Newsroom

Official news releases and announcements from organizations worldwide, distributed by EZ Newswire.

October 30, 2026 4:39 PM
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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates

Binghatti-Backed Investment Fund Delivers a Net Return of 194%

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, October 30, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Binghatti Capital Limited, an investment management firm regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), announced that the Binghatti Pinnacle Development Fund has completed its investment strategy, achieving a net internal rate of return (IRR) of 194% and a net multiple on invested capital (MOIC) of 2.3x for external limited partners.

These returns are net of fees, fund expenses and management's carried interest. The fund has completed distributions to its limited partners and is currently undergoing formal liquidation procedures, subject to the fulfilment of the remaining regulatory and administrative requirements.

The fund raised approximately $29 million and pursued an investment strategy focused on developing and selling a single asset. It developed a mixed-use project comprising 178 units, with a gross development value of approximately $115 million. Around 90% of the units were sold before the project's completion, with contracted sales exceeding $90 million.

Shahzad Janab, Chief Executive Officer of Binghatti Capital, said: "Success in development investing requires discipline throughout the investment cycle, from evaluating opportunities and deploying capital to construction, sales and distributions. The net internal rate of return of 194% and the net multiple on invested capital of 2.3x reflect the value generated by the Pinnacle Fund and the speed at which capital was returned to investors. Maintaining execution momentum amid rising regional uncertainty was a key factor in achieving this outcome."

About Binghatti Capital Limited

Binghatti Capital Limited is Binghatti's investment management and capital markets arm and is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority. The company manages real estate investment strategies and provides investment and advisory services across real estate, private credit and capital markets. Binghatti Capital combines institutional investment management capabilities with an established real estate development platform, focusing on disciplined opportunity assessment, active investment management and value creation through development. For more information, visit binghatticapital.com.

Disclaimer

This announcement is issued solely for informational and corporate reporting purposes and does not constitute an offer, invitation, or solicitation to invest in any fund managed by Binghatti Capital Limited or its affiliates, nor is it directed to or intended for retail clients, being strictly restricted to Professional Clients and Market Counterparties as defined by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and the figures presented relate exclusively to the Binghatti Pinnacle Development Fund, an opportunistically structured single-asset vehicle, meaning they are not representative of any other existing or prospective strategy. The stated Net Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 194% and Net Multiple on Invested Capital (MOIC) of 2.3x reflect cash returned over an accelerated investment lifecycle; because IRR is inherently time-sensitive, this annualized rate significantly outpaces the nominal capital multiple and should not be construed as a recurring annual yield. While all performance metrics are presented net of management fees, fund expenses, and carried interest, preliminary figures are derived from internal calculations subject to final regulatory reconciliation, independent administrator verification, and formal liquidation audit completion. Real estate development involves substantial risk — including construction delays, market absorption shifts, and significant illiquidity — and the fund’s concentration in a single asset exposed investors to heightened volatility and loss potential that are not indicative of diversified portfolios.

Media Contact

Binghatti Capital Limited
info@binghatticapital.com

October 30, 2026 1:42 PM
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WASHINGTON, DC

American Kratom Association Demands Major Correction or Full Retraction of Misleading New York Times Report on DEA Opioid Scheduling

WASHINGTON, DC, October 30, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- The American Kratom Association is calling on The New York Times to publish a substantial correction or fully retract its Oct. 28, 2026, article, “Trump Administration Backs Down on an Opioid Ban After Kratom Industry Lobbying,” charging that the newspaper presented a materially misleading account of the Drug Enforcement Administration's revised federal scheduling proposal for 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI).

In a letter addressed to The New York Times publisher A.G. Sulzberger, the AKA challenges the article's central portrayal of the Trump administration's action as a retreat from efforts to control dangerous opioid products. The AKA argues that the report failed to adequately explain two critical provisions of the revised DEA proposal that materially affect which products would be subject to Schedule I controls.

First, the revised DEA rule establishes a single combined concentration threshold for both 7-OH and MGPI. Second, it adds an independent 100-to-1 alkaloid-ratio requirement that can trigger Schedule I controls even when the combined concentration falls below the numerical limit. The revised proposal therefore includes an additional way to identify products containing disproportionately elevated concentrations of potent opioid-active compounds.

"The New York Times owes its readers a correction that explains what the DEA actually proposed, rather than presenting a misleading political narrative that leaves out critical regulatory requirements," said Mac Haddow, Senior Fellow on Public Policy for the American Kratom Association. "The revised DEA proposal does not give manufacturers separate allowances for 7-OH and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl. It combines those two potent opioid compounds under a single concentration threshold and adds a second, independent 100-to-1 ratio test. Ignoring those provisions fundamentally distorts the scope and intent of the federal action."

AKA Demands Prominent Correction, Revised Headline, or Full Retraction

The AKA’s letter calls for The New York Times to correct the article's treatment of the combined 7-OH/MGPI concentration threshold, explain the independent 100-to-1 ratio test, clarify that the October action remains a Notice of Intent rather than an effective final order, and distinguish scheduling thresholds from findings of product safety or market authorization.

The Association also requests reconsideration of the headline and correction of the information disseminated through republication and syndication.

If the newspaper cannot adequately correct its central characterization without fundamentally rewriting the article, the AKA requests a complete retraction.

"This is not a disagreement about whether journalists should scrutinize government decisions, lobbying, or political contributions. Of course they should," Haddow said. "But legitimate scrutiny does not excuse leaving out material provisions of the actual federal rule. The New York Times has a responsibility to accurately explain what the government proposed, including the single combined threshold for 7-OH and MGPI and the independent 100-to-1 ratio requirement."

“When an article misleads readers about a federal drug-control action with serious public health consequences, the appropriate response is a prominent correction — not silence, and not a minor clarification buried where readers will never see it. If the fundamental narrative cannot be corrected, the article should be retracted," Haddow concluded.

About American Kratom Association (AKA)

The American Kratom Association is a consumer advocacy organization dedicated to protecting access to safely manufactured, properly labeled natural kratom products. The AKA advocates for science-based regulation, enforceable manufacturing standards, independent product testing, accurate labeling, and decisive action against adulterated, chemically manipulated, and dangerously formulated opioid products.

Disclaimer

The American Kratom Association (AKA) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit advocacy organization. This press release is issued for informational and public policy purposes only. The information contained herein reflects policy analysis regarding federal administrative actions and does not constitute legal, regulatory, or medical advice. Statements regarding natural kratom leaf products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Readers should consult qualified healthcare professionals regarding personal medical decisions.

Media Contact

Mac Haddow
Senior Fellow on Public Policy
press@americankratom.org
+1 571-294-5978

October 30, 2026 12:00 PM
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Campfire Taps NetSuite Veteran Alexandra Roveda to Lead Enterprise Expansion

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, October 30, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Campfire, the AI-native ERP platform transforming how finance teams operate, today announced the appointment of Alexandra Roveda as Vice President of Enterprise. Roveda joins after nearly a decade at Oracle NetSuite, bringing deep enterprise ERP experience to one of the fastest-growing challengers in the category.

The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Campfire. Since the beginning of 2026, its enterprise business has grown 5x as companies increasingly look beyond traditional ERP systems for platforms built around AI, automation, and real-time financial visibility.

Roveda will lead Campfire's enterprise expansion across North America, building the team and go-to-market strategy to accelerate adoption among larger organizations.

After nearly 10 years at NetSuite, Roveda brings firsthand knowledge of the enterprise ERP market, including the complexity of traditional implementations and the challenges finance teams face as their businesses scale.

"After nearly a decade at NetSuite, I've seen firsthand how much complexity companies have come to accept from their ERP systems," said Alexandra Roveda, Vice President of Enterprise at Campfire. "What drew me to Campfire is the opportunity to fundamentally rethink that experience. AI isn't just another feature here. It's built into how the platform works. I believe we're at the beginning of a major shift in enterprise finance technology, and Campfire is uniquely positioned to lead it."

Campfire is challenging established ERP providers with an AI-native platform designed to automate accounting workflows, maintain full transaction-level visibility, and dramatically accelerate the financial close. Customers can close their books up to 5x faster, and hundreds, including SpaceX, Clay, and PostHog, now run their books on Campfire.

"Enterprise ERP is entering a new era, and we're seeing that shift reflected in the demand for Campfire," said John Glasgow, founder and CEO of Campfire. "Alexandra brings something incredibly valuable: nearly a decade of experience inside one of the industry's most established players. She understands the needs of enterprise finance teams, the limitations of traditional systems, and what it takes to drive adoption at scale. Bringing her on board is an important step as we build the next generation of enterprise ERP."

The appointment builds on a period of rapid growth for Campfire. The company raised $100 million across its Series A and Series B rounds in just 12 weeks, with Accel and Ribbit Capital co-leading the Series B. Campfire now operates from offices in San Francisco, New York, and London as it expands its global footprint.

About Campfire

Campfire is an AI-native ERP platform built for modern finance teams. By combining modern financial infrastructure with artificial intelligence, Campfire helps businesses streamline accounting, automate financial workflows, and gain real-time visibility into their operations. Campfire is reimagining how finance works, providing organizations with a modern alternative to legacy ERP systems. Learn more at campfire.ai.

