What if a single day could change the trajectory of a young person’s life by equipping them with tools to navigate financial uncertainties? In Manama, Bahrain, this is no longer just a question but a reality for many high schoolers, university students, and vocational trainees. A groundbreaking workshop, hosted by Mastercard in collaboration with the “Design Your Future (DYF)” initiative,
Imagine starting your first job, paycheck in hand, only to realize that nearly a third of your earnings vanish into taxes, deductions, and loans before you can even dream of spending it. For many young workers and recent graduates, this harsh reality of stepping into the financial world with little experience and often a mountain of student debt can be
Cryptocurrency has skyrocketed in popularity, transforming from a niche interest into a significant player in global finance. Recent studies reveal that the cryptocurrency market is poised to grow substantially, with billions of dollars exchanged daily. What does this rapid expansion suggest about the future of traditional currencies? Governments and financial institutions around the world are in heated discussions, contemplating the
In the rapidly evolving landscape of business-to-business transactions, the efficient flow of funds is crucial. OatFi, a financial technology company, has emerged as a significant player by enhancing embedded credit infrastructure within the B2B payments sector. Recently securing $24 million in Series A funding led by White Star Capital and contributions from industry giants like Portage and QED, OatFi is
In recent years, the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) trend has gained traction, revolutionizing how young consumers in Tasmania approach purchasing goods and services. For individuals under the age of 35 in Tasmania, these services, such as Afterpay, offer a seemingly convenient way to make impulse buys without immediate financial strain. While these platforms offer flexibility, they also expose users
In summer 2025, an intriguing shift is underway in how Americans finance their travel plans, with a marked increase in the use of “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) services. This developing trend allows consumers to spread the cost of their vacations over several payments rather than making a single hefty upfront expenditure. Offering a tempting appeal, BNPL is capturing the
This summer, as people gear up to travel, many are turning to alternative payment options to fund their vacations. However, these choices come with their own set of challenges. Here to share insights on this topic is Nicholas Braiden, a leading FinTech expert renowned for his work in blockchain and advising startups on financial technology. Can you tell us more
In the ever-evolving world of technology, the year 2025 sets a new benchmark for what PC builders and tech enthusiasts expect from their hardware. Budget constraints often push builders to consider motherboards priced below $200, but these come with notable limitations. While these motherboards generally perform well in areas such as performance, connectivity, and input/output (I/O) options, they often fall
Viva.com, a tech-driven bank tailored for businesses, is making significant strides in the financial technology sector with the expansion of Mastercard’s instant payment service, Mastercard Move, to the UK. This advancement underscores a growing trend in Europe and beyond, where there is an increasing preference for near-instant payments, both among consumers and businesses. The European Central Bank has reported a
Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the National Bank of Cambodia have launched the second phase of the Cross-Border QR Payment initiative to enhance digital payment connectivity between Malaysia and Cambodia. The initiative, which started in 2024, aims for seamless and instant payments between the nations through participating financial institutions. The initial phase allowed Cambodian users to make retail payments in
In the ever-evolving landscape of cryptocurrencies, the allure of meme coins has captured the attention of many new investors. These digital assets, often inspired by internet memes and driven by social media hype, have experienced explosive rallies in the past, promising lucrative returns.However, the current market trend paints a different picture, showing a significant decline that raises questions about their
The transformation within the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) industry marks a significant shift toward greater transparency as major players like Affirm, Experian, and TransUnion have begun incorporating BNPL data into credit systems.This major development raises important questions about how this move will impact users’ financial health. The integration’s primary goal is to provide a more comprehensive view of consumer
