Day: May 15, 2023

New York, May 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  CertiK, the New York-based blockchain security company, and Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, announced the signing of a partnership to provide blockchain security services to cloud-based Web3 projects. Web3 developers can now accelerate their development process and secure their applications and smart contracts with CertiK’s Security Suite and Alibaba Cloud’s scalable, highly efficient, and secure infrastructure.

Cloud-based computing services have driven the evolution of communications technology over the last decade, and cybersecurity has played a key role. New technology is not suitable for mass adoption until it has proven itself to be secure, which is exactly what CertiK is bringing to Alibaba Cloud’s Blockchain as a Service (BaaS) platform.

Blockchain is a novel technology that unlocks powerful new ways to perform secure, decentralized, and highly-efficient distributed computing. The integration of Web3 applications, smart contracts, and blockchains is the next step in the evolution of cloud computing.

With this new partnership, developers and enterprises can conduct code reviews, risk assessments, team identity verification, background checks, and more using the services and tools provided by CertiK and deployed on Alibaba Cloud.

Alibaba Cloud has gone live with CertiK’s smart contract auditing service and Layer 1 blockchain auditing service fully integrated. In the near future, penetration testing and CertiK’s Skynet due diligence tool will also be introduced, providing end-to-end security solutions.

“We’re excited to bring our years of blockchain security experience to Alibaba Cloud’s platform,” said CertiK co-founder, Prof. Ronghui Gu. “We’ve believed in the power of blockchain technology for over half a decade, and to see Alibaba Cloud commit to this same vision and embrace a comprehensive approach to security is extremely rewarding. We look forward to bringing secure blockchain development and deployment to the widest audience possible.”

“Alibaba Cloud has always been committed to providing customers with safe and reliable cloud computing services, and actively promoting the development of new technologies and applications. This cooperation will provide us with more comprehensive technical support and security solutions to better serve the blockchain and Web3 ecosystem,” said Raymond Xiao, Head of International Web3 Solutions, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence

CertiK experts will monitor deployments to Alibaba Cloud environments, helping developers and enterprises perform secure cloud computing, maintain high-uptime cloud storage, and build secure infrastructure, while automated tools run behind the scenes and around the clock.

In addition, the upcoming Skynet vulnerability scanning platform scans code and identifies vulnerabilities in real time, providing developers with real-time monitoring and remediation recommendations.

Beyond the integration of the Security Suite, CertiK and Alibaba Cloud will support the continued growth of the Web3 world through the joint organization of hackathons, developer education sessions, and application development programs.                                               

About CertiK

CertiK is a pioneer in blockchain security, leveraging best-in-class AI technology and expert manual review to protect and monitor blockchain protocols and smart contracts. Founded in 2018 by professors from Yale University and Columbia University, CertiK secures the Web3 world, by applying cutting-edge innovations from academia to enterprise, enabling mission-critical applications to scale with safety and correctness. CertiK has audited more than 3,900 Web3 projects and secured hundreds of billions of dollars of market capitalization. 

Media Contact:
Reannah Smith
reannah@lunapr.io

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000810060

LONDON and ATLANTA, May 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, announced that Waterline, the UK’s largest supplier to the independent kitchen specialist sector, is supporting business growth by enhancing the operational efficiency of its fleet delivery and customer service operations using Descartes’ cloud-based route planning and optimization; pre-delivery customer email notifications; and electronic proof-of delivery (ePOD) solutions. With the solutions, Waterline has achieved a four percent reduction in fleet mileage and decreased customer contact center enquiries by 50 percent.

“Waterline runs successful ecommerce, logistics and customer service operations. However, in order to support our growth and to continue to deliver exceptional customer service, we explored what systems we could invest in to become more efficient. More effective route planning, pre-delivery customer email notifications, and ePOD all formed part of the answer,” said Matt Elborough, Head of Logistics at Waterline. “Today, not only are we creating more efficient routes and delivering goods more accurately, we’re building better customer relationships too.

“Descartes has reduced our delivery route planning from a few hours per day to a matter of minutes and enabled more effective overnight runs. This has allowed us to focus on other areas of the business, such as compliance management and driver training. Further, since deploying Descartes’ pre-delivery customer email notifications (with delivery ETAs) and ePOD, communication with customers has improved, resulting in approximately 50% fewer calls to our contact center. Having route planning and ePOD all on one platform is a real advantage— deliveries and routes are planned, executed and tracked all on one system.”

