Singapore startup dtcpay launches retail crypto payments system with Chinese partners

Singapore-based dtcpay is launching a payment system that will use fiat and cryptocurrencies for in-store and online payments. The company mentioned Tether (USDT), Ether (ETH) and Bitcoin (BTC) in its announcement.

The company is partnering with open-source blockchain PlatON for privacy-protected digital infrastructure and Allinpay International to create smart terminals and a digital interface. Both PlatOn and Allinpay are based in China. Dtcpay and Allinpay are registered with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) as major payment institutions.

A spokesman for Allinpay parent company Tonghua International said:

“This cooperation will […] Help merchants better adapt to the modern payment trend and meet the needs of young consumers.”

Dtcpay will exchange fiat and crypto and onboard new cryptocurrencies in the new service. It already provides point-of-sale and online checkout. In September, dtcpay concluded a deal with London-based Sumsub to provide Know Your Customer services for the dtcpay digital wallet and entered into an agreement with Singapore POS provider Jeripay to provide crypto payment services on its 8,000-terminal network.

Related: Pay and dump? How businesses accepting crypto payments influence adoption

Founded in 2019 and originally known as Digital Treasures Center, dtcpay was selected to participate in Mastercard’s Mastercard Start Path program for crypto and blockchain startups in November 2022. It received backing by the Pontiac Land Group real estate conglomerate in a pre-seed funding round in June.

Dtcpay last month raised $16.5 million in a pre-Series A round led by Kwee, the chairman of Pontiac Land. The investment will see some of Pontiac Land’s hotels soon accept payments in crypto: by @zinnialee23 https://t.co/D5vdnHBtYL

— Forbes Crypto (@ForbesCrypto) July 17, 2023

Electronic payment is common in Singapore, which is considered to have progressive cryptocurrency regulation, including consumer protection. Coinbase and Ripple received major payment institution licensing from MAS in October. The city-state is also experimenting with central bank digital currency, but the MAS has stated that it sees “no urgent use case” for a retail CBDC.

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