CHENNAI, India, Feb. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — India’s leading institution for higher education, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), is expanding its global footprint through a new established entity IIT Madras Global Research Foundation (IITM Global).

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar (3rd L) releases a book on ‘India’s Innovation Ecosystem Going Global’ on 2 Jan at IITM, India

ITM Global’s charter pivots on four key pillars of Growth stage deep-tech startups, Research & Consultancy, IPs & Transfer of Technology and High Academic & Skilling programs.

IITM Global is a plug-and-play platform that has been newly launched by Dr. S. Jaishankar, Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs, Government of India. The initiative supports IIT Madras’s vision to become the world’s first multinational university by positioning it as a globally networked hub for education, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Addressing the IITM Global launch event at IIT Madras Campus on 2nd Jan 2026 Dr. S. Jaishankar said, “An IIT Madras Campus in Tanzania is a way by which Indian Foreign Policy has leveraged the capabilities of an Institution here to make a huge impact. In ten years from now, think how many Students of Africa would have passed through its portals. Look at the impact that we would have on the minds of people who, in their own countries, would be economic and technology leaders. We are a human resource power and we should play to our strengths. We now have the capability to start doing so. When institutions of excellence in the country start going abroad, the business of foreign policy gains a huge addition to our arsenal. This is something very transformational.“

As part of its South Asia expansion, IITM Global has partnered with GATES to build a long-term, market / customer connected innovation ecosystem focused on growth stage startups (Scaleups). The collaboration will serve as a strategic gateway for IITM Global deepen engagement with the tech ecosystem that serves ASEAN countries hence enabling startups to gain access to the growth markets of the region.

This strategic partnership will support scaling of startups incubated by IIT Madras into ASEAN. An additional focus of the collaboration will be the commercialisation of intellectual property developed at IIT Madras.

The partnership will facilitate structured licensing frameworks and industry engagement to translate cutting-edge research into deployable technologies with global relevance. By connecting academic research, startups and industry partners, IITM Global and GATES aim to create clear pathways from laboratory innovation to market impact.

Through its partnership with GATES IITM Global, aims to strengthen cross-border collaboration, enable startup internationalisation and create new avenues for globally impactful research, technology commercialisation across Southeast Asia and beyond.

Widely recognised as India’s top-ranked institution for higher education, IIT Madras is ranked #1 Overall and #1 Engineering Institute in India’s National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), #180 in the QS World University Rankings and #56 in the QS Asian University Rankings. The institute hosts a comprehensive research ecosystem.

APIA, Samoa, Feb. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Phemex, a user-first crypto exchange, announced the launch of Phemex TradFi, a new futures trading offering that allows users to access traditional financial assets, including stocks and precious metals, on a 24/7 basis. Futures linked to commodities, foreign exchange, and global indices will be introduced in subsequent phases.

The launch marks Phemex’s entry into multi-market derivatives, enabling traders to manage exposure to both crypto and traditional assets within a single, USDT-settled futures framework. To support early adoption, Phemex is introducing a 0-Fee TradFi Futures Carnival, offering three months of zero trading fees, starting from February 6, on stock futures alongside a $100,000 incentive pool aimed at structured and risk-aware participation, and a first-trade protection mechanism that reimburses eligible users with trading bonus if their initial TradFi futures trade results in a loss.

Unlike spot markets that are constrained by exchange hours, TradFi futures continue price discovery outside standard trading sessions. By bringing this derivative structure into a crypto-native environment, Phemex allows users to respond to global macro events as they unfold, whether during nights, weekends, or market closures—without switching platforms or settlement systems.

Phemex TradFi is designed for traders seeking simplicity and continuity across markets. Users can trade crypto and traditional futures side by side, benefit from transparent maker-taker pricing rather than spread-based execution, and apply strategy-driven tools to manage risk more systematically. Copy trading support for TradFi futures is also planned, extending Phemex’s strategy trading ecosystem into traditional markets.

“As markets become more connected and operate beyond fixed sessions, platforms need to evolve with them” commented Federico Variola, CEO of Phemex. “Our goal with Phemex TradFi is not to replicate traditional markets, but to rethink how they are accessed — bringing continuous availability, unified settlement, and risk-aware tools into a single trading environment that reflects how traders actually operate today.”

