Latest news with #MiCA
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Wellcell Holdings (02477.HK) Makes Strategic Move into Crypto Payments - Fopay Poised to Become Hong Kong's Web3 Trailblazer
HONG KONG, July 21, 2025 /CNW/ -- Wellcell Holdings Co., Limited (HK:02477) announced on July 21, 2025 the market launch of its global stablecoin payment platform "Fopay", officially entering the crypto payments sector. The development and introduction of Fopay aims to capitalize on the global growth opportunities in crypto payments, providing both individual and corporate users with secure, efficient, and low-cost digital payment solutions. Regulatory Tailwinds Driving Adoption 2024 witnessed the implementation of key stablecoin regulatory frameworks worldwide – the EU's MiCA establishing issuance standards, the U.S. Stablecoin Act strengthening compliance requirements, and Hong Kong's Stablecoin Ordinance passed in May marking a watershed moment for Asia's market. Against this backdrop, Wellcell's timely launch of Fopay demonstrates strategic acumen and execution capability. As one of the few Hong Kong-listed companies positioned to benefit from the trillion-dollar global stablecoin opportunity, Wellcell's strategic upgrade could emerge as a benchmark case under Hong Kong's new virtual asset policies. JPMorgan research projects the compliant stablecoin payment market to exceed $5 trillion by 2027, growing at a 68% CAGR HKMA forecasts compliant stablecoin payments will account for over 25% of local cross-border settlements by 2025 Regulation-Friendly Architecture Fopay's "compliant prepaid card" model partners with licensed institutions for stablecoin custody while integrating with the VISA network. This innovative approach mitigates asset custody risks while achieving interoperability with traditional finance – giving it significant compliance cost advantages over international competitors in Hong Kong. Solving Cross-Border Payment Pain Points Fopay's value proposition directly addresses three critical challenges in traditional cross-border payments: Fee Disruption: Zero-fee peer-to-peer transfers and remittances, dramatically reducing costs compared to SWIFT Speed Advantage: Crypto cross-border settlements in minutes versus 1-3 business days for traditional banks Global Accessibility: Instant stablecoin-to-fiat conversion through VISA's 60-million merchant network Merchant Solutions: Crypto payment APIs enabling stablecoin settlements for e-commerce and trading companies to enhance capital efficiency Technical Edge Notably, Fopay supports leading high-performance blockchains including Solana, Arbitrum, Ethereum, and BSC, delivering transaction throughput (TPS) orders of magnitude higher than traditional banking systems. This technical superiority creates a moat in high-frequency, low-value payment scenarios like cross-border e-commerce and game top-ups. Shareholder Synergy: Hangfeng International's Strategic Value As Wellcell's largest single shareholder, Hangfeng International is demonstrating remarkable Web3 ecosystem synergies through its "payments + asset management" dual-engine strategy: Fopay's user growth and capital accumulation will drive sustainable AUM expansion for Hangfeng's planned U.S.-listed asset management subsidiary Public filings indicate Hangfeng's asset management platform is preparing to launch regulated digital asset custody and management services, offering institutional-grade solutions to ecosystem partners Strategic Investor Backing Hangfeng International's shareholder base brings together strategic investors from fintech, cross-border trade, and industrial internet sectors. These quality industry partners will collectively develop practical payment application scenarios, creating lasting ecosystem value and business momentum. Market Underappreciation Institutional research suggests this ecosystem synergy remains undervalued by the market. Beyond being a payment instrument, Fopay is transforming into a "super-interface" bridging traditional finance and Web3 – potentially the Web3 infrastructure benchmark that Hong Kong's capital markets have been awaiting. The strategic positioning of Fopay under Wellcell's ecosystem, backed by Hangfeng International's resources, presents a compelling case for being Hong Kong's first truly institutional-grade Web3 payment infrastructure play.