Media Contact

hello@campfire.ai

October 30, 2026 4:00 AM
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MILAN, Italy and SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Powered by Gigs, BBVA Expands Offering in Italy With eSIM Service Integrated Into Its Banking App

MILAN, Italy and SAN FRANCISCO, CA, October 30, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Instead of paying expensive roaming fees, turning to third-party applications, or buying a physical SIM card when traveling abroad, BBVA customers in Italy can now purchase and activate an eSIM directly through BBVA's bank app. To offer this new mobile connectivity service, BBVA relies on Gigs, a leading embedded connectivity provider.

"With the new eSIM, we are making it easier for our customers to access an essential service when travelling abroad, in a fully digital and frictionless way, adding mobile connectivity to BBVA's range of solutions that go beyond purely financial services,” says Walter Rizzi, Head of Digital Banking at BBVA in Italy.

The eSIM service complements a broad range of solutions in Italy that BBVA is already offering to support its customers before and during their trips, simplifying different needs within a single digital environment. Customers currently have access to solutions for planning each trip through the dedicated 'MyTrips' tool, which helps them budget and categorise travel expenses, as well as exclusive benefits such as 0% FX fees on payments abroad with the BBVA debit card, a natural companion to the new eSIM when travelling abroad, and free cash withdrawals of €100 or more across the eurozone, including unlimited free withdrawals at BBVA ATMs when travelling to Spain. This is complemented by the payment flexibility and instalment options offered by 'Pay&Plan,' along with other direct benefits such as 4% interest on account balances and 4% cashback on purchases.

"Today's travellers don't want to juggle different apps for every part of their trip, they want to manage the essentials in one place. By embedding connectivity directly into its app with Gigs, BBVA gives customers one place to budget, pay, split expenses, and stay connected abroad. It's a radically better experience built for those who want to travel, bank, and connect globally," says Hermann Frank, co-founder and CEO of Gigs.

An eSIM for travelling in your BBVA app

This eSIM service is designed for customers travelling abroad who need a simple, fully digital way to access mobile data. The eSIM only needs to be installed once and can be reused to purchase new plans in the future, so customers do not need to reinstall it every time they travel.

The entire experience sits within the BBVA app. Customers choose their destination and data allowance, then activate their eSIM with a tap. On arrival, they simply switch it on to connect to a local network. Customers can also track data usage, check their plan's remaining validity, receive usage alerts, buy more data, and contact technical support, all without leaving the app.

The new eSIM is initially available to individual customers residing in Italy who are over the age of 18 and hold a BBVA online current account, provided their device supports eSIM technology.

A more proactive, useful, and personalised banking experience

With this launch, BBVA is entering the connectivity space, a new category of services with the potential to grow in the future and support customers both while travelling and in their day-to-day lives. Integrating these types of solutions into the app makes it possible to offer a more proactive, useful, and personalised experience.

For now, the eSIM service is already available to the bank's customers in Italy, with the possibility of progressively extending it to other markets.

About Gigs

Gigs, the operating system for mobile services, empowers tech companies to embed connectivity into their product. By bundling phone plans and travel data with their core services, Gigs' customers can increase stickiness and unlock a new recurring revenue stream with digital mobile experiences that create meaningful value for consumers. Trusted by the world's leading tech companies including Revolut, Klarna, Cash App, and Motorola. Backed by Ribbit Capital, Google, and Y Combinator, plus the CEOs of Uber, DoorDash, and OpenAI, Gigs was founded in 2020 by Hermann Frank and Dennis Bauer. For more information, visit gigs.com. 

About BBVA

BBVA is a global financial group whose strategy revolves around a single purpose: “Support your drive to go further.” Its approach to banking is based on one idea: understanding each customer and supporting them in their financial decisions. In this regard, the Group supports families, entrepreneurs, and businesses in their plans for the future, helping them seize the opportunities offered by innovation and sustainability. Through its activities, BBVA contributes to the progress and well-being of all its stakeholders: customers, shareholders, employees, suppliers, and society at large.

Our purpose is underpinned by strong values — the customer comes first, we think big, and we are one team — and six strategic priorities: embed a Radical Client Perspective in all we do; boost sustainability as a growth engine; scale up all enterprise segments; promote a value and capital creation mindset; unlock the potential of AI and innovation; and strengthen our empathy to succeed as a winning team.

BBVA holds a leading position in Spain, is the largest financial institution in Mexico and has leading franchises in South America and Türkiye. In Europe, BBVA has a steadily growing presence, driven by its specialized offices serving business customers and its focus on digital banks in Italy and Germany. In addition, BBVA provides specialized services to large corporations through its offices in the United States and Asia. For more information, visit bbva.com.

Media Contact

hello@sixeastern.com

October 29, 2026 5:05 PM
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QUINCY, MA

Quincy Real Estate Investor Michael Flavin Sets Sights on Major Expansion as Flavin & Flavin Celebrates 100 Years in Business

QUINCY, MA, October 29, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Quincy real estate investor Michael Flavin is planning a major expansion of his family’s property holdings as Flavin & Flavin Realty marks its 100 years in business.

Flavin, who represents the third generation of his family to operate the Quincy-based real estate company, currently owns more than 100 residential apartments in the city with his brother, Tim Flavin. The family is now working toward a longer-term objective of expanding its holdings to more than 250 residential units.

The expansion plans come as Flavin & Flavin celebrates a century of operating in Quincy. Founded by Michael Flavin’s grandfather in 1925, the company has remained family-owned while continuing to operate in the same community across three generations.

Expanding Beyond a Century-Old Foundation

The company’s 100-year milestone coincides with an active period of property investment for the Flavin family.

Michael and Tim Flavin have built a residential portfolio of more than 100 apartments in Quincy, giving the family an ownership position in the local housing market in addition to its real estate brokerage operations.

The brothers’ goal of exceeding 250 residential units represents the next stage of that investment strategy. The expansion will build on the family’s existing holdings while maintaining its focus on Quincy.

For Flavin, remaining concentrated in one market is an important part of how he approaches real estate. He has lived in Quincy his entire life and has spent approximately three decades working in the local real estate industry.

A Local Focus Shapes Investment Strategy

Flavin’s business activity is closely tied to his knowledge of Quincy and its surrounding neighborhoods.

He attended Quincy schools before graduating from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and returning to build his career in the city. That long-term connection has also influenced his decision to focus his real estate practice locally rather than pursue business across multiple markets.

“I've live my entire life in the area where I sell real estate,” Flavin said. “I offer not only real estate service in Quincy, but I’m a full resource for my clients.”

His approach includes helping buyers and investors understand neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and other factors that can influence decisions about purchasing property.

Flavin also works with clients seeking to build real estate portfolios of their own. He has emphasized the progression from an initial multifamily purchase to acquiring additional properties over time.

“Nothing excites me more than when I sell someone their first piece of property, then years later they have multiple buildings,” Flavin said.

Serving More Than 30 Years in the Market

The expansion plans follow roughly 30 years of professional experience in the Quincy real estate market.

Over the course of his career, Flavin has been recognized for his production in the city. According to Multiple Listing Service data cited by the company, he was Quincy’s top-producing realtor during several periods, including 2009, 2010, and 2013 through 2019.

In 2020, Broker Agent Advisor named Flavin among its top 500 agents in the US and awarded him the Seven Star Award for performance and community leadership.

The family company has also maintained an A-plus rating from the Better Business Bureau for 20 consecutive years, according to company information covering 2005 through 2025.

Commencing Next Phase of Real Estate Growth

With more than 100 residential units already in the family portfolio, the proposed expansion to more than 250 units represents a significant increase in the scale of the Flavin family’s investment activity.

The goal comes at a notable point for Flavin & Flavin: the company is entering its second century while remaining focused on the same market where it began.

As Michael Flavin continues to lead the third generation of the family business, the combination of brokerage, property investment, and local market knowledge remains central to the company’s operations.

About Flavin & Flavin Realty

Flavin & Flavin Realty Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned real estate company based in Quincy, Massachusetts. Founded in 1925, the company specializes in residential real estate, new construction developments, and property investment opportunities. The firm owns more than 100 residential apartments and remains involved in local community initiatives. For more information, visit flavinandflavin.com.

Disclaimer

This release was provided by the issuer. EZ Newswire has not independently verified its claims and does not endorse the individuals or companies named. Readers should conduct their own due diligence.

Media Contact

amanda@flavinandflavin.com

October 29, 2026 5:04 PM
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QUINCY, MA

Flavin & Flavin Realty Celebrates 100 Years in Quincy as Michael Flavin Leads the Family Business Into Its Second Century

QUINCY, MA, October 29, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Flavin & Flavin Realty is marking 100 years in business in Quincy, Massachusetts as third-generation owner and President Michael Flavin leads the family-owned company into its second century.

Founded by Flavin’s grandfather in 1925, the company has remained family-owned for three generations. Today, Michael works alongside his brother Tim Flavin, while the fourth generation has already begun entering the business through Michael's stepson, Mikey.

The milestone comes as the company continues investing in residential real estate across Quincy. Michael and Tim currently own more than 100 residential apartments in the city and are working toward a long-term goal of expanding that portfolio to more than 250 units.

