Strategic Combination Provides Asset Managers, Fund Administrators and Transfer Agents with an Integrated solution to support Exchange-Traded Funds

LUXEMBOURG, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Multifonds, a leading global provider of fund administration software and SaaS solutions and Ultumus, a SIX Group company specialising in ETF infrastructure technology, today announced a strategic partnership designed to enable fund providers to rapidly expand into the fast-growing ETF market.

The collaboration gives Multifonds’ clients direct access to Ultumus’ specialised ETF technology platform and extensive network of Global authorised participants and market makers, enabled through a standard off-the-shelf connector now available on Multifonds platform.

Capitalising on the ETF Conversion Trend

With ETF assets growing at unprecedented rates, asset managers are increasingly seeking efficient pathways to launch ETF share classes or convert existing mutual fund strategies into ETF wrappers. This partnership addresses that demand by combining Multifonds’ market-leading fund administration and investor servicing platform – which currently supports over $10 trillion in assets across 40,000+ funds in 35 jurisdictions, with Ultumus’ proven ETF operational infrastructure.

“This partnership offers the market an integrated solution that eliminates the operational burden associated with ETF launches and administration” said Oded Weiss, Chief Executive Officer at Multifonds.

Comprehensive ETF Infrastructure Solution

The partnership brings together complementary capabilities:

• Multifonds provides the established fund accounting and investor servicing platform already trusted by 9 of the world’s top 15 global fund administrators globally
• Ultumus contributes specialised ETF infrastructure including the COSMOS platform for creation and redemption processes, advanced PCF (Portfolio Composition File) calculation capabilities, and established relationships/distribution network with Global authorised participants and market makers
• Together, the combined offering and connectivity enables end-to-end ETF operations from fund accounting through trading and settlement, all on an integrated technology stack

Unlocking European Market Access

A key differentiator of the partnership is Ultumus’ deep relationships with European, Asian and Canadian authorised participants and market makers – critical counterparties in the ETF ecosystem that enable efficient trading and liquidity provision. This network, combined with Multifonds’ experience across more than 35 jurisdictions, provides asset managers and fund administrators with immediate access to the infrastructure needed to successfully launch and operate ETFs in Global markets.

“The ETF market is evolving rapidly, and asset managers need partners who understand both the traditional fund administration business and the unique operational requirements of ETFs,” said Bernie Thurston, CEO of Ultumus. “Multifonds’ client relationships, combined with our specialised ETF technology and market maker network, create a powerful solution for firms looking to participate in the ETF growth opportunity without building entirely new infrastructure.”

Integrated Technology, Reduced Time-to-Market

The partnership enables Multifonds clients to:

• Rapidly launch ETF products 
• Leverage an integrated infrastructure for fund accounting and investor servicing using the Multifonds platform across mutual funds and ETF
• Access Global authorised participants and market makers through Ultumus’ network
• Automate creation and redemption processes increasing STP rates and reducing Risk
• Ensure accurate, timely PCF delivery to market participants
• Maintain operational control through integrated reporting and oversight

Supporting Industry Transformation

The collaboration comes at a pivotal moment for the asset management industry, especially with the move to T+1 settlement in Europe. Recent regulatory changes enabling ETF share classes of existing mutual funds, combined with strong investor preference for ETF structures due to tax efficiency and lower costs, have accelerated demand for solutions that bridge the mutual fund and ETF worlds.

“We’re seeing a fundamental shift in how asset managers and fund administrators think about product structure,” added Weiss. “This isn’t just about launching new products – it’s about giving existing fund families the tools to evolve with market demand. Our partnership with Ultumus provides that capability at scale.”

About Multifonds

Multifonds is a leading global provider of fund administration software. The company offers fund accounting, portfolio accounting and investor servicing solutions on a single platform. Supporting over $10 trillion in assets for both traditional and alternative funds across more than 35 jurisdictions, Multifonds serves the world’s leading global custodians, third-party administrators, insurance companies, and asset managers. For more information, visit www.multifonds.com.

