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nCino to Participate in Upcoming Investor Event

Thu, 21 May 2026 14:19:00 +0700

WILMINGTON, N.C., May 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- nCino, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCNO), the platform for agentic AI banking, today announced its participation in the following investor conference:

William Blair's 46th Annual Growth Stock Conference

Presentation: Wednesday June 3, 2026, at 12:20 p.m. ET

The live webcast, as well as a replay from the event, will be available on the Company's Investor Relations website at https://investor.ncino.com/news-events/events-presentations.

About nCino

nCino (NASDAQ: NCNO) is the platform for agentic AI banking. With over 2,700 customers worldwide - including community banks, credit unions, independent mortgage banks, and the largest financial entities globally - nCino offers a trusted, agentic platform purpose-built for financial services and regulated industries. By deploying AI agents alongside human teams, nCino's dual workforce enables institutions to eliminate inefficiencies, sharpen decision-making and deliver better outcomes for the customers they serve. For more information, visit www.ncino.com.

INVESTOR CONTACT
investor@ncino.com

Media Contacts 
press@ncino.com 

Open Society Foundations Launch $300 Million Initiative to Advance Economic Security and Defend Civil Liberties in the United States

Thu, 21 May 2026 14:04:00 +0700

New York, May 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Open Society Foundations today announced a bold new initiative to improve the daily lives of Americans and stand up for the rule of law while strengthening rights and freedoms under attack across the United States. The $300 million investment reflects the organization's commitment to defending against efforts to erode freedoms and civil liberties in the United States, and its belief that economic security and rights must advance together to protect democracy.

This commitment builds on the significant investments Open Society has made in the United States to support rights, equity, and justice, and represents a meaningful expansion of the Foundations' work on democracy reform and economic justice. It complements other ongoing U.S. initiatives, including on drug policy reform, migration, U.S. foreign policy, and our impact investing and strategic litigation work.

"Democratic governments must create opportunity for all Americans--not just in principle, but in their daily lives. Guaranteed rights and freedoms are just as critical as broad economic prosperity and are the strongest defense we have against a closed society," said Alex Soros, chair of the Open Society Foundations. "Our new investments will tackle these twin challenges of improving economic well-being and expanding rights so that opportunity and freedom are finally both defining features of American life and democracy."

Through this effort, Open Society will issue grants to organizations at the national, state, and local levels working across the following pillars:

* Defending Civil Liberties and Standing for the Rule of Law: Open Society will redouble efforts to support partners on the front lines defending against erosions of civil liberties and the rule of law. This includes grants that defend civil society against the attacks it faces, support strategic litigation challenging government overreach, and back efforts to expose corruption and hold government accountable.

* Expanding Civil Rights and Creating Economic Opportunity: In parallel, Open Society will support initiatives that advance racial and economic justice together, so that more Americans live with dignity and security, with equal access to jobs that pay a living wage, affordable childcare and elder care, and protections against emerging forms of discrimination, including algorithmic bias. This work will also seek to reform structural barriers that limit political participation at the federal, state, and local levels.

"This initiative builds on a long American tradition that links liberty to livelihood" said Binaifer Nowrojee, president of the Open Society Foundations. "Today, that promise remains unfulfilled. Open Society is committed to supporting the realization of these longstanding aspirations for the next generation."

Open Society is launching this commitment at a time of profound challenge for the United States amid economic insecurity, declining trust in institutions, and assaults on basic rights as we approach the 250th anniversary of its founding.

"This is both a moral and material response to a time when rights and freedoms are being rolled back across the country, and far too many people cannot afford the basics even though we live in the wealthiest country in the world," said Laleh Ispahani, managing director for the U.S. at Open Society. "We will invest in new thinking to reimagine and reframe individual rights and core economic needs. Open Society has decades of experience tackling these issues here and around the world. We must now take up this task in the more deeply connected way MLK and FDR envisioned?to defend and bolster fundamental freedoms hand in hand with promoting policies that expand opportunity." ***

Accion celebrates 65 years of its work connecting low-income communities to responsible financial services

Thu, 21 May 2026 13:50:00 +0700

Gala in New York City to honor Michael R. Bloomberg, Kenneth I. Chenault, and Cristina Junqueira for their work accelerating progress and creating opportunities

NEW YORK CITY, May 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Unable to find a job, Roselin Vargas - a young mother in Bolivia - started a small business selling sugar in the local market. When demand took off among vendors, Roselin sought financing to expand, but none of the banks she approached would provide her with credit. That all changed when she found longtime Accion partner and microfinance bank BancoSol. Now Roselin sells flour, sugar, and salt to customers beyond the local markets. She has expanded the business, providing employment for her community, and building a solid foundation for her family's future.

Access to responsible financial services transformed Roselin's future, but not everyone has that opportunity. According to the World Bank's Global Findex 2025, despite progress in many countries, 1.6 billion people remain left out or poorly served by the financial system. Services like savings, credit, and insurance are known to help reduce small businesses' exposure to shocks1.

For decades, global nonprofit Accion has led the way in inclusive finance, developing responsible solutions that benefit hundreds of millions of people globally. As Accion's CEO and President Michael Schlein notes: "Accion was shaped by people who refuse to accept a world where economic opportunity is reserved for the few. Over our history, we have helped build 299 financial service providers serving over 500 million low-income clients across 77 countries. But now, for the first time, global progress helping people escape poverty has stalled, making our work more important than ever. As living costs continue to rise for vulnerable communities around the world, they need responsible financial services so they can build better futures."

On May 20 in New York City, Accion will mark 65 years of its global impact by honoring three leaders from the finance and technology sectors whose work is creating economic opportunity for millions of hardworking people around the world: Michael R. Bloomberg (Founder, Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies, Mayor of New York City 2002-2013), Kenneth I. Chenault (Chairman & Managing Director, General Catalyst; Former Chairman & CEO, American Express), and Cristina Junqueira (Co-Founder, Chief Growth Officer, & CEO of the emerging U.S. business, Nu). The gala host committee is chaired by Chairman of the Board, Diana Taylor and Treasurer, Phillip Riese.

Accion's early work in the informal settlements on the outskirts of Latin America's biggest cities in the 1960s and 70s quickly showed that access to capital was key to helping the small businesses that powered the local economy succeed. After successfully piloting microloans with communities in Recife, Brazil, Accion helped scale microfinance into what has proved to be a successful model for poverty alleviation and economic development across the globe.

Today, as technology continues to reshape how people around the world communicate, move money, and access information, Accion supports the growth of innovative and disruptive companies that are connecting low-income clients to the digital economy. Artificial intelligence, embedded finance products, and rapidly expanding digital public infrastructure are reshaping the economies of emerging markets. Accion is working to make sure their development and integration into financial services prioritizes inclusion, with strong safeguards in place, so small businesses are not left behind.

Accion CEO Michael Schlein is available for interviews.

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Global Electronics Association Launches Global Electronics Policy Council to Unite Industry on Trade, Investment, and Supply Chain Policy

Thu, 21 May 2026 13:40:00 +0700

New Council Formalizes Coordinated Global Advocacy Structure to a $6 Trillion Industry at a Critical Moment for Electronics

Bannockburn, Illinois, USA, May 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Electronics Association today announced the formation of the Global Electronics Policy Council (GEPC), a new body uniting leading electronics companies from around the world to advance a coordinated policy agenda across every major region of the electronics supply chain. The GEPC builds on the Association's longstanding electronics industry advocacy work over its nearly 70-year history. For the first time, companies spanning the full electronics value chain - from PCB manufacturers and EMS providers to OEMs, semiconductor suppliers, wire harness, and advanced packaging firms - will have a single, structured forum to translate industry consensus into coordinated government engagement.

GEPC launches against a backdrop of escalating policy pressure on the electronics industry, including tariff volatility, export controls, and competing domestic investment mandates. The Global Electronics Association's own trade flows research underscores the urgency: global electronics trade totaled $4.5 trillion in 2023, with supply chains more globally interdependent than any other industry. That interdependence makes coordinated advocacy not just useful, but essential.

"No single company or country can navigate this environment alone," said Thomas Cetta, Senior Vice President, Jabil and chairperson of the GEPC. "The Global Electronics Policy Council gives the industry the structure and discipline to speak with one voice on the challenges that matter most and to engage governments with the credibility and accountability that comes from real organizational commitment."

A Council Built for Action, Not Just Alignment

Unlike informal industry coalitions, the Global Electronics Policy Council is governed by formal bylaws, a defined leadership structure, and regional execution arms spanning North America, Europe, East Asia, and India/Southeast Asia. The Council will produce an approved global policy agenda and annual advocacy plan, issue formal policy positions and testimony, and deliver quarterly reporting on government engagement activity.

Inaugural members include AT&S, Flex, Jabil, Plexus, TSMC, and TTM Technologies representing a deliberately balanced cross-section of the electronics value chain.

A Clear and Ambitious Policy Framework

The Council's advocacy will be organized around five priorities drawn from the Global Electronics Association's 2026 Policy Agenda: safeguarding predictable access to global markets; investing in domestic manufacturing capacity and capability; building robust workforce pipelines for the electronics industry; supporting industry-led technical and sustainability standards while rightsizing regulation; and accelerating technology leadership through collaborative R&D. Regional councils will execute against this global framework.

"The GEPC reinforces an essential aspect of our industry: a strong, connected global electronics manufacturing community," said Chris Mitchell, VP Global Government Relations, Global Electronics Association. "This Council will advance a policy agenda that strengthens supply-chain resilience, accelerates innovation, and secures trusted access to global markets for the 3,200+ member companies."

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Letter to Shareholders from CEO Bradley Nattrass

Thu, 21 May 2026 13:37:00 +0700

A New Chapter: From Controlled Environment Agriculture to Global Cricket Media

LAFAYETTE, Colo., May 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dear Fellow Shareholders,

Following the filing of our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, I want to update you directly. The business you own today is not the one most of you originally invested in. You deserve a clear account of what changed and why.

urban-gro, Inc. has completed its combination with Flash Sports & Media, Inc. and integrated Innovative Production Group FZ, LLC ("IPG"), as disclosed in our Current Reports on Form 8-K. We have repositioned the Company toward a single focused strategy: building a vertically integrated media business around franchise Twenty20 (T20) cricket. We did this while remaining a NASDAQ-listed public company under the ticker UGRO, and we regained full compliance with NASDAQ listing standards on March 9, 2026.

