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Rising Bad Air Quality Levels Expose Waste Issues, World Bank Funds Major Reform

PM2.5 air pollution levels in southern Laos linked to waste burning and seasonal haze
Trash and burn in Vientiane 2019 to show the problem about burning trash and waste management in Laos before. (Photo by Radio Free Asia)

Air pollution in Laos is worsening, with PM2.5 levels across southern provinces now reaching concentrations that pose risks to public health, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

In late February, air quality readings from Attapeu, Champasak, and Salavan ranged from 150 to 200 AQI, entering the “starting to affect health” category. In Vientiane Capital, AQI levels ranged from 119 to 147, falling under the “minor impact” category. 

However, prolonged exposure can still increase health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.

Waste Practices Driving Seasonal Pollution

The seasonal haze that affects Laos each year comes from a growing waste management problem. 

Agricultural burning and vehicle emissions are the primary contributors to the pollution, but uncollected waste and open burning also play a major role. 

In 2025, the Ministry of Public works and Transport estimated that Laos generated 6,900 tonnes of household waste daily, with Vientiane Capital producing 15% of that total.

However, less than half of all waste is collected through formal services, leading many communities to resort to burning or dumping trash, which releases fine particulate matter into the air and worsens PM2.5 levels, the ministry found.

World Bank Supports Reform with USD 37.85 Million G rant

The World Bank has approved a grant of USD 37.85 million for the Lao Pollution and Waste Management Project, aimed at improving waste management practices in Laos from 2025 to 2031. 

The initiative will focus on expanding waste collection services and improving landfill management, particularly in Vientiane Capital, where waste collection coverage will rise from 44% to 70%. The project also promotes waste separation, composting, and recycling to reduce the amount of waste burned or dumped, ultimately improving air quality.

Enforcement and Regional Cooperation to Address Burning

In addition to infrastructure improvements, the Lao government has introduced a nationwide ban on outdoor burning during the dry season, with local authorities granted stronger enforcement powers. 

Laos is also working with Thailand and Myanmar on a plan to monitor cross-border haze using satellite data, part of the ongoing CLEAR Sky Strategy aimed at reducing slash-and-burn farming.

THE ADECCO GROUP Q4 & FULL YEAR 2025 RESULTS

Strong share gains and solid growth; operating leverage and cashflow drive deleveraging

ZURICH, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AD HOC ANNOUNCEMENT pursuant to Art. 53 Listing Rules of SIX Swiss Exchange

Q4 HIGHLIGHTS

  • Further market share gains, Group +395 bps and Adecco +240 bps
  • Group revenues further sequentially improved at +3.9% yoy, strongest quarter of the year
  • By GBU, Adecco revenues +4.9% yoy; led by Americas +21% yoy, APAC+7% yoy; Akkodis -1% yoy; LHH +2% yoy
  • Healthy 19.1% gross margin, stable yoy organic, reflecting solutions and client mix, firm pricing
  • 3.8% EBITA margin excl. one-offs, +60 bps yoy, reflecting strong operating leverage, with productivity +11% yoy, firm progress with Akkodis Germany turnaround. Drop-down ratio >80%
  • Operating income €186 million, +34% yoy; Net income €88 million, +31% yoy
  • Basic EPS €0.52; Adjusted EPS €0.76

FULL-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Strong market share gains, Group +245 basis points
  • Revenues +1.3% yoy. By GBU, Adecco +2.5% yoy; Akkodis -4% yoy; LHH flat yoy
  • Healthy 19.2% gross margin, -20 bps yoy, reflecting mix effects, firm pricing
  • 3.0% EBITA margin excl. one-offs, in line with management’s commitment
  • Operating income €572 million, +8% yoy; Net income €295 million, +2% yoy
  • Basic EPS €1.76; Adjusted EPS €2.37
  • Strong cash generation: operating cash flow +€613 million; free cash flow +€483 million; 102% conversion ratio
  • Improving financial structure: end-25 net debt/EBITDA ratio 2.4x, -0.2x yoy and -0.6x qoq; net debt €186 million lower yoy; targeting ≤ 1.5x net debt/EBITDA ratio by end-27
  • Proposed DPS of CHF 1.00, cash dividend with option to receive as shares

Denis Machuel, Adecco Group CEO, commented:

“We had a strong finish to the year with ongoing positive momentum and a third consecutive quarter of growth, achieving a 3.8% margin in Q4. Rigorous execution through 2025 delivered 245 basis points of market share gains, strong operating leverage and cashflow, driving an improvement in leverage.

“Adecco grew 4.9 percent in Q4, consistently gaining market share across regions. Akkodis saw further sequential improvement including firm progress in its German turnaround. LHH continued to lead strongly in career transition, grew Ezra significantly, and achieved highly profitable growth.

“The Adecco Group is strongly positioned to help our 100,000 plus clients to manage and upskill their workforces with agility – keeping people firmly at the heart. We will continue to pioneer and scale human-centric AI across talent and technology offerings. I look forward to building on this solid performance in 2026.”

Full Press Release

Webcast Details | Investors & Analysts

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations
investor.relations@adeccogroup.com
+41 (0)44 878 88 88

Press Office
media@adeccogroup.com 
+41 (0) 79 876 09 21

 

Changes to the Adecco Group Board of Directors

AD HOC ANNOUNCEMENT pursuant to Art. 53 Listing Rules of SIX Swiss Exchange

  • Three new Board members to be proposed: Tobias Knechtle, Matthias Rebellius and Jacques Sanche
  • Longstanding members Kathleen Taylor and Didier Lamouche not standing for re-election to the Board
  • Jean-Christophe Deslarzes, Chair of the Board of Directors, standing for re-election for a final term

ZURICH, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Adecco Group (SIX: ADEN), the leading talent and technology consulting company, today announced that the Board of Directors will propose Tobias Knechtle, Matthias Rebellius and Jacques Sanche as new members for election at the Company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 15, 2026. Longstanding members Kathleen Taylor and Didier Lamouche, who joined the Board in 2015 and 2011 respectively, are not standing for re-election.

Jean-Christophe Deslarzes, Chair of the Board of Directors, the Adecco Group, said: “I thank Katie Taylor and Didier Lamouche on behalf of the Company and the Board of Directors for their significant strategic guidance and support to the Group. They have been outstanding Board members and have substantially contributed to the constructive collaboration with management. I wish them all the best for their future endeavors.

 “As part of our ongoing Board member succession planning, we are delighted to propose Tobias Knechtle, Matthias Rebellius and Jacques Sanche to our Board. Having served as CFO in several publicly listed companies, Tobias Knechtle will further enhance the Board’s financial acumen. Matthias Rebellius and Jacques Sanche have significant CEO experience. All three bring deep technology and digital expertise, which strongly complements the Board’s capabilities and will support the Group’s pioneering AI agenda.”

  • Tobias Knechtle has been CFO and member of the Executive Board of Geberit since 2022 and has had Board and audit committee chair experience at V-Zug since 2020. Prior to Geberit, Tobias served as CFO of the Valora Group as well as their ad interim CEO. Previously, he held senior finance roles at Kudelski Group and was Managing Director Germany for Cinven Private Equity. He started his career as internal auditor at Nestlé and spent seven years as a consultant at the Boston Consulting Group in Switzerland and Brazil. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Bern, Switzerland, and is a Swiss citizen. The Adecco Group will be the only external board mandate for Tobias Knechtle.
  • Matthias Rebellius has been CEO Siemens Smart Infrastructure and a member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG, Chair of the Board of Siemens Switzerland and member of the Board of the publicly listed Siemens India Ltd since 2020. He has also been a member of the Supervisory Board of the publicly listed, independent Siemens Energy AG, since 2020. He joined Siemens in 1990 and has held roles of increasing seniority across the industrial automation, building technologies and smart infrastructure businesses in Germany, the US and Switzerland. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Trier University of Applied Sciences, Germany, and is a German and Swiss citizen. Matthias Rebellius has chosen to step down from his executive roles for Siemens AG at the end of September to concentrate on his non-executive career.
  • Jacques Sanche has been CEO at Bucher Industries AG since 2016. He has also been Chair of the Board of Directors of Burkhardt Compression since December 2025. Previously, he was CEO of Belimo Holding AG for eight years. He started his career as a consultant, amongst others at the Boston Consulting Group in Germany. He then had several general management roles with increasing profit and loss responsibility at WMH – Walter Meier Group in Switzerland and the US. He was a member of the Board and chair of the nomination and compensation committee of Schweiter Technologies for fifteen years. He holds a Master of Business Administration and a PhD in Information Technologies from the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, and is a Canadian and Swiss citizen. Jacques Sanche has decided to step down from his executive role at the end of April to concentrate on his non-executive career.

