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AI-Powered Customer Experience Platform Toku Opens Trading on SGX with Strong Debut as First IPO of 2026

SINGAPORE, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Toku Ltd. (“Toku” or the “Company“), a Singapore-incorporated customer experience (CX) technology company, today commenced trading on the Catalist Board of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (“SGX-ST“), following the successful completion of its initial public offering (“IPO“).

Koh Jin Hoe, Head of Capital Markets, Global Sales and Origination, SGX Group and Thomas Laboulle, Founder and CEO, Toku Ltd. exchanging listing memento gift
Koh Jin Hoe, Head of Capital Markets, Global Sales and Origination, SGX Group and Thomas Laboulle, Founder and CEO, Toku Ltd. exchanging listing memento gift

The Company’s shares opened at S$0.260, reached an intraday high of S$0.305, and closed at S$0.285, with trading beginning on a “ready” basis at 9:00 a.m. SGT under the ticker symbol TKU.

The IPO comprised 65,000,000 Invitation Shares at an offer price of S$0.25 per share, consisting of 2,000,000 Public Offer Shares and 63,000,000 Placement Shares. The Invitation raised total gross proceeds of S$16.25 million, giving the Company a post-IPO market capitalisation of approximately S$142.56 million, based on its enlarged share capital.

Commenting on the Company’s listing, Thomas Laboulle, Founder and CEO of Toku, said, “Debuting on SGX Catalist is a significant step in Toku’s evolution as an enterprise software company, as we accelerate our mission to transform how enterprises manage customer interactions. As a public company, we are sharpening our focus on execution, governance and long-term value creation. We will continue to invest in end-to-end innovation across our technology and solution stack, strengthening our ability to deliver smarter, faster, and fully compliant solutions to our customers located across the globe. This milestone gives us the platform and discipline to scale responsibly as customer expectations and regulatory requirements continue to rise across markets.”

Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Non-Independent Non-Executive Chairman of Toku, said: “The successful listing marks an important milestone for Toku and is a testament to the team’s focus, discipline and execution. Going public carries significant responsibility, reinforcing our commitment to transparency, sound governance, and long-term value. I am pleased to be part of Toku’s journey as it continues to focus on creating meaningful impact for customers across diverse industries.”

“We are proud to have worked with Toku on its Singapore listing and the strong interest from investors reflects the market’s confidence in Toku’s business and strategy. With access to public markets, enhanced profile, brand recognition and credibility, Toku is well positioned to attract new talent, deepen customer relationships, expand into new markets and scale internationally.  We look forward to continuing our partnership with Toku.” said Mark Liew, CEO, PrimePartners. 

“We are pleased to support Toku in its listing as a co-placement agent. Its highly scalable business model enables global growth and coupled with the team’s dynamism, it is an exciting AI-centric growth story to watch. We look forward to bringing more high quality homegrown companies to market this year,” said Jason Saw, Group Head of Investment Banking, CGS International Securities.

Headquartered in Singapore, Toku provides a cloud-native CX platform that enables enterprises and public-sector organisations to manage customer interactions across voice, chat, email and digital channels within a single integrated environment. Designed for complex, multi-market operations, the platform combines communications infrastructure with AI capabilities such as transcription, summarisation and conversation analytics, while supporting deployment across commercial cloud, private data centres and hybrid environments to meet regulatory, linguistic and operational requirements.

Proceeds from the IPO will be used to support continued investment in Toku’s technology platform, expansion of its partner ecosystem, geographic growth, and general corporate purposes, in line with the Company’s stated strategy.

-END-

About Toku

Headquartered in Singapore, Toku Ltd. (“Toku“) is a cloud-native, AI-powered customer experience platform purpose-built for enterprises operating in complex, multi-market environments. With deep roots in the APAC region and an expanding global footprint, Toku’s modular 360° CX Platform orchestrates customer interactions across voice, chat, email and digital channels while managing regulatory, linguistic and infrastructure complexity at scale.

Built on end-to-end ownership of its technology stack, from carrier-grade connectivity to AI applications, Toku delivers enterprise-grade security, reliability and deployment flexibility across commercial cloud, private data centres and hybrid environments. Its AI capabilities include transcription, summarisation, sentiment analysis, conversation analytics and governed virtual agents, designed to integrate seamlessly with enterprise systems and customer data.

