Thursday, 29 February 2024

LIVERAMP LAUNCHES UNIFIED DATA COLLABORATION PLATFORM FEATURING COMPOSABLE TECHNOLOGY


New enhancements enable customers to collaborate with any partner, activate data to any destination, and access more solutionsall from one place

With a future-ready platform optimized for speed and ease-of-use, customers can deliver better business outcomes and more personalized customer experiences


SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- LiveRamp (NYSE: RAMP) today unveiled the next generation of the /LiveRamp Data Collaboration Platform, which brings together solutions for the end-to-end marketing lifecycle onto a single platform. The unified offering introduces new capabilities such as a simplified user interface, composable technology for cross-cloud interoperability, and a partner marketplace where innovative third-party developers can build applications showcasing their trusted expertise. Built on a foundation of durable, authenticated technology designed to withstand signal loss, the /LiveRamp Data Collaboration Platform offers functionality to proactively address evolving privacy considerations while accelerating forward-looking data collaboration use cases.

Gartner® findings show “Marketing has an outsized role in data and analytic activities across the enterprise, with 71% of marketing data and analytics teams responsible for owning at least one element of data strategy for their organization.” By bringing all of its capabilities into a single user interface with simplified orchestration, LiveRamp enables customers to more easily connect audiences across partners. Supporting modern data architectures with a focus on decentralized data reduces cloud complexity, improving cloud usability for all business users while resolving IT infrastructure constraints. Customer advantages include greater ease-of-use and streamlined functionality that unlock greater value across all of their data collaboration needs.
  • Increase simplicity using a single user interface built on a foundation of best-in-class identity, global authenticated connectivity, and proprietary privacy-enhancing technologies
  • Enhance the user experience and accelerate speed-to-value with new ingestion pipelines that reduce turnaround time from days to hours. Self-service tools allow the permissioning of datasets and segments, and a new notification system—capable of integrating with workplace tools including Slack—enables users to control how they receive information
  • Reach audiences ecosystem-wide using an enhanced activation and segmentation experience centered on users, campaigns and cross-audience segmentation. Further improve marketing performance by integrating with technologies such as Google PAIR designed to combat the loss of third-party cookies and other deprecating signals.
  • Unlock new partnerships across second and third-party data with the flexibility to collaborate wherever your first-party data lives, across the widest range of use cases, from one location
  • Leverage a new, partner application marketplace starting with integrated discovery, access, and deployment of measurement solutions from LiveRamp’s global network of partners
“A core tenet of the Albertsons Media Collective is to foster a more interconnected, collaborative ecosystem that increases access to data while minimizing data movement,” said Evan Hovorka, VP of Product and Innovation, Albertsons Media Collective. “LiveRamp has helped us advance this pledge with future-ready solutions that grow signal fidelity, enhance privacy, and scale data collaboration across the channels that matter most to our network. LiveRamp bringing these capabilities together more seamlessly will not only accelerate our own partnership, but the downstream value we deliver to our customers, advertisers, and ecosystem at large.”

“Circana’s Lift solution, a gold standard in retail and CPG measurement, incorporates household level data to unlock critical insights for advertisers, enabling them to measure and optimize media investments to improve sales performance,” said Harvey Goldhersz, EVP of Product at Circana. “Through LiveRamp, advertisers can now pinpoint which creative messages, ad formats, audience segments, and media placements drive retail sales most effectively and efficiently. Advertisers who use Circana’s Lift solution improve return on advertising spend (ROAS) up to 80%. We’re thrilled to switch on this capability for LiveRamp, bringing Circana’s speed, superior coverage, and accuracy to an even wider audience.”

The launch of the unified /LiveRamp Data Collaboration Platform follows the company’s acquisition of Habu to accelerate data collaboration through enhanced clean room technology. Customers using the LiveRamp Clean Room, powered by Habu on its platform can measure campaigns across all walled gardens, media platforms and programmatic channels while connecting data seamlessly across clouds, warehouses and clean rooms.

“LiveRamp’s customers have been asking for solutions with greater simplicity and scale to unlock the value of data and drive a competitive advantage,” added Kimberly Bloomston, Chief Product Officer at LiveRamp. “The launch of our fully unified platform delivers on this need by setting a new standard for powerful data collaboration built on privacy-enhancing technologies that withstand evolving signal loss and privacy requirements. LiveRamp’s recent acquisition of Habu further strengthens our ability to help customers collaborate with anyone, activate data anywhere, and measure everywhere it matters.”

Learn more about the wide range of data collaboration use cases LiveRamp can unlock for your company at liveramp.com/our-platform.

