Markets

ACI Worldwide launched ACI Connetic, a new cloud-native payment hub integrating various global payment networks. This platform brings together account-to-account, card payments, and AI-driven fraud prevention, allowing financial institutions to modernize payment infrastructures. Designed for scalability and resilience, ACI Connetic aims to streamline operations, reduce costs, and accelerate innovation. The solution, which is gaining traction in Europe and the US, will be showcased at EBAday 2025.

Taobao’s desktop app (V1.3.0) introduces “Multi-Product Comparison” and “Discover Great Items” to enhance the shopping experience. The comparison tool enables side-by-side product analysis with AI-powered insights. “Discover Great Items” offers curated, AI-driven content based on emerging trends. Rapidly updated with four versions in a month, the desktop platform aims to provide faster access and richer engagement, integrating seamlessly with Windows and MacOS.

CEC and Ansteel Group formed a strategic partnership to accelerate Ansteel’s digital transformation using indigenous IT. This collaboration integrates advanced operating systems like GalaxyKirin, offering enhanced security and performance for key business systems including ERP and MES. This model aims to establish a closed-loop ecosystem, paving the way for China’s industrial modernization and providing a blueprint for other manufacturers pursuing technological self-reliance.

A Chinese lawyer is suing Nanjing Metro over a 2-yuan fee ($0.30 USD) charged for exiting a station shortly after entering. This sparked debate about fare policy fairness, as the exit occurred without a completed journey, unlike Shanghai’s grace period. The metro defends its policy as per regulations, while the public is divided, with some deeming it unfair and others supporting the need for minimum fees, raising questions on operational costs, public access, and city transit systems.

JOYY Inc. reported strong Q1 2025 results, showcasing revenue of $494.4 million. Non-livestreaming revenue surged 25.3% year-over-year, representing 24.9% of total revenue. Significant growth was observed in both GAAP and non-GAAP operating profit, with operational efficiency reflected in operating margins. The company also returned value to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, and is focusing on diversification through core livestreaming and the expanding BIGO Ads platform.

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang reaffirmed the company’s strong commitment to the Chinese market in a recent interview. He emphasized China’s significance, highlighting its rapid growth and the long-standing relationships NVIDIA has cultivated there. Huang stated the market is irreplaceable and acknowledged the current limitations on product offerings, while expressing a commitment to explore future strategies.

Elon Musk’s X is testing its payment feature, X Money, in a limited beta phase, moving closer to his vision of a financial “super app.” He emphasized extreme caution with user savings. Having secured money transmitter licenses in 41 states, X aims to emulate WeChat’s “one-stop-shop” model, potentially disrupting U.S. digital payments, leveraging Musk’s experience with PayPal.

CreateAI launched its AI-powered anime platform, Animon.ai, in Korea, following its Japan debut. The platform features text-to-video generation, expanded language support (including Traditional Chinese and Korean), and a subscription model for unlimited content creation. Developed with leading Japanese animators, Animon.ai aims to empower creators with user-friendly, professional-grade tools and a straightforward “text → image → video” workflow, with plans for further feature and language expansion.

BYD, China’s EV leader, joins CCTV’s “Brand Powerhouse Project,” aiming for global dominance. Driven by technological innovation and significant R&D investment (¥54.2B in 2024), BYD achieved 4.27 million global sales in 2024, leading the Chinese market and the global NEV sector. With sales in over 110 countries and diverse brand portfolios, BYD leverages its core technologies and integrated supply chain to fuel its global expansion.

JOYY Inc. (NASDAQ: JOYY) reported mixed Q1 2025 results, with lower overall revenue but improved profitability driven by diversification and cost management. Non-livestreaming revenue surged. The company returned capital to shareholders via dividends and share repurchases. User metrics showed declines, but net cash remains strong. JOYY forecasts revenue growth for Q2, emphasizing its strategic shift and diversified business model, particularly in advertising.