Why We Made This Change

This was not a decision we took lightly. After a hard look at the Company's prospects, conditions of the markets that we primarily served, and capital position, the Board concluded that the most credible path to rebuilding shareholder value was a decisive pivot, not incremental change. The IPG combination brought commercial and media rights relationships tied to the Lanka Premier League (LPL), Sri Lanka's premier T20 tournament, along with an experienced league-development and production team led by IPG founder Anil Mohan.

We believe global T20 cricket represents a significant and growing global sports and media market. Industry reports and third-party estimates regarding the broader T20 ecosystem vary widely and use differing methodologies. We also believe there is an opportunity for differentiated integrated platforms that combine content-rights relationships with distribution capabilities rather than relying solely on licensed content from others. That thesis is the foundation of everything that follows.

As a result of the Company's transition away from its historical controlled-environment agriculture operations, together with the timing of LPL Season 6 commencing in Q2 2026, the Company reported minimal or no meaningful revenue in Q1 2026. We believe this quarter should be viewed as a transitional restructuring period rather than an indicator of the operating potential of the post-combination business.

Since closing the merger on February 17, 2026, management has focused on integrating operations, establishing the foundational infrastructure required to support the Company's media and league-development strategy, and preparing for the commercial launch of LPL Season 6 and related initiatives during the balance of 2026.

Management currently believes the majority of the Company's 2026 revenue opportunities, if realized, as management forecasts would occur during the remaining quarters of 2026 following the commencement of LPL Season 6 and related commercial activities.

What We Have Done

* Completed the IPG merger, an all-stock transaction, in the first quarter of 2026. Flash Sports & Media represents the Company's principal operating platform; the public-company structure provides governance and capital-markets access.

* Secured commercial and media rights relating to the LPL, our cornerstone asset. The league is owned by Sri Lanka Cricket and operated in partnership with The IPG Group as its official event rights holder.

* Regained compliance with applicable Nasdaq continued listing standards on March 9, 2026, supporting continued access to public capital markets.

* Refreshed leadership: I continue as Chief Executive Officer, Eric Sherb serves as Chief Financial Officer, Anil Mohan joins as Founder & Chairman of IPG, and our President of Flash Sports leads day-to-day operations.

The Merger and How to Think About Scale

The IPG combination closed as an all-stock transaction in the first quarter of 2026 at a reference price of $3.23 per share. I want to be candid about how small we are relative to the market we are entering.

Measured against the Indian Premier League, we are a fraction of one percent of the sport's largest property. Reports in 2026 place the IPL's overall business value at roughly $18 billion, with marquee franchises like Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals changing hands in the $1.6--$1.8 billion range. We will not pretend otherwise. Shareholders are not served by comparisons that flatter us against the biggest asset in the sport.

The honest comparison is the rest of the field. Outside the IPL, franchise T20 leagues are dramatically smaller and far more fragmented. On publicly available 2025--2026 third-party estimates, league-level metrics for the Pakistan Super League, Australia's Big Bash League, the Caribbean Premier League, and the Bangladesh Premier League sit far below the IPL -- and the LPL has historically been valued toward the lower end of that group. Against that peer set, a vertically integrated platform built on the LPL plus planned expansion leagues is a credible place to build from.

Our internal modeling assumes EBITDA margins improving from a low double-digit base toward a more mature range over five years. Now that LPL Season 6 is scheduled to commence later in Q2, the anticipated revenues in 2026, if realized, are expected to be spread over the three remaining quarters of 2026. These are planning assumptions, not promises.

In Closing

I will not characterize this as anything other than what it is: a high-conviction, high-effort attempt to rebuild value by entering a market we believe is large, growing, and underserved by integrated sports and media competitors. We have assembled assets, relationships, and a team we believe give us a credible path, and we have restored the public-company foundation needed to pursue it. The work of execution is now in front of us, and we intend to report to you on it with the same candor reflected in this letter. Further, in the weeks ahead, the Company expects to pursue a corporate name and trading symbol change, subject to applicable corporate, regulatory, and Nasdaq approvals, intended to better align the Company's public identity with its sports and media operating strategy.***

Heineken Takes Over "Oslo" for Women's Champions League Final to Pour Profits Back Into the Game

Thu, 21 May 2026 13:30:00 +0700

LONDON, May 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With this year's UEFA Women's Champions League final around the corner, longtime sponsor, Heineken?, has announced an initiative that will see profits poured back into the game.

Taking place this Saturday (23rd May) in Oslo, Norway, the final will see FC Barcelona face eight-time winners, OL Lyonnes. However, due to local advertising restrictions prohibiting alcohol brand promotion, Heineken? is unable to show its support in the host city as it typically would.

Determined to show up in 'Oslo', instead, the beer brand is bringing the final to London and taking over Oslo Bar in Hackney; a well-known hotspot for women's football fans. Here, Heineken? will host a watch party giving fans a place to come together and enjoy the atmosphere beyond the stadium, reinforcing the idea that the game is at its best when experienced together.

In a move designed to give back to the sport, Heineken? has partnered with five community organisations - Baller FC, Goal Diggers FC, Romance FC, Victoria Park Vixens, and Women in Football - all of which support the growth of women's football and the people involved in it different ways; from giving more opportunities to LGBTQ+ and non binary people through to lobbying for more equality in the football industry. All proceeds from every pint poured on the night will go directly back to the partners, supporting their work to grow and sustain adult women's football, where the friendships and communities that define the game are built.

Heineken? will also donate above and beyond the value of every pint sold, increasing the total contribution on the night. This is just one more aspect of Heineken's commitment as one of the principle partners of the women's game; reinforcing its long-term and ongoing commitment to the game at all levels and following its recent extension as a sponsor of the UEFA Women's Champions League through to 2030.

Backing the initiative are former FC Barcelona player, Toni Duggan, and OL Lyonnes player Izzy Christiansen, who will attend the event and take part in a live pre-match Q&A ahead of kick-off, offering fans the opportunity to hear firsthand from one of the game's most recognisable voices.

Rooted in Heineken?'s long-standing belief in the importance of sociability, the event is the latest output under Fans Have More Friends - the brand's global sponsorship platform, built on the belief that fandom is one of the quickest ways to spark connection between strangers.

Tickets are free and doors open at 4pm, with the venue open until 3:30am. Fans can come together to watch the match live on large screens and enjoy a DJ playing before and after the game.

Tickets are available now via Eventbrite and spaces on the night will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until the venue reaches capacity.

Former FC Barcelona player, Toni Duggan, said: "Fans of women's football are a proper community who play an integral role in supporting the growth of the game. That is why I'm so pleased to see Heineken? using the UWCL Final to bring this incredible women's football community together. will be watching the game with lots of other fans at a special event at Oslo in London but we'll all be in Oslo, Norway in spirit! Good luck to both sides."

Former OL Lyonnes player, Izzy Christiansen, said: "The Women's Champions League final is one of the biggest moments in the football calendar, so it's amazing to see Heineken? using this as an opportunity to not only unite fans but also give back to the game. Community football is where it all starts, and the work these communities are doing is so important, so to be able to support this initiative and celebrate the final with fans at the same time is really special."

Nabil Nasser, Global Head of Heineken? said: "As a long-time supporter of the women's game, it's important for us at Heineken? to keep showing up for fans, even if not in the usual way at the stadium. So this year, we're bringing that same spirit to Oslo, just the one in Hackney. As part of our Fans Have More Friends platform, the event brings fans together to celebrate the pinnacle of the women's game, while every pint poured goes back to local community organisations growing and nurturing the game at all levels."

Notes to editors:
For more information and image requests, please contact:
heinekensponsorship@wearetheromans.com

Event Details:

Date: Saturday 23rd May
Location: Oslo Hackney, 1A Amhurst Rd, London E8 1JB
Doors Open: 4:00pm
Closing Time: 3:30am
Entry: Free (ticketed)
Registration: HERE

About Heineken?
HEINEKEN? is the world's most international brewer. It is the leading developer and marketer of premium beer and cider brands. Led by the Heineken? brand, the Group has a portfolio of more than 300 international, regional, local and specialty beers and ciders. We are committed to innovation, long-term brand investment, disciplined sales execution and focused cost management. Through "Brewing a Better World", sustainability is embedded in the business. HEINEKEN? has a well-balanced geographic footprint with leadership positions in both developed and developing markets. We employ over 85,000 employees and operate breweries, malteries, cider plants and other production facilities in more than 70 countries. Heineken? N.V. and Heineken? Holding N.V. shares trade on the Euronext in Amsterdam. Prices for the ordinary shares may be accessed on Bloomberg under the symbols HEIA NA and HEIO NA and on Reuters under HEIN.AS and HEIO.AS. HEINEKEN? has two sponsored level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) programmes: Heineken? N.V. (OTCQX: HEINY) and Heineken? Holding N.V. (OTCQX: HKHHY)

About Fans Have More Friends (FHMF):
Fans Have More Friends is Heineken?'s global sponsorship platform that champions sociability by showing that fandom is better when shared, especially with a Heineken?. By uniting Heineken? sponsorships under one platform, the brand turns peak fan energy into real-world connection, enabling shared experiences and building communities around the biggest cultural moments.

About Romance FC:
Romance FC is a creative football collective, building community and forging opportunities for all women and non-binary people both on and off the pitch.

Founded in East London in 2012, the team has grown in size, heart and mindset whilst continuing to encourage and inspire all generations through a clearer reflection of a more equal, accessible game that represents today's society.

The team is made up of the likes of designers, filmmakers, musicians and more.

With their inclusive approach to football, Romance FC hopes to inspire beyond sports ? so that more people can experience the power of community, connection and collective skill building.

About Victoria Park Vixens:
Victoria Park Vixens formed in 2019 after an Instagram story callout for players looking to form a women's team in East London. The ethos of the club centres around making sure women have a safe and relaxed community to play football in London. We now have 2 women's teams and a men's team with over 100 players since inception- and we're growing with every season. Alongside matchdays, Vixens work to raise the profile of grassroots football - both on and off the pitch.

