PATTAYA, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2025 – OZO North Pattaya, the vibrant beachside escape in the heart of Pattaya, is the ultimate destination for fun-filled, feel-good experiences this season. True to its name, OZO brings a smile with every stay — this dynamic lifestyle hotel brand is all about delivering endless joy and wide smiles through its signature concept: Unpack. Good. Vibes. From […]
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Trigger Asset Management (Trigger) have launched a landmark partnership aimed at unlocking capital and strengthening support for startups and businesses advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This collaboration brings together UNDP’s global innovation and finance expertise with Trigger’s strength in sustainable and scalable investment solutions. Led by UNDP’s Alternative Finance […]
Mastercard has moved to expand its digital asset footprint by unveiling a stablecoin-powered global payment system that aims to bridge traditional finance with blockchain technology. The initiative incorporates wallet integration, card issuance, merchant settlement, and on-chain remittances, signalling a major endorsement for stablecoins within mainstream financial services.
The payments giant will partner with OKX to launch the OKX Card, offering users the ability to spend crypto assets seamlessly through Mastercard’s established infrastructure. The collaboration is positioned to provide cardholders with the option to convert their digital holdings into fiat currency at the point of sale, utilising USDC stablecoins to facilitate transactions in real time.
Mastercard’s broader collaboration also includes Circle, Nuvei, and Paxos, three key players in the stablecoin and blockchain space. The strategy centres on enabling direct merchant settlement using stablecoins, starting with USDC. The move is expected to accelerate merchant acceptance of digital currencies by eliminating the need for fiat conversions and complex intermediary processes.
Raj Dhamodharan, Mastercard’s head of crypto and blockchain, stated that the company is building a “future-proof” payments ecosystem that integrates digital assets responsibly and securely. He emphasised that Mastercard’s framework would ensure compliance with existing regulations and uphold strong consumer protection measures while offering the benefits of blockchain efficiencies.
By embedding stablecoins into payment rails, Mastercard is seeking to address long-standing challenges that have limited wider adoption of digital currencies, including volatility, liquidity management, and interoperability between financial systems. Stablecoins, which are typically pegged to fiat currencies like the US dollar, offer price stability that traditional cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin do not, making them more suitable for everyday transactions.
The OKX Card is expected to launch initially in select markets, with expansion plans to follow based on regulatory approvals and market demand. OKX’s president Hong Fang described the partnership as a “game-changer” that will “empower millions to experience the future of payments today.” The card will allow users to link their crypto wallets directly and spend their digital assets without the need to manually convert them into fiat beforehand.
Mastercard’s collaboration with Circle is particularly noteworthy as Circle’s USDC stablecoin is widely regarded for its regulatory compliance and transparency. Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire welcomed the partnership, highlighting that direct merchant settlement in USDC would reduce transaction costs, enhance speed, and provide greater transparency across payment processes.
Nuvei and Paxos will contribute to strengthening the backend settlement capabilities. Nuvei, a global payment technology firm, brings extensive experience in integrating alternative payment methods for merchants, while Paxos, a regulated blockchain infrastructure platform, provides trusted stablecoin issuance and custody solutions.
This new framework comes at a time when global financial institutions are increasingly exploring digital currencies. The Bank for International Settlements reported an upsurge in central bank digital currency projects globally, with a growing focus on how stablecoins and blockchain could complement traditional payment systems rather than disrupt them.
Mastercard has been experimenting with blockchain and digital assets for several years, conducting pilot programmes with various crypto companies and financial institutions. The company’s partnership with the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Digital Finance Cooperative Research Centre on a central bank digital currency pilot was another key step illustrating its commitment to innovating responsibly within the space.
Mastercard’s stablecoin settlement model follows a successful pilot in Australia, where live transactions using USDC and Mastercard’s network proved the technical viability and regulatory feasibility of using stablecoins for real-world transactions. The pilot included collaboration with Cuscal and Mintable, showcasing the ability to settle card transactions directly on blockchain networks.
Through these developments, Mastercard appears to be positioning itself as a leader among traditional financial service providers seeking to integrate blockchain into their core offerings. This approach not only supports digital asset adoption but also builds bridges between traditional payment providers and emerging decentralised finance ecosystems.
Industry analysts note that Mastercard’s entry into stablecoin-powered payments could force other major payment processors to accelerate their blockchain strategies. Visa, which has been running its own stablecoin settlement pilots, will likely view Mastercard’s moves as a call to action to deepen its blockchain integration efforts to remain competitive.