The introduction of TradFi futures signals Phemex’s evolution from a crypto-native exchange into a broader derivatives platform built for always-on global markets. As additional asset classes roll out, Phemex aims to offer traders a more integrated, resilient, and forward-looking way to navigate both digital and traditional finance.

About Phemex
Founded in 2019, Phemex is a user-first crypto exchange trusted by over 10 million traders worldwide. The platform offers spot and derivatives trading, copy trading, and wealth management products designed to prioritize user experience, transparency, and innovation. With a forward-thinking approach and a commitment to user empowerment, Phemex delivers reliable tools, inclusive access, and evolving opportunities for traders at every level to grow and succeed.

For more information, please visit: https://phemex.com/ 

CHONGQING, China, Feb. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AITO, China’s luxury intelligent vehicle brand, has officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Performance Plus Motors (subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Motors), a leading luxury automotive dealer group in the United Arab Emirates. The agreement was signed in Chongqing, China by Jason Wang, President of SERES AUTO Overseas BU, and Syed Faiz Karim, CEO of Abu Dhabi Motors. Leon He, President of SERES AUTO, and Kelvin Zhao, Chief Representative of ADM China, attended the signing ceremony as witnesses. This partnership marks a major milestone in AITO’s expansion into overseas luxury new energy vehicle markets and signals the official launch of the brand’s next phase of global growth.

With 40 years of industry experience, ADM has become one of the Middle East’s most influential luxury automotive dealer groups, supported by an extensive sales network, strong high-net-worth customer base, and professional operations and services. Its customer-centric philosophy and business innovations have set benchmarks for the industry. AITO has become the fastest emerging NEV brand to surpass one million units in production, achieved in just 46 months. The flagship AITO 9 has led China’s RMB 500,000+ segment for 21 consecutive months, reinforcing AITO’s leadership in luxury intelligent mobility with its strong product strength.

This strategic partnership will create a strong mutual empowerment, continuously strengthening core competitiveness across the luxury automotive space. Through deep collaboration, the two parties will embark on a new chapter in the Middle East’s intelligent luxury vehicle market, achieving shared value growth for both the brand and the market.

Performance Plus Motors, subsidiary of ADM, will be responsible for the sales, delivery, and after-sales service of AITO’s luxury intelligent models in the UAE, with plans to establish brand experience and service centers that deliver in-depth user experiences aligned with AITO’s positioning. At the same time, ADM will leverage market insights to drive localized marketing and brand communications, supporting AITO’s accelerated entry into the region’s high-end consumer segments. The two parties will also collaborate across customer service, market intelligence and resource sharing, aiming to build a long-term, win-win partnership.

Jason Wang, President of SERES AUTO Overseas BU, stated: “Our collaboration with ADM is an important milestone in AITO’s globalization strategy and marks a new starting point for joint exploration of the luxury NEV market in the Middle East. ADM’s extensive experience and resources in the local luxury automotive market will provide strong support for AITO’s local operations. This mutual effort will not only bring intelligent innovation to the Middle Eastern luxury car market but also drive AITO’s technological capabilities to achieve greater breakthroughs in the global market.”

Syed Faiz Karim, CEO of ADM, said: “AITO’s technological capabilities, product quality, and luxury brand positioning align closely with the demands of the Middle East’s high-end market and match our philosophy of cultivating the luxury segment and pursuing exceptional experiences. We will leverage our channels, resources, and operational advantages to fully support AITO’s long-term development in the UAE market, explore new opportunities in the luxury NEV segment, and continuously deliver more innovative and luxurious mobility experiences.”

AITO models have completed localized hardware and software adaptation and required certifications. The flagship AITO 9 has begun local user test drives in the UAE, marking a pioneering move by a Chinese brand to engage overseas users. At the same time, AITO vehicles have arrived at Dubai port, ready for immediate delivery upon official launch. ADM’s well-established local infrastructure will also provide a solid foundation for AITO’s product launch, delivery, and long-term operations in the UAE. AITO will continue to develop its presence in the Middle East, laying the foundations for expansion into surrounding regions, while steadily enhancing the brand’s international presence and advancement in the global luxury intelligent NEV market.

The programme ensures due diligence, documented provenance, ownership transparency, and alignment with legal and compliance standards.

ABU DHABI, UAE, Feb. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the launch of a pioneering art customs duty waiver programme that will position the emirate as one of the world’s most trusted and forward-looking destinations for the long-term placement, conservation, and exhibition of high-value artworks. The initiative is established as a framework that prioritises governance, legal clarity, and institutional oversight as the foundation for participation.

© Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

Developed as part of Abu Dhabi’s broader cultural strategy, the programme offers a unique framework for high-net-worth collectors, family offices seeking a secure and expertly governed environment for the preservation of significant artworks valued from AED 10 million (US$2.72 million). It also ensures due diligence, documented provenance, ownership transparency, and alignment with applicable legal and compliance standards.

The art customs duty waiver programme is eligible for art brought into Abu Dhabi for a minimum term of three years, providing collectors with enhanced flexibility through a six-month export window. At launch, the programme focuses on regulatory certainty and structured oversight, with additional operational services evolving in a phased manner in the coming few months. Participants will also benefit from opportunities for art to be considered for scholarly study, research, and curated public engagement.

A specialised committee, comprising global experts will evaluate incoming submissions to ensure alignment with the programme’s standards and DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to safeguarding cultural assets of exceptional significance. This review process forms part of a broader governance approach designed to reinforce transparency, traceability, and responsible participation. A dedicated digital portal will allow collectors and family offices to submit expressions of interest, access programme details, and engage directly with advisory experts.

Through the programme, DCT Abu Dhabi reinforces the emirate’s position as a global cultural capital that provides not only world-class museums and institutions, but also the governance frameworks required to protect and elevate significant private collections. The Department’s approach differentiates itself by leading with regulation ensuring that long-term cultural development is supported by robust policy foundations.

The initiative is aligned with a long-term strategy to grow its cultural and creative industries, deepen international partnerships, and promote responsible, future-oriented cultural investment. Success will be measured by regulatory integrity, effective oversight, and adherence to international best practice. By offering a stable and transparent regulatory environment, Abu Dhabi aims to support collectors in preserving their legacies while contributing to global cultural understanding.

Applications for the programme will open through the official digital portal, enabling collectors and family offices worldwide to connect with the programme team and begin the eligibility assessment process. Further details will be made available to interested parties upon request.

DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, announced an exclusive partnership with Mercuryo, a global payments infrastructure platform, eliminating transaction fees on qualifying crypto purchases. From February 4, 2026 until February 18, 2026, eligible users can enjoy zero fees on transactions valued between 100 EUR and 500 EUR (or equivalent) through Bybit One-Click Buy.

During the promotional period, eligible Bybit customers in in-scope countries can take advantage of the zero-fee offer for a limited time when purchasing USDC or USDT using any of seven supported fiat currencies.

To enjoy the exclusive zero-fee offer, eligible users may log into their Bybit Account, navigate to Bybit One-Click Buy, and select Mercuryo as their payment method and select USDT or USDC as the payment currency. The limited-time offer eliminates standard transaction costs, allowing customers to convert their full payment amount into cryptocurrencies.

Bybit One-Click Buy is a streamlined feature that simplifies the crypto acquisition process, allowing users to convert supported fiat currency directly into digital assets within seconds. With multiple payment providers integrated, Bybit One-Click Buy offers competitive rates and fast processing for transactions.

Mercuryo is a global payments infrastructure platform in the digital token space. Standing out in the decentralized ecosystem by enhancing payment use case growth and on-chain integration, Mercuryo’s intuitive and robust solutions are powering the next generation of Web3 payment services. Mercuryo’s innovative payment products such as Spend bridge the gap between TradFi, Web2 and Web3. Mercuryo is the proud partner of leading pillars in the digital token economy such as Ledger, MetaMask, Trust Wallet and Revolut. Driven by an evolving product suite, Mercuryo is expanding further and continuing to innovate with a diversified stack of payment services.

This partnership underscores Bybit’s ongoing commitment to lowering barriers to entry in the digital asset space. Through customer-centric initiatives, Bybit strives to make crypto more accessible to users everywhere, particularly in growing markets where digital asset adoption is accelerating.

Terms and conditions apply. To find out more about eligibility requirements and restrictions, including supported fiat currencies, users may visit: [Bybit Fiat x Mercuryo exclusive] Enjoy 0% fees on One-Click Buy crypto purchases

#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

Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

About Mercuryo

Mercuryo is a leading payment infrastructure platform in the digital token space. Standing out in the decentralized ecosystem by enhancing payment use case growth and on-chain integration, Mercuryo’s intuitive and robust solutions are powering the next generation of Web3 payment services. Mercuryo’s innovative payment products such as Spend bridge the gap between TradFi, Web2 and Web3. Mercuryo is the proud partner of leading pillars in the digital token economy such as Ledger, MetaMask, Trust Wallet and Revolut. Driven by an evolving product suite, Mercuryo is expanding further and continuing to innovate with a diversified stack of payment services.

