The most competitive digital retail financial institutions come all but from China, and the elite club of the top 10, representing all non-bank financial players, are exclusively from China, Korea and Australia

In the FX space, as in all others, multichannel connectivity is key – and API is quickly becoming a prominent channel that can no longer be side-lined

With its banking model in transition, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank focuses increasingly on capital cost, operational efficiencies and productivity, while building on its successful community bank DNA

Newly appointed chief commercial officer at Earthport Mike Steinharter discussed how the company aims to expand globally and into new segments to increase the scale of its operations

Going beyond its roots in trading, Saxo Bank is launching a new investment platform that promises consumers better returns at a lower cost

Globally, commercial banks have demonstrated that they are not the underdogs when it comes to growing the number of digital users. They compete well in most markets under review against the best neo-banks and digital financial institutions (FIs). However, the dramatic rise in digital user base of neo-banks in recent months may erode this lead.

Internet finance has put on an impressive feats globally with countless start-ups emerging across continents. In China, nearly 20% of its GDP driven by Internet finance, with seven of the top ten fintech companies in the world based there.

Driven by competition and rapid disruption, banks increasingly spend on technology enabled models targeted to improve customer experience and service capability. What are the recent developments and top priorities of banks in 2018?

Insurance telematics solution provider aims to leverage the huge automobile market and high rate of smartphone penetration to grow usage-based insurance in the country

The inaugural Wealth and Society 2018 got to a thought-provoking start with the opening session tracing the evolution of philanthropy and its long term impact on society. Rhodri Davies, head of policy at Charity Aid Foundation and author, and session chairs, Gordian Gaeta and Emmanuel Daniel discussed how government, business and technology influence philanthropy and social impact at large.

Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, spoke at the Singapore Fintech Festival 2018 on 14 November and made the case for a new central bank-backed digital currency for financial inclusion, security and consumer protection

Peter Ong, Chairman of Enterprise Singapore and Board member of Monetary Authority of Singapore spoke about ASEAN growth and enterprises during his speech at the Global Investor Summit during the Singapore Fintech Festival 2018, 13 November at Singapore Expo.

Alibaba broke its Singles' Day online shopping sales record on 11 November when gross merchandise volume reached $30.8 billion. This beat last year's $25 billion, which was surpassed in just 15 hours and 49 minutes.

Ravi Menon, managing director of Monetary Authority of Singapore, spoke at the Singapore Fintech Festival on 12 November 2018, at the Singapore Expo about how fintech can be a tool for creating a more inclusive and empathetic society.

Serving UHNWI is challenging for private banks, particularly when it comes to offering a suitable standard of customer service.