NTT recognised Leader in Gartner Magic Quadrant for Network Services, Global

KUALA LUMPUR, March 29 -- World-leading global technology services provider, NTT has announced it is positioned as a Leader in the March 2021 Gartner ‘Magic Quadrant for Network Services, Global’ report, recognised for both its ‘Completeness of Vision’ and ‘Ability to Execute’.

NTT is also ranked highest in the March 2021 Gartner Critical Capabilities for Network Services, Global report for the Global Network, Intra-Asia/Paci􀂦c Network and Intra-EMEA Network Use Cases.

The Gartner Magic Quadrant report states: “Driven by cloud IT service adoption and accelerated by COVID-19, the market for global enterprise network services is undergoing a generational shift in technologies and provider landscape. I&O (Infrastructure & Operations) leaders must adapt their network sourcing approaches to reflect this transformation.”

“Networking is core to delivering agile and impactful solutions for our clients’ rapidly changing business needs,” said NTT Ltd Senior Executive Vice-President for Services. Masaaki Moribayashi, in a statement.

“With years of continued investment in our global network services portfolio, it’s a great honour to us to see NTT’s vision, strategy and product portfolio has been well recognised.”

NTT continues to invest heavily in its global network services portfolio as a transformational driver of innovation for its clients, and has deep expertise in building and managing large, distributed networks.

For enterprise CIOs and CDOs pursuing a cloud-first strategy, NTT networking services offer seamless performance for end-users to cloud and SaaS applications, offering a secure, reliable, and enhanced experience whether connecting from home, a branch offce, or a large campus

More details at www.global.ntt/

-- BERNAMA

JAMES CURLEY CAPITAL INTRODUCTIONS HEAD FOR ED&F MAN CAPITAL MARKETS

 

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 (Bernama) -- ED&F Man Capital Markets, a global financial brokerage firm, has appointed James Curley as Senior Vice President and Head of Capital Introductions.

According to a statement, in this newly-created role for ED&F Man Capital Markets, Curley will be responsible for the management of the Firm’s Capital Introductions process.

His mission will be to help commodity trading advisers and foreign exchange focused investment managers worldwide to expand their networks, matching them with investor preferences and a variety of allocators.

This is in line with ED&F Man Capital Markets’ positioning at the heart of the capital markets ecosystem and its strategy to provide access to multiple exchanges and clearing houses across multiple jurisdictions, offering an unrivalled breadth of products and services.

ED&F Man Capital Markets Founder and Global Chief Executive, Christopher Smith said: “James brings over 30 years of top tier experience, working with Hedge Funds and Commodity Trading Advisers around the globe.

“With his appointment, we are underlining our commitment to providing our clients with the highest standards of service.”

Curley said: “Against the backdrop of the pandemic, and the ongoing economic uncertainty and market volatility it entails, a robust Capital Introduction offering, designed to help navigate these choppy waters, is vital and offers significant benefits.”

-- BERNAMA

STELLANTIS, ENGIE EPS UNVEIL NEW ENTITY, FREE2MOVE ESOLUTIONS

 

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 (Bernama) -- Stellantis and Engie EPS have announced the composition of the Board of Directors and corporate name of the new entity, Free2Move eSolutions.

According to a statement, this is a major step as they move towards the completion of their Joint Venture as announced on Jan 26.

Free2Move eSolutions will support and ease the transition to electric mobility by offering innovative and tailor-made electric solutions for both private and business actors of the value chain.

The scope of Free2Move eSolutions activities will range from charging infrastructures (installation, servicing and operations), public and home charging subscriptions with monthly fee, to battery lifecycle management and advanced energy services.

The joint venture between Stellantis and Engie EPS will simplify the access to e-mobility and will complement Free2Move current portfolio, with a new set of offers 100 per cent dedicated to electric mobility.

The new company is founded at global level and supported by a team with great skills and specific knowledge, to design, develop, produce, distribute and sell simple, innovative electric mobility solutions across Europe, with potential and a plan for future international extension.

Free2Move eSolutions Board of Directors will comprise six members, subject to closing of the transaction.

Among others, Roberto Di Stefano, representing Stellantis, will be the Chief Executive Officer; and, Carlalberto Guglielminotti, hailing from Engie EPS and Young Global Leader 2020 of the World Economic Forum, will be Chairman.

Having obtained all antitrust clearances, completion of the joint venture is expected to occur in this second quarter.