About LiveRamp

LiveRamp is the data collaboration platform of choice for the world’s most innovative companies. A groundbreaking leader in consumer privacy, data ethics, and enterprise identity, LiveRamp is setting the new standard for building a connected customer view with unmatched clarity and context while protecting precious brand and consumer trust. LiveRamp offers complete flexibility to collaborate wherever data lives to support the widest range of data collaboration use cases—within organizations, between brands, and across its premier global network of top-quality partners.

Hundreds of global innovators, from iconic consumer brands and tech giants to banks, retailers, and healthcare leaders turn to LiveRamp to build enduring brand and business value by deepening customer engagement and loyalty, activating new partnerships, and maximizing the value of their first-party data while staying on the forefront of rapidly evolving compliance and privacy requirements. LiveRamp is based in San Francisco, California with offices worldwide. Learn more at www.liveramp.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240228206793/en/

Contact

Michelle Millsap
PR@liveramp.com

Source : LiveRamp

Monday, 26 February 2024

CANADA-IN-ASIA CONFERENCE 2024 KICKS OFF IN SINGAPORE


KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) and Universities Canada invited members of the media to attend the second annual Canada-in-Asia Conference (CIAC2024) at the Pan Pacific Singapore from Feb 26 to 29.

According to a statement, with over 430 registrants, the CIAC2024 will focus on two thematic areas, namely Agri-food (Feb 26 to 27) and Climate Solutions (Feb 27 to 29).

The conference will convene business and government leaders, investors and innovators, and researchers and experts from across Asia and Canada to exchange perspectives, knowledge, and ideas and to create collaborative partnerships in these two critical sectors.

APF Canada and Universities Canada confirmed that Republic of Singapore Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations, Grace Fu, will be joining CIAC2024 as the guest of honour and keynote speaker at the Feb 27 Gala Dinner.

-- BERNAMA

Friday, 23 February 2024

DATA ROAMING WITHOUT WORRIES, NOW IN EVERY APP: ESIM INNOVATOR 1GLOBAL GIVES FINTECH ITS OWN ROAMING SERVICE



Data Roaming Without Worries, Now in Every App: eSIM Innovator 1GLOBAL gives FinTech its Own Roaming Service. (Graphic: Business Wire)
Data Roaming Without Worries, Now in Every App: eSIM Innovator 1GLOBAL gives FinTech its Own Roaming Service. (Graphic: Business Wire)

 
  • Growing interest in 1GLOBAL’s unique mobile communication API integration from travel and finance companies
  • Worldwide data packages without roaming charges soon to be offered to millions of European customers
  • Fintech group becomes first in sector to integrate 1GLOBAL tech into banking app


LONDON, Feb 23 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The range of industries adopting 1GLOBAL’s innovative services continues to grow as more than 30 million European customers will be soon avoiding roaming charges in over 160 countries.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240222033843/en/  

By fully integrating the 1GLOBAL API, global fintech Revolut now offers its customers simple, fast access to 1GLOBAL's low-cost global mobile network. Once activated by the user, an embedded SIM (eSIM) is generated for the mobile device.

"Without having to leave the Revolut app, users can install an eSIM within one minute,” said Hakan Koç, Founder and CEO of 1GLOBAL. “This is why players from a wide range of industries such as travel, insurance, fintech, airlines, VIP logistics and more are all coming to us to increase the range of services they offer by integrating our connectivity."

Instead of having to obtain a physical SIM to access the local network on arrival, customers using apps that integrate 1GLOBAL’s technology will simply set up an eSIM on their device. This gives them complete control of their connection, including a display of data consumption. They can also use the app to buy a data plan even when they’ve already run out of allowance.

”At Revolut, we know how important it is for our customers that they stay connected to Revolut services, wherever they are, without worrying about their data allowance. Revolut eSIMs, developed in partnership with 1Global, is a convenient technology and provides great value tailored to our global audience," commented David Tirado, Global Business VP at Revolut.

Any company can integrate 1GLOBAL tech into its own customer offering via a suite of APIs. As a result, customers stay within that app for longer, a new revenue channel is created, value for customers is generated and brand loyalty increased.

In Revolut’s case, full integration of 1GLOBAL technology was made into its own app and under its own brand. Alternatively, companies can offer 1GLOBAL connectivity simply as a 3rd party or affiliate via references (such as a QR code) that directs the user to download their eSIM and 1GLOBAL software.

"As a telecommunications technology innovator, we have created our own global telecommunications network and can issue eSIMs and an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI),” explains Koç. “This distinguishes us from vendors who do not have their own network infrastructure and simply resell data packages.”