Crypto Insight
4 days ago
- Business
- Crypto Insight
From Bank to Broker to Crypto: Infrastructure Playbooks for Regulated Companies Entering Digital Assets
The EU's MiCA framework is creating a predictable environment for crypto services. Stablecoins are being used for payments, settlements, and cross-border operations. Tokenized assets are being tested by banks and asset managers. As a result, banks, brokers, and fintech platforms are planning to launch crypto services. This can include custody, trading, or stablecoin rails. But these companies work under strict rules. They need infrastructure that meets high standards for uptime, access control, compliance, and reporting. A simple API or SDK is not enough. What they need is a full infrastructure strategy. This article outlines how regulated companies can add crypto services without increasing their risk. Why regulated companies are moving into crypto There are several reasons why traditional financial companies are building crypto services now: MiCA gives legal clarity in the EU Stablecoins like USDC are becoming tools for fast payments Clients are asking for access to crypto products Tokenized assets are gaining interest from institutions The goals are different from startups. Regulated firms need long-term infrastructure that can handle audits, reporting, and operations at scale. Common entry points for crypto integration Regulated companies usually begin their crypto journey by focusing on one or two specific services, depending on their market and compliance readiness. One common starting point is custody. Firms that offer custody focus on secure wallet infrastructure, enabling users to deposit and withdraw assets safely. This creates a foundation for other services, such as staking or tokenized investments. Some companies prioritize trading access. These platforms allow users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies but avoid handling custody by keeping the assets off-chain or locked within internal systems. This limits their exposure to custody-related risks while still meeting customer demand. Another growing use case is stablecoin integration. Payment firms and cross-border platforms are using assets like USDC or EURC to provide faster and more cost-effective alternatives to traditional rails like SWIFT or SEPA. Others are entering crypto through tokenized asset offerings, where banks and brokers begin experimenting with digital versions of bonds or private equity instruments. Each approach requires a tailored infrastructure stack and a different level of compliance maturity. But all of them depend on having reliable custody, transaction logic, and audit controls from the beginning. Core infrastructure requirements When a regulated company adds crypto to its platform, the infrastructure must meet the same operational and legal standards as any other financial system. Custody systems should be built on secure methods like MPC or HSM, and must include fine-grained control over who can initiate and approve transactions. Access needs to be managed by role, with multi-level approvals and detailed permissions. Logging and audit trails must be available in real time. Every transaction, user action, or system change needs to be tracked and stored securely, with full export capabilities for regulators or internal teams. Uptime is also critical. Crypto services should match the reliability of traditional trading or banking infrastructure, which means deploying redundancy, health checks, and fallback systems to minimize service interruptions. Beyond the backend, companies also need tools for real-time monitoring. Dashboards that track delays, performance, or anomalies help operations teams respond quickly. And when working with infrastructure vendors, transparency is essential. Regulated companies need visibility into how the platform works, what its performance history looks like, and how it supports ongoing compliance. Compliance is a technical requirement Many crypto compliance rules are enforced through software. Regulated companies must understand the infrastructure requirements behind these rules. Travel Rule When users send crypto to external wallets, the system needs to detect when to apply the Travel Rule. This means adding metadata, identifying the receiving service, and preventing non-compliant transfers. MiCA enforcement MiCA asks for clear control over custody, user asset management, and risk policies. These controls must be built into the infrastructure. Manual policies are not enough. Regional requirements Some regions require local data storage or restrict where wallets can be accessed from. This must be supported in system design and deployment. At Scalable Solutions, we build compliance into the platform. Features like transaction screening, withdrawal checks, and audit logs are not optional add-ons. They are part of the standard architecture. What to build in-house and what to use from vendors Companies that want to offer crypto services need to decide which parts of the infrastructure they will build themselves and which parts they will source from vendors. In most cases, it makes sense to keep control over the user interface, onboarding experience, internal dashboards, and risk or compliance rules that are specific to their business. At the same time, core infrastructure such as key custody, blockchain node access, transaction screening, and monitoring tools can be more efficient and secure when provided by specialized vendors. The key is to work with providers who offer transparency, regulatory readiness, and clear service-level commitments. Systems that don't provide access to logs, lack proper client separation, or operate as black boxes can create serious operational and compliance risks. When choosing