-- BERNAMA

BEST'S MARKET SEGMENT REPORT: MALAYSIA NON-LIFE INSURERS MAINTAIN UNDERWRITING DISCIPLINE AMID MARKET CHALLENGES

SINGAPORE, March 30 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Although Malaysia’s non-life insurance industry is likely to have contracted in 2020 amid the COVID-19-fueled economic disruptions, the health and medical insurance segment is experiencing growth driven by greater demand, and overall, according to a new AM Best report, the Southeast Asia country’s non-life insurers have reported good overall profitability and have maintained solid solvency positions.

In its Best’s Market Segment Report, “Malaysia Non-Life Insurers Maintain Underwriting Discipline Amid Market Challenges,” AM Best states that industry’s gross premiums are expected to have fallen by more than 1% in 2020. In fact, during the first six months of 2020, premiums dropped by approximately 3.5% compared with the same prior-year period, with motor insurance having experienced the steepest fall, by more than 7%, due to stalled new vehicle production and a slowdown in automobile sales during the pandemic environment. Similar to trends observed in many other Southeast Asia markets, the pandemic has raised awareness for health and medical insurance; consequently, premiums grew by approximately 3% in first-half 2020, compared with the same period in the previous year.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=39686

RIPPLE ACQUIRES 40% STAKE IN ASIA'S LEADING CROSS-BORDER PAYMENTS SPECIALIST TRANGLO

 Strengthens ongoing partnership to expand RippleNet’s On-Demand Liquidity in key markets starting in Southeast Asia


SINGAPORE, March 30 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Ripple, the leading provider of enterprise blockchain solutions for global payments, announced that it has agreed to acquire 40% of Asia’s leading cross-border payments specialist Tranglo. This partnership will allow Ripple to meet growing customer demand in the region and expand the reach of On-Demand Liquidity (ODL), which uses the digital asset XRP to send money instantly and reduce working capital needs.

As a pioneer for cross-border payment services, Tranglo will play a critical role in supporting existing corridors, such as the Philippines, and introducing new ODL corridors within its current network. As Ripple broadens its ODL footprint in the region, RippleNet customers using ODL will also be able to leverage Ripple’s Line of Credit to free up working capital and scale cross-border payments into more markets than ever before. Tranglo will continue to provide and expand its current payment services to make cross-border transactions faster, cheaper and more secure for its customers.

Southeast Asia’s payments landscape is highly fragmented. Each country comes with its own unique process and payments infrastructure - the lack of a standard integration for regional cross-border payments currently requires expensive workarounds. This partnership will see both companies combine their in-depth local expertise to address the challenges associated with cross-border payments.

Ripple’s investment in Tranglo is a reflection of the company’s deepened commitment to enriching the payments ecosystem in Southeast Asia, the fastest-growing region for RippleNet adoption. Last week, the company announced Brooks Entwistle as Managing Director of Southeast Asia to lead and scale its SEA operations.

Jacky Lee, Chief Executive Officer at Tranglo, said: “Tranglo has always prided itself on making cross-border transactions faster, cheaper and more secure. By partnering closely with Ripple and introducing On-Demand Liquidity to new markets, we aim to further that ambition to provide accessible and equitable financial services to the masses.”

Asheesh Birla, General Manager of RippleNet at Ripple, said: “Tranglo’s robust payments infrastructure coupled with their unparalleled customer service and quality makes them an ideal partner to support our expansion of On-Demand Liquidity starting with the Southeast Asia region. We are excited to continue and carry out our shared mission to transform cross-border transactions to be faster, cheaper and more secure with blockchain technology and digital assets.”

Completion of this transaction is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions and is expected to occur in 2021. Upon completion, Amir Sarhangi, VP of Product and Delivery at Ripple, and Brooks Entwistle will join Tranglo’s board of directors. TNG Fintech Group will remain the majority shareholder in Tranglo and will work with Ripple to further expand Tranglo’s global remittances network.

RippleNet leverages distributed ledger technology to deliver financial solutions - from bi-directional messaging, settlement, liquidity management and lines of credit - to a global network of partners. Last year, Ripple announced Line of Credit, a service on RippleNet that allows customers using On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) to source capital on-demand to initiate cross-border payments at scale using the digital asset XRP.

About Ripple

Ripple enables payments everywhere, every way, for everyone using the power of blockchain. By joining Ripple’s growing, global network (RippleNet), financial institutions can process their customers’ payments anywhere in the world instantly, reliably and cost-effectively. Banks and payment providers can use the digital asset XRP to further reduce their costs and access new markets. With offices in San Francisco, Washington D.C., New York, London, Mumbai, Singapore, São Paulo, Reykjavik and Dubai, Ripple has hundreds of customers around the world.

