Friday, 30 May 2025
SEON Accelerates APAC Growth Amid Rising Demand for Unified Fraud and AML Solutions
AUSTIN, Texas and SINGAPORE, May 29 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SEON, a global leader in digital fraud prevention and compliance, today announced rapid growth across the Asia-Pacific region, driven by increasing demand for its unified, real-time fraud and AML solutions.
New APAC clients such as Salmon Group Ltd, CryptoGaming.com and Forever Network have adopted SEON’s Know Your User (KYU) and Know Your Customer (KYC) capabilities to navigate escalating fraud risks across the region’s complex digital landscape.
To support this momentum, SEON has expanded its team with technical, sales and support specialists in Singapore and Jakarta, providing clients with localized expertise and faster response times.
“APAC presents both extraordinary opportunity and operational complexity,” said Tamas Kadar, Co-founder and CEO, SEON. “The mix of advanced digital economies and rapidly growing markets creates a fragmented risk environment, and legacy point solutions can’t keep pace. Our unified platform delivers real-time visibility and protection across the entire customer journey.”
As digital threats and regulatory requirements grow throughout the region, businesses face mounting pressure to verify identities, manage payment risk and maintain compliance, without compromising user experience. SEON addresses these challenges with an AI-driven platform that combines digital footprint analysis, device intelligence and real-time analytics to detect and prevent fraud proactively.
"SEON has quickly become one of the most effective and user-friendly fraud detection tools we’ve used to date. Its ability to provide real-time insights, coupled with detailed device tracking and risk scoring, has greatly improved how we identify and respond to suspicious activity,” said Pauline Liu, Compliance Officer, TitanFX. “The platform is user-friendly, making it easy for both new and experienced team members to navigate and act swiftly. SEON has already proven to be a smart and dependable solution for our fraud monitoring needs."
"Our regional clients are increasingly prioritizing fraud prevention platforms that can handle APAC's payment complexity and varied identity verification methods," said Troy Nyi Nyi, Senior Vice President and GM, SEON. "The iGaming, fintech and retail sectors in particular are seeking solutions that can operate across multiple jurisdictions without requiring separate tools for each market, which is why they’re turning to SEON.”
SEON will showcase its latest innovations at SiGMA Asia, taking place June 2-4 in Manila (Booth 1082). During the event, Troy Nyi Nyi, Senior Vice President and GM, SEON, will speak on "Beyond Defense: Leveraging Fraud Prevention as a Competitive Edge," sharing practical insights for iGaming and fintech leaders.
About SEON
SEON helps risk teams detect and stop fraud and money laundering while ensuring regulatory compliance. By combining real-time digital footprint analysis, device intelligence and AI-driven rules, SEON empowers over 5,000 businesses globally to prevent threats before they occur. With integrated fraud prevention and AML capabilities, SEON operates from Austin, London, Budapest and Singapore. Learn more at seon.io.
Media
Press@seon.i
SOURCE: SEON
DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.
--BERNAMA
Wednesday, 21 May 2025
CT GROUP SHOWCASES ADVANCED TECH AT NATIONAL ASSEMBLY EXHIBITION
In a statement, CT Group said unlike traditional trade fairs, this event served as a showcase for innovation and progress within the private sector.
Under the theme Resolution No. 68 – A New Driver for Vietnam’s Private Economic Development”, CT Group and its member companies highlighted pioneering technologies in advanced transportation, semiconductors, and carbon credit trading—positioning the group as a leading force in shaping Vietnam’s future innovation landscape.
The presence of General Secretary To Lam at CT Group's booth underscored the growing national focus on the private sector’s role in technological advancement and economic transformation.
At the centre of CT Group’s exhibit was an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of carrying passengers.Developed by CT UAV, the aircraft features a 190 kilometres per hour (km/h) top speed, two-hour flight endurance, and 350 km range. With a full-sized prototype set to debut in October 2025, the innovation signals a transformative vision for urban mobility.
CT Semiconductor also made headlines with its semiconductor manufacturing facility in Binh Duong, currently in its second phase of development. As the first domestically owned ATP chip plant in Vietnam, it aims to produce 100 million chips annually by 2027.
Scheduled to begin operations in the fourth quarter of this year, the project dedicates over 10 per cent of its budget to research and development, targeting future technologies like artificial intelligence, 6G, and autonomous systems.
