodpanda merchants can access financing up to RM100,000 at a competitive 2% annual rate with a flexible financing tenor of up to 24 months. This limited-time initiative aims to empower local entrepreneurs with the capital to grow and succeed in a challenging market.

    Chai Kien Poon, Country Head, Funding Societies Malaysia, remarked, “The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) reported that Malaysia’s services sector achieved a total revenue of RM2.3 trillion in 2023, an 8.4% increase from RM2.1 trillion in 2022. Despite this growth, sub-sectors such as food and beverage (1.4%) have yet to recover to their pre-pandemic (2019) revenue levels. To support these businesses, particularly MSMEs, access to cash flow is crucial. We are hopeful that this partnership between Funding Societies and foodpanda can better assist and scale underserved, creditworthy SMEs in this industry.”

    “Furthermore, we are confident that this affordable financing can help food sellers to better restock supplies and prepare for upcoming seasonal growth amidst a potential surge in staple vegetable costs as a result of the recent floods and ahead of the festive season.”

    “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Funding Societies to offer this exclusive financing opportunity to our Bumiputera merchants. At foodpanda, we believe in empowering our merchants with the tools and resources they need to thrive in today’s challenging market. This initiative not only provides access to much-needed capital at an affordable rate but also reinforces our commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs, especially as they prepare for the upcoming festive season. Together, we aim to drive meaningful growth and resilience for our foodpanda merchant community,” said Tan Ming Luk, Managing Director, foodpanda Malaysia.

    Under this offer, Bumiputera SMEs can apply for Shariah-compliant financing with just two initial documents: identification documents (for directors and the company) and six months of bank statements. The application is fully digital, with decisions provided within days.

    Together, Funding Societies and foodpanda have assisted 500 foodpanda merchants and the latest collaboration aims to build on the momentum. Besides providing essential cash flow and growth capital, by lowering the cost of financing, the collaboration aims to level the playing field and support more underserved micro and small businesses to grow their business within the foodpanda network.

  • Southeast Asia’s crypto revolution: Venkate exchange surpasses 1 million users

    Southeast Asia’s crypto revolution: Venkate exchange surpasses 1 million users

    In a significant milestone that underscores its dominance in the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors, Venkate Exchange has proudly announced that its user base has exceeded one million. Venkate serves a rapidly growing community with a daily trading volume surpassing $1 billion.

    Security and advanced technology remain at the core of Venkate’s operations, with features including:

    • Advanced Custody Solutions: Leveraging Multi-Party Computation (MPC) wallet technology alongside partnerships with top-tier custodians.
    • Robust Risk Controls: Implementing on-chain monitoring systems and stringent KYC/AML compliance to ensure a secure trading environment.
    • Decentralised Insurance Protocols: Protecting users against contract risks and cyberattacks, thereby enhancing trading confidence.

    Venkate Exchange continues to use its extensive global network and deep regional insights to significantly boost the success of Web3 projects:

    • Global Partnerships: Collaboration with over 1,000 key opinion leaders and hundreds of media outlets maximise visibility and impact.
    • Localised Community Building: Customised community initiatives in Southeast Asia boost project recognition and engagement.
      • Proven Results: Partner projects report up to a 300% increase in exposure and a staggering 1,000% growth in user engagement within the region.

    Venkate remains dedicated to propelling the digital economy in the region forward with a focus on:

    • Diversity: Offering a broad array of assets for tailored investment strategies.
    • Sustainability: Fostering impactful and ethical investment practices.
    • Transparency and Reliability: Ensuring open communication and consistent, robust asset protection

    With achievements ranging from monumental user growth to pioneering the tokenisation of meteorites, Venkate continues to deliver unparalleled value and innovation to its users.