AEON Credit Records 16.9% Net Profit Growth in FY2025/26 ACN Newswire

AEON Credit Records 16.9% Net Profit Growth in FY2025/26

March 30, 2026
HONG KONG, Mar 31, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - AEON Credit Service (Asia) Company Limited ("AEON Credit" or the "Group"; Stock Code: 00900) today announced its annual results for the year ended 28th February 2026 ("FY2025/26" or the "Reporting Year").During the Reporting Year, revenue of the Group increased by 3.8% year-on-year to HK$1,825.4 million (FY2024/25 or the “Previous Year”: HK$1,759.3 million), as domestic consumption gradually recovered and effective marketing initiatives were implemented to boost sales. Meanwhile, with cost-to-income ratio decreasing to 44.5% (FY2024/25: 46.6%), operating profit before impairment losses and impairment allowances rose 8.7% to HK$957.7 million (FY2024/25: HK$881.2 million). Owing to the Group’s effective portfolio management mechanism, impairment losses and impairment allowances decreased by 5.5% during the Reporting Year. Consequently, profit for the year was up 16.9% to HK$468.2 million (FY2024/25: HK$400.5 million).The Board has recommended a final dividend of 33.0 HK cents per share (FY2024/25: 25.0 HK cents per share), bringing the total dividend for FY2025/26 to 58.0 HK cents per share, representing a dividend payout ratio of 51.9%.In response to the uncertain market conditions, the Group adopted a prudent portfolio management strategy in FY2025/26, which involved balancing customer base expansion with credit risk mitigation. The Group recorded steady overall sales growth of 7.7% compared with Previous Year, driven mainly by successful targeted marketing programmes and effective tele-marketing activities. Gross advances and receivables balance increased by 8.0% to HK$7,912.7 million as at 28th February 2026. Effective credit risk monitoring further improved asset quality, with the percentage of doubtful (“Stage 2”) and loss (“Stage 3”) receivables to gross advances and receivables decreased to 3.9% as at 28th February 2026 from 4.2% as at 28th February 2025.In terms of operational digitalisation and card security, the Group continued to enhance its “AEON HK” mobile application (“Mobile App”), including the introduction of in-app authentication for e-commerce transactions and a card-on/off security feature. The Group also integrated loan application functions from various channels, including the Mobile App, to offering customers a more seamless and secure experience. In addition, the Group commenced the “One AEON Point” project, an integrated loyalty platform designed to unify reward points to customers, initially across AEON’s various businesses. Regarding information technology, the Group completed the Internet Protocol Contact Center (“IPCC”) project to enhance its call centre operations.Meanwhile, the Group made significant progress in its sustainability initiatives, including launching its first “AEON Green Personal Loan” and securing a HK$300 million sustainability-linked syndicated bank loan. The Group also obtained its first Corporate Sustainability Assessment (“CSA”) score from S&P Global ESG Rating, which placed the Group ahead of over 80% of its global peers.Looking ahead to 2026, the Group will prioritise sales and quality receivables growth through local and online spending, with a key strategic focus being the launch and implementation of the “One AEON Point” platform. Serving as the cornerstone of the “AEON EcoZone”, “One AEON Point” will drive cross-business synergy, elevate the value proposition of the Group’s financial services with retail partners, and attract a larger customer base. Alongside customer-focused initiatives, the Group will strengthen Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) adoption across the entire customer journey to deliver more seamless, efficient and personalised services. The Group will further streamline its credit assessment processes by shortening electronic Know-Your-Customer (“eKYC”) screening time and embedding additional application scoring for automated credit card and personal loan approvals. At the same time, digital communication tools such as WhatsApp will be adopted to enhance customer interaction. In parallel, the Group will revamp its customer service operations by centralising the management and tracking of customer enquiries across all channels, thereby enabling a faster response to meet customer expectations.Mr. Wei Aiguo, Managing Director of AEON Credit, said, "Throughout FY2025/26, we remained dedicated to delivering exceptional credit services and expanding our customer base through innovative and tailored financial solutions. We are encouraged by our ability to drive growth and deliver a robust financial performance despite lingering market uncertainties. Guided by our purpose of ‘bringing finance closer to everyone’, we aim to enhance customers’ everyday experiences by offering peace of mind and building long-term trust throughout their financial journey. We will continue to maintain our asset quality, maximise returns and create shared values for the community, in line with our position as a trusted financial partner.”About AEON Credit Service (Asia) Company Limited (Stock Code: 00900)AEON Credit Service (Asia) Company Limited, a subsidiary of AEON Financial Service Co., Ltd. (TSE: 8570) and a member of the AEON Group, was set up in 1987 and listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited in 1995. The Group is principally engaged in the finance business, which includes the issuance of credit cards, personal loan financing, card payment processing services and insurance intermediary business in Hong Kong, and microfinance business in Mainland China.For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.aeon.com.hk. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Highlight Games berkerjasama dengan Bulletproof untuk membangunkan slot Serie A untuk Itali

March 30, 2026
(AsiaGameHub) - Highlight Games, pencipta terkemuka perisian video maya dan permainan menang segera, sedang bergabung tenaga dengan Bulletproof Games untuk memperkenalkan permainan slot Serie A yang dibuat khas untuk pasaran Itali. Menurut perjanjian itu, Highlight Games dari London akan memberikan Bulletproof Games hak ke atas arkib rakaman Serie A miliknya, manakala Bulletproof Games akan menjadi pihak yang membangunkan permainan slot tersebut. Selepas itu, ia akan dilancarkan di Itali melalui platform Yggdrasil Gaming. Langkah ini adalah yang pertama untuk Highlight Games kerana syarikat itu setakat ini hanya menggunakan kandungan video sukannya untuk sukan maya. Produk SoccerBetnya telah menunjukkan prestasi yang sangat baik di Itali, yang membuatkan kami percaya bahawa kandungan serupa dalam permainan slot boleh mencapai kejayaan yang sama. Steven Holmes, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Highlight Games, berkata: Saya gembira untuk mengumumkan perkembangan menarik ini dalam hala tuju kami, yang membolehkan kami meluaskan jangkauan kandungan premium kami melampaui bidang sukan maya. SoccerBet adalah produk sukan maya dengan prestasi nombor satu di Itali, dan kami yakin bahawa populariti penampilan rakaman arkib Serie A dalam permainan akan berjaya sama baik dalam persekitaran slot dan kasino, seperti yang telah terbukti dalam buku sukan. Craig Ball, Pengarah Urusan di Bulletproof Games, menambah: Perkongsian ini membolehkan kami menggabungkan arkib kandungan Serie A yang kaya milik Highlight Games dengan kepakaran Bulletproof dalam membina pengalaman slot yang menarik. Kami yakin bahawa bersama-sama kami akan mencipta produk yang sangat menarik minat pemain slot Itali dan kami tidak sabar untuk melancarkannya pada akhir tahun ini. Artikel ini disediakan oleh penyedia kandungan pihak ketiga. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) tidak memberikan sebarang jaminan atau representasi berkaitan kandungannya. Kategori: Berita Terkini, Kemas Kini Umum AsiaGameHub menyediakan perkhidmatan pengedaran iGaming yang disasarkan untuk syarikat dan organisasi, dengan menghubungkan lebih daripada 3,000 media premium di Asia serta lebih 80,000 influencer khusus. Ia berfungsi sebagai jambatan utama untuk pengedaran kandungan iGaming, kasino, dan eSports di seluruh rantau ASEAN.
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Union Bank of Taiwan and Bank SinoPac in Taiwan Enable JCB Contactless Payments with Google Pay JCN Newswire

Union Bank of Taiwan and Bank SinoPac in Taiwan Enable JCB Contactless Payments with Google Pay

March 30, 2026
TOKYO and TAIPEI, Mar 31, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - JCB Co., Ltd., the only international payment brand originating from Japan, together with its international operations subsidiary, JCB International Co., Ltd. (collectively, “JCB”), today announced that JCB-branded credit cards issued by Union Bank of Taiwan and Bank SinoPac will, for the first time outside Japan, support JCB Contactless payments via Google Pay, starting from March 31, 2026.About Google PayGoogle Pay is a contactless mobile payment service available on Android™ smartphones and other compatible devices. By adding credit cards or other payment methods, users can make payments conveniently using their smartphones and other devices. With built-in authentication, transaction encryption, and fraud protection, Google Pay helps keep your money and personal information safe.> Learn more about Google Pay (URL)Google Pay requires the Google Wallet app to be downloaded.Android, Google Pay, and Google Wallet are trademarks of Google LLC.About JCB Contactless PaymentsJCB Contactless is a contactless payment solution that enables cardmembers to complete payments simply by tapping their JCB Contactless-enabled cards, or smartphones with JCB Cards registered, on compatible contactless terminals. JCB Contactless can be used at a wide range of merchants and public transportation systems in Japan and overseas.For payments above a certain amount, cardmembers may be required to verify their identity by providing a signature or by inserting the card and entering a PIN, depending on the transaction conditions.> Learn more about JCB ContactlessAbout Union Bank of Taiwan and Bank SinoPacUnion Bank of Taiwan and Bank SinoPac provide comprehensive financial services in Taiwan, including the issuance of credit and debit cards.JCB has partnered with Union Bank of Taiwan since 2000 and with Bank SinoPac since 1998 to issue JCB-branded credit cards, and both banks have issued a substantial number of JCB Cards in the Taiwanese market.About JCBJCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 71 million merchants around the world. JCB Cards are now issued mainly in Asian countries and territories, with more than 175 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase its merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/ContactAnna TakedaCorporate CommunicationsTel: +81-3-5778-8353Email: jcb-pr@info.jcb.co.jp Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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From Fragmentation to Scale: Extreme Vision Bridges the B2B AI Chasm with Platform + Ecosystem

