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Pattern establishes Singapore office to strengthen its presence in Asia

One of the top Amazon sellers in the world reinforces its growth plan for Asia with the opening of a strategic hub in Singapore

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 9 February 2022 – Pattern, the premier trade partner for global marketplace acceleration, has opened a new office in Singapore to serve as its strategic hub for operations across the greater Asia region.

The new office demonstrates Pattern’s commitment and investment to help its brand partners accelerate their business in the region.

“Pattern has built teams of professionals in various key cities in Asia Pacific, including Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Sydney, Melbourne, and Pune,” said Pattern Chief International Officer Chris Vincent, who has relocated to Singapore to lead Pattern’s strategic growth in the region. “We also manage distribution centres in Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Melbourne. The launch of our Singapore office recognises our strategic focus on the region and bolsters our APAC team’s efforts and operations. We will continue accelerating our brand partners’ businesses in China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Australia. We are proactively hiring in the Lion City to strengthen our influence in the region.”

Founded in the U.S. in 2013, Pattern has created a unique business model that solves the issues most brands face when dealing directly with marketplaces or international distributors. The company is a trade partner that provides an all-in-one ecommerce and marketplace solution—buying stock from its brand partners and then taking care of every aspect of their marketplace presence.

Pattern’s position as a leading player in the ecommerce field has been recognised by strategic investors, proven by a $52 million USD Series A in 2020 and a $225 million USD strategic investment in 2021. These successful capital raises have allowed Pattern to further accelerate the technology and intelligence services that power the company’s ecommerce acceleration platform, as well as expand its global offering.

The Asia market is one that no ecommerce player can overlook. Ecommerce revenue in the region is projected to reach $2 trillion USD in 2022. Pattern has established a strong track record leading Asian marketplace acceleration for brands—leveraging its technology and operational and logistics capabilities to help a range of brands trade on key marketplaces, such as Tmall, JD.com, and Amazon Japan.

“Our next strategic goal is further extending our operations to other significant marketplaces in the region, such as Lazada, Shopee, Coupang and the local markets of Amazon,” said Pattern Asia General Manager Arthur Cheung, who leads Pattern’s businesses in the region. “We trust that Singapore—backed by its world-class business environment, talent pool, and infrastructure—is an ideal place to connect all of our resources across the region.”

About Pattern

Pattern is the premier trade partner for marketplace acceleration. Founded in 2013, the company has grown to operate from 22 global locations to help more than 100 consumer brands achieve accelerated growth on D2C websites and key marketplaces around the world, including Amazon, Tmall, JD.com, Lazada, Shopee and Coupang. It has become one of the top Amazon sellers in the world and one of the top 5% of Tmall Trade Partners.

To learn more, visit https://pattern.com/hk-en/

#Pattern

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

Top Crypto Exchange Bybit Partners With Cabital

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 8 February 2022 – Bybit, one of the world’s fastest growing cryptocurrency exchanges, announced its partnership with leading global digital assets institution Cabital today.

Through this partnership, Bybit users can buy crypto using EUR and GBP seamlessly and directly on the Bybit platform via bank transfers, and transfer crypto between their Bybit and Cabital wallets with no deposit fees required. As a fiat on-ramp is the first step in a crypto trader’s experience, this offers an entry point to users looking to expand their portfolios and venture into crypto trading.

Additionally, Cabital’s system scans numerous exchanges to provide users with the best rates for full price transparency. It is also fortified with technologies from the market leader in crypto security and infrastructure, Fireblocks, which safeguards users’ funds with best-in-class, institutional grade protections.

“Cabital’s goals of creating an innovative and reliable crypto experience are aligned with ours to bring forth next level trading to our users and elevate their experience,” said Ben Zhou, co-founder and CEO of Bybit. “We at Bybit are thrilled to embark on this new partnership with Cabital, and look forward to empowering folks from all walks of life in realizing their financial goals through crypto. Let’s revolutionize the industry together.”