Marking A Century of Business in Quincy

Flavin's connection to Quincy extends well beyond his role as a real estate professional. He grew up in the city, attended Quincy schools, graduated from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, and has spent his professional career working in the local real estate market.

Now marking approximately 30 years in the industry, Flavin has built his career around a highly localized approach to real estate. Rather than expanding his practice across multiple markets, he focuses on the community where he has lived and worked for decades.

"I live my entire life in the area where I sell real estate," said Flavin. "I offer not only real estate service in Quincy, but I’m a full resource for my clients."

That familiarity has allowed him to advise clients on more than transactions, including neighborhoods, schools, local businesses, and other aspects of living in the city.

Growing the Family’s Real Estate Portfolio

The company's next chapter is also being shaped by continued investment in Quincy property.

Michael and his brother Tim have accumulated more than 100 residential apartments in the city, giving the family a direct investment in the community where the company has operated for a century. Their stated goal is to grow that portfolio beyond 250 units eventually.

Flavin also works with clients interested in building their own real estate portfolios, including investors purchasing their first multifamily properties and gradually expanding their holdings.

"Nothing excites me more than when I sell someone their first piece of property, then years later they have multiple buildings," said Flavin.

The combination of brokerage and property investment has allowed the family business to remain connected to both sides of Quincy's residential market.

Preparing the Fourth Generation for Family Business

For Michael, preserving the business means creating a foundation that can support the next generation rather than simply commemorating the previous one.

Michael represents the third generation of the Flavin family to operate the business. His brother Tim remains involved in leadership, while Michael’s stepson Mikey has joined the firm and is expected to take on greater responsibility over time.

The transition reflects the structure that has allowed Flavin & Flavin Realty to remain family-owned for a century: successive generations becoming involved while the company continues operating in the same community.

Business, Football, and Community Service

Outside real estate, Flavin has remained active in Quincy through youth football and community service.

A former high school and college football player who was later inducted into football halls of fame, Flavin returned to the sport as a coach. He has coached youth football in Massachusetts and has worked with his son, Jonathan, who was named Most Valuable Player after Quincy United won the Massachusetts Youth Football State Championship in 2025.

Flavin has also devoted significant time to volunteering with Pine Street Inn. In 2025, he received its Five Star Award after volunteering more than 40 hours per month, including helping shelter residents with employment applications and discussions around sobriety and rebuilding their lives.

Looking Toward the Next Century

As Flavin & Flavin Realty enters its second century, the company is balancing a long-established local identity with plans for continued growth.

The immediate priorities include expanding the family's residential investment portfolio, continuing to serve Quincy buyers, sellers, and investors, and developing the fourth generation of family leadership.

After 100 years in the same community, the company's next chapter remains closely tied to the city where it began.

About Flavin & Flavin Realty

Flavin & Flavin Realty Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned real estate company based in Quincy, Massachusetts. Founded in 1925, the company specializes in residential real estate, new construction developments, and property investment opportunities. The firm owns more than 100 residential apartments and remains involved in local community initiatives. For more information, visit flavinandflavin.com.

Disclaimer

This release was provided by the issuer. EZ Newswire has not independently verified its claims and does not endorse the individuals or companies named. Readers should conduct their own due diligence.

Media Contact

amanda@flavinandflavin.com

October 29, 2026 11:19 AM
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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates

Integrated Identity Enters Global Top 0.1% With Rare 100/100 Google PageSpeed

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, October 29, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Comprehensive technical audits have confirmed that Dubai-headquartered enterprise digital publishing platform Integrated Identity has recorded validated 100/100 scores across both mobile and desktop environments on Google PageSpeed Insights. Backed by data from the HTTP Archive and the Chrome User Experience Report (CrUX) which tracks over 13.75 million active web origins, this achievement places the Integrated Identity network strictly within the top 0.1 percentile of global web performance out of an estimated 200 million active websites worldwide.

While recent 2026 CrUX data indicates that roughly 49.1% of the mobile web passes basic Core Web Vitals thresholds (2.5 second LCP, 0.1 CLS), securing a simultaneous 100/100 perfection score across all five architectural pillars (Performance, Accessibility, Best Practices, SEO, and Agentic Browsing readiness) on both throttled mobile and unthrottled desktop connections is an engineering rarity achieved by less than one-tenth of one percent of global enterprise domains.

Google calibrates its Lighthouse scoring algorithm using log-normal distribution curves mapped against empirical datasets. Under these benchmarks, a score of 50 reflects the global web median, and an 8th percentile score in HTTP Archive yields a 90. Google Chromium engineering documents explicitly state that a score of 100 is an extreme mathematical outlier that sits at the asymptote of the curve. Because mobile audits evaluate performance under simulated mid-tier hardware on throttled network connections, most enterprise web properties register mobile performance scores between 35 and 65 due to client-side hydration overhead, third-party tracking scripts, and visual layout shifts. Achieving a concurrent 100/100 rating places the platform at the extreme upper tail of Google's performance distribution curves.

Verified Diagnostic Breakdown Across Form Factors

The certified Lighthouse diagnostic audits confirm instant execution, zero main-thread blockage, and absolute layout stability across both mobile and desktop profiles:

Mobile Diagnostic Profile (Simulated Mid-Tier CPU on Throttled 4G):

  • First Contentful Paint (FCP): 0.9 seconds
  • Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): 1.6 seconds
  • Speed Index: 2.3 seconds
  • Total Blocking Time (TBT): 0 milliseconds
  • Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): 0.000
  • Performance Pillar Score: 100/100

Desktop Diagnostic Profile (Unthrottled Broadband Execution):

  • First Contentful Paint (FCP): 0.3 seconds
  • Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): 0.6 seconds
  • Speed Index: 0.7 seconds
  • Total Blocking Time (TBT): 0 milliseconds
  • Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): 0.000
  • Performance Pillar Score: 100/100

Engineering the Five Pillars: Optimizing for Autonomous Agentic Browsing

While legacy web development prioritizes human visual rendering, the enterprise publishing ecosystem has shifted toward autonomous AI agents, automated retrieval pipelines, and headless browser ingestion. Integrated Identity engineered its digital architecture across five synchronized disciplines:

  • Deterministic Performance: Eradicating render-blocking CSS and asynchronous script delays to lock Total Blocking Time at exactly 0 milliseconds.
  • Universal Accessibility: Comprehensive adherence to WCAG 2.2 AA protocols, incorporating strict semantic landmark hierarchies, verified ARIA labels, and calibrated color contrast ratios.
  • Enterprise Best Practices: Enforcing strict Content Security Policies, modern transport security protocols, next-generation image encoding in WebP and AVIF, and zero console exceptions.
  • Structural Search Optimization: Full JSON-LD entity schema serialization, authoritative canonical structures, and deterministic indexable topologies.
  • Agentic Browsing Readiness: Constructing a lean, server-rendered Document Object Model (DOM) that autonomous AI agents, including Perplexity Sonar, OpenAI Operator, and Google AI Overviews, can parse and extract without triggering execution timeouts.

Cloud Infrastructure Synergy: Edge Compute and Bare-Metal Execution

Achieving persistent zero-latency rendering at a global scale requires structural alignment between application code and enterprise cloud hosting. Integrated Identity built its deployment pipeline in close architectural alignment with a high-performance cloud and distributed edge infrastructure.

By routing server-rendered HTML payloads through optimized edge points of presence, the platform isolates origin servers from sudden concurrency spikes and compresses global Time to First Byte (TTFB) to single-digit milliseconds.

“Achieving a validated 100/100 Google PageSpeed score across both mobile and desktop environments requires uncompromising discipline across every layer of the technology stack,” said Ajay Rajguru, co-founder and CEO of Integrated Identity. “Most enterprise publishing architectures degrade under script bloat, database contention, and edge latency the moment concurrency surges. By pairing zero-bloat server-side rendering with distributed network points of presence, we compressed Time to First Byte to single-digit milliseconds and eliminated Total Blocking Time entirely. Sub-second execution is no longer just an engineering goal; it is the baseline architectural foundation required for real-time discovery and deterministic machine ingestion.”

"The modern web has fractured into two distinct pipelines: visual rendering for human screens and data extraction for autonomous agents," Rajguru observed. "When an AI crawler from OpenAI or a sovereign retrieval model inspects an enterprise domain, it operates under a strict compute budget. If your server hesitates, or your main thread blocks execution, the agent abandons your domain and extracts data from secondary aggregators instead. We engineered our architecture to solve this exact vulnerability. Whether an investor loads an article on a mobile network, or a RAG pipeline indexes our schemas for generative synthesis, the payload is delivered instantly. A perfect Lighthouse score is not a vanity metric. It is the empirical proof that a platform is structurally immune to algorithmic abandonment."