March 30, 2026
HONG KONG, Mar 31, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Bringing artificial intelligence from the laboratory to a broad spectrum of industries—particularly in the B2B market—demands that AI companies overcome a formidable set of challenges: how to precisely match complex, ever-evolving business scenarios; how to achieve scalable delivery; and how to establish a sustainable business model.Extreme Vision, based in Qingdao, Shandong, has delivered its answer through a compelling set of metrics. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had completed over 6,000 projects, recorded a product repurchase rate exceeding 80%, and served more than 100 industries, including manufacturing, energy, retail, and transportation. Revenue grew from RMB101.6 million in 2022 to RMB257.3 million in 2024, representing a compound annual growth rate of 59.2%. The Company turned profitable in 2024.A Platform-based Approach to Tackling the Fragmentation ChallengeExtreme Vision was founded by three entrepreneurs born in the 1990s: Mr. Chan Chan Kit, Ms. Luo Yun, and Mr. Chen Shuo. Mr. Chan Chan Kit holds a direct stake of 16.05% in the Company and serves as its largest shareholder, legal representative, chairman of the board, executive director, and general manager. The three founders, all alumni of Sun Yat-sen University, first conceived the idea of starting a business during their undergraduate studies.“The biggest challenge in the B2B market is fragmentation,” Mr. Chan once noted. Different industries, different enterprises, and even different production processes within the same company all have vastly different AI requirements. If each scenario requires developing algorithms from scratch, the cost is prohibitive, the timeline is protracted, and scaling becomes virtually impossible. This is precisely the “B2B chasm” that many AI companies struggle to cross. Based on this insight, Extreme Vision pioneered the AI Vision Algorithm Marketplace.As of September 30, 2025, Extreme Vision’s algorithm marketplace has launched 1,517 algorithms, including 1,369 algorithms co-developed with third-party developers. Covering application scenarios in over 100 industries, the platform has served more than 3,000 customers and delivered over 6,000 projects since its establishment. Notably, the product repurchase rate has exceeded 80%, reflecting the strong standardization of its solutions and robust market recognition.Self-developed AI infrastructure empowers efficient implementation. The Company’s self-developed AI infrastructure enables efficient algorithm development and rapid solution development. On the one hand, leveraging its self-developed full-stack technology platform, Extreme Vision has built an industry-leading AI infrastructure that covers the entire lifecycle, including data annotation, model training, algorithm development, algorithm testing and inference deployment. On the other hand, the integrated tool engines within its AI development infrastructure significantly lowering the barriers to algorithm development and drastically reducing the time required for customized algorithm development.Multi-industry Implementation: Project Practice as a Driver for Healthy GrowthLeveraging its platform-based capabilities, Extreme Vision has applied its technology to real-world business scenarios across various sectors, delivering actionable and reusable solutions.In terms of industrial manufacturing, Extreme Vision deployed an EHS+AI intelligent monitoring system for CR Beer. By implementing 25 categories of risk-identification algorithms, the system accurately captures risk scenarios such as the improper wearing of safety ropes and goggles, hoisting operations, and unauthorized personnel intrusion during equipment operation. This has successfully transformed traditional passive safety management into proactive, real-time, and automated risk control.In terms of environmental and energy sectors, Extreme Vision has built an intelligent security management platform, “Halo Guard” for China Everbright Environmental Energy. Equipped with nearly 30 AI vision algorithms for safety management and control, the platform conducts real-time monitoring of high-risk operational scenarios such as unloading platforms and burning zones, significantly enhancing operational safety.In the higher education sector, Extreme Vision has jointly established the “Artificial Intelligence Comprehensive Practice Center” with the School of Smart City at Beijing Union University. Leveraging its Extreme Flow platform, the Company supports algorithm teaching and research in universities, helping to cultivate AI talent.In the transportation and mobility sector, Extreme Vision has identified new application scenarios for large model solutions. Using large model technologies, the Company has generated autonomous driving simulation scenario data and conducted hallucination detection for a leading automotive retailer, helping the client reduce reliance on real-world road data collection and optimize the R&D process.These projects not only demonstrate the breadth and depth of Extreme Vision's technology implementation but also collectively underpin the Company's sustained growth. Each successfully delivered project generates experience and reusable modules for future projects, creating a virtuous cycle that contributes to a product repurchase rate of over 80%.Profitability Continuously Validated, Large Model Emerges as a New Growth DriverAs its commercial value continues to be validated, Extreme Vision's profitability has also shown strong growth momentum. The Company's revenue grew from RMB101.6 million in 2022 to RMB257.3 million in 2024, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 59.2%. The gross profit margin improved from 30.6% in 2022 to 40.2% in 2024. The Company recorded a profit of RMB8.71 million in 2024, making it one of the few profitable AI vision companies in China. For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company achieved revenue of RMB136.3 million, a year-on-year increase of 71.7%, with the gross profit margin further rising to 44.9%.Notably, the large model solutions launched by the Company in 2024 contributed RMB62.12 million in revenue, accounting for 24.1% of total revenue. This has become a new growth driver and is expected to unlock further market opportunities.In terms of R&D investment, the Company continued to increase its efforts. R&D expenditure reached RMB44.82 million in 2024, an increase of 22.6% compared to 2023. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had a professional team of 101 R&D personnel. According to the Prospectus, the Company intends to use approximately 60.0% of the net proceeds from the IPO (HK$260.6 million) to enhance R&D capabilities, including the construction of large models and AI infrastructure, as well as the upgrade of AI-PaaS middleware.Broad Market Prospects: The Platform Flywheel AcceleratesIndustry prospects are promising. According to Frost & Sullivan, the market size of China’s emerging enterprise-level computer vision solutions is projected to grow from RMB11.1 billion in 2024 to RMB97.0 billion in 2029, representing a CAGR of 54.3%. This represents an almost eightfold increase in market size over the next five years, indicating strong inherent growth potential in the sector.As large models gain traction globally, market expectations for AI have been further elevated. However, in the B2B market, no matter how cutting-edge the technology is, it must ultimately return to the simple logic of “usability, practicality, and cost controllability.” Extreme Vision's experience shows that a competitive edge for AI companies lies not only in technological leadership but also in the ability to develop standardized solutions for complex industrial scenarios and scale them through platforms and ecosystems.From algorithms to applications, from project delivery to customer retention, Extreme Vision has remained committed to its mission of pushing technological boundaries and harnessing technology for good—building an AI flywheel that continuously generates commercial value. As AI technology permeates all industries, from industrial safety and energy inspection to retail operations, the demand for fragmented long-tail scenarios continues to emerge, positioning Extreme Vision for accelerated growth. However, whether it can continuously increase market share and improve cash flow amid fierce competition remains a core challenge post-listing. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Sports Betting Legalization Linked to Increasing Household Financial Strain According to a New Federal Reserve Study

March 30, 2026
(AsiaGameHub) - A recent study from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York presents challenging figures for legislators and industry operators. The report associates the legalization of sports betting with declining household credit health, with particularly pronounced effects among younger adults and in states permitting mobile wagering. Good to Know The New York Fed observed that overall delinquency rates increased by approximately 0.3 percentage points from a baseline of 10.7% following legalization. For borrowers under the age of 40, credit card delinquencies increased by roughly 1 percentage point, while auto loan delinquencies rose by about 0.5 percentage points. Spillover effects were also detected near state borders, where neighboring counties in non-legal jurisdictions experienced betting activity equivalent to roughly 14% to 15% of the direct impact. New York Fed Quantifies the Negative Impacts The study looks beyond the conventional argument that regulation is preferable to prohibition and that tax revenue validates the model. Instead, researchers analyzed the changes in credit health following the introduction of legal sports betting. Their conclusion was unequivocal: delinquency rates rose in states where betting is legal and also increased, though to a lesser degree, in adjacent areas where it remained illegal. Mobile accessibility appears to be a primary pressure point. Federal Reserve researchers found that legalization caused a sharp spike in sportsbook deposits, with the broader impact being more severe in regions allowing betting via phone compared to those limited to physical venues. This is crucial because major US operators have built their market around app-based customer acquisition and recurring deposits. The demographic divide is equally evident. Borrowers under 40 were the main drivers behind the rise in credit stress, and the implied effect on new bettors was significantly higher than the population average. The paper notes that only about 3% of individuals begin betting after legalization, but for this group, the implied increase in delinquency is around 10 percentage points, roughly double the baseline rate. Another finding holds significant weight for state politics. Residents living near legal states continued to cross borders to place bets, leading to increased betting activity and financial strain in nearby non-legal counties. This creates a familiar cycle of pressure: a state may experience some of the negative impacts even before legalizing, without the benefit of collecting any tax revenue.The paper does not call for a ban. Instead, it offers regulators a clearer map of where the harm appears to be concentrated: younger adults, mobile access, and newly acquired bettors. For operators, this is likely to intensify the debate regarding deposit limits, cooling-off mechanisms, and the true effectiveness of responsible gambling controls. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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Neymar Utilizes Santos Day Off for Online Poker Session

