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Bank One extends a facility to the ESATF Trade Fund to support regional trade finance in Africa

Bank One extends a facility to the ESATF Trade Fund to support regional trade finance in Africa

11/06/2025

Bank One has announced the extension of a $5 million credit facility to the Eastern and Southern African Trade Fund (ESATF), a dedicated African trade finance vehicle managed by ESATAL Fund Management Company, a subsidiary of the Trade and Development Bank (TDB) Group. This facility aims to support ESATF’s expanding loan book and respond to the increasing demand for trade finance across Africa, one of the continent’s most dynamic and high-growth markets.

The partnership builds on a long-standing relationship between Bank One and the TDB Group, initially established through syndicated lending collaborations in support of TDB’s trade and development banking initiatives. Over the past few years, Bank One has participated in two syndicated debt raises alongside TDB, reinforcing their mutual commitment to inclusive and sustainable economic development in Africa.

This latest engagement marks a milestone in their collaboration, representing Bank One’s first direct lending transaction with ESATF. The move reflects Bank One’s confidence in ESATF as a robust, professionally managed trade finance fund with a diversified and de-risked portfolio, strategically aligned with the continent’s growing trade finance needs.

As of June 2025, ESATF manages $300 million in net assets and is backed by over 60 institutional investors, making it a leading platform for those looking to contribute to Africa’s trade finance ecosystem. The fund supports key sectors across the continent, with a strong emphasis on empowering SMEs, women-led enterprises, and smallholder farmers—critical drivers of inclusive economic growth. This partnership underlines the strategic role of blended finance and cross-border cooperation in unlocking capital for trade development and underscores both institutions’ commitment to fostering economic resilience and opportunity throughout Africa.

Read the original article here: https://www.africa-newsroom.com/press/bank-one-extends-a-facility-to-the-esatf-trade-fund-to-support-regional-trade-finance-in-africa?lang=en

ADGM rolls out new digital asset rules What crypto firms need to know in 2025

ADGM rolls out new digital asset rules What crypto firms need to know in 2025

10/06/2025

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has taken a significant step in enhancing its regulatory framework for the digital asset sector. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM has announced the implementation of new amendments to its Digital Asset Regulatory Framework, effective immediately.

The key changes introduced by the updated framework aim to strike a balance between fostering innovation and managing risks in the rapidly evolving digital asset space. Firstly, the framework provides a clearer process for Virtual Asset (VA) firms to apply for their assets to be recognised as Accepted Virtual Assets (AVAs) within ADGM. This move is designed to provide market participants with greater predictability and transparency in regulatory outcomes.

The FSRA has introduced a new product intervention power, which aligns with global trends among financial regulators adopting more agile frameworks for supervising digital finance. This tool gives the FSRA more flexibility to respond to emerging risks in the digital asset space, particularly with investor protection and market integrity.

The revised framework also formally prohibits the use of privacy tokens and algorithmic stablecoins within ADGM, underscoring the FSRA’s cautious stance on assets that may raise compliance or systemic risk concerns. Furthermore, the amendments expand the investment options for Venture Capital Funds operating in the jurisdiction.

Read the original article here: https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/adgm-rolls-out-new-digital-asset-rules-what-crypto-firms-need-to-know-in-2025/ar-AA1GqfGG?ocid=BingNewsVerp

India’s digital forensics market to triple global growth, hit $1.39 billion by FY30 Report

India’s digital forensics market to triple global growth, hit $1.39 billion by FY30 Report

10/06/2025

According to a joint report by Deloitte and the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), India’s digital forensics market is poised for exponential growth, expected to reach $1.39 billion (Rs 11,829 crore) by the financial year 2029-30.

The report projects the Indian digital forensics market to grow at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 40%, more than triple the global average of 11%. This rapid expansion signals a pivot in India’s approach to digital crime and cybersecurity readiness. Mobile forensics currently dominates the sector, accounting for around 51% of the market, driven by the surge in smartphone usage, digital payments, and mobile-centric cybercrime. With 81% of the demand coming from the public sector, particularly law enforcement, the report highlights the growing reliance on forensic technology to combat sophisticated digital threats.

The report recommends a strategic roadmap focused on boosting indigenous Research & Development (R&D) to reduce import dependence, as well as expanding education and certification programs to bridge the projected shortfall of 90,000 forensic professionals.

This rapid growth in India’s digital forensics market underscores the country’s commitment to enhancing its cybersecurity posture and combating the evolving digital threat landscape.

Read the original article here: https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/india-s-digital-forensics-market-to-triple-global-growth-hit-1-39-billion-by-fy30-report/ar-AA1GiqR2?ocid=BingNewsVerp

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Commonwealth digital lending markets in Africa

Commonwealth digital lending markets in Africa

Please join the Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce for a webinar on Commonwealth digital lending markets in Africa. The webinar will take place online via Zoom on the 4th of July at 5 pm HKT.

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