Monday, July 29, 2019

Triton Digital supply-side platform wins best new product award

KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 (Bernama) -- Triton Digital has bagged ExchangeWire’s The Wires APAC 2019 Best New Product or Service – Sell Side for their supply-side platform, Yield-Op.

Triton Digital is a global technology and services leader to the digital audio and podcast industry.

Yield-Op is a built-for-audio supply-side platform that enables broadcasters, podcasters and music streaming services to connect and manage their programmatic demand sources efficiently.

The platform also allows users to manage access, regulate pricing and establish ad quality settings in the a2x marketplace, as well as configure both open and private marketplace deals with specific buyers, brands or sales houses.

The Wires APAC recognises the best use of ad tech across all aspects of media sales and buying within the Asia Pacific region, including East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

ExchangeWire provides global data and insight on marketing and advertising technology, as well as programmatic advertising.

Various ad tech vendors, marketing automation providers, media buying agencies, trading desks, agency trading desks, advertisers and publishers have sent submissions for the award.

-- BERNAMA


Thursday, July 25, 2019

OKEx contributes US$4.5 million to strengthen cryptocurrency trading confidence

KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 (Bernama) -- OKEx has donated Bitcoin worth US$4.5 million to its perpetual swap market insurance fund to boost customer confidence in trading cryptocurrencies. (US$1=RM4.12)

In a statement, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange said the donation would provide an extra layer of protection to the customers, further ensuring that all customer interests were safeguarded.

OKEx Operations head, Andy Cheung said no clawback occurred on OKEx perpetual swap since its launch.

“We introduced a new risk management system to strike a better balance between avoiding early liquidation and maximising trader benefits.”

OKEx’s world-leading crypto marketplace serves millions of users globally, offering hedging and arbitrage instruments, such as futures and perpetual swaps, to help traders optimise their trading strategies.

With a comprehensive security system, no major security issues, hacks and asset losses have ever taken place on OKEx.

-- BERNAMA

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

AMINVESTMENT WON TOP HONOURS AT THE ASSET TRIPLE A ISLAMIC FINANCE AWARDS 2019

KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- AmInvestment Bank Berhad (“AmInvestment Bank”) receives further recognition from The Asset as they won six awards at The Asset Triple A Islamic Finance Awards 2019. The awards were presented at the Four Seasons Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, 4 July 2019. 
 
The full list of awards won by AmInvestment Bank is as follows:

1. Best Islamic Loan Adviser 

2. Best Structured Finance Sukuk 
MBSB Bank Berhad’s RM2.295 billion structured covered Sukuk facility
Our roles: Joint Solicitation Agent, Joint Principal Adviser, Joint Lead Arranger and Joint Lead Manager
 
3. Best Government-Guaranteed Sukuk 
Pengurusan Air SPV Bhd’s RM2.1 million Government-Guaranteed Sukuk issuance
Our role: Joint Lead Manager
  
4. Best Corporate Hybrid Sukuk
Yinson TMC Sdn Bhd’s RM950 million perpetual sukuk issuance
Our roles: Joint Principal Adviser, Joint Lead Arranger, Joint Lead Manager and Joint Shariah Adviser.
 
5. Best Local Currency Sukuk  
Cagamas Berhad’s RM1.5 billion Sukuk issuance
Our role: Joint Lead Manager
 
6. Best Islamic Project Finance Deal
DanaInfra Nasional Berhad’s RM2.5 billion Government-Guaranteed Sukuk issuance
Our role: Joint Lead Manager
 
Commenting on the awards, Seohan Soo, Chief Executive Officer, AmInvestment Bank said,”We thank our clients for their continued trust in AmInvestment Bank and we share these awards with them. These awards will spur us on to continue delivering customised and innovative investment banking solutions for our clients.”
 
“We’re delighted to be recognised once again by The Asset with six accolades that celebrate our position as a leading investment organization and underline our investment expertise. These achievements demonstrate our continuous commitment to provide the best investment solutions to our corporate, sovereign and institutional clients,” said Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir, Group Chief Executive Officer, AmBank Group.
 
About AmBank Group
 
AMMB Holdings Berhad is the holding company of AmBank Group and has been listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia since 1988. It is the sixth-largest banking group by assets in Malaysia, with a market capitalisation of around RM13.7 billion and assets of RM158.8 billion as at 31 March 2019.
 
