logo

Aspire launches investment solution

Finextraa day ago
Aspire, the all-in-one finance platform for modern businesses, today announced the launch of Aspire Yield, its new investment solution, giving small businesses access to investment opportunities within their Aspire Business Account.
0
This content is provided by an external author without editing by Finextra. It expresses the views and opinions of the author.
The launch follows AFT SG 2 Pte Ltd, a company within the Aspire Group, securing its Capital Markets Services License (CMS) from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in April 2025, enabling it to offer regulated investment solutions to businesses. To ensure stability and performance needed to turn idle cash into capital growth, Aspire's affiliate has partnered with Fullerton Fund Management for both Singapore and US dollar investments.
The integrated solution addresses a long-standing challenge for SMEs, where competitive investment opportunities have traditionally remained difficult to access without substantial minimums or complex processes that favour larger corporations with established banking relationships. Now, through the Aspire platform, Singapore's small businesses can earn up to 2.04% for SGD investments and 3.88% for USD investments[1], compared to traditional business savings rates that typically range from 0.01% to 0.25% per annum[2].
More than half the funds were previously sitting idle
Early adoption data from Aspire Yield's clients in beta reveals a significant untapped opportunity: approximately 55% of funds now invested through Aspire Yield were previously sitting idle in traditional business accounts, earning minimal returns.
'That's a staggering statistic and shows just how much capital small businesses have been leaving on the table,' said Andrea Baronchelli, CEO and co-founder of Aspire. 'Aspire Yield changes this by giving every eligible Singapore business access to the same high-quality money market funds that are available to institutional investors, seamlessly integrated into their daily financial operations.'
Zero barriers, maximum flexibility for business operations
All eligible Singapore-incorporated businesses can now open SGD and USD Yield accounts immediately. Unlike traditional investment products that often require minimums and lengthy lock-up periods, Aspire Yield offers:
No minimum investment requirement — businesses can start with any amount
Next business day liquidity, with funds remaining accessible for operational needs
No lock-up periods and complete flexibility to withdraw as business needs change
Integrated investment management within the Aspire platform.
'Aspire Yield is refreshingly simple: no minimums, no hidden terms, and no pressure to 'invest' in something risky. Just move cash in, and it does its thing,' said Bhavana Ravindran, founder and CEO of Earlybird AI, which uses Aspire Yield to manage its business funds.
'We designed Aspire Yield specifically for how modern businesses operate,' explained Damien Passavent, Chief Product Officer, Aspire. 'Businesses need their capital to work harder, but they also need immediate access when opportunities or challenges arise. This isn't about locking money away – it's about making every dollar more productive while preserving complete operational flexibility.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Investment fund sues Marex over alleged use of confidential information for trading position
Investment fund sues Marex over alleged use of confidential information for trading position

Reuters

time3 minutes ago

  • Reuters

Investment fund sues Marex over alleged use of confidential information for trading position

LONDON, Aug 20 (Reuters) - An investment fund has filed a lawsuit in London against commodities broker and financial group Marex , alleging it used confidential information from the fund to support its own trading position, according to a court filing. London-based Marex Group plc declined to comment on the legal action. A court filing on August 7 by lawyers for Ocean Freight Trident Offshore Master Fund Limited against Marex said exact damages would be specified in the future, but would be at least 10 million pounds. The court document said the fund, registered in the Cayman Islands, opened an account with Marex in April 2024 and deposited $30 million, adding $12 million to the account between June and November. Marex liquidated the fund's entire positions in November 2024, the lawsuit said, without giving details of the positions. "In doing so as it did, the defendant purported to exercise its powers for the improper and collateral purpose of supporting its own proprietary trading position, adopted with the benefit of information that was confidential," the court filing said. John Hahn is chief investment officer and president of the manager of the fund, Ocean Freight Capital Management LLC, which is based in the U.S., it added. LinkedIn shows Hahn is based in Los Angeles and runs Ocean Freight Exchange, an AI platform for the shipping industry. Hahn previously worked for commodity traders Noble Group and Louis Dreyfus Company, LinkedIn showed. Hahn did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

How Tight Outbound Controls Can Backfire: Fueling Hawala and Weakening Inbound Remittances: By Md Rezaul Karim
How Tight Outbound Controls Can Backfire: Fueling Hawala and Weakening Inbound Remittances: By Md Rezaul Karim