About Goal Diggers FC:
Goal Diggers FC is a non-profit club set up in London to make football more available and accessible to all women and non-binary people regardless of previous experience or ability.

About Baller FC:
Baller Friends Collective is a group of event producers, DJs, musicians, passionate members of the queer community, HUGE football fans, and most importantly, great friends who are on a mission to grow women's football fandom, and create friendly and open spaces where we can all enjoy the beautiful game together. Community is at the heart of everything we do ? we are for the fans, by the fans and we strive to be boldly inclusive, champion diversity and create with care.

About Women in Football:
Women in Football (WIF) is a vibrant professional network of around 12,000 people of all genders who support equality in the football industry. We're taking action to level the playing field for all roles, on and off the pitch, in women's and men's football. We celebrate women's achievements, campaign against sexism, and empower our members through inspirational networking and professional development opportunities. We support organisations to become truly gender-inclusive employers and stand ready to work with any stakeholders who share our vision of a gender-equal future for football. To find out more visit www.womeninfootball.co.uk.

About Oslo Hackney:
Oslo Hackney is a double-decker late-night bar, gig venue and club that opened inside a 140-year-old former Hackney Central station in 2014. Downstairs, the bar has DJs until late ? along with Pizza pies and 2-4-?14 cocktails & Spritz served up daily ? while upstairs, there's a gig club venue hosting an array of musical artists and genres, Oslo caters to an energetic, mixed crowd. And to top it all off, the secret karaoke den that's open every Friday might just seal the deal.

Boston Metal Raises $75 Million to Scale Critical Metals Business

Thu, 21 May 2026 13:29:00 +0700

Boston Metal's patented Molten Oxide Electrolysis (MOE) platform uses electricity to selectively recover high-value metals from diverse feedstocks, including mining and industrial waste streams, creating a scalable pathway to strengthen critical metals supply chains.

BOSTON, May 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Boston Metal, a technology company redefining global metals production, today announced it has raised $75 million to accelerate the deployment of its Molten Oxide Electrolysis (MOE) platform and scale production of critical metals in the U.S. and globally. The new capital brings the company's total funding raised to over $500 million.

The funding will enable Boston Metal to expand its critical metals business through additional commercial-scale deployments for metals such as niobium, tantalum, vanadium and nickel. MOE's selectivity unlocks resources from low-grade materials, offering a new pathway to strengthen supply chains for materials essential to electrification, advanced manufacturing, AI, and defense.

Tata Steel Limited joined the round, along with existing investors, signaling strong industrial and investor demand for novel approaches to critical metals production.

"This financing marks a pivotal step for Boston Metal," said Rick Cutright, Technology Director at Climate Investment. "The company has built a new metallurgical platform and demonstrated its ability to produce high-quality metals from complex feedstocks; now the focus is commercial production. Critical metals are the right first market because the need is immediate, the economics are attractive and MOE can expand supply from materials that conventional processes leave behind."

Demand for critical metals is surging across electrification, advanced electronics, infrastructure development and defense, while supply remains constrained by geopolitics and environmentally intensive extraction. Boston Metal's MOE platform directly addresses this market demand by:

Enabling efficient recovery of high-value metals from a wide range of metallurgical and industrial waste streams.
Boosting yields and lowering capital costs to create new commercialization opportunities for low-grade mineral projects.

"Critical metals are the new strategic commodities," said Tadeu Carneiro, CEO of Boston Metal. "MOE is creating a scalable and cost-effective pathway to recover critical, high-value metals, support industrial onshoring and strengthen the secure supply of critical materials needed for advanced technologies, manufacturing and AI."

"The world doesn't just need more metals, it needs smarter, more adaptable ways to produce them," added Mark Cupta, Managing Director at Prelude Ventures. "MOE stands out for its flexibility as a true platform technology, capable of operating across multiple metal systems with a high degree of selectivity. The Boston Metal team has developed a differentiated technology and is now utilizing that technology to unlock a new generation of critical metals assets."

To learn more, visit: https://www.bostonmetal.com/.

About Boston Metal
Boston Metal is redefining global metals production with its patented Molten Oxide Electrolysis (MOE) technology, an electrified platform that transforms how metals are made. Designed to operate across a wide range of metal oxides, MOE enables production from diverse feedstocks, creating a scalable and cost-effective pathway to unlock new economic opportunities, support industrial onshoring and strengthen the secure supply of critical metals needed for advanced technologies, manufacturing and AI. Backed by visionary investors, Boston Metal is headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts and has a wholly owned subsidiary in Brazil. Learn more about Boston Metal's MOE technology at www.bostonmetal.com.

Bitget Brings Institutional-Grade Stablecoin Yield to All Users with USDGO, Offering Up to 4.3% APR

Thu, 21 May 2026 13:28:00 +0700

VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has launched USDGO, GO Uncapped, a passive earning initiative that allows users to earn up to 4.3% APR simply by holding USDGO in their spot or futures account on the platform, with no staking, no lock-up periods, no manual subscription, and no additional operations required. The holding calculation period runs from May 18, 2026, 4:00 PM (UTC) to June 15, 2026, 4:00 PM (UTC), with rewards distributed daily.

Stablecoins have become one of the most widely held and traded asset classes in crypto, with the total stablecoin market cap reaching an all-time high of $321 billion in April 2026, yet for most users they remain idle, parked between trades and generating nothing. As stablecoins mature into a recognized layer of global financial infrastructure, the expectation is shifting, where holding should not mean forgoing yield. The campaign is Bitget's direct response to that shift, turning stablecoin ownership into a more seamless and accessible earning experience for everyday users.

The yield program is built around simplicity. Users who hold USDGO in an eligible spot or futures account automatically activate yield generation from the start of the calculation period. Rewards are distributed daily, and earnings scale with VIP level. Users at the base tier receive a minimum of 3.75% APR, while higher VIP participants earn as much as 4.3% APR. There is no cap on eligible holdings, meaning users at every scale, from retail participants to high-net-worth users, could put the full weight of their balance to work without constraint.

USDGO is a compliance-focused stablecoin issued by Anchorage Digital Bank and operated and distributed by OSL Group. Pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar and backed by high-quality liquid assets, it is built with a regulatory framework designed for institutional-grade use cases.

"Stablecoins have always been the most underutilized asset in a trader's portfolio," said Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget. "USDGO, GO Uncapped challenges this equation. We're giving every user on Bitget a direct and frictionless path to earning on the assets they already hold. This is what the Universal Exchange is built to deliver: financial tools that work harder for users, without asking more of them."

Users can continue trading, use USDGO as futures margin where applicable, and still earn throughout the campaign period. For those looking to get started, USDGO is available directly via spot trading or through Bitget's Convert feature, making it straightforward to swap existing assets into USDGO in seconds.

USDGO, GO Uncapped reflects Bitget's broader commitment to making every asset more accessible and more efficient under a single, unified trading environment. As the UEX vision continues to take shape across crypto, tokenized stocks, commodities, and FX, integrating yield directly into stablecoin holding is a natural next step, positioning the platform as the world's dominant liquidity and distribution hub for global asset trading.

For more information, please visit here to learn more about the campaign and here about USDGO.

About Bitget

Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 100+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, FX, and precious metals such as gold. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI agent, which co-pilots trade execution. Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships with LALIGA and MotoGP?. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. Bitget currently leads in the tokenized TradFi market, providing the industry's lowest fees and highest liquidity across 150 regions worldwide.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord

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.

Bitget Launches "Gold Fast or Go Home Challenge" for Gold CFD Trading

Thu, 21 May 2026 13:27:00 +0700

VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has launched the "Gold Fast or Go Home Challenge," a global campaign built around faster access to gold CFD trading on the Bitget app. The campaign follows Bitget's recent product update that moved TradFi products, including gold, forex, commodities, and indices, to a first-level homepage tab, reducing the number of steps required to access these markets directly from the homepage.

The challenge invites users to record themselves by opening the Bitget app, entering the TradFi section, and completing an XAUUSD gold CFD trade as quickly as possible. Participants will publish their attempts across social platforms as part of a global speed-based trading challenge designed around accessibility, execution flow, and real-time market participation. The campaign combines trading culture with short-form social content, turning product speed into a visible user experience.

The campaign reflects Bitget's broader direction of bringing traditional financial assets closer to crypto-native trading environments through a unified interface. Users can move between crypto assets, tokenized products, forex pairs, commodities, and gold CFD markets from a single account structure without switching across multiple platforms, wallets, or trading systems.

"Users increasingly move between crypto and traditional financial markets within the same trading cycle, especially during periods shaped by macro volatility," said Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget. "We have designed the platform to make these markets more directly accessible inside the app. The challenge turns that trading flow into a public and community-driven experience that shows how multi-asset trading behavior is evolving."

Gold trading activity has continued gaining traction globally as investors monitor interest rate expectations, central bank accumulation trends, inflation risks, and geopolitical uncertainty. Across digital asset platforms, gold CFDs have become one of the most actively monitored TradFi products during periods of elevated volatility, particularly as users look for faster access to macro-sensitive assets without leaving crypto-native trading environments.

The homepage TradFi integration forms part of Bitget's wider Universal Exchange strategy focused on reducing fragmentation between digital assets and traditional financial markets. As more users diversify across asset classes, trading platforms are increasingly expected to support crypto, commodities, equities, FX, and tokenized assets within a single interface and collateral system. Bitget's TradFi expansion reflects growing market demand for unified multi-asset access and faster capital movement between trading categories.

The launch also follows Bitget's continued expansion of its TradFi offering across global markets. The platform currently provides access to crypto markets alongside tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, forex pairs, and precious metals such as gold within one trading ecosystem. In 2026, Bitget repositioned its TradFi section to the app homepage as part of a broader effort to simplify market access and improve execution efficiency across multi-asset trading activity.

For more information, visit here.

