D3 Labs provides programmable money infrastructure solutions, offering high flexibility and efficiency for companies looking to integrate this technology into their financial systems.

Programmable money, a digital currency that uses blockchain technology and smart contracts to allow an efficient transfer of value through the blockchain. With programmable money, transactions can be more secured, efficient, and automated.

D3 Labs provides technology solutions and infrastructure for companies seeking to leverage the automation and efficiency of programmable money in their internal financial systems. Chung Ying Lai, Co-CEO of D3 Labs said the company focuses on the Southeast Asian market. D3 Labs began its expansion in Indonesia and plans to reach other Southeast Asian countries soon.

According to Ying, programmable money can enhance financial inclusion in Southeast Asia by allowing more individuals and businesses to access digital financial services. “We believe that programmable money will be the key to delivering efficiency and flexibility for regional companies. D3 Labs is committed to developing solutions to help local companies adapt and compete in an increasingly digital global market. Programmable money can enhance financial inclusion by enabling them to participate in the digital economy and access financial services,” said Ying.

Financial inclusion remains a significant challenge in the economies of Southeast Asian countries. The 2021 Global Findex data shows that the average financial inclusion rate in the ASEAN region is 41 percent. However, there is a wide disparity in financial inclusion levels behind this average figure.

Many individuals in Southeast Asia still face barriers to accessing financial services. The leading causes of limited financial access in this region include high costs to open and maintain bank accounts, long distances from financial institutions, lack of required documentation, and low levels of financial education.

Using technologies like programmable money and other digital financial solutions can help address some of these issues by reducing costs and facilitating access to financial services, particularly for population underserved or unserved by traditional banking systems. D3 Labs stands at the forefront of this movement, providing the infrastructure and expertise for companies to leverage the benefits of programmable money.

SeaSeed

One of the first products from D3 Labs is SeaSeed, a programmable money platform specifically designed for businesses. SeaSeed enables 24/7 real-time automated transactions between companies and other related ecosystems, improving settlement and reconciliation processes. Programmable money can reduce these costs by eliminating intermediaries and enabling peer-to-peer transactions.

“SeaSeed is a game changer in Southeast Asia, pioneering programmable money infrastructure solutions that will revolutionize financial operations. Programmable money can open up opportunities for developing new financial products and services tailored to individual or corporate needs, such as blockchain-based insurance or personalized investment instruments,” explained Ying.

D3 Labs’s approach in Southeast Asia was inspired by Onyx, a blockchain technology platform developed by J.P. Morgan, one of the world’s largest financial and banking institutions. Onyx uses blockchain technology to improve efficiency, security, and transparency in various banking services and products. One of the most famous products under the Onyx platform is JPM Coin, a digital currency designed to facilitate instant and real-time fund transfers between J.P. Morgan clients.

Challenges

The use of programmable money technology in Southeast Asia faces several challenges that must be overcome to ensure successful and widespread adoption — these range from education and infrastructure to integration with traditional financial systems.

“Lack of understanding and education about programmable money among the public and companies can hinder the adoption of this technology. Greater efforts are needed to educate people about the benefits and workings of programmable money. In addition, integrating programmable money with traditional banking and financial systems can be challenging, especially as some banks and financial institutions may be reluctant to work with this new technology,” said Ying.

To address these challenges, D3 Labs has been making significant efforts in promotion, marketing, and raising awareness of the benefits of programmable money. The company also conducts in-depth research and exploration processes with clients, launching joint pilot projects to demonstrate its usefulness.

Ying explained that D3 Labs successfully closed a pre-seed funding round in January 2023. Several investors who have joined this funding round include DSX Ventures, Saison Capital, Kinesys Capital, Arkana Capital, EX Capital, Qredo, UOB Venture Management, and Signum Capital through the UVM Signum Blockchain Fund.

“The use of these funds will be focused on product development, with plans to launch a minimum viable product (MVP) in Q2 2023. The funding amount, for the time being, has not yet been disclosed. With support from investors who believe in D3 Labs’ vision, the company is ready to transform the financial industry in Southeast Asia through innovative and efficient programmable money infrastructure solutions,” he concluded.