• Nearly half of business leaders expect more than 15% revenue uplift from AI within 10 years
• Agentic AI is emerging as a priority with 35% of organizations calling it a top focus

CHICAGO, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The era of efficiency is over and the growth race has begun. According to new research from Thoughtworks, a global technology consultancy that integrates design, engineering and AI to drive digital innovation, 77% of business leaders have shifted their AI strategies from cost savings to growth and innovation. Among large enterprises the shift rises to 92%.

The research surveyed 3,500 IT decision-makers and C-suite leaders along with 3,500 consumers across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, India, Brazil, Singapore and Australia.

The results show that AI is rapidly moving from a back-office tool into a driver of top-line performance. Twenty seven percent of executives globally expect up to 10% revenue growth from AI in the next year. India and Brazil are the most optimistic with 49.2% in each market expecting more than 15% revenue uplift within five years. Germany is more cautious at 28.8% and Australia sits at 20%. Nearly half of global leaders expect AI to deliver more than 15% revenue uplift within a decade.

In Singapore, the drive for adoption is fuelling a unique ‘innovation pressure cooker’ environment. The region reports the highest rate of ‘AI FOMO’ globally at 66%, pushing companies to look beyond efficiency and focus on customer metrics; 23% of leaders now cite increased Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) as the primary impact of their AI initiatives. However, this ambition faces a critical bottleneck: Singapore faces the world’s most acute talent shortage, with 21% of leaders citing skills gaps as their top barrier to scaling—underscoring that success in the Lion City will depend on talent acquisition as much as technological implementation.

Agentic AI is also emerging as a clear dividing line in how fast regions are moving. Globally, 35% of leaders say agentic AI is now a top priority. India leads with 48.6% followed by Singapore at 40.8% and the United Kingdom at 40%. Brazil sits at 28.2% and the United States matches this at 28% while Australia reports 23.4%. Germany lands near the global average at 31% showing steady interest but slower acceleration.

“This marks a structural shift in how organizations plan for growth,” said Rachel Laycock, chief technology officer at Thoughtworks. “Leaders are no longer asking how efficient they can become. They are asking how expansive they can be. The organizations moving fastest are integrating AI into the core of how they operate.”

The research also shows a significant change inside boardrooms worldwide. More than half of surveyed companies now have a Chief AI Officer. Adoption of the role is highest in India and Brazil and lower in Australia and Germany which lag the global average. Among organizations with a CAIO 72% say the role holds budget authority and accountability for return on investment.

“The CAIO role is no longer experimental,” said Shayan Mohanty, Chief AI Officer at Thoughtworks. “It sits at the center of strategy. The companies that are separating from the pack are the ones that make AI part of their foundation rather than a side project.”

Consumers remain unconvinced
While business confidence is rising many consumers remain unsure about how AI will affect their everyday lives. Twenty one percent globally say AI will have no impact on them in the next five years. In the United Kingdom this rises to 38% and in the United States it reaches 32%. Skepticism is lower in markets like Brazil and India where consumers report higher exposure to AI assisted services. Concerns also vary sharply across regions. Fear of misinformation is highest in the United States and United Kingdom while demand for transparency is strongest in Brazil and India.

Despite these concerns a majority of consumers report positive experiences with AI. Seventy two percent say AI is adding value to their work or personal life. One quarter say AI has helped them learn a new skill and 13% say they have used AI to create a new income stream.

AI reshapes talent and job growth
The findings challenge common fears that AI will lead to widespread job loss. Globally, 84% of business leaders say AI is augmenting talent not replacing it. Job creation varies strongly across markets. India leads with 57.1% of organizations reporting a net increase in roles created through human AI collaboration. Brazil follows at 50%. The United States reports 36% and Australia 33%. Twenty two percent of organizations globally say they have created new AI driven career paths that did not exist before.

The study shows that AI is not eliminating ambition. It is expanding. The companies that treat AI as a way to elevate their people will build stronger competitive advantages.