There are challenges ahead, particularly regarding regulatory clarity. Stablecoins have come under increasing scrutiny from regulators concerned about financial stability, money laundering, and consumer protection risks. Mastercard has indicated that its stablecoin programme will operate within regulated frameworks, ensuring that only stablecoins backed by transparent and compliant reserves are included.
The initiative also highlights growing merchant interest in accepting digital currencies without bearing volatility risks. Direct stablecoin settlement allows merchants to receive payment in a stable asset without relying on third-party crypto-to-fiat conversion services, streamlining operations and reducing costs.
As stablecoins continue to evolve beyond speculative assets into functional financial tools, Mastercard’s system reflects an understanding that digital currencies must serve real-world use cases to achieve mainstream adoption. The company’s ability to integrate stablecoin technology with traditional card networks could significantly alter how digital assets are used in daily commerce.
Mastercard’s latest announcement also underlines a broader industry shift toward interoperability. By supporting transactions across multiple blockchain networks and integrating with different stablecoin issuers, Mastercard aims to create a unified ecosystem where users, merchants, and financial institutions can interact seamlessly across both traditional and digital finance landscapes.
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 April 2025 – VinFast Auto Ltd. (“VinFast” or the “Company”) today announced its preliminary vehicle deliveries for the first quarter of 2025. The Company delivered 36,330 electric vehicles (“EVs”) globally in 1Q25, representing a 296% increase year-over-year. In the first quarter of 2025, deliveries of the VF 6 model increased by 453% compared to the same period in 2024. […]
Revolut has reported a significant pre-tax profit of $1.4 billion for 2024, marking a 149% surge compared to the previous year. This surge is largely attributed to the company’s strategic expansion, diversified revenue streams, and growing customer base. The fintech firm has also taken a key step in its plans to further solidify its presence in the financial sector with the acquisition of a UK banking licence. […]
Majid Al Futtaim Development has officially announced the appointment of main contractors for its two premier residential projects—Plagette 32 and Amara—within the expansive Tilal Al Ghaf community in Dubai. The move signifies a pivotal advancement in the company’s commitment to delivering high-end, integrated lifestyle destinations.
Plagette 32, inspired by the French Riviera, is set to offer an exclusive collection of 28 Club Villas and four Water Bungalows. Each residence is meticulously designed by Bergman Design House and Nabil Gholam Architects, featuring interiors that blend organic materials with contemporary aesthetics. The Water Bungalows, in particular, emphasize indoor-outdoor living, boasting private gardens, rooftop lounges, and panoramic views of the crystal lagoon. Residents will also benefit from a lifetime membership to the community’s Beach Club, operated in partnership with Sunset Hospitality Group.
Amara represents the final phase of development at Tilal Al Ghaf, comprising 116 twin villas nestled amidst lush greenery. The villas are characterized by their interlocking volumes and recessed entrances, creating dynamic street façades. Interiors, curated by Bergman Design House, adopt a Zen-inspired approach, utilizing eco-conscious materials like lime-wash paint to foster a serene living environment. The community is designed to encourage connectivity, with mature landscaping and seamless integration with adjacent neighborhoods.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 April 2025 – On April 23, at the inaugural GITEX ASIA 2025 in Singapore, iFLYTEK made a grand entrance by unveiling its On-Prem LLM All-in-One Solution to global acclaim. This turnkey appliance is meticulously engineered for enterprises that demand robust levels of data sovereignty and bespoke AI capabilities, enabling organizations to train, fine-tune, and deploy large language models entirely within […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Unveiling its latest flagship devices at a grand event in Singapore, POCO made a strong statement with the launch of the POCO F7 Ultra and POCO F7 Pro, positioning itself more firmly within the premium smartphone segment. The UAE market, where young, tech-savvy consumers are increasingly demanding top-tier performance without exorbitant pricing, is poised to become a key battleground for these new devices. […]
Burj Azizi, developed by Azizi Developments, has been recognised with the ‘Iconic Design of the Year’ award at the UAE Realty Awards 2025, highlighting its remarkable architectural achievement. Positioned to become the world’s second-tallest building upon completion, the landmark project is setting new standards for structural design and innovation in Dubai’s evolving skyline. Situated on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, Burj Azizi stands as a testament to […]
Arabian Post Staff Deliveroo has confirmed the appointment of a new general manager to oversee its operations across the Middle East, marking a significant leadership transition for the online food delivery platform. Anis Harb, who has been with the company for nearly a decade, is stepping down from his role and will be succeeded by Susana Voces, a senior executive with extensive experience in international e-commerce and […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 April 2025 – In early 2025, Aice, a leading ice cream brand in Southeast Asia, attracted significant attention from global investors following a new round of investment from major shareholders, including China Mengniu Dairy Group – its controlling shareholder. This capital injection is widely viewed as providing both financial and strategic support for Aice’s rapid expansion across Southeast […]