AmBank Group is one of Malaysia’s premier financial solutions groups with over 43 years of experience in supporting Malaysians in their economic development. AmBank Group offers a wide range of both conventional and Islamic financial solutions and services, including wholesale banking, retail banking, investment banking, underwriting of general insurance, life assurance and takaful, stock and share broking, futures broking, investment advisory and management services in assets, real estate investment trust and unit trusts.
 
The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) is the biggest shareholder in the AmBank Group with a 23.8% holding and provides support with Board, risk and financial governance, product offerings and new business developments. In the general insurance business, the Group has partnered with Insurance Australia Group Ltd (IAG). In the life assurance and family takaful businesses, the Group has a partnership with MetLife International Holdings Inc (MetLife). The Group benefits in terms of expertise transfer from IAG and MetLife.
 
For more information, please visit www.ambankgroup.com

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=35070

Alibaba.com opens platform to globally empower US businesses

KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- Alibaba.com, one of the world’s largest B2B e-commerce marketplaces has opened its platform to empower United States (US) businesses to sell their products to millions of Alibaba.com buyers in the US and globally.

Currently, nearly 30 million small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the US, including manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors are able to access the US$23.9 trillion global B2B e-commerce market, an opportunity that is six times larger than the global B2C e-commerce market.

“With 10 million active business buyers in over 190 countries and regions, we are reshaping B2B commerce by providing the tools and services needed for US SMB companies to compete and succeed in today’s global marketplace,” said Alibaba Group, head of North America B2B, John Caplan.

Alibaba.com is also unveiling an enhanced ecosystem of participants which include anchor sellers and B2B service providers who share the company’s mission to make it easier for SMBs to do business.

The company is also co-producing a series of ‘Build Up’ workshops and webinars with local chambers of commerce and B2B organisations across the country, including SCORE, one of the nation’s largest non-profit networks of volunteer, expert business mentors.

Launched in 1999, Alibaba.com is a business unit of Alibaba Group, which is engaged in services covering all aspects of commerce. For more information, contact https://www.alibaba.com.

-- BERNAMA

AM BEST REVISES OUTLOOKS TO POSITIVE FOR DPL INSURANCE LIMITED

SINGAPORE, July 22 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best has revised the outlooks to positive from stable and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B+ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb-” of DPL Insurance Limited (DPL) (New Zealand).

The ratings reflect DPL’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as adequate, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. The ratings also factor in a neutral impact from the company’s ultimate ownership by Turners Automotive Group Limited (Turners), a motor vehicle retailer and financial services group in New Zealand.

The positive outlooks reflect an improving trend in DPL’s balance sheet fundamentals, including risk-adjusted capitalization and the size of the company’s absolute capital base. These factors, coupled with AM Best’s expectation of controlled growth and robust underwriting performance over the medium term, could lead to positive rating actions.

The company’s balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by risk-adjusted capitalization that reached the strongest level in fiscal year 2019, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). A partially offsetting balance sheet factor remains the significant volume of intangible assets created as part of the company’s acquisition of Autosure’s business in 2017; this includes goodwill items relating to the brand name and agency relationships.

DPL has a track record of adequate operating performance, as evidenced by a five-year average return on equity ratio of 6.9% (fiscal years 2015 to 2019). The company’s combined ratio improved to 96% in fiscal year 2019 (fiscal year 2018: 103%), reflecting lower vehicle repair and spare part costs, as well as the positive impact of recent product pricing adjustments. In addition, following the Autosure acquisition, the company saw a reduction in its expense ratio as a result of greater economies of scale. Going forward, AM Best expects improved underwriting performance to support a greater balance of overall earnings.

AM Best views the company’s business profile as limited given its niche and small scale of operations. In addition, DPL’s core lines of business, including mechanical breakdown insurance for motor vehicles in New Zealand, remain subject to competitive market conditions and a general slowdown in car sales. Despite this, DPL’s ownership and affiliation with its parent, Turners, which is the largest retailer of motor vehicles in New Zealand, provides good access to business and creates a valuable distribution network.

AM Best considers DPL’s approach to risk management to be appropriate given the size and complexity of its current operations. DPL also is viewed to benefit from a level of risk management oversight and governance from the Turners group.

Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases.

AM Best is a global rating agency and information provider with a unique focus on the insurance industry. Visit www.ambest.com for more information.