Trusted by leading enterprises and public-sector organisations, Toku helps organisations streamline operations, scale customer engagement and deliver consistent experiences across fragmented markets.

For more information about Toku, visit toku.co

The industry highlight of the year: 75th Spielwarenmesse full of inspiration, exchange and anniversary spirit

NUREMBERG, Germany, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The toy world will gather in Nuremberg from 27 to 31 January for an extraspecial event: the Spielwarenmesse, celebrating its 75th anniversary together with retailers, manufacturers and the media. As a leading B2B event, it brings the industry together and consolidates its importance as a central platform for business development, inspiration and personal encounters. To mark the anniversary, the organiser, Spielwarenmesse eG, is setting new content priorities, promoting dialogue on future topics and turning the entire exhibition center into a lively stage for the industry.

Christian Ulrich, Member of the Executive Board at Spielwarenmesse eG (Spokesperson), promises plenty of highlights for the 75th Spielwarenmesse, including the ToyAward nominees.
Christian Ulrich, Member of the Executive Board at Spielwarenmesse eG (Spokesperson), promises plenty of highlights for the 75th Spielwarenmesse, including the ToyAward nominees.

Global relevance

The success story of the Spielwarenmesse reaches a special milestone with its 75th edition. In front of Entrance Mitte, the ‘Walk of Play’ exhibition invites visitors to discover the most important stages in the history of the fair. What began in 1949 with the decision to found the fair quickly developed into the international gathering for the whole industry. ‘More than ever, the Spielwarenmesse stands for the global market, but also for specialisation and a global network with year-round contacts,’ says Christian Ulrich, Member of the Executive Board at Spielwarenmesse eG (Spokesperson). Specialist retailers and buyers – from traditional toy retailers to online platforms and large chain stores – benefit from a diverse range of products from 2,313 exhibitors from 68 countries. These include 488 new companies that are specifically looking to establish new business relationships at the Spielwarenmesse. Spanning 18 halls and 13 product groups, the event showcases the entire spectrum of the toy world. The anniversary will be celebrated throughout the entire exhibition grounds; exhibitors have prepared more than 30 activities, including selfie spots, interactive stations and musical performances. 

Action areas with fresh ideas

The strategically placed Specials at the Spielwarenmesse provide orientation for the new financial year. In the foyer at Entrance Mitte, the two ToyTrends exemplify pioneering drive in the toy world. ‘AI Loves (to) Play’ showcases toys that use AI tools or impart knowledge about them, while ‘Creative Mindfulness’ focuses on creative and craft skills right through to the finished object. Right next door, the Toys for Kidults area invites visitors to try things out and talk shop. According to market research company Circana, the product area addresses enormous market potential: in the USA, spending on toys for consumers aged 12 and over will reach US$13.4 billion (+12%) between October 2024 and September 2025, and in Europe €5.7 billion (+14%). Visitors will also find forward-looking products in Hall 3A in the newly designed StartupArea. Here, 44 exhibitors from 16 countries will present their creative ideas – including 22 newcomers from Germany. The New Product Gallery will showcase more than 130 different innovations, while the ToyAward, awarded across six categories, draws additional attention to winners and nominees. The award ceremony will take place on Wednesday at 11 am in the Toy Business Forum. In Hall 7A, the Special for the Sports, Leisure, Outdoor category will provide a dynamic atmosphere filled with test areas and activities. 

Deepening specialist knowledge

The Spielwarenmesse is about more than just products – it imparts industry knowledge and thrives on personal exchange. The Toy Business Forum in Hall 3A offers in-depth specialist knowledge with presentations on retail and toy trends, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, sustainability and kidults. Daily lunch breaks with music and food trucks also create space for conversations in a relaxed atmosphere. On the Wednesday, the Value of Play Conference will celebrate its premiere at the Spielwarenmesse, highlighting various facets of play value together with experts from 8.30 to 10.30 am in the Toy Business Forum. For model car fans, Thursday at 4.30 pm at the same location has a special experience in store: With the induction ceremony into the Model Car Hall of Fame, hobbyDB, the world’s largest Diecast community, honours the pioneers of the model vehicle industry. Another target group will find what they are looking for in the NCC West foyer: the LicenseLounge, which focuses on the licensing business as a strong growth driver, and the LicenseTalks event series provides important market insights. On the Friday, the Game Inventors Convention (NCC Mitte, Level 1) will provide a platform for creative minds from the gaming scene – with 156 participants from 22 countries.

