DEEPSEEK AI MODEL SEEN AS CREDIT NEUTRAL FOR CHINA’S INSURANCE SECTOR - AM BEST

KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) -- The adoption of the artificial intelligence (AI) model DeepSeek among mainland China’s insurance companies could help small to medium-sized insurers enhance their operational efficiency, according to global credit rating agency AM Best.

AM Best's recent commentary indicates that the short-term impact of DeepSeek on China's insurance industry is credit neutral. Several insurers in China have begun integrating DeepSeek into their operations.

In its commentary, “DeepSeek Could Improve Operating Efficiency of Mainland China Insurers, Albeit with Risks”, the credit rating agency highlighted both the potential benefits and risks of AI technology, suggesting that while DeepSeek could improve operational capabilities, its overall impact remains neutral from a credit perspective.

AM Best senior financial analyst, Lucie Huang noted that DeepSeek could help China’s smaller insurers become more competitive and narrow the technology gap with larger players.

She added that the AI model could also support revenue growth, improve data analytics, and enhance customer experience.

“Outcomes will largely depend on insurers’ ability to allocate resources strategically and in proportion to their operational scale and financial capacity,” said Huang in a statement.

However, AM Best also warns that DeepSeek’s use may negatively affect insurers’ enterprise risk management if risks associated with AI models are not properly identified or mitigated.

Insurers failing to establish adequate risk frameworks could face negative implications for their business, particularly in areas such as regulatory risk, execution risk, and model risk.

Additionally, the impact on insurers' operating performance could vary. The commentary further noted that while DeepSeek has the potential to improve operational performance, high investment in systems, talent, and processes without tangible results could dampen performance.

-- BERNAMA

VIETNAM’S PVI INSURANCE RATED EXCEPTIONAL - AM BEST

KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent), the long-term issuer credit rating of “a-” (Excellent) and the Vietnam National Scale Rating (NSR) of aaa.VN (Exceptional) of PVI Insurance Corporation (PVI Insurance), with a stable outlook.

In a statement, AM Best said the ratings reflected PVI Insurance’s strong balance sheet, robust operating performance, neutral business profile, and sound enterprise risk management.

The assessment also incorporates rating enhancement from its parent company, HDI Haftpflichtverband der Deutschen Industrie V.a.G. (HDI V.a.G.).

PVI Insurance’s balance sheet strength is supported by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, which is expected to remain at the strongest level over the medium term. The company also benefits from good financial flexibility due to HDI V.a.G.'s majority ownership.

Despite high dividend payouts and reinsurance dependency, AM Best considers PVI Insurance’s investment portfolio to be of moderate risk, with allocations in cash, term deposits, corporate bonds, private equity, and real estate.

The credit rating agency noted that PVI Insurance maintains strong operating performance, with a five-year average return-on-equity (ROE) ratio of 17.1 per cent (2020-2024). Although underwriting results were impacted by Typhoon Yagi, the company recorded a 14 per cent ROE in 2024, supported by profitable commercial and retail business lines.

As Vietnam’s largest non-life insurer based on 2023 direct premiums, the company continues to expand its market share, particularly in industrial and commercial insurance segments, benefitting from its affiliation with the PetroVietnam (PVN) group. HDI V.a.G.’s support has further strengthened its technical expertise and regional market position.

PVI Insurance’s business expansion in inward reinsurance has contributed to growth, though prudent risk accumulation remains a focus for monitoring.

-- BERNAMA

GALLANT ACQUIRES ALTIFY TO DRIVE GROWTH IN SALES ENABLEMENT AI

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- Gallant Capital Partners (Gallant) has officially completed its acquisition of Altify, a sales enablement software platform known for its artificial intelligence (AI)-powered account planning cloud that helps enterprise companies achieve predictable and sustainable revenue growth.

According to a statement, as part of the acquisition, Gallant is partnering with Patrick Morrissey and Anthony Reynolds, who will return to lead the company as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Board Member, respectively.

