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Launch of "Sustainable Sustainability"– a playbook on marrying profit and purpose

Stewardship Asia Centre

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach - 16 November 2023 - Stewardship Asia Centre (SAC) is pleased to announce that "Sustainable Sustainability: Why ESG Is Not Enough," published by Penguin Random House, will be available for purchase from 21 November 2023. Authored by SAC's chief executive officer and Wall Street Journal and Amazon bestselling author Rajeev Peshawaria, the book discusses the limitations of ESG, a framework largely based on rules, incentives, reporting and measurement. It emphasises the need for steward leadership to create a win-win-win future for stakeholders, society, and the environment and offers a practical, step-by-step playbook for any commercial entity that wants to succeed at marrying profit and purpose. The print edition will be available on Amazon Singapore on 21 November 2023, and the e-book will be available globally on 28 November 2023. The global print edition is slated for late January 2024. "To address today's existential challenges, we need innovation of the highest order, and innovation can neither be legislated nor driven by extrinsic incentives alone," said Mr Peshawaria. "We need a values-driven revolution with steward leadership at the core to drive a win-win-win future for stakeholders, society and the environment." The book has received advance praise. " Sustainable Sustainability is a must-read for anyone interested in turning a vision into meaningful action. Rajeev provides a compelling argument for genuine stewardship and offers practical steps for businesses. The recommendations are backed by extensive research and inspiring real-world examples—making it all real," said Ahmed Mazhari, President of Microsoft Asia. Paul Polman, the former CEO of Unilever and the author of Net Positive, said, "This is not a crisis of climate change, inequality, or food security. Many will argue that this is a crisis of greed, apathy, and selfishness. Sustainable Sustainability shines a light, with some practical examples, on what it takes to be a leader in today's world." More details can be found at https://www.sustainable-sustainability.com/. About Stewardship Asia Centre (SAC) SAC is a non-profit organisation established by Temasek Holdings, dedicated to helping business and government leaders, investors, and individuals activate stewardship practices through research, executive education and engagement. We define stewardship as creating value by integrating the needs of stakeholders, society, future generations and the environment. Contact Details Stewardship Asia Centre Ang Bee Lin beelin@stewardshipasia.com.sg Flame Communications Florence Fang florence.fang@flamecomms.com

November 16, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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SIGMA Announces Release of 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports Lens

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA

SIGMA Corporation of America, the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki. Headquarters: Asao-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan) is pleased to announce the official release of the highly-anticipated SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports lens. A reliable and lightweight large-aperture telephoto zoom lens designed exclusively for full-frame mirrorless cameras, the 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports is available for Sony E-mount and Leica L-Mount. Combining high-speed AF, remarkably effective OS, exceptional mechanical reliability, and superior optical performance, this high-performance lens is purpose-built to meet the rigorous demands of professionals, and is suitable for a wide range of styles and genres including nature, wildlife, photojournalism, action sports, wedding and portraits. The lens will retail for $1,499 USD and will be available through authorized retailers on December 7, 2023. Dust and splash-proof construction, high-performance optical stabilizer (OS), and an inner zoom mechanism that does not affect barrel length, are all features designed for the most demanding photographic conditions. It is also the first SIGMA DN zoom lens to be equipped with an aperture ring (click/declick type). Streamlined optical design and a multi-material structure featuring magnesium and TSC have resulted in a lightweight lens body. A new compact tripod collar and foot also help minimize weight, as does a CFRP (carbon fiber-reinforced plastic) lens hood. Compared to the 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports for DSLR cameras (1,805g for SA mount), the 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports is significantly lighter (1,345g for L-Mount). Featuring Dual HLA-driven floating focus for fast, accurate AF, the focus lens is driven using a high-thrust HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) as the focus actuator, and a floating focus is used to achieve high-speed AF drive. The floating configuration of this lens, in which the two focus groups are driven in opposite directions, reduces the amount of movement of each focus group to about half that of a single group focus system, achieving extremely fast AF that is highly responsive. The latest OS2 stabilization algorithm achieves image stabilization performance of 7.5 stops at the Wide end and 5.5 stops at the Tele end. The SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports has very minimal focus breathing on both the wide and tele ends, making it a powerful lens for video applications. The minimal change in center of gravity enables stable shooting in all situations, including handheld, on a tripod, and with a gimbal. During zooming, five groups are moved to suppress aberration fluctuation, achieving high optical performance throughout the zoom range. Learn more about the SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports lens: https://www.sigmaphoto.com/70-200mm-f2-8-dg-dn-os-s Exclusively for mirrorless cameras | Compatible with full-frame cameras S | Sports SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS Performance, reliability, and mobility at its highest level. High-speed AF and optical stabilizer function that maximize superior optical performance Top-level build quality condensed into a highly mobile lens A wealth of functions to assist professionals Supplied accessories: Case, LENS HOOD LH860-01, TRIPOD SOCKET TS-151, FRONT CAP LCF-77mm III, REAR CAP LCR II Available mounts: L-Mount, Sony E-mount Launch date: December 7, 2023 * The appearance and specifications of the products are subject to change. * Sony E-mount lenses are developed, manufactured and sold in accordance with the E-mount specifications licensed under a license agreement with Sony Corporation. * L-Mount is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG. #SIGMA #SIGMA70200mmSports #SIGMASports #SIGMADGDN Packed with all the technology SIGMA has to offer. The large F2.8 aperture provides stable and high descriptive performance at all zoom and focus ranges. The high-speed AF with a dual HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) based on a floating focus structure, and the Optical Stabilizer function with the OS2 algorithm with up to 7.5 stops of correction effect*, ensure that users can take the right shot when there is no room for error. The highly mobile lens with high durability, rigidity, and texture is equipped with a wealth of functions to assist comfortable shooting, including an inner zoom mechanism for easy handling, as well as an aperture ring and switches with various customization functions. The flagship SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports, combined with the best of SIGMA's latest technologies to meet the high-level demands of professionals, has finally arrived. * Based on CIPA guidelines (Measured at 70mm and 200mm with a 35mm full-frame image sensor) [Key Features] 1. High-speed AF and optical stabilizer function that maximize superior optical performance The SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports, developed with professional use in mind, offers not only high optical performance, but also high-speed AF with a dual HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) and an optical stabilizer function with up to 7.5 stops. The Sports line lenses offer high optical performance, and all functions are based on state-of-the-art technology. High descriptive performance at all zoom and focus ranges The latest optical design, which employs luxurious glass materials including 6 FLD and 2 SLD elements of special low-dispersion glass, delivers high resolving power throughout the entire zoom range. Three aspherical lenses are used, as they are now indispensable for superior optical performance and streamlined lens construction. The exceptionally high precision of the aspherical lenses, which take advantage of the technical capabilities of SIGMA's only production facility, the Aizu factory, further improves optical performance. The incorporated floating focus is advantageous in improving short-range performance, ensuring a stable, high-level image quality throughout the entire range from the minimum focusing distance to infinity. High-speed AF with a dual HLA The SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports with floating focus has a structure in which the two focus groups move in opposite directions, thereby reducing the amount of focus lens movement by about half. In addition, the use of an HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) motor in each of the two focus groups enables high-speed autofocusing. In addition to being fast and accurate, the lens also employs a control program that is designed to be quiet, so users can shoot movies comfortably without worrying about noise. OS2 algorithm in optical stabilizer function The latest OS2 optical stabilization algorithm provides an extremely high image stabilization effect of 7.5 stops at the wide end and 5.5 stops at the telephoto end*. The lens is equipped with two OS modes: Mode 1 is suitable for general shooting, and Mode 2 is ideal for panning shots of motorsports and other sports. In Mode 2, SIGMA's Intelligent OS, an algorithm specially designed for panning shots, enables effective image stabilization even when the camera is moved vertically or diagonally, irrespective of the horizontal and vertical orientation. This ensures that the subject's movement can be captured without losing the panning shot effect. * Based on CIPA guidelines (Measured at 70mm and 200mm with a 35mm full-frame image sensor) Designed to minimize focus breathing The lens has been designed to suppress focus breathing. The change in angle of view due to focus shift is minimized, creating a natural-looking focus shift when recording video. Designed to minimize flare and ghosting Flare and ghosting, which reduce image quality, are addressed under all conditions of incident light based on the most advanced simulation technology. High backlight resistance enables clear and sharp images under any lighting conditions. 2. Top-level build quality condensed into a highly mobile lens SIGMA is committed to excellent build quality in all its lenses. Among them, the SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports, which is part of the Sports line, offers not only high weather resistance performance for shooting in harsh environments, but also improved quality and durability through the use of cutting-edge materials in appropriate places based on a streamlined optical and mechanical design. At the same time, a high level of mobility is also realized, resulting in a professional equipment that can be used with confidence over the long term. High quality and durability despite its small size and light weight The latest optical and mechanical design streamlines the lens configuration and internal structure, resulting in a significantly smaller and lighter body than the previous SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports model. The body, including the hood, features a "multi-material structure" that optimally arranges materials such as magnesium, CFRP*1, and TSC*2. Even with enhanced mobility, the lens features SIGMA's renowned excellent build quality, including high durability, reliable rigidity, and various control rings and switches that have been carefully designed to feel good. * 1 CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic), a light but strong material used in the interior and exterior fittings of aircraft, among many other applications. * 2 TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) is a type of polycarbonate with a thermal expansion rate similar to that of aluminum. It has high affinity to metal parts which contributes to high quality product manufacturing. Adoption of inner zoom mechanism The zoom mechanism employs an inner zoom. Since the total length of the lens does not change with zoom operation, it is easy to handle when shooting hand-held, highly stable when installed on a gimbal, and resistant to dust and water droplets. Weatherability of Sports line specifications The mount connection, manual focus ring, zoom ring, switches, switch panel and exterior connection are all dust and splash resistant* to prevent dust and dirt from entering the lens. Further, the front element of the lens features a water and oil repellent coating to facilitate maintenance when water droplets or dust adhere to the lens. * The structure is designed to be dust and splash resistant, but not waterproof. Be careful not to bring the lens in contact with a large amount of water. Water inside the lens may cause major damage and even render the lens unrepairable. 3. A wealth of functions to assist professional photographers In addition to an aperture ring, a magnesium tripod mount, and various switches, the highly mobile lens has a wealth of functions available, enabling a more comfortable and versatile shooting experience for users. Equipped with an aperture ring This is the first SIGMA zoom lens for still photography to be equipped with an aperture ring. It is also equipped with an aperture ring click switch and an aperture ring lock switch, allowing for aperture operation suited to the shooting application. Newly developed tripod socket The lens body incorporates an Arca-Swiss compatible magnesium alloy tripod socket. The detachable leg is newly designed for the SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports in order to achieve a compact and lightweight design. Customizable functions Equipped with a Focus Limiter switch, the lens enables users to limit the focus driving range during AF when necessary, allowing quick and precise focusing. Further, the lens features three AFL buttons* ready to be assigned to preferred functions using the camera. The AFL buttons are easy to operate regardless of how the camera is oriented or which settings are used. For the L-Mount version, the SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 can be used to set OS operation or focus limiter range for the Custom Mode switch. * Only on compatible cameras. Available functions may vary depending on the camera used. Tele Converter for L-Mount (1.4x / 2.0x) The L-Mount version of the lens is compatible with the SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1411 (1.4x) and TC-2011 (2.0x). Using a tele converter, the focal length can be multiplied by 1.4x and even 2x, for AF-enabled