Finextra

time35 minutes ago

  • Finextra

How Tight Outbound Controls Can Backfire: Fueling Hawala and Weakening Inbound Remittances: By Md Rezaul Karim

Bangladesh's strict currency control regulations, designed to safeguard foreign exchange reserves and stabilize the economy, often result in unintended consequences. While these policies aim to curb money outflows, they can inadvertently disrupt legitimate outbound payments, causing delays and driving individuals and businesses to seek alternative, informal channels like hawala. This shift not only undermines the effectiveness of official financial systems but also limits the inflow of remittances, weakening the overall economy. As one of the world's top remittance-receiving nations, Bangladesh is expected to receive over USD 30 billion in remittances by 2025. These inflows are vital for the country's foreign reserves and millions of households. However, along with these inflows, there are legitimate outbound payment needs for trade, education, healthcare, travel, and digital services. When the formal system obstructs these flows, money often shifts to hawala, which directly counters the remittances coming through banks. Public information on outbound remittance data is limited. However, market insights suggest that approximately USD 5–7 billion in outbound remittances (excluding trade payments) leave Bangladesh each year. In 2023, however, Bangladesh Bank reported only USD 211 million of these transfers flowing through formal banking channels, indicating that nearly 96% of outbound remittances were processed through informal networks like hundi/hawala. If left unaddressed, this disparity will continue to erode the formal economy. Outbound Flow Estimates & Channels: Banking Channel 211 Million 4% Informal Channels USD 5 to 7 Billion 96% This article explores the impact of strict outbound flow restrictions on inbound remittances, focusing on Bangladesh's case. It examines how easing these restrictions, streamlining payment processes, and adopting digital solutions could foster economic growth, strengthen financial systems, and attract greater global investment. By shifting toward a more balanced approach, Bangladesh can leverage its remittance potential more effectively while facilitating smoother cross-border payments for businesses and individuals alike. Why Outbound Payments Matter Individuals and small businesses in Bangladesh have legitimate reasons to send money abroad, including: Small Trade and Business Payments: SMEs and individual traders often import goods directly from suppliers in markets like China, Malaysia, and Indonesia. In FY 2024–25, imports reached USD 64.4 billion, with small trade payments making up an increasing share. Without efficient banking channels, many turn to informal systems to keep operations running. Digital Services and Software: Local IT companies and freelancers regularly purchase software, cloud tools, online courses, and other digital services from international providers. Without smooth outbound payments, these businesses struggle to stay competitive. Tuition Payments: In 2024, around 60,000 Bangladeshi students went abroad for higher education, more than double the 26,112 recorded in 2014. With an estimated 106,000 students currently studying abroad, outbound tuition payments have reached about USD 2 billion. Healthcare: According to the Daily Star (Dec 2024), approximately 350,000 Bangladeshis travel abroad annually for medical treatment, primarily to India, Thailand, and Singapore. These healthcare-related outbound flows amount to roughly USD 3 billion each year. Travel (Including Hajj & Umrah): Each year, 2 million Bangladeshis travel abroad for tourism, spending more than USD 1 billion. Additionally, 100,000 travel for Umrah and 90,000 for Hajj. Religious travel alone contributes USD 600 million in outbound payments. Remittance from Expatriates in Bangladesh: With approximately 150,000 expatriates working in Bangladesh, outbound salary and savings transfers amount to about USD 1 billion annually. Although these categories are recognized by Bangladesh Bank, inefficiencies, excessive paperwork, and limitations imposed by legacy correspondent banking arrangements often make formal channels unattractive. Consequently, businesses frequently turn to informal networks such as hawala. Why Efficient Outbound Payments Are Crucial Easing legitimate outbound transfers would yield several benefits: For SMEs and Traders : A small textile factory importing fabric from China could make payments smoothly through banking channels, avoiding hawala. This transparency builds trust with suppliers and ensures compliance. Without efficient official channels, businesses often resort to informal networks for quicker transactions. : A small textile factory importing fabric from China could make payments smoothly through banking channels, avoiding hawala. This transparency builds trust with suppliers and ensures compliance. Without efficient official channels, businesses often resort to informal networks for quicker transactions. For Freelancers and IT Firms : Instant payments for software or cloud services enhance productivity, competitiveness, and revenue generation. Without efficient payment systems, freelancers often rely on third parties with international accounts, further fueling the informal market. : Instant payments for software or cloud services enhance productivity, competitiveness, and revenue generation. Without efficient payment systems, freelancers often rely on third parties with international accounts, further fueling the informal market. For Individuals: Students, patients, and travelers could make payments without facing delays or overpaying in the open market. For instance, parents may need to urgently send tuition or living expenses to universities abroad, and patients may need to pay for medical treatments. Ultimately, every outbound transaction conducted through official channels is one less for hawala networks, making it harder for them to operate. How Tight Outbound Controls Can Unintentionally Boost Hawala and Affect Inbound Remittances Regulators often impose strict controls on outbound payments to preserve foreign currency reserves, which are crucial for paying for urgent imports like fuel, food, and medicine. While this strategy may seem logical in the short term, it creates a chain effect that harms the economy over time. Think of Bangladesh's cross-border financial flows as two interconnected buckets—one for Taka inside Bangladesh and one for foreign currency outside. When outbound payments through legal banking channels are restricted: Outbound Demand Shifts to Hawala Networks: The unmet demand for outbound