SINGAPORE, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MetaComp Pte Ltd (MetaComp), a leading licensed cross-border FX and digital assets infrastructure provider headquartered in Singapore and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), today released its latest whitepaper, Cross-Border Payments for SMEs: Voices in ASEAN and the Rise of Stablecoins. The paper reveals systemic inefficiencies preventing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from accessing efficient cross-border payment solutions.
Commissioned as part of MetaComp's mission to simplify and streamline global fund flows, the research underscores how misaligned payment infrastructure disadvantages SMEs despite their central role in regional trade. The study also points to the growing role of stablecoins in global markets, noting that their flows already carry systemic financial implications and could be harnessed as practical settlement infrastructure for SMEs.
The report identifies five structural and systemic inefficiencies that are costing SMEs and reshaping global markets:
A US$6.2 trillion opportunity gap: The study identifies a disconnect between daily global FX trading volumes of more than US$7.5 trillion and blockchain-based cross-border payments and settlements that accounts for less than 5% annually. This imbalance represents a US$6.2 trillion opportunity gap, underscoring how far SMEs remain excluded from faster and more efficient settlement infrastructure.
Delays that erase value: Each day of settlement delay costs SMEs 0.6% to 2.1% of transaction value. SMEs profiled in the study reported lost contracts and revenue drops of up to 50% when funds failed to arrive on time.
SMEs pay up to 30 per cent more: Smaller firms routinely pay 15 to 30 per cent in fees on cross-border transactions, while large corporates negotiate preferential pricing. These disproportionate costs cut directly into SME margins and limit their ability to expand into new markets.
Stablecoins now move bond markets: Stablecoin flows are no longer marginal. They are already influencing US Treasury yields by 2 to 8 basis points, underscoring that new payment rails carry systemic implications for financial markets worldwide.
The study finds that timing costs often outweigh fees, with delayed settlements compounding into lost opportunities, performance degradation, and working capital stress. Scale barriers and fragmented Travel Rule regulations, from €0 in the EU to SGD 1,500 in Singapore and USD 3,000 in the US, further exclude SMEs from efficient participation.
Beyond these inefficiencies, the whitepaper frames the evolution of cross-border payments in three distinct stages:
Stage One – Traditional (SWIFT): A USD-centric model with settlement delays of 2–7 days.
Stage Two – Web 2.5 (Today): The transition phase that begins with the emergence of stablecoins. This is where MetaComp operates today — building hybrid infrastructure that blends regulatory compliance with blockchain-enabled programmability to deliver faster, fairer settlement.
Stage Three – Sovereign Stablecoins (Future): A future ecosystem of national stablecoins exchanging directly powered by blockchain, which allows point-to-point direct exchange in a multi-polar world while maintaining regulatory oversight.
StableX is MetaComp's flagship platform for Stage Two, enabling Web 2.5 settlement now while laying the foundation for Stage Three.
Author Perspectives
Dr. Bo Bai, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Alpha Ladder Group and Chairman of MetaComp shared, "The journey of cross-border payments is evolving in phases. Stage one was SWIFT era; stage two is today's Web 2.5, where compliance meets programmability; and stage three will be sovereign stablecoins exchanging value directly. At MetaComp, we are already building toward this vision, with StableX as a critical step on that journey."
Dr. Ben Charoenwong, Associate Professor of Finance, INSEAD said, "SMEs face challenges that go beyond transaction fees. Settlement delays erode working capital, regulatory fragmentation creates uncertainty, and volume-based barriers exclude growing businesses from efficient infrastructure. These structural issues must be addressed if SMEs are to participate fully in global trade."
Tin Pei Ling, Co-President of MetaComp, said, "SMEs remain at the heart of ASEAN's economies, yet too often they face barriers that slow growth and limit opportunity. What they need is confidence that payments will be fast, compliant, and reliable across borders. At MetaComp, our focus is on closing this gap with solutions such as StableX that combine innovation and regulation to deliver faster, fairer settlement."
Eddie Hui, Co-President and COO of MetaComp, added, "Every day of delay erodes SME value. This is not about marginal cost savings, it is about survival and growth. Our study shows that adoption depends on business model realities, which is why the next generation of infrastructure must deliver instant settlement that SMEs can actually use in practice."
StableX, developed and operated by MetaComp, bridges the gap between digital and traditional finance. Designed as an institutional-grade cross-border FX and liquidity routing platform, StableX delivers same-day (T+0) settlement across 30 currencies and six major stablecoins. By combining blockchain speed with a strong focus on compliance, it provides SMEs with faster, more reliable, and more transparent cross-border settlement.
MetaComp is a leading licensed cross-border FX and digital assets infrastructure provider headquartered in Singapore and licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under the Payment Services Act 2019. Operating on a P2B2C (platform-to-business/partners-to-clients) model, MetaComp empowers institutions, payment service providers, fintechs, and global enterprises to navigate the evolving cross-border payments and the digital asset economy with confidence.