a vendor, companies should avoid platforms that: Don't share logs or audit data Use shared infrastructure without strong isolation Have no proof of regulatory readiness Can't meet SLA and uptime requirements Lessons from the field What didn't work A European broker launched a crypto service using a basic white-label backend. The system gave internal staff access to wallets without proper role separation. When regulators asked for logs, the company couldn't provide them. The service was shut down after a few months. What worked A payment platform added USDC payouts using vendor-based custody and compliance modules. They kept control over AML policy logic and used modular infrastructure. The service launched quickly and passed a regulatory audit within six months. Conclusion For regulated companies, crypto is no longer out of reach. But it must be added with the same care as any other financial service. The infrastructure must support controlled key management, transaction screening, role-based access, logging and audit tools and regional deployment strategies – all in one, simply manageable source. Source:
Economic Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
This little-known stablecoin just surged 337%, and it's turning heads in the business world
USDC experienced a remarkable 337% surge in usage, driven by Europe's MiCA regulations, positioning it as a leading cryptocurrency for payments, even surpassing Tether. Bitcoin rebounded as a top payment choice, while Layer-2 networks like Polygon and Base gained traction. Businesses increasingly retain crypto payments, viewing them as valuable assets, with USDC dominating merchant payouts. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads USDC's Rise: A 337% Surge That No One Saw Coming The Catalyst: Europe's MiCA Regulation Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Bitcoin Rebounds as a Payments Leader Layer-2 Networks Gain Momentum Businesses Are Holding Their Crypto, Not Cashing Out FAQs While Bitcoin continues to make headlines with its latest price swings, the real surprise in the crypto world this year hasn't been about volatility, but one that could reshape how businesses and consumers think about cryptocurrency transactions, and leading that shift is a stablecoin , as per a to CoinGate's H1 2025 Crypto Payments Report, USDC saw a 337% jump in usage during the first half of the year, as reported by Benzinga. That surge pushed it into the top five most-used cryptocurrencies for payments, capturing 68% of all crypto payout activity and even overtaking longtime leader Tether (USDT) by June, as per the reason for USDC's rise wasn't hype, but it was because of regulation, according to the report. Europe's new Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework forced payment processors to cut back on USDT support because of compliance concerns, as reported by Benzinga. That gave USDC an opportunity to step up as businesses and consumers migrated to the Circle-issued stablecoin for its regulatory compliance and multi-blockchain availability, according to the said, 'This regulatory shift didn't just change the rules—it revealed who was truly ready for the institutionalization of crypto,' as reported by READ: AI stocks in bubble trouble - are Nvidia, Microsoft in danger? Economist says it's worse than the Dot-Com crash of 1999 Meanwhile, Bitcoin made an unexpected comeback, despite predictions that newer coins and faster networks would render it obsolete for everyday use, according to the report. Bitcoin reclaimed its spot as the most-used cryptocurrency for payments in the second quarter, accounting for over 23% of total transaction volume, as reported by significant technical development was the massive growth of Layer-2 networks, as reported by Benzinga. Polygon rose 117% in transactions compared to 2024, while newcomer Base, which was launched in February, quickly captured attention with 59% of its transactions involving USDC, as reported by Arbitrum accounted for more than 9% of total USDC transactions, according to the report. These networks improved transaction speed, reduced costs, and also made crypto payments accessible to a broader range of businesses and consumers who previously found blockchain transactions too expensive or slow, as reported by READ: Why can't this Wells Fargo banker leave China? The Chenyue Mao case everyone's talking about In the first half of 2025, 40.9% of all crypto payments were settled in digital currency, which is a 14% increase over last year, and a strong signal that businesses are starting to view crypto as more than just a payment rail, they're treating it like an asset worth holding, according to the led the way in merchant payouts with a 68% share, followed by Bitcoin at 17%, this suggests that regulatory compliance and price stability are driving business preferences, as per the in Europe made Tether harder to use, so businesses switched to the more compliant It saw a 337% jump in payment use in just six months.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
This little-known stablecoin just surged 337%, and it's turning heads in the business world
