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Why Asia Will Be the Next Global Titan in Digital Finance | Entrepreneur

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Why Asia Will Be the Next Global Titan in Digital Finance | Entrepreneur

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Asia, a harmonious blend of ancient civilizations, mystic traditions and ultramodern metropolises, stands at the cusp of a new era, ready to lead the fintech renaissance. Asia encapsulates an unparalleled diversity and depth in both culture and commerce.

Its dynamic economies, fueled by an indomitable spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation and its embrace of cutting-edge technological advancements, position it uniquely. This continent is not merely adapting to the digital finance age; it’s steering its direction, heralding a transformation that promises to redefine and reshape the global financial canvas for future generations.

Related: Why Asia Continues to Dominate the Global Travel Industry

Asia’s fintech landscape

The diversity spanning from Japan’s high-tech prowess to India’s market enormity ensures a kaleidoscope of fintech opportunities. Each nation’s unique challenges and solutions add a distinct color to Asia’s fintech palette. The continent also features a rising middle class.

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The exponential growth of Asia’s middle class, especially in countries like China, India and Indonesia, signifies an increasing demand for digital banking, contactless payments and investment platforms. This surge catalyzes fintech firms to introduce innovative products tailored to this demographic.

Three key drivers of the fintech wave in Asia

  1. Mobile penetration: In regions like Southeast Asia, smartphones have transcended luxury to become a necessity. This proliferation has ushered in a new era where financial transactions, from large-scale transfers to microtransactions, are executed at fingertips.
  2. Digital natives come of age: A vast portion of Asia’s populace, especially in countries like South Korea and China, comprises millennials and Gen Z. Accustomed to technology, this cohort is pushing boundaries, seeking instantaneous and frictionless financial solutions.
  3. Government initiatives: Proactive government measures, like tax breaks for startups, grants and sandbox environments, are galvanizing the fintech environment. For instance, Hong Kong’s Fintech Week showcases innovations and facilitates dialogues between regulators and entrepreneurs.

Related: How to Choose the Right Fintech for Your Business

Standout nations in Asia’s fintech boom

India: The demonetization move in 2016 became an unexpected boon for fintech. Platforms like Paytm saw a meteoric rise. Furthermore, government-backed UPI has democratized digital payments, allowing seamless transactions across different banking platforms.

Singapore: Singapore’s allure isn’t just its strategic location; its endeavors allow businesses to test innovative products in a controlled environment.

China: From street vendors to luxury boutiques, QR code payments are ubiquitous, symbolizing China’s stride into a cashless society.

Related: The Rapid Growth Of Fintech: A Revolution In The Payments Industry

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Challenges looming on the horizon

  • Regulatory hurdles: The kaleidoscopic regulatory landscape across Asia poses intricate challenges. While a country like Japan has embraced cryptocurrencies, others tread cautiously.
  • Security concerns: The spate of cyberattacks and data breaches worldwide necessitates fortified security measures, urging fintech firms to prioritize user safety.
  • Diverse markets: Tailoring solutions to resonate with varied cultural nuances and economic structures remains a formidable task for fintech enterprises.

Harnessing the power of AI and big data

Asia, particularly China and Japan, is at the forefront of AI and big data research. The fintech sector stands to benefit immensely from this. Sophisticated AI-driven algorithms will help in credit scoring, allowing those traditionally underserved by the banking sector to gain access to financial services. Moreover, with big data analytics, financial institutions can derive actionable insights to tailor their products to customers better, enhancing user experiences.

The rise of decentralized finance (DeFi)

DeFi, or decentralized finance, is becoming a buzzword in the financial world. It seeks to create an open-source, permissionless and transparent financial service ecosystem available to everyone. Countries like South Korea and Thailand are already warming up to the idea, with local startups paving the way. Using blockchain technology, DeFi platforms in Asia could bypass intermediaries, offering users more control over their finances.

Related: CBDCs Are Inevitable, and That’s a Good Thing

Financial inclusion through neobanks

Traditional banking infrastructures often don’t cater to rural or less affluent populations. Enter neobanks: fully digital banks without physical branches. In populous countries like India and Indonesia, neobanks can be pivotal in providing financial services to the underserved, capitalizing on widespread mobile use to offer banking solutions.

Green fintech

As the global focus shifts towards sustainability, green fintech will gain traction. From green bonds to sustainability-linked loans, fintech in Asia can integrate with environmental goals, aligning financial growth with ecological preservation. This convergence will cater to the eco-conscious consumer and drive long-term, sustainable financial practices.

Adaptive and forward-thinking regulatory frameworks will be pivotal for fintech to flourish. Asian governments, recognizing the sector’s potential, might adopt more flexible regulations, ensuring innovations aren’t stifled while safeguarding consumers’ interests.

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Asia is not merely witnessing a fintech evolution but spearheading an all-encompassing digital finance revolution. The symbiotic relationship between traditional financial systems and avant-garde technologies is crafting a rich tapestry of opportunities and advancements. The harmony between Asia’s rich cultural heritage and technological innovation fosters an environment that beckons global stakeholders. The continued maturation and innovation of fintech platforms in the region signal regional and global shifts in the financial paradigm. It’s clear that the future of fintech resonates with an Asian melody, and it is imperative for the global community to listen and actively engage in this transformative journey.

