FINTECH & DIGITAL BANKING

| September-October. 2025

Over the course of four days, the event brought together industry leaders, regulators, and innovators to explore the evolving landscape of the finance sector.

The conference, held from Aug 4-7 at Sasana Kijang and the AICB Centre of Excellence, showcased the impact of emerging technologies, such as generative AI and blockchain, on business models and consumer expectations.

Malaysia ' s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions also underscored the demand for innovative financial solutions, particularly considering the challenges posed by an ageing population, which highlighted the need for inclusive welfare policies.

MyFW 2025 was structured around three thematic tracks that guided the conversations throughout the week:

■ Finance for the Future: Addressing the

FUTURE FINANCE: Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan delivers the opening address at MyFintech Week 2025, emphasising the critical role of the financial sector in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future

necessity of a digitally enabled financial system.

■ Finance for Change: Supporting sustainability and social impact initiatives.

■ Finance for a Resilient Ecosystem: Aiming to strengthen the resilience of the financial system.

Co-organised by Bank Negara Malaysia( BNM), the Securities Commission Malaysia( SC), the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers( AICB), the Fintech Association of Malaysia( FAOM), and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation( MDEC), the event facilitated bold discussions among regulators, financial institutions, digital banks, fintech innovators, technology providers, policymakers, investors, and academia.

The event was officially opened by Minister of Finance II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, who emphasised the financial sector ' s role in shaping societal outcomes. He remarked that the sector must support new growth areas, foster innovation, and enhance economic resilience and social mobility.

High-level keynotes set the tone for the event, with BNM Governor Dato ' Sri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour stressing the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of finance.

He stated that a comprehensive solution requires the engagement of policymakers, regulators, technologists, investors, and innovators.

Notable keynote speakers included Tan Sri Andrew Sheng, former central banker and Chairman of the George Town Institute of Open and Advanced Studies.

The event also featured a diverse array of sessions on topics such as open finance, digital assets, and sustainable finance. Participants engaged in focused discussions led by industry experts, exploring topics such as asset tokenisation, generative AI, and cybersecurity resilience.

MIDAS, a leading investment platform in Turkey, raised US $ 80 million in its Series B funding round, marking the largest investment ever secured by a Turkish fintech company.

This latest round brought the total funding for Midas to over US $ 140 million.

The platform, which caters to 3.5 million investors, provides access to Borsa Istanbul, U. S. stock markets, mutual funds, and cryptocurrencies through a single interface.

The newly acquired capital will be utilised to enhance security infrastructure and accelerate the launch of advanced products aimed at active traders.

The funding round was led by QED Investors, a highly regarded fintech fund. New investors included the International Finance Corporation( IFC), HSG( previously Sequoia China), QuantumLight, Spice Expeditions LP, and George Rzepecki.

Existing backers, including Spark Capital, Portage Ventures, Bek Ventures, and Nigel Morris, also participated, reinforcing their commitment to Midas.

This record-breaking investment underscores international investor confidence in

Egem Eraslan

Midas and its role in transforming Turkey ' s fintech landscape.

QED Investors Partner Yusuf Özdalga noted: " Midas has unlocked access to vast domestic and global investment opportunities for Turkish users, utilising cutting-edge fintech tools.

" We are proud to lead Midas ' Series B round and look forward to being part of this growth journey in Turkey and beyond."

Since its establishment in 2020, Midas has revolutionised how individuals in Turkey engage with financial markets.

With a commission-free model, the platform has enabled millions to make their first investments, collectively saving nearly US $ 50 million in transaction fees. Remarkably, half of its users began their investment journeys on Midas.

The company has set new industry standards by significantly reducing costs. In 2025, Midas eliminated all commissions on Borsa Istanbul trading after slashing U. S. trading fees by 90 per cent.

Today, Midas offers free live market data and instant, fee-free transfers, solidifying its status as the preferred platform for Turkish retail investors.

Having democratised investing, Midas is now poised to cater to more sophisticated investors. Following the introduction of margin investing and advanced analytics, the Series B funding will facilitate the launch of derivatives trading for both Turkish and U. S. equities.

The rollout is set to begin in September with U. S. options trading, offering investors free real-time data and competitive pricing, while maintaining user-friendly interfaces.

Simultaneously, Midas is ramping up its investments in security and operational resilience. With infrastructure designed to meet global standards, the company remains committed to providing a safe and reliable investment experience for its users.

Midas CEO Egem Eraslan stated: " From day one, our mission has been to make investing accessible, affordable, and seamless for everyone. Today, millions manage their investments through Midas.

" With this new funding, we are building a comprehensive ecosystem that unifies all investment needs on one platform, while further enhancing our security and technology infrastructure." @ ND