The 1GLOBAL platform gives app operators the ability to offer users global connection supported by nine Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO), five international sponsored roaming partners, and over 150 interconnects. This kind of ‘hyperscale’ connectivity, with 2000 routes to 350 mobile carriers spanning 2G to 5G and LPWAN, would be impossible without leveraging 1GLOBAL’s innovative technology.

About 1GLOBAL

1GLOBAL provides quick and secure mobile network connectivity in over 160 countries worldwide. Their eSIM technology integrates seamlessly into the existing Revolut app and can be installed on any eSIM-compatible mobile device in less than a minute.

Founded in 2022, 1GLOBAL is the new startup of Hakan Koç, co-founder and former Co-CEO of AUTO1 Group. 1GLOBAL acquired a group of telco assets operational since 2006, including an internationally recognised, GSMA-accredited global mobile network. Headquartered in London, with an R&D hub in Lisbon, they have now grown to include over 400 employees across 12 countries and have been granted fully regulated MVNO status in nine of them.

www.1global.com

About Revolut

Revolut is a global fintech, helping people get more from their money. In 2015, Revolut launched in the UK offering money transfer and exchange. Today, more than 35 million customers around the world use dozens of Revolut’s innovative products to make more than half a billion transactions a month.

Across our personal and business accounts, we give customers more control over their finances and connect people seamlessly across the world.

www.revolut.com

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240222033843/en/

Contact

Ingmar Remus & Thomas Klimmek
1GLOBAL@siccmamedia.de 

Source : 1GLOBAL

PSA COLLABORATES WITH HERE TECHNOLOGIES TO OPTIMIZE TRUCK OPERATIONS IN SINGAPORE

 · OptETruck, an innovative truck fleet management system powered by HERE Tour Planning and Location Services, aims to boost efficiency and facilitates smarter trip planning at Singapore’s ports.

· Companies that have adopted the service demonstrated about 50 percent reduction in empty truck runs.

· PSA is on track to onboard more than 50 percent of the container trucks coming in and out of the ports by end of the year.

Singapore, Feb 20 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HERE Technologies, the leading location data and technology platform, today announced that it is enabling PSA Singapore (PSA), which operates the world’s largest transhipment hub with unrivalled connectivity, to transform its container truck ecosystem in Singapore, with the goal of optimizing the movement of goods at Singapore’s ports.

Singapore is the top maritime capital of the world[1] with the Port of Singapore as the world's second busiest port in terms of container volume. With global connectivity being key to its success, PSA is linked to more than 600 ports worldwide and handled 38.8 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) last year.  
To maximize truck resource utilization and eliminate operational inefficiencies for Singapore’s container trucking community, PSA has developed OptETruck, a cloud-based transport management solution with features like automated scheduling and asset pooling for truck drivers.

Powered by HERE Tour Planning and Location Services, OptETruck allocates jobs to drivers based on their location, offering real-time optimization of routes and truck assignments. This system not only minimizes empty runs – truck trips without any freight loaded, but also ensures that drivers are allocated jobs in proximity to their current location. This improves overall transit and waiting times, drivers’ well-being and operational efficiency, while reducing carbon emission.

Companies that adopted OptETruck have been able to demonstrate about 50 percent reduction in empty runs. This translates to an annual reduction of approximately 10 million kg of carbon emissions, equivalent to planting 300,000 trees in a year.

Kushal Rajveer, Head of Supply Chain for Asia-Pacific at HERE Technologies said, “Working closely with the Digital Transformation arm of PSA, we designed a solution that utilizes location technology to address the specific challenges of the container truck ecosystem around the Port of Singapore. We’re pleased with the results from early adopters of the OptETruck, which has given PSA confidence to onboard more than 50 percent of container trucks entering and exiting Singapore’s ports by end of this year.”

According to HERE Technologies APAC On The Move 2023 study, logistics companies within Asia-Pacific want turn-key solutions that are easy to implement without expensive, time consuming, and labour-intensive system overhauls. This collaboration between HERE and PSA directly addresses this need by providing PSA with a seamless, easy-to-implement solution tailored to their requirements.

Sriram Ramanujam, Assistant Vice President, Community and Digital Solutions at PSA added, “Our close collaboration with HERE has enabled us to consistently push the boundaries of technology and efficiency in port logistics, and we’re thrilled by the initial results. OptETruck has met the needs of Singapore’s trucking community and sets the stage for a sustainable future, transforming the logistics industry into a well-connected and resilient hub, aligning perfectly with our commitment to contributing to Singapore's vision as a smart nation. We look forward to continuing this journey of pioneering innovative solutions with HERE, shaping the future of port logistics and further solidifying PSA's position as a global leader in the port and supply chain industry." 