Further reinforcing its role in green transformation, CT Group’s CCTPA initiative is building a full-service ASEAN Carbon Credit Trading Platform (CCTPA). The ecosystem includes UAV-based emission monitoring (CarbonFly), automation tools like Sustain.Life for emissions reporting, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) consulting—supporting Vietnamese businesses in accessing global carbon markets and meeting sustainability benchmarks.
CT Group’s strategic focus on nine core Industry 4.0 technologies reflects a broader transformation from a diversified business group into a future-ready innovation hub. By concentrating on high-impact sectors such as transportation, semiconductors, and carbon trading, the group is actively contributing to the goals of Resolution No. 68—enhancing productivity, innovation, and integration into the global economy.
With over three decades of development, CT Group is redefining the role of private enterprise in Vietnam’s economic structure—moving from growth to leadership through technology mastery and sustainable development.
-- BERNAMA
IMM INVESTMENT SECURES HAMILTON LANE BACKING IN LANDMARK ASIA SECONDARY DEAL
The deal, finalised on March 31, 2025, marks Hamilton Lane’s investment through the purchase of existing limited partner interests, and represents the first infrastructure-focused secondary deal in Asia for IMM Investment, according to a statement.
“This transaction speaks to the institutional strength of our infrastructure platform and the increasing confidence global investors have in Korea as a long-term infrastructure market.
“We are excited to welcome Hamilton Lane as an investor. Their global perspective and deep secondaries expertise will enhance our ability to manage and scale high-quality assets while continuing to deliver value to both existing and new investors,” said IMM Investment Singapore chief executive officer, Jin Heum Paek.
Meanwhile, Hamilton Lane Head of Infrastructure and Real Assets, Brent Burnett highlighted the growing opportunities in the infrastructure secondaries market, driven by the global expansion of assets under management.
He emphasised that the investment in the IMM fund aligns with Hamilton Lane’s focus on sourcing distinctive, high-quality opportunities across the infrastructure space.
The IMM Infra 8th Private Equity Fund is a core-plus and value-added infrastructure vehicle, offering exposure to a diverse portfolio across Korea’s energy, mobility, digital, and social infrastructure sectors.
This investment highlights the increasing appeal of Korean infrastructure to global institutional investors and underscores IMM Investment’s ability to attract international capital through specialised, high-performing platforms.
Through this partnership, IMM Investment will continue managing the fund with a hands-on, value-creation approach, while Hamilton Lane contributes cross-border reach, institutional due diligence, and governance alignment. The collaboration also reinforces IMM Investment’s transformation from a Korea-centric manager into a regional player with global reach.
Established in 2023, IMM Investment Singapore serves as the firm's international gateway for fundraising and strategic alliances, helping bridge Korean infrastructure opportunities with overseas capital.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday, 20 May 2025
AM BEST AFFIRMS EXCELLENT RATINGS FOR CHINA’S PING AN P&C
The affirmation reflects Ping An P&C’s robust financial foundation, strong operational performance, favourable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management, according to AM Best in a statement.
The company’s balance sheet is considered very strong, supported by the highest level of risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio. Ping An P&C's consolidated capital and surplus (C&S) grew by nine per cent year-over-year to 136.7 billion Chinese yuan (US$18.7 billion) by the end of 2024. (US$1=RM4.28)
Its investment strategy remains conservative, with a focus on fixed-income assets, while its financial flexibility is bolstered by a consistent ability to issue capital supplementary bonds domestically.
Operationally, Ping An P&C has sustained strong returns, with a return on equity (ROE) of 11.5 per cent in 2024, recovering from underperformance in 2022 and 2023. The insurer reported a net profit after tax of 15.0 billion Chinese yuan.
Its motor insurance line continues to be a key revenue driver, accounting for about 70 per cent of total premiums over the past five years.
Despite the rise in new-energy vehicle (NEV) policies, the company has maintained stable underwriting margins thanks to advanced pricing models and operational efficiency. Losses in credit and guarantee lines in previous years were labelled as one-off events, and the company has since exited that segment.
Ping An P&C holds a strong market position, being the second-largest property/casualty insurer in China since 2009, with around a 20 per cent market share. In 2024, the company’s insurance service revenue hit 328.1 billion Chinese yuan, and its broad distribution network and technological investments have contributed to enhanced risk management and operational performance.