“Cabital believes that it should be easy to buy crypto,” said Raymond Hsu, co-founder and CEO of Cabital. “We are very excited about partnering with Bybit and helping their customers buy crypto in a seamless and safe fashion. With Cabital’s fiat on-ramp solution, Bybit users can now buy crypto at some of the most competitive prices in the market. We achieve this through an off-chain settlement mechanism with Bybit, allowing their users to avoid hefty gas fees. Let’s take the crazy out of crypto and help millions of more people achieve financial independence.”

About Bybit

Bybit is a cryptocurrency exchange established in March 2018 to offer a professional platform where crypto traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, excellent customer service and multilingual community support. The company provides innovative online spot and derivatives trading services, mining and staking products, as well as API support, to retail and institutional clients around the world, and strives to be the most reliable exchange for the emerging digital asset class.

For more information please visit: https://www.bybit.com

For updates, please follow Bybit’s social media platforms on

About Cabital

Cabital is a trusted digital financial institution to buy, sell and earn cryptocurrency — generating up to 12% APY. The company’s purpose is to empower people to earn passive income safely and securely with their cryptocurrencies. Our main product is Cabital Earn, a cryptocurrency wealth management platform that enables customers to earn high yields on their digital assets. Cabital’s compliance programme is modelled after leading global financial service providers. We use SumSub’s biometric identity verification solution to manage the risk of identity fraud. To provide our customers with peace of mind, all customers’ crypto assets are held with Fireblocks, one of the world’s most trusted digital asset custody, transfer and settlement platforms. We have been using Chainalysis’ KYT and Reactor products since our formation to empower us to meet applicable regulatory requirements on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) in each of our markets with ease and agility. Cabital is registered in the Republic of Lithuania as a cryptocurrency exchange operator and a cryptocurrency depository wallet operator. Cabital carries out its activities in accordance with Lithuanian regulations on AML/CTF, and is subject to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation. Cabital is audited yearly by an external auditor and places compliance and licensing at the core of its business.

Cabital was founded by Raymond Hsu in 2020. Prior to establishing Cabital, Raymond worked for over a decade, holding leadership positions in fintech companies such as Airwallex and global banks including Citibank. Cabital’s leadership team has extensive experience working in leading traditional financial institutions, including JPMorgan Chase & Co, Nomura Securities, UBS and AIA Group.

U-MONEY Receives SME Innovation Excellence Award

Star Fintech Sole Co., Ltd. has once again won the national award: The SME Innovation Excellence Award from the announcement of the ASEAN Business Excellence Award of Lao PDR 2021, which was organized by the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.  The awards ceremony is held every year with a large number of local companies participating and U-MONEY recently received an award: The Top LNCCI Business Leader for the Year 2021 Covid 19 Response Awards.

Also in the year 2020 u-money has received international awards such as Silver Stevie in the topic Award for Innovation in Consumer Products & Services The Mobile Services-Finance Center in Lao PDR announced the award by Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards 2020. Also awarded by IT world Awards 2020 that organized by Network Product Guide in the partIT Products & Services for Finance, Banking, and Insurance.

With the results of research, innovation, creativity, with the aim of providing the best services to the society with the goal of booking mobile financial services in all regions across the country, to help people gain access to state-of-the-art digital finance

To improve the living standards of the people, for the value of service over the past 3 years, u-money has won up to 4 awards at the national and international levels. This is a precious reward, the pride of all staff.

With the current situation of the Covid 19, People need to adapt to a new way of life (New Normal) Of course, the use of technology in sisterhood is very important nowadays.  For example, in the field of finance, the U-MONEY service is another service that is most suitable in this era. Because U-MONEY is an e-wallet service, you can transfer money – withdraw money in cash, Payment of telecommunication services, insurance, water supply, and credit leasing via the mobile system, Including links to leading banks, and in three years, U-MONEY has expanded its registration number to 1.6 million, expanded to more than 10,000 representative stores, expanded payment stores via QR code to more than 70,000 stores nationwide.

u-money will not stop product development taking into account the maximum benefit to the people, Serving people, and serving society, for example, people living in remote areas have easy access to financial-banking services to push people to know how to use and access digital financial transactions. This will strengthen the foundation for the development of a more prosperous community economy.

