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US-based Episode Six is banking on Hong Kong demand for virtual payments, SME lending

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US-based Episode Six is banking on Hong Kong demand for virtual payments, SME lending


Episode Six, or E6, an Austin, Texas-headquartered global provider of payment processing and digital ledger infrastructure for banks and financial institutions, will expand its footprint in Hong Kong this year on the back of growing demand for virtual-payment technologies, the company’s executives told the Post.

“We’re seeing increasing demand for virtual card payments, which our platform is perfectly suited for,” said John Mitchell, E6’s co-founder and CEO. “We’re also seeing an increase in demand for our virtual account, and we’re expected to have growing penetration around these two products in Hong Kong throughout the rest of the year.”

“We know there’s a push from the regulators to see more innovative working capital solutions deployed to SMEs, and we have a product that takes the concept of ‘buy now, pay later’ [BNPL] but industrialises it and makes it fit for purpose for commercial banks to offer to SME customers,” Muse-McKenney said, adding that there is some “good traction” taking place in the market, and E6 is looking to officially launch the new product in the second half of this year.

BNPL is a short-term instalment loan that allows customers to make purchases and pay for them later, without being charged interest.

E6, whose partners include PayMe, HSBC’s mobile payment service, and MasterCard, is also confident about the growth potential of the Asia-Pacific market.
PayMe, HSBC’s mobile payment service, is one of E6’s partners. Photo: Handout

“The problem across the region is that payments technology needs to be modernised,” said Mitchell. “Asia-Pacific is growing for E6, and some of the new payment products require technology that’s not readily available in the markets that we’re entering, whether that’s around contactless QR code payments, or interoperability between payment schemes.”

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Both executives also highlighted Japan as “high on the list” for the start-up.

“Japan is a particularly compelling market for E6,” said Mitchell, adding that E6 has been on the ground in Japan since 2017. With positive macroeconomic trends and a fintech-friendly regulatory environment in Japan, financial institutions are investing in modernising their payment infrastructure, he added.

Ant Group adds 14 foreign payment apps in access boost for Hong Kong merchants

“Financial institutions in Asia have had more direct competition from fintechs, and thus they have had to wake up sooner and are more advanced in their thinking in terms of the digital experiences they need to create,” said Muse-McKenney.

“The payments innovation landscape in Asia, the idea of faster payments, is a really progressive agenda that’s being pushed, and so banks and financial institutions more broadly are at the forefront of payments innovation, whereas within [Europe, the Middle East and Africa] and North America, they’re more catching up.”

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While also steadily expanding in Europe and North America, Asia remains E6’s largest market from both a revenue and accounts perspective, since the company was founded in 2015, Mitchell said.

Hong Kong SMEs more confident of growth than their Singapore, mainland peers

E6 in late April announced a partnership with Singapore-licensed financial institution DCS Card Centre that will allow fintech companies to issue their own branded credit cards through E6’s customer interface.

Powered by E6’s card issuance technology, the solution reduces the process needed to launch a new credit card from up to six months to a matter of weeks. It also incorporates access to a virtual account that allows for top-ups with fiat currency through bank transfers, or with digital assets via DCS tokens, which are directly issued by DCS.

With a presence in more than 35 countries, E6 completed its most recent financing round in March 2023, raising US$48 million from investors led by Avenir. E6’s other existing backers include HSBC, Mastercard, SBI Investment Co and Anthos Capital.

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Austin, TX

Texas Eats: Spicy ramen bowls in Austin, wok-fired fusion in SA and Houston Barbecue

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Texas Eats: Spicy ramen bowls in Austin, wok-fired fusion in SA and Houston Barbecue


You can watch “Texas Eats” on Saturdays at 10 a.m. on KSAT 12, KSAT.com, and KSAT Plus, our free streaming app.

This week on Texas Eats:

Spicy ramen bowls at Ramen Tatsu-Ya in Austin (Copyright KSAT 12 2025)

Ramen Tatsu-Ya

1600 E 6th St., Austin, Texas 78702

Ramen Tatsu-ya is an Austin staple known for serious Japanese ramen, crafted by chefs Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya Matsumoto. Their broths are slow-cooked, complex, and authentic, and their noodle bowls are rich, comforting, and widely praised by locals and critics alike.


David Elder grills with Levi Goode at Otto’s Ice House (Copyright KSAT 12 2025)

Otto’s Ice House

111 Newell Ave., San Antonio, Texas 78212

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Otto’s Ice House, located in the Pearl District, mixes the chill vibes of a Texas ice house with upscale touches. From street tacos and bratwurst to creative cocktails and live music, it’s a place to kick back with friends outdoors or by the river. The menu is casual but well-executed, and the owner Levi Goode brings in a reputation for quality and storytelling.


Shrimp and lemon risotto at Texas Bistro in New Braunfels (Copyright KSAT 12 2025)

Texas Bistro

1932 S Seguin Avenue #209, New Braunfels, Texas 78130

Texas Bistro is a New American restaurant in New Braunfels that focuses on fresh, thoughtfully prepared dishes in a relaxed but refined environment. It draws praise as one of the area’s standout places for dinner.


David Elder rips apart the brisket and eats a pork rib at Houston’s Goode BBQ. (Copyright KSAT 12 2025)

Goode Co. BBQ

5109 Kirby Drive, Houston, Texas 77098

Goode Co. Barbeque is a long-standing Houston institution (since 1977) specializing in Texas-style barbecue slow-smoked over mesquite wood. They serve tender brisket, ribs, sausage, and classic sides, often paired with their signature pecan pie. The vibe is down-home, rustic, and welcoming — a place built around tradition, smoked meats, and a sense of genuine Texas BBQ hospitality.

