Weekly Fintech Roundup: Key Developments (04/20–04/26)
Moon's Lightning Wallet Integration with Amazon
Cryptocurrency payment startup Moon, founded in New York, announced on April 22 that users can now pay with Bitcoin via any Lightning Network-compatible wallet on Amazon. Previously, Moon’s browser extension allowed payments through linked Coinbase accounts (supporting BTC, LTC, ETH, BCH). This upgrade expands payment options for e-commerce, with future rollouts planned for eBay, AliExpress, Target, and Etsy.
🔍 Key Details:
- Transactions convert Bitcoin to fiat currency via backend financial institutions, ensuring merchants receive traditional payments.
- Moon CEO Ken Kruger predicts near-universal e-commerce compatibility for Lightning Network payments by 2025.
Taiwan’s FSC Expands Electronic Payment Services
Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) now permits electronic payment platforms (e.g., Alipay, WeChat Pay) to facilitate cross-border transactions for overseas purchases. Users can pay via e-wallets at foreign retail outlets, enhancing travel and business expense convenience.
Taipei Fubon Bank Launches "Nanometric Investing"
Partnering with UK robo-advisor Nutmeg, Taipei Fubon Bank unveiled Nanometric Investing, a platform allowing investments in global ETFs with just $100. Features include:
- Fractional Shares Technology: Splits ETFs into 1/10,000th units for precise allocation.
- AI-Driven Portfolio Management: Analyzes risk, market trends, and liquidity across 800+ ETFs.
- 24/7 Dashboard: Monitors economic shifts and rebalances portfolios automatically.
Binance Chain and DEX Go Live
Binance launched its decentralized exchange (Binance DEX) on April 23, powered by the new Binance Chain. Highlights:
- BNB Migration: Shifted from Ethereum’s ERC-20 to Binance Chain’s native BEP2 tokens.
- Decentralized Trading: Enhances transparency and user control over assets.
Blockchain in Food Traceability: Nestlé & Carrefour
Using IBM Food Trust, Nestlé’s Mousline mashed potatoes now feature QR codes for full supply-chain transparency (potato variety, production dates, storage info).
KGI Bank’s API Success
KGI Bank’s 20 API modules in FinTech Space have enabled 3 startups (e.g., invoice app "發票存摺") to commercialize products.
Unisys Report: Low Trust in Taiwanese Banks
Only 19% of Taiwanese consumers trust banks with personal data—lagging behind the Philippines (42%) and New Zealand (41%). Younger (26%) and older (25%) demographics show higher trust levels.
Payment Card Data Breach in India
Over 3.2 million payment card details were leaked in 2024, making India the third-most affected country after the U.S. and UK.
FAQs
1. How does Moon’s Lightning wallet work on Amazon?
Payments are processed via Lightning Network wallets, with Bitcoin converted to fiat for merchants.
2. What’s the minimum investment for Nanometric Investing?
Just $100, using fractional shares to access 800+ ETFs.
3. Is Binance DEX truly decentralized?
Yes, it allows peer-to-peer trading without centralized custody.
👉 Explore Lightning Network wallets
👉 Learn about fractional ETF investing
Image credits: Moon, Nestlé, Binance, KGI Bank