March 30, 2026
(AsiaGameHub) - Neymar has returned to the headlines, though not for his on-field performance. The Santos striker allegedly devoted his rest day to an extended online poker marathon following his omission from the Cruzeiro fixture due to workload concerns. Good to Know Neymar's absence from the Cruzeiro clash stemmed from Santos' assessment that the workload-related risk was excessive. According to Portal LeoDias, the forward subsequently dedicated much of his weekend to online poker. On social media, Neymar later made light of the situation, commenting that there was "also a little bit of poker on the cell phone." Neymar Day Off Turns Into Poker Story The sporting aspect of this narrative is fairly straightforward. Santos opted not to field Neymar against Cruzeiro, with the club's justification focusing on physical load management over a new injury. Match-related reports indicated the coaching team aimed to prevent additional risk following a demanding schedule of fixtures. The subsequent developments attracted considerably more interest. Portal LeoDias claimed Neymar engaged in online poker for approximately 24 hours between Friday and Sunday. The same publication stated he entered a $5,000 tournament and rebought on at least three occasions, pushing his total buy-in to a minimum of $20,000. During this period, Santos contested a goalless draw with Cruzeiro. That article swiftly fueled broader discussions surrounding Neymar's relationship with Santos. Portal LeoDias suggested the incident prompted doubts regarding his dedication to the team, particularly since some had anticipated he would stay in closer proximity to his teammates despite being rested. Neymar didn't precisely refute the poker claims. In a social media post cited by Brazilian outlets, he mentioned that his day commenced with training and a family cinema outing, before noting there was "also a little bit of poker on the cell phone," concluding with a laughing emoji. For poker enthusiasts, this revelation comes as no surprise. Neymar has maintained a longstanding connection to the game, having formerly served as a PokerStars ambassador. Nevertheless, the timing transformed an ordinary rest day into yet another discussion point concerning one of Brazilian football's most prominent figures. His passion for poker has previously generated controversy. In 2023, rather than joining his Paris SG teammates in celebrating their Ligue 1 triumph, Neymar chose to devote the entire evening to poker in Monaco. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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Macau Clears Three New Baccarat Side Bets

March 30, 2026
(AsiaGameHub) - Macau has given its approval for three new baccarat side bets, providing casinos with an expanded array of supplementary wagering choices as these additional wagers continue to proliferate across the market. The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau incorporated regulations for ‘Monkey no Monkey’, ‘Pairs+’, and ‘4/5/6 Cards’ into a guideline that became effective on March 23. Key Information The recently sanctioned side bets include ‘Monkey no Monkey’, ‘Pairs+’, and ‘4/5/6 Cards’. The revised regulatory directive came into force on March 23. Since 2024, Macau has progressively introduced more baccarat side bets, a development aided by advancements in smart table technology. Macau Continues to Expand Baccarat Side Bet Offerings Among the newly approved options, Pairs+ offers the largest potential payout, reaching 300 to 1 if both the banker's and player's initial hands consist of pairs with identical point values. 'Monkey no Monkey' yields a 50 to 1 return if the first four cards dealt across both hands are all face cards. Meanwhile, '4/5/6 Cards' provides varying payouts based on whether the banker or player wins and the total number of cards utilized. The broader trend in Macau is more significant. Side bets have emerged as a preferred mechanism for increasing the house edge, leading operators to progressively introduce more of them. For instance, 'Small 6/Big 6' was rolled out across the market around the May 2024 Labour Day holiday, with 'Lucky 7' and 'Super Lucky 7' subsequently introduced later that year, coinciding with China National Day. With the recent approval of these three additional options, Macau's casinos now possess another collection of baccarat enhancements to integrate into both general gaming floors and high-stakes play, as the regulatory body proceeds with formalizing the offering protocols for each product. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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Animoca Brands Rolls Out AliBAE Platform in Early Access Phase

March 30, 2026
(AsiaGameHub) - Animoca Brands has launched early access for AliBAE, a new build-and-earn platform that leverages Alibaba Qwen models to help creators produce content and apps before competing for token rewards. The rollout includes 100,000 CHECK tokens distributed across two initial campaigns. Good to Know AliBAE is now live in early access at alibae.build, with two launch campaigns. The initial reward pool totals 100,000 CHECK tokens. As of January 2026, Alibaba Qwen had surpassed 700 million downloads and over 180,000 derivative models. Animoca Centers Creator Rewards at the Core AliBAE is built around bounty campaigns: Brands share a project brief, set aside a CHECK token pool, and creators use the platform’s integrated studio to make videos, apps, and other content. Winners are selected based on a mix of community feedback and internal judging, per Animoca’s launch details. The first two campaigns come from Animoca Minds and King’s Gambit, each offering 50,000 CHECK. Animoca Minds is requesting a 20-second AI video about how personal AI agents can reshape daily life, while King’s Gambit is rewarding short-form video content tied to its game. Both campaigns end on April 8, 2026. CHECK is the foundation of the model. The token powers parts of the Checkmate ecosystem and is linked to Anichess—Animoca Brands’ blockchain chess game developed with Chess.com, which has over one million players, according to launch coverage. Separately, Coinbase notes its listings roadmap highlights assets under review, and recent market reports say CHECK was added to that roadmap.The larger focus is on accessibility. Animoca is working to lower barriers for first-time creators by embedding prompts into the platform and using Qwen, one of the most widely adopted open-source AI model families. Chevan Tin, head of Anichess and senior manager of operations and projects at Animoca Brands, said: “Many digital reward systems prioritize participation volume over the quality of contributions. AliBAE is designed to take a different approach by linking rewards more directly to the work created and how well it is received. By combining Qwen Studio’s accessibility with CHECK as an on-chain reward mechanism, we aim to give creators and builders a more practical way to participate and earn.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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BetMGM Bans Credit Card Deposits, Joining Competitors

March 30, 2026
(AsiaGameHub) - BetMGM is scaling back on credit card deposits in the US. As of March 31, customers will no longer be able to add new credit cards to their accounts, and the operator stated that the broader phaseout of credit card usage will proceed beyond that date, though a final termination date has not been revealed. Good to Know BetMGM has indicated that new credit cards will no longer be addable as of March 31. The company revealed the plan during a March 25 presentation to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. DraftKings and FanDuel have already implemented comparable measures in the US market. BetMGM Starts Credit Card Exit The policy was discussed during a March 25 meeting of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, where BetMGM was penalized $100,000 for know-your-customer (KYC) shortcomings, as reported by Gaming America. During the meeting, PGCB Chair Denise J. Smiley inquired whether the company was examining credit card usage and how these cards were being utilized. BetMGM affirmed this, and Chief Compliance Officer Rhea Loney subsequently confirmed the phaseout strategy. Loney said: “In the upcoming days, effective March 31, we will cease permitting new credit cards to be added to individual accounts, and this marks the gradual discontinuation of credit card use on the BetMGM platforms.” This adjustment aligns BetMGM with a broader industry trend among operators. DraftKings eliminated credit cards as a deposit option in the US last August, citing it as a strategic business move linked to customer experience and concerns over cash advance fees and elevated interest rates. FanDuel has also halted credit card deposits in the US across its sportsbook, casino, and racing offerings.Fanatics Betting and Gaming, based on the provided source material, never offered credit card funding to US customers. This positions BetMGM as the most recent major operator to abandon the payment method as the industry continues to strengthen responsible gambling and payment regulations. FAQ When does BetMGM stop allowing new credit cards? March 31. Existing credit card deposits will be phased out following this date, though BetMGM has not announced a final termination date. Why did the issue come up publicly? BetMGM addressed the matter during a March 25 meeting of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, where the company was also fined for KYC-related issues. Which other major operators already dropped credit cards? DraftKings and FanDuel have already discontinued credit card deposits in the US.Did BetMGM give a final cutoff date for all credit card deposits? No. The company has only confirmed the initiation of the phaseout and the March 31 restriction on adding new cards. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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Morgan Stanley Nearing Launch of MSBT Bitcoin ETF

