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MICHELIN Guide to Highlight the Culinary Excellence of Manila and Environs & Cebu in its Inaugural Edition

  • The MICHELIN Guide announced its arrival in Manila and Environs & Cebu for an upcoming 2026 selection
  • The restaurant selection for the inaugural edition will be revealed in the last quarter of 2025
  • The renowned anonymous MICHELIN Inspectors are already in the field

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 February 2025 – The MICHELIN Guide announced today its latest expansion into the vibrant culinary landscapes of Manila and Cebu. This new selection will focus on the bustling Metro Manila and the dynamic city of Cebu, while also beginning to explore the environs of Manila, including Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cavite. The prestigious guide revealed that its independent, anonymous inspectors have been thoroughly exploring these regions to identify the most outstanding dining venues. This selection will highlight the best of Manila and Environs & Cebu’s dining scene, showcasing talented chefs and teams who embody passion, creativity, and respect for local culinary traditions.

Cover The MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026

“Our MICHELIN Inspectors have been following the evolution of the Filipino culinary scene with great excitement. The country’s deep-rooted culinary traditions, combined with a strong openness to global influences, create a uniquely diverse dining culture.” Explained Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “In Manila, we see young, talented chefs redefining Filipino cuisine with fresh perspectives, while Cebu, as a leading tourist destination, offers an impressive range of dining experiences with world-class hospitality.”

With its 7,641 islands, diverse regional cuisines, and cultural fusion, the Philippines has a thriving food scene that embraces both authentic heritage and contemporary innovation. From Manila & Environs, where Filipino cuisine thrives with strong regional identity, to Cebu, a globally recognized tourism hub with a flourishing hospitality industry, the country’s culinary landscape continues to evolve, attracting food lovers from around the world.

A standout example of the Philippines’ celebrated cuisine is lechon, a signature dish deeply embedded in Filipino culture. Particularly famous in Cebu, lechon has gained global recognition for its perfectly crisp skin and flavorful, tender meat, often enjoyed during festive celebrations and special gatherings. The presence of iconic dishes like lechon further elevates the Philippines as a top culinary destination, drawing food lovers eager to experience its bold flavors and rich traditions. The MICHELIN Guide’s recognition will further elevate Filipino cuisine on the international stage and expand global appreciation for the country’s diverse and dynamic food culture.

The arrival of the MICHELIN Guide is supported by the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT). Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco stated, “We extend our warmest welcome to the MICHELIN Guide whose international recognition of the Philippines’ rich culinary heritage celebrates the diversity of flavors and exceptional creativity that permeate our nation. We are proud to share our vibrant culture and distinct cuisines to the world, which can be enjoyed through exceptional dining experiences across our dynamic cities and beautiful islands. We invite travelers to visit the Philippines and experience the love, warmth, and creativity of Filipino cuisine, while savoring innovative culinary creations shaped by diverse global influences.

The arrival of the MICHELIN Guide is not only a testament to our country’s culinary excellence but also a significant leap forward for Filipino tourism, with gastronomy now forming a key part of our national tourism priorities. In the Philippines, every dish tells a story and every flavor is an invitation to experience our nation’s rich cultural tapestry,” Secretary Frasco added.

The MICHELIN Guide Methodology

The MICHELIN Guide was created in 1900 by the Michelin tire company to support the growth of automobile mobility. Since then, it has remained loyal to its original mission: to settle in mature gastronomic destinations, to guide international travelers and local foodies to the best restaurants, to highlight world culinary scenes and to promote travel culture.

The selection will follow MICHELIN’s historic method based on five universal criteria to ensure consistency between each selection, including;

  • The quality of the ingredients
  • The mastery of cooking techniques
  • The harmony of flavors
  • The personality of the cuisine
  • The consistency both over time and through the menu as a whole

The MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Selection

The MICHELIN Guide conveys its restaurant reviews through an extensive system of distinctions, which are awarded to special restaurants within its full selection. The most famous distinctions are its globally renowned MICHELIN Stars awarded to the restaurant offering the best culinary experiences. One MICHELIN Star is awarded to restaurants for “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop,” two MICHELIN Stars for “excellent cooking that is worth a detour,” and three MICHELIN Stars for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.”