Gallant Capital Partner, Jon Gimbel expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, emphasising Altify’s leadership in sales enablement and its proven ability to deliver return on investment (ROI) to customers.

Meanwhile, Gallant Managing Director, Chris Suen highlighted the potential for expanding Altify’s capabilities, noting plans to invest further in its platform to enhance customer support.

This acquisition marks Gallant’s third corporate carveout in the past year, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to being a reliable partner to corporate sellers and management teams, according to Gallant  Partner, Anthony Guagliano.

Morrissey, returning as Altify CEO, shared his excitement about the company’s next phase, citing Gallant’s strategic investment and operational expertise as key factors in fuelling future growth. He emphasised the team’s enthusiasm for upcoming opportunities and the company’s strengthened ability to meet evolving customer needs.

Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Los Angeles, Gallant is known for its operationally focused investment strategy, emphasising close collaboration with companies that can benefit from its deep industry relationships and operational experience.

-- BERNAMA

TOSHIBA BEGINS MASS PRODUCTION OF GATE DRIVER IC FOR AUTOMOTIVE DC MOTORS

KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 (Bernama) -- Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation (Toshiba) has commenced mass production of the "TB9103FTG", a gate driver integrated circuit (IC) designed for automotive brushed DC motors.

According to a statement, this includes latch motors and lock motors for power backdoors and power slide doors, as well as drive motors for power windows and power seats.

With the shift to electrified automotive parts, the demand for electric motors and their drivers has increased, prompting the need for more compact, integrated solutions.

The TB9103FTG offers streamlined gate driver capabilities for brushed DC motors that do not require speed control, enabling a more compact design. It features a built-in charge pump circuit that ensures adequate voltage to power external MOSFETs for motor operation.

Additionally, it incorporates a gate monitoring function to prevent through-current by automatically controlling the output timing of the gate signal to the high-side and low-side external MOSFETs.

The IC is also equipped with a sleep function, reducing power consumption in standby mode. It can be utilised as a one-channel H-bridge or a two-channel half-bridge configuration.

Beyond motor driver applications, it can be integrated with an external MOSFET to replace mechanical relays and switches, contributing to quieter operation and enhanced reliability.

Toshiba reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its range of automotive motor drivers, supporting the electrification and enhanced safety of automotive systems.

-- BERNAMA

REGASK UNVEILS INDUSTRY’S FIRST AGENTIC AI REGULATORY WORKFLOW ORCHESTRATION SOLUTION

 

New Agentic AI-powered features enhance automation and efficiency by significantly streamlining compliance operations.


NEW YORK & SINGAPORE, March 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- RegASK, global AI-driven regulatory intelligence company, just unveiled the first Agentic AI-powered solution to automate regulatory alert creation and workflow orchestration. The product features are designed to help regulatory affairs and compliance teams streamline tedious processes, reduce manual work, and more easily stay on top of the regulatory landscape.

“Regulatory affairs teams are stretched thin – juggling countless regulatory updates, reporting requirements, and priorities,” said Amenallah Reghimi, Chief Product and Technology Officer at RegASK. “RegASK’s latest innovations are designed to empower regulatory teams with new levels of efficiency. With the AI-driven workflow orchestration feature, teams can now focus on making strategic decisions, mitigating risks, and ensuring compliance without the administrative burden.”

Key Product Enhancements Include:

• Workflow Automation for Compliance Efficiency: The enhanced workflow automation capabilities allow regulatory teams to define custom workflows that trigger compliance tasks based on alerts or regulatory updates. The AI-driven orchestration ensures timely execution, task prioritization, and seamless collaboration across teams. This reduces the need for manual tracking, minimizes delays in decision-making, and ensures teams stay ahead of regulatory changes.
• Bring Your Own Content (BYOC): Organizations can now leverage and integrate their own regulatory documents, datasets, and internal policies into RegASK. Instead of manually entering information to create a regulatory alert, the platform fills in all the relevant information for the user. Regulatory affairs professionals can simply add a URL or attachment, and the platform automatically scrapes, classifies and categorizes the data and generates an alert with an impact assessment.
• Multi-LLM Architecture and Enhanced RegGenius AI Agent: RegASK has augmented RegGenius into a multi-agent system powered by a multi-LLM framework and advanced Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architecture. This evolution significantly improves query precision, regulatory analysis, and content structuring, delivering more accurate, adaptable, and context-aware intelligence for regulatory professionals.