With a strong emphasis on compliance, security, and institutional-grade infrastructure, MetaComp delivers an end-to-end suite of digital finance solutions — including OTC and exchange trading, fiat payment rails, regulated digital asset custody, and prime brokerage services. MetaComp is a subsidiary of Alpha Ladder Finance Pte. Ltd., a MAS-licensed Capital Markets Services (CMS) licensee and Recognised Market Operator (RMO).
Through its proprietary Client Asset Management Platform (CAMP), MetaComp provides a secure, integrated environment that bridges traditional finance with digital assets.
MetaComp's latest innovation, StableX, is a next-generation cross-border FX and liquidity routing infrastructure designed to simplify and accelerate global fund flows. Powered by stablecoins and USD, StableX intelligently optimises multi-currency conversions and settlements, enabling faster, more cost-effective, and highly competitive cross-border transactions. As the FX layer within CAMP, StableX combines the programmability of digital assets with the reliability of regulated infrastructure, delivering a scalable, compliant and seamless ecosystem for the future of global finance.
To learn more about MetaComp and its regulated infrastructure and solutions, visit www.mce.sg
SINGAPORE, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MetaComp Pte Ltd (MetaComp), a leading licensed cross-border FX and digital assets infrastructure provider headquartered in Singapore and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), today released its latest whitepaper, Cross-Border Payments for SMEs: Voices in ASEAN and the Rise of Stablecoins. The paper reveals systemic inefficiencies preventing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from accessing efficient cross-border payment solutions.
Commissioned as part of MetaComp's mission to simplify and streamline global fund flows, the research underscores how misaligned payment infrastructure disadvantages SMEs despite their central role in regional trade. The study also points to the growing role of stablecoins in global markets, noting that their flows already carry systemic financial implications and could be harnessed as practical settlement infrastructure for SMEs.
The report identifies five structural and systemic inefficiencies that are costing SMEs and reshaping global markets:
A US$6.2 trillion opportunity gap: The study identifies a disconnect between daily global FX trading volumes of more than US$7.5 trillion and blockchain-based cross-border payments and settlements that accounts for less than 5% annually. This imbalance represents a US$6.2 trillion opportunity gap, underscoring how far SMEs remain excluded from faster and more efficient settlement infrastructure.
Delays that erase value: Each day of settlement delay costs SMEs 0.6% to 2.1% of transaction value. SMEs profiled in the study reported lost contracts and revenue drops of up to 50% when funds failed to arrive on time.
SMEs pay up to 30 per cent more: Smaller firms routinely pay 15 to 30 per cent in fees on cross-border transactions, while large corporates negotiate preferential pricing. These disproportionate costs cut directly into SME margins and limit their ability to expand into new markets.
Stablecoins now move bond markets: Stablecoin flows are no longer marginal. They are already influencing US Treasury yields by 2 to 8 basis points, underscoring that new payment rails carry systemic implications for financial markets worldwide.
The study finds that timing costs often outweigh fees, with delayed settlements compounding into lost opportunities, performance degradation, and working capital stress. Scale barriers and fragmented Travel Rule regulations, from €0 in the EU to SGD 1,500 in Singapore and USD 3,000 in the US, further exclude SMEs from efficient participation.
Beyond these inefficiencies, the whitepaper frames the evolution of cross-border payments in three distinct stages:
StableX is MetaComp's flagship platform for Stage Two, enabling Web 2.5 settlement now while laying the foundation for Stage Three.
Author Perspectives
Dr. Bo Bai, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Alpha Ladder Group and Chairman of MetaComp shared, "The journey of cross-border payments is evolving in phases. Stage one was SWIFT era; stage two is today's Web 2.5, where compliance meets programmability; and stage three will be sovereign stablecoins exchanging value directly. At MetaComp, we are already building toward this vision, with StableX as a critical step on that journey."
Dr. Ben Charoenwong, Associate Professor of Finance, INSEAD said, "SMEs face challenges that go beyond transaction fees. Settlement delays erode working capital, regulatory fragmentation creates uncertainty, and volume-based barriers exclude growing businesses from efficient infrastructure. These structural issues must be addressed if SMEs are to participate fully in global trade."
Tin Pei Ling, Co-President of MetaComp, said, "SMEs remain at the heart of ASEAN's economies, yet too often they face barriers that slow growth and limit opportunity. What they need is confidence that payments will be fast, compliant, and reliable across borders. At MetaComp, our focus is on closing this gap with solutions such as StableX that combine innovation and regulation to deliver faster, fairer settlement."
Eddie Hui, Co-President and COO of MetaComp, added, "Every day of delay erodes SME value. This is not about marginal cost savings, it is about survival and growth. Our study shows that adoption depends on business model realities, which is why the next generation of infrastructure must deliver instant settlement that SMEs can actually use in practice."