Alongside the coveted Star ratings, the selection also includes the popular Bib Gourmand category, a distinction awarded to restaurants that provide good quality food at a moderate price.

The MICHELIN Guide is committed to maintaining the highest global standards in its restaurant selection process. Our team of anonymous, experienced, and expert inspectors conduct continuous and rigorous evaluations of restaurants. These evaluations are carried out objectively and independently, ensuring that external factors do not influence the results. This dedication to impartiality and excellence guarantees that only the outstanding dining establishments are recognized.

The full restaurant selection of the MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 will be unveiled at a special event to be held in the last quarter of 2025. It will be available exclusively in digital format on all the Guide’s interfaces: website, mobile applications, and social networks. It will join the global MICHELIN Guide restaurant and hotel selections to be found for free on its digital platforms.

To learn more about the MICHELIN Guide history, methodology or selection organization, please visit guide.michelin.com or follow updates on facebook.com/MichelinGuideAsia and instagram.com/michelinguide.

The MICHELIN Guide Worldwide app for iOS and Android devices.

Michelin APP

Hashtag: #MichelinGuide




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

About Michelin

Michelin is building a world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences.

Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, Michelin is uniquely positioned to make decisive contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world.

Drawing on its deep know-how in polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tires and components for critical applications in demanding fields as varied as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies, and healthcare.

The care placed in its products and deep customer knowledge inspire Michelin to offer the finest experiences. This spans from providing data- and AI-based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide.

Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 175 countries and employs 132,200 people.

Health2Sync Deepens Reach and Partnerships in South Korea with Growing Adoption of its Digital Disease Management Platform

  • Health2Sync’s SugarGenie app is experiencing rapid growth and positive reception in South Korea.
  • The platform is being utilized in both hospital settings and through government programs. Health2Sync has partnered with Sanofi for hospital rollouts and integrated its solution with South Korea’s Primary Health Care Chronic Disease Management Program, reaching over 100 healthcare institutions by December 2024 for diabetes, hypertension, and obesity care.
  • Healthcare professionals praise the app for improving patient care: SugarGenie enhances the ability to monitor patient data, provide personalized guidance, and effectively manage chronic conditions like diabetes.

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 February 2025 – Health2Sync, a leading provider of digital therapeutics solutions for chronic diseases, announced today that it is experiencing significant growth and positive feedback from healthcare professionals in South Korea. Since launching its app, SugarGenie, in January 2024, the company has witnessed a surge in adoption among healthcare institutions. The company’s solution offers data integration, visualization, and personal insights to improve patient care quality and streamline clinical workflows.

Health2Sync’s “SugarGenie” app enables users to view their blood glucose and other lifestyle data in one place.
Health2Sync’s “SugarGenie” app enables users to view their blood glucose and other lifestyle data in one place.

While Health2Sync started rolling out its integrated diabetes management solution with Sanofi in hospitals and clinics in South Korea, the company also tapped into the local government’s Primary Health Care Chronic Disease Management Program, which empowers doctors to engage with patients directly. As of December 2024, over 100 healthcare institutions have implemented Health2Sync’s Patient Management Platform to enhance the care of patients with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.

“Health2Sync’s solution has been instrumental in improving the quality of treatment for our patients,” said Prof. SunJoon Moon, Gangbuk Samsung Hospital. “We can easily monitor patients’ data in the hospital and provide personalized guidance, significantly enhancing our ability to manage diabetes patients effectively.”

The SugarGenie app captures data from various devices from renowned chronic disease management brands, including Abbott, Sanofi, Omron, Roche, and i-SENS. It allows automatic data synchronization from Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), Blood Glucose Meters (BGMs), insulin caps such as SoloSmart™, and blood pressure monitors.

Besides the vitals, other lifestyle data such as diet, medication, exercise, and sleep play crucial roles in chronic disease management. SugarGenie seamlessly connects with the iPhone’s Health App and the Health Connect (such as Samsung Health) from Android phones. With patient consent, this comprehensive data is automatically transmitted to the platform, empowering healthcare providers with valuable insights for informed decision-making.

To help patients better self-manage diabetes, the SugarGenie App offers automated engagement programs prescribed by doctors to deliver personalized education, reminders, and insights directly to patients. This innovative approach alleviates the burden on healthcare resources and enhances patient engagement.

