33.9 C
Vientiane
Thursday, May 1, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 1650

OctaFX is named the broker with the fastest withdrawals and most secure trading platform in Singapore

International Business Magazine and World Business Outlook awarded OctaFX with two industry awards, ‘Broker with the Fastest Withdrawal Singapore 2023’ and ‘Most Secure Trading Platform Singapore 2023’.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 21 April 2023 – In April 2023, two global financial publications recognised OctaFX’s efforts in Singapore with their awards.

International Business Magazine awarded global broker OctaFX its ‘Broker with the Fastest Withdrawal Singapore 2023’ award, acknowledging the speed and variety of withdrawal options available with the broker.

Since 2018, International Business Magazine has distinguished itself as an excellent news and analytics hub in financial services and technologies. Its expert team’s scrutiny in evaluating each of the yearly nominations made the publication a significant contributor to the transparency, security, and reliability of the industry.

The ‘Most Secure Trading Platform Singapore 2023’ award from World Business Outlook highlighted the safety and security of OctaFX’s trading platform. Over the years, it has proved to possess qualities most sought after by beginners and professional traders alike.

In the award announcement, World Business Outlook validated the broker’s performance from 2022: ‘OctaFX has been consistently upgrading its technology solutions with the innovative implementation of secure environment features in its trading platform. By maintaining some of the lowest spreads in the industry along with the fastest execution rates, OctaFX continues to impress us all, becoming the most secure and one of the best online brokers across the world.’

World Business Outlook is a print and online magazine offering comprehensive coverage and analysis in the financial domain. In the industry, the publication has made a name for itself as an unbiased gatherer of top financial profiles, always focused on identifying the industry’s very best and most innovative players.

‘It’s a great honour for us to be awarded two prestigious awards in such a highly developed financial centre as Singapore. We’ve made a particular effort in terms of reducing withdrawal time since we know how important it is for our clients. As for the trading platform, we maintain a constant focus on enhancing the security of all internal operations in line with the latest security standards. We are glad that our efforts were recognised by such reputable publications,’ the OctaFX press office commented.

Hashtag: #OctaFX

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

About OctaFX

is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and a variety of services already utilised by clients from 180 countries with more than 21 million trading accounts. Free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools they provide help clients reach their investment goals.

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.

OctaFX has also won more than 60 awards since its foundation, including the ‘Best Online Broker Global 2022’ award from World Business Outlook and the ‘Best Global Broker Asia 2022’ award from International Business Magazine.

CPA Australia: Mainland China small businesses predicted to recover steadily

  • New survey shows over half of small businesses expect to grow this year.
  • Over 90 per cent of small businesses in Mainland China plan to innovate.
  • Technology investments boost profits for the majority.

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach – 21 April 2023 – More than half (56 per cent) of Mainland China’s small businesses expect to grow in 2023. Meanwhile, their investments in technology and innovation will pay dividends, according to a new survey by one of the world’s largest accounting organisations.

CPA Australia’s Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey reveals over one-third of small businesses (35 per cent) in Mainland China are planning to increase their employee headcount this year. The result was a slight increase from 2022.

Mainland China’s small businesses have consistently outstripped their Asia-Pacific peers for technology use over the past five years. This includes earning revenue from e-commerce, adopting digital payment technologies and using social media for business purposes.

“In Mainland China, 87 per cent respondents come from businesses older than five years. These businesses demonstrated strong resilience during the pandemic and overcame many challenges,” said Mr Lloyd Peng, President of CPA Australia’s North China Committee.

“Businesses are using the experience gained from the past few years to strive for growth in 2023. For example, by adopting cutting-edge technology, innovating and improving their customers’ experience.

“The government has announced a series of timely policies to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. These measures aim to improve businesses competitive edge, ease financing conditions, stabilise raw material prices and promote innovation.

“If these policy supports are implemented in a consistent and predictable way, it could further unleash the potential of small businesses to achieve high-quality growth.”

Mainland Chinese respondents were more likely (41 per cent) to have sought professional advice from IT consultants last year than survey average (29 per cent). They also intend to innovate strongly. Ninety-three per cent of Mainland Chinese respondents plan to innovate in 2023, the highest in the Asia-Pacific.

“Mainland Chinese small businesses are reaping rewards from their focus on technology. The majority (61 per cent) found technology investments last year boosted profits,” Mr Raymond Zhu, President of CPA Australia’s East and Central China Committee said.

“Supported by government policies such as the 14th Five-Year Plan and extra tax deductions for research and development, we expect this tech focus to continue.”