An industry in party mood

In addition to product diversity and knowledge transfer, networking is part of the DNA of the Spielwarenmesse. Numerous formats create space for exchange in a relaxed atmosphere. New this year is Let’s Connect! – Toy Community Meetup in Hall 2. Spielwarenmesse participants have the opportunity to get together daily between 12 pm and 4 pm in informal sessions based on unifying subject areas. The exclusive ToyNight on the first day of the fair brings all exhibitors together under the motto ‘Welcome to the Future’. The 15 exhibitors who were there from the very beginning will also be honoured in this festive setting. On the Thursday evening, the RedNight will create a lively party atmosphere with stand parties. ToyCity Nuremberg is also involved in the anniversary celebrations: illuminations of the Imperial Castle and the Frauentor Tower will underline the festive atmosphere.

‘For the 75th time, the Spielwarenmesse is the central gathering for the industry: people from all over the world come together in Nuremberg to discover trends, take advantage of business opportunities and experience the unique “Spirit of Play”. We look forward to celebrating this anniversary with all participants – and look forward to a successful future with optimism,’ Christian Ulrich sums up.

 

PAQ Therapeutics Announces Series B Extension, Bringing Total Series B Financing to $77 Million; First Patient Dosed in Phase 1 Trial of PT0511, a Pan-KRAS Degrader

BURLINGTON, Mass., Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PAQ Therapeutics, a clinical-stage oncology company developing novel targeted protein degradation therapies for KRAS-driven cancers, today announced the closing of a Series B extension, bringing the company’s total Series B financing to $77 million, and the dosing of the first patient in a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating PT0511, the company’s pan-KRAS degrader.

The Series B extension builds on PAQ’s previously announced Series B financing, with participation from existing as well as new investors, and further strengthens the company’s balance sheet to advance multiple clinical programs. Proceeds from the financing will support the ongoing Phase 1 development of PT0253, PAQ’s KRAS G12D degrader, as well as the clinical advancement of PT0511.

“Completing this Series B extension and dosing the first patient in our PT0511 Phase 1 study represent important milestones for PAQ,” said Nan Ji, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of PAQ Therapeutics. “Together, these achievements highlight our continued execution against a multi-program clinical strategy and our focus on addressing significant unmet need across KRAS-driven cancers.”

PT0511 is a pan-KRAS degrader designed to target multiple oncogenic KRAS variants. The Phase 1 study is a first-in-human, open-label, dose-escalation trial evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary anti-tumor activity of PT0511 in patients with advanced solid tumors harboring KRAS alterations.

“The initiation of clinical dosing with PT0511 expands our clinical portfolio beyond single-mutation KRAS targeting,” said Andrew Krivoshik, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer of PAQ Therapeutics. “A pan-KRAS degradation approach has the potential to address key limitations for patients observed with existing KRAS- or pan-RAS inhibitor therapies.”

PAQ continues to advance a differentiated KRAS pipeline by leveraging targeted protein degradation to achieve deep and selective suppression of oncogenic signaling, while maintaining favorable safety and combinability profiles.

About PAQ Therapeutics
PAQ Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing best- and first-in-class KRAS degraders for lethal cancers lacking effective treatment options.

Cypherpunk Adds Arjun Khemani as Strategic Advisor

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cypherpunk Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq: CYPH) (“Cypherpunk”), the privacy technology company, today announced that Arjun Khemani has joined the company as a Strategic Advisor. Khemani, a prominent voice in the Zcash ecosystem and the “philosophy of progress” movement, will provide high-level guidance as Cypherpunk accelerates its mission to scale privacy-preserving digital infrastructure.

As a Strategic Advisor, Khemani will offer insights into ecosystem dynamics, the philosophical drivers of privacy adoption, and long-term strategies to foster a culture of digital self-sovereignty. His appointment follows the recent addition of prominent crypto executive and privacy advocate Josh Swihart and Zcash founder Zooko Wilcox as advisors, further strengthening Cypherpunk’s position at the forefront of the privacy ecosystem.

“Zcash is the machinery of freedom. I’m excited to help Cypherpunk execute toward that vision. The long promised sci-fi future of infinite frontiers will be made real by encrypted, unstoppable private money.” said Arjun Khemani.