“This platform is very useful for managing patients registered in the government’s ‘Primary Health Care Chronic Disease Management Program.’ At our clinic, we monitor patients’ self-measured data such as blood sugar and blood pressure and send educational materials and guides to patients’ apps through the two-way messaging function,” said Dr. Kun-Ho Yoon, Dr. Yoon IM Clinic, former Chairman of the board, Korean Diabetes Association).

Health2Sync has integrated with Eghis Healthcare, a leading Electronic Medical Record (EMR) company serving over 6,000 clinics in South Korea, to streamline clinical workflows. This synchronization enhances the efficiency and quality of chronic disease management by smoothly embedding Health2Sync’s data with existing clinical systems.

“We are thrilled by the rapid adoption of Health2Sync’s solutions in South Korea,” said Ed Deng, Co-founder and CEO of Health2Sync. “Our commitment to improving patient outcomes through innovative digital therapeutics is unwavering, and we look forward to continuing to expand our reach and impact in this dynamic market.”

Hashtag: #health2sync #diabetesmanagement #digitaltherapeutis #digitalhealth




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

About Health2Sync

Founded in 2013, Health2Sync offers digital solutions to help people with chronic diseases, pre-diabetes, or weight concerns to manage their health. The company’s achievements include being the first approved digital therapeutics in Taiwan for their insulin dosage titration software, Insultrate, which they co-developed with Sanofi. The company has also received the “NEXT BIG” Startup title from the Taiwan National Development Council.

For more information, please visit

HWOO Energy Storage Successfully Launches in Pakistan, Ushering in a New Era of Global Expansion


ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 February 2025 – On February 12, 2025, HWOO Energy Storage hosted a grand brand launch event in Islamabad, Pakistan. The event attracted numerous distinguished guests, including Pakistani government officials, representatives from the PSA Solar Association, and industry experts. This milestone event signifies HWOO’s official entry into the Pakistani market, injecting new momentum into the region’s energy transition.

HWOO Energy Storage Successfully Launches in Pakistan, Ushering in a New Era of Global Expansion
HWOO Energy Storage Successfully Launches in Pakistan, Ushering in a New Era of Global Expansion

Localized Operations to Deepen Market Penetration

During the event, HWOO’s General Manager, Zhang Feng, delivered an insightful speech, showcasing the brand’s development journey, technological innovations in products, and its localized operational strategy for Pakistan, along with future plans. Zhang Feng stated, “HWOO has always been committed to providing safe, reliable, and intelligent energy solutions to our users. In Pakistan, we will continue to promote localized operations, deeply understand market demands, and help local businesses and households achieve their sustainable energy goals through customized energy storage products and services.”

As a crucial part of HWOO’s global strategy, the Pakistani market has been given significant attention. HWOO has already established a subsidiary, service centers, and warehouses in the region, with plans to build a local production base in the future to achieve localized manufacturing. Zhang Feng emphasized, “We will thoroughly understand the needs of the Pakistani market and provide tailored products and services to help local enterprises and families achieve their sustainable energy objectives.”

Deep Expertise in the Power Industry Gains Global Recognition

Since its founding in 2006, HWOO has been deeply rooted in the power industry, covering the entire power supply chain from distribution and retail to consumption. By the end of 2024, HWOO had earned the trust of over 10,000 users worldwide. On the consumption side, as a multi-scenario energy solution provider, HWOO offers a range of products including inverters, lithium batteries, energy storage cabinets, and portable power stations for both residential and commercial energy storage needs. HWOO’s comprehensive product portfolio, combined with its localized operational strategy, will provide Pakistani users with safe, stable, and efficient energy solutions, further driving the region’s energy transition and delivering a green, sustainable energy experience for businesses and households.

Global Expansion Accelerates Green Energy Transition

This launch event not only marks HWOO’s official debut in Pakistan but also represents a significant step in HWOO’s contribution to the global green energy revolution. Moving forward, HWOO will continue to uphold its philosophy of “Green, Intelligent, and Sustainable,” accelerating its global expansion by implementing localized strategies in countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. This will further promote the optimization and upgrading of the global energy structure. HWOO firmly believes that green energy is not just a future trend but a shared global responsibility. We will continue to collaborate with global partners to move towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Hashtag: #HWOO #EnergyStorage

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

Lear Acquires StoneShield Engineering to Enhance Advanced Automation Capabilities Within its E-Systems Business

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lear Corporation (NYSE: LEA), a global automotive technology leader in Seating and E-Systems, today announced it has purchased StoneShield Engineering, a privately held system integrator based in Castelo Branco, Portugal.