About Tranglo

Tranglo is a cross-border payment hub with a proven track record in business payment, foreign remittance and mobile payment solutions. Founded in 2008, we have offices in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, Dubai and London. Our global network spans more than 100 countries, 2,500 mobile operators, 1,300 banks/wallets and 130,000 cash pickup points.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210329005796/en/

Contact

Stacey Ngo
press@ripple.com

Source : Ripple

CHINA TAIPING INSURANCE (MACAU) CREDIT RATINGS AFFIRMED - AM BEST

KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Bernama) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of ‘a’ of China Taiping Insurance (Macau) Co Ltd (CTIM) Macau, resulting in stable credit ratings outlook.

The ratings reflect CTIM’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

CTIM’s balance sheet strength has improved to the very strong level, mainly driven by organic growth in the company’s capital and surplus through profit retention, as well as the settlement of large claims and reinsurance recoverables related to prior accident years.

According to a statement, the company’s risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, is expected to remain at the strongest level over the medium term.

Its investment strategy remains conservative and focused on investing in low-risk fixed-income assets, including cash and bonds.

CTIM maintains a long track record as the leader in Macau’s non-life insurance segment, and has a market share of 33.4 per cent last year based on gross premium written.

Leveraging its strong relationships with corporate clients, in particular Chinese state owned-enterprises, the company’s underwriting portfolio and distribution channel remain stable and diversified, albeit its business is mainly concentrated in Macau.

Notwithstanding, AM Best views that the necessity of capital support from its parent company, China Taiping Insurance Holdings Company Limited has diminished in recent years, as CTIM’s capitalisation continues to grow organically and its risk adjusted capitalisation remains at a robust level.

CTIM is well-positioned at its current rating level; negative rating actions could occur if there is a material decline in the company’s risk-adjusted capitalisation or a significant and sustained deteriorating trend in its operating performance.

-- BERNAMA

WUXI: LET THE HEARTS OF YOUNG TALENTS STAY

WUXI, China, Mar. 26, 2021 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--

On March 27, the Public Selection for outstanding young talents in Wuxi, which lasted for six months, came to the final competition. Although less than 1/30 of the contestants get selected, the organizers embraced more with the greatest enthusiasm with the rest of contestants, according to the Wuxi Municipal People's Government.

This year, more than 10,000 qualified young talents participated in the competition. Through the preliminary assessment, nearly 1,000 people came to the Wuxi for the final competition, and only 270 people eventually became "selected talents". But even if it is not selected, after the evaluation, the local organizer invited 88 Wuxi-owned enterprises, institutions, and leading enterprises to provide 1,359 positions, which are generally well paid.

The Wuxi epidemic prevention and isolation point also set up a test center for participants returning from overseas and still in the isolation period having a fair chance to compete. In addition, young talents who cannot come to the scene can also run for suitable positions through online channels.

This public selection activity lasted for 3 years. The number of places has risen from 40 to 280 last year, and 270 this year.

In 2020, 87.5% of selected talents graduated of masters, and doctoral students, and 92.1% graduated from international prestigious universities and China's "Double First-Class" University Project such as Oxford and Tsinghua University.

Wuxi has been advocating culture and education since ancient times. Talents will be intensively cultivated in their careers in Wuxi. More importantly, the locals will create a sense of belonging like home for young talents from all over the world.

Wuxi is known as the one of the three major cherry blossom viewing spots in the world. Now is the most beautiful season in Wuxi. It is also the best time for the talents and their future in Wuxi.

"Let the hearts of talents stay in Wuxi," A related person from the Organization said.

2022 Public Selection will start in the second half of 2021.

For more information, please follow the account of Wuxi Young Talents and Weibo account https://weibo.com/u/5617384276

Source: Wuxi Municipal People's Government

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=39664

Nippon Express secures quality certification for facility near Narita Airport

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 -- Nippon Express Co Ltd has obtained IATA CEIV Pharma pharmaceutical transport quality certification for both its Narita Temperature- Controlled Hub (NTCH) and transport operations between NTCH and Narita Airport.

Effective recently, this is the second pharmaceutical-related quality certification awarded to NTCH, the first being the Good Distribution Practice (GDP) certification received in March last year, according to a statement.

Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma) is a quality certification programme, formulated by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The programme aimed to set high standards for the air transport of pharmaceuticals that encompass differing GDP established for pharmaceuticals by countries.

In October 2019, Nippon Express began seeking certification as a member of the community hosted by Narita International Airport Corporation (NIAC), and, with NIAC's assistance, has now obtained certification as a forwarder in this community.

NTCH is an important node connecting Japan with the rest of the world, and this certification incorporating GDP standards from countries will enable it to provide more secure and better-quality pharmaceutical transport services from end to end.