“Regulatory compliance is more than just checking boxes – it’s about staying ahead of changes, managing risk, and making informed decisions,” said Caroline Shleifer, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of RegASK. “We’re making that process easier by embedding intelligence and automation into every step of the workflow. With these AI-driven capabilities, teams can spend less time on manual tasks and more time focusing on the bigger picture – ensuring compliance supports their organization’s growth and success.”

To learn more about RegASK visit regask.com.

About RegASK

RegASK is an AI-driven solution enabling end-to-end intelligent regulatory workflow orchestration. It automates regulatory intelligence with curated content, actionable insights, and workflow automation, while connecting a global network of over 1,700 subject matter experts for streamlined compliance execution. By combining AI-driven efficiency with deep regulatory expertise, RegASK empowers organizations to proactively manage compliance and navigate complex regulatory landscapes with confidence.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
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Contact

RegASK Media
Corporate Ink for RegASK
RegASK@corporateink.com

Source : RegASK

GUANGDONG DELEGATION HIGHLIGHTS INDUSTRIAL GROWTH, GBA INTEGRATION AT NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS

KUALA LUMPUR, March 11 (Bernama) -- The Guangdong Delegation to the third session of the 14th National People's Congress held a plenary meeting on March 6, attracting 267 journalists from 107 domestic and international media outlets.

Led by Provincial Party Secretary Huang Kunming and Governor Wang Weizhong, the delegation addressed key issues on Guangdong’s role in advancing Chinese modernisation and economic development.

Huang in a statement outlined Guangdong's strategy for creating a modern industrial system, emphasising the integration of technological innovation with industrial progress.

The province's robust industrial base spans all 31 major manufacturing sectors, featuring nine trillion Chinese yuan-level industrial clusters, with innovation and infrastructure remaining core drivers, accelerating the commercialisation of research.

Guangdong's trade volume reached nine trillion Chinese yuan (US$1.2 trillion) in 2024, reinforcing its global economic position. Additionally, the province launched the Action Plan for Attracting a Million Talents to South Guangdong, aiming to recruit one million college graduates for employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, bolstering its talent pool. (US$1=RM4.42)

Meanwhile, on regional cooperation, Governor Wang highlighted the economic importance of the Greater Bay Area (GBA), which contributes one-ninth of China’s national gross domestic product (GDP) despite comprising less than one per cent of the country’s land area and housing only six per cent of its population.

In 2024, the GBA’s GDP reached 14.5 trillion Chinese yuan (US$2 trillion), marking a significant increase of 3.7 trillion Chinese yuan (US$511 billion) since 2018.

Hengqin, a key platform for Macao’s economic diversification, saw its GDP soar from 285 million Chinese yuan (US$39 million) in 2009 to 53.8 billion Chinese yuan (US$7.4 billion) by 2024, with high-tech industries now making up 59.4 per cent of its industrial output.

The "Open Day" event provided a platform for Guangdong to showcase its economic progress and global partnerships, reaffirming its role as a global leader through innovation, openness, and sustainable growth.

-- BERNAMA

EBC FINANCIAL GROUP LAUNCHES SECOND MILLION DOLLAR TRADING CHALLENGE WITH USD $1 MILLION PRIZE

 

EBC Financial Group announces the return of its Million Dollar Trading Challenge, offering a $1 million prize and a VIP experience at FC Barcelona 


LONDON, March 7 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  EBC Financial Group (EBC), a global leader in financial brokerage, announces the return of its flagship Million Dollar Trading Challenge (MDTC) for its second edition, one of the world’s largest and a global benchmark for skill-based trading competitions, as industry demand for structured, transparent trading opportunities continues to grow.