Founded in 2017, StoneShield Engineering specializes in the design and development of automation technology for the wire harness industry. Key areas of expertise include robotics, automated taping applications and high voltage harness assembly.

“By utilizing StoneShield’s expertise, we will accelerate the automation of our production processes throughout our E-Systems business,” said President and CEO Ray Scott. “We will also develop new advanced technologies for our wire harness production, further improving our efficiency and operational excellence.”

This acquisition is a component of Lear’s IDEA (Innovative, Digital, Engineered and Automated) by Lear strategy, which focuses on leveraging technology and innovation to drive operational excellence. It is part of the successful integration of previous acquisitions, including WIP Industrial Automation, ASI Automation, Thagora Technology SRL, and InTouch Automation.

Collectively, these strategic acquisitions equip Lear with a robust portfolio of automation solutions and expertise, positioning the company as a leader in the use of next-generation automotive manufacturing technologies.

About Lear Corporation  

Lear, a global automotive technology leader in Seating and E-Systems, enables superior in-vehicle experiences for consumers around the world. Lear’s diverse team of talented employees in 38 countries is driven by a commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability. Lear is Making every drive better™ by providing the technology for safer, smarter, and more comfortable journeys. Lear, headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, serves every major automaker in the world and ranks 174 on the Fortune 500. Further information about Lear is available at lear.com.

Global Times: Xi urges healthy, high-quality development of private sector

BEIJING, Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Monday urged efforts to promote the healthy and high-quality development of the country’s private sector, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when attending a symposium on private enterprises, where he delivered an important speech after listening to representatives of private entrepreneurs.

The private sector enjoys broad prospects and great potential on the new journey in the new era. It is a prime time for private enterprises and entrepreneurs to give full play to their capabilities, Xi said.

He urged reaching consensus and firming up confidence to promote the healthy and high-quality development of the private sector.

Huawei’s Ren Zhengfei, BYD’s Wang Chuanfu, New Hope’s Liu Yonghao, Will Semiconductor’s Yu Renrong, Unitree Robotics’ Wang Xingxing, and Xiaomi’s Lei Jun put forward their opinions and advice on the development of the private sector, Xinhua reported.

According to a report posted on its official Weibo account by Yuyuantantian, a social media account affiliated with CCTV, participating entrepreneurs also included Alibaba founder Jack Ma, DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng, Tencent’s board chairman and CEO Ma Huateng, and CATL chairman Zeng Yuqun, among others.

Unswerving support

Xi said the Party and the country are committed to unswervingly consolidating and developing the public sector and unswervingly encouraging, supporting and guiding the development of the non-public sector, Xinhua reported.

The Party and the country ensure that economic entities under all forms of ownership have equal access to factors of production in accordance with the law, compete in the market on an equal footing, and are protected by the law as equals, he said.

The new journey in the new era has provided abundant new opportunities and greater space for the development of the private sector, Xi said. He stressed that the current difficulties and challenges facing the private sector can be overcome and called for confidence in the future.

Xi urged resolutely dismantling obstacles that prevent enterprises from accessing production factors equally and competing in the market fairly, further opening the competitive areas of infrastructure to various business entities in a fair manner, and continuously making solid efforts to address the difficulties faced by private enterprises in obtaining affordable financing.

He also stressed the effective protection of the lawful rights and interests of private enterprises and entrepreneurs in accordance with the law. Private enterprises and entrepreneurs should embrace entrepreneurship and patriotism, focus on strengthening, optimizing, and expanding their businesses, and be firm contributors to building socialism with Chinese characteristics and advancing Chinese modernization, Xi said.

This symposium reflects the central government’s confidence in the development of the private economy and its unwavering determination to support its growth, Li Changan, a professor at the Academy of China Open Economy Studies at the University of International Business and Economics, told the Global Times on Monday.

