Intelligent SME.tech Issue 38 | Page 7

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Payoneer and Etsy partner to make it easier for sellers in emerging markets to get paid
Payoneer , a financial technology company empowering the world ’ s small- and mediumsized businesses ( SMBs ) to transact , do business and grow globally , announced a collaboration with global online marketplace , Etsy , to support its bespoke seller offering , Etsy Payments . The collaboration will enable Etsy to streamline payments to sellers and help create economic opportunities to more entrepreneurs in emerging markets .
Etsy Payments is the core of Etsy ’ s payment technology and enables flexible and secure payments infrastructure to both buyers and sellers . The collaboration between Payoneer and Etsy will utilise Payoneer ’ s global infrastructure to offer greater services and seamless payouts to sellers in the currency of their preference . It will initially be launched in Ukraine and Thailand , followed by India , Japan , Argentina , Chile and Peru by the end of 2023 .
Ya Wen , SVP Americas at Payoneer , said : “ This collaboration will help create opportunities for the oftenunderserved sellers in emerging markets , giving them better access to global demand .”
Qatar Central Bank issues instructions for the loan-based crowdfunding regulation
In line with the financial sector strategy and the financial technology ( FinTech ) strategy and based on Qatar Central Bank ’ s permanent endeavour to regulate and develop the financial sector in the country , Qatar Central Bank issued instructions for the loanbased crowdfunding regulation , for the purpose of licensing and regulating .
Qatar Central Bank announced that all companies wishing to work in this field must apply to obtain the necessary licence from QCB .
Loan-based crowdfunding platforms are considered innovative financial platforms that enable borrowers in need of financing to communicate with various investors and obtain short-term financing .
Borrowers , such as SMEs , who find it difficult to access traditional bank loans , can obtain the financing necessary for growth of their business and overcome the challenges that they may face with the expansion of their projects . Loan-based crowdfunding platforms represent an important opportunity for investors to diversify their investments and participate in supporting SMEs .
BOXPARK reports revenue boost in latest accounts
BOXPARK , an award-winning dining , leisure and retail concept in the UK , has published its latest accounts , revealing continued year-on-year revenue growth with sales 35 % higher in the year ending April 2023 , than in the year prior to COVID-19 ( April 2020 ).
In the reporting period , the group ’ s revenue has been robust despite macroeconomic pressures , as it effectively adapted its customer offering to adjust for the change in work patterns post-pandemic and decline of commuters , exacerbated by the rail strikes .
Its high profile events , supplemented by each BOXPARK venue delivering circa . 600 events per year , has bolstered sales , helping to combat these pressures with the group reporting revenue of £ 20.5 million in the year to April 2023 . Through its resilient events strategy , BOXPARK venues have become associated with key moments in music , culture and sports , launching award-winning campaigns such as its # WomxnWhoPlay women in sports initiative . The men ’ s World Cup football championships and women ’ s Euros at BOXPARK attracted major brand sponsorships which boosted the group ’ s revenue .
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