payments doesn't disappear; it simply shifts to informal channels like hawala. Students, businesses, and families still need to send money abroad. When banking channels are slow or limited, they turn to hawala. Foreign Exchange Market Distortion: Hawala creates artificial demand for foreign currency in the open market while increasing demand for Taka abroad. This creates pressure on both the local currency and the foreign exchange market. Inbound Remittances Get "Netted Off": Hawala operators balance their books by matching outbound and inbound transfers, leading to a "net-off" effect. As a result, some inbound remittances that should flow through formal channels are instead settled off the books. Banking System Loses Credibility and Reserves Stay Weak: Even if foreign reserves seem protected in the short term, reduced formal inflows mean the country ultimately loses more than it saves. The Bottom Line: Strict outbound controls can reduce formal inbound remittances because hawala "nets off" the two-way flow of money. What Easing Outbound Payments Could Look Like Create a Simple 'Personal Outward Remittance' System: Allow residents to send a modest annual amount (for education, medical expenses, small family support, subscriptions) fully digitally, using e-KYC, e-documents, and internal banking portals. Simplify Documentation: Bangladesh Bank already lists permissible categories. A one-page checklist per use case (e.g., tuition fees, hospital deposits) could streamline the process, accepting digital invoices and allowing post-verification for smaller amounts to ensure urgent payments aren't delayed. Transparent Pricing: Require banks to disclose fees and exchange rate margins upfront, aligning with G20 targets for fair and affordable remittances. Expand Beyond SWIFT: Allow banks to connect with regulated global fintech networks such as Euronet's 'Dandelion Payments', enabling faster settlement times, lower transaction costs, and greater transparency and compliance. SWIFT is crucial for big, complex payments, but retail-size transfers often move faster and cheaper through purpose-built networks that connect to bank accounts, cards and wallets with end-to-end tracking. By diversifying beyond SWIFT, Bangladesh can modernize its payment infrastructure and keep pace with global trade. Join Regional Cross-Border Payment Networks: Many countries, under government-to-government collaborations, have integrated their national payment systems. For instance, countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India, and Indonesia have developed 'Nexus,' a centralized payment system to enhance efficiency in cross border payments outside of SWIFT system. Bangladesh could explore similar initiatives for improved cross-border payments in prefered corridors. Lessons from Other Countries Countries with similar foreign exchange policies have already benefited from easing outbound flows: India : The Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) allows Indians to send up to USD 250,000 annually for education, travel, business, or investments, reducing the pressure on informal channels. : The Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) allows Indians to send up to USD 250,000 annually for education, travel, business, or investments, reducing the pressure on informal channels. Thailand: Thailand has gradually liberalized outbound remittances for both individuals and corporates, making payments cheaper and faster, which supports SMEs and exporters. What Success Would Look Like When governments ease and digitize legitimate outbound payments, three positive outcomes occur at once: People return to formal banking : It becomes easier and safer than using hawala. : It becomes easier and safer than using hawala. More inbound remittances through banks : Less 'netting off' as hawala loses its outward leg. It becomes harder for it to source dollars/taka and to match cross-flows : Less 'netting off' as hawala loses its outward leg. It becomes harder for it to source dollars/taka and to match cross-flows Lower open-market pressure: As legal outbound payments rise, demand in the open market decreases. Better data for policy-making: Clean data allows Bangladesh Bank to fine-tune foreign exchange liquidity, incentives, and compliance. Besides, Regulators see the flows, which improves risk control and macro planning. Lower costs over time: Competition between banks and fintech companies drives fees closer to the G20 target (≤3%). Global bodies push in the same direction—because cheaper, faster, clearer payments shift people toward formal rails. The Bigger Picture Inbound Remittance and Reserve Growth: Bangladesh currently receives around USD 30 billion in annual remittances. With an open and trusted system, this could grow by 50%, reaching USD 45 billion by 2025. Growing Bangladesh's Cross-Border Payment Industry: Strengthening outbound payment channels fosters innovation, reduces costs, and enhances customer experience. This positions Bangladesh as a competitive player in the region and attracts global fintech investment, boosting public-private sector collaborations. Moreover, growing both inbound and outbound cross border payment industry in Bangladesh will allow local and international fintech to partner with banks for seamless payment solutions. This development will enhance regional financial integration, boost remittances, and stimulate economic growth, positioning Bangladesh as a significant partner in regional and global payment industry. Conclusion: A Smart Liberalization Strategy People don't choose hawala because they prefer informality; they turn to it when the formal system is difficult, slow, or expensive. If Bangladesh can make the Banking path easier, faster, and more affordable, individuals and businesses will naturally prefer to use banks. This means creating clear regulations, simplifying digital paperwork, integrating modern payment networks alongside SWIFT, and ensuring transparent pricing. By doing so, Bangladesh can boost formal financial transactions, allowing money to flow through banks even as people legally send payments abroad. Rather than seeing outbound payments as a "drain" on reserves, Bangladesh should recognize them as part of a two-way financial flow. By simplifying and digitizing legal outbound transfers, the country can: Reduce reliance on hawala networks, Increase inbound remittances through official banking channels, Strengthen reserves sustainably, Empower SMEs, freelancers, and individuals to expand globally, Stimulate growth in the cross-border payments industry. This approach will create a healthier, more transparent financial system that supports long-term economic growth and stability.

Northern Ireland science and tech industries to receive £30m investment
Northern Ireland science and tech industries to receive £30m investment

BBC News

time3 hours ago

  • BBC News

Northern Ireland science and tech industries to receive £30m investment

Northern Ireland's science and technology industries are set to receive a boost of at least £30m from a new investment plan, the UK's minister for industry has Jones said there is "huge talent and huge expertise" in Northern Ireland's defence, innovation and manufacturing money is part of the UK's Modern Industrial Strategy, a 10-year plan by the government to increase business investment and grow the industries of the future in the comes on top of £2m of government funding for Queen's University Belfast's Cybersecurity AI Tech Hub, which was confirmed in June. The government says the strategy will make it quicker and easier for businesses to invest, and provide the certainty and stability needed for long-term investment to BBC News NI, Jones said the £30m will be delivered in partnership with the Stormont Executive."We want to work with industry as well to make sure we're doing the right things with universities, political parties and that things are funded in the right way," she set timescale was mentioned, but the minister said she would like to see the money delivered "sooner rather than later". The announcement about the new funding was made at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in east shipyard fell into administration in October last year and was saved by a deal with Spain's state-owned shipbuilder Navantia. On Wednesday, work was visibly under way to extend a large fabrication hall, which will hold new equipment to deliver the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) FSS programme, which is a contract from the Ministry of Defence, will result in Navantia UK building three Navy support ships. Apprenticeships Construction of the vessels is due to begin in 2026 but next week 35 new apprentices will start at the shipyard to support the site were some of the apprentices currently working at the iconic McCorriston and Matthew Quigley are both first year apprentices. Matthew is focusing on steel work while Keelan works on electrics on the huge yellow cranes. Both have been here since last year, when Harland and Wolff fell into administration. Matthew says there was always hope that the company would be rescued, and is positive for the future under Navantia. "The history and the people are so important," he said."It's great to be part of it."Keelan says it felt strange starting the apprenticeship as he was not sure it would continue, but was "reassured" when Navantia took over.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store