Copyright © 2019 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=35050

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN AN E-SPORTS EXTRAVAGANZA AT THE E-SPORTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL IN HONG KONG

HONG KONG, July 22 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- This summer, visitors to Hong Kong can enjoy a host of gourmet happenings, shopping sprees, signature city events, and attractions’ summer programmes. Attending a large scale e-sports event is one of the must-do activities to enjoy a vibrant summer, especially for those who are young or young at heart. Organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the third edition of e-Sports & Music Festival Hong Kong, presented by Cyberport, will be staged from 26 to 28 July (Friday to Sunday) in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), with more exciting new elements and entertainment options than ever.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=35051

Monday, July 22, 2019

​MADISON REALTY CAPITAL PROVIDES $225 MILLION CONSTRUCTION LOAN ON THE RESIDENCES AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL, BOCA RATON

NEW YORK, July 18 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Madison Realty Capital has provided a $225 million construction loan on The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Boca Raton, a planned 12-story, 580,000-square-foot luxury condominium tower in Boca Raton, Florida.

The financing will allow owner/developer Penn-Florida Companies to complete the 12-story, 288,000 saleable-square-foot luxury condominium tower with an additional 22,000 square feet of retail. This will be the third and final tower at the 2 million-square-foot Via Mizner resort, a world-renowned resort destination in the heart of the internationally-recognized Southeast Florida community.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=35032

ESC: PROVIDING ASIAN DOCTORS WITH THE VERY LATEST IN CARDIOVASCULAR SCIENCE

SINGAPORE, July 18 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- 

A new congress to improve patient care.

8 to 10 November in Singapore

How can physicians in Asia keep abreast of so many rapidly evolving advances in heart health? A new scientific congress is designed to help.

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC), the world’s largest organisation of healthcare professionals dedicated to fighting heart disease, is joining forces with the Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology (APSC) and the Asean Federation of Cardiology (AFC) to launch ESC ASIA with APSC & ASC in Singapore this November.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=35030

Friday, July 19, 2019

Willis Lease guarantees spare engine availability for European airline

KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- Willis Lease Finance Corporation is set to provide ConstantAccess™ Platinum to a major European airline operator involving 40 engines.

The agreement offers guaranteed availability of spare engines for both planned and unplanned removals.

Willis Lease corporate development senior vice-president, Austin C. Willis said: “We are finding a greater number of airlines, both legacy operators as well as low cost carriers, opting to contract with us to provide them with spare engine coverage on a ‘just in time basis’, rather than maintaining a portfolio of underutilised assets.”

The company leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary power units and aircraft for airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers, and maintenance, repair and overhaul providers in a total of 120 countries.

-- BERNAMA

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Bizagi automates growth in US, digitalises world leading brands

KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- Bizagi, the world’s leading intelligent process automation platform provider has announced significant growth in the United States (US) and abroad driven by its success enabling digital transformation for world leading brands.

The growth is based on enterprise adoption of its unique platform, enabling companies to better leverage digital and robotic processes, along with artificial intelligence, to improve customer interaction, speed operations and build revenue.

The company has also made several key executive hires, including its first chief revenue officer, Richard Dufty, leading global go-to-market businesses with a mandate to provide an amazing unified journey and experience for customers.

Bizagi chief executive officer, Gustavo Gomez said the company experienced 100 per cent year-over-year growth in the US last year and was on track to grow 200 per cent this year.

“Our platform’s ability to deliver deep digital process automation while driving broad, fast, business-friendly adoption is remaking how these organisations think about digital transformation.”

To date, users have downloaded Bizagi’s software more than three million times, which is driving tens of thousands of digital automations at over 500 organisations worldwide.

The US growth, in particular, is notable in financial services and government agencies, where organisations are succeeding in digital automation with Bizagi, despite statistics showing the overwhelming majority of digital transformations fail.

Most of them are challenged by processes sitting in systems that are costly, disconnected and slow to change.

-- BERNAMA

FERNS N PETALS EYES AT SOUTH EAST ASIAN MARKET

Launches Operations in Singapore

SINGAPORE, July 17 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- India’s Gifting Giant Ferns N Petals has started its operations in Singapore by launching www.fnp.sg recently. After establishing a strong foothold in India, the company planned expansion into the Middle East market in 2015 with UAE and now targeted to capture South East Asian Market.