“To make the commercialisation of new products or services a success, we recommend businesses start by focusing on understanding changes in customer behaviour. We also encourage them to explore opportunities in markets such as the Greater Bay Area, ASEAN and Belt and Road markets.”

“Policymakers should review and improve individual income tax policies for businesses from key industries. This will help attract more science, technology, engineering and mathematics talent to the small business sector.”

Easing of financing conditions is essential for business success in 2023. The survey found that 90 per cent of Mainland Chinese small businesses expect to seek external funds this year. Forty per cent reported their main reason to seek funds is for survival, while 46 per cent intend to use funds for growth. However, one-third expect it to be tough to access funds.

“Small businesses typically have a low credit rating and insufficient collateral. Hence, it may be difficult to obtain finance from traditional sources such as banks,” said Mr William Huang, member of CPA Australia’s South China Committee.

“The survey shows small businesses in Mainland China have diverse funding sources. This includes banks (29 per cent), investors, venture capital or angel funds (30 per cent) and non-bank financial institutions (18 per cent).

“Small businesses with unique advantages, especially those that have capacity to introduce novel and specialised products, are more likely to attract investment from investors. We recommend small businesses pay close attention to their cash flow, forecast their financial needs and optimise their business models.”
Hashtag: #CPAAustralia #SME #Economics

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

About CPA Australia

CPA Australia is one of the largest professional accounting bodies in the world, with more than 172,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, including more than 22,200 members in Greater China. We have offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on local, national and international issues affecting the accounting profession and public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. Find out more at

MoneyHero Launches Free Credit Score-Checking MoneyHero App Set to Popularise Consumer- initiated Credit Enquiries

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 20 April 2023 – MoneyHero, Hong Kong’s largest and most visited digital personal finance platform, has launched its game-changing MoneyHero App, a mobile application that provides Hong Kong consumers free and ready access to individual credit score reports powered by Hong Kong’s leading consumer credit reference agency, TransUnion, to make better and informed financial decisions.

MoneyHero app provides Hong Kong consumers free and ready access to individual credit scores and reports
MoneyHero app provides Hong Kong consumers free and ready access to individual credit scores and reports

Revolutionising “soft” credit enquiries

Unbeknownst to many, “hard” enquiries initiated by credit providers upon receiving a credit application from an individual remain on the individual’s credit report for up to two years and may negatively impact the individual’s credit score if these enquiries are made on a frequent basis. Whereas an individual checking their own credit score and/or report through MoneyHero App is a “soft” enquiry, which has no impact on the individual’s credit score. With its partnership with TransUnion, MoneyHero strives to empower Hong Kong consumers with clarity, control, and confidence over their financial decisions via its new app.

Comprehensive credit score analysis with 3 key features

A casual financial decision may entail far-reaching impacts on one’s credit condition. Many factors affect credit scores, for instance, overdue loan payments, credit utilisation rate, frequent credit enquiries by financial institutions, and the number of credit accounts, etc. It is, therefore, essential to build a habit of monitoring credit scores and reports regularly and understanding the underlying impact factors. With this in mind, MoneyHero has incorporated a comprehensive credit analysis in the new MoneyHero App that comes with three key features:

  1. a breakdown of credit score impact factors,
  2. credit usage summary, and
  3. credit alert services (an alert service to notify users of the possibility of identity theft), all of which aid in making smart financial decisions and maintaining credit health.

“MoneyHero is committed to educating the public on the importance of knowing their financial identities and credit scores, especially those who have a higher tendency to apply for credit, like urgent funding recipients, young investors, online shoppers, mortgage seekers, business professionals, and credit card users in need of financial support. We aim to offer more financial advisory services to users in the coming phase to help improve their credit scores,” said Shravan Thakur, Group Head of Commercial, Hyphen Group.

Popularising credit score checks

A credit score is a reflection of one’s financial well-being, regardless of identity, profession, or wealth. However, credit checks have not been widespread in Hong Kong, with over 70% of respondents have never checked their credit scores, according to an online survey conducted with MoneyHero website users in 2021. In promulgating the importance of credit health and popularising personal credit checks, MoneyHero has created a one-stop credit check solution free of charge to the public via its new MoneyHero App, where detailed analysis of credit scores and reports as well as suggestions for improvement are just a few taps away.

Commitment to data privacy and security

As a user-centric company, MoneyHero emphasises privacy and information security and has been granted an ISO 27001 certification. All user data is kept strictly confidential and protected with the highest international encryption standards – using 256-bit encryption technology and Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol.