Jean-Christophe Deslarzes, the Chair of the Board of Directors, will stand for re-election for a final term that will run until the 2027 AGM, when he plans to step down after twelve years as a board member, including seven as Chair.

The following Board members will also stand for re-election: Rachel Duan, Martine Ferland, Stefano Grassi, Sandhya Venugopal and Regula Wallimann.

For further information please contact:

Benita Barretto

Head External Communications & Investor Relations, The Adecco Group
media@adeccogroup.com / investor.relations@adeccogroup.com
Tel: +41 (0) 75 443 93 24

Jürg Schneider

Group External Communications, The Adecco Group
media@adeccogroup.com
Tel: +41 (0) 79 876 09 21

About the Adecco Group

The Adecco Group is the world’s leading talent and technology expertise company. Our purpose is making the future work for everyone. Through our three global business units – Adecco, Akkodis and LHH – across 60 countries, we enable sustainable and lifelong employability for individuals, deliver digital and engineering consulting solutions to power transformation and empower organisations to optimise their workforces. The Adecco Group leads by example and is committed to fostering sustainable employability and supporting resilient economies and communities. The Adecco Group AG is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN).
https://www.adeccogroup.com/

Smartee Delivers Master Class on “Mandibular Repositioning” in Sydney at Invitation of EODO

SYDNEY, Feb. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At the invitation of the Excellence in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (EODO), Smartee Denti-Technology held a specialized Master Class at the Dental Education Centre (DEC) in Sydney on February 7.  This session attracted 80 dental professionals, with 60 attending in person and 20 joining online, to study advanced protocols for treating complex jaw discrepancies using Smartee’s proprietary Mandibular Advancement Repositioning Technology (MART).

Smartee Delivers Master Class on "Mandibular Repositioning" in Sydney
Smartee Delivers Master Class on “Mandibular Repositioning” in Sydney

Since 2019, Smartee has been at the forefront of clear aligner innovation with its proprietary Mandibular Advancement Repositioning Technology (MART). This distinct therapy addresses a critical gap in the industry: while conventional solutions often focus primarily on dental alignment, MART treats the root etiology by repositioning the mandible to its physiological position, restoring both function and facial balance through simultaneous orthopedic and orthodontic correction.

With over 100,000 global cases to date, this technology has demonstrated proven clinical success in treating complex jaw discrepancies. It represents a significant breakthrough in modern clear aligner therapy and stands as a testament to Smartee’s robust R&D capabilities.

The Master Class in Sydney successfully engaged a significant number of first-time participants
The Master Class in Sydney successfully engaged a significant number of first-time participants

The Australian clear aligner market is dynamic and growing. Market observations reveal a strong patient-driven demand: a significant portion of Australian adults are actively seeking to improve their smiles and are open to treatment. This high level of patient awareness, coupled with a preference for aesthetic solutions, is a primary driver behind the expansion of the local clear aligner sector.

The Master Class in Sydney successfully engaged a significant number of first-time participants. Many attendees expressed strong interest in deepening their understanding of MART protocols, recognizing the value of expanding their clinical capabilities to better serve patients with complex jaw discrepancies.

Mr. Garie Zhou, International Business Development Director, commented: “Australia is a strategically important market for Smartee, and we are committed to growing here with a long-term perspective. Our approach is rooted in rigorous academic exchange and genuine clinical education rather than purely commercial expansion. We aim to collectively raise the standard of care in clear aligner treatments alongside local professionals.”