Laos Confirms 324 New Cases of Covid-19, Three Deaths

Houaphanh Covid Update

The downward trend continues with Laos has recording 324 cases of Covid-19 across the country today, as well as three deaths.

4ARTechnologies launches its unique NFT+ marketplace for physical and digital artworks with next generation features

ZUG, SWITZERLAND – NEWSAKTUELL – 8 February 2022 – At the launch of the 4ART Marketplace on January 26, a total of 2,179 authentic NFT+ had already been minted with the highest possible security standard via the 4ART App. Within a few hours, NFTs worth $355,766.56 were sold. Currently, the marketplace offers high quality fine art NFT+ worth $1.172.024,52. (https://4artmarketplace.com). 

To provide authenticity during trading and full security like nowhere else, all users are required to be KYC (bank-customary standard) authenticated. The NFT+ standard introduces much needed security enhancements with an included on-chain legal rights document, providing collectors with unparalleled protection of their copyrights against possible forgeries. 

4ARTechnologies has made its secure and curated NFT+ marketplace available to all creators and collectors. It combines next generation features, such as enhanced NFT security, multi-chain support, and the ability to create, sell and purchase NFT+ without cryptocurrencies or an existing wallet. 

The exhibited NFTs are topped by exclusive and curated high-quality drops of internationally renowned artists, which have been met with great interest from investors and collectors.

For the first time, users can choose from a variety of blockchain protocols for their NFT+ minting, including Ethereum, Tezos, Binance Smart Chain or Palm (which previously supported the NFT drop by Damian Hirst) and ecological and low-cost alternatives. Solana and Polygon will also be available soon. Thanks to 4ARTechnologies patented digital fingerprint and the application of forensic watermarking, NFT+ can be minted for physical and digital artworks.

#4ARTechnologies


Incomlend Invoice Financing Programme Strengthens Production Capacity of India-Based Bulk Bag Manufacturer SafeFlex

Quick turnaround facility enables the company to solidify its operations and manufacturing output to capture new revenue opportunities with potential and existing customers

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 8 February 2022 – Global invoice financing marketplace, Incomlend, announced a multi-million invoice financing programme for SafeFlex International Limited (SafeFlex), a leading India-based manufacturer of Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBC), poly-wovens and poly-knits, with four manufacturing plants across the country. The working capital solution enables the company to finance and increase the production capacity of its pharma and food-grade industrial container and bulk bags to capture new business opportunities with potential and existing buyers.

 

SafeFlex has seen considerable revenue growth over the years, and it plans to expand its production capacity further. The company’s portfolio of over 500 global buyers comprises long-time buyers who are distributors and manufacturers based in developed nations such as the US, UK, and Europe.

 

Incomlend Invoice Financing Programme will play a key role in SafeFlex’s expansion plans to double production capacity and increase revenue. It allows the company to capitalise on the opportunities in the growing global bulk bags market, which is expected to reach nearly US$5 billion in value by 2023.

 

Traditionally, it takes SafeFlex up to 90 days to cash in an invoice. However, the extended payment terms can undermine their financial agility and limit their operations and manufacturing output. With the quick turnaround facility provided by Incomlend, the manufacturer can cash in an invoice as early as three days after the goods are shipped to its buyers. It provides them with the cash flow needed to fund their next production cycle and effectively expand their capacity to meet new or increased orders from their buyers.

 

Founded in Singapore and with offices in Europe, India, and Southeast Asia, Incomlend connects small and medium enterprises (SMEs), like SafeFlex globally, with communities of investors. It enables them to buy and sell individual invoices via a proprietary tech-enabled and secure invoice exchange platform.