App download link: http://bit.ly/3K05hET

Hashtag: #moneyhero #moneyheroapp

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

About MoneyHero

MoneyHero is Hong Kong’s largest and most popular digital personal finance platform, on a mission to empower and connect the Hong Kong public to a better financial future. We realise this mission by giving users more clarity, control, and confidence over their financial decisions through comprehensive comparison, insightful content, exclusive rewards, and personalised solutions to find and apply for the right personal finance product.

Launched in 2013, we are part of Hyphen Group, a leading fintech company operating in 5 markets, including Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Taiwan.

Nong Khang Airport Sees its First Successful Aircraft Landing

Nong Khang Airport Tests Landing System with Successful Aircraft Landing
The tested aircraft (photo: Media Laos)

Nong Khang Airport in the Samnuea district of Houaphanh province successfully tested its landing guide system for flights on Wednesday.

Arta TechFin and GFO-X partner to enhance global liquidity and trading services of regulated digital asset derivatives

Agreement to collaborate on the creation of product and provision of services relating to digital asset derivatives.

HONG KONG SAR and LONDON, UK – Media OutReach – 20 April 2023 – Arta TechFin Corporation Limited (“ARTA”) and Global Futures and Options Limited (“GFO-X”) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding and announce a strategic collaboration to create new and innovative digital asset derivative products tailored for both an Asian and UK/European customer base. GFO-X brings a regulated venue to grow the global liquidity pool for digital asset derivatives. ARTA will bring Asian-based client flow via regulated, cash-settled, derivatives solutions. The combination of GFO-X and Arta, which brings together a regulated institutional platform seeded with global liquidity, solves for the key gap between Asian and US trading hours, resolving client’s pain points and expediting institutional and family office’s adoption of digital assets in both regions.

In 2022 ARTA invested in GFO-X alongside other institutional investors and family offices.

Authorised and regulated by the UK FCA (Financial Conduct Authority), GFO-X is the UK’s first regulated and centrally cleared trading venue dedicated to digital asset derivatives. GFO-X recently announced a partnership with London Stock Exchange Group’s LCH SA. Subject to LCH SA’s regulatory approvals and requirements, GFO-X strives to ensure digital asset derivatives’ trading and clearing requirements and growing demand can be met within a secure, highly regulated environment.

Arnab Sen CEO of GFO-X said:

“We are delighted to announce this collaboration with ARTA. We look forward to working together to leverage each other’s geographical expertise to enhance our service offering to a significant and differentiated Asian customer base. GFO-X is regulated in the UK but has strong roots in Asia with our significant presence and heritage in Hong Kong. We see great potential in the growth and appetite for regulated digital asset derivative products in Asia.”

Eddie Lau, CEO of ARTA said:

“We are excited to partner with GFO-X in creating innovative digital asset solutions and offering the best global products to our clients. We bridge the gap between Asian and European flows and enable clients to take advantage of structural trading opportunities. Furthermore, our strategic investment in GFO-X shows our commitment in building up regulated digital asset ecosystem with leading global players.”

Hashtag: #ArtaTechFin

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

About GFO-X

GFO-X is the UK’s first regulated and centrally cleared trading venue dedicated to digital asset derivatives. UK FCA authorised and regulated to operate a Multilateral Trading Facility (MTF), GFO-X is connected to the world’s largest financial institutions and has partnered with a leading clearing house LCH, solving for counterparty and credit risk.

Evolving regulation will bring digital assets into mainstream finance. This transition demands traditional market structures, supported by new technologies, to solve the multiple risks currently associated with the digital asset market.

GFO-X services the significant unmet need of large global institutional participants who require a highly regulated, institutional-grade trading venue for digital asset derivatives.

Our mission is to deliver enhanced liquidity, institutional connectivity and risk mitigation through high-performance technology and optimised contract specifications.

Further information can be found at

About ARTA

Arta TechFin is a hybrid financial (HyFi) platform bridging traditional finance with blockchain-based financial system via technology innovations. Our regulated one-stop solution enables corporates, financial institutions, and family offices to access traditional assets and digital assets.

ARTA, through its various subsidiaries, are licensed under Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission. Other licenses include Hong Kong Stock Exchange participant, insurance brokerage license, trustee license and money lending license in Hong Kong as well as Eurex participant in Germany.

Further information can be found at www.artatechfin.com

Vientiane Buses to Stop Only at Official Bus Stops From Next Month

A public passenger bus travels from Dongdok to the Morning Market. ( Photo : Vientiane City 2 Bus Service).
The Public bus system in Vientiane Capital is putting policies in place to improve its service and ensure that passengers reach their destinations in a timely manner. 