March 30, 2026
(AsiaGameHub) - Morgan Stanley appears poised to launch its spot Bitcoin ETF. A recent SEC filing reveals the fund will trade under the ticker MSBT and impose a 0.14% sponsor fee—an amount that would be lower than every currently listed U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF, including BlackRock’s 0.25% IBIT. Good to Know The ETF is anticipated to list on NYSE Arca under the ticker MSBT. The filing sets the fee at 0.14%, well below BlackRock’s 0.25% fee for IBIT. Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart described the pricing as a “Big move” and suggested the launch could occur in early April. Morgan Stanley Makes a Low Fee Play The primary draw here is pricing. Morgan Stanley isn’t entering the market with a high-premium offering; instead, it aims to undercut competitors on cost. For a Bitcoin ETF, the fee represents the annual expense investors incur to hold the fund, meaning lower pricing can be highly significant when large firms and advisors evaluate products side by side. The filing further indicates Morgan Stanley views the launch as impending. The prospectus states sales will commence “as soon as practicable” after the registration statement becomes effective. It also confirms the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust will hold spot bitcoin directly and utilize the CoinDesk Bitcoin Benchmark 4PM NY Settlement Rate as its pricing reference. Seyffart, who tracks ETFs for Bloomberg Intelligence, highlighted the fee on social media, deeming it a significant development. This response is understandable, as Morgan Stanley would be the first major U.S. bank to introduce its own spot Bitcoin ETF—doing so at a price point that immediately applies pressure to the broader market.Morgan Stanley already boasts a robust distribution network. The bank has approximately 16,000 financial advisors and roughly $1.9 trillion in assets under management within its Investment Management division, per the provided source material. If MSBT secures final approval and achieves widespread internal distribution, this reach could be as impactful as the fee itself. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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Virginia Sends Bill on Skill Games to Governor Spanberger

March 30, 2026
(AsiaGameHub) - Virginia legislators have transmitted SB661 to Gov. Abigail Spanberger, returning skill game machines to the forefront of the state’s gambling discussion. The bill would legalize and oversee the machines following the Virginia Supreme Court’s role in shutting them down in 2023, yet the political dynamics surrounding it are equally as unignorable as the policy itself. Good to Know SB661 would place a limit of 25,000 on legal skill games and impose a 25% tax on gross profits. Backers estimate around 90,000 unauthorized machines are already in use throughout Virginia. Pace O Matic and associated individuals have donated over $1.7 million to Virginia Democrats since 2023, per recent reports. Virginia Attempts to Trade a Gray Market for a Regulated One Advocates for SB661 make a straightforward case: Virginia already has tens of thousands of skill game machines in convenience stores, truck stops, and restaurants, and banning them hasn’t eliminated them. The bill would reduce that number, establish regulations, and generate tax income rather than leaving the market in a legal gray area. The bill establishes a $5 maximum bet, mandates players be 21 or older, prohibits machines within 10 miles of a casino, and assigns oversight to the Virginia Lottery. It also caps the market at 25,000 machines—well below the approximately 90,000 units backers claim are currently in operation. However, the trail of donations has become a component of the narrative. Recent reports indicate Pace O Matic and its executives have given over $1.7 million to Virginia Democrats since 2023, including funds to key bill supporters and $50,000 to Spanberger’s inaugural fund. This doesn’t prove votes were purchased, but it does create an uncomfortable timing issue.Critics also highlight omissions in the bill. The final draft doesn’t establish a firm minimum payout rate, meaning consumer protection concerns persist even under a regulated framework. Gov. Spanberger had previously stated she wanted a unified gambling regulator first, but that broader agency bill stalled and was delayed until 2027. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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Virgin Bet Launches in South Africa in First International Expansion

March 30, 2026
(AsiaGameHub) - Virgin Bet has launched in South Africa, marking LiveScore Group's first Virgin Bet expansion beyond the UK. The new platform, Virginbet.co.za, forms part of a broader African strategy and will operate from the group's existing betting infrastructure in Nigeria, in conjunction with LiveScore Bet. Good to Know Virgin Bet has launched in South Africa via Virginbet.co.za. LiveScore Group stated the launch is part of a broader African expansion plan. South Africa continues to be Africa's largest regulated gambling market by betting volume. Virgin Bet Selects South Africa for Initial International Expansion Instead of prioritizing another European market, LiveScore Group has introduced Virgin Bet to South Africa. This move opens a new opportunity in a nation where betting already dominates gambling activity. According to National Gambling Board data, total wagering for the 2024-2025 financial year hit ZAR1.5 trillion, a 31.3% increase from the previous year, with betting representing 75% of that figure. Casinos accounted for 19.5%, while limited payout machines and bingo comprised 3.6% and 1.8% respectively. The approach is simple. Virgin Bet aims to establish itself in South Africa's rapidly expanding sports betting sector, which centers on football, rugby, and cricket. Gail Odgers, Virgin Bet South Africa's marketing head, commented: “We’re focused on building trust and introducing Virgin Bet in a way that South Africans can feel confident in. Whether it’s football, rugby or cricket, sport is part of everyday conversation. That passion is what makes this market so exciting for us.” Player protection features prominently in the launch communications. LiveScore Group confirmed the South African platform includes deposit limits, time-out options, self-exclusion tools, age verification, and a dedicated local customer support team. The company also announced plans for local corporate social responsibility initiatives focused on safer gambling.The group previously operated betting services in Nigeria, with earlier reports indicating LiveScore Bet products were active there within a wider multi-market framework. This established African presence helps explain why South Africa was chosen as the next market for expansion. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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Tilman Fertitta Acquires Connecticut Sun for $300 Million

March 30, 2026
(AsiaGameHub) - Tilman Fertitta has reached an agreement to acquire the Connecticut Sun from the Mohegan Tribe for a record-breaking $300 million. Following one final season in Connecticut, the franchise is set to move to Houston in 2027 and revive the Houston Comets name, subject to league authorization. Good to Know The $300 million purchase price sets a new high for a WNBA team. The franchise will remain in Connecticut for the upcoming season prior to its relocation. The original Comets secured the first four WNBA championships between 1997 and 2000. Historic Transaction Concludes Mohegan Ownership Having purchased the team in 2003, the Mohegan Tribe made history as the first Native American tribe to own a professional U.S. sports franchise and the WNBA's inaugural independent owner. Although the Sun made four appearances in the WNBA Finals, they did not secure a championship. Joe Soper remarked: “Mohegan is deeply thankful to our devoted fans who have supported the team throughout 23 fantastic seasons.” He continued: “This organization — and the significant contributions of the gifted athletes who represented us — has had a profound and lasting effect on Mohegan Sun and the surrounding community.” Patrick Fertitta expressed to ESPN that the family is “excited to return the Houston Comets to this great city” and feels “the moment is ideal to launch a new chapter of Comets basketball.” Fertitta, who also owns the Houston Rockets, shares casino industry connections with the sellers through entities like Golden Nugget, Wynn Resorts, and Mohegan Sun. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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Kentucky Considers New Rules for Betting and DFS

March 30, 2026
(AsiaGameHub) - Kentucky is evaluating one of the most comprehensive gambling reform bills observed in any state thus far this year. A House-supported measure would alter sports betting regulations, subject DFS products to more transparent oversight, and seek to incorporate prediction markets into the tax and enforcement framework. Good to Know The legislation would increase Kentucky’s sports betting age from 18 to 21. Sportsbooks would be prohibited from providing individual college player props linked to in-state schools. Under the proposal, prediction markets would be subject to a 14.25% tax, aligning with the rate applied to online sportsbooks. Kentucky Puts Several Gambling Issues Into One Bill Instead of concentrating solely on sportsbooks, the Kentucky bill aims to address multiple rapidly evolving segments of the market simultaneously. It would increase the minimum betting age to 21, regulate newer DFS and similar products from firms like Underdog and PrizePicks, permit fixed-odds horse racing, and establish regulations for sports-related prediction markets. A prohibition on individual player props for games involving in-state colleges is also included in the legislation. This would restrict wagers on player statistics related to institutions like the University of Kentucky or the University of Louisville. NCAA officials have advocated for comparable restrictions in other states, though implementation has varied nationwide. The bill does not increase the sportsbook tax rate. Kentucky would maintain the 14.25% tax on online sportsbook gross gaming revenue—near the national median—while applying this same rate to prediction markets operating within the state under the proposal.Another provision could impact some of the market’s largest brands. The bill would prevent sportsbook companies from offering unregulated sports event contracts via prediction market products. Based on recent reports, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics each have stakes on both sides of this divide, collectively accounting for over 75% of Kentucky’s sports betting revenue. Legal disputes would persist even if the bill were to pass. Prediction market operators continue to argue that state gambling laws do not govern their products, and this broader issue is already being litigated in over 20 cases nationwide. Most analysts anticipate a final resolution no sooner than 2027 or 2028, likely following appellate court review. Kentucky is not alone in this effort. State legislators nationwide have been revisiting betting regulations as online sportsbooks mature and related products continue to expand. A critical aspect in Kentucky is the timeline: the House passed the bill with strong bipartisan support, and a Senate committee received it last week, though no timeline for further proceedings has been established. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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DOCOMO and SK Telecom Publish White Paper on Requirements for Advancing vRAN and AI-RAN in Mobile Networks JCN Newswire

DOCOMO and SK Telecom Publish White Paper on Requirements for Advancing vRAN and AI-RAN in Mobile Networks