About Bitget

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

Caseware Launches Verity to Bring Workflow-Native AI Agents Directly Into Assurance Engagements

Thu, 21 May 2026 13:27:00 +0700

After investing more than $100 million over multiple years in AI development, Caseware unveils a governed AI platform designed with leading firms to help auditors enhance visibility across the workflow, automate complex work and navigate engagements with greater confidence

TORONTO, May 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Caseware, the leading AI platform for assurance and financial reporting software, today announced the launch of Verity, a new AI frontier intelligence and orchestration layer that operates directly inside assurance and financial reporting engagements, alongside a suite of workflow-native AI agents designed to automate and accelerate work across the full engagement lifecycle.

Caseware will officially unveil Verity and its AI ecosystem live during CwX 2026, the company's annual customer conference, on May 21 in Florida. The session will also be broadcast on LinkedIn during the event, where viewers can register to watch the launch live.

Built Inside the Engagement, Not Around It

Unlike standalone AI assistants, disconnected copilots or single-task AI agents, Verity and the Caseware AI platform operate across the end-to-end assurance and financial reporting workflow. The platform is designed to understand the engagement itself, drawing on longitudinal engagement context, firm methodology, supporting documentation and professional standards to help practitioners surface risks, analyze documentation, guide judgment and move through complex work with greater speed and confidence.

The launch marks the culmination of multiple years of AI and platform development at Caseware, supported by more than $100 million in investment and extensive collaboration with leading audit firms through alpha and beta testing programs designed around real practitioner workflows and engagement environments.

Early beta deployments have already demonstrated measurable operational impact. Verity achieved 94% accuracy on golden dataset items captured from beta traces, while reducing indicative manual workflows from 15?20 minutes to under two minutes, representing time savings of up to 85% per interaction.

Caseware says the ecosystem is designed to deliver value across multiple roles within assurance teams. Preparers can use AI to surface guidance, identify anomalies and flag potential completeness gaps. Managers can accelerate reviews through cross-file risk checks, unresolved issue tracking and automated review pack generation, while partners gain earlier visibility into sign-off readiness, inspection risks and engagement findings.

"With Verity, Caseware is launching an industry-first agentic solution specifically designed for assurance professionals," said David Marquis, chief executive officer of Caseware. "Verity brings frontier intelligence inside the engagement itself. It understands the context, applies firm methodology and orchestrates intelligence and automation across the entire engagement lifecycle. No competitors ? legacy or point providers ? have built a fully-governed end-to-end platform like Caseware."

One Intelligence Layer Coordinating the Entire Workflow

Verity serves as the intelligence and orchestration layer across the Caseware AI ecosystem. Practitioners interact directly with Verity throughout the engagement, while specialized AI agents execute workflow-specific tasks behind the scenes across preparing, planning, evaluating and reporting.

Because the ecosystem operates across the end-to-end workflow, Verity is able to maintain context across different phases of the engagement rather than functioning as an isolated AI tool sitting on top of a single application or task. Caseware says this allows firms to reduce fragmentation, eliminate manual navigation between systems and embed AI directly into the system of record where work already happens.

Introducing the First Caseware AI Agent Suites

Caseware is automating the end-to-end engagement workflow with the goal of automating 50% based on a granular mapping of the repetitive elements of the end-to-end workflow: Prepare Suite, Plan Suite, Evaluate Suite and Report Suite. The first workflow-embedded agents include:

Disclosure Checklist Agent, which automates the review of financial statements, generating citation-backed suggestions auditors can review, refine, accept or override directly within the DAS audit engagement workflow, saving 2.7 review hours per workflow on average.

Document Intelligence Agent, currently in closed beta, automates the review, analysis, and extraction of information from source documents directly into workpapers, reducing the time practitioners spend manually gathering evidence, shifting professional time from manual prep to judgment and analysis.

Risk Suggestion Agent, rapidly advancing through alpha, helps audit teams streamline engagement planning by generating engagement-specific risk suggestions using multi-year financial data and qualitative sources such as board minutes, prior risks and controls. The agent surfaces actionable risks with supporting rationale, helping auditors accelerate risk assessment while maintaining professional judgment and consistency across engagements.

Together, Verity and the Verity Agentic Suites are designed to reduce time spent navigating fragmented engagement data, automate repetitive workflow tasks and surface engagement risks earlier in the process while maintaining practitioner oversight and professional judgment.

Designed Alongside Firms Already Using Verity in Production Environments

Caseware says the platform was shaped through extensive collaboration with firms participating in alpha and beta programs, allowing practitioners to help guide how Verity and the agent suites operate inside real engagement workflows.

"Feedback from beta participants, including several leading global firms, has been remarkably consistent: Verity saves time and gives me peace of mind because it's right there and it understands my full engagement," said Andrew Smith, chief product officer, Caseware. "It's going to create a real separation in terms of efficiency between firms that embrace it and those that don't. Users tell us that in-the-moment access to contextual intelligence is making them more productive and more focused on the work that really matters. Verity is delivering more than gains in productivity, it's raising the quality bar and the quality of life bar across every member of the engagement team."

"Firms are looking for practical AI that delivers measurable operational value inside regulated environments," said Marquis. "We built Verity and our AI agents to operate where audit work actually happens, with governance, and human review built into every stage of the workflow."

Governance, Traceability and Human Oversight Built In

Governance and defensibility were foundational to the design of the Caseware AI ecosystem. Caseware says defensible AI in assurance environments depends on outputs being authorized, bounded, traceable and explainable - principles designed to help firms maintain oversight, support professional judgment and meet the evidentiary standards expected in regulated environments.

Every AI-assisted output generated through Verity and the agent suite is citation-backed, reviewable and traceable before entering the engagement file. The ecosystem operates within firm-configured permissions and controls, with engagement-level data isolation and support for enterprise compliance requirements including SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certification.

The ecosystem has also been designed as a composable AI foundation firms can build on over time, supporting future agent-to-agent workflows, ecosystem integrations and firm-specific AI extensions.

About Caseware

Caseware enables the world of audit and accounting to unlock efficiency, deliver excellence and grow with confidence. Through precision, partnership and innovation, the company is helping power trust in the global economy.

Trusted in more than 130 countries, Caseware combines advanced AI, deep domain expertise and secure cloud technology to reshape how assurance and financial reporting work is performed. Today, more than 23,000 firms, corporations and government organizations use Caseware technology worldwide.

SKYX Signs a Licensing Agreement for Its Advanced Technologies with U.S., Canada, and Global Leading Lighting Company Eurofase

Thu, 21 May 2026 13:26:00 +0700

MIAMI, May 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SKYX Platforms Corp. (NASDAQ: SKYX) (d/b/a SKYX Technologies) (the "Company" or "SKYX"), an award winning highly disruptive advanced smart home and AI platform technology company with over 100 U.S. and global pending and issued patents and a portfolio of 60 lighting and home d?cor websites, with a mission to make homes and buildings become advanced-safe-smart instantly as the new standard, today announced it signed a licensing agreement with U.S, Canada, and global leading lighting company Eurofase.

This licensing agreement further validates SKYX's vast U.S. and global B2B go-to-market opportunities including builder, hotel, and residential segments. SKYX technologies reduce up to 90% of time and cost of hotel and building renovations and new build installations. SKYX will work together with Eurofase on their vast builder, hotel, residential and commercial segments.

For over 30 years Eurofase has set the benchmark for luxury lighting and architectural systems as well as advanced heating solutions. Eurofase operates globally with a manufacturing and distribution network spanning the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia. Eurofase's commitment to exceptional design and craftsmanship transforms spaces and inspires limitless design possibilities for buildings, hotels, residential and commercial applications.

Eurofase is known as a trusted partner to contractors, architects, and designers offering a diverse range of high-quality, innovative lighting and heating products tailored for commercial, residential and hospitality applications.

SKYX's Advanced Ceiling Electrical Outlet/Receptacle Technology

Zack Sharon, Senior Vice President of Sales & Product Management of Eurofase Lighting, said; "We are very excited to license SKYX's disruptive and cutting-edge technologies for buildings, hotels, and homes. We intend to introduce SKYX technologies to our vast range of B2B customers comprising our builder and hotel segments, as well as during our upcoming trade shows including the June 9/10, 2026, Hotel and Cruise Ship Expo in Miami. The cutting-edge and significant time and cost saving aspects provided by SKYX's technologies are key elements in enhancing safety and advancing hotel and building standards and will assist Eurofase gain even a stronger footprint within our hospitality segment."

Rani Kohen, Founder and Executive Chairman of SKYX Platforms, said; "We are excited to sign a licensing agreement with U.S., Canada and global leading lighting company Eurofase. This licensing agreement fits well with our strategy to expand our go to market channels in the U.S. and globally. We look forward to working together with Eurofase on their vast builder, hotel, residential and commercial segments."

For more information about Eurofase click here: www.eurofase.com

For more information about SKYX click here: www.skyx.com

About SKYX Platforms Corp.

As electricity is a standard in every home and building, our mission is to make homes and buildings become safe-advanced and smart as the new standard. SKYX has a series of highly disruptive advanced, safe smart home and AI platform technologies, with over 100 U.S. and global patents and patent pending applications. Additionally, the Company owns 60 lighting and home decor websites for both retail and commercial segments. Our technologies place an emphasis on high quality and ease of use, while significantly enhancing both safety and lifestyle in homes and buildings. We believe that our products are a necessity in every room in both homes and other buildings in the U.S. and globally. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.skyx.com/ or follow us on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this press release are not based on historical facts but are forward-looking statements. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "can," "could," "continue," "estimate," "expect," "evaluate," "forecast," "guidance," "intend," "likely," "may," "might," "objective," "ongoing," "outlook," "plan," "potential," "predict," "probable," "project," "seek," "should," "target" "view," "will," or "would," or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements reflect the Company's reasonable judgment with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which have outcomes difficult to predict and may be outside our control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include statements relating to the Company's ability to successfully launch, commercialize, develop additional features and achieve market acceptance of its products and technologies and integrate its products and technologies with third-party platforms or technologies; the Company's ability to achieve positive cash flows; the Company's efforts and ability to drive the adoption of its products and technologies as a standard feature, including their use in homes, hotels, offices and cruise ships; the Company's ability to capture market share; the Company's estimates of its potential addressable market and demand for its products and technologies; the Company's ability to raise additional capital to support its operations as needed, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; the Company's ability to continue as a going concern; the Company's ability to execute on any sales and licensing or other strategic opportunities; the possibility that any of the Company's products will become National Electrical Code (NEC)-code or otherwise code mandatory in any jurisdiction, or that any of the Company's current or future products or technologies will be adopted by any state, country, or municipality, within any specific timeframe or at all; risks arising from mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and other collaborations; the Company's ability to attract and retain key executives and qualified personnel; guidance provided by management, which may differ from the Company's actual operating results; the potential impact of unstable market and economic conditions on the Company's business, financial condition, and stock price; and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. There can be no assurance as to any of the foregoing matters. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by U.S. federal securities laws.