DBIoD: Supporting Sustainable Diamond Industry Growth Through 130-Years Expertise

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach – 20 April 2023 – With over 130 years of experience in the diamond industry, De Beers Institute of Diamonds (DBIoD hereafter) has recently been rebranded from the De Beers Group Industry Services (DBGIS). As the world’s leading laboratory that only grades natural and untreated diamonds, DBIoD offers professional and reliable services for grading and identifying raw natural diamonds, as well as cutting-edge diamond identification instrument sales and customized diamond education courses for industry professionals and consumers. Visit our official website to learn more.

Employee grading diamond with loupe and tweezers

Every natural diamond should be graded.

Unlike synthetic diamonds, natural diamonds are formed over billions of years and are both rare and unique. The beauty of natural diamonds goes beyond the traditional 4Cs (carat, cut, color, clarity) and is a complex interplay of various characteristics that make each diamond one-of-a-kind. Therefore, it is important to evaluate each raw natural diamond based on its unique characteristics.

DBIoD has international laboratories located in London (UK), Surat (India), and Antwerp (Belgium). From the moment a diamond is received from a customer, DBIoD utilizes advanced diamond testing instruments, an impartial grading process, and the rigorous 4Cs standard to accurately grade each diamond.

High-tech diamond testing instrument to exclude unnatural diamonds.

DBIoD employs sophisticated techniques for the identification of non-natural diamonds, utilizing three tests to ensure that simulants, synthetic diamonds, and treated diamonds are excluded.

In the field of identification science and technology, DiamondSure is first employed by DBIoD to measure the light absorption of diamonds, effectively excluding all simulants and most non-natural diamonds (primary identification). For the small number of diamonds that cannot be identified by DiamondSure, DiamondView is used for a secondary identification process, in which high-power ultraviolet light is used to scan diamonds and identify natural diamonds (second identification). If the second identification is unsuccessful in determining whether the diamond is natural or not, the diamond will be sent to professional physicists for further analysis (tertiary identification). The physicists will study the light absorption characteristics of the diamond using spectroscopy and advanced instruments to strive for accurate and reliable final identification results.

Different high-tech instruments available to ensure reliable testing results

DBIoD has developed a comprehensive and independent professional testing process that ensures consistency in laboratory testing standards and delivers accurate testing results. This approach not only protects the rights and interests of consumers, but also safeguards their confidence in the diamond industry.

The combination of instrument and manual determination of diamond grading.

Once a natural diamond has been tested for integrity, it undergoes a rigorous grading process at DBIoD. First, a unique De Beers laboratory automatic colour-grading instrument, known as The Falcon, assesses the diamond’s color and fluorescence. Next, a grader assesses the diamond’s color and cut. Finally, a senior analyst integrates the information from both the instrument and the grader to make the final assessment and issue a formal grading report.

DBIoD Diamond Grading Report (with Diamond Pilot)


Following the final grading, the diamond is inscribed with a code, its independent packaging is labeled by DBIoD, and can be sealed upon request. The diamond is then returned to the customer along with a complete grading report.

DBIoD relies on the exclusive grading technology and precise grading services of the De Beers Group, applying international 4Cs standards (carat weight, color, clarity, and cut) with a fair and transparent approach to grade every diamond. DBIoD is committed to providing high-quality consumer experiences for diamond retailers and consumers, ensuring they have confidence in their purchases.

Placing polished diamond in package

DBIoD offers customized diamond courses tailored to different levels of students.

In addition to its laboratory services, DBIoD offers customized diamond courses that are tailored to different learning levels of students who have multiple needs. These courses cover a range of topics related to natural diamond origin, identification, grading, and sales, and are designed to help professionals and enthusiasts alike deepen their knowledge and understanding of diamonds.

Some of the courses that DBIoD offers include Diamond Grading Course, Diamond Identification Course, Diamond Sales and Marketing Course, as well as Diamond Cutting and Polishing Course.

These courses can be conducted in person or online, and can be customized to fit the needs of the participants. DBIoD’s experienced instructors ensure that each course is informative, engaging, and relevant to the diamond industry.

Find the most suitable course for you on the Education website.

Students taking onsite DBIoD Diamonds Grading Course


DBIoD is committed to earning and maintaining the trust of the diamond industry by using state-of-the-art technology and rigorous testing procedures to ensure that all diamonds identified as natural are, in fact, 100% natural. By focusing on natural diamonds grading, testing and education, DBIoD aim to establish our professional authority and inspire confidence among industry stakeholders.