Ferns N Petals provides gift deliveries for all major occasions. While Birthdays and Anniversaries are all year round occasions, main occasions in India are Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Rakhi, and Diwali when the business is on peak. Similarly in UAE- EID, Ramadan, Mother’s Day are the big buck occasions. With the expansion in Singapore, company wishes to cater general and major occasions like Chinese New Year and Christmas. The company has launched flowers, cakes, plants, gift hampers and combos. Customers looking for flowers delivery in Singapore can now place orders for some stunning floral arrangements from the website and an upcoming mobile app for Android & iOS.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Pawan Gadia, CEO, Retail & Online, Ferns N Petals, said, “Expansion is the ultimate aim of a business and for us at Ferns N Petals, the vision is to expand across South-East Asia and Middle East. While we were able to make our venture profitable in UAE, now eyeing at S-E Asia Market, starting with Singapore website launch.

We find huge potential in Singapore and it can also be a springboard for us to launch other countries with ease in South East Asia. What differentiates us from the competition is the range of categories, the quality of products and the service options. We are planning to venture into two countries every year in the S-E Asia and Middle East.” he added.

Ferns N Petals is a name synonymous with providing gifts and making occasions memorable for people in India. The company is into gifting business of flowers, cake, plants, and personalised gifts since 25 years and has over 330 retail outlets all across India & UAE. It is an expansion aligned with the Vision of the company to expand globally. South East Asia is becoming the preferred choice of big companies to expand because of the higher GDP growth and also the rising trend of internet penetration & ecommerce.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=35025

SOLARWINDS NEW APAC RESEARCH SHOWS INSIDER THREATS RANK AS TOP CYBERSECURITY THREAT CONCERN

SINGAPORE, July 16 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SolarWinds(NYSE:SWI), a leading provider of powerful and affordable IT management software, today released the findings of the newest SolarWinds cybersecurity research at RSA Singapore (Booth #1420)The research provides a pulse check on recent cybersecurity trends in both Singapore and Hong Kong and explores the top threat concerns, along with the technologies and skillsets needed to successfully manage both internal and external cybersecurity threats.

The research found that internal factors—both people and technology—cast a bigger cybersecurity threat than external factors and are ranked as the top concern. Out of all cybersecurity incidents experienced by respondents, the largest portion reported was caused by internal users making mistakes, at 65 percent, followed by 43 percent attributed to external threat actors. Sixty-six percent of respondents reported that regular employees pose the biggest risk, with 46 percent attributing the cause to poor password management and/or weak passwords, and 45 percent to accidents.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=35007

​WSO2 INTRODUCES WSO2 API MICROGATEWAY 3.0 TO SIMPLIFY CREATING, DEPLOYING AND SECURING APIS IN MICROSERVICE ENVIRONMENTS

Mountain View, CA and Portland, OR, July 16 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Microservices are rapidly becoming the de facto standard for modern software development. As a result, thousands of microservices are replacing hundreds of enterprise apps within an organization—driving exponential growth in the number of programmable endpoints handled by APIs. To simplify the process of creating, deploying and securing APIs within distributed microservices architectures, WSO2 has introduced several new features in version 3.0 of its fully open source WSO2 API Microgateway. 

The availability of WSO2 API Microgateway 3.0 is being announced in conjunction with OSCON 2019, the O’Reilly Open Source Software Conference. WSO2, the world’s #1 open source integration vendor and an OSCON sponsor, will offer demos of the latest WSO2 API Microgateway release at the event. OSCON 2019 is being held July 15-18, 2019 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, OR. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=35003

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

​INDIA'S LARGEST AND FASTEST-GROWING B2B COMMERCE, MOGLIX RAISES $60 MN IN A SERIES D ROUND OF FUNDING!

​INDIA'S LARGEST AND FASTEST-GROWING B2B COMMERCE, MOGLIX RAISES $60 MN IN A SERIES D ROUND OF FUNDING!

AM BEST REVISES OUTLOOKS TO NEGATIVE FOR THAIRE LIFE ASSURANCE PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED

SINGAPORE, July 15 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best has revised the outlooks to negative from stable and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “a-” of Thaire Life Assurance Public Company Limited (Thaire Life) (Thailand).

These Credit Ratings (ratings) reflect Thaire Life’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=34990

Preqin announces private equity data availability via FactSet


KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 (Bernama) -- Preqin has announced its industry-leading private equity data will be available via FactSet, a global provider of integrated financial information, allowing users to seamlessly integrate private market data into their workflows.