Foundational Architectural Disciplines

The technical milestone reflects four architectural protocols deployed across the Integrated Identity network:

  • Elimination of Client-Side Hydration Bloat: Eliminating client-side JavaScript UI frameworks in favor of optimized server-rendered HTML and streamlined inline CSS, reducing browser main-thread execution time to zero milliseconds.
  • Rigid Frame Dimension Allocation: Eliminating Cumulative Layout Shift entirely (0.000 CLS) through explicit dimensional constraints on all media containers, typography blocks, and interface components.
  • Edge-Native Asset Delivery Protocol: Distributing static assets and pre-rendered pages across global edge compute nodes, sustaining sub-100-millisecond Time to First Byte across international mobile networks.
  • Deterministic Machine-Readable Semantic Schemas: Injecting structured NewsArticle and Organization JSON-LD markup directly into the initial HTTP payload, allowing answer engines and vector retrieval systems to ingest verified entities without client-side rendering overhead.

By solving performance bottlenecks at both the cloud infrastructure and application layers, Integrated Identity provides enterprise organizations with an auditable distribution network engineered for the future of digital communications.

Integrated Identity develops next-generation digital publishing infrastructure engineered for deterministic performance and AI-agent readiness. The company currently operates a seamlessly synchronized global network of 5,372 active web properties, spanning 39 languages across 141 countries, setting a new standard for enterprise web speed.

About Integrated Identity

Integrated Identity is democratizing the future of digital content publishing through 5,372 websites in 39 languages, spanning 141 countries and six continents. For more information, visit integratedidentity.io.

Media Contact

Ajay Rajguru
Founder & CEO, MENA Newswire
aj@menanewswire.com
+971 50 624 2305

October 29, 2026 9:37 AM
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HANGZHOU, China

Geely Auto Group Reports 2026 Third Quarterly Financial Results and Core Profit Increases 41% YoY

HANGZHOU, China, October 29, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Geely Automobile Holdings Limited (HKEX: 0175) announced third quarterly financial results for the first nine months of 2026, The Group recorded total revenue ofRMB 272.6 billion, up 3% YoY. The core net profit attributable to owners of the parent increased 41% YoY to a record RMB 14.9 billion during the period. Gross margin increased to 18%, while core net profit margin increased 5.5%. Core net profit per vehicle grew 37% year on year to RMB 6,664, reflecting continued progress in profitability and operational efficiency.

Both revenue and core profit reached record highs for the third-quarter period. Revenue of third quarter increased 10% YoY to RMB 98.96 billion. Core net profit attributable to owners of the parent during the same period reached RMB 5.21 billion, representing year-on-year growth of 32%.

The multi-brand portfolio of Geely Auto Group continued to deliver strong performance, with total vehicle sales exceeding 2.235 million units in the first nine months of 2026.

Geely Auto brand sold 1,750,960 vehicles, including 877,184 electrified new energy vehicles, demonstrating the strength and breadth of the Group’s product portfolio across different market segments.

Zeekr sold 288,404 vehicles during the period, with both sales and revenue doubling year on year. The luxury brand's contribution to the Group's total revenue increased significantly, from 17.7% a year earlier to 31.3%.

Lynk & Co recorded sales of 196,117 vehicles, with electrified new energy vehicles accounting for a record share of more than 70% of its total sales. The brand also achieved 151% year-on-year growth in sales outside China.

Exports to markets outside China surged 169% year on year to 797,670 vehicles in the first nine months, with electrified new energy vehicles accounting for 61% of the total. Monthly sales outside China exceeded 100,000 vehicles for four consecutive months from June through September, providing strong momentum toward the Group's ambition of reaching one million sales outside China in 2026.

Growth across international markets was supported by an increasingly diversified product lineup. Models including Geely E2/EX2, Geely EX5 EM-i, Geely EX5, Lynk & Co 08, Zeekr 7X, Zeekr X and Zeekr 009 achieved leading sales positions in several overseas markets, demonstrating the growing contribution of multiple models to the Group's international expansion.

Looking ahead, Geely Auto Group plans to introduce additional models to overseas markets, including Geely Emgrand EM-i, Geely Zhanjian 700 and Lynk & Co 07 GT. With an expanding global product portfolio and continued investment in international operations, the Group aims to capture further growth opportunities across global automotive markets.

About Geely Auto Group

Geely Auto Group is a leading global automotive company headquartered in Hangzhou, China. Part of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Geely Auto Group develops and manufactures passenger vehicles under the Geely, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr brands. With a strong focus on technology innovation, electrification, and sustainable mobility, Geely Auto Group operates world-class R&D centers and manufacturing facilities across China, Europe, and key international markets. The Group is committed to delivering safe, high-quality, and intelligent vehicles enabled by advanced technologies such as hybrid powertrains, full-electric architectures, smart connectivity, and autonomous driving systems. As a global company, Geely Auto Group continues to expand its international presence through strategic partnerships, localized operations, and industry-leading platforms. Geely strives to create mobility solutions that are greener, smarter, and more accessible, driving forward the future of sustainable transportation. For more information, visit global.geely.com.

Media Contact

Janet Chen
media@geely.com

October 29, 2026 9:00 AM
EDT
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DENVER, CO

The Colab, One of the Fastest-Growing AI and Tech PR Agencies, Expands Leadership Team Following 322% Revenue Growth

DENVER, CO, October 29, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- The Colab, a fast-growing public relations agency for AI companies, high-growth startups, and leading technology brands, has hired eight senior communications professionals and promoted two team members. In the last year, The Colab has grown monthly recurring revenue 322% and scaled into a multimillion-dollar agency with a team across the U.S. and South America. More than a dozen of its clients have been acquired or gone public while working with the firm.

The new team members bring experience in media relations, AI storytelling, executive visibility, crisis communications, B2B trade media, and public affairs. With them, The Colab can serve more tech companies in AI, cybersecurity, enterprise SaaS, fintech, climate tech, defense tech, govtech, healthtech, and venture capital, from Series A through IPO.

"Tech companies don't need another agency that sends press releases and hopes for the best. They need a partner who understands their technology, knows the reporters covering it, and can turn complicated products into stories people remember," said Lizzy Harris, CEO and co-founder of The Colab. "Our growth comes down to exceptional processes and people. We have the best talent in tech PR, and these hires and promotions show how we reinvest our success: in the people behind it."

Agency and Client Growth

  • Revenue: Monthly recurring revenue grew 322% in the past 12 months; now a multi-million-dollar agency
  • Client milestones: More than a dozen clients acquired or taken public while working with The Colab
  • Proprietary technology: Prism, The Colab's in-house proprietary platform for AI visibility, measurement, reporter research, opportunity tracking, forecasting, and real-time client KPI dashboards
  • AI search visibility: Prism's LLM visibility platform helped one healthtech client reach the No. 1 AI visibility ranking in its industry in under a year, with 220 mentions and a 51% share of voice
  • Industry reach: The Colab Brief, the firm's PR newsletter, reaches 20,000+ communications professionals across 150+ editions

Promotions

Andrea Dumont dos Santos has been promoted to PR Director. Andrea leads integrated PR campaigns for The Colab's technology clients, bringing an international perspective to communications strategy and strong client relationships built on creative problem-solving. Before The Colab, she developed campaigns for global agencies across tech and lifestyle. She has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Vienna.

Erika Cardina has been promoted to PR Manager. A Penn State graduate who started her career in entertainment, Erika is a trusted strategist for The Colab's AI and emerging tech clients. She is known for editorial-ready narratives, elevating expert voices, and landing media moments that build lasting credibility.

New Hires

Jenny Wang joins as Senior Vice President. Jenny has been honored by PRWeek, PRNEWS, Ragan, the Diversity Action Alliance, and Washington Women in PR. She brings years of experience in media relations, thought leadership, crisis communications, and public affairs. Based in Washington, D.C., she helps tech companies and organizations gain visibility and navigate complex policy and reputational issues.

Kate Dmytrenko joins as Associate Vice President. Kate has 14 years in integrated communications, with work spanning AI, climate tech, and venture capital placing clients in Forbes, Fast Company, The Washington Post, and Bloomberg. Most recently, she led North America communications for carbon removal company Climeworks during its U.S. market entry, serving as its spokesperson in Inc. and public radio around partnerships with Morgan Stanley and TikTok. She was previously an Account Director at LaunchSquad and a global communications strategist at 3M. She is a University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire journalism graduate. Known for finding the angle beneath the obvious one, she brings creative range and steady strategic counsel to the accounts she leads.

Natalie Rizk joins as Senior PR Director. Natalie has 13+ years of experience across agency and in-house roles, leading communications, brand, and product marketing for high-growth startups in fintech, energy, space tech and cybersecurity. She previously led communications at clean energy company Arcadia and at HERO, which Klarna acquired, and later held product marketing and marketing leadership roles at Klarna and SmarterX. Her executive ghostwriting has appeared in Forbes, Fortune, Fast Company, TechCrunch, TIME, and WIRED. She is a Boston University graduate.

Kristen Carmen joins as Senior PR Director. Kristen has 12+ years in communications and leads integrated PR programs for B2B tech companies, with a focus on executive visibility and brand positioning. She was previously Director of PR at CashmanCo and Account Director at G&S Business Communications, where she counseled non-profits, franchise systems, associations, startups, 100+ year organizations, and more, bringing deep expertise in media training and multi-stakeholder engagement. She is a Dickinson College graduate based in New York.