 

IBM 2026 X-Force Threat Index: AI-Driven Attacks are Escalating as Basic Security Gaps Leave Enterprises Exposed

ARMONK, N.Y., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — IBM (NYSE: IBM) today released the 2026 X-Force Threat Intelligence Index, revealing that cybercriminals are exploiting basic security gaps at dramatically higher rates, now accelerated by AI tools that help attackers identify weaknesses faster than ever. IBM X‑Force observed a 44% increase in attacks that began with the exploitation of public-facing applications, largely driven by missing authentication controls and AI-enabled vulnerability discovery.

IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2026
IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2026

Some of the key highlights include:

  • Active ransomware and extortion groups surged (49%) year over year, marking ecosystem fragmentation, while publicly disclosed victim counts rose roughly 12%.
  • Large supply chain and third-party compromises nearly quadrupled since 2020, as attackers increasingly exploit environments where software is built and deployed or SaaS integrations.
  • Vulnerability exploitation became the leading cause of attacks, accounting for 40% of incidents observed by X-Force in 2025.

“Attackers aren’t reinventing playbooks, they’re speeding them up with AI,” said Mark Hughes, Global Managing Partner for Cybersecurity Services, IBM. “The core issue is the same: businesses are overwhelmed by software vulnerabilities. The difference now is speed. With so many vulnerabilities requiring no credentials, attackers can bypass humans and move straight from scanning to impact. Security leaders need to shift to a more proactive approach, using agentic-powered threat detection and response to identify gaps and catch threats before they escalate.”

AI’s Mounting Identity Problem

Infostealer malware led to the exposure of over 300,000 ChatGPT credentials in 2025, signaling that AI platforms have reached the same credential risk as other core enterprise SaaS solutions.

Compromised chatbot credentials create AI-specific risks beyond simple account access. Attackers can manipulate outputs, exfiltrate sensitive data or inject malicious prompts. This underscores the need to assess enterprise-wide AI adoption and enforce strong authentication, and conditional access controls.

AI, Leaked Tooling Lower Barriers to Ransomware Ecosystem

In 2025, X-Force observed a 49% increase in active ransomware groups compared to the prior year, as smaller, transient operators whose low volume campaigns complicate attribution. This trend is accelerated by collapsing barriers to entry as threat actors reuse leaked tooling, rely on established playbooks and increasingly tap AI to automate operations. As multimodal AI models mature, X-Force expects adversaries to automate complex tasks like reconnaissance and advanced ransomware attacks, driving faster-moving, more adaptive threats.

Pressure on Supply Chains Poised to Grow

X-Force identified a nearly 4X increase in large supply chain or third-party compromises since 2020, mainly driven by attackers exploiting trust relationships and CI/CD automation across development workflows and SaaS integrations. With AI-powered coding tools accelerating software creation, and occasionally introducing unvetted code, the pressure on pipelines and open‑source ecosystems is expected to grow in 2026.

This rise is also attributed to the blurring line between nation-state and financially motivated actors. As tactics and techniques spread across underground forums, and AI streamlines reconnaissance and exploitation, techniques once reserved for nation-state actors are now being adopted by financially motivated groups.

Additional findings from the 2026 report include:

  • AI accelerating attacker lifecycle. Attackers are using AI to speed research, analyze large data sets and iterate on attack paths in real time. For example, North Korean IT worker schemes are using AI to scale operations, including AI-driven image manipulation for synthetic identities and translation tools to interact across global marketplaces.
  • Security fundamentals still lacking. X-Force Red penetration tests reveal persistent weaknesses in credential hygiene and software configuration, with misconfigured access controls as the most common entry point for these engagements.
  • Manufacturing tops the target list for the fifth year. The sector accounted for 27.7% of incidents observed by X-Force, with data theft being the most common.
  • North America emerged as the most‑attacked region. Accounting for 29% of total cases observed by X-Force, and up from 24% in 2024, North America became the most attacked region for the first time in 6 years.

Additional resources:

  • Read the full IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2026.
  • Sign up for the IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence 2026 webinar on March 17 at 11 am ET.
  • Connect with the IBM X-Force team for a tailored review of the findings.
  • Read more about the report’s top findings in this blog.