Wednesday, 21 February 2024

POLYPLASTICS CHOSEN TO PROMOTE SELEX MOTORS' ELECTRIC TWO-WHEELER BATTERY COVERS

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- Polyplastics Co Ltd announced its DURANEX(R) PBT has been selected for battery packs produced by Selex Smart Electric Vehicles Joint Stock Company (Selex Motors), a Vietnamese electric motorcycle start-up.

In a statement, Polyplastics said its DURANEX(R) PBT, specifically formulated and produced for this application was chosen by Selex Motors, to help the company improve the overall quality of its batteries.

The advanced grade of DURANEX(R) PBT features flame retardancy, low warpage, and heat and moisture resistance.

By integrating DURANEX(R) PBT into its battery covers, Selex Motors is setting a higher standard for performance and reliability, ultimately contributing to a greener, more efficient and safer electric vehicle (EV) future.

Polyplastics and Selex Motors adhere to the highest industry standards, ensuring that battery covers meet strict quality benchmarks. DURANEX(R) PBT has been certified by Underwriters Laboratories Inc (UL) with a V-0 rating, indicating its high flame retardancy.

Furthermore, battery covers made with DURANEX(R) PBT have exceeded the demanding requirements of the Vietnam National Standard System, and stringent international standards.

Battery covers play a crucial role in EV by providing safety and maintaining the integrity of the battery pack, and are also important for the overall functionality and attractiveness of electric two-wheelers, which ultimately contribute to the success of the EV market.

A global leader in the development and production of engineering thermoplastics, Polyplastics is backed by a strong global network of research and development, production, and sales resources capable of creating advanced solutions for an ever-changing global marketplace.

-- BERNAMA

Tuesday, 20 February 2024

3D PRESENTS SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS TO MAXIMISE FUJISOFT'S CORPORATE VALUE



KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- 3D Investment Partners Pte Ltd, the investment manager of 3D Opportunity Master Funder (3D) has published a presentation regarding its shareholder proposals to enhance Board oversight and accountability and maximise corporate value at Fujisoft Incorporated (Fujisoft or the company).

According to a statement, it will be presented at the company’s 54th annual general meeting of shareholders scheduled to be held on March 15.

In addition, 3D has proposed the appointment of one external corporate auditor and the implementation of a share repurchase of Fujisoft's common stock, which would become effective should the Board of Directors reject the take-private proposal.

It encouraged shareholders to support the strengthening of the oversight function of Fujisoft's Board of Directors and the conditional share repurchase to maximise Fujisoft corporate value.

Therefore, 3D has proposed the appointment of Stephen Givens, a United States corporate lawyer based in Tokyo as an outside corporate auditor of Fujisoft.

As the largest shareholder of Fujisoft with over 21 per cent of outstanding shares, 3D has been engaged in constructive dialogue with the company over the past four years.

Founded in 2015, 3D Investment Partners Pte Ltd is an independent Singapore-based, Japan focused value investing fund manager.

-- BERNAMA

Friday, 16 February 2024

OVER 20,000 JOIN SFA'S 2024 RIYADH MARATHON

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 15 (Bernama) -- More than 20,000 participants from 125 countries, including a record 60 per cent Saudi nationals, took part in the third edition of the Riyadh Marathon on Feb 10, an increase of more than 33 per cent, with 15,000 runners compared to last year.

According to Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) in a statement, for the first time, the start and finish line, as well as the accompanying Marathon Village, were located next to Kingdom Arena and Boulevard World.

Competitors of all ages and abilities enjoy one of four races namely the full marathon which is 42.2 kilometres (km), half marathon (21.1km), 10km, and four km family run, with a significant increase in female runners, exceeding 7,200.

“The remarkable figure of 36 per cent female participation underscores our concerted efforts to empower women through sports, and helps to realise the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030. This milestone achievement heralds a brighter, healthier future,” said SFA Managing Director, Shaima Saleh Al-Husseini.

The top three elite male marathon runners were Kigen Wilfred Kirwa of Kenya, Tilahun Abe Gashahun of Ethiopia, and El Ghouz Anouar of Morocco, who were awarded US$30,000, US$20,000, and US$10,000 respectively. (US$1=RM4.78)

Meanwhile, the top three female elite marathon runners, receiving the same amounts, were Badane Bedatu Hirpa, Desta Nigist Muluneh, and Jebesa Zenebu Fikadu, all from Ethiopia. Prizes for elite runners in the half marathon started at US$5,000 for first place.

The event was organised by SFA in collaboration with the Ministry of Sport, the Saudi Arabian Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and the Saudi Arabian Athletic Federation.