“In technological advancement, the private economy is crucial. Particularly in the fields of digital economy and artificial intelligence, it has strong innovation capabilities, making it a crucial force in enhancing China’s international competitiveness in the tech sector,” Li said.

“Its positive role in areas such as job creation and driving technological innovation to spur economic growth will become even more prominent,” Li said.

In China’s economic policymaking, policymakers and economists often use a rather apt term to describe the integral role the private sector plays in the country’s social and economic development: “56789.” This refers to private firms’ contribution of more than 50 percent to national tax revenue, more than 60 percent to the national GDP, more than 70 percent to technological innovation achievements, more than 80 percent to urban employment, and 90 percent to the total number of enterprises in China, Xinhua previously reported.

According to the State Administration for Market Regulation, by the end of September 2024, the number of registered private enterprises nationwide exceeded 55 million, with private enterprises accounting for 92.3 percent of the total number of enterprises.

Great opportunities

Galaxy Space’s founder and CEO Xu Ming was among participants of Monday’s symposium, according to official account of Information Office of Wuxi municipal government. Xu told the Global Times on Monday that he was deeply honored to be invited to attend the symposium.

As a representative of private commercial aerospace enterprises, Xu said that he deeply felt President Xi’s high regard for the development of private enterprises and technological innovation. “Our confidence in the future of private enterprises has been greatly enhanced, and we are more determined than ever in our commitment to technological innovation and self-reliance,” Xu said, adding that he feels the private economy is ushering in new opportunities with great potential ahead.

“This symposium will further boost market confidence and emphasize the significant role that private enterprises play in the national economy, while also providing guidance for the future development of the private economy,” Hu Qimu, deputy secretary-general of the digital-real economies integration Forum 50, told the Global Times on Monday.

Private enterprises are playing an increasingly active and important role in areas such as job creation and technological innovation, Hu said, giving examples of DeepSeek and Unitree Robotics – both have sparked intensive discussion, which Hu said highlights the strong innovative vitality of private enterprises.

With the important messages from the symposium, private enterprises should seize this important opportunity and continue to explore new areas for growth, Hu said.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202502/1328605.shtml

KONE awarded CDP’s ‘A’ score for climate action

SINGAPORE, Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — KONE Corporation (HEL: KNEBV), a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, has been awarded an ‘A’ score for environmental transparency and action for climate, by the global environmental non-profit CDP.

KONE recognized by CDP for its climate action for the 12th consecutive year
KONE recognized by CDP for its climate action for the 12th consecutive year

Based on data reported through CDP’s 2024 Climate Change questionnaire, KONE is among the few companies that have achieved an ‘A’ out of nearly 25,000 companies scored. KONE has reported through CDP since 2009, and 2024 marks the 12th consecutive year for KONE to receive a leadership score of A or A-.

“We are honored to receive a position on CDP’s prestigious A list for climate action. We are accelerating our efforts to cut our carbon emissions and help our customers decarbonize. Our innovative solutions, such as the regenerative drive technology, significantly reduce the elevator’s energy consumption, leading to a smaller carbon footprint. Playing an active role in Southeast Asia for over 45 years, we already see the impact our solutions make in both new and existing buildings. Together with customers and partners, we continue to lead the way to make this region’s cities smarter, more sustainable, and better places to live”, says Edward Loy, KONE Managing Director for Southeast Asia.

KONE was the first in its industry to set ambitious, science-based targets to reduce emissions. With its climate pledge, KONE is committed to a 50% reduction in the emissions from its own operations (scope 1&2), compared to a 2018 baseline and pledged to have carbon neutral operations by 2030. In addition, KONE targets a 40% reduction in emissions related to its products’ materials and lifetime energy consumption, relative to products ordered (Scope 3).

KONE’s dedicated efforts to reduce emissions are delivering meaningful results. In 2024, KONE reached a 29% reduction in absolute emissions from its own operations and a 12.8% reduction in scope 3 emissions, relative to products ordered, compared to a 2018 baseline. In the summer of 2023, KONE became the first company in the industry to achieve carbon neutral manufacturing units globally, 18 months ahead of schedule. Today, KONE’s various elevator and escalator products are recognized in four Southeast Asian countries[1] respectively with the leading industry-first green building product certifications.