Strait of Hormuz closure risks greatest global energy supply shock in decades, Wood Mackenzie warns

Thu, 21 May 2026 13:25:00 +0700

LONDON/HOUSTON/SINGAPORE, May 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz poses the single greatest threat to global energy markets in decades, according to a new Horizons report from Wood Mackenzie, Strait Talking: Iran War Scenarios and the Future of Energy. More than 11 million barrels per day (b/d) of Gulf crude and condensate production is currently curtailed. Meanwhile, over 80 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of LNG supply, equivalent to around 20% of global supply, remains inaccessible to global markets.

In its new report, Wood Mackenzie has shared three distinct scenarios: Quick Peace, Summer Settlement and Extended Disruption. Each scenario offers a different timeline for ending the conflict and reopening the Strait and assesses the potential impact on oil and gas supply, prices, energy demand and the broader global economy.

"The Strait of Hormuz is the most critical chokepoint in global energy markets, and a prolonged closure would become far more than an energy crisis," said Peter Martin, head of economics at Wood Mackenzie. "The longer disruption persists, the greater the impact on energy prices, industrial activity, trade flows and global economic growth."

Three paths forward, but risks are asymmetrical

Quick Peace

Under the most optimistic 'Quick Peace' scenario, a workable peace agreement is reached in the near term, and the Strait reopens by June. The global economy broadly returns to its pre-war trajectory by Q4 2026.

Crude prices fall sharply following a deal, with Dated Brent easing to around US$80/bbl by end-2026 and declining further to US$65/bbl in 2027 as the oil market returns to oversupply.

Global GDP growth slows from 3% in 2025 to 2.3% in 2026, with a recession limited to the Middle East. The global economy broadly returns to its pre-conflict trajectory by Q4 2026.

Summer Settlement

The 'Summer Settlement' scenario assumes the ceasefire holds but negotiations extend into late summer, with the Strait remaining largely closed until September.

Oil and LNG supply shortages persist through Q3 2026, driving a shallow global recession in H2 2026. Global GDP growth falls below 2% in 2026, resulting in modest yet permanent economic scarring compared to the pre-war baseline.

Extended Disruption

Under the most severe scenario, the Strait remains largely closed through the end of 2026, with recurring tensions triggering periods of renewed conflict and sustained supply disruption. Wood Mackenzie's analysis indicates:

Brent crude prices could approach US$200/bbl by end-2026, despite global oil demand falling by 6 million b/d year-on-year in H2 2026
More than 11 million b/d of crude and condensate production remains shut in and global oil inventories continue to decline. Diesel and jet fuel prices could rise towards US$300/bbl in major refining centres by year end
The global economy could contract by as much as 0.4% in 2026, marking the third global recession this century, with significant economic scarring
Oil and gas importing countries could intensify efforts to reduce their import dependence by aggressively pursuing faster electrification

The regional economic impact would be severe and uneven. The Middle East could see GDP contract by 10.7% in 2026, while EU27 GDP declines by 1.5% in 2026 and 0.5% in 2027. US GDP growth would fall below 1% in both years, while China's GDP growth slows to 3% in 2026.

"The long-term outlook points to structurally weaker oil prices than in our pre-conflict base case if importing countries accelerate efforts to reduce oil dependence," said Alan Gelder, senior vice president for refining, chemicals & oil markets at Wood Mackenzie. "If electrification advances more aggressively and oil imports are displaced, this will add further downward pressure on prices, with Brent potentially trending US$10/bbl lower than the quick peace scenario in the medium/long-term. This outlook is, however, challenged by both the pace of the energy transition and higher energy costs for oil-importing economies that seek to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons."

LNG market faces prolonged disruption and structural change

The report finds the global LNG market faces varying degrees of disruption under each of the three scenarios.

Even under Quick Peace, LNG markets remain tight through summer 2027 as Gulf export facilities recover gradually and construction delays slow the next wave of supply growth from the region.

A major global LNG expansion remains underway, with supply expected to increase by around 200 Mtpa by 2031, roughly 50% above current levels. The anticipated oversupply is delayed rather than eliminated.

Wood Mackenzie expects US LNG cargo cancellations may eventually be required to rebalance the market, with European TTF prices in the early 2030s almost half of 2026 levels of around US$14/mmbtu. Prices then stage a recovery through to 2035.

Under the Extended Disruption scenario, the market outlook becomes significantly more severe.

Some of the Gulf region's existing 85 Mtpa of LNG supply could be permanently lost, while around 75 Mtpa of capacity currently under construction faces multi-year delays. As a result, global LNG supply could be on average 70 Mtpa lower than expected before the conflict.

"Persistent supply uncertainty would accelerate efforts to diversify away from imported LNG, supporting coal resilience and faster growth in renewables and electrification across Asia and Europe" said Massimo Di Odoardo, vice president of gas and LNG research at Wood Mackenzie. "LNG prices would remain elevated through to 2030 supporting investments in new LNG outside the Gulf, but lower long-term demand would risk undermining the industry's future perspectives."

A more fragmented global energy system

Beyond the immediate supply shock, Wood Mackenzie suggests that a prolonged conflict could accelerate structural changes across global energy markets.

Even after the Strait reopens, intermittent disruption could continue and reinforce the geopolitical risk attached to both oil and LNG trade flows, creating a more volatile pricing environment and increasing pressure on import-dependent economies to strengthen energy security.

In the Extended Disruption scenario, countries across Europe and Asia intensify efforts to reduce hydrocarbon dependence through accelerated electrification. At the same time, resource-rich producers outside the Gulf, including US LNG exporters, benefit from growing demand for supply diversification.

The report also highlights the increasing strategic importance of critical minerals supply chains as faster electrification and renewable deployment drive stronger demand for metals needed across clean energy technologies.

"The consequences of an extended disruption would extend well beyond energy markets," Martin concluded. "It would test the resilience of global trade, industrial supply chains and economic growth simultaneously, reinforcing the urgency of achieving a resolution."

About Wood Mackenzie:

Wood Mackenzie is the global leader in analytics, insights and proprietary data across the entire energy and natural resources landscape. For over 50 years our work has guided the decisions of the world's most influential energy producers, utilities companies, financial institutions and governments. Now, with the world's energy system more complex and interconnected than ever before, sector-specific views are no longer enough. That's why we've redefined what's possible with Intelligence Connected: the fusion of our unparalleled proprietary data with the sharpest analytical minds, all supercharged by Synoptic AI, to deliver a clear, interconnected view of the entire value chain. Our trusted team of 2,700 experts across 30 countries breaks siloes and connects industries, markets and regions across the globe to empower our customers to identify risk sooner, spot opportunity faster and make every decision with complete confidence. For more information, visit www.woodmac.com

Verisk Welcomes Pradip Patiath to its Board of Directors

Thu, 21 May 2026 13:24:00 +0700

Jersey City, N.J., May 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verisk (Nasdaq: VRSK), a leading strategic data analytics and technology partner to the global insurance industry, today announced that Pradip Patiath has been elected to the company's Board of Directors, effective immediately. Patiath is a Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company and has co-led the company's North American digital insurance and consumer and business banking sectors over the past decade.

"We're pleased to welcome Pradip to Verisk's Board of Directors," said Bruce Hansen, chair of Verisk's Board of Directors. "Pradip brings deep experience helping leading insurers navigate growth, digitalization and large-scale transformation. His perspective across insurance, technology and analytics will be a strong addition to the board as Verisk continues to deliver the data, analytics and innovation the global insurance industry relies on."

Lee M. Shavel, president and CEO, Verisk, said: "Pradip's background sits at the heart of what Verisk does?helping insurers harness data, embrace new technology and transform how they operate. As we continue embedding AI into essential insurance workflows, his counsel will be invaluable."

About Patiath

Patiath has served as Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company since June 2011 and has been a senior global leader in McKinsey's Financial Services and Technology practices since 1996. Patiath brings over three decades of experience serving leading institutions in the insurance, banking, wealth/asset management, private equity, payments and fintech sectors on issues of strategy, organic business builds, AI/digital transformations, organizational effectiveness, M&A and large-scale performance turnarounds. His experience has spanned North America and international markets across the UK, Europe, South America and Asia. Prior to joining McKinsey & Company, Patiath served as president and COO of CCC Information Services, where he helped build an enterprise software and information platform company for the digital insurance sector.

Patiath currently serves on the boards of the Smithsonian Museum, Northwestern University's Kellogg School, Chicago Humanities and Frost Museum of Science and has previously served as the Chair of the Board of the Adler Planetarium of Chicago.

Kathleen Hogenson retires from Verisk's Board of Directors

Verisk also announced that Kathleen Hogenson has retired from its Board of Directors. Hogenson was elected to the Board of Directors in 2016 and served on the Audit, Executive and Risk committees, chairing the Audit Committee.

"On behalf of my colleagues on the board and the Verisk team, I would like to thank Kathleen for her service and many contributions to Verisk," Hansen said. "Her leadership and counsel have helped guide the company through an important period of transformation, and we are grateful for her commitment to Verisk and its shareholders."

Shavel added: "Kathleen has been a thoughtful and trusted advisor to Verisk, and we appreciate the perspective she brought to the board as we've strengthened our role as a strategic partner to the global insurance industry."

About Verisk

Verisk (Nasdaq: VRSK) is a leading strategic data analytics and technology partner to the global insurance industry. It empowers clients to strengthen operating efficiency, improve underwriting and claims outcomes, combat fraud and make informed decisions about global risks, including climate change, catastrophic events, sustainability and political issues. Through advanced data analytics, software, scientific research and deep industry knowledge, Verisk helps build global resilience for individuals, communities and businesses. With teams across more than 20 countries, Verisk consistently earns certification by Great Place to Work. For more, visit Verisk.com and the Verisk Newsroom.

