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A Paradigm Shift for Fintechs: Why a Coherent Data Strategy Has Become a Business Necessity
The global increase in internet access has led to an explosion in digital data, with 33 zettabytes produced in 2018 alone – a number predicted to increase to 175 zettabytes by 2025 (1 zettabyte is 1 trillion gigabytes). Meanwhile, the advent of machine learning and the Internet of Things has changed the way businesses process this information. Analysts at MicroSave (MSC) explore how fintechs can leverage this new data and analytics technology to obtain a competitive edge – and to benefit their customers.
- Categories
- Finance, Technology
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Transaction Volume for Direct Debits Jumps by 54% as More Nigerians Adopt Usage
FINANCIAL SERVICESTransaction volume for Direct debits jumps by 54% as more Nigerians adopt usage A recent Banking Sector Report by the NBS has disclosed that direct debits increased by 54% in Q3 2020.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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With Investors Expecting a Latin America Cryptocurrency Boom, Mexico’s Bitso Raises $62 Million
Six years after the launch of the Mexico-based cryptocurrency exchange and financial services platform Bitso, the company revealed it has closed on $62 million in financing to capitalize on the cryptocurrency boom investors expect to hit Latin America.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- Latin America
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$500 Million Asian Development Bank Loan to Expand Financial Inclusion in Indonesia
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $500 million policy-based loan to support the Government of Indonesia's efforts to expand financial access among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and marginalized groups such as women and youth.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- South Asia
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Analysis: Remittances Show Promise in the Face of the Ongoing Global COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed catastrophic consequences across the world, with a disproportionate effect on Latin America and the Caribbean. With a projected 9 percent contraction in regional gross domestic product (GDP) for this year, experts fear that the heightened economic uncertainty and lower foreign demand brought on by the health crisis might signify yet another lost decade for Latin America. There is one factor, however, that paints a particularly promising picture for the outlook of the region: remittances.
- Categories
- Finance, Technology
- Region
- Latin America
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An Unlevel Playing Field: Why Small Businesses Face Disadvantages in Digital Commerce – and How Inclusive Tech Innovations Could Help
One reason COVID-19 has been so damaging to global micro and small enterprises (MSEs) is that consumers have shifted towards purchasing online – a change that has mainly benefited large corporations. According to Malika Anand at BFA's Catalyst Fund, making digital commerce more inclusive could help these businesses survive and grow in the long term. She shares research from Ghana that highlights several promising opportunities for digital commerce innovations that can benefit informal MSEs.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance, Technology, Transportation
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South Africa’s Planet42 Raises $10 Million in Debt Round to Scale Internationally
The South Africa-based Planet42, a car subscription company that helps individuals ignored by banks to get access to a personal vehicle, has announced a US$10 million debt funding round to help it scale its operations and move into new markets.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Why B2B Fintechs Are Descending on Latin America
Although the COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating technology adoption across all industries in Latin America, the financial services sector is experiencing some of the fastest progress. The Fintech sector has been particularly resilient during the crisis over the past year, and its growth may even match or exceed the previous year’s record-setting funding.
- Categories
- Finance, Technology
- Region
- Latin America