Supporting resources:

• Read more about the findings of the research.
• Keep up with Thoughtworks news by visiting the company’s website.
• Follow us on X, LinkedIn and YouTube.

About the study

The research was conducted by Censuswide between September and October 2025. It surveyed 3,500 IT decision-makers and C-suite executives plus 3,502 consumers across seven global markets. Censuswide follows the Market Research Society code of conduct and ESOMAR principles.

Additional study findings

1. How confident are companies that they are ahead of competitors in using AI for growth?

Globally, 61% of organizations believe they are ahead of their industry peers in capturing AI driven value. India reports the highest confidence at 78% followed by Brazil at 76%.

2. How widespread is AI FOMO among business leaders?

AI FOMO is real. Fifty six percent of executives globally say they feel competitive pressure to adopt AI quickly. Singapore reports the highest level of anxiety at 66% followed by India at 62.8%.

3. What role does a clear AI strategy play in successful adoption?

A clear AI strategy is both the biggest barrier and the biggest accelerator for organizations. Twenty nine percent of companies globally say the lack of a strategy is the top obstacle to realizing AI’s full potential. At the same time 45% say a clear strategy is the most important factor for scaling AI successfully followed by technology infrastructure at 35% and high quality data at 31%.

4. What do companies say is the biggest impact of successful AI initiatives?

Globally, customer lifetime value has increased for 17% of organizations due to AI. Singapore leads at 23% followed by India at 20%.

5. What drives companies to be transparent about AI use?

The top driver globally is building customer trust and brand loyalty cited by 30% of organizations. Brazil leads at 37% and India at 36%.

6. Which countries are moving fastest from efficiency to growth?

India and Brazil show the strongest shift with more than 92% agreeing their AI strategy has moved to growth and innovation. Australia is the slowest mover with only 62.8% reporting the shift which is well below the 77% global average.

7. Which markets expect the biggest revenue gains from AI?

India and Brazil anticipate the highest revenue impact with 49.2% expecting AI to deliver more than 15% uplift within five years. Germany is far more cautious at 28.8% and Australia at 20%.

8. Where is AI job creation strongest?

India leads the world with 57.1% of organizations reporting a net increase in roles created through human AI collaboration. Brazil follows at 50%. The United States is lower at 36% and Australia at 33%.

9. Which countries show the strongest commitment to agentic AI?

India again leads with 48.6% naming agentic AI as a primary future focus. Singapore follows at 40.8%. Brazil is notably lower at 28.2%.

10. Where do organizations feel most constrained by regulation?

Brazil faces the highest regulatory pressure with 28% citing regulation as the main barrier to realizing AI’s full potential. This is significantly higher than the global average and much higher than India at 9.6% and the United States at 11.9%.

About Thoughtworks

Thoughtworks is a global technology consultancy that integrates design, engineering and AI to drive digital innovation. We are over 10,000 Thoughtworkers strong across 47 offices in 18 countries. For 30+ years, we’ve delivered extraordinary impact together with our clients by helping them solve complex business problems with technology as the differentiator.

Media contact

Kathrin Jansing
Head of Public Relations Europe
Email: kathrin.jansing@thoughtworks.com

HANDAN, China, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On January 7, 2026, an event was held to release the “2025 Idiom of the Year” in Handan City, known as the “City of Chinese Idioms and Allusions”. Topping the list of ten selected annual idioms is “Jian Ding Bu Yi” (unwavering determination).

The event was co-organized by Chinaso and the Publicity Department of the CPC Handan Municipal Committee. Selection for the “2025 Idiom of the Year” went through four key stages: collection, screening, voting, and expert review. Chinaso, in collaboration with authoritative institutions such as the College of AI, Tsinghua University, sourced idioms that gained widespread popularity and were frequently used in 2025. Relevant data was collected from national and local news websites, relevant trade media, portals, social media and short-video platforms, as well as trending topics and user comments on major social platforms. Big data technology and natural language processing algorithms were then employed to screen the massive dataset. Over 30 initially selected idioms were released online for a public vote, inviting participation from internet users both in China and abroad. Finally, experts conducted in-depth reviews focusing on the social context, cultural connotations, and contemporary significance behind the candidate idioms, ultimately determining the final list of ten idioms.