Meltwater Wins 2026 PRWeek Global Award for "Best PR Software or AI Platform"

Thu, 21 May 2026 10:51:00 +0700

The award recognizes Meltwater's AI-powered innovations that provide actionable intelligence for PR, Communications and Marketing teams

SAN FRANCISCO, May 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Meltwater, the global leader in actionable intelligence for PR, Communications and Marketing teams, has been awarded the PRWeek Global Award for Best PR Software or AI Platform, recognizing the company's leadership in building solutions that turn global media, social and AI signals into actionable intelligence organizations can rely on to make faster, more confident decisions.

The award reflects Meltwater's continued investment in AI-powered innovations designed to help teams move beyond passive monitoring and toward proactive, intelligence-driven marketing and communications strategies.

Meltwater Helps Teams Move From Monitoring to Strategic Decision-Making

As narratives move increasingly fast across news, social and AI systems, teams are under growing pressure to understand and act on these shifts in real time. The award from PRWeek recognized several of Meltwater's innovations built to help teams uncover insights faster, reduce manual work, and respond with confidence, including:

* Mira, Meltwater's AI-powered teammate, enables users to surface instant insights through a conversational interface simplifying complex workflows such as news briefings, media list building, brand monitoring, competitor analysis, consumer intelligence and more.

* Explore+, Meltwater's enterprise-grade intelligence platform, unifies media, social and AI signals together into one clear, trusted view of the brand, helping global organizations identify trends, collaborate across regions, and share trusted insights at scale.

* GenAI Lens, the industry's first large language model (LLM) monitoring solution, gives brands visibility into how they are represented across major AI assistants including ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and more, helping organizations understand and shape brand perception in AI-generated responses.

As a result, teams using the Meltwater platform - which analyzes 1.3 billion pieces of content every day across news, social and AI signals - reported up to 60% reductions in reporting time, 30-40% faster insight-to-action, and six-figure savings in operational costs, enabling faster decision-making.

"To succeed today, teams need to stay on top of narratives across more channels and formats than ever before," said John Box, CEO at Meltwater. "At Meltwater, we're focused on building solutions that turn billions of signals into actionable intelligence that tells you what's happening across every channel, what it means, and what to do next. We're proud to see that vision recognized by PRWeek."

PRWeek Recognition Underscores Meltwater's Leadership in Actionable Intelligence

The PRWeek Global Awards recognize excellence and innovation across the communications industry worldwide. Meltwater was selected in the Best PR Software or AI Platform category for demonstrating ease of use, creativity, measurable impact, and innovation for communications professionals.

To learn more about Meltwater's unified intelligence platform, visit meltwater.com.***

Alibaba Announces Comprehensive Full-Stack AI Upgrade for the Agentic Era

Thu, 21 May 2026 10:45:00 +0700

Qwen3.7-Max, upgraded cloud infrastructure and model services, and new T-Head chips announced at Alibaba Cloud Summit

HANGZHOU, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 May 2025 - Alibaba today announced a comprehensive upgrade of its full AI stack?spanning cloud infrastructure and model services, AI chips and foundation models - to empower customers in building, deploying, and scaling AI agents with greater efficiency, reliability, and performance.

Unveiled at the Alibaba Cloud Summit, Qwen3.7-Max is Alibaba's latest large language model, engineered for advanced agentic coding, complex reasoning, and long-horizon task execution. Qwen3.7-Max will be available soon for developers and enterprises worldwide.

To address surging compute and AI workload demands in the agentic era, Alibaba Cloud has also upgraded its infrastructure and model services. Key launches include the Panjiu AL128 Supernode Server, designed to empower scalable agent inference and large-scale model training, and an optimization update within Alibaba's model service platform that continuously refines model performance.

Additionally, T-Head, Alibaba's semiconductor design subsidiary, introduced the Zhenwu M890, its latest AI training and inference processor, featuring high-capacity memory, robust inter-chip bandwidth, and native FP4 precision support.

Qwen 3.7-Max: A Versatile Foundation Model for the Agent Era

Designed as a robust foundation for AI agents, Qwen 3.7-Max seamlessly handles code generation and debugging, office workflow automation, and complex multi-step tasks requiring hundreds or thousands of actions.

The model delivers exceptional agent capabilities across diverse domains. As a frontier-level coding assistant, it supports coding tasks from rapid frontend prototyping to complex, multi-file software engineering. To enhance office work productivity, it reliably orchestrates multi-agent workflows to tackle sophisticated operations. Notably, Qwen 3.7-Max can autonomously execute long-horizon agentic tasks?sustaining continuous operation for up to 35 hours and managing over 1,000 tool calls without performance degradation.

Deeply optimized for leading agent frameworks including OpenClaw, Hermes Agent, Claude Code, Qwen Paw and Qoder, it serves as a reliable backbone for different agent systems. The model achieves top-tier results across major benchmarks in coding, general-purpose agents, general capabilities and multilingualism, making it competitive with leading frontier models. It will be soon accessible through Alibaba's model service platform Model Studio for global developers.

Next-Generation Intelligent Computing and Enhanced Model Services

To empower scalable AI Agent inference and large-scale model training, Alibaba Cloud has launched the Panjiu AL128 Supernode Server, powered by the Zhenwu M890 AI processor and ICN Switch 1.0 networking chip. By tightly integrating 128 AI accelerators within a single rack, the system delivers single-rack bandwidth at the petabyte-per second (PB/s) scale, dramatically improving the handling of large-scale concurrent requests from agents.

The Panjiu AL128 is now available on Model Studio for the China market (or "Bailian"), enabling Chinese enterprises to efficiently address training and inference demands across sectors.

To optimize performance, Bailian has introduced Agentic RL, a reinforcement learning mechanism powered by agent execution feedback, to drive continuous model iteration. Bailian also features built-in safety governance capabilities, ensuring that autonomously operating agents always remain within defined boundaries.

T-Head's Latest Chips and Software Stack for AI Training and Inferencing

T-Head's latest AI accelerator, the Zhenwu M890, delivers three times the performance of its predecessor Zhenwu 810E. Zhenwu M890 features 144 gigabytes (GB) of GPU memory and 800 GB per second of inter-chip bandwidth. The chip natively supports multiple data precision formats, ranging from FP32 (32-bit floating-point) down to FP4 (4-bit floating-point), supporting both high-precision model training and ultra-low-precision model inference. These capabilities make it exceptionally well-suited for complex agentic AI workloads, which demand extensive working memory for context retention, high-speed communication for multi-agent coordination, and low-precision computing to maintain rapid execution while reducing cost. The chip is built on T-Head's proprietary parallel computing architecture and utilizes its custom ICN (Inter-Chip Network) interconnect protocol.

Alongside the accelerator, T-Head unveiled the ICN Switch 1.0, a dedicated switching chip designed to create high-bandwidth, low-latency scale-up networks for compute clusters. It delivers up to 25.6 Tbps of aggregate bandwidth and achieves extreme low latencyand congestion-free communication. By pairing the Zhenwu M890 with the ICN Switch 1.0 chip, it enables full-bandwidth interconnection across 64 accelerators, significantly boosting the computational efficiency and stability of large-scale intelligent computing. T-Head also unveiled its proprietary software stack, T-Head SAIL, to unleash the full computational potential for its chips.

T-Head has achieved widespread industrial adoption of its proprietary AI chips, with over 560,000 Zhenwu units delivered to date. More than 400 external customers across 20 industries, including leading automakers and financial services companies, have deployed the chips to power intelligent operations.

Hashtag: #Alibaba

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

FWD survey: Over 60% of Hong Kong and Macau citizens feel stressed about personal finances

Thu, 21 May 2026 10:40:00 +0700

Respondents expect a need of HKD6.4 million in savings to retire "Longevity risk" may lead to a four-year wealth span gap post-retirement

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 May 2026? FWD Hong Kong ("FWD") has released findings of the latest "Consumer Outlook Survey", revealing a general lack of confidence among the public regarding their personal financial prospects. 64% of respondents feel "stressed, worried, or getting by" with their personal finances.

This pressure is compounded by their financial concerns for the next five to ten years, with 58% most worried about the "rising cost of everyday living", followed by the "high cost of healthcare" (48%) and "not saving enough for a comfortable retirement" (47%).

Respondents expect a need of HKD6

A potential four-year wealth span gap in retirement as savings fall short of actual needs

Retirement planning also presents considerable challenges. The survey, which interviewed over 1,000 citizens across Hong Kong and Macau?, found that respondents expect to retire at an average age of 62, whilst estimating they will require an average of HKD6.4 million in savings to support their retirement years. However, they believe their savings will last for only 20 years, until approximately age 82. Based on the latest Hong Kong government statistics, the average life expectancy in Hong Kong stands at approximately 86 years?, which suggests that individuals could face an average wealth span gap of up to four years post-retirement.

Ken Lau, Managing Director, Greater China and Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer, FWD, said: "Hong Kong ranked as the world's longest-living region for ten consecutive years as public health awareness continues to grow3. However, amid rising inflation and escalating healthcare expenses, a potential gap emerges between the public's anticipated retirement savings and their actual savings requirements. This 'longevity risk' must not be overlooked. FWD deeply recognises the challenges and protection needs of individuals throughout different life stages, and we are committed to actively bridging the protection gaps through innovative products and support services. Whether for health protection or wealth management solutions, we are dedicated to being a solid partner for our customers, empowering them to navigate the future with confidence and celebrate living."

Different generations face varied financial challenges: Over 70% of the "Sandwich generation" prioritises family expenses over personal retirement savings; over 60% of respondents aged 45-65 concern savings growth cannot keep pace with rising living cost

The survey found that different generations are grappling with distinct financial concerns:

Gen Z (aged 21-29) - The young generation expecting to retire earliest, yet to act on financial planning:

On average, they expect to retire at 60, the earliest among all generations, and they anticipate needing HKD7.6 million for retirement, also the highest across all generations.