shooting at ultra-telephoto focal lengths of up to 400mm. Cover-type lens hood included A lightweight, high-strength, exclusive cover-type lens hood made of CFRP* is included. In addition to its slim design that does not impair the mobility of the lens, the tip of the hood is rubberized to protect the lens from abrasion and scratches caused by placing the lens upside down. * CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic), a light but strong material used in the interior and exterior fittings of aircraft, among many other applications. [ Additional Features ] Lens construction: 20 elements in 15 groups (6 FLD, 2 SLD, 3 aspherical elements) OS (Optical Stabilizer) function with the latest "OS2" algorithm Inner zoom Inner focus system Compatible with high-speed autofocus HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) Compatible with Lens Aberration Correction * Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections or auto correction functionality may vary depending on the camera model. * On cameras where lens aberration correction is controlled with 'ON' or 'OFF' in the camera menu, please set all aberration correction functions to 'ON' (AUTO). Supports DMF and AF+MF Compatible with AF assist (Sony E-mount only) Nano Porous Coating Super Multi-Layer Coating Water and Oil Repellent Coating (front element) Aperture ring Aperture ring click switch Aperture ring lock switch AFL button (3 buttons) * Only on compatible cameras. Available functions may vary depending on the camera used. Focus Limiter switch Focus Mode switch Support for switching between linear focus / non-linear focus ring settings (for L-Mount only) Function available on supported cameras only. OS switch Custom Mode switch Dust and Splash Resistant Structure LENS HOOD LH860-01 TRIPOD SOCKET TS-151 (detachable lens foot type) Compatible with SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1411 / TC-2011 (sold separately / for L-Mount only) Compatible with SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 (sold separately / for L-Mount only) Designed to minimize flare and ghosting Every single lens undergoes SIGMA's proprietary MTF measuring system 11-blade rounded diaphragm High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount Mount Conversion Service available "Made in Aizu, Japan" craftsmanship Learn more about SIGMA's craftsmanship here: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/about/craftsmanship/ [ Key Specifications ] The following specifications are for L-Mount. Lens Construction: 20 elements in 15 groups (6 FLD, 2 SLD, 3 aspherical elements) Angle of view: 34.3° - 12.3° Number of diaphragm blades: 1 (rounded diaphragm) Minimum aperture: F22 Minimum focusing distance: 65 (W) - 100 (T) cm / 25.6 (W) - 39.4 (T) in. Maximum magnification ratio: 1:5.2 (at focal length 200mm) Filter size: 77mm Dimensions (Max. Diam. x Length): 3.6 x 8.1 in. / 90.6 x 205mm Weight: 7.4 oz. / 1,345g (includes tripod foot) [ Product Barcode ] Product Name Barcode L-Mount: 0085126 591694 Sony E-mount: 0085126 591656 [ Accessories: Supplied ] LENS HOOD LH860-01: 0085126 941116 FRONT CAP LCF-77mm III: 0085126 930011 TRIPOD SOCKET TS-151: 0085126 941109 REAR CAP LCR II (for L-Mount): 0085126 937256 REAR CAP LCR II (for Sony E-mount): 0085126 929879 [ Accessories: Optional ] SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 for L-Mount: 0085126 878696 SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1411 for L-Mount: 0085126 825690 SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-2011 for L-Mount: 0085126 826697 SIGMA WR CERAMIC PROTECTOR 77mm: 0085126 931827 SIGMA WR PROTECTOR 77mm: 0085126 930967 SIGMA PROTECTOR 77mm: 0085126 931094 SIGMA WR UV FILTER 77mm: 0085126 930707 SIGMA WR CIRCULAR PL FILTER 77mm: 0085126 930837 [ Contact ] For further information, please contact your local authorized SIGMA Service Station listed here: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/world-network/ [ Information ] SIGMA Corporation: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/ Product information: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/s023_70_200_28/ [ About SIGMA Corporation ] Craftsmanship. Precision. Dedication. Since 1961, SIGMA has been devoted to the pursuit of advancing photographic technology. Unique to the industry, the family-owned business produces its high-quality, award-winning still photo and cinema camera lenses, DSLR and mirrorless cameras, flashes, filters and accessories from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Aizu, Japan. In 2012, the company introduced SIGMA Global Vision with three distinct lens lines: Art, Contemporary and Sports. Designed for industry camera mount systems including Canon, Fujifilm, Leica, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony and SIGMA, each lens is handcrafted and tested in Japan to ensure a high-performance, premium product that is purpose-built to last. In 2016, the SIGMA Cine lens lineup was launched, further cementing SIGMA as an innovator in imaging engineering. Embodying the core optical DNA that has defined the SIGMA benchmark of excellence, SIGMA Cine lenses meet the needs of advanced 6k and 8k cinema production. Forming the landmark L-Mount alliance alongside Leica and Panasonic in 2018, SIGMA continues its storied tradition of imaging excellence through groundbreaking innovations such as the native L-mount SIGMA fp and fp L full-frame mirrorless digital cameras, announced in July 2019 and March 2021 respectively. These products, along with over 30 award-winning SIGMA Global Vision lenses available in native L-Mount format, demonstrate SIGMA's continued commitment to the creative community through expanded product offerings. With the fp, fp L and these lenses, even more users can now leverage SIGMA's renowned optical formula to achieve their creative vision with ease. For more information about SIGMA America, please visit sigmaphoto.com and SIGMA Blog. Follow SIGMA America (Photo): Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Follow SIGMA Ameica (Cine): Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Contact Details SIGMA Jack Howard +1 631-201-7381 SIGMA.PR@Sigmaphoto.com SDDPR Stacey Doss stacey@sddpr.com Company Website https://www.sigma-global.com/en/