About Ultumus

Ultumus, a SIX Group company, is a specialised provider of ETF and index data technology infrastructure. The company delivers critical ETF services including PCF calculation, the COSMOS platform for creation and redemption processes, and multi-provider data aggregation to major global financial institutions. Ultumus serves leading asset managers, broker-dealers, and market infrastructure providers globally. For more information, visit www.ultumus.com.

BEIJING, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The United Nations International Digital Economy Governance and Leadership Capacity Building Programme officially opened at Beijing Electronic Digital & Intelligence (BEDI). A delegation of 34 ministerial and municipal representatives from 17 countries visited the Beijing Digital Economy Computing Power Center, which is planned and operated by BEDI. Through a combination of site visits and case‑based learning, the delegates systematically studied BEDI’s proven experience and implementation pathways in translating urban AI infrastructure into sustainable productivity.

The program was co-hosted by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the Global Digital Economy City Alliance (DEC40), the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology, and the Administrative Committee of Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, and was organized by the Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center. Guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Digital Compact, this program aims to share China’s successful practices in digital economy governance, support developing countries in strengthening digital transformation capabilities, and jointly foster an equitable, inclusive, and sustainable global digital ecosystem.

On the day of the event, Zhao Hongyu, Vice President of Strategic Consulting at BEDI, joined academic experts from the Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center for an in-depth discussion on “scaling AI adoption”, focusing on how cities can progress from investing in computing power to acquiring AI capabilities.

Against the backdrop of the comprehensive advancement of AI+ Initiative, and addressing the reality that cities vary widely in development levels and industrial structures, BEDI leverages the full‑stack capabilities of its “Spark • Platform” and adheres to a “one‑strategy‑per‑locality” industrial‑operation approach to precisely address the pain points of urban digital intelligent transformation. Zhao Hongyu shared the example of City J’s AI productivity construction, where the Spark • Grand Platform deeply integrates the full‑stack “data‑computing‑model‑application” capabilities with tailored “industrial operation” expertise, delivering a “1+4+N+6” AI productivity‑building solution that meets local needs. Centered on building a city‑level AI foundation, the solution creates an AI commercial closed‑loop through dynamic computing‑power allocation and drives industrial innovation through ecosystem enablement, accurately empowering six major fields including technology, industry, and government services to efficiently advance local digital intelligence upgrading.

Powered by the innovative “data‑computing‑model‑application + industrial operation” model of the Spark • Platform, BEDI has established multi-industry partnerships with more than 20 cities. On site, Zhao Hongyu demonstrated BEDI’s benchmark AI practice cases across various domains, including batch AI video generation for e-commerce and short-form video, AI-personalized home renovation design for the home furnishing industry, AI‑powered digital profiles for city tourism and cultural creativity, and AI courses for key primary and secondary schools in Beijing. To date, BEDI has formed a diversified enablement landscape spanning AI+ healthcare, government services, education, manufacturing, cultural tourism and more, achieving deep integration of technology and industry.

While strengthening China’s domestic AI industry ecosystem, BEDI continues to refine replicable and scalable urban digital intelligence solutions, offering reference models for global urban AI development. Looking ahead, BEDI will further deepen cooperation with the United Nations and other international organizations, with a focus on cutting-edge fields such as trustworthy AI, secure data flows, and green digital transformation.

Through technology sharing, experience exchange, and talent empowerment, BEDI is committed to extending the benefits of digital economy development to more countries and contributing China’s expertise to the advancement of the global digital ecosystem.

MUNICH, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sungrow, the global leading PV inverter and energy storage system (ESS) provider, today announced a milestone deployment in the European market with the establishment of its first manufacturing facility in Wałbrzych, Lower Silesia. The 65,400 m² facility represents an investment of €230 million and contributes to the development of a robust European clean energy manufacturing ecosystem. The factory is scheduled to become operational within the next 12 months and is expected to create 400 new jobs in the region, fostering local expertise in the renewable energy sector.

“This new facility marks an important milestone for Sungrow in Europe. It allows us to be closer to our customers, respond more effectively to market needs, and will be a cornerstone of Sungrow’s strategy to bolster European supply-chain stability while creating skilled employment,” said Shawn Shi, President of Sungrow Europe.