About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain a competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

Media Contact:
Michele Brancati
IBM Communications
Mbrancati@ibm.com

 

Polyplastics Develops New PLASTRON(R) LFT Grades with Post-consumer Recycled Content

TOKYO, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Polyplastics Co., Ltd., a global leader in engineering thermoplastics, has announced the development of new PLASTRON(R) long-fiber thermoplastic (LFT) grades made of post-consumer recycled (PCR) polypropylene (PP) content. The two new developmental grades, which deliver mechanical properties equivalent to virgin material products, are undergoing sample production and evaluation.

Image: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M100475/202602184262/_prw_PI1fl_vxqX677M.jpg

As part of Polyplastics’ commitment to advancing sustainable material solutions, these new grades — PLASTRON(R) RSG20011 and RSG20013 — feature more than 30% PCR content combined with 30% to 40% glass fiber reinforcement. The newly developed grades offer mechanical performance — such as high rigidity and excellent impact strength — equivalent to the company’s commercial products made of virgin raw materials.

By utilizing PCR materials collected from the market, the newly developed grades contribute to reducing the product carbon footprint (PCF). Compared with products made from virgin raw materials, these grades achieve a reduction of more than 20% in carbon footprint. The PCF values shown above were calculated based on the GHG Protocol and ISO 14067, using operational data over a defined period along with reference values from reliable databases. These figures are not guaranteed values.

Polyplastics will further expand its lineup of products that utilize recycled raw materials, as well as those incorporating environmentally friendly reinforcement materials such as cellulose fibers. Through these efforts, the company aims to meet an even broader range of application needs and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Polyplastics will further expand its product lineup to include products utilizing recycled materials and cellulose fibers. This will help reduce environmental impact and enhance the ability to meet customers’ diverse needs.

For more information, visit: https://www.polyplastics.com/global/s/ourapproach/a5nRB000002F4N7YAK/231?language=en_US

About Polyplastics

Polyplastics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in the development and production of engineering thermoplastics. The company’s product portfolio includes POM, PBT, PPS, LCP, PET, COC, and LFT, with global-leading market share for POM, LCP, and COC. With more than 60 years of experience, the company is backed by a strong global network of R&D, production, and sales resources capable of creating advanced solutions for an ever-changing global marketplace.

PLASTRON(R) is a registered trademark of Polyplastics Co., Ltd. in Japan and other countries.

Agoda Reveals Top 10 Warm-Weather Winter Escapes for Taiwanese Travelers, with Okinawa Leading the List

TAIPEI, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As cold fronts roll in one after another, Taiwanese travelers’ getaway plans are shifting south in search of sunshine. Digital travel platform Agoda observed accommodation search trends for early-year trips (Jan–Feb) and found that warm-weather escapes have become the go-to travel mindset. From islands and vibrant cities to easy short breaks, travelers are favoring destinations that are warm, packed with good food and great shopping, and easy to reach, turning winter into a quick dose of summer.

According to Agoda data, based on searches made by travelers from Taiwan in November–December 2025 for stays in January–February 2026, Okinawa Main Island remains Taiwan travelers’ top winter getaway for a dose of sun and sea. Okinawa is followed by Bangkok, Singapore, Chiang Mai, Ho Chi Minh City, Pattaya, Bali, Phu Quoc Island, Kuala Lumpur, and Da Nang as the top ten warm weather getaways.

The ranking suggests Taiwanese travelers are not looking for long, “moving-house” holidays, but rather short-haul trips that can turn a few days off into summer mode, whether that means switching off on an island, eating their way through a city, or adding a touch of culture and light adventure for a quick recharge at the start of the year.

Looking at year-on-year changes, Ho Chi Minh City recorded the strongest growth among the top ten warm-weather destinations, with a 64% increase in searches on Agoda, reflecting rising interest in nearby city breaks built around food, cafés, and shopping. Other notable movers include Okinawa (+51%), as well as Vietnam’s Da Nang (+25%) and Hanoi (+15%), making Vietnam’s multi-city presence a standout theme for warm winter travel this season.

Jishan Chai, Country Director for Taiwan at Agoda shared, “When temperatures dip at the start of the year, Taiwanese travelers tend to look for destinations that are short-haul, warm, and flexible, so they can relax more efficiently. From the blue waters of Okinawa to Vietnam’s lively coastal and urban destinations, the data shows travelers care about more than just the weather. Convenience, food experiences, and overall value matter too. As a one-stop platform for accommodations, flights, and activities, Agoda helps travelers quickly find stays that match their budget and style.”

