How AMIR Has Fostered Consumer Protection Practices Amidst COVID-19
In effort to safeguard employees and clients, the Association of Microfinance Institutions in Rwanda (AMIR) instituted various measures to raise awareness about the virus and control its spread in the industry.
Rwanda Waives Charges on Digital Payments
The National Bank of Rwanda has instructed mobile network operators to waive charges on all transfers with bank wallets, person-to-person and merchant fees on payments.
Hong Kong’s HKT Financial Services, the Fintech Arm of HKT Group, Introduces Digital Financing Platform
Hong Kong-based HKT Financial Services, the Fintech division of the HKT Group, has launched another Fintech project, HKT Flexi, a digital or online financing platform that allows users to make payments via the HKT Flexi App.
China Takes Steps to Become First Cashless Society After COVID-19
As contactless payments become the norm amid the worldwide pandemic response, China rolled out its digital currency this month in four cities, setting it up to become the world’s first cashless society.
China Mobile Payment Gains Fueled by Pandemic
The annual survey on mobile payments showed 98 percent of respondents indicated mobile was their most commonly used payment method, up 5 percentage points from 2019.
COVID-19 Recovery Funds Benefit to 3,000 Businesses in Rwanda
The Executive Director of Association of Microfinance Institutions said that a total amount ranging between RWF 4 billion ($4M) and RWF 5 billion ($5M) has been channeled through microfinance institutions to help small businesses recover from COVID-19 effects.
Symbiotics Investments Launches Its First Green Bond in China With Zuoli
With the issuance of this Green Bond, Zuoli will finance, amongst others, green buildings and energy efficiency projects in the Zhejiang province.
Former Hong Kong Bourse Chief LI Plans New Microfinance Platform in 2021
Li told Reuters in an interview that in “traditional finance” investing in SMEs was rarely worthwhile for global institutions as the due diligence was difficult, risks were high and funding amounts small.
IFC, Rwanda Capital Markets Authority and Central Bank Join Forces to Boost Access to Long-Term Finance for Small Businesses
The four-year partnership will help expand access to long-term local currency finance in Rwanda for key sectors such as housing, agribusiness, and smaller businesses.