CDP is a global non-profit that runs the world’s only independent environmental disclosure system. In 2024, a record number of nearly 25,000 companies disclosed data on environmental impacts, risks, and opportunities through CDP’s platform.

[1] The awarded certification schemes are Green Product Council Indonesia’s Green Label certification (Gold rating), Malaysia’s green recognition scheme MyHIJAU Mark, Singapore Green Building Product certification (Leader rating) and Vietnam’s LOTUS Green Product certification.

About KONE
At KONE, our purpose is to shape the future of cities. As a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, we move two billion people every day, making their journeys safe, convenient, and reliable with smart and sustainable People Flow®.

 

Regulation of Cryptocurrency Market in 2025 and Beyond by Global Broker Octa


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 February 2025 – The global cryptocurrency market has seen unprecedented growth in the previous year, spearheaded by Bitcoin and Ethereum. Institutional participation was very important in driving prices higher, with Bitcoin reaching an all-time high above $100,000 in December 2024. With the spreading adoption of crypto assets, regulators have paid even more attention to the industry. Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa Broker, explains what regulation can be expected in 2025 and beyond.

Octa

Key Events Shaping the Cryptocurrency Market in 2024–2025
The cryptocurrency market has entered a new phase, defined by record-breaking milestones and regulatory shifts that are reshaping opportunities for traders and institutional investors. Bitcoin’s surge past $100,000 in December 2024 underlined the increasing mainstream acceptance of digital assets. Institutional adoption played a leading role in this rally. Companies such as MicroStrategy expanded their Bitcoin holdings, cementing the asset’s store-of-value status, while Bitcoin ETFs made access easier for retail and institutional investors alike, boosting liquidity and demand.

This trajectory is also framed through regulatory changes. The friendly crypto attitude taken by the Trump administration, from its Crypto Task Force to the plan for a national Bitcoin reserve, has put the grounds on a much friendlier landscape for institutional investments. Meanwhile, Europe has moved in a structured manner with the full implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets framework in January 2025, bringing legal clarity and market stability across EU member states. Yet, in Asia, the regulations are mixed: Hong Kong has been trying to reaffirm ambitions to be a digital-asset hub by issuing fresh licenses for new crypto exchanges, while China is tightening restrictions on crypto-related financial activities in its bid to cut high-risk transactions.

Factors Influencing Cryptocurrency Prices Factors Influencing Cryptocurrency Prices
Regulatory decisions, institutional involvement, and macroeconomic conditions will interact in complex ways to determine the prices of cryptocurrencies in 2025.

Regulatory Factors: Frameworks and Compliance Standards
Regulatory oversight has remained one of the most significant drivers of market sentiment. The FATF revised its guidelines on virtual assets to include a more robust framework toward compliance to mitigate illicit financial activity. While such efforts bring greater transparency, they simultaneously affect transaction privacy and how decentralised exchanges function, shifting how market participants operate.

Yet, in the United States, the SEC’s relaxing of restrictive accounting rules on cryptocurrency holdings has given corporations a clearer pathway for putting Bitcoin on their balance sheet. This, along with the expected acceleration of institutional adoption, will likely increase the presence of digital assets in corporate portfolios.

According to Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa Broker, ‘Regulation is going to make the difference to crypto market stability in 2025: even as clearer rules can boost investor confidence, rigid measures may affect liquidity and innovation’. Critical decisions on regulation, macroeconomic factors, and the rise of institutional investors’ participation in the digital asset space will shape the outlook for this year.

Macroeconomic Factors: Interest Rates, Inflation, and Monetary Policy
Besides regulation, broader economic trends are driving investor behaviour toward crypto assets. For example, the Federal Reserve’s monetary tightening in 2024 to contain inflation accelerated demand for alternative assets such as Bitcoin. Many investors now consider Bitcoin digital gold, a hedge against inflation and a store of value during periods of economic turmoil. This trend has been most pronounced in countries with weak fiat currencies, where crypto adoption has accelerated to preserve purchasing power.

Institutional Investors and Market Liquidity
With the increased participation of corporations and investment funds, crypto markets have become more liquid, thus increasing stability and raising concerns about over-centralisation and regulatory control.