Travelers planning a smoother, better-value start to the year can explore Agoda’s extensive offerings of over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities and experiences. With easy filters for destination, price, ratings, and amenities, travelers can tailor the perfect warm-weather escape on the Agoda app or at Agoda.com.

Metalpha, Exos Financial, and BlockchainK2 Announce Joint Venture for US Institutional Digital Asset Market

HONG KONG and NEW YORK and VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Metalpha Technology Holding Limited (NASDAQ: MATH) (“Metalpha”), a global leading provider of blockchain and trading technology solutions, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Exos Financial LLC (“Exos”), a technology-driven boutique financial services platform based in New York, and BlockchainK2 Corp. (TSXV: BITK) (“BK2”), a public Canadian holding company for blockchain technology companies. The three parties intend to form a Joint Venture (“JV”) aimed at delivering compliant, institutional-grade digital asset solutions to clients based primarily in the United States.

The proposed Joint Venture unites three highly complementary industry leaders to address the growing demand for crypto-financial services in the US. This strategic collaboration leverages Metalpha’s deep expertise in cryptocurrency derivatives and liquidity solutions alongside Exos Financial’s regulated investment banking and asset management businesses and framework, established by former Credit Suisse CEO Brady Dougan. Completing the ecosystem, BlockchainK2 contributes advanced technology platforms for tokenization and fund distribution through its portfolio interests, effectively bridging the gap between traditional finance and digital assets.

Under the terms of the MOU, the parties plan to establish a business dedicated to delivering digital asset solutions to primarily the US institutional market, focusing initially on three core pillars: offering tailored OTC derivatives and hedging solutions to institutions and miners; developing digital asset investment strategies, such as crypto relative value; and creating securities-linked transactions that provide exposure to digital assets.

“This partnership represents a significant milestone in Metalpha’s global expansion strategy,” said Mr. Adrian Wang, CEO of Metalpha. “By joining forces with Exos and BlockchainK2, we are positioning ourselves to enter the critical US market with a fully compliant, institutional-grade offering. We look forward to leveraging Exos’s extensive knowledge and experience in the US market and BK2’s technological infrastructure to bring our market-leading derivative products to US clients.”

“At Exos, we believe the future of finance lies in the seamless integration of technology and compliance,” said Brady Dougan, Founder and CEO of Exos Financial. “Partnering with Metalpha and BlockchainK2 allows us to extend our modern institutional platform into the digital asset space, offering clients sophisticated strategies with the infrastructure and support they expect from a top-tier financial institution.”

“We are excited to facilitate this venture,” said Sergei Stetsenko, CEO of BlockchainK2. “The combination of Metalpha’s trading prowess, Exos’s institutional pedigree, and our ecosystem’s technological capabilities creates a powerful engine for growth. This JV is designed to solve key pain points for US institutions seeking exposure to digital assets.”

About Metalpha 

Metalpha Technology Holding Limited (NASDAQ: MATH) is a global leading provider of blockchain and trading technology solutions. With extensive blockchain and traditional fintech expertise, we are dedicated to delivering state-of-the-art technological solutions, including digital asset related management systems, hedging infrastructures, liquidity solutions and institutional grade architectures. We offer highly customized, one-stop solutions to help our customers grow their businesses and are committed to strengthening our position as one of the largest gateways to digital assets in Asia.

About Exos Financial LLC

Founded in 2018, Exos Financial is a B2B institutional finance platform designed to modernize the delivery of investment banking and wealth management services. Exos operates U.S. regulated entities, offering technology-driven solutions in investment banking, asset management, and alternative investments.

About BlockchainK2 Corp.

BlockchainK2 Corp. (TSXV: BITK; OTCQB: BIDCF; GERMANY: KRL2) is a holding company investing in blockchain technology solutions for capital markets and other sectors. The Company owns a majority interest in RealBlocks, a technology platform for private equity, private credit, and real estate that provides tokenized secondary trading and fund distribution solutions.

Forward-Looking Statements 

This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to” and similar statements. Management has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While they believe these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond management’s control. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause Metalpha’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.