Stronger clean energy value chain in Europe

The facility is designed to support large-scale production, with an annual capacity of up to 20 GW for inverters and 12.5 GWh for energy storage systems (ESS). It will integrate advanced manufacturing and quality-assurance capabilities, ensuring high standards of product performance, reliability, and safety.

Marcin Lerner, President of the Management Board of the Wałbrzych Special Economic Zone, said: “As the Wałbrzych Special Economic Zone, we are constantly building a friendly ecosystem for the development of regional, national and international business. The Sungrow investment highlights Poland’s growing strategic importance within Europe’s clean-energy value stream and shows that Poland, including the industrialized and high-tech developed region of Lower Silesia, is one of the most attractive locations in Europe to scale renewable energy technologies- thanks to public support programs, stable economic growth, accessibility to technical universities and qualified employees.

In addition to strengthening local production, the facility will enhance Sungrow’s logistics capabilities across Europe by locating key manufacturing activities closer to customers, reducing lead times and enabling more efficient distribution. This will support greater efficiency and resilience across the region’s clean energy value chain.

Shawn Shi added: “Lower Silesia’s history of skilled technical expertise in electronics, automation and advanced manufacturing made it the prime location for our new factory. We intend to hire locally to tap into this expertise, as we live our commitment to grow with the communities we serve.”

Global expertise and local footprint

Active in Europe since 2005 and being an own legal entity in 2011, Sungrow Europe has expanded its regional presence to twenty-five local representative offices, two R&D centers, twenty-six warehouses, and three Training & Technology Competence Centers and Service Centers in the region, with its European headquarters located in Munich, Germany.

If you would like to learn more about the new factory in Poland, please click here.

About Sungrow
Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 29 years. As of June 2025, Sungrow has installed 870 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The company is recognized as the world’s most bankable PV inverter and energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects across the globe, supported by a network of 520 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experience. At Sungrow, we’re committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, please visit: https://www.sungrowpower.com/en

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The “2026 China-ASEAN AI Capacity-Building Training Program and High-Level Seminar on AI Frontier Technologies and Governance” was recently held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Professor Dou Dejing, Chief Scientist of Beijing Electronic Digital & Intelligence (BEDI), delivered a keynote titled “AI, LLMs, and Industrial Applications in China”. He shared practical outcomes in sectors such as healthcare and industrial manufacturing, offering ASEAN participants a reference for industry transformation.

Co-organized by the Federation of Engineering Institutions of Asia and the Pacific, the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Xiamen University Malaysia, and the Chinese Association of Automation, the seminar brought together nearly 150 representatives to discuss AI frontier technologies, safety governance, and pathways for regional cooperation. Centered on “full-stack AI capabilities driving industrial upgrading”, Prof. Dou outlined BEDI’s strategy and delivery results.

BEDI focuses on AI industry operations in China with a framework of “one AI foundation + two industry platforms”, and applies a tailored approach by city and by industry to deliver practical digital-intelligence solutions. As a benchmark case designed and operated by BEDI, the Beijing Digital Economy Computing Power Center provides full-stack services across data, computing, models, and applications, supporting high-quality innovation in Chaoyang District’s AIGC audiovisual industry. BEDI has also partnered with the China–Japan Friendship Hospital to build its agent development platform, improving its service efficiency and precision.

This foundation model is designed to scale. At the Foshan AI-Enabled Traditional Manufacturing Demonstration Base, BEDI leverages the Nanhai Guicheng Intelligent Computing Center as its core, using full-stack services to help manufacturers reduce costs, improve efficiency, expand globally, and foster new business models, and is projected to generate hundreds of billions in revenue growth. This model offers a practical path for AI-powered transformation in Southeast Asia.

Professor Dou emphasized that BEDI upholds the principles of “Ethical AI and Open Collaboration” and will engage in building the China-ASEAN AI ecosystem. Through technology transfer, joint R&D, and platform co-development, BEDI aims to continuously share the “China Approach” to AI-enabled industrial empowerment, supporting regional digital transformation and fostering a new landscape of cooperation.