Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Iran has presented the United States with a proposed regional ceasefire framework that would halt attacks on Arab states, gradually reopen the Strait of Hormuz and set a timetable for broader negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, according to officials briefed on the diplomatic effort. The proposal, conveyed during talks around the United Nations General Assembly in New York, envisages a ceasefire lasting […]
Greenlogue/AP The UAE has warned that a global water financing shortfall of as much as $141 billion a year threatens ambitions spanning artificial intelligence, energy transition, food security and rapidly growing cities. The warning was delivered at a private roundtable at the UAE’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, where about 50 chief executives, investors and philanthropy leaders examined how to turn viable water […]
The government is considering an offering of about HK$15 billion to HK$20 billion across US dollar, Hong Kong dollar, euro and offshore renminbi tranches, according to people familiar with the planned transaction. Pricing could take place as early as Monday, after fixed-income investor meetings arranged this week.
The proposed deal would exceed the scale of Hong Kong’s previous digital green bond issues and underline its push to expand tokenised capital markets alongside conventional debt issuance. Digital bonds use distributed-ledger technology to record ownership and support parts of the issuance, settlement and post-trade process.
Hong Kong has steadily increased the size and complexity of its sovereign digital bond programme. Its third digital green bond offering, completed in November 2025, raised about HK$10 billion equivalent across four currencies and attracted subscriptions exceeding HK$130 billion, according to government figures.
That transaction was then the world’s largest digital bond sale. It also incorporated tokenised central bank money, including e-HKD and e-CNY, into the primary settlement process, while using the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s Central Moneymarkets Unit and a digital assets platform to connect tokenised infrastructure with established settlement channels.
The planned new sale would come after the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation completed a HK$12 billion public digital bond issuance in June, setting another global size record for a digital bond at the time. The transaction included Hong Kong dollar and offshore renminbi tranches and used the same digital assets platform, demonstrating broader public-sector adoption of tokenised issuance.
Hong Kong authorities have made digital finance a central part of their capital-market strategy. Financial Services and the Treasury Secretary Christopher Hui said last week that digital bonds issued in Hong Kong accounted for about half of the global market between 2025 and the first half of 2026.
The government has also said it intends to make digital bond issuance a regular feature rather than an occasional pilot. Its 2026 policy agenda calls for further use of digital currencies in bond settlement and for tokenised money to be tested across additional stages of the bond lifecycle, including coupon payments and redemption.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority Chief Executive Eddie Yue said at the Treasury Markets Summit on Wednesday that the city was working to encourage more bond issuance, deepen offshore renminbi liquidity and modernise market infrastructure. He called for development of a more diversified, deep and digital-native bond market.
The proposed green bond would also extend Hong Kong’s sustainable-finance programme. Proceeds from government green bonds are allocated to eligible projects under its green bond framework, including areas such as green buildings, waste management, resource recovery, energy efficiency and conservation.
By the end of 2025, around US$32 billion equivalent of green bonds had been issued under the government’s sustainable bond programme in institutional, retail and tokenised formats, according to the monetary authority. The proceeds had been allocated to more than 110 green projects.
Hong Kong’s first tokenised government green bond was issued in February 2023. A second transaction in February 2024 became the world’s first multi-currency digital bond offering, raising about HK$6 billion equivalent in Hong Kong dollars, renminbi, US dollars and euros.
The 2024 transaction also broadened access by linking the Central Moneymarkets Unit with international settlement systems Euroclear and Clearstream, allowing investors to participate through familiar market infrastructure while the bonds themselves were digitally native.
For the proposed new offering, final size, tenor, pricing and tranche allocations will depend on investor demand and market conditions. The government has not yet announced final terms, and the people familiar with the discussions said the structure remained subject to change.