November 16, 2023 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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WHAT’S HOT THIS HOLIDAY – BLACK FRIDAY & CYBER MONDAY DEALS

News Media Group, Inc.

Contact Details Karl Wayne +1 334-440-6397 karl@newsmg.com Company Website https://newsmg.com/

November 16, 2023 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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STO Market Valuation in Korea Expected to Reach 287 Billion By 2030

HTX

On November 10th, Edward Chen, Managing Partner of HTX Ventures, attended the 2023 STO Summit in South Korea and presented a speech on STO Insights and its Potential. The speech delved into the progression of Security Token Offerings (STOs) in Asia, addressing topics such as securities-related transaction regulations, future potential and challenges, key growth areas, and potential investment opportunities in 2024. As the STO and RWA sectors continue to gain momentum, HTX Ventures has invested considerable resources to explore this domain through research. STO Market: Boasting Huge Potential and Growing Rapidly Based on data from the STO market, the STO market cap has experienced tremendous growth, surging from 374 million to approximately 1 billion from December 2020 to September 2021, representing an extraordinary growth rate of 2670%. This momentum has persisted into 2022. From April 2021 to April 2022, STO trading volumes witnessed a remarkable increase of 386%, accompanied by a 2650% growth in the market cap. In May 2022, the total market cap of traded security tokens grew twentyfold in a year to surpass $19 billion. Looking ahead, it is anticipated that by 2030, the STO market in Korea will reach an impressive 367 trillion Won ($287 billion). During his speech, Edward delved into the advantages and limitations of STO. When discussing the positive features of STO, he underscored its flexibility, technological advancement, positive token economy, complete operation under regulation, and high composability. ● Flexibility: Multiple issuers or individuals can achieve asset refinancing goals more flexibly. Issuers can diversify their financing channels, reaching a broader spectrum of investors. ● Technological Advancement: Using blockchain for enhanced liquidity across regions and exchanges. Smart contracts can be used to conduct automated transactions, and even facilitate enterprises to complete cross-border settlement and payment scenarios. ● Positive Token Economy: Tokens have an economic incentive mechanism and functional role, which can redefine property rights and production relations. ● Complete Operation Under Regulation: Effectively preventing fraud and market manipulation, while fundamentally ensuring the interests of investors and fair trading. ● High Composability: STO and DeFi, STO and NFT, etc. Limitations of STO: ● Security tokens are subject to heightened regulation, leading to increased complexity in administrative processes. ● STO platforms must consistently adapt to ever-evolving regulations. ● Regulations in certain areas may impose limits on who can invest in STOs, thereby reducing the available pool of investors. In the Asia-Pacific region, the STO ecosystem is still in its early stages of development. From a technological standpoint, North America maintains its dominance in this domain, producing a diverse range of exceptional products and cutting-edge technologies. However, the potential of the South Korean market should not be underestimated, especially with its unique culture and the gradual relaxation of regulations. Japan's STO market stands out as the most vibrant in Asia. From 2019 to 2022, many traditional financial companies, including large securities firms and banks, have entered the STO sector. The types of Japanese STOs include corporate bonds, credit card bonds, real estate, carbon emissions, etc. In line with this, the Japan Exchange Group (JPX) is set to launch the STO market in 2025. STO vs. RWA: Analyzing Differences and Exploring Future Trends In his speech, Edward pointed out that the main differences between STO and RWA lie in their focus and scope. To summarize, their distinctions are as follows: 1. STO focuses on the securities sector, emphasizing the issuance and trading of tokenized securities through blockchain technology. In contrast, RWA has a broader scope, tokenizing various real-world assets, encompassing both those with monetary value and non-monetary value. 2. STO emphasizes compliance in the securities sector and investor protection. In contrast, RWA focuses on introducing a variety of real-world assets into the blockchain, offering increased liquidity and avenues for value exchange. 3. In the earlier cycle, roughly around 2017-2018, before the prominence of the DeFi concept, STO narratives primarily revolved around equity issuance, such as issuing company stocks or equity-like assets, without delving much into bonds. Conversely, RWA discussions often centered around assets like U.S. Treasury bonds or fixed-income assets. As a result, these two concepts belong to different eras and cycles, giving rise to notable divergences in narratives and contexts. In summary, STO can be considered a constrained implementation of RWA. 1. From April 2021 to April 2022, STO trading volumes witnessed a remarkable increase of 386%, accompanied by a 2650% growth in the market cap. In May 2022, the total market cap of traded security tokens grew twentyfold in a year to surpass $19 billion. 2. Tokenized assets are anticipated to witness increased adoption across a spectrum of sectors, including real estate, investment funds, bonds, and equities. Moreover, their application is predicted to broaden to encompass more unconventional assets, such as patents. 3. A remarkable fiftyfold increase in tokenized assets is projected from 2022 to 2030, with their value surging from $310 billion to $16.1 trillion. 4. By 2030, the value of tokenized assets may account for approximately 10% of the global GDP. 5. STOs have garnered increased popularity compared to ICOs, attributed to their enhanced security and compliance features. The number of companies specializing in tokenization rises annually, and an escalating number of STO projects have successfully secured multimillion-dollar funding. 6. Europe is expected to see an STO boom in the next five years. The researchers estimate the market size for digital assets in Europe at more than a billion euros by 2026. Moreover, STOs have garnered significant popularity across diverse industries due to their provision of a secure and transparent avenue for investment and fundraising. Sectors embracing this trend include real estate, precious stones and metals, natural resources, and private equity. Taking real estate as an example, STO solutions provide a unique opportunity to tokenize real estate assets, streamlining the process of acquiring shares in a property. They create opportunities for fractional ownership, making it more accessible for smaller investors to participate. For businesses, STOs represent an effective means of raising funds, attracting global investors, and offering enhanced liquidity and transparency. This is a win-win solution. It is estimated that 89% of all traded security tokens are allocated to real estate. The global real estate market is projected to reach $5,388.87 billion by 2026, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.6%. Edward outlined several potential opportunities for RWA in his predictions for the future of RWA: · Within the realm of RWA, decentralized stablecoins and fixed-income assets remain the predominant categories, still with larger room development in the future. · Government bond RWAs will remain mainstream, with increased attention on equity RWAs. U.S. Treasury bonds have gained recognition in the crypto community. · The tokenization of assets like real estate and carbon credits is in demand, but compliance hurdles remain a significant challenge. · Token standards will diversify, and ERC-20 may not be the future mainstream, with significant potential for NFTs in bills, RETIs, collectibles, and other areas. · More projects will offer opportunities for infrastructure and RWA services. · Hong Kong and Singapore may contribute to the prosperity of the RWA due to their regulatory measures. Regarding RWA, it's noteworthy to highlight the Bitcoin ETF as a pivotal milestone in its development. Since 2023, eight major financial institutions have submitted applications to the U.S. SEC for a Spot Bitcoin ETF. The approval of such an ETF seems inevitable. Once approved, it will signify a pivotal moment in RWA's development. The expected influx of trillions of dollars into the RWA market is likely to drive the acceptance and investment in Bitcoin by traditional financial institutions, family offices, and funds, ultimately boosting the mainstream credibility and acceptance of Bitcoin investments. One highlight in the RWA sector is the tokenization of U.S. government bonds. The tokenization volume of U.S. government bonds is valued at $697 million with an approximate annual yield of 5.25%. Decentralized stablecoins and fixed-income assets remain the predominant categories. For instance, MakerDAO currently stands as the undisputed leader in the RWA sector, boasting a total business scale of $32.8 billion. Moreover, over 65% of the revenue in the MakerDAO protocol is derived from RWA. In his concluding remarks, Edward analyzed the factors that may contribute to the future success of STO. Even though STO provides significant business opportunities and financial innovation to financial markets, investors, and issuers, its structure remains in the early stages. Looking ahead, several factors may contribute to the ultimate success of STO in the future. These factors include the STO ecosystem and stakeholders, legal and regulatory frameworks, the credibility of trading platforms, and investor education. About HTX Ventures HTX Ventures, the global investment arm of HTX, leverages an integrated approach that combines investment, incubation, and research to identify the most exceptional and promising teams around the world. As a pioneer with a decade of experience in the blockchain industry, HTX Ventures is committed to exploring, uncovering, and driving the development of cutting-edge technology and emerging business models within the industry. It offers comprehensive support to collaborative projects, including financing, resources, and strategic consulting, to foster the growth of the blockchain ecosystem. To date, HTX Ventures has achieved a 60-fold return on investment, with investments spanning over 20 countries and regions. It has collaborated with more than 120 fund partners and has supported over 200 projects across various disciplines, with 60% of these projects eventually being listed on HTX. Collaborating with its investment department, HTX is dedicated to actively monitoring and supporting the development of the RWA sector. It will provide professional guidance, consulting services, an extensive resource network, liquidity pools, and a user base for portfolio projects. Contact Details Michael Wang glo-media@htx-inc.com Company Website https://www.htx.com/ Contact Details Michael Wang glo-media@htx-inc.com Company Website https://www.htx.com/