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Concurrent Partners with TIFIN @Work to Elevate Workplace Financial Solutions

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Concurrent Partners with TIFIN @Work to Elevate Workplace Financial Solutions

Combining Advisory Expertise and AI-Driven Insights to Deliver Real Financial Impact

BOULDER, Colo. and TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Concurrent, one of the fastest-growing RIA aggregators in the United States, has partnered with TIFIN @Work, an AI-powered workplace growth platform, to deliver a more focused and personalized approach to workplace financial solutions.  The partnership combines TIFIN @Work’s AI-driven tools with Concurrent’s advisory expertise to deliver clear, actionable outcomes for employees, employers, and advisors.

TIFIN @Work partners with Concurrent to deliver personalized workplace financial solutions through AI-driven technology and expert advisory services, enhancing financial outcomes for employees, employers, and advisors. #WorkplaceSolutions #AI #FinancialInnovation #TIFINAtWork #Concurrent #EmployeeWellness #FinancialAdvisory

“Concurrent’s rapid growth has been built on our ability to deliver personalized, scalable solutions that meet the unique needs of clients,” said Casey Bates, Managing Director of Strategy and Growth at Concurrent. “Our partnership with TIFIN @Work strengthens our offering, combining cutting-edge AI technology with our proven advisory strategies to create financial solutions with real impact.”

TIFIN @Work’s AI technology delivers tailored actions to employees, helping them optimize their financial strategies—whether it’s optimizing paycheck contributions or planning for long-term goals. Concurrent ensures these insights are put to work, providing the expertise needed to make decisions that benefit both employees and their employers.

“This partnership is about creating better wealth outcomes with tailored solutions that truly make a difference,” said Marc McDonough, CEO of TIFIN @Work. “By combining our technology with Concurrent’s advisory experience, we’re offering a solution that directly addresses the financial needs of the workplace, creating practical value for all involved.”

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The integration of TIFIN @Work’s platform with Concurrent’s advisory services provides employers with a streamlined approach to supporting employees. The result is improved engagement, stronger financial confidence, and greater opportunities for advisors.

About Concurrent
Concurrent is a multi-custodial, hybrid registered investment adviser (RIA) created to give independent advisors all the resources they need to grow their businesses and adapt to the evolving financial needs of their clients. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, Concurrent was established in 2017 by former advisors, business owners and industry leaders to cultivate a national network of independent providers of unbiased, fiduciary advice.

Investment advisory services through Concurrent Investment Advisors, LLC (“Concurrent”), an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. To learn more about Concurrent, visit www.poweredbyconcurrent.com.

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4 money experts reveal how to reflect on your personal finances — and set goals for 2025

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4 money experts reveal how to reflect on your personal finances — and set goals for 2025

 Wealth management, banking and finance concept. Smart banking with technology.

D3sign | Moment | Getty Images

The end of the year is a time of reflection for many, and while some will look back on their experiences and achievements, money experts say it’s just as important to take stock of your finances.

Staying on top of your spending may have seemed like an uphill struggle this year as wages have often failed to keep up with the increased cost of living. In the U.S., Bankrate’s 2024 Wage to Inflation Index found that between January 2021 and June 2024, prices increased 20%, but wages only rose by 17.4% over the same period.

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As a result, nearly half of Americans say they are living paycheck to paycheck, according to a recent Bank of America survey.

“The end of the year can be a great time to reflect on your finances, but it’s important not to be hard on yourself,” Tamara Harel-Cohen, co-founder of financial wellbeing app RiseUp, told CNBC Make It.

Harel-Cohen advised against scrutinizing every penny spent because it’s not possible to always meet your financial goals.

Meanwhile, Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown, said there’s always room for improvement where money management is concerned.

“It can feel that as long as you get to the end of the year roughly in one piece financially, you’re probably OK. However, this approach leaves you vulnerable to neglecting key aspects of your finances,” Coles said.

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CNBC Make It asked four financial experts for their top tips on reflection and money management as the end of the year approaches.

‘Have self-compassion’

It’s a “common phenomenon” in December for people to feel ashamed about how they handled their money, Vicky Reynal, a financial psychotherapist and author of “Money on Your Mind,” told CNBC Make It.

“One thing that I would say is to have self-compassion,” Reynal said. “There’s almost a sense that everybody feels they should be better than they are.”

This can stop us from thinking productively about how to turn things around, Reynal said. The truth is that managing finances is “not an innate skill,” and it’s often not taught by schools or parents.

“So we pick it up as we go, and we’ll inevitably make mistakes. But all we can do is, rather than simmer in in guilt and shame, we can use that and reframe it in terms of: What can I do differently? What do I want to do differently next year financially?” Reynal added.

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‘5 cornerstones of sound finances’

Hargreaves Lansdown’s Coles suggested an audit of five key money areas.