Learn more at: https://mercuryo.io/

Combination to Create End-to-End Trading Suite for Global Futures and Options Markets

DENVER, Feb. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CQG, a leading provider of futures and options trading, execution management and market connectivity, today announced it has entered into an agreement with global Fintech leader Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR) for Broadridge to acquire CQG. CQG will add complementary execution management, algorithmic trading and analytics capabilities to Broadridge’s order management and client connectivity solutions, creating an end-to-end trading suite for global futures and options markets.

“Our combined capabilities will provide a global multi-asset class trading experience defined by speed, scale and intelligence,” said Ryan Moroney, CEO of CQG. “Broadridge’s deep global reach and front-to-back capabilities and our expertise in front-office execution management and connectivity will enable clients to trade smarter, access new markets and adapt faster in an increasingly connected futures and options marketplace. The CQG team is truly excited to join a company with the history and successful track record of Broadridge.”

“The acquisition of CQG will accelerate Broadridge’s mission to deliver advanced, highly connected trading solutions on a global scale,” said Frank Troise, President of Broadridge’s Trading and Connectivity Solutions business. “Integrating CQG’s advanced execution management, analytics and connectivity technologies with Broadridge’s leading order management and connectivity solutions will create a unified platform in futures and options that simplifies trading complexity, improves transparency and workflow efficiency, and enhances Broadridge’s digital asset trading capabilities.”

Moroney added: “Broadridge has been a terrific partner since we decided to integrate some of our technologies a few years ago, and the team has made it clear they value our talented employees, culture, loyal client base, rapid delivery of new functionality and innovation. In this fast-moving environment, we believe the shared values between our firms, along with our combined global reach, significant resources and complementary technology make this transaction so compelling for CQG and exactly the right step for our employees and customers.”

Terms of the transaction, which are not expected to have a material impact on Broadridge’s financial results, were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close early in Broadridge’s fiscal fourth quarter that ends June 30, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

The expanded offering is designed to better support the evolving end-to-end needs of clients across a broad spectrum of segments, including futures commission merchants (FCMs), institutional investors, retail brokers, proprietary trading firms, commodity trading advisors (CTAs) and hedge funds. Clients will benefit from flexible, scalable solutions designed to support their growth objectives, accelerate speed to market, and deliver a powerful, fully integrated trading experience for institutional and professional retail market participants alike.

About CQG

CQG provides the industry’s highest performing solutions for traders, brokers, commercial hedgers and exchanges for their market-related activities globally, including trading, market data, advanced technical analysis, risk management, and account administration. The firm partners with the vast majority of futures brokerage and clearing firms and provides Direct Market Access (DMA) to more than 45 exchanges through its global network of co-located Hosted Exchange Gateways. CQG technology serves as the front end for a variety of exchanges and is increasingly employed as the over-the-counter matching engine for important new markets. CQG’s server-side order management tools for spreading, market aggregation, and smart orders are unsurpassed for speed and ease of use. Its market data feed consolidates 85 sources, including exchanges worldwide for futures, options, fixed income, foreign exchange, and equities, as well as data on debt securities, industry reports, and financial indices. One of the longest-serving technology solutions providers in the industry, CQG has won numerous awards for its trading software, technical analysis and multi-asset trading platform. CQG is headquartered in Denver, with sales and support offices and data centers in key markets globally, providing services in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit www.cqg.com.  

About Broadridge

Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE: BR) is a global technology leader with trusted expertise and transformative technology, helping clients and the financial services industry operate, innovate and grow. The firm powers investing, governance and communications for its clients – driving operational resiliency, elevating business performance and transforming investor experiences.

Broadridge’s technology and operations platforms process and generate over 7 billion communications annually and underpin the daily average trading of over $15 trillion in equities, fixed income and other securities globally. A certified Great Place to Work^®, Broadridge is part of the S&P 500^® Index, employing over 15,000 associates in 21 countries.

For more information, visit www.broadridge.com.