Will McEvoy, Chief Investment Officer of Cypherpunk, added:

“Arjun brings deeply rooted convictions around privacy and an intellectually rigorous perspective to our team. His guidance will be core to our work in advancing the adoption of Zcash and accelerating privacy innovation across society.”

Recent Momentum: Treasury Expansion

The appointment of Khemani comes amid continued growth in Cypherpunk’s corporate treasury, anchored by its expanding long-term position in Zcash. In aggregate as of December 30, 2025, Cypherpunk holds 290,062.67 ZEC, acquired at an average price of $334.41 per ZEC. These holdings account for an estimated 1.76% of the total circulating Zcash supply.

This growing treasury position, initiated through the $58.88 million private placement led by Winklevoss Capital, underscores Cypherpunk’s conviction in Zcash as a core, long-term asset and its strategy to provide institutional-grade exposure to privacy-preserving technologies.

About Arjun Khemani
Arjun Khemani is a writer and the host of the Arjun Khemani Podcast, where he explores the intersection of cryptography, rational optimism, and human progress. Known for his deep dives into Zcash’s privacy features and zero-knowledge proofs, he is a vocal advocate for the idea that digital privacy is essential for a free future of infinite frontiers.

About Cypherpunk

Cypherpunk Technologies Inc. is a privacy technology company implementing a digital asset treasury strategy anchored by Zcash and, through its subsidiary Leap Therapeutics, Inc., is developing novel therapies for patients with cancer. The Company is aiming to build long-term shareholder value by acquiring ZEC, participating in the development of Zcash, and continuing the development of sirexatamab and FL-501 to treat patients with cancer. For more information about the Company, visit our websites at http://www.cypherpunk.com and http://www.leaptx.com or view our public filings with the SEC that are available via EDGAR at http://www.sec.gov or via https://investors.leaptx.com/.

About Winklevoss Capital

Winklevoss Capital is an investment firm founded in 2012 by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss that invests in frontier technologies.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “plan,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “believe,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “goal,” “project,” and other words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements address various matters including statements relating to ZEC or digital assets held or to be held by the Company, the expected future market, price and liquidity of ZEC or other digital assets the Company acquires, the macro and political conditions surrounding Zcash or digital assets, the Company’s plan for value creation and strategic advantages, market size and growth opportunities, regulatory conditions, competitive position and the interest of other corporations in similar business strategies, technological and market trends, and future financial condition and performance. Risks and uncertainties of the digital asset treasury strategy include, among others: (a) the risk that the Company will fail to realize the anticipated benefits of the digital asset treasury strategy; (b) changes in business, market, financial, political and regulatory conditions; (c) risks relating to the Company’s operations and business, including the highly volatile nature of the price of cryptocurrencies, including ZEC; (d) the risk that the price of the Company’s Common Stock may be highly correlated to the price of ZEC or other digital assets that it holds; (e) risks related to increased competition in the industries in which the Company does and will operate; (f) risks relating to significant legal, commercial, regulatory and technical uncertainty regarding digital assets generally; and (g) risks relating to the treatment of crypto assets for U.S. and foreign tax purposes. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties. No representations or warranties (expressed or implied) are made about the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements. The Company may not actually achieve the forecasts disclosed in such forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of material risks and uncertainties including but not limited to those set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, or as may be included in other reports or information we file with the SEC, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in its subsequent filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was made. Neither the Company, nor any of its affiliates, advisors or representatives, undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date hereof.

CONTACT:

Douglas E. Onsi
President & Chief Executive Officer
Cypherpunk Technologies Inc.
617-714-0360
ir@cypherpunk.com 

For Investors:
Matthew DeYoung
Investor Relations
Argot Partners
212-600-1902
leap@argotpartners.com

For Media:
Jacqueline Ortiz Ramsay
It Factor Strategies
954-294-3249
jacqueline@itfactorstrategies.com 

 

HKCSS Releases Inaugural Data on Caring Business Practices in Hong Kong

3,500 Companies Recognized; Support for Working Caregivers Emerges as New Benchmark for Friendly Workplaces


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 January 2026 – 22 January 2026 – The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) held the 2024/25 Caring Company Scheme Recognition Ceremony today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Mr. Chris SUN Yuk-han, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, attended as the Guest of Honour. This year, a total of 3,500 caring companies and organisations were recognised.