November 15, 2023 12:41 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Decoding Pre-IPO Funding: Key Points and Considerations

Benzinga

Pre-IPO Funding is a form of lending that provides individuals and companies with the opportunity to access capital using their equity holdings in private companies before those companies go public through an Initial Public Offering (IPO). Through pre-IPO Loans, individual investors and companies can unlock the value of their shares in private companies without having to sell them. This type of financing allows stakeholders to preserve ownership and participate in potential future gains after the company goes public. By leveraging the collateral of privately held shares, pre-IPO funding offers a flexible financing option for those seeking to capitalize on their investments before the IPO. This type of funding is particularly attractive for investors and early-stage companies looking to access liquidity and diversify their investment portfolios. “The pre-IPO loan is important to a business because it sets them up for success,” said Liquidty Group managing director Yaron Primovich. Pre-IPO Funding provides various benefits, including the ability to access capital quickly, flexibility in loan terms, and the opportunity to make informed investment decisions. It allows individuals and companies to secure financing against the anticipated value of their shares, based on the growth potential and market interest in the private company. Overall, pre-IPO Funding is an innovative financial solution that harnesses the potential value of equity holdings in private companies, allowing individuals and businesses to unlock capital while maintaining ownership and participation in the future success of these companies. Understanding pre-IPO Funding's Unique Value Proposition Essentially, pre-IPO Financing provides a conduit for individuals and firms to tap into capital based on their equity in private enterprises before the transformational event of an Initial Public Offering. Notably, it empowers stakeholders to: Unlock value from their privately-held equity without parting with it. Enjoy the privilege of gaining potential rewards after a public listing. Obtain swift capital access with tailored loan specifications. Leverage anticipated equity value, informed by the enterprise's growth trajectory and market appetite. This means that pre-IPO “primes the pump” for IPO success, something that most companies definitely would welcome in nearly any context. Why Opt for pre-IPO Financing? The consideration of a pre-IPO loan is a multifaceted strategy, essential for companies navigating the intricate transition from private to public status. One critical aspect is operational and growth finance. Prior to a public debut, organizations frequently require an infusion of capital to drive expansion, refine product or service offerings, recruit top-tier talent, or bolster their brand visibility. Securing this interim funding can serve as a strategic lever, ensuring they are ideally positioned for an impactful market entry. Furthermore, addressing the inevitable expenses associated with an IPO process is paramount. The journey from being a private company to a public entity is laden with significant expenditures, including costs related to regulatory compliance, underwriting fees, and extensive marketing campaigns. Pre-IPO loans offer a timely solution, conveniently supporting these financial demands without disrupting operational cash flow. Additionally, such financing allows companies to streamline their financial structures. This could involve settling outstanding liabilities or renegotiating terms on existing, high-cost debt. By optimizing their financial statements, companies can present a more attractive and secure profile, ultimately appealing to a broader spectrum of prospective investors. Not to be overlooked is the powerful signaling effect of securing pre-IPO financing. It's a strategic move that communicates an organization's confidence and belief in its growth story and future prospects. This, in turn, enhances the company's credibility and appeal, particularly in the eyes of savvy institutional investors who can discern such subtle yet confident market signals. Lastly, a vital tactical advantage of pre-IPO loans is the avoidance of equity dilution. By choosing debt financing over issuing new equity, existing shareholders can keep their current ownership percentages. This approach ensures that their interests remain tightly aligned with the company's future success, fostering an environment of trust and shared objectives as the enterprise embarks on its new journey as a publicly-traded entity. How do you apply for a pre-IPO loan? To apply for pre-IPO funding, companies need to go through a comprehensive application process. This process typically involves several steps and requirements. First, the company needs to contact a lender or financial institution that specializes in pre-IPO financing. The lender will usually ask for a business plan and financial statements, including balance sheets and income statements. These documents provide an overview of the company's financial health and growth potential. Additionally, the company needs to provide a valuation of its shares. This valuation is crucial as it determines the loan amount and the lender's assessment of risk. Lenders consider various factors when assessing the risk level, including the company's growth prospects, market competitiveness, management team, and the industry in which it operates. Once the initial evaluation is complete, the lender may ask for further due diligence. This can involve a more in-depth analysis of the company's financials, market positioning, and competitive landscape. The lender may also ask for meetings or interviews with management to gain a better understanding of the company's operations and plans. After the lender is satisfied with the due diligence process, loan terms and conditions will be negotiated. If both parties agree, the loan agreement will be finalized, and the funds will be disbursed to the company. A pre-IPO loan can benefit various individuals and entities. Companies can use the funds to cover IPO-related expenses, optimize their financial structure, and demonstrate confidence to potential investors. Institutional investors, private equity firms, and other early-stage investors can also benefit by providing capital to companies in exchange for future gains. Additionally, lenders themselves can benefit from pre-IPO loans by earning interest on the loan amount and potential future returns as the company goes public. How does a pre-IPO Loan work? A pre-IPO Loan is a financing option available to private companies in the pre-IPO stage. This type of loan allows companies to obtain capital before going public by using equity as collateral. Here is how it works: 1. Equity Collateral: In a pre-IPO Loan, the company offers its shares as collateral to the lender. The lender's valuation of the shares typically determines the value of the loan. This allows the company to access the capital it needs without giving up ownership or control. 2. Lender's Valuation: The lender evaluates the company's financials, growth potential, and market conditions to determine the value of the shares. This valuation helps determine loan amount and interest rates. Companies with a strong business model, promising growth prospects, and a solid management team are more likely to secure favorable loan terms. 3. Expected Growth of Equity: The pre-IPO Loan is structured in a way that aligns the repayment with the company's expected growth post-IPO. As the company goes public and its share prices increase, the value of the collateral (equity) also grows. This provides the lender with assurance that their investment will generate enough returns. 4. Importance of Future Business Plans: Lenders closely analyze the company's future business plans to assess its potential for success and growth. These plans demonstrate the company's strategy for using the loan proceeds and achieving milestones that will ultimately lead to a successful IPO. A well-defined and compelling business plan increases the company's chances of obtaining a pre-IPO Loan. In conclusion, a pre-IPO Loan allows private companies to access funding by using their equity as collateral. The loan amount is based on the lender's valuation of the shares, and repayment is aligned with the expected growth of equity post-IPO. Future business plans are crucial in attracting lenders and securing favorable loan terms, as they demonstrate the company's potential for success and growth. Other considerations for pre-IPO lending Other considerations for pre-IPO lending include factors such as share transfer restrictions, margin calls, and default scenarios. These factors add complexity to pre-IPO loans and underscore the importance of carefully assessing the borrower's financial situation and mitigating potential risks. Share transfer restrictions play a crucial role in pre-IPO lending. These restrictions prevent the borrower from freely transferring or selling their shares until the company goes public. Lenders need to carefully evaluate these restrictions to understand the limited liquidity options for collateral. This evaluation helps lenders gauge the potential difficulties in recovering their investments in case of default or other adverse scenarios. Margin calls are another crucial factor in pre-IPO lending. Lenders may require the borrower to maintain a certain loan-to-value ratio, and if the value of the collateral falls below this threshold, a margin call is triggered. This means that the borrower must repay a part of the loan or provide additional collateral to restore the required ratio. Margin calls can significantly impact the borrower's liquidity and ability to repay the loan. Default scenarios also need to be considered. In case of a default, lenders may have limited legal recourse due to the share transfer restrictions and the borrower's potential lack of assets other than the pre-IPO shares. Therefore, a thorough evaluation of the borrower's financial situation, creditworthiness, and risk management practices is essential to minimize the risk of default. In the end, the pre-IPO loan is a great vehicle to carry a company towards real success and growth, something even the most battle-hardened CEO can get behind. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