March 30, 2026
TOKYO, Japan, Mar 31, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NTT DOCOMO, INC. and SK Telecom(SKT), a leading AI and telecommunications company based in Korea today announced the release of a white paper on the key enabling features for vRAN(*1) evolution and the path to AI-RAN(*2) (the white paper), as the latest outcome of their ongoing technical cooperation.Joint White Papers by DOCOMO and SK TelecomThe white paper reviews the prospects for further enhancement and advancement of vRAN and AI-RAN—which refers to intelligent RAN utilizing AI capabilities, also known as AI-Centric RAN or AI-native RAN—for mobile operators, as well as the associated technical requirements and enabling technologies based on the companies' combined experience in mobile network construction and operation. It aims to promote the evolution of vRAN and AI-RAN by encouraging closer collaboration between mobile network operators and equipment vendors in the development of vRAN software.The white paper analyzes three key technical requirements that are essential to maximizing the benefits of advanced vRAN and AI-RAN.1. Strict separation of hardware and software to accelerate new feature introductionBy functionally separating RAN software from specific hardware and virtualization platforms, vRAN allows software to be deployed independently from underlying infrastructure, thereby accelerating software-driven innovation. Such strict separation of hardware and software is identified as a critical factor in the advancement of vRAN and AI-RAN.2. Resource pooling for flexible infrastructure and improved resource utilizationIn addition to strict hardware-software separation, resource pooling technologies can enable capacity improvements and reductions in power consumption, without compromising service quality, by realizing flexible infrastructure and improving resource utilization. The further development and adoption of this feature could help mobile operators strengthen their competitiveness by supporting more efficient and adaptable network operations.3. Realization of AI computing capabilities (AI-RAN) by leveraging vRAN systemsLeveraging resource orchestration technologies and an xPU(*3)-based architecture enables base stations to provide AI computing capabilities without compromising the quality of mobile communication services. This approach aims to evolve vRAN from a mobile communication platform into an integrated AI platform capable of delivering both mobile communication connectivity and AI services.“This white paper is a meaningful achievement as it presents, from a mobile operator's perspective, the key features essential for maximizing the benefits of vRAN adoption and for the future evolution toward AI-native networks. We are pleased to have delivered this outcome through our close collaboration with DOCOMO, and we hope it will serve as a catalyst for fostering the broader ecosystem and contribute to the global advancement of next-generation mobile networks,” said Takki Yu, Head of Network Technology Office, SK Telecom.“We are pleased that as a result of the technical collaboration with SKT, which began in November 2022, we have jointly published the white paper on the key enabling features for vRAN evolution and the path to AI-RAN. We hope to further cooperation between the two major mobile operators in East Asia and to share advanced concepts and innovative technologies with the world to realize the 6G era.” said Masafumi Masuda, General Manager of Radio Access Design Department, Senior Vice President, NTT DOCOMO, INC.DOCOMO and SKT signed a cooperation agreement in November 2022(*4) to advance technology studies of next-generation telecommunications infrastructure for 5G Evolution and 6G. In February 2023(*5), they jointly released two white papers on power-saving technologies for mobile networks and related technologies, as well as 6G requirements. Furthermore, in February 2024(*6), they published a white paper on key considerations for vRAN deployment and operation, focusing on L1 accelerator selection aligned with network design and requirements.Going forward, DOCOMO and SKT will continue their technical cooperation in various fields, including enhancing the competitiveness and operational efficiency of 5G, as well as international standardization and technology verification towards 6G. Through these efforts, they aim to share their expertise and innovative technologies with the world and contribute to the further advancement of 5G Evolution and 6G mobile communications.(*1) Technologies that operate mobile base stations as software using general-purpose servers, hardware accelerators, and virtualization platforms.(*2) Technologies that integrate AI into the RAN (Radio Access Network) by running AI applications on the RAN infrastructure.(*3) A general term for information processing units such as CPU and GPU(*4) NTT DOCOMO and SK Telecom to Collaborate on Technological Advancement of Metaverse, Digital Media and 5G/6G (November 22, 2022) https://www.docomo.ne.jp/info/news_release/2022/11/21_00.html (in Japanese only), SKT Joins hands with NTT DOCOMO for Comprehensive Cooperation in ICT (November 21, 2022) https://www.sktelecom.com/en/press/press_detail.do?idx=1549(*5) NTT DOCOMO and SK Telecom Release White Papers on Green Mobile Networks and 6G Requirements (February 22, 2023) https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/info/media_center/pr/2023/0222_00.html, SK Telecom and DOCOMO Release White Papers on Green Mobile Networks and 6G Requirements (February 22, 2023) https://www.sktelecom.com/en/press/press_detail.do?idx=1557&(6) NTT DOCOMO and SK Telecom Release White Papers on Base Station Equipment Utilizing Virtualization Technology (February 20, 2024) https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/info/media_center/pr/2024/0220_00.html, SK Telecom and NTT DOCOMO Release White Paper on Key Considerations for vRAN (February 20, 2024) https://news.sktelecom.com/en/559About NTT DOCOMONTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator with over 91 million subscribers, is one of the global leaders in 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies.Under the slogan “Bridging Worlds for Wonder & Happiness,” DOCOMO is actively collaborating with global partners to expand its business scope from mobile services to comprehensive solutions, aiming to deliver unsurpassed value and drive innovation in technology and communications, ultimately to support positive change and advancement in global society.https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/About SK TelecomSK Telecom has been leading the growth of the mobile industry since 1984. Now, it is taking customer experience to new heights by extending beyond connectivity. By placing AI at the core of its business, SK Telecom is rapidly transforming into an AI company with a strong global presence. It is focusing on driving innovations in areas of AI Infrastructure, AI Transformation (AIX) and AI Service to deliver greater value for industry, society, and life.For more information, please contact skt_press@sk.com or visit our LinkedIn page https://www.linkedin.com/company/sk-telecom. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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NEC Supports Ooredoo Algeria in Modernizing Enterprise Network Security with high-performance next-generation firewalls (NGFW) JCN Newswire

NEC Supports Ooredoo Algeria in Modernizing Enterprise Network Security with high-performance next-generation firewalls (NGFW)

March 30, 2026
TOKYO, Mar 31, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701), a leading global IT and network transformation services provider, today announced the deployment of high-performance next-generation firewalls for Ooredoo Algeria, one of Algeria’s largest mobile operators. The modernization enhances enterprise network security while improving operational efficiency, scalability, and energy conscious performance. This initiative strengthens Ooredoo Algeria’s internal network environment while accelerating its digital driven innovation and supporting the company’s long term business growth through more agile and sustainable operations.Ooredoo Algeria delivers mobile voice, data, and digital services to both consumer and enterprise customers. As digital transformation has advanced, the company has faced increasing demands on its internal network infrastructure, making modernization essential for operational efficiency and manageability. To sustain service quality and enable future business growth, Ooredoo Algeria was seeking a scalable, sustainable, and high performance enterprise security platform capable of supporting expanding traffic and organizational needs.To meet these needs, NEC delivered its Network Transformation Service across multiple sites, providing end to end network architecture design, professional services, and implementation while deploying firewalls for central and edge environments. The solution offers high throughput, strong session scalability, and advanced application control, contributing to reduced operational complexity and improved resource efficiency. Moreover, it is enhanced by NEC’s technical excellence, cost efficiency, and proven ability to support long term network evolution.This deployment reinforces Ooredoo Algeria’s enterprise network security by enabling more secure, efficient, and resilient internal operations. Improved resource utilization and streamlined management contribute to a sustainable IT environment that supports the company’s digital transformation and long term business growth. Going forward, NEC remains committed to advancing sustainable network modernization and will continue partnering with Ooredoo Algeria to enable future innovation and next generation enterprise connectivity."Through our partnership with NEC Corporation, we are accelerating the modernization of our next-generation firewall infrastructure. This initiative strengthens our security posture and positions us to scale with confidence, innovate faster, and support sustainable business growth with a resilient and future-ready digital foundation. This modernization also reinforces our ability to deliver faster and more reliable mobile and digital services to our customers across Algeria."— Roni Tohme, Chief Executive Officer, Ooredoo Algeria."NEC is proud to support Ooredoo Algeria in strengthening its enterprise network security and accelerating its digital transformation journey. Through the NEC Network Transformation Service, we remain committed to helping Ooredoo achieve sustainable growth and deliver high quality digital services to its customers."— Masayuki Kayahara, Corporate SVP, Global Network Division, NEC CorporationAbout NECThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society.For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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Epique Realty Named to Fast Company’s Annual List of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2026 ACN Newswire

Epique Realty Named to Fast Company’s Annual List of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2026