Elizabeth Kyle joins as Senior PR Manager. Elizabeth is a former reporter at the Dayton Business Journal who spent more than five years at tech PR agency LaunchSquad, where she rose to PR Manager. There, she helped run media programs for clients including ICF, Uber Freight and DJI, as well as clients in supply chain, AI, influencer marketing and climate tech. She is a University of Dayton graduate.

April Hiester joins as PR Manager. April has seven years of B2B tech communications experience and a deep network in trade media. She specializes in product launches, thought leadership programs, and media relations for companies building transformative technologies, driving awareness and credibility for world-changing innovations and the leaders behind them.

Karrigen Hanson joins as Senior Account Executive. A University of Oregon graduate with a background in public relations and journalism, Karrigen works with AI, emerging tech, and healthtech brands to build clear narratives in fast-moving categories. Her editorial lens and disciplined research help her spot timely angles and turn them into media opportunities.

Cabri Gordon joins as Senior Account Executive. Cabri is a former TV news producer at TEGNA's WLTX-TV. Most recently at tech PR firm VSC, she led media relations for AI, cybersecurity, fintech, healthtech and climate tech clients, securing coverage in tier one media outlets including TechCrunch, Fast Company, Forbes, and MarketWatch. She graduated magna cum laude from Georgia Southern University with a B.S. in Multimedia Journalism.

About The Colab

The Colab is the leading tech PR agency helping ambitious companies build market leadership across AI, cybersecurity, climate tech, fintech, and enterprise software. Founded in 2017 by Lizzy Harris and Ashley Mann, the agency partners with companies at every stage of growth, from venture-backed startups to industry leaders preparing for IPO.

In 2026, The Colab launched Prism, an AI-integrated platform that combines media relations, executive thought leadership, generative engine optimization (GEO), and real-time performance intelligence to turn earned media into a measurable business advantage. By connecting reputation, visibility, and business outcomes, The Colab helps brands shape industry conversations, strengthen their presence in AI-powered search, and accelerate growth. Learn more at colabcomms.co.

Media Contact

Amber Masciorini
Senior PR Director, The Colab
pr@colabcomms.co

October 28, 2026 7:35 PM
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ISTANBUL, Türkiye

Dr. Nesim Tugen Joins the ISHRS: Hermest Hair Clinic Takes Its Seat Among the World’s Hair Restoration Authorities

ISTANBUL, Türkiye, October 28, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Dr. Nesim Tugen, Co-Director of Hair Restoration and Executive Clinical Lead at Hermest Hair Clinic, has been admitted as a member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) and represented the clinic at the society’s 34th World Congress, held Oct. 15–17, 2026, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His admission places Hermest within the ranks of a global non-profit that unites more than 1,100 members across 70 countries and sets the medical standards for hair restoration worldwide.

This year’s Congress gathered under the theme “Where Integrity Meets Excellence,” a principle that ISHRS president Conradin von Albertini, MD, FISHRS, tied directly to physician-driven involvement from start to finish, the hands-on standard that sets ISHRS members apart. That standard is the foundation of Hermest’s practice. Under the doctor-led model of Dr. Nesim Tugen and Dr. Ahmet Murat, every operation is planned, supervised, and medically owned by the clinic’s surgeons rather than delegated to technicians. Dr. Nesim Tugen personally designs each hairline and opens the recipient channels for every patient.

Dr. Nesim Tugen brings more than 14 years of clinical experience and over 7,500 hair transplant operations to the society. Since 2022 he has concentrated his surgical practice exclusively on Follicular Unit Extraction, pushing the limits of tissue management, graft survival, and natural density. That focus is what allows Hermest’s proprietary Unique FUE® technique to achieve a graft survival rate above 95%, an outcome the clinic treats as the product of protocol rather than chance. Advanced tissue-regeneration treatments, delivered under the clinic’s All-In Safety Protocol™, support recovery in both the donor and recipient areas and protect that result.

“Integrity in hair restoration begins with the surgeon’s own hands,” said Dr. Nesim Tugen. “Joining the ISHRS affirms the principle that has guided Hermest from the start: lasting, natural results come from medical discipline, scientific rigour, and a doctor who stays responsible for the patient from the first graft to the final day of recovery.”

Hermest Hair Clinic’s standing is reinforced by its position as a Hair Transplant Doctor Training Academy approved by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health, the body that certifies surgeons permitted to perform hair transplantation in Türkiye. Through this academy, led by Dr. Nesim Tugen and Dr. Ahmet Murat, Hermest does not simply follow the standards of the field; it trains the doctors who uphold them. Dr. Nesim Tugen’s ISHRS membership extends that authority onto the international stage, connecting the clinic’s work in Istanbul to the global community shaping the future of hair restoration.

About Dr. Nesim Tugen

Hermest Hair Clinic is a dedicated hair transplant polyclinic in Istanbul, Turkey, led by Dr. Ahmet Murat and Dr. Nesim Tugen. Built on a doctor-led model and the All-In Safety Protocol™, the clinic combines its proprietary Unique FUE® technique with AI-assisted planning through Hermest GraftMap™ to deliver graft survival rates above 95%. International patients are supported after surgery through the clinic’s partner network in Los Angeles, Berlin, and London.

Media Contact

info@hermest.com.tr

October 28, 2026 11:06 AM
EDT
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BAKU, Azerbaijan

Baku International Arts Festival Will Bring Together World-Class Artists to the Capital of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 28, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Baku International Arts Festival (BIAF) spans dance, drama, music and film across more than 20 events — bringing together artists and ensembles from Azerbaijan, the United Kingdom, Israel, Canada, Monaco, Russia, the United States, France and other nations.

This year's programme places special emphasis on collaboration between internationally renowned artists and Azerbaijani performers and institutions, including the Baku Choreography Academy, the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Baku Music Academy, and the Azerbaijan State Symphony and Chamber Orchestras. Venues include the Muslim Magomayev State Philharmonic Hall, the Azerbaijan National Drama Theatre, the Heydar Aliyev Center, the Azerbaijan State Musical Theatre, Nizami Cinema Center, YARAT Contemporary Art Space, Baku Book Center, Stone Chronicle Museum, Gazelli Art House and the Heydar Aliyev Palace.

BIAF opens on Oct. 28 at the Philharmonic Hall with a concert marking the 120th anniversary of Dmitri Shostakovich, whose life and legacy remain closely tied to Azerbaijan and directly shaped its national school of composition. His Concerto No. 1 for Piano, Trumpet and Orchestra, premiered on this same stage by the composer in 1934, will be performed by Lukas Geniušas, grandson of the celebrated Shostakovich interpreter Vera Gornostaeva, and Norwegian trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth, with the Baku State Chamber Orchestra and the BIAF Festival Orchestra under Baku-born violinist and conductor Dmitry Sitkovetsky.

On Oct. 30, South African artist William Kentridge's multimedia work, "Oh To Believe in Another World," brings a live visual interpretation to Shostakovich's Symphony No. 10, a work whose musical themes encode the composer's secret declaration of affection for his Baku student, pianist and composer Elmira Nazirova. Sitkovetsky conducts the Festival Orchestra, and the programme continues with Fikret Amirov and Nazirova's Concerto for Piano and Orchestra on Arabian Themes, performed by Farhad Badalbeyli, Rector of the Baku Music Academy and a personal acquaintance of both composers.

On Nov. 4, the Heydar Aliyev Center hosts violinist David Garrett, the Juilliard-trained "Paganini of pop," presenting his Baku premiere of "Millennium Symphony," a symphonic reimagining of the past 25 years' biggest hits. The festival closes on Nov. 8 at the Philharmonic with two-time Grammy winner Maxim Vengerov, one of the world's most sought-after violinists.

The theatre opens with Lev Dodin's acclaimed staging of Chekhov's "The Seagull," from the Maly Drama Theatre — Theatre of Europe (St Petersburg), on Oct. 29–30 at the Musical Theatre. On Nov. 1–2, Tel Aviv's Gesher Theatre presents Dmitry Krymov's "Bloody Mary," a free, image-driven response to Schiller's "Mary Stuart." On Nov. 3–4, the Heydar Aliyev Center welcomes the Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre's "Alfred and Violetta," a reworking of "La Dame aux Camélias" relocated to 1990s Tbilisi, completed by director Leo Gabriadze after his father's death in 2021.

The dance programme opens Oct. 31–Nov. 1 with "Thikra: Night of Remembering" at the National Drama Theatre, choreographed by Akram Khan with visual design by Saudi artist Manal AlDowayan, a piece rooted in ritual remembrance that premiered at AlUla's Wadi AlFann in 2025. On Nov. 5–6, choreographer Shahar Binyamini, a Batsheva alumnus who works with the Paris Opera Ballet and La Scala, presents "New Earth" and "Bolero X" with his House of Dance Company; as part of the festival's mentorship strand, Binyamini is also training and integrating dancers from the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre and the Baku Choreography Academy into the production.

English National Ballet makes its Baku debut on Nov. 6–7 at the Musical Theatre with "Masters in Motion: Forsythe/Pite," pairing Crystal Pite's "Body and Soul (Part 1)" with William Forsythe's "Playlist (EP)." On Nov. 7, Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, heirs to Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, bring their Baku premiere of Jean-Christophe Maillot's "LAC" to the Heydar Aliyev Palace, a psychologically charged reimagining of "Swan Lake" marking 150 years since Tchaikovsky's original.