The United States and China have agreed to extend their trade truce by two months, keeping the arrangement in place until January 10 as President Donald Trump hosts Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington for a state visit and a new round of talks. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the extension after meeting Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Washington on Wednesday, saying the extra time […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Morgan Stanley has moved to contain the fallout from an accidental disclosure of a confidential investment-banking deal list, with regulators and market participants assessing the implications of the breach. The document, sent by email from Hong Kong on Tuesday, contained details of more than 100 transactions the bank was pitching, monitoring or discussing across Asia and some other regions. It included prospective initial […]
Water shortages and chronic underinvestment are emerging as direct constraints on artificial intelligence, energy systems, food production and urban expansion, sharpening pressure on governments and investors to mobilise far more capital for water infrastructure. The issue moved higher on the global investment agenda this week as about 50 chief executives, investors and philanthropy leaders met at the UAE’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi-listed MAIR Group has agreed to acquire a 70 per cent stake in Eslab, owner of Turkish-origin specialty coffee chain Espressolab, marking the investment group’s first international acquisition since its stock-market listing. The company said it had signed a share purchase agreement for 70 per cent of Eslab’s issued share capital. Eslab’s founders and existing shareholders will retain the remaining 30 per […]
Economists interviewed for the series said that, as a key gateway to the world’s second-largest single market, ASEAN businesses cannot afford to overlook the historic opportunity to enter the Chinese market through Hainan. Chen Bo, Senior Research Fellow at the East Asian Institute of the National University of Singapore, said that with multiple policy incentives taking effect, the next decade represents a golden opportunity for Hainan. Xiao Saizi, a professor at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, noted that in the six months since the launch of special customs operations, the number of foreign trade companies registered in Hainan has grown rapidly. High-end manufacturing and processing industries—including chip packaging and testing, premium food processing, aviation maintenance, green energy, medical devices, and biopharmaceuticals—are among the sectors most likely to benefit.
Located at the southernmost tip of China, Hainan is within a four-hour flight of 21 Asia-Pacific countries. This natural geographic advantage makes it an important springboard for ASEAN businesses seeking to enter the Chinese market. Xiao said that Hainan received 106 million domestic and international tourist visits in 2025, making it an ideal testing ground where foreign investors can test the market at relatively low cost.
Previous surveys have shown that foreign exchange settlement is one of the key concerns for foreign investors. By the end of 2025, 11 banks in Hainan had launched EF accounts, enabling cross-border fund flows with 91 countries and regions, with total transaction volume equivalent to CNY 350.9 billion.
Several economists advised ASEAN businesses to conduct thorough internal assessments before making investment decisions. If they determine that the Chinese market will form part of their future growth strategy, they should consider entering Hainan early while the benefits of the Free Trade Port’s policies continue to unfold.
Hashtag: #FreeTradePort
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Huspy has acquired Italian credit intermediary Integra Finance and committed $86 million to Italy, marking the UAE-founded property technology company’s entry into its fourth market and a stage in its European expansion. The Dubai-based company said the investment, equivalent to about AED315 million, will support plans to build a mortgage finance and real estate business in Italy by combining Integra’s distribution network with […]
Launched by Al Etihad Payments under the Central Bank of the UAE’s National Payment Systems Strategy, Jaywan is the UAE’s domestic card scheme, built to enhance the resilience, efficiency and sovereignty of the country’s payments infrastructure — part of the UAE’s broader vision to advance digital payments and strengthen its national financial ecosystem.
The cards were manufactured at AUSTRIACARD’s Bucharest production facility and combine the company’s secure payment card manufacturing expertise with Wio Bank’s digital-first banking platform, giving Wio customers access to payment products issued under the Jaywan scheme.
The milestone extends AUSTRIACARD’s support for financial institutions participating in the UAE’s national payments ecosystem, reflecting the company’s commitment to secure, high-quality payment solutions and marking a further step in its growth across the Gulf region — and in the shared ambition of AUSTRIACARD and Wio Bank to build a resilient, efficient, locally anchored payments landscape in the UAE.