-- BERNAMA

Thursday, 15 February 2024

ZEXTRAS' FREE AND OPEN-SOURCE PLATFORM ENHANCES PRIVACY, CONTROL FOR BUSINESSES



KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 15 (Bernama) -- Zextras, an industry-leading software development company, has launched its Carbonio Community Edition (CE), a cutting-edge, fully open-source digital workplace platform designed to enable organisations to self-host their collaboration environment for heightened privacy and control.

Carbonio CE offers unparalleled privacy for businesses looking for a robust alternative to open-source solutions such as Zimbra OS or Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions such as G Suite, according to a statement.

As a Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) solution, Carbonio CE grants users complete control over their software infrastructure, enabling customisation and integration that align with any company's specific requirements.

This powerful platform integrates essential communication tools namely, email, calendars, contacts, tasks, chats and video chats, facilitating a cohesive environment where team members can easily connect and collaborate from any location whether via web client or mobile devices.

Privacy and security are at the forefront of Carbonio CE's design, ensuring that sensitive data is kept confidential and safeguarded against unauthorised access.

Zextras has harnessed the power of open-source technology, offering businesses of all sizes an enterprise-grade solution without the enterprise-level costs.

Carbonio CE's scalable architecture ensures that it can effortlessly adapt to organisations' evolving needs, making it ideal for small to medium businesses.

In addition to the natively available features, Carbonio CE is bolstered by Zextras' celebrated expertise in email solutions and collaboration systems.

This new offering is set to revolutionise how businesses communicate internally and is a testament to Zextras' dedication to delivering first-rate technological solutions.

Carbonio CE is now available for download, enabling businesses to take their first step toward a more secure, efficient, and collaborative digital workplace.

-- BERNAMA

Tuesday, 13 February 2024

PREMIUM EDUCATION WITH CITIZENSHIP RIGHTS CREATES SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITY - HENLEY & PARTNERS STUDY



KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 13 (Bernama) -- International wealth advisory firm Henley & Partners has published pioneering new research into how first-class education, combined with expanded global access rights, creates significant opportunity for the next generation.

According to a statement, these opportunities enable them to grow their global networks, maximise their career prospects, earning potential, and economic mobility for greater success and prosperity across their lifetimes.

The Henley Opportunity Index, a proprietary new benchmarking tool showcased in the firm’s inaugural Henley Education Report, quantifies the impact and probability of success that a premium education coupled with additional residence rights and/or alternative citizenships acquired via investment migration, can have on preserving and growing multi-generational wealth.

Henley & Partners Group Head of Private Clients, Dominic Volek said both education and investment migration are ‘inter-generational enablers’ and this is the first study of its kind that attempts to measure the comparative advantage of this potent combination.

“Our index helps guide families on tailored investment migration strategies to clear pathways for their children and heirs to access the world’s best schooling, most lucrative job markets, and enhanced quality of life through the privileges and flexibility of alternative residence and citizenship by investment options that give them the right to study, live, work, and invest in countries of their choice,” he said.

Using the comparative function of the Henley Opportunity Index, a Filipino family whose total opportunity score sits at just 23 per cent in their home country, could raise the probability of success for the next generation to 82 per cent by accessing residence rights in the United States (US) via the US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.

Similarly, for a Vietnamese family on 24 per cent, relocating to Switzerland through the Swiss Residence Program would increase their advantage to 85 per cent, and for Nigerians with an opportunity score of just 14 per cent, an investment in the Singapore Global Investor Program, would uplift their life chances by 65 per cent to a remarkable 79 per cent.

As Henley & Partners Education Director, Tess Wilkinson points out in the report, education alone cannot guarantee opportunities in the future job market.

“Investing in your child’s education is universally acknowledged as one of the best ways to set them up for success later in life, with multiple studies showing that those with tertiary qualifications earn around 50 per cent more,” added Wilkinson.

The Henley Opportunity Index identifies 15 attractive investment migration pathways into countries that are prime locations for educators, entrepreneurs, and inheritors aiming to thrive in coming decades.

-- BERNAMA

Saturday, 10 February 2024

TRACKINSIGHT 2024 GLOBAL ETF SURVEY REPORT RELEASED: UNVEILING 50+ CHARTS ON WORLDWIDE ETF TRENDS

Trackinsight, in Partnership with J.P. Morgan Asset Management and State Street, Unveils the Global ETF Survey 2024 Report ‘50+ Charts of Worldwide ETF Trends’. A Comprehensive Overview of Worldwide ETF Trends Highlighting Industry Innovations and Growth Opportunities.

Hong Kong, Feb 8 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  Trackinsight, a global leader in ETF research and analytics, today announced the release of its Global ETF Survey 2024 Report: ‘50+ Charts on Worldwide ETF Trends’, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Asset Management and State Street.