The parallel programme includes a rare glimpse of work in progress from choreographer Sharon Eyal on Nov. 1, and Romeo Castellucci and Scott Gibbons' sound-based piece "To Carthage Then I Came" at the Museum of Stone Chronicle on Nov. 6–7, restaged for the former power station after its Brussels premiere. Public talks bring audiences together with Akram Khan, Manal AlDowayan, Lev Dodin and others, including historian Peter Frankopan, author of the bestselling "The Silk Roads," in a conversation on Baku's renewed place at the crossroads of world culture.

BIAF's second edition follows a successful debut in 2025, which presented more than 20 events and 100 artists from Azerbaijan, Austria, the UK, Germany, Israel, Spain, Canada, China, the US, France, Uzbekistan and beyond, including works by Robert Lepage, Guillaume Côté, Sharon Eyal, Yang Liping, Rimas Tuminas and Daniele Finzi Pasca. Modelled on the world's leading festival platforms, BIAF positions Baku, a historic crossroads of the Silk Road, as a modern, open, multi-genre cultural capital bridging East and West.

About Baku International Arts Festival (BIAF)

The full BIAF 2026 programme and tickets are available at biaf.az. To discover more of Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage and travel experiences, visit azerbaijan.travel and follow Experience Azerbaijan on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube. #experienceazerbaijan  

Media Contact

Anthony Burr
Burr Media
anthony@burrmedia.co.uk

October 28, 2026 9:21 AM
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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress Highlights Maritime Sector Integration and Opportunities for Trade and Investment Growth in the Kingdom

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, October 28, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- The Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress 2026, held Oct. 21-22 at the Jeddah Superdome, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s role in supporting the continuity of trade flows and strengthening supply chain resilience, bringing together representatives of government entities, maritime transport and logistics leaders, and the business community.

The Congress takes place as rapid changes in trade and shipping prompt companies to reassess transport routes and operational and investment choices. It provides a platform for dialogue among stakeholders to explore opportunities for cooperation and strengthen integration between ports and maritime, land transport and logistics services, supporting operational efficiency and supply chain reliability.

In his opening address, His Excellency Eng. Fawaz Alsahli, President of the Transport General Authority in Saudi Arabia, emphasised that the Kingdom’s ambitions extend beyond developing ports and maritime services to building an integrated transport and logistics ecosystem that contributes to diversifying the national economy, expanding opportunities for investment and innovation, and strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a trusted partner in international trade.

His Excellency highlighted the importance of integrating maritime and road transport to connect ports with factories, warehouses and local and regional markets, facilitating the smooth movement of goods and supporting the sector’s ability to respond to changes in global trade.

Discussions highlighted shifts in regional trade flows, including developments affecting navigation through the Suez Canal and alternative shipping routes. Participants stressed the importance of strengthening connections between ports, transport networks and logistics services to give cargo owners and operators greater flexibility in managing their operations and responding to changing market conditions.

Mohaned El Mahgoub, Vice President at Tahaluf, said: “Bringing the industry together in Jeddah at this moment matters more than ever. Businesses are making immediate decisions about routes, capacity and investment, and those decisions depend on strong relationships across the supply chain. The discussions at this year’s Congress show how Saudi Arabia’s maritime and logistics capabilities are helping companies respond to disruption and build confidence in the routes and services they rely on. The Kingdom’s strength lies in its ability to bring those capabilities together, adapt under pressure and keep trade moving.”

In discussions on geopolitical shifts and trade resilience, Mr. Akshay Anand, Group CEO of ABSA Al Barrak Group, emphasised the importance of strengthening the maritime transport and logistics sector’s ability to adapt to challenges, alongside stakeholders’ shared responsibility to maintain the continuous flow of goods.

Discussions addressed the importance of developing operational alternatives and strengthening connections between different modes of transport to support supply chain resilience and enable companies to respond to changes in shipping flows. They also highlighted the importance of coordination between regulators, operators and service providers to ensure clear requirements and improve safety standards and operational efficiency.

Eng. Essam Alammari, Deputy for Maritime at the Transport General Authority, highlighted the importance of developing maritime transport capabilities, improving operational efficiency and enhancing integration between ports, shipping services and logistics networks.

Alammari said: “Developing the maritime transport sector is essential to strengthening the resilience of supply chains, improving trade connectivity and supporting the continued flow of goods across regional and international markets.”

He added: “Saudi Arabia’s strategic geographic location, connecting major maritime trade routes across three continents, provides a strong foundation for expanding its role in global logistics. Our priority is to translate this advantage into greater operational efficiency, stronger international partnerships and sustainable growth across the maritime transport sector.”

Alammari stressed the importance of cooperation between government entities, port operators, shipping companies and logistics service providers in creating an environment that supports investment and growth. He also highlighted the role of developing infrastructure, regulatory frameworks and maritime services, alongside innovation, digital transformation and international cooperation, in strengthening port competitiveness and adapting to changing trade patterns and geopolitical developments.

In discussions on port competitiveness and the development of logistics services, participants examined opportunities to increase transit cargo flows through the Kingdom to Gulf markets by developing dedicated facilities for storage, customs inspection, cargo collection and onward transport by truck. Discussions also explored the importance of connecting ports with regional and international transport networks to provide a broader range of shipping and redistribution options and improve the efficiency of goods movement between markets.

Discussions also addressed the role of investment in infrastructure and supporting services in attracting shipping traffic and strengthening Saudi ports’ position within global trade networks, alongside the importance of developing services that meet the needs of cargo owners and operators and support reliable operations.

On investment and partnerships, the Congress focused on the importance of strengthening cooperation between regulators, operators, investors and service providers to identify opportunities and develop solutions that meet the sector’s needs. Developments at the Congress included the announcement of cooperation between the National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia, Bahri, and the University of Jeddah, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the maritime and academic sectors.

Faisal M. Higgi & Associates Co. Ltd also announced a new brand identity, FMH Marine Services, while continuing to operate under its registered legal identity. The new brand supports the company’s plans to develop ship agency, customs clearance, logistics, supply, procurement and related marine services in line with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.

On technology, discussions examined the role of automation, shared data and artificial intelligence in improving maritime and logistics operations through better vessel and truck scheduling, improved terminal utilisation and closer alignment between infrastructure and industrial needs. Participants also stressed the importance of developing supplier networks and strengthening connections between services and the areas surrounding ports to attract businesses and investment.

In discussions on reducing carbon emissions and strengthening competitiveness, participants examined opportunities to use alternative fuels and technological solutions to improve vessels’ environmental and operational performance. Topics included biofuels, hybrid propulsion systems and carbon capture technologies, alongside the use of sensors and artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency. Discussions also highlighted the importance of cooperation between energy companies and engine manufacturers to assess the compatibility of different fuels with operational requirements and support the development of more sustainable solutions for the maritime sector.

Discussions extended to the role of ports and marinas in supporting tourism, services and maritime investment. Oriela Blake from Sela highlighted the importance of developing marina facilities and specialised marine services to attract luxury yachts and increase demand for provisioning, maintenance and tourism activities.

Discussions also addressed the role of developing national talent and specialised marine services in supporting the sector’s growth. Participants emphasised the importance of an integrated offering that brings together marina operations, boat sales, after-sales service, technical support and maintenance to meet the needs of individuals and businesses and support the development of the marine industry in the Kingdom.

Ryanah Alghamdi, Deputy General Manager, Samaco, said: “Our ambition is to offer more than a marina. We want to support the customer’s broader marine journey, from boats and after-sales service to marina facilities, while contributing to the growth of the sector in Saudi Arabia.”

Samaco Marine is developing its services in line with marine industry growth and new investment opportunities, while exploring regional partnerships that support the expansion of its business and strengthen the integration of marine services in the Kingdom.

The development of national talent is also a key area supporting the maritime sector’s progress through expanded training, professional development and the development of specialised skills, keeping pace with market needs and supporting the sustained growth of the marine industry and logistics services.

Discussions at the Congress underscored the importance of continuing to develop the maritime transport and logistics ecosystem through investment in infrastructure, greater integration between transport modes, the use of modern technologies and broader public-private partnerships.

The Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress continues at Jeddah Superdome with sessions examining how to build an integrated national logistics ecosystem, improve operational efficiency and develop partnerships and investment that support the competitiveness of the Kingdom’s maritime sector.

The Congress continues to provide a platform bringing together government entities, industry leaders, investors and technology providers to explore opportunities for cooperation and exchange expertise, helping to strengthen supply chain reliability and expand the Kingdom’s role in regional and international trade.

Media Contact

Ema Linaker
Brand Links
ema@brandlinksme.com

October 28, 2026 8:53 AM
EDT
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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL

NSPIRE Experts and NSPIRE Wire Announce Inspection Readiness and News Resources for the Affordable Housing Industry

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, October 28, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- To help affordable housing owners, property managers, and public housing authorities navigate the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE), NSPIRE Experts and NSPIRE Wire have announced a comprehensive suite of hands-on property preparation services and industry news resources.