This high expectation contrasts sharply with their financial planning efforts, where fewer than two in ten(16%) report actively taking concrete steps to safeguard their financial future.

Gen Y (aged 30-44) - The "Sandwich generation" bearing the burden of intergenerational care:

57% report that financial support for parents or children accounts for over 20% of their income.

When faced with additional funds, 71% would prioritise investing in "family's emergency fund", "children's education", or "parents' future healthcare or long-term care", rather than their own retirement savings.

29% admit they lack confidence in handling unexpected medical expenses for their family.

Gen X (aged 45-65) - The conservative planners focusing on wealth preservation and inflation-proofing:

While this generation has started planning for retirement, 62% are concerned that "savings cannot keep up with the rising cost of living", and 36% plan to work part-time or on flexible basis after retirement to supplement their income.

When choosing retirement solutions, their most desired product features are "guaranteed lifelong income" (58%), followed by "ensuring retirement income grows can keep up with rising costs" (54%), reflecting their emphasis on stable cash flow and wealth preservation.

Clear financial goals but a lack of action - FWD's diversified solutions support the public's overall planning needs

Despite having clear financial planning goals, a significant "say-do gap" in execution is evident. The survey shows that 43% of respondents have not consulted with a financial advisor to review their financial plan, and 30% are not making regular contributions to a retirement fund. Taking the "Sandwich generation" as an example, whilst nearly 40% (39%) express a desire for "a single policy that covers multiple family members", up to 64% lack awareness of such solutions.

Kelvin Yu, Chief Proposition and Healthcare Officer, FWD Hong Kong & Macau, said: "Thanks to ongoing medical technology progress, many diseases treatment options are becoming increasingly sophisticated and personalised, enhancing treatment outcome and patients' quality of life. However, escalating healthcare expenses pose a challenge to individuals' overall financial planning. Therefore, establishing a robust and flexible safety net encompassing both health protection and wealth management is an indispensable component of financial planning across different life stages. FWD continuously drives product innovation, providing solutions such as 'One&All Medical Insurance Plan' which is affordable for all and offering various levels of protection, 'vFamily Medical Plan', and 'MaxFocus Legacy II Insurance Plan' designed for asset growth and legacy planning. Through these diverse and flexible solutions, we continuously support the public's healthcare needs and their overall financial planning."

FWD is committed to addressing the needs of different generations by filling market protection gaps with innovative products

To address the need of "Sandwich generation" for family medical protection, FWD's "One&All Medical Insurance Plan" allows the insured to add optional benefits4 for their parents who can be covered without health underwriting. Furthermore, FWD's "vFamily Medical Plan" (Certification Number: F00072)5 under the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme offers the flexibility for the Insured Person to cover multiple children under a single policy with Family Booster for Child Option (Optional Benefit)6, providing coverage to support the healthcare need of a family across two generations7.

In response to the public's desire for stable wealth growth, FWD's flagship wealth management product, the "MaxFocus Legacy II Insurance Plan", features one of the market's fastest expected total break-even period8 with long-term wealth growth potential to counter inflation challenges, whilst providing customers with greater certainty and flexibility for their legacy planning.

1. The survey was commissioned by FWD and conducted by an independent research agency in the first quarter of 2025, interviewing a total of 1,008 citizens aged 21 to 65 residing in Hong Kong and Macau.

2. According to the "Hong Kong Monthly Digest of Statistics" published by the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in March 2026, the provisional figure for the average life expectancy at birth for Hong Kong males in 2025 was 83.3 years, and 88.7 years for females, averaging approximately 86 years.

3. According to the "Hong Kong Monthly Digest of Statistics" published by the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in March 2026.

4. The "Family Booster for Parent Option" is an optional benefit available when the policyholder selects Level Connect of the plan. Any benefit amount paid under the Family Booster for Parent Option will not count toward any applicable benefit limits under this plan and will not affect the insured person's eligibility for benefits and/or no-claim premium discounts under this plan.

5. vFamily Medical Plan (Certification Number: F00072) is a Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme plan underwritten by FWD Life Insurance Company (Bermuda) Limited (incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability) (VHIS provider registration number: 00036). The above information is intended to be distributed in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region only and shall not be construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy or the provision of any insurance products of FWD outside the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

6. Family Booster for Child Option is an optional benefit selected by the Policyholder at the time of application for vFamily Medical Plan and is not part of the VHIS certified plan ? vFamily Medical Plan (Certification Number: F00072). The benefit amount(s) paid shall not be counted towards any benefit limit(s) as applicable under the terms and benefits of vFamily Medical Plan and shall not affect the coverage available to the insured person of vFamily Medical Plan and/or the eligibility of no claims premium discount of vFamily Medical Plan. The premiums you paid (if any) for the Family Booster for Child Option are not eligible for claiming tax deduction and individual and extra no claims premium discounts available under vFamily Medical Plan. For more details on Family Booster for Child Option, please refer to the product brochure of Family Booster for Child Option (Optional Benefit).

7. In addition to providing coverage for the Insured Person under vFamily Medical Plan, if the Policy Holder applies for Family Booster for Child Option, each of the vFamily Medical Plan's Insured Person's current and/or future children will be entitled to coverage and/or rights under Family Booster for Child Option after the nomination is approved, subject to the corresponding waiting period, benefit limit (if applicable) and terms and conditions.

8. Based on a comparison made by FWD with life insurance plans from major insurance companies in Hong Kong as of 31 October 2025, the expected total return is the fastest in the market. The above example assumes: (i) age next birthday 1, male non-smoker, 2 years premium payment with policy currency of US$, notional amount: US$100,000, annual premium: US$100,000, total premiums paid: US$200,000, (ii) premiums are paid annually and all premiums and applicable insurance levies are paid in full when due, (iii) no cash withdrawal has been made, (iv) no claims have been paid, (v) there is no indebtedness under the policy, (vi) the notional amount of the basic plan remains unchanged throughout the benefit term, (vii) the change of insured option, premium holiday, bonus lock-in option, policy currency conversion option, smart legacy option, policy-split option and incapacity benefit have not been exercised. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Hashtag: #FWDHongKong

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Green SM Partners With Korlantas Polri To Advance Driver Safety Standards In Indonesia

Thu, 21 May 2026 10:34:00 +0700

JAKARTA, INDONESIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 May 2026 - Green SM, Indonesia's first all-electric ride-hailing service, has partnered with the Traffic Corps of the Indonesian National Police (Korlantas Polri) to launch a large-scale driver safety and professional standards training program in Indonesia. The initiative begins with more than 300 driver partners and is expected to expand to approximately 7,000 participants nationwide this year.

Held at the Indonesia Safety Driving Center (ISDC) in Serpong on May 18, 2026, the program provided participants with practical instruction in defensive driving, emergency response, professional driving ethics, and Indonesian traffic regulations. The initiative combines classroom learning with hands-on exercises conducted in a controlled training environment at one of Indonesia's leading driving safety facilities. The program reflects Green SM's long-term commitment to building a professional driver network while promoting safer mobility experiences and higher service standards for Indonesian communities.

Since its launch in Indonesia in December 2024, Green SM had already implemented regular internal training programs for driver partners, focusing on safe driving practices, real-world situation handling, customer service standards, and traffic law compliance. Through this partnership, Green SM aims to further strengthen and standardize its training initiatives while also contributing to broader road safety awareness across Indonesia.

As of April 2026, Green SM vehicles have traveled more than 109 million kilometers across Indonesia, contributing to the reduction of approximately 20.9 thousand tons of CO2 emisssions, equivalent to the annual carbon absorption capacity of more than 964 thousand trees. As the company continues to expand, Green SM remains focused on supporting driver capability development and service quality initiatives to support safer and more reliable mobility experiences. Safety remains one of Green SM's core operational priorities, spanning driver training, service standards, and the overall customer journey across every ride.

Korlantas Polri, the national authority responsible for traffic management, law enforcement, and road safety education across Indonesia, is supporting the initiative as part of broader efforts to encourage safer and more disciplined driving practices nationwide.

This program marks an important first step in the collaboration between Green SM and Korlantas Polri. Both parties expect to explore additional initiatives in the future to promote responsible driving practices and contribute positively to Indonesia's evolving transportation ecosystem.

Mr. Deny Tjia, Managing Director of Green SM Indonesia, shared: "Our driver partners represent Green SM in every journey they complete. Through this program, we aim to strengthen their practical driving skills, road safety awareness, and service professionalism, while continuing to elevate the overall customer experience across Indonesia. At Green SM, safety is not only an operational standard, but also a long-term commitment embedded in how we develop and deliver our services in Indonesia. We are honored to work with Korlantas Polri and hope this collaboration can create meaningful benefits for both our drivers and the wider community."

Head of the Traffic Corps (Kakorlantas) of the Indonesian National Police, Inspector General Agus Suryonugroho, stated, "The training is part of an effort to promote road safety, security, order, and smooth traffic flow. This collaboration in enhancing driver capabilities is important as part of efforts to improve driver professionalism, as the driver aspect plays a crucial role. We hope this initiative can serve as a benchmark."

Through this initiative, Green SM and Korlantas Polri aim to promote higher standards of responsibility and professionalism that benefit drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and the broader transportation ecosystem across Indonesia.

Hashtag: #GreenSM

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Photo: Deny Tjia, Managing Director of Green SM Indonesia, with Dirkamsel Korlantas Polri Brigadier General Pol. Prianto, following the signing of a MoU at the opening of Green SM's driver safety training program at ISDC Serpong, May 18, 2026.

Pembiayaan UMKM oleh Jenfi Tembus US$100 Juta di Asia Tenggara

Thu, 21 May 2026 10:30:00 +0700

SINGAPURA, May 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jenfi, platform kredit UMKM yang berfokus pada Asia Tenggara, hari ini mengumumkan telah melampaui total penyaluran pembiayaan sebesar US$100 juta di kawasan Asia Tenggara, yang menandai pencapaian signifikan dalam ekspansi berkelanjutan perusahaan di Singapura dan Vietnam.

Beroperasi di dua pasar UMKM terbesar di Asia Tenggara, Jenfi menghadirkan solusi pembiayaan pertumbuhan dan modal kerja bagi pelaku usaha yang belum terlayani melalui kombinasi infrastruktur penjaminan milik sendiri, data alternatif, serta kemitraan dengan institusi penyedia modal.