“Allocators will now be able to get unparalleled analysis that spans every asset class, while deal makers will have access to a wealth of added insights on potential buyers and sellers to optimise their deal sourcing,” said Preqin Global Head of Partnerships, Ayo Akindele.

Subscribers will be able to access the data via the FactSet workstation, according to a statement.

Clients will also be able to see an integrated live feed of Preqin data on private equity fund managers, investors and performance alongside FactSet’s own datasets, enabling users to conduct in-depth analysis of private equity performance.

As of July 15, Preqin and FactSet subscribers can request for Preqin data in their FactSet platform. FactSet subscribers who are not Preqin subscribers will also be able to obtain Preqin subscriptions through FactSet directly.

-- BERNAMA

AM BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF DB INSURANCE CO., LTD.

HONG KONG, July 12 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a+” of DB Insurance Co., Ltd. (DBI) (South Korea). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect DBI’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorizes as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, favorable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=34980

Monday, July 15, 2019

"LEADING ASIAN TRADE FAIR, STYLE BANGKOK MAKES ITS GRAND RETURN THIS OCTOBER"

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- STYLE Bangkok, the premier international lifestyle trade fair, will be held from 17 - 21 October 2019 at the Bangkok International Trade & Convention Centre (BITEC), Bangkok, Thailand. The exhibition spreads over Halls 98 - 104 of BITEC Bangna in an area covering more than 40,000 square meters. STYLE Bangkok’s October edition brings together a vast selection of products guaranteed to interest both buyers and shoppers.
 
The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, aims to provide market opportunities for small and medium entrepreneurs and give them access to the global market, thus enabling them to grow into leading exporters of lifestyle products. The Fair will also underline Thailand’s capacity and readiness to become the international hub for Lifestyle Products exhibitions. Some 50,000 participants are expected to attend with the value of purchase orders made at the fair projected to exceed 2 billion baht. The exhibitor estimates of 2,000 booths from 1,000 companies will showcase five main products groups at STYLE Bangkok 2019, namely fashion, furniture, gifts, home decorative items and household gods targeting traditional buyers as well as niche business groups such as hotel industry, the real estate sectors, interior decorators and designers and meeting the needs of every business sector.
 
As part of the October edition of the Fair, the Department of international Trade Promotion (DITP) is hosting special exhibitions that specifically correspond to trends in modern society. The event will include exhibitions that integrate ideas for eco-lifestyle and spiritual living. Visitors will also be able to explore specific fashion and lifestyles products created from the original ideas of experts, such as the Qurated Fashion Incubation, and the Material Solution products. Those attending STYLE Bangkok will be able to see for themselves the extent to which Thai entrepreneurs have developed in responding to rapid global change and needs, whether in terms of raw material utilization, design or creativity.
 
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=34999

AM Best downgrades credit ratings of NZ´s Provident Insurance

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- AM Best has downgraded the Financial Strength Rating to B (fair) from B++ (good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating to ‘bb+’ from ‘bbb’ of Provident Insurance Corporation Limited (PICL) New Zealand.

Concurrently, the global rating agency focused on the insurance company has placed these credit ratings under review with negative implications.

The ratings reflect PICL’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best described as adequate, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

The ratings’ downgrade reflects a deterioration in AM Best’s view of PICL’s balance sheet strength fundamentals.

The insurance company’s risk-adjusted capitalisation for the fiscal year-ended March 31, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, is expected to have significantly weakened as compared with AM Best’s prior expectations.

Moreover, the under review with negative implication status reflects the uncertainty that remains around the finalisation of PICL’s year-end 2019 financial position, as well as prospective expectations.

In order to resolve the under review status, AM Best expects to conduct a full assessment on PICL’s medium-term balance sheet strength fundamentals, as well as undertake a further review of risk management capabilities and capital management, in light of increasing operational scale and widening product offerings.

More details at www.ambest.com

-- BERNAMA

TINUBU SQUARE LAUNCHES BONDING INSURANCE SUITE

Growth enabler for Surety Bonding carriers

PARIS, July 11 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Tinubu Square, a leading provider of credit insurance, surety and trade finance solutions, is launching today the Tinubu Bonding Insurance Suite (BIS), which has been developed to serve the surety bonding needs of insurers. The new product is a natural extension of Tinubu Square’s SaaS-based, end-to-end enterprise platform, used widely to help the industry manage and develop its international trade credit insurance, and now its surety bonding activities.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190710005425/en/
 
The new Tinubu BIS is designed to support surety carriers in their digital transformation journey and to help them to adopt the technologies they need to become more agile and enhance their value proposition to customers.

