AM BEST RETAINS STABLE OUTLOOK FOR TAIWAN NON-LIFE INSURANCE

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has maintained a stable outlook on Taiwan’s non-life insurance segment amid the implementation of Taiwan Insurance Solvency (TIS), IFRS 17, and consistent premium expansion across retail and commercial lines.

Also underpinning the stable outlook are non-life insurers’ conservative asset allocation and moderate equity exposure, which should help protect their overall profitability in the event domestic stock market volatility impacts the segment’s investment results.

According to the Best’s Market Segment Report, “Market Segment Outlook: Taiwan Non-Life Insurance”, implementation of TIS and IFRS 17 enhances cross-market comparability and elevates the strategic importance of capital management and earnings volatility analysis.

In a statement, AM Best said TIS has had a limited impact on the segment’s overall capitalisation, although market-risk capital requirements have increased moderately.

Meanwhile, the transition to IFRS 17 has been favourable to the segment’s reported capital position, with industry-wide reported shareholders’ equity increasing by approximately 10 per cent at year-end 2025.

Taiwan’s non-life insurance market remains mature and competitive, with demand for commercial lines coverage growing, supported by investments in high-technology manufacturing plants, renewable energy projects, and major infrastructure development.

The credit rating agency added that Taiwan’s non-life insurers are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to streamline underwriting, automate claims processing and detect fraud.

“AI adoption among Taiwan’s non-life insurers is likely to remain gradual and tightly controlled, with insurers prioritising internal operational and risk management tasks while maintaining continued oversight over customer-facing decisions,” said AM Best director of analytics, James Chan.

These changes should enhance operating efficiency, refine risk selection and help insurers better manage losses over time.

-- BERNAMA

PU Prime Launches Australian Operations under ASIC Licence

• PU Prime officially launches operations in Australia through its ASIC-regulated local entity, PU Prime Trading Pty Ltd.
• With ASIC regulation and local operations in place, PU Prime is strengthening its presence and commitment to the Australian market.

SYDNEY, Australia, Sept 3 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PU Prime, a global multi-licensed online brokerage, today announced the official launch of its operations in Australia through its local entity, PU Prime Trading Pty Ltd, regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). PU Prime Trading Pty Ltd holds Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) No. 410681

After obtaining its ASIC licence, PU Prime invested in the resources and infrastructure needed to support Australian clients, including local operations, a dedicated customer support team, and systems aligned with regulatory requirements. The launch reflects the company's commitment to delivering a seamless and compliant trading experience in the Australian market.

“This launch marks the beginning of our long-term commitment to the Australian market. We will meet our obligations under the ASIC framework and deliver transparent and regulated services to our Australian clients,” says Mr Cristian Moreno, Director at PU Prime.

With the launch, Australian clients can now onboard directly through PU Prime's ASIC-regulated entity, reinforcing the company's commitment to operating within established regulatory frameworks while expanding access to its trading products and services. The milestone further strengthens PU Prime's global regulatory footprint and long-term growth strategy.

Important Notice: Trading derivatives carries significant high risks. It is not suitable for all investors and if you are a wholesales client, you could lose substantially more than your initial investment. When trading CFDs, you do not own the underlying assets and have no rights to them. Past performance is no indication of future performance and tax laws are subject to change. Before acquiring any financial products, please ensure that you read the relevant legal documents and are fully aware of the associated risks.

About PU Prime
Founded in 2015, PU Prime is a leading global fintech company and trusted CFD broker. Today, it offers regulated financial products across forex, commodities, indices, shares, and bonds. Operating in over 190 countries with more than 40 million app downloads, PU Prime provides innovative trading platforms to support traders worldwide in accessing global financial markets.

PU Prime Trading Pty Ltd (AFSL No. 410681), is a separate legal entity incorporated in Australia and regulated by Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). PU Prime Trading Pty Ltd is the issuer of CFD products to Australian residents only. Any information provided is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs.

The ASIC license held by PU Prime Trading Pty Ltd does not apply to, extent to, or cover any products or services offered by other PU Prime entities. References to PU Prime's global brand, group presence or international operations are for general information only and should not be taken as an offer, invitation or recommendation by any offshore entity to provide financial products or services in Australia.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b40cdf76-3349-4456-b6fc-f605f85fdd3e

For media enquiries, please contact: media@puprime.com

SOURCE: Pacific Union Seychelles 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.

--BERNAMA

Russell Westbrook Announced as Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Project B

Russell Westbrook Announced as Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Project B

Westbrook joins ownership of the global basketball platform shaping the next era for sport and entertainment

LOS ANGELES & SINGAPORE, Sept 3 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Project B today announced that NBA MVP Russell Westbrook has joined the company’s founding team as Chief Strategy Officer.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260902246769/en/

A generational talent and visionary whose influence transcends the court, Westbrook is a relentless business builder, a cultural vanguard, and a committed philanthropist. As Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Project B, he will take an active role in shaping the company’s basketball strategy and long-term vision. Westbrook holds an ownership stake in Project B and has joined its Board of Directors. His role extends to strategic partnerships and creates opportunities to collaborate with companies and initiatives across Westbrook’s broader business portfolio as the business grows globally.

“At every step of my career, what was most valuable to me was making sure everyone had a seat at the table,” said Westbrook. “With Project B, we’re challenging the norm and bringing a new vision to the intersection of premium sport, culture, and entertainment. We're reimagining the experience with players not only as key value drivers, but also as shareholders and decision makers."