AM Best notes that Ping An P&C is well-positioned at its current ratings level. A potential upgrade could be on the horizon if the company expands its global footprint while maintaining its financial strength. Conversely, a downgrade could result from a prolonged decline in underwriting results or a weakening of its capital base due to elevated risk exposures.
-- BERNAMA
Monday, 19 May 2025
Bitget Gains Market Share in April 2025 Monthly Report Highlights
In a month marked by market correction and investor caution, Bitget recorded a futures trading volume of $757.6 billion, representing 17.3% growth month-on-month. Spot trading volume also rose to $68.6 billion, defying the broader industry downturn. These gains contributed to Bitget’s rise as the 3rd largest crypto exchange by trading volume, with a market share of 7.2%, reflecting strong performance and continued momentum in a competitive market environment. According to Coingecko and WuBlockchain, Bitget defied broader exchange trends, gaining market share while others contracted. Bitget also surpassed 120 million users, signaling strong platform engagement and trust in its products and services.
In April, Bitget made a major regulatory leap by securing both DASP and BSP licenses in El Salvador, allowing it to offer full crypto services—spot, derivatives, staking, and yield—under one of the world’s most forward-thinking digital asset frameworks.
The month also marked the launch of Bitget Onchain, a feature that lets users trade on-chain assets directly through the Bitget app using USDT or USDC. This bridges the gap between centralized UX and decentralized access, making Web3 more approachable.
To support institutional growth, Bitget upgraded its Liquidity Incentive Program with better maker-taker rates and faster onboarding, boosting liquidity across spot and derivatives markets.
On the marketing front, Bitget teamed up with FC Barcelona star Raphinha in a global campaign spotlighting smart trading tools like Copy Trading, Launchpool, and Pre-market. This was paired with the “Your Team, Your Skin” initiative with LALIGA, letting users personalize their trading interface with team branding.
Bitget Research Employment Report estimates blockchain could create 500,000 jobs by 2028, echoing the growth path of the AI sector and highlighting blockchain’s expanding impact.
Finally, Bitget reinforced its global presence with immersive activations at TOKEN2049 Dubai and Paris Blockchain Week, including side events like Cryptoverse Dream Night, underscoring its commitment to community and innovation.
Between regulatory wins, rapid user growth, and focus on accessibility and security, Bitget leads as one of the top players in the crypto industry's evolution. As market sentiment begins to shift, Bitget is geared up to lead the next phase of crypto adoption and WEB3 integration.
For the full transparency report, visit here.
About Bitget
Established in 2018, Bitget is the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.
Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World's Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.
For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com
Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5bf1a171-5c5d-4536-b7ba-529f3be725b6
SOURCE : Bitget Limited
DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.
Friday, 16 May 2025
D’ALBA GLOWS GLOBAL WITH STAR-STUDDED LAKE COMO EVENT
The two-day event featured exclusive activities that highlighted d’Alba’s commitment to sustainable and innovative skincare, including celebrities, influencers and media representatives.
In a statement, a spokesperson from d’Alba said the event served as both a celebration of the brand’s roots and a platform to share its forward-looking vision.
“We are proud to lead the beauty industry with innovation, integrity, and global unity,” said the spokesperson.
Among the notable attendees were global figures such as South Korean singer Jeon Somi, Russian model Irina Shayk, Japanese actress Ayaka Miyoshi, and Indonesian actress Nikita Willy.
On the first day, guests participated in an immersive beauty class led by renowned South Korean makeup artist and global beauty creator Ri Sa Bae. The session introduced two of d’Alba’s newly launched products – the Vita Toning Line and Green Tone-Up Sunscreen – both of which received positive responses from the attendees.
Following the product showcase, guests enjoyed a private yacht experience across Lake Como, culminating in a scenic sunset cruise.
The second day concluded with a glamorous gala dinner and fireworks show, celebrating the brand’s global presence and fostering closer ties with its partners and supporters.
Known for its premium vegan formulations and focus on clean beauty, d’Alba continues to strengthen its global footprint in the luxury skincare market.
-- BERNAMA
PINNACLE LIFE RECEIVES POSITIVE CREDIT RATINGS FROM AM BEST
The stable outlook of these credit ratings (ratings) reflects Pinnacle Life’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.
AM Best in a statement said the ratings also factored in a neutral impact from the company’s ultimate parent, Greenstone Holdco Pty Limited (Greenstone).
Pinnacle Life’s balance sheet strength is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, which was at the strongest level at fiscal year-end 2024, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, and is expected to remain at that level over the medium term.