March 30, 2026
Houston, TX, Mar 31, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Epique Realty is proud to announce it has been named to Fast Company's prestigious list of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2026. This year's list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations.Epique Realty earned the standing of No. 10 in the Business Services category on the 2026 Most Innovative Companies list.Josh Miller, CEO and Co-Founder expressed his appreciation, "We are humbled to receive this prestigious honor from Fast Company and believe it further proves that a brokerage built on empowering agents with technological generosity can and is transforming this industry. It is a tribute to every agent who believed in our vision and for our teams that work diligently to build a smarter, faster, and more connected future for all of us.""True innovation isn't just about software; it is about how that software improves human lives," added Janice Delcid, CFO and Co-Founder. "The unprecedented efficiency of our tech ecosystem allows us to fund our model of radical generosity. By providing our agents with free healthcare, a 401K, and over 70 essential business services, we are using technology to create real financial security for independent professionals.""At our core, we are a profoundly human-centric company powered by cutting-edge tools," stated Christopher Miller, COO and Co-Founder. "Our expansion into all 50 states, Canada and Australia this past year was fueled by our technology, but it is our culture of inclusion, mentorship, and agent-led philanthropy that truly makes us an innovative force for good in the communities we serve."Over the past 18 months, Epique Realty implemented a multi-faceted innovation strategy that fundamentally reinvented the value proposition and business model for the real estate industry. With an innovative mission to empower agents to thrive, Epique achieved its goal with a revolutionary financial model, a proprietary AI and tech ecosystem, and a deeply human-centric cultural framework. The cornerstone of this transformation is Epique.ai, a proprietary ecosystem architected in-house by CEO Josh Miller that functions as a 24/7 virtual assistant for every agent. This platform allows agents to instantly generate marketing copy, virtually stage entire homes, and create multi-platform ad campaigns, automating tasks that can traditionally consume up to 80% of an agent's time and budget. To ensure mass adoption, Epique began scaling its industry-first AIPRO certification program, successfully training over 2,000 agents, and giving every solo professional the enterprise-level AI toolkit of a massive team.This AI-powered operational efficiency serves as the economic engine that makes Epique's disruptive business model possible. By automating functions that typically require massive overhead, the brokerage can reinvest those savings directly back into its agents through a model of profound generosity. Instead of functioning as a fee-collecting service provider, Epique believes agents deserve more and acts as an investment partner by providing a comprehensive suite of over 70 essential business services completely free of charge. In the last year, Epique scaled this offering to include industry-first stability nets for all agents, such as full healthcare coverage, childcare support, and a 401K program, saving agents hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical costs.The scalability and power of this integrated ecosystem enabled Epique to flawlessly expand from a Texas startup into an international brokerage operating in all 50 U.S. states, Canada, and Australia by 2025. This phenomenal growth Beyond geographical growth, Epique scaled a profoundly human-centric operating system, leveraging its lean, AI-driven operations to dedicate significant resources to agent-led philanthropic initiatives. Through programs like NEMO (National Emergency Management Organization) and Epique CARES, the company provides rapid disaster relief and community aid, proving that applied AI can be a powerful engine for creating not just profits, but profound, positive societal impact.The World's Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company's hallmark franchise and one of its most anticipated editorial efforts of the year. To determine honorees, Fast Company's editors and writers review companies driving progress around the world and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world."Our list of the Most Innovative Companies is about spotlighting organizations that don't just adapt to change-they drive it," said Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. "The companies we honor this year are redefining what leadership looks like in 2026, pairing bold ideas with measurable impact and turning breakthrough innovation into real-world value. They are setting the pace for their industries and offering a blueprint for what sustained innovation can achieve."The full list of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies honorees can be found at https://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies. It will also be available on newsstands beginning March 31, 2026.Fast Company will host the Most Innovative Companies Summit and Gala for honorees on May 19 in New York City. The summit features a day of inspiring content, followed by a creative black-tie gala including networking, a seated dinner, and an honoree presentation.ABOUT FAST COMPANYFast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit fastcompany.com.About Epique RealtyAs the industry's first AI-certified brokerage, Epique Realty is one of the fastest-growing, agent-owned real estate brokerages. Shaping the future of real estate, Epique now operates in all fifty states with nearly 4,000 agents, and with Australia and Canada on-board, global expansion is underway. Its revolutionary agent-first model provides over 70 unheard of free phenomenal benefits with a proprietary AI platform (Epique.ai), and a culture of profound generosity. Epique is harnessing technology to build a more equitable, empowered, and successful future for real estate professionals. #BeEpiqueBarbara Simpson | PR and Communications281-773-7842 | Barbara@EpiqueRealty.comhttps://www.instagram.com/epiquerealty/https://www.facebook.com/epiquerealtyhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/epique-realty/mycompany/https://www.youtube.com/@epiquerealty#FCMostInnovative #FastCompany #BeEpique #EpiqueRealty #RealEstateInnovation #LetsChangeEverything #PropTech #AgentFirst #RealEstateTech #TheEpiqueEra #TheFutureIsEpiqueSOURCE: Epique Realty Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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CanSinoBIO: From Profit Turnaround to Value Realization as an Innovative Vaccine Leader

March 30, 2026
HONG KONG, Mar 31, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - China's 2026 Report on the Work of the Government identified biopharmaceuticals as an emerging pillar industry, underscoring a supportive policy environment for innovative drugmakers. In this context, CanSino Biologics Inc. (688185.SH/06185.HK) has released its Annual Results For The Year 2025, marking a return to profitability and highlighting steady progress in its commercialization efforts.Return to Profitability Driven by Vaccine Portfolio GrowthAccording to its annual results, CanSinoBIO achieved total revenue of approximately RMB 1.068 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 26.18%. Net profit attributable to shareholders reached RMB 27.9 million, marking a return to profitability.The turnaround reflects more than a cyclical rebound and suggests the company is building a more sustainable revenue base through the commercialization of routine vaccines. This has strengthened its ability to generate consistent cash flow.The improvement was driven primarily by organic growth in core operations rather than one-off factors. During the reporting period, the Company’s Group ACYW135 Meningococcal Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccine (CRM197) (trade name: Menhycia(R)) maintained steady revenue growth, while its 13-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (trade name: iPneucia(R)) gained market traction following its launch. A more balanced revenue mix has improved earnings visibility.In addition, CanSinoBIO received multiple government grants and international R&D funding support during the year, reflecting recognition of its technological capabilities and innovative value.Core Products Set to Scale Up, Pipeline Supports Future GrowthBeyond near-term earnings, the company is supported by a diversified pipeline that provides both mid- and long-term growth drivers.As a core growth driver for CanSinoBIO, Menhycia(R), China’s first domestically developed quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine, continues to expand its market reach. In February 2026, the company announced that the supplemental application to expand the age range of applicable population of Menhycia(R) from “children aged from 3 months to 3 years old (47 months)” to “children aged from 3 months to 6 years old (83 months)” has been approved, further broadening its target population.Meanwhile, iPneucia(R)—China’s first 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine using a dual-carrier system (CRM197 and tetanus toxoid)—is expected to generate commercial synergies with Menhycia(R). Shared distribution and marketing channels could help lower marginal sales costs and improve overall efficiency.In addition, the company’s mid-term pipeline remains robust. It’s absorbed diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (components) combined vaccine (the “DTcP”) for infants (below 2 years old) (the “DTcP Infant”)has been included in the priority review pathway, which will accelerate its approval timeline.To date, no component-based DTaP vaccine developed by domestic manufacturers has been approved for market launch in China. The infant DTcP vaccine is formulated with individually purified pertussis antigens in defined ratios to ensure consistent quality and stability. Its development also lays the groundwork for adolescent and adult component Tdap vaccines and combination vaccines, enhancing the Company’s product portfolio and core competitiveness.From near-term delivery to mid-term development and long-term innovation, CanSino Biologics’ value goes beyond its existing productsR&D Capabilities Support Long-Term CompetitivenessAs a leading innovative vaccine company, CanSinoBIO consistently adheres to a long-term strategy, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of technological exploration and laying a solid foundation for its sustained competitiveness.Its core talent team brings an average of more than 25 years of industry experience across global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, spanning research, manufacturing and commercialization. This has enabled the company to establish an integrated development system aligned with international standards and covering the full development cycle from early-stage research to commercialization.Over time, CanSinoBIO has also built five core technology platforms, including viral vector vaccines, synthetic vaccines, protein structure design and Virus-Like Particle (VLP) assembly, mRNA vaccines, and formulation and delivery technologies. These platforms support a diversified innovation system and provide a solid foundation for lifecycle vaccine development.The company continues to focus on differentiated innovation, including multivalent combination vaccines and novel delivery technologies, with the aim of developing globally competitive vaccine products.These technological capabilities have supported the launch of products like Menhycia(R) and iPneucia(R), reinforcing the company’s position in the vaccine sector.International Expansion Gains MomentumMeanwhile, amid intensifying competition in the domestic vaccine market, CanSinoBIO is accelerating its international expansion.Recently, the company announced that its manufacturing facility has passed the PIC/S GMP certification issued by Malaysia’s National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA). PIC/S is an internationally recognized framework for pharmaceutical inspection and certification, comprising regulatory agencies from over 50 countries. This certification not only confirms that Menhycia(R) and iPneucia(R) meet international-quality standards but also enhances the company’s prospects for entering additional global markets.In fact, the Company’s international presence is well established, with Menhycia(R) obtaining Indonesian registration and Halal certification since 2024.The company has also entered into multiple strategic partnerships abroad, covering commercialization, joint R&D, clinical trials, and localized production. Through a “technology transfer + local manufacturing” approach, CanSinoBIO is expanding its presence beyond product exports toward broader technology-based collaboration.Growth Catalysts Point to Potential Re-RatingOverall, the latest results suggest CanSinoBIO is moving through an inflection point, supported by clearer commercialization pathways.Yet, its current market valuation may not fully reflect its investment potential. Looking ahead, potential growth drivers include the expanded indication for Menhycia(R), continued ramp-up in iPneucia(R) sales, the infant DTcP vaccine currently under priority review, as well as further international market expansion. At the same time, China’s policy support for biopharmaceuticals as a strategic sector could provide a favorable backdrop for valuation.As earnings continue to improve and market expectations adjust, the company may see both earnings growth and a re-rating in valuation multiples. Against the backdrop of China’s rising focus on biopharmaceutical innovation, CanSinoBIO’s long-term investment case is increasingly difficult to ignore. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Jerome Powell kepada Gen Z: Jangan takut kepada AI—kuasailah ia Berita