StableX, developed and operated by MetaComp, bridges the gap between digital and traditional finance. Designed as an institutional-grade cross-border FX and liquidity routing platform, StableX delivers same-day (T+0) settlement across 30 currencies and six major stablecoins. By combining blockchain speed with a strong focus on compliance, it provides SMEs with faster, more reliable, and more transparent cross-border settlement.
MetaComp is a leading licensed cross-border FX and digital assets infrastructure provider headquartered in Singapore and licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under the Payment Services Act 2019. Operating on a P2B2C (platform-to-business/partners-to-clients) model, MetaComp empowers institutions, payment service providers, fintechs, and global enterprises to navigate the evolving cross-border payments and the digital asset economy with confidence.
With a strong emphasis on compliance, security, and institutional-grade infrastructure, MetaComp delivers an end-to-end suite of digital finance solutions — including OTC and exchange trading, fiat payment rails, regulated digital asset custody, and prime brokerage services. MetaComp is a subsidiary of Alpha Ladder Finance Pte. Ltd., a MAS-licensed Capital Markets Services (CMS) licensee and Recognised Market Operator (RMO).
Through its proprietary Client Asset Management Platform (CAMP), MetaComp provides a secure, integrated environment that bridges traditional finance with digital assets.
MetaComp's latest innovation, StableX, is a next-generation cross-border FX and liquidity routing infrastructure designed to simplify and accelerate global fund flows. Powered by stablecoins and USD, StableX intelligently optimises multi-currency conversions and settlements, enabling faster, more cost-effective, and highly competitive cross-border transactions. As the FX layer within CAMP, StableX combines the programmability of digital assets with the reliability of regulated infrastructure, delivering a scalable, compliant and seamless ecosystem for the future of global finance.
To learn more about MetaComp and its regulated infrastructure and solutions, visit www.mce.sg
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- From January 6–8, 2026, Arspura, a premium smart home appliance brand focused on healthier kitchen air, presented its latest IQV™ innovations at CES 2026 and hosted a three-day brand program in Las Vegas. Centered on exclusive technology, respiratory wellness, and user experience, the program brought together experts, product leaders, and real customers to spotlight how better cooking environments can start with better indoor air management.
At the heart of Arspura's CES showcase was its proprietary IQV™ Dynamic Particulate Capture Technology, designed to capture cooking smoke, grease particles, and odor at the source—helping reduce the common "smoke escape" problem many households experience with traditional ventilation. Through live demonstrations and deep-dive sessions, Arspura emphasized a clear brand promise for modern kitchens: Cook freely, breathe freely.
To watch highlights from Arspura's CES 2026 showcase, visit:
Day 1: Uncovering the Kitchen's Invisible Health Threats
On the first day of CES 2026, Arspura kicked off its brand program with a keynote by Professor Francesca Dominici of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (Professor of Biostatistics & Data Science; Professor of Environmental Health).
Drawing on her research on air pollution and health, she highlighted the risks of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and emphasized that even low-level exposure can make people sick. She noted that PM2.5 can be particularly hazardous for older adults, people with existing health conditions, and individuals with asthma, and stressed that preventing cooking-related PM2.5 from dispersing indoors and reducing exposure at the source is crucial for family health.
Reflecting on this message, Arspura underscored its commitment to helping more households—especially those with asthma or nasal sensitivities—cook with greater comfort by reducing smoke and odor irritation, so more people can truly cook freely and breathe freely.
Day 2: Redefining a New Standard for Smoke-Free Cooking
On the second day, Arspura's product manager led a technical session explaining how IQV™ airflow design works together with high-airspeed capture (up to 13 m/s) to deliver high capture performance with minimal smoke escape. The presentation framed Arspura's approach as more than a product: a combination of technology and daily usability designed to make healthy cooking feel effortless.
Arspura also welcomed a special on-site visit and interview from media figure Yang Lan, who explored the booth experience and shared positive feedback on IQV™ technology and the IQV Hood concept—particularly its relevance for people sensitive to cooking fumes who want a more comfortable kitchen environment.
Day 3: Bringing Healthy Kitchen Living Into Everyday Ease
Arspura closed out CES 2026 with strong momentum, earning five awards during the show. To cap the three-day program, the brand invited its first group of IQV Hood users for a face-to-face sharing session, paired with immersive, hands-on demonstrations. Through interactive experiences and practical use scenarios, attendees felt firsthand how the product can deliver "health protection" and "easy cleaning" simultaneously, translating the idea of a healthier kitchen into tangible everyday value.
Passionate home cooks also shared how they had previously tried multiple traditional range hoods yet still struggled with smoke escape and lingering odors, while Arspura's IQV™ performance provided noticeably improved smoke capture and deodorization—making cooking more enjoyable and inspiring friends and family to upgrade after seeing the results.
What's Next for Arspura
Backed by strong recognition at CES 2026 and reinforced by firsthand user stories, Arspura's IQV™ showcase signaled a growing shift toward kitchen ventilation solutions that prioritize both health and everyday usability. Building on this momentum, Arspura will continue to develop smarter, cleaner-air technologies for modern homes.