The company’s balance sheet strength assessment also reflects its appropriate regulatory solvency and good financial flexibility, supported by Greenstone.
Additionally, the balance sheet strength assessment has factored in Pinnacle Life’s high reliance on third-party reinsurance and small capital base, which increase the sensitivity of its capital adequacy to outsized new business growth, changes in the interest rate environment, and shock events.
With operating performance assessed as adequate, Pinnacle Life’s operating results have been driven by the adequate underwriting performance of its in-force life business and healthy investment returns.
Meanwhile, its business profile was assessed as limited, largely reflecting the company’s small scale of operations and its low product and geographic diversification in New Zealand, as key product offerings are focused on mortality products.
While AM Best considers Pinnacle Life’s risk management capabilities as appropriate for its key risks, ongoing development is expected as the company expands its scope of operations.
-- BERNAMA
MCI DEBUTS TRACK PLATFORM IN QATAR, MARKING MIDDLE EAST ENTRY
“This deployment reinforces our commitment to serving industrial leaders across the globe. We are enabling our customers to reduce risk, eliminate waste, and ensure accountability—no matter where they operate.
“By anchoring our platform with such a key site in the Middle East, we have gained a crucial foothold in a region where we expect to expand considerably over the coming years,” said MCi President, Ken Naughton in a statement.
First in the Middle East, this milestone marks the 55th international site to implement MCi’s solutions for real-time contractor visibility, compliance, and cost control, which have a presence spanning major industrial operations in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Africa.
The implementation took place at one of the largest gas-to-liquids (GTL) facilities, a complex industrial operation run by a global energy leader, reinforcing Track’s ability to scale across the most demanding environments.
Expansion into Qatar reflects MCi’s continued international growth and worldwide demand for enterprise-grade solutions that bring transparency and control to complex contractor operations.
With the Track Platform now live, site leadership in Qatar will benefit from improved labour, equipment, and material cost control; automated contract enforcement; real-time data visibility; and seamless integration with existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
-- BERNAMA
ANAQUA ACQUIRES RIGHTHUB IN PUSH FOR GLOBAL GROWTH
Anaqua in a statement said the acquisition represents a continuation of its strategy to deliver solutions positioned to meet the needs of customers in various segments worldwide and strengthens its organisational footprint in the United Kingdom (UK), Sweden, and Denmark.
“We are thrilled to welcome RightHub to Anaqua. We share a deep commitment to providing the IP market with best-in-class, software-driven solutions that are tailored to meet the specific needs of IP practitioners in organisations of different types and sizes.
“RightHub complements Anaqua exceptionally well, bringing passionate IP industry experts and a client-focused philosophy that will further bolster Anaqua's EMEA presence, particularly in the UK and Nordic region,” said Anaqua Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Justin Crotty.
Meanwhile, RightHub Co-Founder and CEO, Toni Nijm said: “We are excited to join Anaqua to collectively address the needs of IP professionals for intuitive, nimble, and collaborative tools powered by AI to drive their business outcomes.”
Nijm will become a member of the Anaqua Executive Management Team. He has a long and successful track record in the IP space – as a patent attorney, a senior executive within the IP solutions industry and a serial entrepreneur.
Designed to meet the needs of midsize law firms and corporations, RightHub's AI-native platform will remain a distinct brand complementing Anaqua's existing IP management software platforms, AQX and PATTSY WAVE.
Anaqua will integrate its full range of IP data and services into RightHub to deliver additional benefits to its customers while also continuing to leverage shared components and services across all of its solutions and is committed to the continued development of each IP management software platform.
-- BERNAMA
Thursday, 15 May 2025
Bitget Protection Fund Maintains Strength with $561 Million Average Value in April 2025
The fund fluctuated in tandem with broader digital asset movements in April, as Bitcoin traded within a moderate range and altcoins showed mixed performance. Despite a challenging market, the Protection Fund sustained strong fundamentals, showcasing its stability and the resilience of Bitget’s risk mitigation framework.
“Our Protection Fund continues to reflect the strength of Bitget’s long-term security strategy,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “As conditions in the crypto market evolve, the fund’s performance shows our priority in safeguarding user assets and building a reliable ecosystem that can weather both volatility and growth.”
