Singapore's ride-hailing and delivery giant Grab is making a major play in consumer finance, acquiring buy now, pay later (BNPL) provider Atome Financial in a landmark $1.49 billion deal that could ultimately value the fintech platform at up to $4.5 billion.

The acquisition marks a significant strategic pivot for Grab, expanding its financial services footprint across Southeast Asia at a time when consumer lending is booming in the region. By integrating Atome's BNPL capabilities into its existing ecosystem, Grab is positioning itself as a comprehensive lifestyle and financial services platform for millions of users. Read the full story →

Today's takeaway: Tech companies are increasingly doubling down on fintech to deepen customer loyalty and unlock new revenue streams in high-growth Asian markets.