Part of its last mile delivery solution, Descartes’ route planning and optimization solution reduces costs with more agile and efficient routing. It helps to create a more sustainable fleet operation by generating additional delivery capacity, reducing the CO2 footprint, and eliminating the use of paper for manual processes across the delivery operation. With strategic route modelling capabilities, fleet operators can understand and optimize their delivery and customer service strategies before executing them. Descartes’ mobile application helps drivers perform their daily routes, keeps managers aware of the progress and provides an accurate estimated-time-of-arrival (ETA) to notify customers of their deliveries. ePOD capabilities support customer service excellence and order accuracy through real-time mobile communication.

“Waterline has the right product and operational capabilities to fulfill and ship to customers fast and accurately, and to continue to deliver a great customer experience as it grows,” said Peio Ribas, SVP Sales EMENAR at Descartes. “We’re delighted that our route planning and optimization solution, pre-delivery customer email notifications, and electronic proof of delivery are supporting Waterline with more timely, accurate and efficient deliveries.”

About Waterline

Waterline was established in 1985 and became part of the Crown Imperial group of companies in 2011. It is the UK’s largest supplier to the independent kitchen specialist sector. With its distribution head office in Newport Pagnell and depots in Bolton and Bristol, it is ideally located to satisfy customers’ requirements nationally. Waterline’s product portfolio comprises the best brands in kitchen furniture, appliances, sinks, taps and ancillary kitchen products. Please browse through its web site to discover the world of Waterline and what it is able to offer its customers. https://www.waterline.co.uk/

About Descartes

Descartes (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG) is the global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, security and sustainability of logistics-intensive businesses. Customers use our modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, track and help improve the safety, performance and compliance of delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; access global trade data; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in the world’s largest, collaborative multimodal logistics community. Our headquarters are in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and we have offices and partners around the world. Learn more at www.descartes.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Global Media Contact
Cara Strohack
Tel: +1(800) 419-8495 ext. 202025
cstrohack@descartes.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (“forward-looking statements”) that relate to Descartes’ solution offerings and potential benefits derived therefrom; and other matters. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the factors and assumptions discussed in the section entitled, “Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results” in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Ontario Securities Commission and other securities commissions across Canada including Descartes’ most recently filed management’s discussion and analysis. If any such risks actually occur, they could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In that case, the trading price of our common shares could decline, perhaps materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purposes of providing information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8838953

VCI Global to introduce clients to Upstream for secondary trading on a digital-first market

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VCI Global Limited (NASDAQ: VCIG) (“VCI Global”, or the “Company”) today announced it has signed a Partnership Agreement with Horizon Fintex Advisors, Ltd. (“HFA”), a registered sponsor advisor to Upstream, a MERJ Exchange securities market. This HFA partnership works to add immense value to VCI Global’s expanding business advisory practice by offering VCI clients a streamlined path to dual list on Upstream’s next generation market and reach a digital-first investor base.

HFA comes to VCI Global with an impressive track record of success in listing companies on Upstream, which has allowed them to develop a valuable network of investors and issuers. This network, combined with VCI Global’s innovative consulting and advisory services, is expected to lead the Company to even greater heights.

Commercially, if a VCI Global client that’s listed on the Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (“Bursa Malaysia”), or any other global stock exchange, lists on Upstream, then VCI Global will share in HFA’s sponsor advisory listing fee, and VCI Global may also share in IPO fees for its clients that raise capital on Upstream.

Upstream is a regulated securities exchange that offers primary listings as well as dual listing opportunities to NASDAQ, NYSE and over the counter (OTC) market issuers as well as international stock exchanges including Bursa Malaysia, EURONEXT, ASX, NSX, TSX, and CSE.  An Upstream listing opens issuers to a global, digital first, investor-base that can trade U.S. and international securities using digital payment rails, credit card, debit card, PayPal, or USD.

Uniquely, Upstream investors are directly connected to the exchange with their Upstream app, which eliminates the need for a stockbroker middleman. Listing on Upstream brings public price discovery on a secondary trading market operating a transparent, blockchain driven, orderbook where everyone sees level-2 bids and offers. Upstream does not allow predatory manipulative activities including short selling, stock lending, wash trades, layering or spoofing that may negatively impact other capital markets. Upstream traders experience real-time trades 20 hours a day, 5 days a week, peer-to-peer, instant settlement, with no market makers, and no payment for order flow.

In addition to dual listing, Upstream issuers may also take advantage of web3 investor engagement opportunities including a digital coupon program which aims to turn shareholders into customers and customers into shareholders. Digital coupons can offer rewards, product discounts and services that can be redeemed or even traded to invite new customers in.

“We are excited to partner with HFA to bring global liquidity and cross border price discovery to our existing consultancy business clients and integrate Upstream’s innovative NFT strategies to the clients of our pending acquisition of LOCUS-T,” said Dato Victor Hoo, Chairman and Group Director of VCI Global.