Jerome Powell kepada Gen Z: Jangan takut kepada AI—kuasailah ia

March 30, 2026
(SeaPRwire) - Pengerusi Federal Reserve Jerome Powell menyampaikan mesej yang jelas kepada generasi pekerja seterusnya minggu lepas: Berhenti bimbang tentang kecerdasan buatan dan mulalah belajar menggunakannya. Bercakap di hadapan hampir 400 pelajar ekonomi Harvard dalam perbincangan meluas yang dikendalikan oleh profesor David Moss, Powell mengakui bahawa Gen Z sedang memasuki salah satu pasaran pekerjaan yang lebih mencabar dalam ingatan baru-baru ini—dan berkata AI adalah sebahagian daripada masalah dan penyelesaian. Moss segera meletakkan Powell di tempat yang sukar, bertanya bagi pihak pelajar di dalam bilik: "Mereka memasuki masa yang tidak menentu—ekonomi di mana pembentukan pekerjaan baru adalah lebih rendah atas pelbagai sebab. Khususnya, pekerjaan yang banyak beberapa tahun lalu untuk pelajar yang baru tamat kolej kini tidak lagi begitu. Dan AI hadir sebagai transformasi teknologi yang luar biasa ini yang kedua-duanya menjanjikan dan mengancam secara eksistensi." Powell berkata beliau dan rakan-rakannya di bank pusat "sangat sedar tentang situasi semasa untuk pelajar yang baru tamat. Ini adalah masa penciptaan pekerjaan yang sangat rendah. Dan juga anda mempunyai AI yang sedang berlaku." Mengakui bahawa sesuatu yang "lebih jangka panjang, lebih sekular" mungkin sedang berlaku di sekitar teknologi dan AI, beliau terus terang: "Tidak dapat dinafikan ini adalah masa yang mencabar untuk memasuki pasaran buruh." Powell juga menyebut perubahan dalam dasar imigresen, bersama-sama dengan kuasa-kuasa disruptif teknologi baru. Tetapi daripada menasihatkan berhati-hati, beliau mengarahkan pelajar ke arah alat-alat yang mengganggu kerjaya masa depan mereka: "Saya rasa anda berada dalam situasi di mana anda perlu melaburkan masa untuk benar-benar menguasai penggunaan teknologi-teknologi baru ini, dan itu akan memberi anda kelebihan yang baik." Powell bercakap dari pengalaman peribadi. "Pemerhatian saya ialah model bahasa besar ini menjadikan orang lebih produktif," katanya. "Saya rasa ia menjadikan saya lebih produktif, kerana saya boleh belajar perkara dengan sangat pantas." Beliau menambah bahawa perbualan dengan anaknya dan orang lain dalam tenaga kerja telah mengukuhkan pandangan itu: Bagi mereka yang belajar menggunakan AI dengan baik, ia adalah penguat, bukan ancaman. Gelombang AI-washing sudah tiba Kenyataan ini datang pada detik yang halus. Kadar pengangguran A.S. kekal rendah, tetapi Powell terus terang bahawa angka utama itu memberi sedikit keselesaan kepada graduan baru-baru ini yang bergelut untuk mendapatkan pekerjaan pertama mereka. Pengambilan graduan kolej baharu yang banyak hanya beberapa tahun lalu telah menjadi jarang, katanya, sementara syarikat menilai kerja apa yang boleh diautomasikan. Powell hampir mengesahkan bahawa banyak syarikat besar ingin mengikut jejak Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Block Jack Dorsey dan memberhentikan beribu-ribu pekerja, amalan yang sesetengah pihak, termasuk Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif OpenAI Sam Altman, panggil "AI washing." Beliau berkata bahawa "syarikat-syarikat besar A.S.—dan kami bercakap dengan ramai orang yang menguruskan syarikat-syarikat itu—mereka semua sedang melihat apa yang boleh mereka lakukan" dari segi pengurangan kakitangan. "Hakikatnya, mereka boleh menghapuskan banyak pekerjaan yang boleh diautomasikan oleh model bahasa besar yang sangat pintar. Mereka boleh, dan mereka akan, kerana pesaing mereka melakukannya, dan mereka tidak mampu mempunyai kos yang lebih tinggi daripada pesaing mereka." Namun, Powell menolak fatalisme. Beliau menyebut corak sejarah gangguan teknologi—kembali ke penciptaan mesin tenun—sebagai bukti bahawa alat-alat baru, walau bagaimanapun mengancam dalam jangka pendek, akhirnya meningkatkan produktiviti dan taraf hidup. Jerome Powell mengenai era Luddite Powell memakai topi nerd ekonominya seketika, menyebut semua kemajuan teknologi yang serupa sepanjang sejarah kapitalisme moden. "Jika anda melihat kembali sejarah—secara umum, ini telah berlaku selama beberapa ratus tahun, sejak mesin tenun dicipta, betul, untuk menjadikan semua orang yang melakukan tenunan keluar dari perniagaan. Tetapi dalam semua kes, ia akhirnya meningkatkan produktiviti dan meningkatkan taraf hidup—selagi masyarakat terus menghasilkan orang yang mempunyai kemahiran dan kecenderungan untuk mendapat manfaat daripada teknologi itu." Powell meramalkan "itu akan menjadi kes di sini," apabila berkaitan dengan AI—hanya versi baru mesin tenun. "Ia mungkin memerlukan sedikit kesabaran dan semua itu," katanya. "Tetapi dalam jangka panjang, ekonomi ini akan memberi anda peluang yang hebat. Dan cukuplah sedikit optimistik tentang itu." Persoalan penting, bagaimanapun, ialah berapa lama lagi jangka panjang itu akhirnya menjadi. Apabila tenunan mekanikal menggantikan pekerja tekstil di England abad ke-19, lagipun, peralihan itu kejam, mencetuskan pergerakan Luddite pekerja yang tersingkir memusnahkan mesin yang telah mengambil pekerjaan mereka. Bagaimana jika "jangka panjang" itu adalah sepanjang hayat generasi Gen Z? Itu tepat soalan susulan Moss: Adakah jangka panjang bermaksud 10, 20, atau bahkan 40 tahun? "Anda tahu," Powell menjawab, "sangat sukar untuk dikatakan." Semua penggunaan AI yang beliau lihat berlaku pada 2020-an memberi tumpuan kepada pekerjaan pengurusan pertengahan sedia ada, pekerjaan back-office, dan Powell membuat spekulasi bahawa pengguna AI yang fasih sepatutnya tidak terjejas oleh ini, sambil mengakui bahawa beliau tidak tahu jawapannya. "Mungkin ada tempoh di mana ia mencabar," akunya kepada profesor itu, "dan ini mungkin salah satu daripadanya. Namun begitu, saya hanya akan katakan ia ada di luar sana, dan ia ada di luar sana untuk dilakukan. Dan saya akan, dalam jangka sederhana dan panjang, sangat optimistik tentang ekonomi ini berbanding mana-mana ekonomi lain."Artikel ini disediakan oleh pembekal kandungan pihak ketiga. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) tidak memberi sebarang waranti atau perwakilan berkaitan dengannya. Sektor: Top Story, Berita Harian SeaPRwire menyampaikan edaran siaran akhbar secara masa nyata untuk syarikat dan institusi, mencapai lebih daripada 6,500 kedai media, 86,000 penyunting dan wartawan, dan 3.5 juta desktop profesional di seluruh 90 negara. SeaPRwire menyokong pengedaran siaran akhbar dalam bahasa Inggeris, Korea, Jepun, Arab, Cina Ringkas, Cina Tradisional, Vietnam, Thai, Indonesia, Melayu, Jerman, Rusia, Perancis, Sepanyol, Portugis dan bahasa-bahasa lain.
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Para pengkritik dolar boleh bertenang: Strategi ‘petroyuan’ Iran tidak akan menjatuhkan dolar hijau