NSPIRE Experts: Inspection Preparation and On-Site Property Work 

NSPIRE Experts works directly with affordable housing operators nationwide to prepare for official assessments, which evaluate physical conditions across units, inside areas, and outside areas with a strict emphasis on resident health and safety.

To help housing providers prepare, the company conducts sample and full pre-inspections to identify deficiencies ahead of official assessments. Going beyond identification, NSPIRE Experts deploys teams directly to properties to correct these issues, performing all work in accordance with applicable state and local requirements. Interior work includes repairing damaged outlets, switches, light fixtures, windows, drywall, bathtubs, and showers, as well as handling entry door security and smoke alarm installations. Exterior services include addressing sharp siding edges, trimming trees, and cleaning the grounds.

For the official inspection day, the company offers inspector shadowing services. When permitted by applicable procedures, a company representative accompanies the official inspection to observe and document conditions and potential discrepancies for follow-up. These services are strictly preparatory and observational; they do not replace inspections conducted by the responsible authority, and official findings and scores remain with the inspecting authority.

NSPIRE Wire: HUD and Affordable Housing News 

Complementing these on-the-ground services, NSPIRE Wire operates as a digital newsroom reporting on HUD updates, federal housing developments, NSPIRE inspection standards, and affordable housing transactions. The platform equips property owners, managers, and housing sector participants with crucial updates, industry interviews, and relevant compliance deadlines.

Every Tuesday, the newsroom publishes The Wire Brief, a weekly newsletter bringing together the previous week's most notable stories and regulatory developments for the affordable housing industry.

Editorial Independence 

NSPIRE Experts and NSPIRE Wire maintain distinct commercial and editorial functions. NSPIRE Wire operates independently, making all coverage and editorial decisions separate from the commercial activities of NSPIRE Experts.

About NSPIRE Experts

NSPIRE Experts helps property owners, managers, and housing authorities prepare for HUD inspections and maintain safe, compliant housing. Serving clients nationwide, the company provides NSPIRE pre-inspections, property repairs, inspector shadowing, maintenance support, apartment turnovers, and renovations. With a hands-on approach and more than 44 years of combined leadership experience, NSPIRE Experts works with housing providers to identify and address issues, navigate compliance requirements, and keep their properties inspection-ready year-round. For more information, visit nspireexperts.com.

About NSPIRE Wire

NSPIRE Wire is a digital newsroom covering HUD news, affordable housing transactions, NSPIRE standards, industry interviews, and relevant deadlines. It publishes The Wire Brief every Tuesday. For more information, visit nspirewire.com.

Media Contact

Media Inquiries and Inspection Preparation Inquiries
NSPIRE Experts
info@nspireexperts.com
+1 866-516-7322

October 28, 2026 8:47 AM
EDT
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NEW YORK, NY

SwapGlobal Secures Funding Backed by Marcel Boekhoorn, W Group, and Kenzoll Capital

NEW YORK, NY, October 28, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- SwapGlobal, the U.S. OTC derivatives provider for institutional investors, has secured funding from Dutch investor Marcel Boekhoorn, W Group founder and President Volodymyr Nosov, and Amsterdam-based private equity firm Kenzoll Capital. The investment will support the company's expansion beyond crypto derivatives, with an initial focus on providing institutional investors with early exposure to shares of private companies ahead of their public listings.

The funding, whose value was not disclosed, will provide additional trading and working capital to expand SwapGlobal's derivatives offering and serve a broader range of institutional clients, including hedge funds and asset managers.

SwapGlobal operates a platform that allows institutional investors to gain exposure to pre-IPO shares, non-U.S. equities, compute capacity, and digital assets through OTC derivatives, allowing them to take positions without holding the underlying assets.

SwapGlobal's infrastructure is designed to allow eligible institutional clients to trade derivatives without maintaining their own wallets, offshore exchange accounts or crypto infrastructure. SwapGlobal manages those positions itself and hedges them on crypto trading platforms, so clients do not need accounts there. Collateral is held with qualified custodians.

The new capital allows SwapGlobal to take on more contracts and serve more institutional clients. The first transactions, starting with pre-IPO shares, are being prepared. The investment is the first step in a broader capital plan that will scale as the derivatives portfolio grows.

Alongside the financing, Fedja Terzic has joined SwapGlobal as Chief Risk Officer. Terzic is a certified actuary (AAG) and Financial Risk Manager (GARP), bringing extensive experience in risk management. He spent six years at Flow Traders, where he rose to the positions of Global Head of Risk & Middle Office and Managing Director. He subsequently served as COO and CRO at One Trading, Europe's first MiFID-regulated crypto derivatives exchange.

The agreement builds on the previously announced strategic partnership between SwapGlobal and Kenzoll Capital.

René van Kesteren, founder and CEO of SwapGlobal, said, "With these investors on board, we can serve institutional clients within the U.S. regulatory framework much faster with OTC derivatives on pre-IPO shares, compute, and digital assets. The trading capital and additional working capital give us room to move into the next phase of growth."

Volodymyr Nosov, founder and President of W Group, said, "Digital assets are moving from the edges of finance into the mainstream, and institutional capital needs infrastructure it can trust. Investors need partners who can offer clear structures and proper risk controls. SwapGlobal is building a U.S.-compliant, transparent way for institutions to take exposure to these markets, and that is why we are backing the company."

Corné Melissen, founder of Kenzoll Capital, said, "Our digital asset market-making business has been part of SwapGlobal's trading setup. The technology and the team that run it now sit inside SwapGlobal, so the company can set prices for its derivatives and manage the risk on them in one place."

About SwapGlobal

SwapGlobal offers eligible U.S. institutions exposure to pre-IPO shares, non-U.S. equities, compute, and digital assets through OTC derivatives. Positions are hedged on crypto trading platforms, and collateral is held with qualified custodians. Kenzoll Capital is a strategic investor. For more information, visit swapglobal.com.

About W Group

W Group is a global ecosystem of companies shaping the future through technology, innovation and ambitious products. Today it brings together 10 businesses, more than 1,500 team members across 15 locations worldwide, and more than 40 million clients in 150 countries. W Group is committed to shaping the future of finance through simple, accessible and secure solutions that bridge Web2 and Web3. For more information, visit w.group.

About Kenzoll Capital

Kenzoll Capital is an Amsterdam-based private equity firm specializing in special situations investments in emerging and developed markets. For more information, visit kenzoll.com.

Disclaimer

This announcement is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security, derivative, or financial instrument. SwapGlobal OTC derivative transactions are entered into bilaterally and are available exclusively to eligible institutional counterparties that qualify as Eligible Contract Participants (ECPs) under Section 1a(18) of the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act. SwapGlobal products are not offered, sold, or made available to retail investors. OTC derivatives involve substantial economic risks, including counterparty credit risk and market volatility, and may not be suitable for all institutions.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements regarding future product expansions, trading capabilities, and market deployments are forward-looking statements subject to risks, regulatory approvals, and changing market conditions. Actual results may differ materially.

Media Contact

pr@swapglobal.com

October 28, 2026 8:39 AM
EDT
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NEW YORK, NY

SwapGlobal Secures Funding Backed by Marcel Boekhoorn, W Group, and Kenzoll Capital

NEW YORK, NY, October 28, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- SwapGlobal, the U.S. OTC derivatives provider for institutional investors, has secured funding from Dutch investor Marcel Boekhoorn, W Group founder and President Volodymyr Nosov, and Amsterdam-based private equity firm Kenzoll Capital. The investment will support the company's expansion beyond crypto derivatives, with an initial focus on providing institutional investors with early exposure to shares of private companies ahead of their public listings.

The funding, whose value was not disclosed, will provide additional trading and working capital to expand SwapGlobal's derivatives offering and serve a broader range of institutional clients, including hedge funds and asset managers.

SwapGlobal operates a platform that allows institutional investors to gain exposure to pre-IPO shares, non-U.S. equities, compute capacity, and digital assets through OTC derivatives, allowing them to take positions without holding the underlying assets.

SwapGlobal's infrastructure is designed to allow eligible institutional clients to trade derivatives without maintaining their own wallets, offshore exchange accounts or crypto infrastructure. SwapGlobal manages those positions itself and hedges them on crypto trading platforms, so clients do not need accounts there. Collateral is held with qualified custodians.

The new capital allows SwapGlobal to take on more contracts and serve more institutional clients. The first transactions, starting with pre-IPO shares, are being prepared. The investment is the first step in a broader capital plan that will scale as the derivatives portfolio grows.

Alongside the financing, Fedja Terzic has joined SwapGlobal as Chief Risk Officer. Terzic is a certified actuary (AAG) and Financial Risk Manager (GARP), bringing extensive experience in risk management. He spent six years at Flow Traders, where he rose to the positions of Global Head of Risk & Middle Office and Managing Director. He subsequently served as COO and CRO at One Trading, Europe's first MiFID-regulated crypto derivatives exchange.

The agreement builds on the previously announced strategic partnership between SwapGlobal and Kenzoll Capital.

René van Kesteren, founder and CEO of SwapGlobal, said, "With these investors on board, we can serve institutional clients within the U.S. regulatory framework much faster with OTC derivatives on pre-IPO shares, compute, and digital assets. The trading capital and additional working capital give us room to move into the next phase of growth."