The fifth annual survey report, now freely available on trackinsight.com, provides a comprehensive analysis of the ETF industry, covering trends, growth, and innovation. It leverages Trackinsight's global database of over 10,000 ETPs and features insights from more than 500 investment professionals managing ETF assets exceeding $900 billion.

Report highlights:

· Global ETF Growth: In 2023, ETF assets surged to a remarkable $11 trillion, showcasing a pattern of sustained growth. In APAC, there was a substantial asset rebound compared to 2022; however, net flows have consistently declined since 2020.
· Active ETF Momentum: In North America, active ETF strategies secured 25% of the flows in 2023, bringing total category’s assets in the region to $630 billion. In contrast, Europe, where interest is slowly growing, lags significantly with only $32 billion in assets, emphasizing investors' ongoing preference for passive strategies. Meanwhile, in APAC, active ETFs witnessed a revival in interest after two years of weaker demand.
· Thematic Investments: Global interest in thematic investing in 2023 continues to be subdued when compared to the levels seen during the pandemic years. AI, Robotics, and Automation themes take the global spotlight with $3.6 billion in inflows in the U.S. and Europe, while the Nuclear Energy theme sees a surge in the U.S. with $1 billion in new capital. Europe's commitment to Net Zero 2050 and Climate Change themes remains strong with over $10 billion in new inflows.
· ESG Cross-Atlantic Polarity: In 2023, Europe reaffirms its global leadership in the ESG market, injecting an impressive $50 billion into ESG ETFs. Europe now commands a remarkable 75% share of the global $550 billion ESG ETF assets, reaching an all-time high. In contrast, the U.S. experiences a widening gap due to across-the-aisle pushback. In APAC, investors added over $1 billion to the ESG category, although notably lower than the previous two years.
· Fixed Income Revival: For the fourth consecutive year, North America witnessed net flows into fixed income ETFs surpassing $200 billion, driving the total assets in the region to exceed $1.5 trillion. In Europe, there were $66 billion in inflows, double the amount from the previous year, bringing the region's total assets closer to the half-trillion-dollar mark. In APAC, interest surged significantly, resulting in increased flows compared to the previous year and expanding the total assets in that category. This resurgence across regions has contributed to global fixed income assets reaching a historic milestone of $2 trillion.
· Insights from the Survey Respondents: Investors are strategically expanding their allocations to diverse asset classes via ETFs, with a pronounced focus on equity and fixed income. European investors continue to prioritize ESG investing, and interest in active management is widespread across different regions. Thematic investing appetite is present but in a minor satellite exposure capacity, while caution prevails when it comes to cryptocurrencies.
 
Philippe Malaise, CEO of Trackinsight, commented, "This year's Global ETF Survey underscores the vibrant expansion and the transformative potential of the ETF industry. Our collaboration with J.P. Morgan and State Street has enabled us to present a report that not only captures the current state of the market but also offers forward-looking insights that will benefit investors and industry stakeholders alike. The findings highlight the adaptability of ETFs to market changes and investor needs, reinforcing their essential role in contemporary investment strategies."

“We coined the phrase ETF 3.0 several years ago, as a description of the exponential growth we expected to see for active ETFs globally. The 2024 survey results echo our predictions,” said Francis Koudelka, Senior Vice President & Global ETF Product Specialist at State Street. “Global investors are telling us they are allocating more to active ETFs, would be more apt to purchase a strategy if it was converted from a mutual fund to ETF, and would like to see global regulators enable a listed ETF as a share class of an unlisted fund. We remain bullish on the growth of active ETFs globally.”

“ETF adoption continues to increase globally and across APAC, as investors become more comfortable with the transparency, daily liquidity, and attractive fee proposition. APAC is expected to see even stronger ETF asset growth momentum compared with other regions, with a growth rate of ~20% ,(vs ~15% for global)¹” said Philippe El-Asmar, APAC Head of ETF, Digital & Direct, J.P. Morgan Asset Management. “APAC investors are progressively evolving from passive to factor-based and strategy-based ETFs, ultimately to actively managed ETFs. As a pioneer in active ETFs, we look forward to leading the active revolution in the ETF industry by delivering our world-class active capabilities in the ETF wrapper.”

In addition to the full report, Trackinsight and its partners are delighted to offer additional content with thought leadership articles and weekly updated industry league tables, freely accessible from trackinsight.com, enabling everyone to gain valuable insights into the ETF market. For more information on the 2024 Global ETF Survey, please visit trackinsight.com

Friday, 9 February 2024

WEALTHARC, ZEROLINK REVOLUTIONISE FAMILY OFFICES WITH AI-BASED CHAT SERVICE

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- WealthArc, a Swiss-born global wealth data management solution provider, has partnered with ZeroLink, to develop WealthArc AI & Analytics, a machine learning-powered “Chat with your data” service tailored for family offices and the wealth management space.