USDC's Rise: A 337% Surge That No One Saw Coming The Catalyst: Europe's MiCA Regulation Live Events Bitcoin Rebounds as a Payments Leader Layer-2 Networks Gain Momentum Businesses Are Holding Their Crypto, Not Cashing Out FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel While Bitcoin continues to make headlines with its latest price swings, the real surprise in the crypto world this year hasn't been about volatility, but one that could reshape how businesses and consumers think about cryptocurrency transactions, and leading that shift is a stablecoin , as per a to CoinGate's H1 2025 Crypto Payments Report, USDC saw a 337% jump in usage during the first half of the year, as reported by Benzinga. That surge pushed it into the top five most-used cryptocurrencies for payments, capturing 68% of all crypto payout activity and even overtaking longtime leader Tether (USDT) by June, as per the reason for USDC's rise wasn't hype, but it was because of regulation, according to the report. Europe's new Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework forced payment processors to cut back on USDT support because of compliance concerns, as reported by Benzinga. That gave USDC an opportunity to step up as businesses and consumers migrated to the Circle-issued stablecoin for its regulatory compliance and multi-blockchain availability, according to the said, 'This regulatory shift didn't just change the rules—it revealed who was truly ready for the institutionalization of crypto,' as reported by READ: AI stocks in bubble trouble - are Nvidia, Microsoft in danger? Economist says it's worse than the Dot-Com crash of 1999 Meanwhile, Bitcoin made an unexpected comeback, despite predictions that newer coins and faster networks would render it obsolete for everyday use, according to the report. Bitcoin reclaimed its spot as the most-used cryptocurrency for payments in the second quarter, accounting for over 23% of total transaction volume, as reported by significant technical development was the massive growth of Layer-2 networks, as reported by Benzinga. Polygon rose 117% in transactions compared to 2024, while newcomer Base, which was launched in February, quickly captured attention with 59% of its transactions involving USDC, as reported by Arbitrum accounted for more than 9% of total USDC transactions, according to the report. These networks improved transaction speed, reduced costs, and also made crypto payments accessible to a broader range of businesses and consumers who previously found blockchain transactions too expensive or slow, as reported by READ: Why can't this Wells Fargo banker leave China? The Chenyue Mao case everyone's talking about In the first half of 2025, 40.9% of all crypto payments were settled in digital currency, which is a 14% increase over last year, and a strong signal that businesses are starting to view crypto as more than just a payment rail, they're treating it like an asset worth holding, according to the led the way in merchant payouts with a 68% share, followed by Bitcoin at 17%, this suggests that regulatory compliance and price stability are driving business preferences, as per the in Europe made Tether harder to use, so businesses switched to the more compliant It saw a 337% jump in payment use in just six months.
Business Insider
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Currency.com Taps AI to Scale Smarter, Faster, Starting with Compliance
the global digital finance provider, is entering a new chapter of innovation with a possible strategic shift toward AI-native infrastructure. As part of its long-term vision to build a more responsive, scalable, and secure financial platform, the company is actively scoping the integration of intelligent systems across its internal operations, development pipelines, and compliance workflows. The progress reflects a broader ambition: to redesign how a modern financial platform is built and run. is actively testing the possibility of embedding AI into its DevOps, frontend, and QA processes, with initial trials already showing a reduction of development cycles from weeks to hours. The goal is not just efficiency, but scalability, personalization, and faster adaptation to client and regulatory needs. To support this transformation, the company has launched a pilot initiative with ComplyControl, a recognized provider of AI-powered compliance and risk-management tools. The pilot focuses on how intelligent systems can strengthen sanctions screening, adverse media detection, and regulatory gap analysis. These capabilities are especially important as expands in the U.S. and continues fine-tuning its compliance under established frameworks like MiCA in Europe. 'Compliance is no longer a checklist — it's a system that has to evolve in real time,' said Konstantin Anissimov, CEO of 'We're building toward a model where regulation, infrastructure, and intelligence operate as one integrated layer.' The partnership with ComplyControl is an early step in a much larger trajectory. AI-native strategy is designed to power its vision of a unified financial platform, one that seamlessly integrates payments, investments, and crypto services into a single, secure, and user-friendly experience. 'Our clients shouldn't have to think about infrastructure,' Anissimov further added. 'They just want ease, trust, and simplicity. AI is how I believe we could deliver that,' In a competitive global market, a customer-centric approach is essential. Clients expect flexibility, personalization, and reliability as the baseline. is meeting that expectation by embedding intelligence into every layer of its operations, using advanced technology not just to keep up, but to lead. About is a global digital finance provider. Positioned beyond the scope of traditional exchanges and payment services, the company provides a seamless, secure, and intelligent financial experience. Designed to serve businesses, enterprise clients, and individual users, the platform supports a wide range of financial needs, from digital asset management to multi-currency operations. ensures flexibility, transparency, and confident control over both personal and corporate finances - all in a next-generation digital environment. It operates in 100+ countries and maintains a strong regulatory footprint, including licensing in the key markets of the United States, the EU, and the Middle East.