The 2025 edition of MDTC comes at a time when traders are seeking greater accountability and access to proven strategies amid increasingly volatile markets. From 1 March to 30 May 2025, thousands of traders worldwide will compete for a $1 million trading account in a challenge that integrates real-time strategy sharing and zero-fee copy trading, setting a new standard for competitive trading.

For the first time, top traders will be invited to an exclusive awards ceremony at the FC Barcelona Museum (Barça Immersive Tour), marking a historic moment as a global trading event is recognised within one of football’s most prestigious institutions. The partnership reflects a growing convergence between financial markets and elite sports, reinforcing trading as a profession that demands the same level of skill, precision, and discipline as world-class athletics.

The inaugural MDTC in 2023 set multiple industry benchmarks, with 324 traders achieving profitable accounts and the top 10 traders recording an average return of 3,472.91%. The champion delivered an extraordinary 11,630.98% return in just 30 days, demonstrating the potential of skill-driven trading in a competitive environment.

This year, MDTC II takes it further—allowing traders to access professional-grade trading signals and instantly replicate top-performing strategies for free via copy trading. By combining competition with real-time strategy sharing and zero-fee copy trading, EBC is setting a new standard for transparency and accessibility in trading.

Real-Time Copy Trading: Automatically Replicate Top Traders’ Strategies
The rise of retail trading has transformed financial markets, yet many traders struggle to access transparent, structured learning environments that allow them to develop real skills. MDTC II is designed to bridge this gap—giving traders a unique opportunity to refine their strategies by actively engaging with top-performing traders through real-time copy trading.

Unlike traditional contests that reward high-risk speculation, MDTC II introduces an open, strategy-sharing ecosystem where traders can analyse, track, and instantly replicate the trades of leading participants at no cost. This levels the playing field, allowing both novice and experienced traders to benefit from collective insights while maintaining individual control over their trades.

“When you’re a growing company, you aim to create an event that truly reflects your values and passion—MDTC is ours. We are here to be a light in the industry, proving that traders can succeed; traders can be successful at trading, it requires education and grit, and it’s not just for the 1%. That’s the real beauty of MDTC—every participant must show their trading history, show the world what they are doing. Anyone can log in and take a look, and you can see for yourself what the winners are trading.

“At EBC, we don’t measure this (or any activity) by the number of signups or deposits we get—we measure it by the conversations we create. With this second iteration, we’re introducing more trading tools and enhanced features, another key aspect we’re all really proud of, because at EBC, ‘perfect’ is never enough,” said Samuel Hertz, Director of Operations at EBC Financial Group.

$1 Million Prize and A Once-in-a-Lifetime FC Barcelona VIP Experience
At the heart of MDTC II is one of the industry’s largest prizes—a $1 million trading account—designed to reward skill, discipline, and strategy execution. Rather than a one-time cash payout, the grand prize provides a unique opportunity for the winner to manage significant capital while retaining 100% of their profits, with a maximum allowable loss of $200,000. Alternatively, the winner can choose a $200,000 cash prize.

MDTC II is structured into two categories to ensure accessibility and fair competition. The Rising Stars category is open to traders with a minimum balance of $500, ranked by profit rate, providing an opportunity for those looking to refine their skills in a structured environment.

For more experienced traders, the Dream Squad category is designed for participants with balances between $10,000 and $200,000, ranked by net profit. This category recognises traders who can navigate market conditions effectively while managing larger capital.

Beyond financial rewards, top traders will gain industry recognition and a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the FC Barcelona Museum. In an exclusive awards ceremony, winners will be celebrated at the home of one of the world’s greatest multi-sports clubs—bridging the gap between trading and elite performance in professional sports. 

“For EBC Financial Group, the Million Dollar Trading Challenge is a fantastic way for new and seasoned traders to be involved in a real-time event. It allows clients to see traders of all levels to engage with live market conditions, see real-time the trades executed by all entrants, and gives emerging traders the change to follow and learn from those with more experience, in a way that suits their trading style.