The Caring Company Scheme Recognition Ceremony cum Release of the Caring Business Achievements Overiview concluded successfully today, Mr. Chris SUN, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare (centre), joined HKCSS management for a group photo.From left:Hon Grace CHAN Man-yee, Chief Executive Of HKCSSMr. CHAN Tsz Ming, Director, Analysts at Level 1, Department of Social Affairs, Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSARMr. Chris SUN, JP, Secretary for Labour and WelfareRevd Canon Hon Peter Douglas KOON Ho Ming, SBS, JP, Chairperson of HKCSSMr. CHAN Charnwut, Bernard, GBM, GBS, JP, Vice-chairperson of HKCSSMs. CHAK Tung Ching, Yvonne, Vice-chairperson of HKCSS
The Caring Company Scheme Recognition Ceremony cum Release of the Caring Business Achievements Overiview concluded successfully today, Mr. Chris SUN, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare (centre), joined HKCSS management for a group photo.
From left:Hon Grace CHAN Man-yee, Chief Executive Of HKCSS
Mr. CHAN Tsz Ming, Director, Analysts at Level 1, Department of Social Affairs, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR
Mr. Chris SUN, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare
Revd Canon Hon Peter Douglas KOON Ho Ming, SBS, JP, Chairperson of HKCSS
Mr. CHAN Charnwut, Bernard, GBM, GBS, JP, Vice-chairperson of HKCSS
Ms. CHAK Tung Ching, Yvonne, Vice-chairperson of HKCSS

For the first time, HKCSS released the major findings from the Caring Business Achievements Overview, providing an in-depth look at corporate trends in addressing social issues such as population ageing, workforce challenges, and climate change across four key pillars: Partnership, Social, Economic, and Environmental Sustainability.

Mr. Chris SUN Yuk-han, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, congratulated the businesses and organizations recognized by the Caring Company Scheme. He emphasized that building a compassionate society requires collaboration with the business community, which plays a vital role alongside government and non-governmental efforts. By prioritizing employee welfare, employers not only uplift families but also drive growth, attract talent, and foster mutual benefits. Mr. SUN called upon the business sector to engage more proactively in this initiative, fostering a collective commitment to building a more caring society for all.

3,500 companies were commended today; top performers were awarded logos representing leading levels of performance.
3,500 companies were commended today; top performers were awarded logos representing leading levels of performance.

24 Years of Deep-Rooted Partnership: 28% of Collaborations Last 10 Years or More

The Caring Company Scheme has been running for 24 years. The Revd Canon the Hon. Peter Douglas KOON, SBS, JP, Chairman of HKCSS, stated in his speech: “The Scheme underwent a significant revamp recently to localise international sustainability frameworks. Through our inaugural data analysis, we can observe the business sector’s overall performance in tackling challenges like population ageing and climate change. We hope these trends will guide companies to transform a culture of care into concrete business decisions.”

Data indicates that business-social partnerships have built a solid foundation. Over 70% of companies have maintained partnerships with community partners for three years or more, while 28% have sustained collaborations for over a decade, reflecting a commitment to long-term stability in cross-sectoral collaboration.

104 companies were recognised as Caregiver-Friendly for their outstanding support measures.
104 companies were recognised as Caregiver-Friendly for their outstanding support measures.

New Frontier in the Workplace: Support for Working Caregivers Emerges as a Key Focus

Corporate performance in supporting caregivers has become a focal point. Data reveals that over 80% of companiess have popularised flexible work arrangements, and 104 companies received special “Caregiver-Friendly” commendations for their outstanding support measures this year.

Hon Grace CHAN Man-yee, Chief Executive of HKCSS, observed several innovative cases: “Some companies have implemented eight weeks of fully paid adoption leave, five days of leave for only-child caregivers, and even ‘Grandchild Leave’. Others provide patient companion service. Supporting caregivers does not necessarily require massive financial investment; as long as it starts from the employees’ needs, the possibilities for caring business are endless.”