Hashtag: #DeBeersGroup

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

About De Beers Group

Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining and marketing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of the De Beers Group strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and De Beers Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions, such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives GemFair and Tracr. De Beers Group is committed to ‘,’ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American PLC group. For further information, visit .

Next Generation Monitoring: Neumann Releases the KH 120 II

BERLIN, GERMANY – Media OutReach – 20 April 2023 – Neumann, one of the leading brands in pro audio, has announced the release of the KH 120 II studio monitor. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the KH 120 II offers improvements in all acoustic parameters for deeper bass, higher SPL capability, and increased resolution. In addition, its internal DSP engine allows for phase linear crossovers and room correction via Neumann’s MA 1 Automatic Alignment.

KH_120_II_Both_Colors.jpg

When Neumann released the KH 120 in 2010, it was the beginning of an ongoing success story. Neumann monitoring has since become the reference of choice in countless studios around the globe. The KH 120 II follows the same philosophy as its predecessor and takes it to the next level: highest linearity, lowest distortion, no coloration, and perfect adaptability to any acoustic environment.

“It is part of the Neumann ethos to never be satisfied with what has been achieved so far,” says Portfolio Manager Stephan Mauer, “The KH 120 garnered hundreds of 5-star reviews, yet we knew that we could make it even better. For the KH 120 II we’ve developed a novel woofer design that reduces distortion audibly and allows for much higher SPLs. In addition to an exceptionally flat frequency response from 44 Hz to 21 kHz (±3 dB), the KH 120 II also offers a linearized phase response. Which translates to clear mids with astonishing transparency as well as extreme accuracy in the time domain, i.e. precise impulse reproduction and finely resolved reverbs.”

This is made possible by DSP-controlled electronics whose sophisticated crossovers avoid the phase distortion caused by analog filters. The internal DSP also realizes new standards in tonal consistency. The KH 120-II is made to extremely low tolerances of no more than ±0.5 dB. Stereo imaging, therefore, is razor-sharp. Digital electronics also allow for automatic room alignment using Neumann’s MA 1 hardware/software solution (sold separately).

MA-1-Software-and-Mic_Neumann-Studio-Monitor-Accessory_MR.jpg

“Even the best studio monitor is dependent on its acoustic environment”, explains Neumann’s CEO Ralf Oehl. “So, being able to use the KH 120 II with Neumann’s Automatic Monitor Alignment MA 1 is an enormous advantage in terms of real-world performance. Finally, you can work with reliable reference-class monitoring even in less-than-ideal environments such as small studios or makeshift control rooms for mobile recording. But of course, the KH 120 II is also an excellent solution for professional studios, editing suites, and even immersive setups.”

The KH 120 II is also an update in sustainability. Neumann engineers took great care to develop a patent pending amplifier technology which combines superior audio performance with the energy efficiency of Class D. Although the amplifiers of the KH 120 II deliver up to 145 W to the 5.25″ woofer and 100 W to the 1″ tweeter, they only consume 17 W at idle. Auto-standby reduces power consumption to 0.3 W when the KH 120 II has not been used for a while, but can be deactivated.

The KH 120 II offers analog and digital inputs (S/PDIF). It will also be available in an AES67 variant with redundant AES67 audio network ports that are fully compliant with broadcast standards such as ST 2110, ST 2022-7 redundancy, and RAVENNA. At the same time, the KH 120 II AES67 is compatible with DANTE®-generated AES67 network streams.

More information at https://www.neumann.com/en-en/products/monitors/kh-120-ii

Features:

  • Linear frequency and phase response
  • DSP engine for outstanding performance and automatic room alignment via MA 1
  • Deep low end down to 44 Hz and high SPL capability in a small format
  • Analog and S/PDIF connectivity, optionally with AES67

Hashtag: #Neumann #KH120 #KH120II #monitor #studio #recording

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

About Neumann

Georg Neumann GmbH, known as “Neumann.Berlin”, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of studio-grade audio equipment and the creator of recording microphone legends such as the U 47, M 49, U 67 and U 87. Founded in 1928, the company has been recognized with numerous international awards for its technological innovations. Since 2010, Neumann.Berlin has expanded its expertise in electro-acoustic transducer design to also include the studio monitor market, mainly targeting TV and radio broadcasting, recording, and audio production. The first Neumann studio headphones were introduced in 2019, and since 2022, the company has put an increased focus on reference solutions for live audio. Georg Neumann GmbH has been part of the Sennheiser Group since 1991, and is represented worldwide by the Sennheiser network of subsidiaries and long-standing trading partners.