March 30, 2026
(SeaPRwire) - Walaupun di tengah-tengah aliran berita yang membimbangkan dari Timur Tengah dalam minggu-minggu kebelakangan ini, cadangan Iran yang mungkin mula menawarkan laluan selamat kepada kapal tangki minyak yang membayar dalam yuan China, bukannya dolar AS, telah menarik perhatian dan menimbulkan keraguan. Disebutkan oleh pegawai Iran yang tidak dikenali namanya, ancaman ini telah mencetuskan beberapa amaran bahawa Tehran mungkin menggunakan kawalannya ke atas Selat Hormuz bukan hanya untuk mengancam akses dunia kepada petroleum, tetapi juga untuk menggulingkan sistem kewangan antarabangsa berasaskan dolar. Dengan memberikan pukulan terhadap petrodollar, Iran boleh memulakan keruntuhan dominasi dolar, yang merupakan tonggak kuasa AS—atau setidaknya itu adalah hujah yang dikemukakan. Mereka yang menyatakan senario yang mengancam ini telah membayangkan bahaya lain yang mungkin berlaku, termasuk kelemahan jaminan keselamatan Amerika kepada Saudi Arabia dan pengeluar minyak Teluk lain. “Konflik ini mungkin akan dikenang sebagai pemangkin utama untuk kemerosotan dominasi petrodollar, dan permulaan petroyuan,” dengan potensi “kesan turunannya yang signifikan kepada…peranan dolar sebagai mata wang rizab dunia,” analis Deutsche Bank memberi amaran dalam laporan minggu lepas. Akibat perang ini pastinya akan serius—tetapi bukan untuk dolar. Kejayaan mata wang AS terletak pada asas yang kukuh, dan strategi petroyuan Iran nampaknya hanya episod terbaru dalam banyak episod di mana kebimbangan berlebihan tentang keutamaan dolar telah terbukti salah. Walaupun sistem petrodollar menjadi lemah, ia tidak akan memberi kesan yang besar: Walau bagaimana besarnya pasaran minyak dunia, alasan untuk dominasi dolar terletak di tempat lain. Status dolar AS (greenback) berpunca daripada dua ciri yang tidak dapat dicocok oleh mana-mana mata wang lain. Pertama adalah kedalaman, keluasan, dan kecairan pasaran kewangan AS, terutamanya pasaran untuk bil dan bon Kewangan (Treasury bills and bonds), yang boleh dibeli dan dijual dalam jumlah yang besar tanpa menyebabkan pergerakan harga yang signifikan. Ciri ini adalah penting dalam krisis kewangan, apabila syarikat-syarikat berusaha keras untuk memastikan mereka boleh mendapatkan wang tunai yang diperlukan untuk memenuhi kewajipan yang akan jatuh tempo. Ciri kedua adalah akaun modal terbuka Amerika—iaitu, kebebasan untuk memindahkan wang merentasi sempadan AS tanpa gangguan. Banyak negara mempunyai akaun modal terbuka tetapi, yang penting, China tidak. Dan tiada negara, walaupun yang terbuka, mempunyai kedalaman dan keluasan pasaran AS. Setelah menentang penulis kenyataan kematian pada banyak kesempatan, dolar terus memainkan peranan dalam transaksi antarabangsa yang jauh lebih besar daripada saiz ekonomi AS. Ia menyumbang lebih daripada separuh rizab mata wang asing yang dipegang oleh bank-bank pusat, dan bahagian yang serupa dalam invois eksport untuk perdagangan merentasi sempadan, serta pinjaman bank antarabangsa dan penawaran bon. Kesan rangkaian mengukuhkan statusnya; setiap orang mempunyai insentif untuk menggunakan dolar kerana ramai yang lain melakukannya. Tiada tempat lain yang menunjukkan tahap pengukuhan dolar lebih jelas daripada dalam kerja pasaran swap pertukaran asing yang kurang dikenali tetapi besar. Dalam pasaran ini, firma-firma global—korporat multinasional, bank, syarikat insurans, peniaga sekuriti, dan dana pencen—melindungi diri mereka daripada turun naik mata wang. Menurut Bank for International Settlements (BIS), jumlah swap yang belum diselesaikan pada masa ini melebihi $100 trilion, dengan kira-kira 90% melibatkan dolar. (Peratusan yang jauh lebih rendah melibatkan euro, yen Jepun, dan mata wang lain.) Ini mencerminkan pelbagai cara dolar AS digunakan untuk pinjaman, meminjam, dan pelaburan. Jadi mengapa ramai orang terobsesi dengan petrodollar? Ia kebanyakannya berkaitan dengan naratif yang hanya berdasarkan fakta secara longgar. Seperti cerita yang diceritakan, pada pertengahan 1970-an, AS membuat perjanjian dengan Saudi Arabia, menawarkan bantuan ketenteraan dan perlindungan kepada keluarga Saud yang memerintah, sebagai balasan untuk janji Saudi hanya menerima dolar untuk minyak dan melabur hasilnya dalam Kewangan AS (U.S. Treasuries). Itu menetapkan preseden untuk pengeluar minyak lain untuk mengikut. Mereka yang berada di tempat kejadian pada masa itu mengingati perkara yang berbeza. Salah satu daripada sedikit orang asing yang dibenarkan tinggal di kerajaan padang pasir itu pada masa itu adalah David Mulford, seorang banker pelaburan muda yang diupah pada tahun 1975 oleh Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA), bank pusat negara itu, sebagai penasihat. Dalam memoirnya pada tahun 2014, dia mengingati bagaimana pasukan enam profesional bergelut di ibu pejabat SAMA yang sudah usang untuk mengurus “portofolio yang berkembang pada $5 dan kemudian $10 bilion setiap tiga puluh hari,” bergantung pada satu mesin telex yang lambat untuk berkomunikasi dengan dunia luar. Ternyata minyak sudah sebahagian besarnya dipricing dalam dolar dan, seperti yang dijelaskan oleh Mulford, Saudi Arabia mempunyai pilihan yang sedikit selain memasukkan pendapatannya ke dalam aset yang dinilai dalam dolar. Menurut Mulford, yang kemudiannya menjadi timbalan setiausaha Kewangan AS dan duta besar ke India, “Dalam kebanyakan pasaran di luar AS pada masa itu, perdagangan mata wang hanya $10 juta sudah cukup untuk menggerakkan pasaran, jadi terdapat batasan praktikal pada jumlah kepelbagaian mata wang yang kita boleh capai.” Tambahan pula, “Pembelian bon Jerman, atau bon yen Jepun, atau bon guilder Belanda, atau nota franc Switzerland tidak mungkin dilakukan dalam saiz yang biasa di pasaran AS.” Dengan kata lain, adalah kedalaman, keluasan, dan kecairan pasaran Amerika yang unik—bukan beberapa perjanjian rahsia—yang menyebabkan Saud memilih dolar. Petrodollar adalah alasan utama mengapa dolar AS diantarabangsakan pada 1970-an dan dekad selepas itu, kerana sebahagian besar pendapatan yang diterima oleh pengeluar minyak disimpan dalam akaun dolar di bank-bank di seluruh dunia, terutamanya di Eropah. Tetapi mereka adalah faktor yang kurang signifikan dalam pasaran dolar global hari ini. Walaupun 44% daripada pendapatan daripada jualan minyak disimpan dalam akaun bank dolar luar pesisir semasa 1970-an, angka itu menyusut kepada 27% pada awal 2000-an, kata Jess Hoversen, ekonom ketua di Column, sebuah firma perkhidmatan kewangan di San Francisco, merujuk kepada penyelidikan dari IMF. Peratusan ini kini dalam digit tunggal, mengikut anggarannya, kerana pendapatan pengeluar minyak hari ini diarahkan ke arah pembangunan domestik dan dana kekayaan berdaulat, yang seterusnya dilaburkan dengan banyak dalam pasaran saham antarabangsa dan startup. Tetapi pasaran dolar telah melonjak walaupun petrodollar mengambil langkah mundur. Hoversen menunjukkan bahawa pasaran kredit dolar luar pesisir berada pada $2.5 trilion pada tahun 2000, dan mencapai $14.2 trilion pada tahun lepas. “Ini memberitahu kita bahawa dolar adalah sangat tahan lasak dari segi struktur,” dia menulis. Perdebatan tentang dominasi dolar akan terus berlarutan, kerana pentadbiran Trump menggoyahkan keyakinan pelabur dengan tindakan seperti menyerang kemerdekaan Federal Reserve. Tetapi kecuali terdapat luka yang lebih serius yang disebabkan oleh diri sendiri, dolar akan mengekalkan tempatnya di bahagian atas jadual liga mata wang untuk masa depan yang dapat diramalkan—walaupun Iran menuntut pembayaran minyak dalam yuan.Artikel ini disediakan oleh pembekal kandungan pihak ketiga. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) tidak memberi sebarang waranti atau perwakilan berkaitan dengannya. Sektor: Top Story, Berita Harian SeaPRwire menyampaikan edaran siaran akhbar secara masa nyata untuk syarikat dan institusi, mencapai lebih daripada 6,500 kedai media, 86,000 penyunting dan wartawan, dan 3.5 juta desktop profesional di seluruh 90 negara. SeaPRwire menyokong pengedaran siaran akhbar dalam bahasa Inggeris, Korea, Jepun, Arab, Cina Ringkas, Cina Tradisional, Vietnam, Thai, Indonesia, Melayu, Jerman, Rusia, Perancis, Sepanyol, Portugis dan bahasa-bahasa lain.
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