Meta’s AI systems on Facebook and Instagram have come under intense scrutiny following reports that chatbots engaged in unsettling conversations with users posing as children. The bots, powered by artificial intelligence, were found to be having inappropriate exchanges with users impersonating minors, which included disturbing interactions involving Disney characters and celebrity voices. The controversy emerged when a series of investigations revealed that AI-driven chatbots, designed to simulate […]
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has sharply raised its assets under management target for 2030 to $2.67 trillion, marking a significant 43 per cent jump from its earlier ambition of $1.87 trillion. The strategic move follows the sovereign wealth fund surpassing its asset milestone for 2023, underlining its growing influence as a key pillar of the Kingdom’s economic transformation efforts. According to the latest figures released as […]
A new chapter is unfolding in the heart of the UAE’s real estate landscape as Arabian Hills Estate emerges to replace a once highly anticipated but ultimately undelivered development initially sold by Wahat Al Zaweya Holding PJSC. Positioned near Al Ain, on land just across the Abu Dhabi border, this expansive community of villa and mansion plots is being marketed as a symbol of luxury and renewal, […]
World Host Group has expanded its footprint in the web hosting industry by acquiring FastComet, a move that is expected to enhance its global hosting capabilities and deepen its presence among developer-focused customers. The strategic acquisition underscores World Host Group’s broader ambition to position itself as a leader in premium hosting services, capitalising on FastComet’s strong reputation for performance, reliability, and customer support. FastComet, known for its […]
Advancing Asset Management and Structured Products Offering HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 April 2025 – Victory Securities today announced that it has officially obtained two significant regulatory consent from the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong to provide virtual asset (VA)-related products and services: 1) provision of discretionary account management services (DAMS) to retail and professional investors, investing in spot VA, […]
Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape intensified as the ruling People’s National Movement and the opposition United National Congress delivered final appeals to voters, promising to revitalise the economy and curb surging crime rates ahead of Monday’s election. Both parties, addressing energetic crowds across the islands, positioned economic resilience and public safety as their foremost commitments. Prime Minister Keith Rowley, leading the PNM, outlined a vision to modernise […]
Several people were killed and many others injured after a car drove into a crowd attending a street festival in Vancouver on Saturday evening, according to authorities. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene following distress calls reporting a vehicle travelling at high speed into a densely populated area. Police officials stated that the driver, a 29-year-old man, was taken into custody without incident shortly after the […]
Number of New Business Policies tops the market for 11 consecutive years HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 April 2025 – AIA Hong Kong continues to lead the industry with 9 market No.1 in 2024, according to the Provisional Statistics of the Insurance Authority on Hong Kong Long-Term Insurance Business1: Number of Inforce Policies Number of New Business Policies (Top the market for 11 […]
A major update to the Gemini API has launched, bringing forth tools designed to enhance the development of AI applications. Among the key features are Gemini 2.5 Flash and Veo 2, both aimed at providing users with greater flexibility, real-time capabilities, and an improved user interface for building and managing applications. Gemini 2.5 Flash, a key upgrade to the Gemini API, is designed to offer deeper insight […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 April 2025 – The global spotlight has turned to Hong Kong’s luxury hospitality scene following an impromptu livestream by internationally known content creator iShowSpeed, who recently shared his experience staying in the Terrace Suite at Regent Hong Kong. His enthusiastic reaction, broadcast live to millions of followers, has since gone viral across digital platforms — generating global buzz […]
Etihad Park on Yas Island is set to host the inaugural OFFLIMITS Music Festival this Saturday, 26 April 2025, marking the UAE’s first open-format music event. The festival will feature a diverse lineup of international and regional artists across two stages. British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran will headline the event, delivering a 120-minute set featuring hits like “Shape of You” and “Photograph.” This performance is part of Sheeran’s […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 April 2025 – In an atmosphere charged anticipation and entrepreneurial urgency, GE Jun, Chairman and CEO of TOJOY Smart Enterprise Services, delivered a landmark speech at the Chengdu Financial City Performing Center as a guide to reshape the trajectory of China’s private sector. Over 2,000 business leaders, policymakers, and industry experts gathered to hear GE Jun’s Grain Rain […]
A court in Abidjan has disqualified Tidjane Thiam, leader of the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire and former CEO of Credit Suisse, from contesting the upcoming presidential election, citing his previous French nationality at the time of his registration. The ruling, delivered on 22 April, determined that Thiam was ineligible to run as he held dual Ivorian-French citizenship when he registered on the electoral roll. According to […]