Launched in 2022 with an initial allocation of $300 million, the Protection Fund has more than doubled in size, bolstered by Bitget’s steady platform growth and smart financial management. Bitget’s security framework is built on a comprehensive, multi-layered approach that goes well beyond its $516M Protection Fund and 191% Proof of Reserves. With monthly Merkle Tree audits verifying full asset backing and ISO 27001:2022 certification reinforcing best-in-class protocols, the platform integrates SSL encryption and an advanced risk control system that actively monitors suspicious activity. This combination of rigorous standards and real-time protection has kept Bitget breach-free since 2018 and contributed to its AAA security rating and helped reinforce user confidence to set a benchmark for transparency across the industry.
For more information and monthly updates on the Protection Fund, visit here.
About Bitget
Established in 2018, Bitget is the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.
Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World's Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.
For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com
Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d71d7905-324d-44e1-be39-0046857f39ac
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d3a3c692-7be0-41a9-9b0d-edd9ebc3511b
SOURCE: Bitget Limited
DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.
Wednesday, 14 May 2025
APPSEC SHIFTS FROM BACKSTAGE TO BOARDROOM IN CHECKMARX STUDY
Titled “A CISO’s Guide to Steering AppSec in the Age of DevSecOps”, the annual report is based on a global survey of 200 CISOs across various sectors, including banking and finance, media, insurance, manufacturing, and the public sector.
As applications become more complex—driven by AI, microservices, and hybrid architectures—development teams are increasingly responsible for embedding security directly into the software development process. Faster release cycles and growing codebases are prompting budget and decision-making authority to migrate from CISOs to developers.
Checkmarx Chief Product Officer Jonathan Rende emphasised this transition, noting that AppSec is no longer just a technical concern but a strategic, boardroom-level issue.
“As development teams take greater ownership, CISOs must focus on governance, strategy and collaboration to keep security outcomes on track,” he said in a statement.
A global leader in cloud-native application security, Checkmarx found that 49 per cent of respondents stated AppSec is regularly factored into customer purchasing decisions, while 24 per cent said it is “always” a consideration. The trend is most prominent in Europe (58 per cent), compared to the Asia Pacific (33 per cent) and North America (eight per cent).
The report also revealed a shift in security ownership, where responsibility is divided in software product companies, with 50 per cent of security oversight lies with CISOs, while 43 per cent has shifted to development teams. Additionally, 56 per cent noted their development teams are fully integrated with AppSec programmes.
Despite the growing importance of AppSec, the study found inconsistency in how security is reported at the executive level. While 62 per cent of CISOs present AppSec metrics to their boards, only 25 per cent link them to business outcomes such as brand reputation or regulatory exposure.
The survey, conducted in partnership with Global Surveyz, involved CISOs from companies generating over US$750 million in annual revenue and managing development teams of at least 180 members. (US$1=RM4.30)
-- BERNAMA
Best’s Market Segment Report: AM Best Maintains Stable Outlook on Japan Non-Life Insurance Segment
The Best’s Market Segment Report, “Market Segment Outlook: Japan Non-Life Insurance”, notes that Japan’s Financial Services Agency has increased scrutiny of non-life insurers in the past 18 months, outlining stricter governance requirements for insurers, including stronger oversight of agency networks and eliminating improper incentives provided by insurers to distributors. While the new regulatory measures may lead to higher compliance costs for insurers in the short term, these shifts should increase transparency and foster fair market competition, as well as help insurers improve acquisition cost efficiency over the long term.
The non-life industry also will see the implementation of the Insurance Capital Standard in fiscal-year 2025, whereby assets and liabilities will be measured at market value. While the new solvency regime should have a greater impact on life insurers, most Japanese non-life insurers have been preparing for this transition by augmenting their risk management frameworks over the past few years.
“AM Best expects that the regulatory shift will lead to increased transparency and comparability for Japanese non-life insurers with global counterparts under similarly advanced regulatory frameworks, equipping them to navigate economic uncertainties more effectively and enrich global competitiveness over the long term,” said Chanyoung Lee, director, analytics, AM Best.
According to the report, Japan’s non-life insurers have implemented various measures to combat significant underwriting volatility in their homeowners-related fire insurance products, given the increase in the occurrence and severity of natural catastrophes. The measures are aimed at ensuring that policies are more accurately priced according to actual risk exposure and reduce the likelihood of underwriting losses over time.