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David Elder trys the jerk chicken at Canje in Austin (Copyright KSAT 12 2025)

Canje

1914 E 6th St. Ste C, Austin, Texas 78702

Canje is a vibrant Caribbean-inspired restaurant founded by Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph. Located in East Austin, it blends Caribbean and Guyanese traditions with modern techniques, emphasizing fresh, regionally-sourced ingredients and sustainable practices. The atmosphere is lively and colorful, with bold flavors and inventive dishes that reflect the broader diaspora of island cuisines.


David Elder explores the menu at Best Quality Daughter in San Antonio. (Copyright KSAT 12 2025)

Best Quality Daughter

602 Avenue A, San Antonio, Texas 78215

Best Quality Daughter is an Asian-American restaurant in the Pearl, founded by Chef Jennifer Dobbertin. It showcases flavors from her heritage and her travels, offering dishes that blend comfort with creativity in a welcoming space. It’s earned acclaim locally and has become a key part of San Antonio’s emerging food scene.


Seafood tower at McAdoo’s in New Braunfels (Copyright KSAT 12 2025)

McAdoo’s Seafood

196 N Castell Ave., New Braunfels, Texas 78130

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McAdoo’s is an upscale seafood restaurant in downtown New Braunfels housed in the old post office building. They offer a mix of fresh seafood, authentic Cajun-Creole dishes, and Texas Creole favorites. The setting includes a courtyard and intimate bar, and the menu combines fine dining touches with hearty, flavor-forward preparations.


Loaded Molcajete at La Tequila in San Antonio (Copyright KSAT 12 2025)

La Tequila Mexican Restauarnt

90 Crossroads Blvd., Balcones Heights, Texas 78201

La Tequila Jalisco offers auténtica comida mexicana in Balcones Heights with a menu full of Jalisco-style dishes like enchiladas, fried shrimp, and classic tacos. Its warm, family-friendly setting makes it a go-to for locals craving hearty, approachable Mexican food.

Follow Texas Eats and David Elder on Facebook and Instagram for more food info, pictures, videos and giveaways.

Copyright 2025 by KSAT – All rights reserved.

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Records in Texas AG Ken Paxton’s divorce case are unsealed

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Records in Texas AG Ken Paxton’s divorce case are unsealed


AUSTIN (The Texas Tribune) — The records in Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s divorce case have been unsealed.

Judge Robert Brotherton, who is presiding over the case, signed an order Friday morning allowing the records to be made public. The decision came after Paxton and his wife, state Sen. Angela Paxton, announced that they had come to an agreement late Thursday to unseal the documents.

Tyler Bexley, an attorney for a group of media organizations fighting for the records to be released, celebrated the decision as a win for transparency.

“We’re certainly pleased with the result,” Bexley said after the hearing.

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The move was an abrupt about-face for the couple, who had fought to keep the records secret. It’s unclear exactly what brought on the change.

The records were released before noon. They show the Paxtons have entered mediation, and their blind trust had doled out $20,000 to each of them to pay for their attorneys. The documents also show that earlier this month, Angela Paxton asked her husband to produce records pertinent to the case. They also show multiple judges recused themselves from the case before it was given to Brotherton, a visiting judge based in Wichita Falls.

The Texas Newsroom previously published copies of several records — including Paxton’s general denial of his wife’s divorce petition — before they were sealed.

The records did not shed more light on the couple’s financial situation, division of assets or the alleged affair that led to the divorce — but additional filings will be made as the case continues. Bexley said the media organizations agreed to redactions only of personal information like Social Security numbers and home addresses.

State Sen. Angela Paxton filed for divorce in July alleging adultery. Soon after, she asked for the court record to be sealed. A previous judge handling the case agreed and put all of the records under seal. Ken Paxton initially supported the decision, filing a court document that accused the press of attempting to unfairly invade his personal life.

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Eight media organizations and a nonpartisan nonprofit opposed the sealing. The media group argued Paxton’s divorce records should be public because he is an elected official running for office who has faced repeated allegations of corruption. The attorney general’s finances, which are a subject of the divorce case, have been central to the misconduct allegations against him. While he has been charged with multiple crimes during his decade in statewide office, Paxton has never been convicted.

Paxton is now challenging John Cornyn in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate.

Laura Roach, one of Ken Paxton’s lawyers, said after the Friday hearing that the attorney general had always wanted the record to be unsealed.

“Mr. Paxton has always wanted us to actually unseal it,” she said. “Attorneys get on a path and we think that that’s the right way to go and we were finally able to get everybody on the same page.”

When asked why he initially opposed it so strongly, she added, “that’s just legal stuff. … His attorneys said that.”

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Angela Paxton had asked the records be sealed because doing so would “not have an adverse affect on the public health or safety.” Her representatives declined to respond on Friday.

Michael Clauw, the communications director for the nonprofit Campaign for Accountability that also sought the release of the records, said he does not believe Ken Paxton actually wanted them to be made public.

“It’s ridiculous to believe that Ken Paxton ‘always wanted’ his divorce record to be unsealed,” he said. “Only when it became apparent he likely would lose in court did he change his tune.”

Roach said she expects the case to be resolved amicably soon. Neither Ken Paxton nor Angela Paxton appeared at the court.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at www.texastribune.org. The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans – and engages with them – about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

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Photo of the Week: Texas K-9 care

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Photo of the Week: Texas K-9 care


EMS1 Staff comprises experienced writers, editors, and EMS professionals dedicated to delivering trusted, timely, and actionable information and resources for public safety. EMS1 Staff is committed to equipping EMS providers with the knowledge and resources they need to excel in pre-hospital care. With a focus on delivering breaking news, expert advice, and practical tools, our team ensures EMTs and paramedics have access to reliable information that supports their professional growth and enhances patient outcomes.

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