Today In Payments Around The World: Grab Notches $300 Million: Saudi Arabia’s Open Banking Plan Seeks To Further Digital Innovation

In today’s top payments news around the world, Grab Financial Group said it has raised $300 million in a funding round, while the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) is introducing an open banking policy. Plus, Britain’s most high-end eateries are adapting to takeout and delivery as the country enters another lockdown.

Grab Financial Group Raises $300 Million For Expanded Finance Solutions

Grab Financial Group, a Southeast Asian FinTech, said it notched $300 million in a funding round. South Korean asset management firm Hanwha Asset Management headed up the round. Flourish Ventures, Arbor Ventures, GGV Capital and K3 Ventures were some other investors in the round. Grab Financial Group intends to harness the new investments to bring more personnel on board and grow its offerings in Southeast Asia with more affordable, easy-to-access and transparent financial offerings, according to a press release.

Saudi Arabia’s Open Banking Plan Aims To Advance Digital Innovation

SAMA is debuting an open banking policy to further digital innovation in the financial services space. The country’s central bank said the plan is for open banking to go online in the first half of next year. “Open banking will lead to direct innovation by enhancing opportunities to develop new products and services — either ‘in-house’ or in collaboration with third parties — to increase financial players’ value proposition and create additional revenue streams,” according to the policy document.

Britain’s Finest Restaurants Are Making Takeout A Way Of Life

As the United Kingdom goes into another lockdown, the country’s nicest eateries are adapting to takeout and delivery. A number of London’s most elegant establishments have reportedly been trying very hard to recreate the high-end dining experience via takeout cartons in addition to white-glove delivery. Supper Ltd., which is geared toward delivering gourmet food, is one winner during the lockdown. The company harnesses Honda Gyro mopeds that have been created to not tilt during turns, which assists in keeping food containers stable.

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