Japan’s interest rate environment also has become more favourable for insurers, and the paradigm shift, transitioning from a focus on deflation avoidance to inflation control, has benefited non-life insurers with substantial bond portfolios. This trend is expected to persist over the next 12 months and contribute positively to non-life insurers’ investment income.
Conversely, the report notes that Japan’s automobile insurance segment continues to face profitability challenges. “A key issue is the persistent increase in repair costs, driven by higher prices for spare parts and rising labour costs,” said Charles Chiang, senior financial analyst, AM Best. “Our analysis shows that the loss ratios of major non-life insurers have been trending upward in recent quarters.”
To access the full copy of this report, please visit http://www3.ambest.com/bestweek/purchase.asp?record_code=353781.
AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.
Copyright © 2025 by A.M. Best Company, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250513248433/en/
Contact
Charles Chiang
Senior Financial Analyst
+852 2827 3427
charles.chiang@ambest.com
Chanyoung Lee
Director, Analytics
+852 2827 3404
chanyoung.lee@ambest.com
Christopher Sharkey
Associate Director, Public Relations
+1 908 882 2310
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com
Cynthia Ang
Senior Industry Research Analyst
+65 6303 5026
cynthia.ang@ambest.com
Source : AM Best
PLEXUS RAISES US$6 MLN TO DRIVE GLOBAL GROWTH, NEXT-GEN AUTOMATION
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Andrew Mellett, Plexus Founder and CEO, is leading the company’s next phase of AI-driven innovation following a $6 million capital raise. |
KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) -- Plexus, the artificial intelligence (AI)-powered legal automation platform, has secured over US$6 million in new funding to accelerate global expansion and AI-led innovation. (US$1=RM4.30)
The funding round, led by current investors and Seattle-based Lighter Capital, marks Plexus’ first institutional partnership in addition to accelerating AI product delivery and onboarding the next wave of exceptional talent, according to a statement.
Plexus founder and chief executive officer, Andrew Mellett emphasised the growing need for tech-forward legal solutions, stating that outdated legal processes no longer meet the pace of modern business.
He sees Plexus at the forefront of a major industry shift toward AI-driven legal services, positioning the company to capitalise on the US$1.1 trillion global legal market.
Mellett views this funding as just the beginning of reshaping how in-house legal teams operate—faster, smarter, and at scale.
Meanwhile, Lighter Capital investment director, Matthew Dowling highlighted the legal automation space as one of the fastest-growing sectors in business-to-business (B2B) software as a service (SaaS), calling Plexus well-positioned to capture more of this emerging market.
“With recent growth and solid business metrics, Plexus was a perfect fit for Lighter Capital's non-dilutive financing. This raise is not just about fuelling growth; it is about accelerating a new phase of legal innovation,” said Dowling.
Lighter Capital was selected for its proven experience supporting high-growth SaaS platforms and alignment with Plexus' strategic direction.
With major brands like Nike, L’Oréal, and PepsiCo already using the platform to automate tasks like contract review and compliance, Plexus is evolving from a legal tool into a full-fledged digital legal assistant.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday, 13 May 2025
AM BEST TO PRESENT OUTLOOK ON PHILIPPINE NON-LIFE INSURANCE AT INDUSTRY SUMMIT
KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Bernama) -- AM Best will be represented at the Philippine Insurance Summit 2025, with senior financial analyst Susan Tan scheduled to deliver a presentation on the company’s outlook for the Philippine non-life insurance sector.
According to the global rating agency in a statement, the summit will be held on May 20 in Makati City, Philippines.
Tan, who is based in Singapore, manages a portfolio of rated insurers across the Asia Pacific region and will share insights into market developments and expectations for the Philippine insurance landscape.
Also attending the summit are AM Best managing director and chief executive officer for Asia Pacific Rob Curtis and market development analyst Johnathan Wong, who will be available for meetings with industry stakeholders.
Organised by the Insurance Institute for Asia and the Pacific (IIAP) in partnership with the Philippine Insurers and Reinsurers Association (PIRA), the summit carries the theme “Shaping the Future of Insurance: A Collaborative Path to Sustainability”.
The event will bring together industry professionals to discuss emerging trends, challenges and opportunities in the evolving insurance sector.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, 7 May 2025
Antalpha Announces Launch of Initial Public Offering
Roth Capital Partners and Compass Point are joint book-running managers for the proposed offering.