Burak Bilge, EVP Türkiye, Middle East and Africa, AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS, said:
“National card schemes are becoming a defining feature of payments across the Middle East and Africa and supporting them is a strategic priority for AUSTRIACARD. Adding Jaywan to the portfolio that already spans international and domestic schemes strengthens what we can offer every issuer we serve. We are pleased to take this step with Wio Bank, the UAE’s first platform bank and one of the region’s fastest-growing digital banks, and we look forward to contributing to the growth of Jaywan and the wider UAE card market.”
Prateek Vahie, Chief Commercial Officer at Wio Bank said:
“At Wio Bank, our focus is on giving customers seamless access to the payment infrastructure that matters most to them. Partnering with AUSTRIACARD to bring Jaywan-issued cards to our customers reflects our commitment to the UAE’s national payments strategy, and it’s another step in building the kind of digital-first banking experience our customers expect.”
About Wio Bank PJSC:
Wio Bank PJSC is the UAE’s leading financial platform, reimagining banking for individuals and businesses. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi and fully regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE, Wio is backed by ADQ, Alpha Dhabi Holding, e& and First Abu Dhabi Bank. By combining advanced technology with a human-centric approach, Wio delivers seamless, personalised financial solutions.
For personal banking, Wio offers smart tools and insights to help individuals and families take control of their finances, enabling them to save, spend and grow with ease. For businesses, Wio provides entrepreneurs and SMEs with a comprehensive digital platform designed to streamline operations, unlock growth opportunities and simplify financial management.
Wio is redefining the banking landscape as a market leader in Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) and embedded finance, delivering innovative solutions that empower people, businesses, and communities with the infrastructure they need to access long-term wealth creation.
Wio Bank has been widely recognised through regional and international industry awards and rankings, including Forbes Middle East, Fast Company Middle East and Finance Middle East.
For more information, visit www.wio.io.
ABOUT AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS AG
AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS AG leverages over 130 years of experience in information management, printing, and communications to deliver secure and transparent experiences for its customers. They offer a comprehensive suite of products and services, including payment solutions, identification solutions, smart cards, card personalization, digitization solutions, and secure data management. ACAG employs a global workforce of 2,360 people and is publicly traded on both the Euronext Athens and Vienna Stock Exchanges under the symbol ACAG.
Contact Person: Theoni Dimopoulou, Group Communications & Marketing Manager
Tel.: T: +43 (1) 61065 – 355
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.austriacard.com
Symbol: ACAG
ISIN: AT0000A325L0
Stock Exchanges: Vienna Prime Market, Euronext Athens Main Market
Hashtag: #AUSTRIACARD
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 September 2026 – The Hongkong Land Foundation (“the Foundation”) today announced the launch of “The Central Spark Series” with three winning projects selected from its “AI for Good” Hackathon. Together with its other ongoing initiatives, these projects form part of Hongkong Land’s HK$14 million commitment over the next two years to benefit more than 38,000 people across Hong Kong. The Central Spark Series also aligns with the HKSAR Government’s 2026 Policy Address, supporting its strategic vision for the renewal of Central as well as its agenda to strengthen people’s livelihood and foster a more inclusive society.
The Central Spark Series’ official launch ceremony brought together leaders from across government and the public sector, academia, social enterprise, and commerce. Officiating and attending guests demonstrating this cross-sector collaboration included Mr Ho Kai Ming, JP, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare; Ms Grace Chan Man-yee, Member of the 8th Legislative Council (Social Welfare Functional Constituency); Ms Jeanne Cheng, JP, District Officer (Central and Western District); Mr Ivan Ho, Harbourfront Commission Chairman; Ms Sam Lam, Interim Director of the Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Prof Esterina Nervino, Associate Director of Global Governance & Innovation for a Shared Future at City University of Hong Kong; and Prof Howard Ling, Chief Consultant of Impact Incubator.