“Upstream’s trading app is free to download and invites investors of all levels to trade securities and NFTs from anywhere at any time. Our app offers real-time stock quotes and instant trade settlement, and can be funded with local currency using PayPal, credit card, USDC or bank transfer. We are thrilled to have partnered with VCI Global in listing their Malaysian clients on Upstream and expanding their investor base,” said Brian Collins, Managing Director, Horizon Fintex Advisors.

About VCI Global Limited:

VCI Global is a multi-disciplinary consulting group with key advisory practices in the areas of business and technology. The Company provides business and boardroom strategy services, investor relation services, and technology consultancy services. Its clients range from small-medium enterprises and government-linked agencies to publicly traded companies across a broad array of industries. VCI Global operates solely in Malaysia, with clients predominantly from Malaysia, but also serves some clients from China, Singapore, and the US.

For more information on the Company, please log on to https://v-capital.co.

About Upstream:

Upstream, a MERJ Exchange market (https://merj.exchange), is a fully regulated global stock exchange for digital securities. Powered by Horizon Fintex’s (https://horizonfintex.com) proprietary matching engine technology, the exchange enables investors to trade shares in dual listed companies, NFTs, shares in IPOs, crowdfunded companies, U.S. & Int’l. equities, and celebrity ventures directly from the app: https://upstream.exchange. Interested issuers can reach the team at hello@upstream.exchange.

About MERJ:

MERJ Exchange (MERJ) operates Upstream as a fully regulated and licensed integrated securities exchange, clearing system and depository for digital and non-digital securities. MERJ is an affiliate of the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), recognized by HM Revenue and Customs UK, a full member of the Association of National Numbering Agencies (ANNA) and a Qualifying Foreign Exchange for OTC Markets in the US. MERJ is also a member of the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative. Visit https://merj.exchange/ to learn more.

About HFA:
Horizon Fintex Advisors (“HFA”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Horizon Globex GmbH, a fintech company that builds and powers global securities exchanges with an integrated suite of software for compliant issuance, management, and secondary trading of securities. Our in-house solutions combine Wall Street and Silicon Valley to power the next generation of securities offerings and trading in the U.S. and globally. Learn more at https://horizonfintex.com/.  HFA is registered as a Sponsor Advisor with MERJ Exchange Limited (“Exchange”). HFA’s primary responsibility and duty of care as a Sponsor Advisor is owed to the Exchange and it must ensure that the admission of a company to MERJ and its conduct following admission do not impact adversely on the reputation or integrity of the Exchange. For a Sponsor Advisor, the reputation and integrity of the market are of paramount importance.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Such statements include statements regarding the Company’s ability to grow its business and other statements that are not historical facts, including statements which may be accompanied by the words “intends,” “may,” “will,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “estimates,” “aims,” “believes,” “hopes,” “potential” or similar words. Actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, including without limitation, the Company’s ability to achieve profitable operations, customer acceptance of new products, the effects of the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and future measures taken by authorities in the countries wherein the Company has supply chain partners, the demand for the Company’s products and the Company’s customers economic condition, the impact of competitive products and pricing, successfully managing and, general economic conditions and other risk factors detailed in the Company’s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release, except in accordance with applicable law.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell securities or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction where such offer or solicitation is not permitted.

NFTs have no royalties, equity ownership, or dividends. NFTs are for utility, collection, redemption or display purposes only. Anyone may buy and sell NFTs on Upstream. 

U.S. or Canadian-based citizen or permanent are not currently able to deposit, buy, or sell securities on Upstream at this time without being introduced by a licensed broker dealer. Note that U.S. or Canadian-based investors include those U.S. or Canadian citizens who may be domiciled overseas. 

Upstream is a MERJ Exchange market. MERJ Exchange is a licensed Securities Exchange, an affiliate of the World Federation of Exchanges, a National Numbering Agency and member of ANNA. MERJ supports global issuers of traditional and digital securities through the entire asset life cycle from issuance to trading, clearing, settlement, and registry. It operates a fair and transparent marketplace in line with international best practices and principles of operations of financial markets. Upstream does not endorse or recommend any public or private securities bought or sold on its app. Upstream does not offer investment advice or recommendations of any kind. All services offered by Upstream are intended for self-directed clients who make their own investment decisions without aid or assistance from Upstream. All customers are subject to the rules and regulations of their jurisdiction. By accessing the site or app, you agreed to be bound by its terms of use and privacy policy. Company and security listings on Upstream are only suitable for investors who are familiar with and willing to accept the high risk associated with speculative investments, often in early and development stage companies. There can be no assurance the valuation of any particular company’s securities is accurate or in agreement with the market or industry comparative valuations. Investors must be able to afford market volatility and afford the loss of their investment. Companies listed on Upstream are subject to significant ongoing corporate obligations including, but not limited to disclosure, filings, and notification requirements, as well as compliance with applicable quantitative and qualitative listing standards.

