Splitit partnered with UAE-based BNPL provider tabby, and Singapore-based fintech Fave launched its BNPL service in Singapore and Malaysia as global appetite for installment lending services increases.

PC ownership also rose in India, UAE, and Vietnam. These are all countries where PCs and tablets entered the mainstream after mobile phones, and remain aspirational, particularly in middle- and higher-income households. Smartphone penetration remains stable. Rates of smartphone ownership were much the same as in 2020 and almost uniformly high.

For mobile, the fastest countries are United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Qatar, China, Cyprus, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Australia, and Bulgaria. For broadband, the world’s fastest countries are Monaco, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Romania, Switzerland, South Korea, Chile, Denmark, and Liechtenstein.

Half or more of those in India, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore are comfortable with these certificates being used throughout their trips. But many travelers in the US and parts of Europe don’t want them to be required at all times. More like this:. Report: Worldwide Digital Ad Spending 2021. Article: Bank of America reports uptick in spending as consumers get ready for post-pandemic splurge.

The Payflex acquisition also reflects Zip’s growth tactic—expanding via acquisitions instead of direct moves into new markets: In May, Zip acquired United Arab Emirates-based BNPL firm Spotii and Czech Republic-based provider Twisto. The opportunity: Zip’s Payflex acquisition might be a catalyst for further expansion into Africa.

Stripe brought its issuing business to Europe, launched in the United Arab Emirates, and partnered with major players like GoFundMe and Atlassian to extend its reach. UnionPay struck a deal with buy now, pay later (BNPL) giant Splitit and tied up with major platforms like Russian marketplace Ozon.

In May, Adyen brought its acquiring business to Japan, and the following month to the UAE—two countries where ecommerce is expanding. It also obtained a US branch license, allowing it to expand its capabilities in the country and diversify its US business. Evolving consumer shopping preferences.

Mastercard will bring FinGo’s vein-scanning payments solution to more markets, and Visa is working on a biometric authentication solution for online transactions with the UAE’s Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank.