Today In Payments Around The World: China-Based IPOs Landed $11.7 Billion In 2020; New Coronavirus Strain Leads To UK Travel Bans

In today’s top payments news around the world, Chinese companies had 30 initial public offerings (IPOs) this year, while a highly infectious new coronavirus strain has reportedly caused some nations to ban U.K. travelers from entering. Plus, United Kingdom-based supply chain company PrimaDollar is reportedly rolling out its services in India.

China-Based IPOs Raised $11.7 Billion In 2020

Chinese firms conducted 30 IPOs in 2020, landing $11.7 billion. The IPO rate for Chinese firms is said to be the highest as of Alibaba’s large market debut in 2014, according to a published report that cited a new Renaissance Capital report. Digital real estate platform Ke Holdings and tech firm Lufax were included in 2020’s IPO class.

New COVID Strain In UK Inspires Travel Bans

A very infectious new coronavirus strain has reportedly led some nations to ban British travelers from entering. The new strain is said to be spreading 70 percent quicker than earlier variants of the virus. There has been a massive rise in cases in London linked to the new strain, with reported cases increasing 51 percent in the week to Sunday (Dec. 20). Spain, France and Germany are among the nations that have thus far banned travel from the U.K.

PrimaDollar Rolls Out Indian SCF Location

Britain-based supply chain trade platform PrimaDollar is reportedly launching its services in India. The company’s infrastructure works to link exporters, importers, logistics companies, local financial institutions and funders. PrimaDollar has already rolled out in the European and United Kingdom markets.

FedEx Int’l Priority, US Residential Volumes Fuel Strong Q2 Results

FedEx reported as part of its Q2 fiscal 2021 earnings that increased volumes in international priority and U.S. domestic residential package services, along with pricing initiatives across all transportation segments, powered heightened operating results. The logistics firm said those factors are offset, in part, by costs to assist with strong demand and to broaden services, COVID-related expenses and “variable compensation expense.”