According to WealthArc in a statement, the integration of ZeroLink's technology in the development of WealthArc AI & Analytics enables a game-changing approach for family offices and wealth management to effortlessly access, navigate, and comprehend complex data sets.

WealthArc chief executive officer (CEO) Radomir Mastalerz said the solution developed together with ZeroLink will revolutionise the way family offices, portfolio managers, as well as wealth owners, interact with wealth data - ultimately elevating the level of service and raising the bar for the wealth management space as a whole.

Meanwhile, ZeroLink CEO, Darren Tseng said: “We are excited to partner with the WealthArc team to offer a solution that can work with the sort of data that others simply cannot.

“Instead of training these models on massive corpuses of data to improve accuracy, our technology enables natural language querying from your existing data and is also better for data privacy as a result.”

ZeroLink’s novel technology is a knowledge graph question/answering (KGQA) and knowledge modelling platform that utilises machine learning to provide fast, accurate, and explainable answers to complex questions with reasoning that can be customised by users.

ZeroLink can translate structured data and unstructured text into a computable knowledge graph that allows users, such as wealth managers, to ask questions in conversational manner and receive accurately sourced answers.

WealthArc empowers family offices, wealth managers and other wealth owners with a state-of-the-art data management platform aggregating over 200,000 positions every day globally.

WealthArc’s application is a multi-custodian and multi-currency driven solution that is very intuitive and easy to use, customisable and with a high level of data quality, ensuring that its clients have access to up-to-date and accurate intelligent information, allowing them to make informed decisions that drive positive outcomes and build their wealth.

-- BERNAMA

Thursday, 8 February 2024

INVESTCLOUD TO ACCELERATE REVENUE GROWTH WITH CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER APPOINTMENT




KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- InvestCloud, a global provider of wealth and asset management solutions, has appointed Shawn Donovan as Chief Revenue Officer, responsible for the company’s sales and account management strategy globally with a key focus on enhancing value creation and delivery for clients.

This appointment further underscores InvestCloud’s commitment to leading the digital transformation of wealth, strengthening the client experience and accelerating growth, as the company supports more than US$6 trillion in assets under management across its platforms. (US$1=RM4.76)

Its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Yabuki said for more than three decades, Shawn has been leading sales and operational teams serving the financial services industry with a focus on driving outstanding sales and revenue growth.

“We are thrilled to welcome Shawn to InvestCloud where we can utilise his deep expertise in building high-performing teams and enhance the value we deliver for our clients and partners,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Donovan said: “I am excited about the tremendous transformation opportunity before us and look forward to working with the team to drive this next generation of growth.”

Donovan brings extensive experience in the financial services and technology industry to his new role at InvestCloud. He spent more than 30 years in progressive global leadership roles with responsibilities spanning sales and account management, strategy and operations, and general management, while at EDS, Acxiom, Fiserv and Neustar.

In addition to serving on various executive management committees and leading large-scale global sales organisations throughout his career, with background includes over five years as Fiserv Chief Sales Officer, where he managed teams with more than 400 sales executives and achieved record-setting sales.

Donovan specialises in business transformation to drive profitable revenue growth and is deeply committed to cultivating talent, developing best-in-class processes and achieving consistent strong performance and has a proven track record in building sales teams and models that deliver results.

-- BERNAMA

CARRY1ST ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC INVESTMENT FROM SONY INNOVATION FUND

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Feb 6 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Carry1st, Africa’s leading game publisher and digital commerce platform, announces a strategic investment by Sony Innovation Fund, the venture capital arm of Sony Group Corporation (“Sony”). Carry1st is the inaugural investment out of Sony Innovation Fund: Africa, which was established by Sony as an initiative to support the growth of entertainment businesses in Africa.

Driven by rapidly increasing technology adoption, Africa’s gaming industry has over 200 million unique players and is set to reach a market size of over $1 billion in 2024, according to data from Newzoo and Carry1st. While there is limited formal console presence, Africa presents an incredible growth opportunity for this sector, particularly with the rise of live services.

"We are thrilled to join forces with Sony Innovation Fund: Africa," said Cordel Robbin-Coker, CEO and Co-founder of Carry1st. "The relationship will help Carry1st to drive the future of gaming in Africa. At Carry1st, we believe that the African console market is a massively underestimated opportunity. Our distinct regional capabilities, paired with Sony's expertise in gaming and entertainment, creates a powerful combination. Together, we hope to bring the best games in the world to players across Africa.”