November 15, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Standard Time

BENZINGA VIRTUAL EVENTS PRESENTS: METALS AND MINING MARKET OUTLOOK WEBINAR

Benzinga

Benzinga, a leading financial media and events company, is excited to announce its upcoming virtual event, the "Metals and Mining Market Outlook" webinar. This free webinar will delve into critical topics shaping the future of the metals and mining industry, featuring expert insights and discussions on the latest market trends and opportunities. The webinar will explore the following topics and more: Will this Bullish Trend in the Precious Metals Market Persist? Industry experts will analyze the factors contributing to the current bullish trend in the precious metals market and discuss whether this momentum is expected to continue. How Much Potential Value Still Remains for North American Gold Mining Companies Today? The webinar will explore the opportunities and challenges facing North American gold mining companies and assess the potential value that still exists in the market. Is the Lithium Market Outlook Positive? Attendees will gain valuable insights into the lithium market, exploring its current outlook and potential for growth. Experts will discuss key drivers and challenges within the lithium sector. And Much, Much More! The webinar will cover a broad range of topics, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the current dynamics in the metals and mining industry. Event Details: Date: November 16, 2023 Time: 11:00 AM - 12:15pm, EST Location: Virtual Registration Information: To secure your spot at this informative event, register for free at https://www.benzinga.com/events/metals-mining-nov-16/ During the webinar, attendees will have the chance to learn from: Imaru Casanova, Portfolio Manager, Gold and Precious Metals, VanEck Jason Barnard, CEO and President, Foremost Lithium Miles Rideout, Vice President Exploration, Argentina Lithium Dennis Higgs, President & Director, Austin Gold Christopher Gerteisen, CEO & Director, Nova MInerals Limited Benzinga's commitment to providing high-quality financial information and fostering industry dialogue makes this webinar a must-attend for investors, industry professionals, and anyone seeking valuable insights into the metals and mining market. For media inquiries, please contact Matt Steinmetz, Vice President of Virtual Events at Benzinga. About Benzinga Benzinga is a dynamic and innovative financial media and events company that empowers investors with high-quality, unique content. With a focus on breaking news and expert insights, Benzinga strives to educate, inform, and inspire. Learn more at www.benzinga.com. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

November 15, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Standard Time

OVER 90% OF US PUBLISHERS FOUND TO BE SHARING CONSUMER DATA WITH THIRD PARTIES BEFORE CONSENT

Compliant

Data compliance technology company, Compliant ™, today launched its publisher platform to help digital publishers identify and stop illegal data sharing on their websites. Compliant Audit Technology uses AI to identify compliance risks and vulnerabilities within a publisher’s site, and verify the correct operation of adtech and martech solutions. Based on extensive testing and benchmarking, Compliant has uncovered that almost all U.S. publishers are currently passing consumer data to third parties before a consumer is given the choice to share data, making consent mechanisms meaningless. This data sharing increases data compliance risk for publishers, making them susceptible to punitive regulatory action and class action lawsuits, jeopardizing the data compliance of advertisers programmatically buying their inventory and violating consumer trust. Data compliance is quickly becoming the next brand integrity standard. According to the WFA, nine out of ten global CMOs agree that data ethics is a top priority for their organizations. Recent studies by Compliant, looked at over one billion impressions measured across more than 1,000 programmatic media campaigns and found: Nearly all (91 percent) of U.S. publishers with a Consent Management Platform are currently passing consumer data to third parties before consent; 82 percent of U.S. publishers have elevated data leakage risk through excessive vendors and unauthorized ‘piggybacked’ tags; On average, U.S. publishers have five data brokers acquiring consumer data from their websites. “The ad-funded internet was not designed with privacy in mind. It was designed to solve identity, addressability, conversion and so on. Consequently, there's an alarming gap between what the consumer expects, what the law requires and what is happening in practice. Advertiser demand for safer media is motivating publishers to close that gap and we're determined to help them,” said Jamie Barnard, CEO, Compliant. “We are offering publishers the tools to adapt and improve. Compliance is becoming the hallmark for premium inventory and media investment will flow to those who take control of unintended sharing.” The Compliant platform provides publishers with an essential, in-depth analysis of more than 30 factors across 6 primary areas of data compliance risk. This level of transparency enables publishers to demonstrate compliance and monetize compliant inventory as media spend moves away from lower-quality, higher-risk inventory. Global news platform, Newsbreak, addresses the industry-wide problem: “As the country’s foremost local news platform, building trust is at the heart of everything we do—from the information we publish to the way we manage customer data and privacy. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case across the industry, with many publishers, both inadvertently and sometimes intentionally, not prioritizing data management and compliance,” said Scott Kelliher, Chief Revenue Officer, NewsBreak. “But Compliant is working to create a healthy and viable media ecosystem by helping publishers identify and address data sharing and leakage to meet customer privacy expectations and make inventory more valuable to advertisers and agencies.” The Compliant platform helps publishers: Identify their data compliance risks to help gain control of data flows across their ecosystem; Benchmark their compliance with other publishers in their category or region; Use the information to improve the quality of their impressions; Sell their inventory at an incremental “compliant” premium; and Attract advertisers and agencies committed to a responsible media framework. Advertisers use the Compliant platform to: Reduce regulatory, financial and reputational risk; Improve transparency and accountability; Work with agency partners to increase the impact and effectiveness of media investment decisions; and Reinforce their responsible media frameworks and their commitment to privacy and data ethics. The launch of the publisher solution expands on the company’s suite of products supporting all parts of the digital marketing and media business and comes on the heels of Compliant’s partnership with Peer39, the leading global provider of pre-bid contextual suitability and quality solutions for modern marketers. The partnership enables Peer39’s customers – advertisers, agencies and publishers – for the first time to be able to measure data compliance for their programmatic media campaigns. For more information, and for publishers to gauge their compliant score, visit www.compliant.global. About Compliant Compliant is pioneering a new standard for data compliance in the digital marketing industry. The compliance technology company offers risk management solutions to brands, agencies and publishers. Amidst ever-evolving privacy regulations and consumer expectations, Compliant provides the digital ad industry the tools it needs to be compliant. The company’s suite of data compliance solutions measure systematic privacy and compliance risks across owned-and-operated media and paid media, allowing companies to benchmark risk by market, category and brand. This industry-leading scoring system has been used in thousands of compliance audits across the world's leading advertiser and publisher sites. Compliant boasts a strong senior leadership team with unmatched expertise across privacy, digital governance and compliance technology, including Elliot Bell (former Facebook), Magid Souhami (former P&G), and Jamie Barnard (former Unilever). For more information and to view Compliant’s Annual Publisher Audits, visit www.compliant.global. Contact Details Kite Hill PR for Compliant +1 724-787-1565 compliant@kitehillpr.com