The proposed offering will be made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the preliminary prospectus relating to this proposed offering, when available, may be obtained by visiting EDGAR on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, copies of the preliminary prospectus, when available, may be obtained from: Roth Capital Partners, LLC, 888 San Clemente Drive, Suite 400, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Attn: Prospectus Department, by phone: (800) 678-9147, or by email at rothecm@roth.com; or Compass Point Research & Trading, LLC, Attention: Syndicate, 1055 Thomas Jefferson Street, N.W. Suite 303, Washington, D.C. 20007, or by email to: syndicate@compasspointllc.com.
A registration statement on Form F-1 relating to the proposed offering of these securities has been filed with the SEC but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold, nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This press release is being made pursuant to, and in accordance with, Rule 134 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
About Antalpha
Antalpha is a leading fintech company specializing in providing financing, technology and risk management solutions to institutions in the digital asset industry. As the primary lending partner of Bitmain, Antalpha offers Bitcoin supply chain and margin loans through the Antalpha Prime technology platform, which allows customers to originate and manage their digital asset loans, as well as monitor collateral positions with near real-time data.
Contact
Investor Relations: ir@antalpha.com
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Antalpha’s beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Antalpha’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Antalpha does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f0c7d150-bab1-4305-b435-3075d23fa0ad
SOURCE: Antalpha Platform Holding Company
DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.
--BERNAMA
Tuesday, 6 May 2025
NIKE REVAMPS LEADERSHIP TEAM, PROMOTES KEY EXECUTIVES AS O'NEILL RETIRES
In a statement, the company said its President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Elliott Hill, along with outgoing President of Consumer, Product, and Brand, Heidi O’Neill, announced that leadership responsibilities will now be split into three distinct areas.
These areas are Consumer and Sport, Marketing, and Product Creation, which includes Innovation and Design. These divisions will report directly to Hill.
Following this reorganisation, O’Neill will retire after 26 years with the company, remaining in an advisory role until September.
Hill praised her lasting influence on Nike’s brand and innovation, crediting her for putting athletes at the core of the company’s vision.
He also expressed confidence in the revamped structure, stating that the appointments would enable Nike to fully leverage its competitive strengths and maintain its focus on sport and athletes.
In line with the leadership changes, Amy Montagne, formerly Vice President (VP)/General Manager of Global Women’s, has been appointed Nike President, tasked with driving growth and strengthening consumer engagement across all sports.
Phil McCartney, who previously held the role of VP, Footwear, has been promoted to Executive Vice President (EVP), Chief Innovation, Design & Product Officer, overseeing innovation and product creation for Nike, Jordan and Converse.
Nicole Graham has been elevated to EVP, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), from her previous position as CMO, where she will lead brand storytelling and global marketing efforts for all three brands.
Meanwhile, Dr Thomas Clarke, who has been serving as strategic advisor to the CEO, takes on the new position of Chief Growth Initiatives Officer, focusing on Nike's long-term expansion strategies.
-- BERNAMA
Monday, 5 May 2025
EXP REALTY PROMOTES FELIX BRAVO TO MANAGING DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL
In this elevated role, Bravo will lead international growth and circle-based innovation, building an agent-first infrastructure in every country and empowering regional leaders to launch, scale, and sustain agent success at the local level.
“Felix is building the playbook for global scale, rooted in trust, systems, and agent success. He is not just launching countries; he is empowering leadership and creating infrastructure that helps agents thrive anywhere,” said eXp Realty Founder and eXp World Holdings Chief Executive Officer, Glenn Sanford.
Meanwhile, Bravo said: “I have seen what eXp’s model can do when it is locally led and globally connected. This next chapter is about scaling that power, creating systems that last, leaders who thrive, and communities of agents that grow stronger together.”
Bravo has delivered some of the most successful international launches in company history, including Perú and Türkiye, each marked by trusted local leadership, strong agent activation, and scalable systems built from the ground up.
According to a statement, the company's next expansion is Egypt, with multiple markets in development as it moves toward its 2030 target of 50 countries and 50,000 agents globally.
Bravo’s mandate includes launching new countries with operational precision, reinforcing existing ones through local autonomy, and driving global alignment across agent enablement, tech infrastructure, as well as artificial intelligence-powered operations.
With Bravo at the helm, eXp Realty enters its boldest phase of international expansion by relentlessly focusing on agent outcomes, tech-powered scale, and durable growth in every market.