“We are excited to welcome Carry1st as our first investment in Africa,” said Antonio Avitabile, Managing Director – EMEA, Sony Ventures Corporation. “We believe there is tremendous untapped potential for the gaming market in Africa, which we hope to experience and contribute to through our investment in Carry1st. We look forward to working closely with Carry1st’s world-class management team to support the company’s growth and explore potential business opportunities with Sony Group companies.”

About Carry1st
Carry1st is Africa’s leading publisher of games and digital content. Its mission is to scale awesome content in frontier markets by solving hard problems. Carry1st develops, licenses, and publishes games, and monetizes them effectively with Pay1st, a proprietary alternative payments platform and online marketplace for digital gaming goods. Carry1st has partnered with the likes of ActivisionSupercell, and Riot Games to help scale games like Call of Duty: Mobile and Valorant and has launched games including Africa Glam (Nanobit), Mancala AdventuresSpongeBob Krusty Cook-OffLudo Blitz and Mine Rescue for gamers in Africa. Carry1st has raised over $60M since being founded in 2018 and counts BITKRAFT, Riot Games, and Nas as investors. 

Wednesday, 7 February 2024

AUTOMOBILI PININFARINA GARNERS THREE INTERNATIONAL ACCOLADES

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- Automobili Pininfarina has kicked off 2024, winning three awards, as it continues to build on the success of a record-breaking previous year.

In a statement, the German-based company said LUXlife Magazine has named Automobili Pininfarina ‘Luxury Electric Performance Car Manufacturer of the Year 2024’, within the ‘Leaders in Luxury’ category, at its annual awards.

Celebrating the unparalleled achievements and exceptional creativity in the realm of luxury, LUXlife awards honour the leaders and pioneers who redefine excellence within the industry, setting higher standards of sophistication and elegance.

This was followed by another win for the PURA Vision design concept, which was awarded Silver in Conceptual Products / Automotive & Transport Product Design at the 2024 International Design Awards.

PURA Vision represents the beginning of what promises to be a groundbreaking era for electric luxury vehicles  (e-LUVs), and was penned by its Chief Design Officer, Dave Amantea, in which it was unveiled at 2023 Monterey Car Week.

The principles of the PURA philosophy, established by Automobili Pininfarina, transform the DNA of iconic models from Pininfarina SpA's past to define the future, balancing inspiration from iconic classic cars with futuristic elements.

Inspired by classic proportions and exquisite detailing, PURA Vision presents an elegant silhouette with bold cab-rear proportions that combine timeless beauty with exquisite detailing to create a dynamic identity with unmistakable presence, with show-stopping features including its narrow glasshouse and tri-opening pillarless doors.

Most recently, the Automobili Pininfarina Battista Edizione Nino Farina was named Best Electric Hypercar at Robb Report Monaco & Côte d’Azur Car of the Year 2024. Introduced at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, it is a tribute to racing legend Nino Farina – nephew of company founder Battista ‘Pinin’ Farina and the first Formula One World Champion.

Finished in a bespoke Rosso Nino paint complemented by a special livery on the lower body, as well as in Bianco Sestriere and Iconica Blu, the exterior design is completed by the Satin Gold 10-spoke forged aluminium Glorioso alloy wheels.

-- BERNAMA

Saturday, 3 February 2024

COLOSSAL CAVERNS EXCAVATION FOR FERMILAB’S DUNE EXPERIMENT COMPLETES

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 2 (Bernama) -- The excavation of the caverns that will house the gigantic particle detectors of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) in Lead, South Dakota, United States (US) has completed.

According to the US Department of Energy’s Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) in a statement, final outfitting of the colossal caverns will begin soon and make way for the start of the installation of the DUNE detectors later this year.

Fermilab’s Michael Gemelli, who managed the excavation of the caverns by Thyssen Mining said: “The completion of the three large caverns and all of the interconnecting drifts marks the end of a really big dig. With no lost-time accidents in over three years, we reached a major achievement.”

Meanwhile, US Project Director Chris Mossey said completing this step prepares the project for installation of the detectors later this year and brings them a step closer towards fulfilling the vision of making this a world-class underground facility.

Located a mile below the surface, the three colossal caverns are at the core of a new research facility that spans an underground area about the size of eight soccer fields.

The caverns provide space for four large neutrino detectors, each one about the size of a seven-story building and the detectors will be filled with liquid argon and record the rare interaction of neutrinos with the transparent liquid.

The DUNE collaboration, which includes more than 1,400 scientists and engineers from over 200 institutions in 35 countries, is eager to start the installation of the particle detectors.

They have successfully tested the technology and assembly process for the first detector and preparations for the technology of the second detector are underway at the research laboratory of European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN).

-- BERNAMA