November 15, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Lucid, a Cint Group company, earns Verified Partner status with Amazon Ads

Cint

Research technology leader Cint, which acquired US-based Lucid in 2021, today announced Lucid's verified partner status with Amazon Ads. As a verified partner on the Amazon Ads Partner Network, Lucid Impact Measurement is dedicated to streamlining measurement of brand advertising campaigns. For global clients of Amazon Ads, a fully automated brand lift measurement solution is available within the Amazon DSP and Twitch Ad Server, powered by Lucid Impact Measurement. Brand lift studies are supported in North America, South America, APAC and EMEA. A brand lift study powered by Lucid Impact Measurement uses a depth of insights for advertisers across brand key performance indicators including awareness, ad recall, consideration, purchase intent, and favorability. Advertisers can leverage millions of consumer responses using Lucid Impact Measurement’s direct connection to its owned research system. This scale enables advertisers to confidently understand the impact of their ads across Amazon Ads services on desktop, mobile web and app and cross-screen packages. Properties include but are not limited to Amazon DSP, Twitch, FireTV and Amazon Freevee with regional availability. This comprehensive view of an advertiser's Amazon Ads campaign can result in statistically significant insights at scale. Insights are available by demographics, including age, gender, frequency, and media facets like site, placement, device, and creative. Study results are available within a week of launch giving advertisers the proof points to make meaningful optimizations on Amazon properties in near real-time. “When shopping behaviors and external factors are changing rapidly, each day matters,” said Laura Manning, SVP Measurement at Cint. “Today’s world demands that we be more agile in our campaign strategies. Marketers need to have access to readily available insights that they can act on quickly. Our collaboration with Amazon Ads is designed to help advertisers globally get statistically significant results and greater depth of insights more often. Across all digital properties, we want to demonstrate the true impact of their brand campaigns and show real business results. Together with Amazon Ads, users can leverage our Lucid Impact Measurement to pioneer the next wave of intelligent brand measurement, in real time.” About Cint Lucid was acquired by Cint in December 2021. Cint is a pioneer in research technology. Our customers use Cint to post questions and get answers from real people. They use these answers to build business strategies, confidently publish research, accurately measure the impact of digital advertising, and more. Our exchange is the world’s largest, with nearly 300 million respondents in over 150 countries who consent to sharing their opinions, motivations, and behaviors. We are feeding the world’s curiosity. Cint Group AB (publ), listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (STO: CINT), has a global workforce of over 1000. Cint has offices in Stockholm, London, New York, New Orleans, Singapore, Japan, Gurgaon, and Sydney, among others. Contact Details Kite Hill PR Mackenzie Sikora +1 631-739-5716 mackenzie@kitehillpr.com

November 15, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Cure Alzheimer’s Fund Launches WomenandAlzheimers.org

Alzheimer’s Disease Research Foundation

In honor of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund announces the launch of WomenandAlzheimers.org, a website dedicated to bringing awareness to the impact of Alzheimer’s on women, providing information on research into understanding sex-based differences and recognizing many of the women who are working toward finding a cure. There are more than 6 million people in the United States—and 50 million people throughout the world—currently living with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and experts estimate there may be as many as three times more people living with the disease who have not yet been diagnosed. Both men and women develop Alzheimer’s disease, but two-thirds of all patients are women, and women are frequently the primary caregivers for spouses, partners, parents and others with the disease. “For far too long, science has had a partial view into disease biology because only one sex was included in research studies,” said Meg Smith, CEO of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. “Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has long required researchers to include consideration of potential sex differences in their projects. Understanding why and how Alzheimer’s develops differently in men and women, and the factors that increase resilience or risk, will lead to benefits for all Alzheimer’s patients.” WomenandAlzheimers.org is a resource to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease pathology, signs and symptoms, and the scientific discoveries that are advancing our understanding of the disease. Users can learn about ways to improve brain health, at any age, and read about the women who are working to find a cure, including researchers, Board members, staff members and advocates. About Cure Alzheimer’s FundCure Alzheimer’s Fund is a nonprofit dedicated to funding the most promising research to prevent, slow or reverse Alzheimer’s disease. Since its founding in 2004, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has provided grants to the world’s leading researchers and contributed more than $180 million to research. Its funded initiatives have been responsible for many key breakthroughs in understanding the causes and pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has received a 4-star rating for more than 12 consecutive years from Charity Navigator. With 100% of funds raised going to support research, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has been able to provide grants to many of the best scientific minds in the field of Alzheimer’s research. For more information, visit https://WomenandAlzheimers.org and https://www.CureAlz.org/ Contact Details Barbara Chambers +1 978-417-9890 bchambers@curealz.org Company Website https://WomenandAlzheimers.org

November 15, 2023 05:46 AM Eastern Standard Time