Singapore-based FinTech Aspire has obtained a Money Service Operator (MSO) license issued by the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department. Aspire offers a unified suite of financial solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Hong Kong, including local business accounts, international payments, and payment gateway solutions. Hong Kong SMEs recognize digitalization as vital for their growth, and Aspire aims to meet their needs with its integrated platform. The acquisition of the operating license allows Aspire to expand strategically across Asia while adhering to regulatory requirements. InvestHK welcomes Aspire's entry into Hong Kong's thriving fintech ecosystem.
BBMSL and HKBN Enterprise Solutions have both launched new services aimed at supporting SMEs in Hong Kong and Taiwan. BBMSL has introduced BBHub, a service that allows merchants to pay their operating expenses directly through payment terminals and offers pre-approved emergency funds. BBMSL has partnered with Hong Kong Broadband Group, RD Technologies, and BOXS for the development of BBHub. It has also collaborated with Turn Cloud Technology Service INC., Ltd. in Taiwan. HKBN Enterprise Solutions, on the other hand, has unveiled 'SHOP-IN-A-BOX', a one-stop IT-as-a-Service (ITaaS) merchant turnkey solution for retail businesses. The solution provides reliable connectivity, scalable IT systems, full operations visibility, and timely technical support to enhance retail sales efficiency and productivity. It integrates hardware and software with flexible cloud management, advanced applications, and IoT technology to streamline shop management processes. The solution includes retail management tools such as inventory management, collaboration and communication tools, access control, and POS and payment solutions. It also offers three proprietary solutions: AegisConnect dashboard, SASE-Connect, and RetailCare. Both BBMSL and HKBN Enterprise Solutions aim to alleviate operational pressure on SMEs and enhance their overall efficiency and productivity. In addition, HKBN Enterprise Solutions has launched its Multi-Cloud Connect Service, the first end-to-end managed cloud delivery service in Hong Kong. The service aims to address the challenges faced by enterprises in adopting multi-cloud strategies, such as operational complexity, security vulnerabilities, compliance issues, and cost inefficiencies. The Multi-Cloud Connect Service provides robust security, reliable high-speed connectivity, and clear network performance visibility. It is backed by HKBN's tri-carrier network, which offers direct and high-speed local loop connectivity and dedicated virtual circuits from data centers to major public clouds. The service is complemented by AegisConnect, HKBNES's proprietary solution that provides stable and easily manageable fiber broadband with comprehensive monitoring and network performance analysis capabilities. HKBNES is known for its expertise in cloud services and has been recognized as the first Amazon Web Services (AWS) Managed Service Provider (MSP) Partner in Hong Kong and the first certified Alibaba Cloud Landing Zone Partner. The launch of the Multi-Cloud Connect Service aims to simplify the complexities associated with managing multiple cloud operators and allow companies to focus on business opportunities.
Horizon Trading Solutions has partnered with Transaction Network Services (TNS) to launch mutualised hosting services. Through the use of TNS's hosting and hardware solutions as a colocation provider, Horizon now offers on-premise services at the Hong Kong Exchange (HKEX) data centre. This partnership aims to enhance Horizon's service capabilities, providing clients with reduced latency and improved time to market at a competitive price point. Stephanie Chung, APAC business development manager at TNS Financial Markets, says that expanding TNS’s commitment and presence in Asia with Horizon gives traders access to these markets quickly and with a lower total cost of ownership. Emmanuel Faure, head of APAC and MENA at Horizon Trading Solutions, comments that this partnership allows their clients to trade with faster execution times and at a competitive pricing structure, further solidifying their commitment to providing exceptional trading solutions. [c6790b23]