Five Key Recommendations: From “Ad Hoc Actions” to “Policy Integration”

While companies excel in charitable donations and active participation, there is room for improvement in environmental data tracking (currently at approximately 30%) and workplace diversity. Consequently, HKCSS proposes five key recommendations:

  1. Deepen Caring Standards: Treat the Caring Company Scheme indicators as operational benchmarks to establish a systematic socially responsible business model.
  2. Promote Professional Sharing and Responsible Procurement: Encourage management to join NGO boards as volunteers to provide professional support and integrate NGO products into corporate procurement supply chains.
  3. Build Diverse and Inclusive Workplaces: Actively employ disadvantaged groups to tap into new talent pools and implement flexible work to support working caregivers.
  4. Sustain Investment in Talent Development: Recognize talent as a driver of economic growth, enhance staff training, and strengthen mental health support.
  5. Initiate Data-Driven Management: We recommend that companies immediately start tracking data related to sustainability performance to ensure that social initiatives are measurable and sustainable.

In 2024/25, the Caring Company Scheme received over 4,300 applications. Ultimately, 3,500 companies and organisations were recognised the Caring Company and Caring Organisation logos, comprising large corporations (42%), SMEs (51%), and organisations (7%). HKCSS emphasised that the data release aims to establish a long-term mechanism to guide the business sector in finding room for improvement and addressing future social challenges through collaboration.

Hashtag: #TheHongKongCouncilofSocialService #HKCSS #theCaringCompanyScheme #Caregiver-Friendly

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

Strong wealth management and IPO pipelines to underpin Hong Kong bank growth in 2026, says KPMG

Digital assets, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity top the transformation agenda


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 January 2026 – Hong Kong’s banking sector enters 2026 from a position of financial strength — well-capitalised, highly liquid, and supported by structural inflows and robust wealth management growth. Despite an evolving macroeconomic and investment environment, the sector remains well-positioned to pursue targeted growth opportunities.

KPMG’s latest report, the Hong Kong Banking Outlook 2026, expects Hong Kong banks to capitalise on the strong wealth management pipeline and a revitalised IPO market, deploying capital where risk-adjusted returns appear most attractive. The report also spotlights the key priorities for the year ahead: advancing digital assets, embracing AI innovation, and fostering closer collaboration between private banks and asset managers to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a world-leading centre for offshore private wealth management.

Paul McSheaffrey, Senior Banking Partner, Hong Kong SAR, KPMG China, says: “As we enter 2026, KPMG is more optimistic about Hong Kong’s banking sector. The strong performance of Hong Kong’s equity market in 2025 has significantly lifted sentiment. Recent policy initiatives, including efforts to strengthen the city’s fixed-income market and to support Chinese Mainland enterprises in ‘going global’ through Hong Kong, provide further confidence in the future. We expect increased bank investment and hiring to follow.”

Jianing Song, Head of Banking and Capital Markets, Hong Kong SAR, KPMG China, says: “In 2026, AI will evolve from a support tool to a core driver of competitiveness for Hong Kong banks. Banks are increasingly focused on productivity gains, on measuring ROI, and on embedding AI across operations in a way that delivers tangible benefit. In corporate banking, this shift may finally see paper, physical signatures, and batch processing phase out.”

Tokenisation moves beyond proof of concept
Hong Kong is positioning itself as a global leader in digital assets, with banks conducting real-world transactions using tokenised deposits through the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s Project Ensemble1. A wave of stablecoin licence applications is also underway, and tokenised gold is being issued. Looking ahead to 2026, KPMG expects traditional banks and the digital-asset ecosystem to move closer together. Banks will likely begin offering services such as digital-asset custody and a broader range of tokenised products as the regulatory framework becomes clearer.

Simon Shum, Head of Digital Assets, Hong Kong SAR, KPMG China, says: “The pace of change will only accelerate this year. Banks should focus on building their blockchain expertise, ensuring governance and controls are robust, and staying close to regulatory developments, particularly around AML, cybersecurity and risk management, as the digital asset ecosystem continues to evolve rapidly.”

Rising threats push banks toward automation-led cyber defence
As Hong Kong banks accelerate toward a digital-first future, the cyber threat landscape will remain a critical challenge in 2026. KPMG expects threat actors to increasingly leverage AI and automation to identify vulnerabilities with greater speed and precision, while attacks through third parties and the broader digital ecosystem continue to rise. For banks, this means cyber resilience will become an even more pressing board level priority. The HKMA will continue expectations around technology risk management, clear accountability for cyber risk, and the ability of banks to maintain critical services and recover swiftly when incidents occur.

Lanis Lam, Partner, Technology Risk, KPMG China, says: “As rising cyber risks, evolving technology, and shifting regulatory expectations redefine the landscape, banks in 2026 must strategically prioritise three areas: real-time threat detection, governance of third-party dependencies, and seamless integration between technology, risk, and business functions to drive cohesive and effective responses. Ultimately, automation should be a core enabler of cyber resilience, not just a tool for efficiency but a catalyst for proactive defence and operational agility.”