 

SafeFlex International Limited CEO and President Jitesh Agrawal said:

“SafeFlex is excited to form this long-term partnership with Incomlend. Its Invoice Financing Programme’s quick turnaround model provides us with the cash flow we need to expand our business and operations. This will place our company in a stronger position for growth as economies start to recover and the demand for our products continues to surge.”

 

Incomlend CEO and Co-founder Morgan Terigi commented:

“The appetite for FIBCs and bulk bags are expected to rise in the coming months as economies globally reopen, and global trade becomes increasingly active. With India being one of the world’s largest FIBC and bulk bags suppliers, manufacturers have a tremendous growth opportunity. As a company with a strong foothold in the Indian manufacturing industry, Incomlend has an unwavering commitment to supporting SafeFlex and SMEs worldwide with their business and production growth. Our quick turnaround solutions will provide them with the financial means to bolster their export capacity and capture new revenue streams.”

 

For more information on Incomlend, please visit https://www.incomlend.com/.

 

About Incomlend

Incomlend is a global invoice financing marketplace for businesses and private capital. Founded in 2016, the Singapore-based company has processed more than 2,300 transactions and provides invoice finance services in over 50 countries worldwide. As one of the first alternative cross-border trade finance platforms globally, Incomlend enables companies to finance their export invoices by selling them to institutional investors at a discount. For more information, visit www.incomlend.com.

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#Incomlend

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

Atradius: Rising oil prices bring welcome post-recession cash injection to oil producing nations

Atradius‘ latest economic report on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) acknowledges the importance of the growth in oil prices for the energy-exporting economies of the region. However, it also notes the limits to growth presented by an underdeveloped private sector and the ongoing downside risks to the economic outlook caused by the pandemic.

DUBAI, UAE – Media OutReach – 8 February 2022 – Rising oil prices are boosting economic growth throughout the oil producing economies of the MENA region, with predictions that GDP will largely return to pre-pandemic levels during the course of 2022. Oil prices are expected to level out at about USD70 per barrel, with global demand for oil picking up. In the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) oil activity is expected to grow by up to 8% in 2022, a huge increase on the 0.5% recorded last year.

 

Many of the energy-exporting nations have also enacted strong vaccine strategies, which in turn has enabled them to lift lockdown measures and reopen domestic sectors such as retail and tourism.

 

However, despite a brief role when they led the economic recovery during the oil price shock, several non-energy exporting nations have now slipped behind their GCC neighbours when it comes to short-term growth predictions. For Jordan and Lebanon, in particular, ongoing high Covid-19 infection rates are negatively impacting their economic rebounds and contributing to weak economic growth.

 

The development of the region’s private sector is also likely to have an impact on the size and speed of the region’s economic recovery. As the report outlines, without private sector reform, economic growth will slow. This is true of most GCC countries where the share of the state-owned hydrocarbon sector dwarfs their various private sectors, but also in Algeria and Egypt where restrictions on imports and foreign investment, and a preferential treatment of state-owned companies over private companies in public tenders are additional factors that are stifling business.

 

Although vaccine programmes and the development of the private sectors are important for the region’s economy, growth is still heavily dependent on oil. Niels de Hoog, Senior Economist, Atradius, acknowledged that the world economy will still require energy from fossil fuels on a large scale for several decades. However, he noted that despite plans to expand the capacity of hydrocarbon production, many GCC nations are also investing in renewable energy. He said: “Investments in renewable projects are being stepped up simultaneously to increase the share of domestic energy consumption that comes from renewable sources. The additional fossil fuel production will mainly be destined for exports.” At the same time, the rise in home-grown renewables is also changing the economic prospects of the region’s non-hydrocarbon producers for the better as they become less dependent on imported energy.

 

Schuyler D’Souza, Managing Director Middle East, Atradius said: “The Atradius Regional Economic Outlook for the Middle East and North Africa paints a varied picture. On the one hand we are seeing a rebound from the economic crises of the pandemic downturn and the oil price shock. However, on the other hand, additional factors are impacting projected growth in the region. Primary among these are the slow rate of vaccine roll-out in some of the economies and heavy dependence on state-owned hydrocarbon businesses. This picture may change over the next few years as some of the region’s countries expand investment in renewable energy and enable growth among the private sector.”

