Saudi Central Bank Signs Fintech Cooperation Agreement with Singapore Monetary Authority

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) signed a cooperation agreement with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). SPA
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) signed a cooperation agreement with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). SPA
TT

Saudi Central Bank Signs Fintech Cooperation Agreement with Singapore Monetary Authority

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) signed a cooperation agreement with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). SPA
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) signed a cooperation agreement with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). SPA

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) signed a cooperation agreement with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) on Wednesday in the fields of fintech (finance technology) and innovation.

The agreement was signed by SAMA Governor Ayman Al-Sayari and Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, representing MAS, in Riyadh.

The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration and foster mutual development of the two organizations. It seeks to facilitate activities in international markets while respecting the rights and obligation of both parties, provide a robust framework for cooperation between the innovation departments of both organizations, establish effective mechanisms for sharing information regarding fintech and innovation, promote their utilization in the markets, and enhance cooperation and foster coordinated efforts in areas of mutual interest.

The cooperation agreement represents a landmark milestone in advancing fintech and innovation, showing high commitment to leveraging resources and expertise available to both parties.



Apple and Google Face UK Investigation into Mobile Browser Dominance

The logo of Google LLC is shown at an entrance to one of their buildings in San Diego, California, US, October 9, 2024. REUTERS/Mike Blake
The logo of Google LLC is shown at an entrance to one of their buildings in San Diego, California, US, October 9, 2024. REUTERS/Mike Blake
TT

Apple and Google Face UK Investigation into Mobile Browser Dominance

The logo of Google LLC is shown at an entrance to one of their buildings in San Diego, California, US, October 9, 2024. REUTERS/Mike Blake
The logo of Google LLC is shown at an entrance to one of their buildings in San Diego, California, US, October 9, 2024. REUTERS/Mike Blake

Apple and Google aren't giving consumers a genuine choice of mobile web browsers, a British watchdog said Friday in a report that recommends they face an investigation under new UK digital rules taking effect next year.

The Competition and Markets Authority took aim at Apple, saying the iPhone maker's tactics hold back innovation by stopping rivals from giving users new features like faster webpage loading. Apple does this by restricting progressive web apps, which don't need to be downloaded from an app store and aren't subject to app store commissions, the report said, The AP reported.

“This technology is not able to fully take off on iOS devices,” the watchdog said in a provisional report on its investigation into mobile browsers that it opened after an initial study concluded that Apple and Google effectively have a chokehold on “mobile ecosystems.”

The CMA's report also found that Apple and Google manipulate the choices given to mobile phone users to make their own browsers “the clearest or easiest option.”

And it said that the a revenue-sharing deal between the two US Big Tech companies “significantly reduces their financial incentives” to compete in mobile browsers on Apple's iOS operating system for iPhones.

Both companies said they will “engage constructively” with the CMA.

Apple said it disagreed with the findings and said it was concerned that the recommendations would undermine user privacy and security.

Google said the openness of its Android mobile operating system “has helped to expand choice, reduce prices and democratize access to smartphones and apps" and that it's “committed to open platforms that empower consumers.”

It's the latest move by regulators on both sides of the Atlantic to crack down on the dominance of Big Tech companies. US federal prosecutors this week unveiled their proposals to force Google to sell off its Chrome browser as they target its monopoly in online search.

The CMA's final report is due by March. The watchdog indicated it would recommend using the UK's new digital competition rulebook set to take effect next year, which includes new powers to rein in tech companies, to prioritize further investigation into Apple’s and Google’s “activities in mobile ecosystems."