Latest news with #financialinnovation
The National
2 days ago
- Business
- The National
Lord Mayor of London expects UK-UAE economic and investment ties to strengthen further
Alastair King, the Lord Mayor of London, is expecting economic relations between the UK and the UAE to strengthen further, with a focus on co-operation and investments in important industrial and financial sectors. These industries of 'mutual strength' include green and transition finance, financial regulation for economic growth, pension reform and financial innovation, the British embassy in the UAE said in a statement on Saturday, following Mr King's visit to the Emirates on Friday. The UK delegation, which included representatives from insurer Howden, financial institution Aberdeen Group, KPMG and FinTech firm Guavapay, won commitments for Emirati participation in City of London Corporation events such as the Net Zero Delivery Summit scheduled for June 23 and May's Global Risk Summit, it said. Mr King, who as Lord Mayor acts as an ambassador for the UK's financial and professional services sector, noted how UK investment strategies align with the 'We the UAE 2031' strategy, supporting objectives across sustainability, innovation and economic diversification. 'The UK and UAE share a commitment to innovation, investment and sustainable growth, which drives our dynamic and growing trade relationship, particularly in the financial sector,' he said. His visit came after this month's unveiling of the Mansion House Accord, an agreement between the UK government and Britain's biggest pension funds aimed at unlocking up to £50 billion ($67.3 billion) in investments for the UK's infrastructure, its businesses and overall economy. 'The accord will strengthen [the UK-UAE] relationship further … this could create valuable co-investment partnerships aligned with the Emirati's appetite for high-quality, de-risked opportunities,' Mr King said. The UK and the UAE have maintained relationships dating to 1971. Co-operation between the countries span intelligence, defence and security, through joint diplomatic initiatives at the UN on hunger and access to education, to climate change, finance and artificial intelligence regulation. Total trade in goods and services between the countries hit £24.3 billion at the end of 2024, making the UAE the UK's 19th largest trading partner and largest trading partner in the Gulf region, data from the British embassy shows. Mr King's visit yielded 'tangible outcomes, including the exploration of collaborative investment initiatives in priority sectors such as sustainability, infrastructure and financial services', the statement said. Discussions also focused on encouraging equity and debt listings on the London Stock Exchange and resolving regulatory barriers for UK financial and professional services firms seeking to establish or expand in the UAE, it added. 'Both parties committed to establishing continuing knowledge exchange in innovation, pension reform and regulatory best practices, with a joint initiative on sustainable finance to be launched in the coming months.'
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
A Decade of Excellence: Huatai Securities Celebrates H-Share Anniversary
Huatai Securities has continuously expanded its international presence since its H-share listing a decade ago. Over the past ten years, Huatai Securities has facilitated nearly 600 domestic and international financing deals for enterprises globally, with a total fundraising volume of approximately USD 280 billion. HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 30 May 2025 - As Huatai Securities approaches the 10th anniversary of its H-share listing, the Company recently hosted a forum in Hong Kong themed "Technology Reshaping Hong Kong's Financial Future," underscoring its commitment to expanding its international presence by fostering innovation and collaboration in Hong Kong and beyond. The event convened guests from the government, academia, business partners, and the investment community to explore strategic pathways for Chinese enterprises to leverage Hong Kong in the restructuring of global industrial chains. Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR, delivered the opening remarks at the forum, stating: "Over the past decade, Hong Kong's capital market has continuously advanced through reforms, significantly enhancing its role in connecting the Mainland and the world. Amidst rapid global changes, China's innovative technology sector and its emerging enterprise value are creating new development opportunities for Hong Kong's financial market. Chinese financial institutions are key to this progress, and the SAR government anticipates collaborative efforts to accelerate our capital markets' development." Carlson Tong, Chairman of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, emphasized the importance of Hong Kong as the Mainland's preferred offshore financing destination: "In the past decade, Hong Kong has raised over USD 300 billion in IPOs, primarily driven by Chinese enterprises. With technological innovation increasingly shaping our capital market, Hong Kong continues to provide vital financing channels for the global expansion of outstanding Chinese tech companies through ongoing institutional innovation." Over the past decade, Hong Kong has solidified its position as a leading financial hub, achieving HKD 2.2 trillion in IPO fundraising and ranking first globally on four occasions. As the IPO market regains its status as the second-largest globally in 2025, the increasing interest of Chinese technology companies in international capital reflects a broader transformation within Hong Kong's financial landscape. In this dynamic environment, Huatai Securities has emerged as one of the main participants in Hong Kong's capital markets. Since the Company's H-Share listing, Huatai has facilitated nearly 600 financing deals, amassing a total fundraising volume of approximately USD 280 billion. Since 2022, the Company has sponsored 29 IPOs in Hong Kong, ranking second among all market participants. In the first five months of 2025 alone, the Company sponsored 6 IPOs, maintaining its second-place ranking.[1] Its international footprint extends beyond Hong Kong, with operations in the United States, a GDR listing on the London Stock Exchange, and a licensed subsidiary in Singapore. Zhou Yi, CEO of Huatai Securities, remarked: "Hong Kong's strengths as an international financial center have been instrumental in helping Chinese enterprises, including Huatai Securities, grow and succeed globally over the past decade. Our focus on client service, innovation, technology, and international expansion has driven our transformation into a global firm. Looking forward, we will continue to partner with domestic and international players to explore new opportunities and create mutual value." The forum also featured insights from Professor Li Zexiang of HKUST, founder of XbotPark, who shared key achievements from his decade-long efforts to integrate industry, academia, and research. Entrepreneurs from sectors including biopharmaceuticals, consumption, and autonomous driving gathered to discuss how industrial trends and technology shifts are reshaping global strategies and competitiveness for enterprises. [1] Source: Dealogic data. Hashtag: #Huatai #HuataiSecurities The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Huatai Securities Incorporated in April 1991, Huatai Securities is a leading technology-driven securities group in China, with a highly collaborative business model, a cutting-edge digital platform and an extensive and engaging customer base. It provides comprehensive financial services to individual and institutional clients, including wealth management, investment banking, sales and trading, investment management, among others, with a substantial international presence. Huatai Securities
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Two lenders now offer no deposit 100% mortgages: Could a major bank launch one next?
Two lenders are now offering people the chance to buy a home with a mortgage covering the entire purchase price. April Mortgages and little-known lender Gable Mortgages are both providing the home loans which don't require the borrower to put down any deposit. No-deposit mortgages have been extremely rare in recent years, with most lenders requiring the borrower to put down at least 5 per cent. Those that do offer deposits lower than that often require a parent to act as a guarantor. April requires a minimum income of £24,000 to get its 100 per cent deal, and borrowers will also need to fix for either 10 years or 15 years - much longer than the normal two or five year products most people sign up to. Its interest rate initially starts at 5.99 per cent. On a £200,000 mortgage being repaid over a 25 year term that would mean paying £1,288 per month. Gable Mortgages has two products available -a standard mortgage, and one that is specific to new-build buyers purchasing a home from a list of 'partner' developers. Both of the mortgages are offered on a five-year fixed term only. Gable borrowers need to be aged at least 23 and want to borrow a minimum of £125,000. They must also go through a mortgage broker. The rate on the standard mortgage is 5.95 per cent, and on the new-build mortgage is 5.65 per cent. The return of 100 per cent mortgages signals both innovation and caution in the market, according to Ravesh Patel, director and senior mortgage consultant at broker Reside Mortgages. 'These products can offer a valuable solution for renters stuck in the 'deposit trap,' saiys Patel, 'especially those with strong, consistent payment histories but limited ability to save. 'These mortgages can be genuinely beneficial, but only for a narrow segment of the market and under the right circumstances. 'For renters with a solid income and clean credit record, but no access to a deposit such as younger professionals or healthcare workers paying high rents—they can be a lifeline into homeownership. 'These borrowers often have a track record of managing monthly outgoings that match or exceed what their mortgage repayments would be.' Could a big bank launch one soon? Mortgage lenders appear to be very keen to entice borrowers at present. On top of rates falling, a whole host of major banks have relaxed their own affordability rules enabling people in many cases to borrow tens of thousands of pounds more than they could at the start of the year. Last month, the number of mortgage deals available to those buying with a 5 per cent deposit has reached its highest level since the financial crisis, according to Moneyfacts. While rules are being relaxed, new products keep being dreamt up. Earlier this month, Skipton Building Society began offering borrowers the chance to get a mortgage without having to make repayments for the first three months. Last month, April Mortgages began offering home buyers and homeowners the opportunity to borrow up to seven times their annual salary - as opposed to the usual four and a half times. With so much change taking place in such a short space of time, it isn't hard to imagine a major lender starting to offer a 100 per cent mortgage soon. 