Contact Information:
Issued by Imej Jiwa Communications Sdn Bhd on behalf of VCI Global Limited

For media queries, please contact:
Imej Jiwa Communications Sdn Bhd
Email: chris@imejjiwa.com

HFA Contact:
Vanessa Malone
Email: Vanessa@horizonfintex.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8839270

Trackinsight announces the release of the 2023 Global ETF Survey in partnership with J.P. Morgan Asset Management and State Street.

Paris, France — May 15th, 2023 — Trackinsight, the leading independent ETF database platform, is pleased to announce the release of its 4th Global ETF Survey 2023 in partnership with J.P. Morgan Asset Management and State Street.

The full report, available for free on trackinsight.com, details the key findings and ETF trends from over 500 professional investors who manage almost $900 billion of assets through ETFs.

The survey provides a comprehensive overview of the current usage of ETFs and insights into how the industry is expected to evolve in the coming years. Here are highlights drawn from the data:

• Investors’ interest in ETFs remains high, with 56% of respondents planning to increase their exposure to Equity ETFs and 40% to Fixed Income in the next 2 to 3 years.
• ETFs have gained popularity among investors because they offer attractive features like low fees, easy diversification, and accessibility. Tax efficiency also plays an important role in ETF popularity in the Americas.
• Active strategies continue to build pace globally. The percentage of respondents having between 6% and 40% of their portfolio invested in actively managed ETFs is higher than ever.
• Investors are ready for Active ETFs, especially in the Americas, where they also use these products for Fixed Income and Thematic investing, while interest is mainly on equity in Europe. Nearly 80% of respondents in the Americas stated they would be more inclined to invest in an active strategy if packaged as an ETF rather than a mutual fund.
• Thematic investing strategies are all the rage, with 40% of respondents anticipating an increase in their allocation over the next few years, mainly for diversification and long-term strategies.
• ESG investing faces greenwashing concerns, and investors expect increased transparency; 60% of respondents have cited the inconsistencies of ESG analytical grids and guidelines as the main hurdle to investment.
• Investors look for Crypto solutions (single and multi-cryptocurrencies strategies) wrapped into ETPs as an easy way to access this market and get rid of wallet management issues.

“We are excited to release the Global ETF Survey 2023 in collaboration with our partners, J.P. Morgan Asset Management and State Street,” said Philippe Malaise, CEO and Co-Founder of Trackinsight. “This report offers an in-depth analysis of the ETF market, and the survey’s findings will provide investors with valuable insights into the industry’s trends and outlook.”

“The momentum in the ETF market shows no sign of letting up, and this survey provides an important view of the trends fueling this growth, » said Sean Cunningham, Head of APAC ETF Distribution at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. “Zooming in even further, an active ETF revolution is underway, with nearly 70% of global ETF buyers predominantly using active ETFs for equity, fixed income and thematic exposures. It’s critical that we understand the drivers of value and investor perspectives as we move forward on this journey. » 

“We are proud to be a sponsor of the Global ETF Survey 2023 as it provides powerful data for our clients and amplifies the broader trends we are seeing in the ETF market,” said Frank Koudelka, Senior Vice President, ETF Product of State Street. “Overall, the survey findings validate our recently published research ‘2023 Outlook for ETFs: Innovation and Growth Continues’ which touches on many key ‘megatrends’ we are observing from our perch as the largest global servicer of exchange traded funds.”

In addition to the full report, Trackinsight and its partners are delighted to offer additional content with thought leadership articles and weekly updated industry league tables, freely accessible from trackinsight.com, allowing everyone to shed light on the ETF market.

For more information on the 2023 Global ETF Survey, please visit trackinsight.com

About Trackinsight
Trackinsight is a leading platform for ETP selection and analysis, offering investors a range of tools to assess and compare ETPs listed globally. With over 9,000 ETPs covered, Trackinsight provides detailed information on each fund, including holdings, fees, performance, and risk characteristics. The platform is used by institutional investors, financial advisors, and private investors to make informed investment decisions.

Contacts details

Trackinsight:
Julien Scatena julien.scatena@trackinsight.com

JP Morgan Asset Management:
Kelly Yeung Kelly.yeung@jpmorgan.com

State Street:
Kate Cheung kate.cheung@statestreet.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000809958