FinTech in Action

APU Students Explore Crowdfunding and Blockchain Compliance at pitchIN

On 7 November 2024, 16 students from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) enrolled in the "Digital Currencies and Blockchain Technologies" module of the Bachelor of Banking and Finance (Hons) with a specialism in Financial Technology had the unique opportunity to gain hands-on insights into the rapidly evolving world of digital investment and crowdfunding.

The industrial visit, meticulously arranged by Dr Ng Hui Chen, Senior Lecturer at APU's School of Accounting and Finance (SoAF), led students on an educational journey into the realms of equity crowdfunding, tokenised investments, and regulated decentralised asset exchanges at pitchIN Crowdfunding.

Diving into Crowdfunding and Token Investments

PitchIN Crowdfunding, a digital platform that connects innovative entrepreneurs with potential investors, provided the students with an in-depth view of its equity crowdfunding process, Initial Exchange Offering (IEO) for token crowdfunding, and the functioning of its Equity Secondary Market (PSTX). The sharing was conducted by key industry professionals, including Mr Mahesa Saravanan, TCF Investment Analyst at pitchIN, and Mr Maxx Narayanan, Compliance Advisor - Financial Tech – Cryptocurrency at Luno Malaysia.

The students observed pitchIN's structured equity crowdfunding journey, starting with introductory calls and continuing through rigorous due diligence and campaign launches. This behind-the-scenes exposure allowed them to witness firsthand the meticulous process that ensures investment integrity and platform security.

Understanding Investment Analysis and Secondary Market Operations

PitchIN also introduced students to the critical analysis criteria for screening potential investment candidates, emphasising how they identify risk factors to uphold high standards. Additionally, students explored pitchIN's secondary market (PSTX), which enables investors to trade crowdfunding securities efficiently in a regulated setting. Through this experience, students gained valuable insights into the strategic matching and operational nuances of trading on a secondary market.

Tokenised Investments and Blockchain Compliance

Rounding out the tour, pitchIN demonstrated the future of digital investment with tokenised offerings, explaining different token types, such as utility tokens, asset-backed tokens, and tokenised securities. These innovative tokens showcased how blockchain technology merges with investment opportunities to create new avenues for both investors and startups.

In a segment with pitchIN's partner, Luno Malaysia, Mr Maxx Narayanan elaborated on the governance and regulatory compliance processes of cryptocurrency trading. The students learned about identity verification tools and transaction monitoring strategies for ensuring compliance. To make the experience more interactive, Luno concluded with a quiz, awarding special prizes to the top three scorers.

​Reflecting on the Impact of the Visit

For the APU students, this visit was more than just a tour. It was a comprehensive educational experience that underscored the critical balance between innovation and compliance in fintech. They left with a profound understanding of how platforms like pitchIN and Luno operate, providing both insight and inspiration for their future careers.

Harvesting the fruits of this industrial visit, Dr Ng Hui Chen opined, “Today's visit gave our students an invaluable perspective on the intersection of technology and finance, especially in equity crowdfunding and blockchain compliance. Experiences like these are essential to their growth, and I believe they have gained knowledge that will drive their passion for transforming the financial technology landscape."