'It's possible,' says Ravesh Patel. 'However, to increase more contestability in this specific market segment, government support or guarantees are crucial. 'High street lenders are acutely aware of the reputational and regulatory risks associated with high loan-to-value (LTV) lending. 'A major bank might enter the space if there's political or public pressure to support first-time buyers, but it would likely be in a tightly controlled format, perhaps linked to family support or limited to specific borrower profiles.' Is this different from what was on offer pre-crisis? As of September 2007, there were 241 mortgages that covered 100 per cent of a purchase price, according to Moneyfacts' Mortgage Treasury Report data. These quickly disappeared over the next year as the financial crisis unraveled. There are currently 20 no-deposit mortgage options, according to Moneyfacts - most of which require a family member to act as a guarantor. With the arrival of April's and Gable's 100 per cent loan-to-value deals in quick succession some may feel we are heading back towards the dangerous territory or irresponsible lending. However, lenders are governed by much stricter checks and balances in today's market, according to Patel. 'Pre-crisis 100 per cent mortgages were often paired with lax affordability checks, self-certification, and interest-only structures—creating a toxic mix when the market turned,' says Patel. 'Today's versions are typically built around affordability models that mimic rent payments, much cautious underwriting and are stress-tested under stricter FCA rules, which adds a layer of security for both lender and borrower. 'In short, while these products share a name with their pre-2008 predecessors, the regulatory environment, underwriting practices, and structure are far more cautious. The intention is to offer targeted support without compromising financial stability.' Are 100% mortgages a good way of getting on the ladder? While these offers can be great for those struggling to get onto the property ladder, borrowers should think carefully before taking a 100 per cent mortgage. Biding one's time to save even a small deposit could save them more money and give them greater security in the long run. For a start, monthly payments will be higher given the higher rates. 'When opting for a higher-risk mortgage such as a 100 per cent or 95 per cent per cent loan-to-value, one of the things you need to consider is how high monthly payments may be each month and whether you can afford them or not,' said Jonathan Bone, head of mortgages at broker 'Lenders in general consider high-loan-to-value mortgages risky and so often add higher interest rates to limit the number of people opting for them. 'This can translate to larger monthly payments and more interest paid over the mortgage term. There is also a greater risk of negative equity if house prices were to fall. 'When opting for a higher-risk product, you also need to consider the potential of negative equity,' adds Bone. 'If property prices fall, your mortgage could end up exceeding the value of your home, leading to negative equity, which can make it difficult to sell or remortgage in the future.' While homeownership remains one of the most common ways to build household wealth, starting with no equity means the wealth-building journey is likely to be slower, according to Ravesh Patel. He says: 'Buyers relying on 100 per cent mortgages should have a clear, proactive plan to reduce the loan balance over time, ideally through regular overpayments. 'This often requires lifestyle adjustments or cost savings elsewhere in the household budget, which not all buyers are prepared for. It's also important not to rely solely on future property price growth to build equity. 'While the housing market may appreciate over time, this is not guaranteed and exposes buyers to the risk of negative equity, particularly in the early years,' he adds. 'In short, a 100% per cent mortgage may offer a faster entry point to owning a home, but buyers must treat it as a strategic financial commitment, not just a shortcut. 'Long-term stability and wealth creation will depend on how effectively they manage the debt—not just on the market.' Best mortgage rates and how to find them Mortgage rates have risen substantially over recent years, meaning that those remortgaging or buying a home face higher costs. That makes it even more important to search out the best possible rate for you and get good mortgage advice, whether you are a first-time buyer, home owner or buy-to-let landlord. > Mortgage rates calculator > Find the right mortgage for you To help our readers find the best mortgage, This is Money has partnered with the UK's leading fee-free broker L&C. This is Money and L&C's mortgage calculator can let you compare deals to see which ones suit your home's value and level of deposit. You can compare fixed rate lengths, from two-year fixes, to five-year fixes and ten-year fixes. If you're ready to find your next mortgage, why not use This is Money and L&C's online Mortgage Finder. It will search 1,000's of deals from more than 90 different lenders to discover the best deal for you.