 

Get the Atradius Economic Research Report here: https://atradius.com.hk/en/publications/economic-research-petrodollars-boost-mena-private-sector.html

 

About Atradius

Atradius is a global provider of credit insurance, bond and surety, collections and information services, with a strategic presence in over 50 countries. The products offered by Atradius protect companies around the world against the default risks associated with selling goods and services on credit. Atradius is a member of Grupo Catalana Occidente (GCO.MC), one of the largest insurers in Spain and one of the largest credit insurers in the world. You can find more information online at www.atradius.com.hk

Connect with Atradius on Social Media

Twitter

https://twitter.com/atradius

LinkedIn

https://linkedin.com/company/atradiusasia

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/user/atradiusgroup

#Atradius

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

Singapore is ready for Biometric Payment Cards

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 8 February 2022 – Zwipe, a biometric fintech pioneer, conducted a comprehensive consumer investigation in Singapore during Q4 2021 to study 150+ consumers’ payment preferences and feedback on biometric payment cards. Consumers’ feedback on biometric payment cards was extremely positive, indicating a strong demand for biometric payment cards.

Below are some interesting facts from the survey:

  • 88% of consumers would prefer their next payment card to be biometric
  • 70% of consumers are ready to switch to a new bank for a safer way to pay
  • 80% of consumers have concerns on the risk of infection when paying in-store and touching the POS

The survey’s findings are consistent with data available from other worldwide studies undertaken in the Nordics, Canada, USA, UK, Germany and South Africa. Consumers across the world, just as in Singapore, want a payment solution that delivers world-class security and user experience and ensures 100% touch-less check out at all times.

 

Zwipe: A biometric fintech pioneer

Founded in 2009 with the mission to make “convenience safe and secure” through the use of biometric technologies, Zwipe has today emerged as a pioneer in NxtGen payment solutions. The company believes that the inherent uniqueness of every person is the key to a safer future. Zwipe works across networks of international organizations, industries and cultures to bring biometric payment solutions globally.

 

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, Zwipe’s growing team is represented by 14 different nationalities in nine countries across five time zones – from Colorado Springs to Singapore.

Strong demand for Biometric Payment Cards

According to Claus Hansen, Zwipe’s newly appointed VP of Sales for APAC, “The payments market in Singapore is mature and sophisticated, with banks and fintechs offering highly digital services for retail, e-commerce and mobile financial services. The more-traditional smart card segment is the area where Singaporean consumers are now expecting card issuers to step up. The Zwipe Pay platform, which includes a single silicon biometric system on the card, is a game-changer in the payments sector as it has dramatically reduced the unit costs and improved the biometric performance ensuring an excellent user experience.”

 

He further highlights, “Consumers value convenience, security, and safety when selecting and using a payment method. As such, Zwipe is well positioned to provide cutting-edge card-based solutions that enable our clients in APAC to respond to market demands, while also establishing ourselves as the strategic technology partner of choice.”

 

Hansen has worked in payment technologies, cybersecurity, fintech, and smart cards for over 25 years. In the APAC region, he has held senior executive management positions with Entrust, NXP Semiconductors, Gemalto, dzcard, and Kona I.

 

About Zwipe:

Zwipe believes the inherent uniqueness of every person is the key to a safer future. We work with great passion across networks of international organizations, industries and cultures to make convenience safe and secure. We are pioneering next-generation biometric card and wearables technology for payment and physical & logical access control and identification solutions. We promise our customers and partners deep insight and frictionless solutions, ensuring a seamless user experience with our innovative biometric products and services.

Founded and headquartered in Oslo, Norway our growing team is represented by 14 different nationalities in nine countries across five time zones – from Colorado Springs to Singapore.

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