-- BERNAMA
Perma-Pipe FY24 Sales Up, Backlog Doubles To US$138 Mln
KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 (Bernama) -- Perma-Pipe International Holdings Inc reported full-year net income of US$9.0 million for fiscal 2024 (FY24), down from US$10.5 million a year earlier due to the absence of a one-time US$5.9 million non-cash tax benefit recognised in 2023. (US$1=RM4.31)
Excluding that tax gain, net income rose by US$4.4 million, reflecting stronger operational performance, according to a statement.
The piping systems manufacturer generated net sales of US$45.0 million for the fourth quarter, marking an increase of US$4.8 million, while annual sales reached US$158.4 million, a 7.7 per cent year-over-year increase, driven by higher sales volumes in the Middle East and Canada.
Its chief executive officer, David Mansfield said the company’s backlog more than doubled to US$138.1 million, a 102 per cent year-over-year increase, positioning Perma-Pipe for continued growth in fiscal 2025.
He also cited strong contributions from the firm’s Saudi joint venture and early momentum at its new Vars, Ontario facility in Canada.
Quarterly and full-year income before taxes reached US$5.3 million and US$18.5 million, respectively, driven by a continued shift toward higher-margin products and services.
Gross profit improved to US$53.2 million, or 34 per cent of sales, compared to US$41.5 million, or 28 per cent in the prior year.
General and administrative expenses increased to US$28.0 million, reflecting higher compensation and professional fees. Selling expenses fell by US$0.4 million, aided by reduced borrowings and lower rates.
Looking ahead, Mansfield noted recent large-scale project wins and strong performance across key regions, including the Middle East and North America, as drivers of continued growth and positioning for future mega-project participation.
-- BERNAMA
Saturday, 3 May 2025
xSuite Asia To Host 2025 User Conference In Singapore On May 29
KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 (Bernama) -- xSuite Asia will hold its 2025 User Conference on May 29 in Singapore, offering information technology (IT) and finance professionals an in-depth look at future-ready technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), invoice processing, SAP S/4HANA, cloud computing and SAP Clean Core strategies.
In a statement, the company said under the theme "One Team. One Journey", the software provider showcases innovations and solutions for the finance sector.
A major highlight of the conference will be a customer keynote sharing real-world insights into the implementation of xSuite’s automated invoice processing solution. The session will outline the project’s setup, challenges encountered, and the measurable results achieved.
The conference will focus on finance technologies with a forward-looking perspective, showcasing its latest product roadmap while exploring how trends such as AI and cloud platforms are reshaping the finance landscape.
The agenda includes a deep dive into xSuite’s Prediction Server, an AI-powered tool supporting invoice processing in SAP environments.
The session will explore its expanding capabilities across finance workflows and the use of large language models (LLMs) to enhance document recognition and data extraction.
Another key session will focus on SAP S/4HANA migration and Clean Core strategy. Participants will gain insights into xSuite’s SAP-integrated Business Solutions 6.0 and offerings developed on the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), including for private cloud environments.
The event will conclude with networking opportunities and strategic discussions on customer requirements, digital transformation best practices, and xSuite’s role as a premium technology partner.
-- BERNAMA
Friday, 2 May 2025
AKWEL Q1 REVENUE SLIPS 4.0 PCT ON WEAK AUTO OUTPUT, 2025 OUTLOOK UNCHANGED
According to AKWEL in a statement, revenue declined across core regions, with Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) down 3.8 per cent to 170.7 million euros and the Americas down 1.9 per cent to 76.4 million euros.
However, the Asian region registered a modest increase of 2.8 per cent to 8.5 million euros.
Meanwhile, Products and Functions turnover dropped 3.3 per cent to 247.8 million euros, though demand in the Decontamination (10.4 per cent) and Cooling (4.5 per cent) segments remained resilient.
However, other segments such as Air, Mechanisms and Fuel saw declines of 27.1 per cent, 8.7 per cent and 2.7 per cent, respectively. The Tools division remained relatively stable, with a turnover of 5.6 million euros.
AKWEL reported consolidated net cash, excluding lease liabilities, of 149.6 million euros at the end of March, an increase of 4.6 million euros compared to Dec 31, 2024, despite reduced investments of 8.6 million euros, down from 20.2 million euros a year earlier.
Citing continued market uncertainty and muted production trends, AKWEL maintained its outlook, anticipating a decrease in 2025 revenue similar to that recorded in 2024.
-- BERNAMA