In March 2026, the Foundation organised the “AI for Good” Hackathon, a collaborative social innovation programme developed in partnership with The Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Ten NGOs and educational institutions pitched proposals to a panel of industry and community leaders. Three winning projects were selected: Central Connect by the Hong Kong Design Institute, Central as Canvas by Caritas Hong Kong, and Central POP! by the Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation. These three projects form the foundation of The Central Spark Series, with further details outlined in the appendix.
The Central Spark Series leverages Hongkong Land’s Central portfolio in the heart of Hong Kong as a dynamic platform for learning, public participation and community engagement. By bringing young people, NGOs, tenants, employees and the wider public into the district, it translates the Foundation’s People, Place and Culture pillars into visible, on-the-ground experiences. Together, these projects demonstrate how different sectors can collaborate to build longer-term partnerships and create measurable social impact by creating more inclusive and resilient communities. They also nurture the next generation in art and culture, heritage and creativity, building a talent pipeline for Hong Kong’s creative industries.
Beyond Hong Kong, the Foundation extends its reach into other communities where Hongkong Land operates. The Foundation recently backed the Cultural Legacy Innovation Challenge in Beijing, supporting local young people to reimagine the travel route along the Beijing Central Axis. The project promotes the city’s heritage and history to residents and visitors from around the world. In addition to monetary support, Hongkong Land volunteers also give back to the community by offering their time and effort. This year, volunteers across Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Singapore and South Asia have contributed more than 3,000 hours to various projects.
Michael T. Smith, Group Chief Executive of Hongkong Land, and Director of Hongkong Land Foundation, said “Businesses thrive only when their communities flourish. Through our Hongkong Land Foundation, we are committed to unlocking upward social mobility for the next generation through meaningful mentorship, networks, and opportunities. Central, Hong Kong has long stood as the preeminent financial district. Through the Central Spark Series, we will bring together non-profit, academia, talent, commercial partners, tenants, and the wider community to broaden that identity to help make it a vibrant hub for creativity, collaboration, and community.”
Hongkong Land has a longstanding commitment to corporate social responsibility. Since its establishment in November 2020, the Foundation (formerly Hongkong Land HOME FUND) has committed more than HK$133 million in community initiatives benefiting more than 760,000 people. Working alongside its partners over the long term, Hongkong Land remains committed to creating lasting impact for the communities of Hong Kong and beyond.
Appendix: Winning projects of the Central Spark Series
| Project | Details |
| Central Connect by the Hong Kong Design Institute | The project will activate Central as a living classroom, empowering the next generation to reimagine its rich history as a visionary blueprint for the future.
Over 2,400 students will come to Central to get involved in learning activities such as urban sketching, film making and learning the history of the CBD. |
| Central as Canvas by Caritas Hong Kong | This project supports 300 young people with special needs to build confidence and practical art skills through guided art training and collaboration with local artists, tenants, Basehall and tramplus. Their creative work will be transformed into a moving tram gallery, bringing inclusive art into Central and enabling the wider public to experience the district’s heritage and diverse community talent. |
| Central POP! by the Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation | The project engages around 1,600 young people, working alongside tenants and local artists to activate Hongkong Land’s Central portfolio through art education, exhibitions, art stations, guided tours and live performances. Inspired by Central’s history, architecture and public spaces, the project will create accessible cultural experiences for tenants, visitors and the wider community, enriching daily life in the district while nurturing young creative talent. |
Hashtag: #HongkongLand
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Hongkong Land is a major listed property development, investment and management group. It focuses on developing, owning and managing ultra-premium mixed-use real estate in Asian gateway cities, featuring Grade A office, luxury retail, residential and hospitality products. With over US$50 billion in assets under management, Hongkong Land’s premium and ultra-premium mixed-use real estate footprint spans over 1.82 million sq. m. lettable area in operation and 1.57 million sq. m. lettable area under development, with flagship mixed-use projects in Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. Its properties hold industry leading green building certifications and attract the world’s foremost companies and luxury brands. Established in 1889, Hongkong Land takes a long-term view, investing significantly alongside its capital partners and concentrating its portfolio where it can create the most value for tenants, customers and investors. Hongkong Land Holdings Limited has a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange, with secondary listings in Singapore and Bermuda. Hongkong Land is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.