Hashtag: #KPMG

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

About KPMG

KPMG in China has offices located in 31 cities with over 14,000 partners and staff, in Beijing, Changchun, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Dongguan, Foshan, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Haikou, Hangzhou, Hefei, Jinan, Nanjing, Nantong, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Taiyuan, Tianjin, Wuhan, Wuxi, Xiamen, Xi’an, Zhengzhou, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR. It started operations in Hong Kong in 1945. In 1992, KPMG became the first international accounting network to be granted a joint venture licence in the Chinese Mainland. In 2012, KPMG became the first among the “Big Four” in the Chinese Mainland to convert from a joint venture to a special general partnership.

KPMG is a global organisation of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG is the brand under which the member firms of KPMG International Limited (“KPMG International”) operate and provide professional services. “KPMG” is used to refer to individual member firms within the KPMG organisation or to one or more member firms collectively.

KPMG firms operate in 138 countries and territories with more than 276,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. Each KPMG member firm is responsible for its own obligations and liabilities.

McFIT “The Original” Launches International Franchising – One of Europe’s Most Recognized Fitness Brands Enters a New Era


BERLIN, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 22 January 2026 – McFIT, a cornerstone of the European fitness landscape since 1997, is entering a new chapter in its corporate development: for the first time, the successful gym concept will be offered as an international franchise. This move paves the way for McFIT’s global franchise growth in previously untapped markets without company-owned locations.

McFITFranchise_1.jpg

To date, McFIT has been active exclusively with over 230 company-owned gyms across Europe (Germany, Austria, and Italy). All studios have been leased, built, and fully operated by the company. This structure will remain unchanged in existing markets. At the same time, McFIT is now pursuing an international growth strategy that complements the successful franchise model of Gold’s Gym, which has been part of the RSG Group since 2020. Gold’s Gym currently operates 58 company-owned studios worldwide alongside 507 franchise gyms.

McFITFranchise_2.jpg

“Over the past years, we have proven that we not only understand franchise systems, but can successfully scale them worldwide,” says Jörg Fockenberg, VP Strategy, Expansion & Franchise at the RSG Group.

“With the internationalization of McFIT as a franchise concept, we are taking the next logical step and opening our strongest European brand to new markets around the world.”

To make the McFIT concept globally accessible for franchise partners, the company developed a comprehensive package of professional franchise tools. These are designed to adapt flexibly to local conditions, ensure strong brand management and a consistent brand appearance, and provide partners with all necessary tools for smooth studio setup and daily operations. This is complemented by clearly defined processes and structures that support franchise partners from initial contact through well beyond contract signing.

“Our goal is to create a franchise system that offers partners maximum guidance, security, and efficiency – while fully leveraging McFIT’s unique brand strength,” explains Dr. Jobst Müller-Trimbusch, Co-CEO of the RSG Group. “We want to empower entrepreneurs worldwide to continue the success story of McFIT in their own countries.”

The McFIT franchise is exclusively aimed at countries in which the brand is not yet represented with company-owned gyms. This opens McFIT to a wide range of new markets and target groups. The primary focus is on recruiting master franchisees.

Further information is available at www.mcfit.com/franchise-en

Hashtag: #McFIT #TheOriginal

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

About RSG Group

With more than 4.5 million members in its studios, RSG Group is one of the world’s leading companies in the fitness industry. Founded in 1996 by Rainer Schaller and still family-owned today, RSG Group has grown into an internationally operating company. Including its franchise partners, the group employs 10,000 people at over 900 locations and is represented in more than 30 countries. Its extensive and future-oriented portfolio includes brands such as McFIT, the JOHN REED family, and Gold’s Gym. RSG Group’s mission is to continuously set new standards and remain an essential part of its customers’ active lifestyles. For more information:

/DISREGARD RELEASE: Beike Realsee Technology (HK) Limited/

We are advised by Beike Realsee Technology (HK) Limited that journalists and other readers should disregard the news release, Realsee Announces Strategic Partnership with Linkhome Holdings Inc. to Advance AI-Driven 3D Real Estate Visualization, issued 31-Oct-2025 over PR Newswire as the release contained erroneous information.