Sejak berdiri, Jenfi telah mengevaluasi lebih dari 30.000 permohonan pembiayaan UMKM di Asia Tenggara sekaligus terus memperkuat infrastruktur penjaminan dan pemantauan portofolio guna mendukung penyaluran kredit yang skalabel serta mempercepat proses pencairan pembiayaan.

Seiring perkembangannya, Jenfi telah berevolusi dari penyedia pembiayaan berbasis pendapatan menjadi platform kredit UMKM yang lebih luas dengan mendukung berbagai struktur pembiayaan, mulai pembiayaan pertumbuhan usaha, modal kerja, hingga pembiayaan rantai pasok.

Jenfi terus berinvestasi dalam otomatisasi penjaminan yang didukung AI serta infrastruktur operasional yang dirancang untuk meningkatkan efisiensi modal dan kemampuan pengambilan keputusan kredit. Platform Jenfi saat ini dapat memberikan keputusan penjaminan pada hari yang sama bagi pemohon yang memenuhi kriteria serta mempertahankan portofolio yang menghasilkan IRR bruto di atas 40%.

Perusahaan ini telah menyelesaikan lebih dari 2.400 pembiayaan di seluruh Asia Tenggara dan secara historis mencatat tingkat penggunaan kembali yang tinggi di kalangan peminjam yang memenuhi syarat. Hal ini mencerminkan permintaan yang terus berlanjut terhadap solusi pembiayaan yang fleksibel di pasar-pasar utamanya.

"Asia Tenggara terus menghadapi kesenjangan kredit UMKM yang signifikan, terutama bagi pelaku usaha yang belum terlayani oleh skema pinjaman tradisional berbasis agunan," ujar Jeffrey Liu, Pendiri dan CEO Jenfi.

"Pencapaian nilai pembiayaan sebesar US$100 juta ini mencerminkan kekuatan infrastruktur penjaminan, disiplin operasional, serta kemitraan dengan berbagai institusi yang telah kami bangun selama ini. Kami yakin masih terdapat peluang besar untuk terus membangun infrastruktur penjaminan dan pembiayaan yang lebih skalabel bagi UMKM yang belum terlayani di seluruh Asia Tenggara."

Ke depannya, Jenfi berencana untuk terus memperluas kemitraan pendanaan dengan berbagai institusi, kemampuan pembiayaan tertanam, serta infrastruktur penjaminan guna membangun platform kredit UMKM yang lebih luas di Asia Tenggara.

Tentang Jenfi

Jenfi adalah platform kredit UMKM yang berfokus pada Asia Tenggara dan membangun infrastruktur penjaminan serta pembiayaan bagi pelaku usaha yang belum terlayani di kawasan ini. Beroperasi di Singapura dan Vietnam, perusahaan ini memadukan model kredit milik sendiri, data alternatif, serta kemitraan dengan institusi penyedia modal untuk menghadirkan solusi pembiayaan pertumbuhan dan modal kerja yang skalabel bagi UMKM yang berkembang.

Kontak Media

Jenfi

press@jenfi.com

https://www.jenfi.com

Alibaba Announces Comprehensive Full-Stack AI Upgrade for the Agentic Era

Thu, 21 May 2026 10:27:00 +0700

Qwen3.7-Max, upgraded cloud infrastructure and model services, and new T-Head chips announced at Alibaba Cloud Summit

HANGZHOU, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 May 2025 - Alibaba today announced a comprehensive upgrade of its full AI stack spanning cloud infrastructure and model services, AI chips and foundation models -to empower customers in building, deploying, and scaling AI agents with greater efficiency, reliability, and performance.

Qwen 3.7-Max: A Versatile Foundation Model for the Agent Era

The model delivers exceptional agent capabilities across diverse domains. As a frontier-level coding assistant, it supports coding tasks from rapid frontend prototyping to complex, multi-file software engineering. To enhance office work productivity, it reliably orchestrates multi-agent workflows to tackle sophisticated operations. Notably, Qwen 3.7-Max can autonomously execute long-horizon agentic tasks--sustaining continuous operation for up to 35 hours and managing over 1,000 tool calls without performance degradation.

Next-Generation Intelligent Computing and Enhanced Model Services

The Panjiu AL128 is now available on Model Studio for the China market (or "Bailian"), enabling Chinese enterprises to efficiently address training and inference demands across sectors.

T-Head's Latest Chips and Software Stack for AI Training and Inferencing

Alongside the accelerator, T-Head unveiled the ICN Switch 1.0, a dedicated switching chip designed to create high-bandwidth, low-latency scale-up networks for compute clusters. It delivers up to 25.6 Tbps of aggregate bandwidth and achieves extreme low latencyand congestion-free communication. By pairing the Zhenwu M890 with the ICN Switch 1.0 chip, it enables full-bandwidth interconnection across 64 accelerators, significantly boosting the computational efficiency and stability of large+scale intelligent computing. T-Head also unveiled its proprietary software stack, T+Head SAIL?, to unleash the full computational potential for its chips.

Three Converging Pressures Will Reshape Australia's Employer-Sponsored Visa Program in 2026-27, AustraliaMigrate Forecasts

Thu, 21 May 2026 10:25:00 +0700

CHATSWOOD, NSW, May 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CHATSWOOD, NSW - May 18, 2026 - -

AustraliaMigrate, the Chatswood-based MARA-registered migration agency founded in 2000 by Director and Principal Registered Migration Agent Ian Singer (MARN 0001947), has released its 2026-27 forecast for Australia's Employer Sponsored Visa program. The agency identifies three converging pressures that will reshape how Australian employers sponsor overseas talent: the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) lift on 1 July 2026, intensified payroll data matching between the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), and accelerating sector-specific shortages in healthcare, construction trades and data-related occupations.

The first pressure is the salary floor lift on 1 July 2026. From that date, the Core Skills Income Threshold for Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand), Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) and Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) nominations rises from AUD $76,515 to AUD $79,499. The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) rises from AUD $141,210 to AUD $146,717. The 3.9 per cent lift mirrors Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) growth and is indexed automatically under regulation 5.42A of the Migration Regulations 1994. AustraliaMigrate forecasts a measurable spike in nomination lodgements during June 2026 as employers with offers between the old and new thresholds move to lock in the lower floor. The applicable threshold is set by the date of nomination lodgement, not the date of decision. The Skilling Australians Fund Levy remains at $1,200 per year of nomination for small businesses with an annual turnover under $10 million, and $1,800 per year for larger businesses, subject to any adjustments in the 12 May 2026 Federal Budget.

The second pressure point is sponsor compliance. Quarterly payroll data matching between the ATO and Home Affairs is now operating. Sponsored workers whose actual salary, occupation or work location does not match the approved nomination are automatically flagged. AustraliaMigrate predicts the first wave of sponsor breach notices arising from this matching will appear during the third quarter of 2026, many of them triggered by payroll system errors, role drift on the job, or unauthorised secondments rather than deliberate non-compliance. For Australian employers, this means sponsorship compliance is no longer a one-time check at lodgement. It is a live obligation across the entire life of the nomination, and a breach finding can carry a future sponsorship bar.

The third pressure is sector demand. The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) currently covers more than 450 occupations. A revised CSOL is expected during 2026 following stakeholder consultation, with AustraliaMigrate forecasting expanded coverage across three priority areas. Healthcare and aged care are driving Labour Agreement and Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) arrangements where salaries sit below CSIT, but demand is severe. Construction trades - carpenters, electricians, plumbers and concreters - are supported by housing-supply policy pressure. Data and digital roles continue to grow on the list, with Data Analyst and Supply Chain Analyst added to the CSOL in the 2024-25 update, and further data-engineering and AI-related additions likely during the upcoming revision. The Specialist Skills stream, which carries a Department processing target of approximately seven days and operates without an occupation list, will continue to attract technology employers willing to structure offers above the $146,717 SSIT to bypass CSOL constraints.

"The 1 July threshold lift is $2,984 on paper, but it changes the maths on hundreds of nominations sitting in the pipeline. Employers with offers between the old and new thresholds have a six-week window where lodging before 30 June is the rational decision. The bigger story is compliance - quarterly payroll matching means a sponsor breach can now be triggered by a payroll system error rather than a deliberate act. Decision-ready nominations are no longer a best-practice recommendation. They are a risk management requirement," said Ian Singer, Director and Principal Registered Migration Agent at AustraliaMigrate, MARN 0001947.

AustraliaMigrate's 2026-27 outlook points to continued strength in the two-year onshore Permanent Residence pathway from Subclass 482 to the Subclass 186 TRT stream. With the work experience requirement reduced from two years to one in December 2024 and the post-employment grace period extended to 180 days, the agency expects 186 TRT applications to climb materially through 2026-27, particularly in sectors where local recruitment cannot close the gap. AustraliaMigrate provides decision-ready nomination preparation, sponsor compliance reviews and applicant-side advice across Subclass 482, 186 and 494 pathways. Full service details for employer-sponsored pathways are available at australiamigrate.com.

Several practical points sit alongside the forecast. The new Core Skills Income Threshold of AUD $79,499 applies to nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026; nominations lodged before that date are assessed against the current $76,515 threshold, even if decided after 1 July. The CSIT applies to the Core Skills stream of the Subclass 482 visa and to all streams of the Subclass 186 visa, while the Subclass 494 is assessed against either the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) or the CSIT, depending on the nomination configuration. The Core Skills stream requires the occupation to appear on the CSOL and the salary to meet the CSIT. The Specialist Skills stream has no occupation list but requires a salary at or above the SSIT of $146,717 from 1 July 2026, with a Department processing target of approximately seven days. Existing visa holders are not affected by the indexation; the new CSIT applies only to new nominations lodged from 1 July 2026, although sponsors must still meet ongoing market salary rate and annual earnings obligations across the life of every visa they hold.

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For more information about Australia Migrate Pty Ltd, contact the company here:

Australia Migrate Pty Ltd

Ian Singer

0294116000

ian@australiamigrate.com

Suite 601, 10 Help Street, Chatswood NSW 2067, Australia