More details at http://www.nipponexpress.com/

-- BERNAMA

NEW ZEALAND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS LIMITED HAS STABLE RATINGS OUTLOOK - AM BEST

 KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Bernama) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B+ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of ‘bbb-’ of New Zealand Medical Professionals Limited (NZMPL) New Zealand, making stable outlook of the ratings.

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

NZMPL’s balance sheet strength is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, which remains at the strongest level.

In addition, the balance sheet assessment is supported by the company’s reinsurance programme placed with a highly rated counterparty, which protects NZMPL against large single losses and aggregate exposure.

Based on a statement, AM Best also considers the company to have limited financial flexibility.

The global credit rating agency also views NZMPL’s operating performance as adequate, as demonstrated by a five-year average return-on-equity ratio of 10.1 per cent (fiscal-years 2016-2020).

Prospectively, AM Best expects the company to report positive earnings over the medium term, despite near-term challenging investment landscape.

AM Best views NZMPL’s business profile as limited. The company is a small and niche insurer in New Zealand focused on providing medical indemnity insurance to medical practitioners and health professionals.

 NZMPL’s access to new business is supported by its affiliation with the New Zealand Resident Doctors’ Association. More details on the rating at www.ambest.com

-- BERNAMA

JAPAN’S FIRST DIGITAL ‘BANK FOR EVERYONE’ STARTS COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS IN MAY

 KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Bernama) -- Minna Bank Ltd, the Japan’s first digital bank which acquired a banking licence last year-end, will commence commercial operations in May.

According to a statement, Minna Bank which means ‘a bank for everyone’ in Japanese, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fukuoka Financial Group Inc.

Minna Bank’s services are designed to cater to needs and sensibilities of digital natives - a segment traditionally underserved by the financial services industry.

The services are exclusively and entirely accessible by smartphone, where customers can easily open an account and deposit, withdraw and transfer funds 24/7.

Minna Bank will run on a next generation banking system, developed in partnership with Accenture and running on Google Cloud.

Running entirely on the public cloud (a first in Japan), Minna Bank will deliver an entirely new and technologically-advanced banking experience.

Minna Bank’s core banking system will not only run their retail operations, but also be made available to third parties wishing to leverage the highly flexible system to power discrete embedded finance offerings or even run comprehensive branded banking services.

“We have built our system based on the ideas of digital natives and a flexible API architecture, making it possible for everyone to create and deliver embedded finance offerings,” said Minna Bank Ltd President, Koji Yokota.

Yokota added the company planned to deliver a cloud native banking system to Asia and other regions of the globe.

-- BERNAMA

TOMMY HILFIGER HIRES GLOBAL CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER, ALEGRA O'HARE

KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Bernama) -- Tommy Hilfiger, owned by PVH Corp. has appointed Alegra O’Hare as Chief Marketing Officer, Tommy Hilfiger Global, effective April 12.

According to a statement, O’Hare, within the role, will develop and execute innovative global marketing strategies to reach and engage existing and upcoming generations of TOMMY HILFIGER consumers.

Tommy Hilfiger Global President and Chief Brand Officer, Avery Baker said O’Hare would be a driving force in bringing the company’s new brand vision to life through world-class creative, digital and omnichannel marketing strategies.

“Her deep connection to culture and proven experience in growing both relevance and business with global consumers will be a great asset.”

Meanwhile, O’Hare is excited to embark on this new journey with the team amid a drastically changed consumer landscape.

“Together, we will meet these new realities head on, with a focus on creating engaging and surprising brand experiences for all consumers, further evolving our position as world-class marketers by pushing cultural and creative boundaries,” she said.

She brings over 25 years’ marketing experience, working with global consumer brands including adidas, Bang & Olufsen, Champion, Lee and Wrangler.

Most recently, O’Hare held the role of Chief Marketing Officer at GAP, where she led the global marketing team to inspire consumers across all brand touchpoints, including communications, retail, digital, social media and PR.

-- BERNAMA

ANOMALI-NETPOLEON COLLABORATION DELIVERS THREAT INTELLIGENCE SOLUTIONS ACROSS APJ MARKET

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 (Bernama) -- Anomali, the leader in intelligence-driven cybersecurity solutions, has named Netpoleon one of its new value-added distributors in the Australia New Zealand (ANZ) market.

According to a statement, Netpoleon is a provider of integrated security, networking solutions and value- added services, headquartered in Singapore.

Supported by advanced machine learning and expert resources, the Anomali product portfolio includes Anomali ThreatStream, Anomali Match and Anomali Lens.

