25 Nov, 2024

Hong Kong’s ZA Bank Lets Users Trade Crypto Against Fiat Currencies on Its Banking App

Quick Take① Hong Kong-based ZA Bank announced today that its users can now directly trade crypto on its banking app.② ZA partnered with HashKey exchange to launch the trading service.③ The bank claims it is the first bank in Asia to offer retail crypto trading services.Hong Kong’s ZA Bank Lets Users Trade Crypto Against Fiat Currencies on Its Banking AppHong Kong’s ZA Bank now offers direct cryptocurrency trading services to its retail users, the digital bank announced today. ZA said in the press release that it is the first bank in Asia to offer retail crypto trading. "Through the ZA Bank app, users can now seamlessly trade top cryptocurrencies in HKD and USD — all within a single platform, with no need to switch between apps or platforms," the bank wrote in the press release. ZA Bank teamed up with Hong Kong-based crypto exchange HashKey to launch the retail crypto trading service, utilizing HashKey Pro — the institutional-grade service to help financial entities integrate crypto trading functionalities. HashKey Pro offers API trading, block trade services, and enterprise-level account structure and permission management, HashKey exchange said in its press release."Looking ahead, HashKey Exchange will continue to work closely with ZA Bank to drive the development of the Web3 ecosystem, while delivering more diversified financial services to our users," HashKey CEO Livio Weng said.HashKey is currently one of three licensed cryptocurrency exchanges in Hong Kong, along with OSL and HKVAX.The launch comes amidst the extended crypto market rally, ignited by crypto proponent Donald Trump’s re-election as U.S. president. In the past few weeks, bitcoin rewrote its all-time high record multiple times, recently nearing the $100,000 mark before moving back down to currently trade at around $98,000.

20 Nov, 2024

Laos Welcomes Over 5 Million Tourists in 2024, Generating Over USD 1 Billion

Laos has recorded over five million tourists this year, exceeding expectations and generating more than USD 1 billion in revenue, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone announced on 18 November.According to the PM, domestic tourist numbers surpassed the target by 27 percent, reflecting the success of the Visit Laos Year 2024 campaign.Sonexay also credited the surge in tourist arrivals to the Laos-China Railway, which connects key destinations like Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Oudomxay. From adventure activities to UNESCO-listed heritage sites, these provinces offer attractions that have made them top tourist destinations.To complement these developments, tourism authorities have worked to enhance services at hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants, while adding new facilities at tourist sites. Looking ahead, the Prime Minister emphasized plans to further promote tourism by targeting specific groups and strengthening collaboration between public and private sectors. Efforts will focus on improving roads, tourist attractions, and facilities, while modernizing tourism management.Beyond the convenience of the railway, Laos’s distinctive natural and cultural offerings have drawn global attention. For instance, the river trips in Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park have earned widespread acclaim, with Condé Nast Traveler ranking the park among the world’s top 10 best night safaris in February 2023.Laos’s dedication to sustainable tourism has also garnered international recognition. Luang Prabang, known for its rich cultural heritage, received an award in the 2024 Green Destinations Top 100 Stories for its commitment to responsible tourism and cultural preservation. The award will be formally presented in Chile from 10 to 12 December.With plans to improve infrastructure and diversify offerings, Laos is set to attract even more visitors in the years ahead.