payments
Tokyo-based payment gateway operator NETSTARS has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Singapore’s imToken to explore integrating the non-custodial Web3 wallet with NETSTARS’ "Stablecoin Pay" infrastructure. The initiative aims to advance real-world stablecoin adoption at physical retail locations in Japan and examine broader expansion
venture capital
In a decisive move to consolidate the fragmented climate-tech landscape, Tokyo-based ASUENE has finalized a dual-track expansion strategy: the closing of an $87 million Series D funding round alongside the acquisition of UK-based supply chain carbon platform Secaro. These announcements frame ASUENE as an aggressive "
digital assets
After an already busy week of announcements, SBI Holdings has further added to its next-generation digital asset footprint, announcing a major cross-border acquisition in Singapore alongside a global tokenization partnership with U.S.-based Ondo Finance. The dual announcements underscore SBI’s aggressive pursuit of building a "
venture capital
Singapore-headquartered enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) developer Whale has secured a $40 million Series C3 extension, bringing its total Series C funding to $100 million. The injection of capital is earmarked to accelerate the scale-up of its global enterprise AI deployments and deepen platform integrations. The latest funding round
asset management
Funds, a prominent Tokyo-based direct investment platform led by CEO Yuichiro Fujita, has launched its first European venture, the "Everest Leaseback Receivable-Backed Fund #1." The launch signifies a major geographical expansion for the platform, introducing Poland as its fourth international market following previous entries into Taiwan,
digital assets
A consortium of leading financial institutions and blockchain firms has successfully completed a joint proof-of-concept (PoC) exploring the cross-border circulation of domestic security tokens (STs). The collaborative initiative included SBI Securities, Daiwa Securities, Singapore-based SBI Digital Markets and Penguin Securities, and blockchain developer BOOSTRY. The project
venture capital
SBI Ven Capital has co-led a US$5.6 million Pre-Series A funding round for Pints AI alongside Tin Men Capital, with participation from SEEDS Capital, NTUitive, SUTD Venture Fund, and Tenity. As financial institutions globally look to transition artificial intelligence from peripheral use cases—like customer service
digital assets
Ericsenz Capital, a Singapore-based investment firm licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), has announced the successful completion and settlement of Asia’s first physically deliverable Bitcoin Dual-Currency Note (BTC DCN). The three-month institutional digital asset product, which launched in December 2025, was distributed by SBI
venture capital
The Cool Japan Fund (CJF) has made an investment of up to $12 million in Polisea, the Singapore-based InsurTech firm behind the "PolicyStreet" platform. The move is designed to bolster the digital infrastructure supporting Japanese exports across Southeast Asia, with a primary focus on the Malaysian market.
private equity
JAFCO Investment (Asia Pacific), a long-standing fixture in the regional private equity landscape, has officially rebranded as JIF Capital Ltd. The move marks the firm's formal transition into an independent venture and growth investment platform following its acquisition by Bee Alternatives Management. While the name is new,
venture capital
Singapore-based investment firm Cross Capital is advancing toward the final close of its debut Fund of Funds (FoF), having secured new capital commitments from Resona Bank and packaging giant Toyo Seikan Group. The newly formed partnerships bring the total number of corporate Limited Partners (LPs) in the Cross Capital
cryptocurrency exchange
Japanese financial services giant SBI Holdings is set to significantly expand its footprint in the Southeast Asian crypto market, announcing its intention to acquire a majority stake in Coinhako, a leading Singapore-based digital asset platform. SBI confirmed that its subsidiary, SBI Ventures Asset, has signed a letter of intent