Today In Payments Around The World: Mobile Money, bKash Collaborate With Ripple; Ant Group Revamping Operations

In today’s top payments news around the world, Mobile Money and bKash have teamed with Ripple, while Ant Group is said to be quickly working to overhaul its operations to comply with government regulations. Plus, MercadoLibre has sold $1.1 billion in bonds to expand its electric-powered delivery vehicle fleet.

Malaysia’s Mobile Money, Bangladesh’s bKash Team With Ripple On eWallet Remittances

Ripple, the blockchain-based international payments company, announced it has entered into a deal through which Mobile Money and bKash will run transactions via the RippleNet network. “bKash and MobileMoney will gain access to a wide range of RippleNet’s features, including wallet-to-wallet transactions,” Ripple said in a statement unveiling the arrangement.

Ant Group Overhauling Operations To Satisfy Chinese Regulators

Jack Ma’s Ant Group is reportedly expediently working to revamp operations to comply with government rules. Ant, spun off from Alibaba in 2014, was poised to list on the Hong Kong and Shanghai stock exchanges in November until regulators stepped in and abruptly pulled the plug. The firm has now created a task force to contend with the issues identified by regulators a People’s Bank of China official said per reports.

MercadoLibre To Expand Electric Fleet After $1.1 Billion Bond Sale

MercadoLibre, the Latin America online commerce company, has sold $1.1 billion in bonds to grow its collection of electric-powered delivery vehicles. “We’re seeing positive results, and adoption of electric vehicles within our network should intensify going forward,” MercadoLibre Senior Vice President Andre Chaves said per a published report.

Deliveroo Valued At $7 Billion-Plus Ahead Of Potential IPO

Deliveroo, the U.K. delivery company, said in an announcement that it has landed $180 million in new investments, which brings its valuation up to $7 billion. The investment will allow the company to “continue investing in developing the best proposition for consumers, riders and restaurants,” according to an announcement. The new funding comes from Boston-based Fidelity Management & Research as well as Maryland-based Durable Capital Partners.