Arabian Business
5 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Comera receives UAE central bank approval to launch finance company
Comera Finance, a subsidiary of Comera Financial Holding and part of Abu Dhabi's influential Royal Group, has received in-principle approval from the Central Bank of the UAE to operate as a fully licensed Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC). This development marks a pivotal moment for Comera Finance, positioning the firm to deliver a comprehensive, tech-driven financial ecosystem tailored for the UAE's digitally connected landscape. Once operational, Comera Finance will offer a full suite of financial products and services, spanning retail, SME, and corporate lending. Its offerings will include credit cards, personal loans, mortgages, vehicle finance, and other consumer borrowing products. For SMEs and corporates, Comera will provide financial instruments such as letters of credit, bank guarantees, performance bonds, working capital lending, and customised supply chain finance solutions. Central to Comera's strategy is a robust digital platform built on scalable cloud architecture. The infrastructure integrates real-time processing, AI-driven fraud detection, advanced security protocols, and instant payment notifications—creating a seamless and secure experience for users. The approval aligns with the UAE's national push toward financial innovation, digital transformation, and inclusion. As part of this initiative, Comera Finance will integrate with the country's Instant Payment Platform (AANI) and support the issuance of Jaywan cards, contributing to the nation's ongoing shift toward a cashless economy. 'With this NBFC licence, Comera is stepping into a transformative role in the UAE's fintech ecosystem,' said Akhtar Saeed Hashmi, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Comera Financial Holding. 'Our technology-first approach supports the nation's long-term goal of a cashless, digitally empowered society led by visionary leadership and robust regulatory frameworks.' Comera Finance is expected to go live by the end of Q3 2025, launching a range of digital financial services designed to reshape how individuals and businesses access credit and manage finances in the UAE.
Arabian Business
5 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE launches first ‘Finfluencer' licence to regulate digital finance content
The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has launched the region's first 'Finfluencer' licence, establishing a regulatory framework for individuals who provide investment analysis, recommendations, and financial promotions across digital platforms. The initiative aims to formalise and supervise digital financial content while enhancing investor protection in the UAE. 'Introducing the Finfluencer licence is not merely a regulatory measure; it is a strategic move to redefine the role of regulators in the digital economy. Through this initiative, the SCA aspires to elevate global benchmarks of market integrity, foster transparency, and nurture a disciplined and trustworthy financial environment. The SCA positions itself as an enabler of transformative change, adopting forward-thinking regulatory models that evolve with the fast-paced dynamics of the financial and investment landscape,' Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of the SCA said, according to a statement by the Emirates News Agency (WAM). SCA launches Finfluencer licence The SCA has waived registration, renewal and legal consultation fees related to this service for three years. The waiver forms part of efforts to eliminate government bureaucracy and promote financial innovation within a legal and regulatory framework. The licence applies to individuals who offer financial or investment recommendations related to regulated products or entities within the UAE through digital or traditional media. Applicants must register with the SCA and comply with all regulatory obligations to ensure investor protection standards and maintain public trust in local capital markets. A Finfluencer is defined as an individual registered with the SCA to provide financial recommendations related to the purchase, sale, or holding of a financial product or virtual asset, or to offer recommendations related to a financial service or local resource within the country. This includes recommendations made through traditional or modern media channels, such as written or audio social media platforms, participation in seminars, meetings, or forums, blogging, public appearances, or through statements, opinions, or analyses about present or future value, price, or performance. The definition also covers individuals who engage the public through content, visuals, advice, recommendations, discussions, information, analyses, opinions, or reports related to financial investments or financial products within the country. The initiative forms part of the SCA's strategy to position the UAE as a leading regional and global financial hub. The regulator has adopted regulatory approaches designed to safeguard market integrity, advance financial literacy, and align with international best practices in the digital financial landscape.