Compilation of the blue book Report on the Application and Dissemination of Chinese Idioms in the New Era, was officially launched at the event. Professor Yao Xishuang, PhD supervisor at the Communication University of China, President of the Chinese Society for the Modernization of the Language and Script, also editor-in-chief of the report, explained that the core of the compilation work lies in in-depth interpretation and comprehensive analysis. Moreover, precisely monitored data collected by Chinaso over the past two years on the usage of idioms in massive language corpora, as well as analyses conducted by authoritative experts and scholars, will both serve as the foundation to produce an annual report on the application and research of idioms that combines both data-driven support and theoretical depth.

The event was attended by experts, scholars from across the country, as well as representatives from various sectors of Handan City.

Prior to the event, Chinaso invited Melissa, an international student from Beijing Foreign Studies University, to star in a Chinese-English short film titled Melissa’s Journey into Chinese Idioms. The film follows Melissa as she explores Handan City in Hebei Province on the eve of the 2026 New Year. With a history of over 3,000 years, Handan is associated with more than 2,000 idioms. During her visit, Melissa, dressed in Warring States robes, learned the Handan dance, practiced Tai Chi, enjoyed a special idiom-themed meal, and watched a drone light show featuring idiom stories. Following the release of the Chinese and English versions on social platforms, the video garnered attention from internet users both domestically and internationally.

LONDON, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — UK-based skincare, aesthetic and medical device innovator iSMART Developments has announced a strategic partnership with L’Oréal Groupe, marking a significant milestone in the company’s long-term growth and leadership within the professional grade light therapy industry.

LED Face Mask

The partnership brings together iSMART’s advanced LED engineering, innovation and regulatory expertise with L’Oréal Groupe’s global scale, scientific infrastructure and commitment to cutting-edge skincare. Developed in partnership with L’Oréal, iSMART have created a first-of-its-kind LED Face Mask and LED Eye Mask: ultra-thin, flexible silicone delivering professional-grade light therapy to the face and delicate under-eye area. The lightweight, portable and non-invasive design allows for seamless addition into daily skincare routines, precisely delivering two light wavelengths:

• Red light (630 nm): Stimulates collagen and elastin to visibly firm and smooth skin
• Near-infrared light (830 nm): Penetrates deeper to reduce puffiness and boost circulation

This strategic alignment reinforces iSMART’s position as a trusted development and manufacturing partner to the world’s most influential beauty and dermatology brands and underlines the growing role of clinically engineered LED technology within skin health and longevity-focused solutions.

Sue D’Arcy, CEO and Founder of iSMART Developments, said:

“This partnership with L’Oréal Groupe represents a powerful validation of iSMART’s technology, team and long-term vision. We’ve spent over two decades building deep expertise in LED phototherapy, regulatory excellence and scalable innovation. Working alongside global leader like L’Oréal allows us to accelerate the impact of clinically engineered light-based solutions on an international stage. This is a significant step forward not only for iSMART, but for the wider evolution of science-led, professional-grade skin technologies.”

The partnership will focus on the development and manufacture of next generation LED phototherapy devices, initially within the facial category. The agreement covers global markets and the collaboration has been showcased at CES 2026, where LED powered skin technologies continue to gain recognition as a core pillar of future-facing beauty and wellness.