The Hongkong Land Foundation was established in November 2020 (formerly the Hongkong Land HOME FUND) to underscore our long-term commitment to liveable cities and vibrant communities. Building on our legacy of innovation, placemaking, and sustainability, the Foundation focuses on three interconnected pillars: People, Place, and Culture. Through these pillars, we drive social engagement and community development, acting as a catalyst for meaningful social impact. We address long-term socio-economic challenges and enrich lives across the communities we serve – creating lasting positive change, enhancing well-being, and fostering shared prosperity and resilience wherever Hongkong Land operates.
BlackRock expects Gulf investors to redirect as much as $100 billion towards their home markets, creating opportunities in infrastructure and assets opened to private capital. The figure is an estimate of capital that might otherwise have flowed overseas, according to the BlackRock Investment Institute. It is not a commitment by BlackRock to invest $100 billion, despite that interpretation appearing in a report on the firm’s regional outlook. […]
SoftBank Group has begun marketing more than $11 billion of dollar and euro bonds at record prospective yields for comparable company maturities, as Masayoshi Son’s investment group turns again to debt markets to finance its expanding artificial intelligence commitments. The Tokyo-based group is seeking $10 billion through three dollar tranches and €1 billion through two euro tranches. Price discussions for the dollar bonds point to yields of […]
By Ashok Nilakantan Ayers NEW YORK: After months of courtroom confrontation, political pressure, Hollywood lobbying and increasingly tense negotiations, Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery have finally found a settlement with California and 11 other states that removes the biggest obstacle to their proposed $110 billion merger. It is not quite the closing of the […]
The article Paramount-Warner: Hollywood’s $110 Billion Mega Merger appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
Digital-asset companies in South Africa have put at least R2.2 billion of transactions on hold as uncertainty grows over proposed rules that would bring cryptocurrencies more firmly within the country’s exchange-control system. At least three deals have been paused because of the proposed changes, according to people familiar with the transactions. The affected agreements include a large private-equity investment and other deals intended to support small-business capital […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Lending growth at the UAE’s 10 largest listed banks slowed in the second quarter of 2026 as regional disruption from the US-Iran conflict intensified, while profitability and asset quality remained broadly resilient. Net loans and advances increased 4.2 per cent from the previous quarter, down from about 5.8 per cent in the first three months of the year, according to the latest UAE […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai RcrutAI has expanded its Panther real estate intelligence platform into commercial and mixed-use development, adding tools for site analysis, tenant planning, parking demand, pricing and project feasibility. The Cairo-based artificial intelligence company announced the move on September 21, extending a platform that was initially built to support residential development decisions. RcrutAI said the new commercial capabilities are intended to connect decisions that developers […]
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 September 2026 – Etiqa Insurance Singapore has launched Travel Pass, a first-of-its-kind travel insurance rewards experience that allows customers to earn rewards through their Tiq Travel Insurance purchases and unlock benefits across four membership levels. This initiative introduces a new way for customers to get more value from their travel insurance beyond individual trips.
After accumulating S$100 in eligible premium spend, customers are rewarded with Bronze membership and can progress to Silver, Gold and Platinum as their spending increases. Benefits vary by tier and include global eSIM data, Etiqa Rewards Points multipliers, transport vouchers and partner privileges. Gold and Platinum members also receive complimentary Personal Accident and Lifestyle Protection, while Platinum members are eligible for No Claims Cashback.