The announcement is Westbrook’s first major business move since closing his 18-year NBA career. For more than a decade, Westbrook has been building a global empire alongside basketball. Through Russell Westbrook Enterprises, he has built and invested across technology, digital media, consumer businesses, real estate, sports and community infrastructure. He has founded, owned and invested in companies alongside institutional investors and used his businesses to connect commercial growth with investment and opportunity in communities historically excluded from both.

Project B’s launch comes as the economics of global sports are changing rapidly. Franchise values, media rights, sponsorships and international audiences have grown into enormous businesses while athletes increasingly look beyond compensation toward equity and ownership.

“Project B was built to put athletes inside the ownership and decision-making structure from the beginning,” said Grady Burnett, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Project B. “Russell brings an extraordinary combination of basketball intelligence, business ownership, cultural relevance and global reach. As co-founder, he will help shape both the game and the company as we expand the future for basketball globally.”

Project B is building a global grand prix that brings elite basketball and live entertainment to major basketball markets around the world. Project B has leaned into the fast-growing segment and signed many of the best women players in the world, pairing exciting young players with elite international talent and global superstars.

Launching in January 2027, tournaments will move through host markets across Asia, Europe and the Americas, turning each stop into a week-long festival of sport, entertainment and culture, offering unprecedented access to players and unique storytelling opportunities as they experience each city and play tournaments at the highest level, all streamed live on YouTube.

“Russell is one of the most accomplished players of his generation, and what makes him truly exceptional is the impact he has built beyond the game,” said Alana Beard, Co-Founder and Chief Basketball Officer of Project B. “He believes athletes should have a real voice in shaping this sport, and he's here to help build it. Having him as a co-founder makes us stronger and expands what we believe basketball can be globally.”

Westbrook’s mandate will also create additional collaboration between Project B and his broader ecosystem, including opportunities across media, consumer products and community programming. Additional partnerships will be announced separately.

About Project B

Project B is creating a sports and entertainment platform built for the next generation of players and fans. Owned by athletes, Project B brings together the world's best women and men to compete across iconic destinations in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Designed for a streaming-first, social-native world and distributed globally on YouTube, Project B combines elite competition, culture, and premium experiences.

About Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook is an NBA MVP, nine-time NBA All-Star, entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist. His business, philanthropic and education platform includes Russell Westbrook Enterprises, RW Digital, Honor the Gift, the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation and Westbrook Academy, launched in partnership with LA Promise Fund. Westbrook has spent more than a decade building businesses, investing capital and creating educational and economic opportunities in communities historically excluded from both.

About Russell Westbrook Enterprises

Founded by Russell Westbrook, Russell Westbrook Enterprises (RWE) is a diversified operating and investment company spanning financial services, life sciences, media, fashion, mobility, real estate, education, sports and community infrastructure. RWE deploys capital, builds and owns companies, makes strategic investments and forms commercial partnerships across those sectors. The company brings together Westbrook’s capital, business relationships and global reach to create, acquire and grow businesses and assets for the long term.

View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260902246769/en/

Contact

Johanna Hoopes
johanna@projectb.co
projectb.global

Source : Project B

--BERNAMA

 

ANAQUA: AI DRIVES SURGE IN SEMICONDUCTOR PATENTING

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- Anaqua has unveiled key findings from its 2026 Semiconductor Industry Patent Report: AI & Innovation Trends report, revealing a market undergoing structural transformation, driven significantly by the demands of artificial intelligence (AI).

The report, an analysis of global semiconductor patent activity, found that while overall semiconductor patenting grew 78 per cent over the last five years, patents at the intersection of AI and semiconductors grew 114 per cent, nearly 40 per cent faster.

Anaqua, in a statement, said AI is increasingly defining semiconductor innovation at every level of the technology stack, across chip architecture, graphics processing units (GPUs), inference processors and custom accelerators for hyperscalers.

Using Anaqua’s AcclaimIP patent analytics platform to analyse more than 700,000 semiconductor patent filings, the report shows AI’s influence on nearly every layer of chip innovation. The data was accessed between May and June 2026.

According to the report, a closer examination of key semiconductor subcategories across the AI landscape shows that AI is driving an outsized impact on the chip market and has become a primary force behind semiconductor research and development (R&D) investment and patent filings.

The report also found that NVIDIA’s patent footprint may appear smaller relative to its market dominance because its competitive advantage lies outside hardware. NVIDIA holds 49 GPU-titled semiconductor patents, ranking seventh, and ranks 15th in inference chips.

IBM tops AI-semiconductor crossover filings with 794 and analogue AI with 389, with a footprint concentrated in frontier technologies, including quantum computing, neuromorphic chips and phase-change memory that encodes neural-network weights directly onto the chip.

China dominates AI inference patenting by a significant margin and is rising rapidly in GPUs. Chinese government-affiliated entities lead inference and accelerator filings with 5,387 over five years, far ahead of Samsung’s 1,897, spanning universities, national laboratories and state research institutes.

The report also found that hyperscalers have become silicon designers. Alphabet/Google’s tensor processing unit (TPU) and Microsoft’s Maia accelerator-related patenting appear across nearly every AI-and-semiconductor patenting intersection, reflecting a shift towards cloud giants designing custom chips for their own workloads rather than buying off the shelf.

-- BERNAMA