About iSMART Developments Ltd

Founded in the UK, iSMART Developments is a medical device company specialising in the research, design and manufacture of advanced LED phototherapy devices for global beauty, dermatology and medical brands. The company is widely recognised for its regulatory leadership, technical precision and ability to translate complex light science into commercially scalable, clinically credible solutions.

https://ismartdevelopments.com/

Media contact: ismart@kendrickpr.uk

DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has revealed the 2025 highlights of Bybit Spot, marking a transformative year for business line. Defined by strategic market positioning that consistently delivered early access to breakout assets before the hype, Bybit Spot proactively identified and listed high-potential tokens ahead of broader discovery, unlocking advanced entry opportunities and a rewarding experience for traders.

First to Market: TRUMP, XAUT, xStocks, TUNA, and MET

Bybit Spot helped users secure first-mover advantages across the year’s most significant asset launches. The platform was among the earliest to list TRUMP, the first dynamite memecoin of 2025 that hit an all-time high (ATH) of 548%. In the RWA space, Bybit pioneered CEX trading for XAUT, a gold-backed token that saw an ATH of 127%, and xStocks, enabling on-chain trading capturing the upside of traditional equities, with GOOGLX climbing +107%.

The platform’s early discovery approach continued with TUNA, a community-led DeFi token that surged +2,637% on day one, and MET, a liquidity-focused DeFi pick that delivered +255% first-day gains.

Lightning-Fast Listings, High Rewards

Speed to market paired with industry-leading incentives defined Bybit Spot’s value proposition. The platform gave away up to $20 million in rewards for select listings including NXPC, an early-stage GameFi breakout, and NIGHT, a privacy-first infrastructure project. By combining early access with substantial reward structures, Bybit transformed market momentum into potential profitability. The strategy propelled Bybit Spot to the No. 1 position in NIGHT’s CEX trading market share.

Capturing Diversity in Narratives

Bybit Spot’s 2025 lineup spanned the most captivating sectors from celebrity memecoins, AI utilities, to RWA, GameFi, on-chain equities, next-generation Layer 1s, and privacy-first infrastructure. The diversified approach ensured Bybit users’ access to multiple market narratives wherever opportunities emerged.

Throughout 2025, Bybit Spot delivered on its promise of an ultra-rewarding trading experience, platforming spotlight projects every month and delivering first-mover advantage at every turn. Looking ahead, 2026 stands to be another year of building momentum and sharing growth.

#Bybit / #CryptoArk / #IMakeIt  

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 80 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com

For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

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PANAMA CITY, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HTX successfully held its 2025 Person of the Year Awards Ceremony on December 30, 2025, marking the platform’s flagship year-end celebration. The event was livestreamed globally via HTX’s official Chinese and English channels as well as its social media platforms, drawing tens of thousands of users worldwide to witness a moment of recognition dedicated to creators, partners, community contributors, and everyday users across the HTX ecosystem.

Held under the theme “Honor and Togetherness”, the ceremony recognized excellence across content creation, community building, trading performance, ecosystem co-development, KOL collaboration, and user contributions. With total rewards exceeding $70,000 distributed, more than one hundred outstanding HTX partners received formal recognition. Multiple lucky draw rounds were also conducted throughout the event, including the distribution of a grand prize of 500 million $HTX, reinforcing HTX’s commitment to rewarding community participation.

2025 Recap: Building with Users at the Core

2025 marked a milestone year for HTX as the platform celebrated its 12th anniversary. Global registered users surpassed 55 million, while the platform maintained a record of zero security incidents throughout the year. HTX was named to Forbes’ “World’s Most Trustworthy Crypto Exchanges”, and its Global Advisor Justin Sun landed on the cover of Forbes and received multiple industry accolades. According to a CoinDesk research report, HTX achieved a 2.06% increase in market share by November 2025, ranking first among major global centralized exchanges in terms of market share growth.

At the opening of the ceremony, Molly, spokesperson for HTX, delivered the keynote address, reviewing the platform’s progress across product development, ecosystem partnerships, and global market expansion, while expressing appreciation to users and partners worldwide.

