News & Events
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Mastercard to acquire crypto startup BVNK for up to $1.8 billion in largest stablecoin deal to date
Mastercard is buying a London crypto startup called BVNK for up to $1.8 billion—the biggest stablecoin deal ever. About $300 million of that is tied to future milestones, with the purchase wrapping up by year-end.
BVNK, started in 2021, helps businesses handle payments, international transfers, and treasury stuff using stablecoins. The deal came after rocky on-off talks where Coinbase almost snapped them up for $2 billion last November, but it fell through.
Read the original article here: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/mastercard-to-acquire-crypto-startup-bvnk-for-up-to-1-8-billion-in-largest-stablecoin-deal-to-date/ar-AA1YPK4H?ocid=BingNewsVerp
Pakistan enacts Virtual Assets Act 2026, sets crypto rules
Pakistan has passed the Virtual Assets Act 2026, with the Senate approving it on February 27, the National Assembly on March 3, and President Asif Ali Zardari signing it into immediate effect. This creates the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) with full power to license, regulate, and supervise exchanges, custodians, brokers, and token issuers nationwide, enforcing compliance and market conduct standards.
Binance and HTX received No Objection Certificates to begin AML registration (local subsidiaries needed for full licenses); unlicensed activity risks 5 years in jail or Rs. 50M fines, plus bans on manipulation/insider trading and FATF-aligned AML/CTF rules.
It includes a Shariah Advisory Committee for Islamic compliance. The government is also pursuing a Bitcoin reserve, allocating 2,000 MW surplus power for mining/AI data centers, and inked an MOU with Trump-linked World Liberty Financial for stablecoin cross-border payments.
Read the original article here: https://blockonomi.com/pakistan-enacts-virtual-assets-act-2026-sets-crypto-rules/
Kenya, Rwanda move toward single licence for cross-border fintech expansion
Kenya and Rwanda are developing a shared regulatory framework that would allow fintech firms to operate in both countries under a single licence, potentially removing one of the biggest obstacles to regional expansion for African digital payments companies.
Under the proposed system, regulators in Nairobi and Kigali would recognise each other’s approvals, while retaining joint oversight and cooperating on supervision. At present, startups must secure separate licences in each country, a duplication that pushes up compliance costs and slows the rollout of cross‑border payment services.
By moving towards mutual recognition, the two central banks hope to support the responsible growth of fintechs and deepen regulatory collaboration. If adopted, the framework could speed up the expansion of East Africa’s digital payments market by making it easier for companies to scale across borders.
Read the original article here: https://businessday.ng/technology/article/kenya-rwanda-move-toward-single-licence-for-cross-border-fintech-expansion/#google_vignette
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The Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce: Milestones and Moments Video
It has been little over a year and a half since the Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce came into existence.
The Chamber was set up because right now we are at an immensely important juncture in modern history; now more than ever is the moment for Commonwealth business to realise the benefits of being part of the global network of the Commonwealth family.
Webinar on the Isle of Man: The Exemplary Jurisdiction for Asset Management Recording
Our notable speakers provide a compendium of information on the structure of the territory’s legal system, its financial services and the multifaceted process for relocation. They also discuss the factors and governance frameworks that have led to the success of the leading financial jurisdiction as well as the many incentives that make the Isle of Man such a prime destination for relocation, particularly for internationally mobile families.
South/East Asia StartUp Summit 2022
The international conference focussed on tech-enabled entrepreneurship in Southeast Asia and provided a virtual platform to engage youth with different activities and discussing exciting opportunities being created as the region’s ecosystem continues to thrive and grow!