Friday, July 12, 2019

"BANGKOK RHVAC 2019 AND BANGKOK E&E 2019, BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES LIKE NO OTHERS"

KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 (Bernama) -- The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, together with The Federation of Thai Industries (F.T.I.) are organizing BANGKOK RHVAC 2019 (Bangkok Refrigeration, Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning) and BAGNKOK E&E 2019 (Bangkok Electric and Electronics) during 25 - 28 September 2019, Hall 98-100 at Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC), Bangkok, Thailand. 25 - 27 September 2019 (Trade Days) and 28 September 2019 (Public Day), 10.00 hrs. - 18.00 hrs.

Bangkok RHVAC 2019 and Bangkok E&E 2019 will open up a world of trade opportunities at Bangkok Refrigeration, Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning 2019 (Bangkok RHVAC 2019) and Bangkok Electric and Electronics 2019 (Bangkok E&E 2019). It is an arena for trade negotiation and business network featuring professionals in the industries from around the world which will be showcasing refrigeration, heating, cooling, and ventilation products as well as electric and electronic goods. Besides, it will present Thailand’s potential from upstream to downstream industries as well as eco-friendly technologies and innovations to the eyes of the world.

Bangkok RHVAC 2019 and Bangkok E&E 2019 have grown continuously. In 2017, Bangkok RHVAC and Bangkok E&E featured 332 exhibitors from various countries including Asia and Europe and showcased products and services covering 953 exhibition booths with a total of 11,351 visitors from Thailand and overseas. It is anticipated that this year’s fair will gather more than 400 exhibitors who will showcase their products in 1,000 booths and attract over 14,000 traders and visitors from around the world. This year, the exhibition is expecting of 1,050 booths from 400 companies in both Bangkok RHVAC and Bangkok E&E 2019 from ASEAN, Korea, India, China, Middle East, Europe and USA.

The exhibition features “One Stop Solutions” theme which will provide the best trade platform for all enterprising manufactures, buyers, retailers, importers and exporters of refrigerators, air-conditioners, electric and electronics products.

Source: Royal Thai Embassy​

New Zealand´s UniMed records excellent Credit Ratings - AM Best


KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Bernama) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of ‘a’ of Union Medical Benefits Society Limited (UniMed), New Zealand.

The stable outlook of these Credit Ratings reflects UniMed’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best has categorised as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

The company’s balance sheet strength is underpinned by risk-adjusted capitalisation that is categorised as strongest, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, reflecting its low underwriting leverage and conservative investment approach.

UniMed has a five-year average combined ratio of 94 per cent (2014-2018). Prospectively, AM Best expects UniMed to maintain strong operating results, supported by steady premium growth, adequate product pricing and robust investment returns.

It is a small-sized not-for-profit insurer with a market share of less than four per cent in New Zealand’s health insurance industry based on 2018 gross written premiums, according to a statement.

UniMed’s membership count is expected to increase gradually over the medium term, driven mainly by its newly launched retail offering and a recent portfolio transfer from The Education Benevolent Society Incorporated.

AM Best is a global rating agency and information provider with a unique focus on the insurance industry. For more information, contact www.ambest.com.

-- BERNAMA

Thursday, July 11, 2019

SmartStream reports importance of managing intraday liquidity to generate revenue

KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- SmartStream Technologies, the financial Transaction Lifecycle Management (TLM) solutions provider has released a white paper to inform financial institutions of the regulatory pressures imposed on intraday liquidity requirements.

This has now moved beyond reporting positions to actively managing and controlling intraday liquidity to reduce costs and increase profitability, according to a statement.

The white paper, entitled ‘Intraday Liquidity Management: From a costs discussion to a revenue opportunity’, explores the benefits for financial institutions when transforming intraday discussions from an operational burden into adding true business value.

It also analyses how institutions can leverage next-generation technologies like Cloud, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to achieve the goals of real-time and active management of global intraday liquidity.

The paper has reviewed the regulators’ views and the monitoring tools available, including stress testing scenarios, and discussing the current status of where banks are now with their monitoring of intraday liquidity.