Reward tiers at a glance:
| Tier | Unlock with | Key perks |
| Bronze | S$100 minimum spend | 1GB free global eSIM · 1.5x Etiqa Rewards Points · Partner deals |
| Silver | S$200 minimum spend | 2GB free global eSIM · 1.8x Etiqa Rewards Points · Partner deals |
| Gold | S$500 minimum spend | 3GB free global eSIM · 2x Etiqa Rewards Points · S$10 transport vouchers · Partner deals · Free Personal Accident Plan |
| Platinum | S$1,000 minimum spend | 5GB free global eSIM · 2.5x Etiqa Rewards Points · S$60 transport vouchers · Partner deals · Free Personal Accident Plan · No Claims Cashback |
Through these benefits, Etiqa Insurance Singapore is shifting travel insurance beyond traditional protection, creating a more holistic travel experience that delivers both peace of mind and practical value for today’s travellers.
“Travel insurance should be more than a product customers purchase for a single trip. As people travel more frequently, protection needs to evolve and become a continuous part of how they travel with confidence. With Etiqa’s Travel Pass, we reward customers each time they choose Tiq by Etiqa, creating greater value as they continue to protect their journeys with us,” said Claudia Soh, Chief Executive Officer of Etiqa Insurance Singapore.
Tracking rewards through the Etiqa+ SG app
Travel Pass is available through the Etiqa+ SG mobile app, where customers can view their accumulated eligible spending, membership tier and available rewards. For Single Trip policies, the spending and rewards are reflected after the policy ends, subject to Travel Pass eligibility criteria.
Tiq Travel Insurance
Tiq Travel Insurance provides automatic claims payouts for eligible flight delays of three consecutive hours or more. Customers may also add optional benefits, including cover for sports equipment protection and pre-existing medical conditions.
From now until 28 December 2026, customers can enjoy 55% off Tiq Travel Insurance Single Trip plans and 30% off Annual Multi-Trip plans. Customers new to Etiqa will receive an additional S$30 discount, further enhancing the value and affordability of their travel protection.
To learn more about Travel Pass and Tiq Travel Insurance, please visit tiq.com.sg.
Terms and Conditions Apply
This policy is underwritten by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Company Reg. No. 201331905K), a member of Maybank Group. This content is for reference only and is not a contract of insurance. Full details of the policy terms and conditions can be found in the policy contract. Protected up to specified limits by SDIC.
Hashtag: #Etiqa
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Protecting customers since 1961, Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (EIPL) is a life and general insurance company licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and governed by the Insurance Act 1966. Having protected customers in Singapore since 1961 under the name United General Insurance Co. Sdn. Bhd., the company transitioned into the Singapore branch of Etiqa Insurance Berhad in 2009. Today, EIPL in Singapore stands as the pivotal operating entity of Etiqa Insurance Group, a leading insurance and takaful provider in ASEAN.
EIPL offers a comprehensive range of life and general insurance products accessible through its diverse distribution channels, including bancassurance, agents, brokers, financial advisers, partnerships, direct and online sales via Tiq by Etiqa. Etiqa is rated ‘A’ by credit rating agency Fitch for the group’s ‘Favorable’ business profile. The company is a member of the Maybank Group.
South African businesses are treating water security as a core continuity risk as unreliable municipal supply, ageing infrastructure increase operational risk across affected municipal networks and major cities. Companies are responding by expanding on-site storage, drilling boreholes where viable, installing treatment systems, recycling wastewater and improving consumption monitoring. The shift resembles the earlier move towards private power resilience, with businesses seeking alternatives to dependence on a single […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Visa Direct is expanding its Saudi Arabia footprint as digital money transfers accelerate, with card-based transaction volumes in the kingdom rising by more than 50 per cent year on year, according to Visa. The growth reflects stronger demand from consumers and financial institutions for faster domestic and cross-border payments, particularly remittances, as Saudi Arabia’s payments market continues shifting towards digital channels. Visa said […]
The Bank of Korea said the Bank of Korea Won International Wire Network started trial operations at 9am local time with KB Kookmin Bank, Woori Bank, Hana Bank and Shinhan Bank participating. Two of the banks completed transactions worth about 1.4 billion won during the initial test, according to the central bank.