“2025 has been a year of continuous improvement for HTX. From business growth and market expansion to product improvement and ecosystem development, every achievement has been made possible by our users. Thank you to every partner who provided feedback, shared insights, and actively participated in co-building the ecosystem. You are the reason behind this year’s achievements. In 2026, we will continue advancing our global strategy, ecosystem collaboration, and compliance efforts to achieve new milestones together.”

Spotlight on Excellence: Honoring Over 100 Outstanding Contributors Across the Ecosystem

The ceremony featured more than ten award categories, recognizing key contributors across the HTX ecosystem. Major awards included the Top 10 Communities of the Year, Top 10 Content Creators, Top 10 Streamers, and Outstanding Contributors to the HTX DAO. Additional honors were awarded to Top Referers and Super Traders. For the first time, HTX formally introduced a series of Annual User Contribution Awards, celebrating user participation and authentic community engagement. Titles such as “Sharpest Mind of the Year,” “True Fan of the Year,” “Top Commentator of the Year,” “Meme King of the Year,” “Promoter of the Year,” and “Vibe Team of the Year” recognized users for their constructive voices and insights.

KOL partners from multiple countries and regions were also honored with awards including HTX Brand Friend, Industry Co-Building Partner, and HTX Dedunker, acknowledging their contributions to ecosystem communication, market insight, and public education.

Simultaneously, HTX officially launched the “2025 HTX Recap,” allowing users to review their annual reports of yearly trading data, performance metrics, personalized titles, and exclusive rewards with a single click. Users who shared their reports on HTX’s official social channels also gained the opportunity to win an additional 520 million $HTX individually.

Towards 2026: Creating Sustainable Value with Users at the Center

As 2026 begins, HTX will continue to uphold its user-first philosophy, advancing its global strategy and ecosystem development while strengthening the product experience, security infrastructure, and compliance capabilities to create real, sustainable value for the long term. Together with its global community, HTX remains committed to navigating market cycles and unlocking broader possibilities for blockchain technology.

About HTX

Founded in 2013, HTX (formerly Huobi) has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.

As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.

To learn more about HTX, please visit https://www.htx.com/ or HTX Square , and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord.

Ubyx provides a global clearing system for tokenised deposits and stablecoins.

LONDON and NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Barclays has announced a strategic investment in Ubyx Inc., a U.S. based clearing system for digital money including tokenised deposits and regulated stablecoins.

Barclays makes strategic investment in Ubyx

“Interoperability is essential to unlock the full potential of digital assets. As the landscape of tokens, blockchains and wallets evolves, specialist technology will play a pivotal role in delivering connectivity and infrastructure to enable regulated financial institutions to interact seamlessly. We are pleased to be joining Ubyx on their journey as we drive forward our shared ambition to accelerate and shape innovation across our industry,” said Ryan Hayward, Head of Digital Assets and Strategic Investments at Barclays.

Tony McLaughlin, CEO of Ubyx said, “Our mission is to build a common globalised acceptance network for regulated digital money including tokenised deposits and regulated stablecoins. Bank participation is vital to provide par value redemption through regulated channels. We are entering a world in which every regulated firm offers digital wallets in addition to traditional bank accounts.”

This investment comes at a time of growing interest in new forms of digital money based on tokens transacted on public blockchain infrastructures. Regulatory clarity is moving forward in several jurisdictions, and evidence of growing adoption outside of cryptocurrency use-cases is emerging. Barclays and Ubyx are committed to the responsible development of tokenised money within the regulatory perimeter.

About Barclays:

Our vision is to be the UK-centred leader in global finance. We are a diversified bank with comprehensive UK consumer, corporate and wealth and private banking franchises, a leading investment bank and a strong, specialist US consumer bank. Through these five divisions, we are working together for a better financial future for our customers, clients and communities.

For further information about Barclays, please visit our website home.barclays

About Ubyx:

Ubyx was founded to facilitate tokenised money ubiquity, connecting multiple issuers with multiple receiving institutions in a common settlement environment that allows redemption of digital money at par value, supporting the singleness of money.

For more information visit https://ubyx.xyz