With the launch of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has further consolidated its position and opened up crypto assets to traditional investment channels. This has helped legitimise cryptocurrency further and fed demand for regulated crypto investments. Meanwhile, speculation continues to build over potential government Bitcoin accumulation. Some analysts say the U.S. Treasury could consider adding Bitcoin to its reserves, which would change market dynamics and speed up institutional adoption.

While institutional involvement strengthens market stability, it also concentrates Bitcoin holdings in fewer hands, increasing the risks of regulatory intervention and market manipulation and challenging the decentralised foundation of digital assets.

The Road Ahead for Crypto Markets
In 2025, the cryptocurrency market is defined by regulatory shifts, institutional expansion, and macroeconomic forces. Bitcoin’s surge past $100,000 reflects growing confidence, but its long-term trajectory depends on global policy decisions. The EU’s MiCA framework fosters stability, while the U.S. adopts a more crypto-friendly stance. Meanwhile, Asia remains divided between regulatory tightening and innovation. Institutional players like BlackRock continue to drive liquidity, but the industry must balance mainstream adoption with decentralisation. Staying adaptable will be key for investors looking to navigate and capitalise on emerging opportunities.

___

Disclaimer: Trading involves risks and may not be suitable for all investors. Use your expertise wisely and evaluate all associated risks before making an investment decision.
Hashtag: #Octa

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

Octa

is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In the APAC region, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

Bluecrux recognized as a supply chain pioneer in multiple Gartner® reports

AALST and MECHELEN, Belgium, Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bluecrux, a leading value chain consulting and technology company, has been recognized as a pioneer in multiple Gartner® reports. This recognition highlights the company’s innovative approach to addressing complex supply chain challenges and its commitment to transforming traditional supply chains into smart, resilient value chains.

Gartner’s acknowledgment underscores Bluecrux’s role in delivering cutting-edge solutions through its proprietary technologies, Axon™, a digital supply chain twin, and Binocs™, a lab planning and scheduling platform. These tools are instrumental in reshaping supply chain strategies and optimizing operations for global businesses.

Recognized across multiple Gartner® market guides

Gartner® market guide for supply chain strategy, planning & operations

Recognized for its ability to bridge the gap between vision and execution, Bluecrux has been named one of the top 20 consulting partners globally for supply chain strategy, planning and operations. Gartner highlighted Bluecrux’s expertise in crafting digital roadmaps and integrating innovative solutions, such as Axon and Binocs, to enhance operational efficiency and strategic decision-making.

Gartner® market guide for supply chain planning solutions integrators

Identified as a boutique consulting firm, Bluecrux specializes in implementing leading digital supply chain planning solutions, including Anaplan, One Network (by Blue Yonder), Kinaxis, and OMP. Gartner emphasized Bluecrux’s tailored, end-to-end service approach, which aligns technology deployment with each client’s unique needs, goals, and operational maturity.

Gartner® market guide for analytics and decision-making platforms

Bluecrux was also named among key global vendors driving innovation in analytics and decision-making platforms. Both Axon and Binocs were recognized as significant technologies in this space, praised for their ability to deliver real-time visibility, predictive analytics, and AI-driven scenario modeling.

Driving innovation with emerging technologies

Gartner’s reports highlight Bluecrux’s strengths in master data management and its commitment to improving implementation quality and user adoption through emerging technologies, such as generative AI. By leveraging advanced analytics, AI-powered forecasting, and scenario planning, Bluecrux empowers businesses to navigate supply chain complexities with confidence.

A trusted partner in digital transformation

“As businesses face increasing complexity and uncertainty, our recognition in Gartner’s influential reports reaffirms Bluecrux’s position as a trusted partner in driving digital transformation across supply chain planning and execution,” said Koen Jaspers, CEO & Co-founder of Bluecrux. “We are honored by this acknowledgment, which reflects our dedication to delivering impactful, innovative solutions for our clients.”

About Bluecrux

Founded in 2011, Bluecrux is a leading value chain consulting and technology company that helps global organizations navigate and optimize their supply chains. With a presence in Europe, the US, and APAC, Bluecrux combines deep expertise with innovative technologies like Binocs™ and Axon™ to transform challenges into opportunities.

For more information, visit www.bluecrux.com.