The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) is to create a regulatory sandbox so that startups and fintech firms can test their ideas and solutions and strengthen the Gulf state’s position as a regional fintech and financial services hub.
A combination of human and robo could be the answer for underserved Asian investors seeking low-cost technology-driven financial advice, a market that pure robo-advice providers have found hard to crack.
Hargreaves Lansdown, which operates the UK’s biggest online trading platform, is to allow clients to invest in a dedicated bitcoin Exchange Traded Note (ETN) through its SIPP and brokerage services.
St James’s Place has partnered with London fintech group Flagstone to offer clients a new online cash management platform.
The Financial Conduct Authority has entered into a co-operation agreement with Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) to support innovation in fintech.
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam is to be updated to include topics such as big data, artificial intelligence and robo-advice.
DeVere Group has launched a new banking app to coincide with its recently-unveiled plans for an investment bank on the offshore jurisdiction of Mauritius.
The Sanlam’s Group’s investment arm is to partner with a financial technology specialist to launch an investment service that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to deliver targeted returns with the lowest risk of loss.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Technology Research Institute have rolled out a programme that provides fintech internships for undergraduate and postgraduate students, as part of its latest move to become Asia’s leading fintech hub.
Fintech firms will be able to test certain services in Australia without holding a financial services or credit licence under a “unique” exemption offered by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (Asic).
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) are to “foster collaboration between the two regulatory authorities in promoting financial innovation”.
Barclays’ announcement on Monday that it has launched an execution-only platform should come as no surprise. But, it should serve as a reminder to wealth managers not to get too complacent.
