This newsletter from LCD Media looks at disruptive technologies in financial services in Asia and Asia/Pacific and the Middle East. It aims to bridge the gap between the regions. I got into studying technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in particular, by chance really. I was editing financial magazines in London and technological developments were always part of what I did. I wrote and edited technology articles and yearbooks too. I learnt a lot. So, on returning to New Zealand from the Middle East, it was an obvious decision to focus on the intersection of disruptive technologies and financial services. I returned to a part of the world where AI was growing exponentially.

This issue is highlighted in one of the articles I’ve just edited for this month entitled: “Unravelling Asia’s fintech success: lessons for the global industry”, by BlogWriters.in Team. It makes clear that the USA and Europe no longer dominate the fintech industry. Reports from the BCG have projected APAC’s fintech market to grow at a rate of 27 percent CAGR and outperform the US market by 2030.

The APAC region pulled this off with the combined effect of a welcoming fintech ecosystem and strategic initiatives.

For starters, they are quick to adopt the latest technologies to evolve fintech systems. First, the rise of digital payments in China is a perfect example of this. The country rapidly integrated the new technology of QR codes, which eventually turned into an everyday need.

Second, the banking system in the USA and Europe is much stricter and regulated. Asia enjoys a more relaxed and flexible fintech ecosystem that promotes start-ups and innovations.

Third, Asia’s fintech market has grown because it appeals to its unbanked and banked populations alike. Recognising a demand for their offering among the banked segment, the fintech start-ups expanded their focus on credit access services to include mobile wallets and digital payment solutions for the mainstream population.

Brazil and Mexico are among the countries following countries in Asia to be leaders in fintech. If you want to know more, here’s the link. https://www.lcdmedia.net/recent-featured-articles/unraveling-asias-fintech-success-lessons-for-the-global-industry.

Finally too, credit scoring has come to the Middle East. From a journalist’s point of view, it was always much easier in than other markets to learn about the credit scores of individuals and companies. In other words, it is much easier to find out if you want to do business with a particular individual or company. That is changing. And that is the example of Tarabut Gateway and Qarar which have teamed up to shake up credit scoring in the Middle East. Here is the link: https://www.lcdmedia.net/recent-featured-articles/tarabut-gateway-partners-with-qarar-to-shakeup-credit-scoring-in-the-middle-east

There are also plenty of other stories too. One of them looks at “The three key areas of fintech success”. https://www.lcdmedia.net/recent-featured-articles/the-three-key-areas-of-fintech-acquisition-success

Another focuses on Egyptian Fintech MNT-Halan which successfully raised US$400 million: https://www.lcdmedia.net/recent-featured-articles/egyptian-fintech-mnt-halan-gets-a-unicorn-badge-with-us-400-million-raise

I’ve also got into learning more about the interaction of technology, AI and seniors. I co-wrote a book, which was published in May this year, entitled: “SeniorITy: how AI and technology can enhance senior living” by Lucia Dore and Carole Railton.

I’ve also looked in more depth as to how AI is used in newsrooms around the world. Two years ago I was the first person to start working on the Global Artificial Intelligence Journalism Index (GIAJI) and it is just completed. It is designed to measure and track the performance of media companies that use AI technologies to produce, publish and promote content. The index will ensure that all media companies know the best AI tools to use depending on the outcomes they want. It will be essential for all media companies or for individual journalists. It has taken many hours to produce, with over 100 media companies around the world having been contacted and responses from about 75. For more on the index please go to https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/ المؤشر_العالمي_لصحافة_الذكاء_الاصطناعي

I’m also raising funds for a mediatech platform, to ensure that customers get the best journalism going.

If you want to know about this or any other story please contact lucia@lcdmedia.net or lucia.claire.dore@gmail.com