Customers are able to broaden visibility over all threats, gain immediate detection capabilities, create efficient investigations, and operationalise threat intelligence across their infrastructures for automated threat blocking and faster response.

Netpoleon A/NZ regional director, Paul Lim said: “With Anomali, we’ll be able to introduce our joint customers to solutions that will help them to avoid costly and disruptive security incidents.”

“Anomali is experiencing overwhelming demand across the entire region for our technologies, which are helping customers to identify and neutralise adversaries before they cause enormous damage to their environments and reputations,” said Anomali Senior Vice-President and General Manager for Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ), Stree Naidu.

“Netpoleon has deep and wide access along with the technical know-how needed to help us build a robust and efficient channel that will meet customers’ expectations.”

-- BERNAMA

AM BEST AFFIRMS LIG CHINA'S CREDIT RATINGS

KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of ‘a-’ of LIG Insurance (China) Co Ltd (LIG China) China.

According to a statement, the outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect LIG China’s balance sheet strength, which the global credit rating agency assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

United States-headquartered AM Best assesses LIG China’s balance sheet strength at the very strong level, supported by its risk-adjusted capitalisation at the strongest level, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio.

LIG China has generated net profits consistently over the past five years, derived mainly from stable investment income generated by its conservative investment portfolio.

The company’s underwriting performance has been marginal, with a volatile loss ratio due to its small net earned premium base albeit partly offset by a low operating expense ratio thanks to its favourable reinsurance commission income.

Going forward, the company projects net profits for the next three years, and AM Best expects its investment performance to continue to be the major driver of the company’s overall earnings, although its underwriting results can be volatile across years.

As a foreign-owned insurer focusing on servicing Korean Interests Abroad business, LIG China intends to maintain a stable underwriting book over the short term consisting of commercial property, construction and engineering, cargo, liability and accident, and health lines of business.

-- BERNAMA

AM Best comments on Singapore Reinsurance Corporation Limited Credit Ratings

KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 — AM Best has commented that the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of ‘a-’ of Singapore Reinsurance Corporation Limited (Singapore Re) Singapore remain unchanged.

This follows a March 19 announcement that Fairfax Asia Limited (Fairfax Asia) intends to make a voluntary conditional cash offer to purchase all issued and paid up ordinary shares in the capital of Singapore Re, other than those already held by Fairfax Asia and other Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (Fairfax group) companies.

According to a statement, the outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is negative.

The formal offer document, including the terms and conditions of the offer, is expected to be dispatched to shareholders of Singapore Re between 14 and 21 days following the recent announcement.

Subsequently, a circular containing the advice of an appointed independent financial adviser and the recommendation of the company’s independent directors in respect of the offer will be sent to shareholders.

The offer is expected to be conditional upon Fairfax Asia receiving valid acceptances from shareholders that would result in the Fairfax group holding over 50 per cent of the post-transaction voting rights attributable to the issued shares of Singapore Re.

The take-up rate of the offer by Singapore Re’s shareholders and therefore the likelihood of this transaction being executed, currently remains unclear.

The global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider, AM Best will continue to monitor the progress of the transaction and assess the potential impact on Singapore Re’s rating fundamentals.

More details at www.ambest.com.

— BERNAMA

Groundbreaking FENIX360 App to Be Made Available to FENIX Global Artist Ambassadors and Their Invitees

 

TEL AVIV, Israel, March 24 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- FENIX360 today announced that in the coming week, the groundbreaking FENIX360 app will be made available to its growing and impressive force of celebrity Global Artist Ambassadors (30+ and rapidly increasing). These are highly accomplished artists that are excited about the FENIX360 platform and keen to speak to fellow artists, friends, and others about the opportunities it uniquely affords.

When FENIX360 completes its Global Artist Ambassador phase at the end of April, 2021, it will then announce plans for the immediate and progressive rollout of the FENIX360 app globally.

ABOUT FENIX

In 2018, FENIX began building a blockchain ecosystem designed to facilitate all musicians with a dedicated following -- however small or large -- to be able to earn a living. The principal was that FENIX should provide all revenues to the artist apart from the small percentage necessary for running the FENIX business. And that FENIX should continually create new tools for the artist. Since that time, in what FENIX describes as an “evolution to a revolution,” FENIX has focused on making the core feature of its ecosystem -- being able to build a unique, content-filled app in 20 minutes -- available to anybody as the basis for a completely new type of social media. www.fenix360.net and www.fenix.band


View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210323006016/en/

Contact

DOMINIKA BANDIKOVA
+421 911 290 741
dominika@fenix.cash

Source : FENIX360