For more information, contact https://www.smartstream-stp.com.

-- BERNAMA

Tradewind Markets Adds Former BNY Mellon Executive as Chief Technology Officer

20 year tech leader brings financial services depth and development expertise

NEW YORK, July 11 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Tradewind, a financial technology company focused on blockchain solutions, has appointed Leon Shklar as Chief Technology Officer. Leon, who was most recently Managing Director (Technology) at BNY Mellon, will be responsible for all aspects of the firm’s technology including architecture, infrastructure, business applications and innovation.
“Having started with precious metals, our mission is to make alternative assets more accessible to investors, lenders, and borrowers through digitization. We are excited to welcome Leon to our executive team to accelerate our execution,” said Michael Albanese, Chief Executive Officer, who joined the company from J.P. Morgan in April. “Leon is a highly accomplished technologist with a history of successful implementation of web, mobile, and retail platforms across notable technology, finance, and media firms. He has a proven track record of delivering large-scale internet applications and has built and led global software development teams.”

During his tenure at BNY Mellon, Leon led the development of a platform that facilitated the integration of business applications across the bank. He spearheaded the acquisition of a technology company in Israel and was a board member of BNY Mellon Tel Aviv. Previously, Leon worked for Bridgewater Associates, one of the largest hedge funds globally. Leon also held technical leadership roles at the New York Times, Thomson Reuters, and Wall Street Journal / Dow Jones, where he was responsible for developing and scaling software across a global, distributed user base. In addition to his corporate success, he is a co-author of the textbook Web Application Architecture: Principles, Protocols and Practices and holds two US patents on representation and search of heterogeneous data. Leon graduated from Rutgers University with a Ph.D. in Computer Science.

Leon will lead Technology as the company continues to enable assets to be traded, settled and held in custody more securely and cost-effectively. Tradewind launched the first of its solutions for alternative asset classes last year. Tradewind's VaultChainTM Gold and VaultChainTM Silver products provide investors direct ownership of physical gold and silver, with custody and settlement recorded on a blockchain.

“Blockchain and distributed ledger technology bring transparency, trust and immutability to multiple asset classes -- and that’s a game-changer” said Leon. “I’m pleased to join Tradewind’s talented team. Together, we are strengthening the ecosystem for precious metals and other alternative assets -- enabling clearer title of ownership, smooth deployment as collateral, and more secure custody.”

As CTO, Leon will be based in New York City and will report to the CEO.

About Tradewind Markets

Tradewind Markets is a financial technology company that enables alternative assets to be traded, settled, and mobilized with increased security, transparency, and cost efficiency. Tradewind created a digital precious metals market that uses blockchain technology to streamline custody, trade execution, settlement and the maintenance of supply chain information. The Tradewind platform has been adopted by leading institutions in the precious metals market, including the Royal Canadian Mint. Shareholders include IEX Group, Sprott, Goldcorp, Agnico Eagle Mines, IAMGOLD, Wheaton Precious Metals, and Sapphire Ventures.

For more information, please visit: https://tradewindmarkets.com/

View source version on businesswire.com:  https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190709005495/en/

Contact

Wes Kaplan
Email: wes@tradewindmarkets.com 
Phone: 929-519-6334

Source : Tradewind Markets

​PURECIRCLE NAMES NEW TOP ADDITIONS TO ITS COMMERCIAL TEAM TO HELP FURTHER FUEL ITS GROWTH

CHICAGO, July 10 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Having solved the challenges of taste and supply, PureCircle (LSE: PURE), the leading global producer and innovator of stevia sweeteners, is now better poised than ever to help beverage and food companies reduce sugar without using artificial sweeteners. To further maximize that growth potential, PureCircle is enhancing its commercial team:

Alina Slotnik joins the company as its new Vice President of Global Marketing. She most recently led global marketing at Glanbia Nutritionals, a provider of nutritional solutions for food and beverage companies. She formerly worked at Johnson & Johnson, Baxter International and Forest Laboratories. She is a proven and skilled marketer.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=34953

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

APTORUM GROUP’S SUBSIDIARY ANNOUNCES TOKEN AVAILABILITY ON EXCHANGE PLATFORMS

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Bernama) -- Aptorum Group Limited subsidiary, Smart Pharmaceutical has announced the Smart Pharma Token (SMPT token) will be available for trading on IDAX and LATOKEN cryptocurrency exchange platforms.