“We should specifically take stock of the five cornerstones of sound finances: Are your short-term debts under control? Do you have the right things in place to protect your family – including life insurance and a will? Do you have enough emergency savings to cover three-to-six-months’ worth of essential spending? Are you on track with pension saving? And are you investing to make more of your money where you can?” she said.

Understanding where you are financially within these five key areas can help you create the foundations of a budget and new money goals, Coles added.

Don’t make budgeting complicated

A lot of money resolutions in the new year fail because they tend to be overcomplicated, according to Reynal.

“People, sometimes, will come proudly to me and say: ‘I’ve set up this spreadsheet, it’s 30 tabs. I’m going to be recording all my expenses.’ But that’s not sustainable,” Reynal said. “I would always encourage people to keep it simple and find the right tools.”

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She suggested using budgeting apps and investment platforms that cut out the work for you.

“It will simplify and enable a cycle in which you’re feeling empowered. You’re getting small wins, and that kind of perpetuates a virtual circle in which you’re starting to build confidence that: ‘Look, I managed to do it this month, and so maybe I’ll manage to do it next month,’” she added.

Harel-Cohen agreed, saying even a “five-minute check-in” with yourself in the morning about how you’re going to spend money during the day will help you make better decisions without feeling overwhelmed.

“Remember, improving your financial wellbeing is a marathon, not a sprint,” Harel-Cohen added.

Small, lasting improvements

The second reason that many money resolutions fail is because they’re too ambitious, according to Reynal.

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“There’s a lot to be said about small wins in terms of building confidence, building a sense of agency, and building momentum,” she said, adding that setting “small, actionable goals,” is the route to success.

Harel-Cohen advised automating monthly payments into your savings account to achieve long-term goals such as holidays or retirement.

She said: “After setting this up, just sit back and forget about it.”

Consider your feelings

It’s okay to treat yourself on occasion too, according to Ylva Baeckström, a senior lecturer in finance at King’s Business School.

Spending money shouldn’t always be anxiety-inducing, she said. “What did you really spend on things you don’t really need? And how did it make you feel spending that money? Did it make you anxious or stressed or did it make you feel good?” Baeckström said.

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“If it made you feel anxious you need to change your habit. However, if it made you feel good, it may be worth continuing to allow yourself this particular luxury. Allow yourself some treats that make you feel good and cut the spend that makes you feel anxious,” she added.

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Seven Hills Realty Trust Closes $45.0 Million Bridge Loan to Finance the Acquisition of a Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts

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Seven Hills Realty Trust Closes .0 Million Bridge Loan to Finance the Acquisition of a Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts

NEWTON, Mass., December 17, 2024–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Seven Hills Realty Trust (Nasdaq: SEVN) today announced the closing of a $45.0 million first mortgage floating rate bridge loan to finance the acquisition of Club Quarters Hotel, a 178-room hotel located at 161 Devonshire Street in Boston, Massachusetts.

The loan has a three-year initial term with two one-year extension options, subject to the borrower meeting certain requirements. SEVN’s manager, Tremont Realty Capital, was introduced to the transaction by JLL, which advised Arch & Devonshire LLC, the borrower.

Tom Lorenzini, President and Chief Investment Officer of SEVN, made the following statement:

“The Club Quarters Hotel benefits from being near the Massachusetts State House, Faneuil Hall, Boston Common, the Boston Theatre District and many significant historical sites. The closing of the loan to finance the acquisition of this hotel demonstrates our ability to identify and execute compelling loan investment opportunities. Furthermore, we continue to be active in the market and maintain a strong pipeline of quality loan opportunities to generate attractive risk adjusted returns for our shareholders.”

About Seven Hills Realty Trust

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Seven Hills Realty Trust (Nasdaq: SEVN) is a real estate finance company focused on originating and investing in first mortgage loans secured by middle market transitional commercial real estate. SEVN is managed by Tremont Realty Capital, an affiliate of The RMR Group (Nasdaq: RMR), a leading U.S. alternative asset management company with nearly $41 billion in assets under management and more than 35 years of institutional experience in buying, selling, financing and operating commercial real estate. For more information about SEVN, please visit www.sevnreit.com.

WARNING CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other securities laws. These statements may include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “will,” “may” and negatives or derivatives of these or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements about SEVN continuing to be active in the market and maintaining a strong pipeline of quality loan opportunities and SEVN’s investment focus, ability to complete additional loan investments in the future and ability to generate attractive risk adjusted returns for shareholders. Forward-looking statements reflect SEVN’s current expectations, are based on judgments and assumptions, are inherently uncertain and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause SEVN’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from expected future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in those forward-looking statements. Some of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: the ability of SEVN to make additional investments; the success of SEVN’s investments; SEVN’s available liquidity, access to capital and cost of capital; and various other matters. These risks, uncertainties and other factors are not exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with other cautionary statements that are included in SEVN’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. The information contained in SEVN’s filings with the SEC, including under the caption “Risk Factors” in its periodic reports, or incorporated therein, identifies important factors that could cause SEVN’s actual results to differ materially from those stated in or implied by SEVN’s forward-looking statements. SEVN’s filings with the SEC are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You should not place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, SEVN does not intend to update or change any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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