Full operation is scheduled for January 2027, when foreign financial institutions are expected to gain wider access to the network. The system is designed to allow won payments and settlement during the business hours of major overseas financial centres rather than limiting activity to South Korea’s domestic banking day.
Under the planned framework, offshore investors will be able to trade the won with other foreign participants using accounts opened with Registered Foreign Institutions for KRW Business, known as RFI-Ks, in their home markets. This is intended to reduce the need for investors to open and operate separate accounts directly with financial institutions in South Korea.
The network will function continuously from 9am on each business day until 9am the following day, effectively providing round-the-clock settlement on weekdays. It will remain closed on weekends and public holidays. Foreign banks are also due to participate in the trial, although the Bank of Korea has not specified when they will enter the testing phase.
The central bank said it would monitor the pilot, refine operating arrangements and expand participation before the system moves into full service. It expects the new infrastructure to improve foreign investors’ access to won settlement and support wider international use of the currency.
The trial follows South Korea’s move in July to extend onshore dollar-won trading to a 24-hour schedule. That change removed the previous gap between Seoul trading hours and active periods in major centres such as London and New York, allowing transactions to continue through the global trading day.
Authorities have paired the longer trading window with changes to settlement arrangements because extended dealing hours alone do not remove operational barriers if investors cannot complete payments outside domestic banking hours. The new network is intended to address that mismatch by keeping settlement infrastructure available while overseas markets are active.
The initiative forms part of a broader programme to open South Korea’s foreign-exchange market and make local assets easier for global institutions to access. Seoul has also been seeking improvements in market infrastructure as it pursues developed-market classification for its equities from MSCI, whose accessibility assessments examine areas including foreign-exchange convertibility, investment flows and operational arrangements.
South Korea has already introduced the RFI framework to permit eligible overseas financial institutions to participate directly in the domestic foreign-exchange market. The settlement network extends that approach by enabling those institutions to hold and transfer won through designated accounts linked to the central bank’s payment infrastructure.
The Bank of Korea has also been modernising its core settlement systems. Its 2025 payment and settlement systems report, released last week, said operating hours for BOK-Wire+ were extended in March and that work continued on the international won network and the adoption of the ISO 20022 financial messaging standard.
The central bank has said the international network will use real-time gross settlement, a structure in which transactions are settled individually and continuously rather than being netted for later settlement. That approach is intended to limit credit risk during the payment process while supporting cross-border compatibility.
Preparations have included linked-system testing and business-continuity planning before the scheduled commercial launch. The authorities have also revised foreign-exchange regulations to accommodate the wider use of overseas won accounts and settlement channels.
Ed Sheeran has said his “heart has been broken” by the scale of civilian suffering in Gaza, while apologising for mistakes made amid the dispute over rapper Macklemore’s removal from his United States tour. Addressing fans at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday, Sheeran described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate” and said the humanitarian toll had forced him to speak publicly […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai GFH Bank has signed a partnership agreement with AlNassr Club Company, making the Bahrain-headquartered bank a partner of the Saudi football club for the 2026–2027 season as it seeks to strengthen its profile in key regional markets. The agreement was signed in Riyadh by GFH Bank chief executive and board member Hisham Alrayes and AlNassr chief executive José Semedo, with senior representatives of […]
A malware campaign using the EtherHiding technique has exploited the Polygon blockchain to conceal and dynamically rotate command-and-control infrastructure while stealing banking and cryptocurrency credentials from infected users. Security researchers tracing the operation said it has been active since at least November 2025 and has compromised at least 31 legitimate business websites across several countries and industries. The campaign has evolved from deploying a general-purpose PowerShell backdoor […]