According to a statement, SMPT token will commence trading on IDAX on or around July 10, and shortly thereafter, on LATOKEN.

The SMPT token is an ERC-1404 security compliant token with ERC-20 and ERC233 compliance on the Ethereum blockchain.

It tokenises rights to a portion of the royalty income derived from the eventual commercialisation of intellectual property rights of drug candidates to be discovered under Smart-ACTTM platform.

The Smart-ACTTM platform is a re-purposed and new drug discovery platform launched by the Smart Pharma Group which intends to revolutionise drug discovery, re-purposing and re-positioning.

Aptorum Group Limited is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercialising a broad range of therapeutic and diagnostic technologies to tackle unmet medical needs.

For more information, contact http://www.aptorumgroup.com.

-- BERNAMA


Monday, July 8, 2019

TERNS PHARMACEUTICALS APPOINTS ANKANG LI, PH.D., J.D., CFA AS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER


FOSTER CITY, Calif. & SHANGHAI, July 1 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a global biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative therapies to treat non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cancer, announced today the appointment of Ankang Li, Ph.D., J.D., CFA as Chief Financial Officer.
 

 
“Dr. Li joins Terns with over 10 years of experience in investment banking, business development, legal advisory, and biomedical research,” said Weidong Zhong, Ph.D., President and CEO of Terns. “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Li to Terns. He has a strong record of driving growth in the biopharma industry.”

At Terns, Dr. Li will be responsible for corporate financing, financial reporting, accounting, risk management, business development, and investor relations.

Prior to joining Terns, Dr. Li was the Executive Director of Healthcare Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs, where he was responsible for Asia ex-Japan investment banking and led many high-profile IPOs for biotechnology and other healthcare clients. Before that, Dr. Li was a Director at the Asia Pacific Innovation Hub at Merck (known as MSD outside the U.S. and Canada), overseeing business development and licensing transactions in the region. Dr. Li also worked at both Davis Polk and Ropes & Gray, advising clients on capital markets and M&A transactions. Early in his career, he conducted biomedical research at the Salk Institute. 

Ankang Li received a Juris Doctor degree from The University of Chicago Law School, a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from Baylor College of Medicine, a Master of Science degree in Biological Sciences from the National University of Singapore, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Fudan University. He is a CFA charter holder.

“Terns has emerged as one of the leading biopharmaceutical companies developing therapeutics for liver disease,” commented Dr. Li. “I look forward to working with Terns’ board and the leadership team to help advance their innovative pipeline and programs to benefit patients in China and worldwide.”

About Terns Pharmaceuticals 

Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company that is focused on the discovery and development of medicines for chronic liver disease and cancer. Based in China and the United States, the company is advancing a pipeline of drug candidates for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cancer, across multiple modalities. Terns leverages world class expertise in disease biology, medicinal chemistry, and clinical development in order to bring promising new therapies to patients in China and other global markets.
 
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190701005203/en/ 


Contact 

US Media Contact: 
Margaret Robinson
+1 (415) 690 0084

China Media Contact:  
Yan Wan
+86 186 1196 5371

Source : Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

New CEO onboard Australia´s largest health brand Blackmores

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 (Bernama) -- Alastair Symington is Blackmores Limited’s new chief executive officer (CEO) and managing director, effective Oct 1, as announced by chairman, Brent Wallace.

According to a statement by Australia's largest natural health company, Symington is a global business leader and brand builder who brings over 23 years of consumer goods experience in beauty, health and grooming.

Currently based in Dubai, he is a senior vice-president of Consumer Beauty leading the ALMEA region (including Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Australia) for Coty – a large manufacturer and retailer of consumer products.

Wallace said: “Alastair has an extensive sales and marketing background in the fast moving consumer goods category and importantly, he has significant in-country Asia and China experience including cross-border e-commerce and retail.

“His deep understanding of China and proven track record in product innovation would enable the company to continue growing.”

Meanwhile, Symington said: “I am committed to delivering on the company's strategy to drive substantial top-line growth via a greater presence of Blackmores throughout the region, and ensuring that we are more efficient as a business, delivering superior results for shareholders.”

The newly-appointed CEO has a Bachelor of Economics and a Post Graduate Diploma in International Business (Asian Studies) from the Monash University.

-- BERNAMA