“This opportunity to watch, learn, and develop in a fully transparent environment is invaluable, and an excellent way to encourage new traders to understand what strategy works, when, and why. The trades that do not work are as much as lesson as those that do,” said David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd.

Maximising Opportunities through Community Management and Cutting-Edge Trading Platforms
To further encourage community participation, MDTC II introduces an enhanced Referral Program, offering participants up to $300 per successful referral, with no cap on the number of referrals. This initiative encourages greater community participation, allowing traders to expand their network while benefiting from the competition.

With a focus on driving innovation in the financial markets, MDTC II expands trading opportunities by integrating Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on US stocks into the competition for the first time. US stocks account for over 65% of global market capitalisation, making them among the most liquid and dynamic assets across industries. This addition allows participants to access some of the world’s most influential companies, providing new opportunities to navigate volatile and fast-moving markets.

The competition takes place on industry-leading MT4 and MT5 platforms, enabling participants to trade Forex, Commodities, Indices, and US Stock CFDs with advanced charting tools, automated strategies, and real-time execution. By combining diverse asset classes, cutting-edge technology, and expanded market access, MDTC II continues to redefine the landscape of competitive trading.

Refining the Contest Experience: MDTC 2023’s Legacy
The first Million Dollar Trading Challenge in 2023 saw strong participation, with traders executing 431,827 trades and generating a total profit of $1,096,718.57. The event highlighted the growing interest in structured trading competitions and the role of copy trading in improving accessibility for traders at different experience levels. 

Community engagement was a key aspect of the challenge, with many participants leveraging copy trading features to track and replicate successful strategies. The results underscored the potential for shared market insights to shape trading outcomes.

With MDTC II, the competition continues to evolve, incorporating past insights while maintaining a focus on transparency, strategy development, and trader engagement.

For more information and to be part of the journey that reshapes what’s possible in financial markets, visit https://www.ebc.com/million-dollar-challenge-2.

About EBC Financial Group
Founded in London’s esteemed financial district, EBC Financial Group (EBC) is renowned for its expertise in financial brokerage and asset management. With offices in key financial hubs—including London, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Cayman Islands, Bangkok, Limassol, and emerging markets in Latin America, Asia, and Africa—EBC enables retail, professional, and institutional investors to access a wide range of global markets and trading opportunities, including currencies, commodities, shares, and indices.

Recognised with multiple awards, EBC is committed to upholding ethical standards and these subsidiaries are licensed and regulated within their respective jurisdictions. EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited is regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA); EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited is regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA); EBC Financial Group (Australia) Pty Ltd, and EBC Asset Management Pty Ltd are regulated by Australia's Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

At the core of EBC are a team of industry veterans with over 40 years of experience in major financial institutions. Having navigated key economic cycles from the Plaza Accord and 2015 Swiss franc crisis to the market upheavals of the COVID-19 pandemic. We foster a culture where integrity, respect, and client asset security are paramount, ensuring that every investor relationship is handled with the utmost seriousness it deserves.

As the Official Foreign Exchange Partner of FC Barcelona, EBC provides specialised services across Asia, LATAM, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania. Through its partnership with the UN Foundation and the world’s largest grassroots campaign, United to Beat Malaria, the company contributes to global health initiatives. EBC also supports the 'What Economists Really Do' public engagement series by Oxford University's Department of Economics, helping to demystify economics and its application to major societal challenges, fostering greater public understanding and dialogue.

https://www.ebc.com/

Media Contact:
Savitha Ravindran
Global Public Relations Manager (EMEA, LATAM)
savitha.ravindran@ebc.com   

Chyna Elvina
Global Public Relations Manager (APAC, LATAM)
chyna.elvina@ebc.com

Douglas Chew
Global Public Relations Lead
douglas.chew@ebc.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

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SOURCE : EBC Tech Limited