Volodymyr Nosov, founder and President of W Group, said, "Digital assets are moving from the edges of finance into the mainstream, and institutional capital needs infrastructure it can trust. Investors need partners who can offer clear structures and proper risk controls. SwapGlobal is building a U.S.-compliant, transparent way for institutions to take exposure to these markets, and that is why we are backing the company."

Corné Melissen, founder of Kenzoll Capital, said, "Our digital asset market-making business has been part of SwapGlobal's trading setup. The technology and the team that run it now sit inside SwapGlobal, so the company can set prices for its derivatives and manage the risk on them in one place."

About SwapGlobal

SwapGlobal offers eligible U.S. institutions exposure to pre-IPO shares, non-U.S. equities, compute, and digital assets through OTC derivatives. Positions are hedged on crypto trading platforms, and collateral is held with qualified custodians. Kenzoll Capital is a strategic investor. For more information, visit swapglobal.com.

About W Group

W Group is a global ecosystem of companies shaping the future through technology, innovation, and ambitious products. Today it brings together 10 businesses, more than 1,500 team members across 15 locations worldwide, and more than 40 million clients in 150 countries. W Group is committed to shaping the future of finance through simple, accessible, and secure solutions that bridge Web2 and Web3. For more information, visit w.group.

About Kenzoll Capital

Kenzoll Capital is an Amsterdam-based private equity firm specializing in special situations investments in emerging and developed markets. For more information, visit kenzoll.com.

Disclaimer

This announcement is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security, derivative, or financial instrument. SwapGlobal OTC derivative transactions are entered into bilaterally and are available exclusively to eligible institutional counterparties that qualify as Eligible Contract Participants (ECPs) under Section 1a(18) of the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act. SwapGlobal products are not offered, sold, or made available to retail investors. OTC derivatives involve substantial economic risks, including counterparty credit risk and market volatility, and may not be suitable for all institutions.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements regarding future product expansions, trading capabilities, and market deployments are forward-looking statements subject to risks, regulatory approvals, and changing market conditions. Actual results may differ materially.

Media Contact

pr@swapglobal.com

October 28, 2026 7:57 AM
EDT
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AVONDALE, LA

HOST Invests $50 Million to Accelerate Avondale Global Gateway’s Next Phase of Growth

AVONDALE, LA, October 28, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- T. Parker Host (HOST) today announced a $50 million capital investment in Avondale Global Gateway, expanding the infrastructure and capacity needed to support growing customer demand and position the Mississippi River industrial campus for its next phase of development.

The investment will add significant new rail, warehouse, and dock capacity across Avondale. A new 200,000-square-foot warehouse will bring the campus to approximately 1.5 million square feet of indoor storage and mark the first new building constructed at Avondale since the 1970s. HOST will also activate Avondale’s fifth deepwater dock, increasing the campus’s capacity to handle up to six vessels simultaneously.

HOST’s capital program includes approximately $15 million in rail infrastructure, $15 million for the new warehouse, $5 million in dock improvements, $5 million in road infrastructure, $5 million in expanded site and laydown capacity, and $5 million in equipment.

The additional capacity will support existing customers while creating room for new long-term industrial operations. The improvements are expected to open the door for hundreds of millions of dollars in additional private investment across the campus.

The investment is expected to support approximately 100 additional HOST jobs, bringing the company’s Avondale workforce to more than 400 employees. As HOST’s infrastructure program and anticipated tenant projects advance, approximately 1,000 people are expected to be working across the campus each day by 2028.

“We’re building Avondale for what comes next,” said Adam Anderson, Chairman and CEO of T. Parker Host. “When a company looks at Louisiana for its next major investment, we want the infrastructure to already be here. This $50 million investment gives our customers the ability to move faster and grow here for the long term.”

Building Today for What Comes Next

The expansion builds on growing demand across Avondale’s industrial operations. Avondale is the leading copper import terminal in North America and has executed a long-term agreement with a major energy original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Most recently, Avondale welcomed the first significant shipment of Venezuelan primary aluminum to the United States in more than eight years, opening a new trade route through the campus. Together, these growing industrial supply chains are bringing materials and equipment through Avondale that support American manufacturing, power generation, and data center development.

The buildout of AI infrastructure is driving demand for the power generation equipment, copper, and other physical components needed to support that growth, creating another opportunity for Avondale’s multimodal capabilities and industrial capacity.

More broadly, the new infrastructure will allow customers to move more quickly from site selection to operation, with critical capacity already in place. That readiness positions Avondale, Jefferson Parish, and Louisiana to compete for major industrial projects and attract additional long-term investment.

“Avondale is helping position the West Bank as a serious player in the global economy,” said Michael Hecht, President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. “This investment strengthens the infrastructure our region needs to compete for major industrial projects and gives companies another reason to choose Greater New Orleans when they are deciding where to invest and grow.”

Public Investment Supports Rail Expansion

Avondale’s rail expansion is receiving $6.95 million in state and local support as part of the overall $50 million capital program.

Louisiana Economic Development will provide a $2.6 million interest-free loan through the newly created FastSites Program. The Louisiana Legislature has approved $3.1 million in capital outlay funding for the rail expansion over the past three legislative sessions.

Jefferson Parish has committed an additional $1.25 million in discretionary funding for the project, including $1 million from Councilman Deano Bonano and $250,000 from Councilwoman Jennifer Van Vrancken. Together, these state and parish commitments total $6.95 million, all of which is directed toward Avondale’s rail expansion.

Work on the infrastructure improvements is already underway, with the current capital program expected to be completed by December 2027.

An Industrial Campus Built for Growth

Avondale Global Gateway is a multimodal industrial campus on the Mississippi River in Jefferson Parish. Its five deepwater docks, approximately 1.5 million square feet of indoor storage upon completion of the new warehouse, Class I rail connectivity, and road access give customers multiple ways to bring materials into the site and move them to markets across North America.

The campus handles more than 75 commodities and, with the planned dock improvements, will have capacity to handle up to six vessels simultaneously. Avondale also provides space for companies to establish long-term operations where materials can be processed, manufactured, or otherwise enhanced on site.

HOST continues to invest in the campus as customer demand grows, adding capacity for larger and more complex industrial operations while creating room for additional private investment.

Watch Avondale Global Gateway's company video.

About T. Parker Host

Founded in 1923, T. Parker Host (HOST) provides ship agency services, terminal operations, logistics solutions, and industrial infrastructure across the United States. HOST combines more than a century of maritime experience with a hands-on, service-driven approach to support customers and the industries shaping America’s future. Learn more at tparkerhost.com.

About Avondale Global Gateway

Avondale Global Gateway is a multimodal industrial campus on the Mississippi River in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, operated by T. Parker Host. The site offers five deepwater docks, extensive warehouse capacity, Class I rail connectivity and significant acreage for industrial development. Avondale provides the infrastructure and operating expertise for companies to move cargo, establish operations and invest for long-term growth. For more information, visit avondaleglobalgateway.com.

Media Contact

Greer Stewart
Senior Marketing Manager, T. Parker Host
marketing@tparkerhost.com
+1 504-655-1144

October 28, 2026 7:00 AM
EDT
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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia

FII Institute Launches 2026 PRIORITY Compass, Highlighting Global Cost-of-Living and AI Governance Demands

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, October 28, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute today released the fifth edition of the FII PRIORITY Compass, revealing that the cost of living remains the world's leading concern for the fifth consecutive year and underscoring the growing economic pressures influencing family decisions, trust in institutions, and expectations of technology.

Drawing on the views of 61,200 adults across 32 countries, representing 66% of the global population, the report provides a unique snapshot of the issues people believe should command the attention of investors, business leaders and policymakers.

HRH Princess Dr. Maha Bint Mishari Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, CEO of FII Institute, said, "The FII PRIORITY Compass reveals a world united by shared concerns and unmet needs. For five consecutive years, the cost of living has remained the dominant global priority, affecting people's choices, aspirations and opportunities. The Compass serves as a practical guide for investors and decision-makers, helping direct policy and capital toward solutions that generate sustainable returns while improving lives."

The findings highlight a widening gap in global outlook. Nearly half of respondents in the Global South believe the world is moving in the right direction, compared with only 15% in the Global North, revealing starkly different perceptions of progress and opportunity.

The survey also points to a growing consensus around artificial intelligence. While a majority say AI has already improved their lives, support for stronger global governance is overwhelming, with 85% calling for international rules to regulate its development and use.

As automation becomes more present in everyday life, attitudes remain pragmatic. Respondents are broadly comfortable with robots performing household tasks, yet enthusiasm declines when technology takes on more sensitive caregiving roles.

The research further reveals the impact of economic pressure on family aspirations. More than half of respondents say living costs and debt are preventing them from having the number of children they would like, highlighting the long-term social consequences of financial insecurity.

Digital safety also emerged as a significant concern. A majority support stronger safeguards for young people online, including verified parental consent requirements for children using social media platforms.

Despite widespread perceptions of political bias in traditional media, most respondents continue to view established news organisations as reliable sources of information, reflecting an increasingly complex relationship between trust and credibility in the information age.

About the FII PRIORITY Compass

The fifth edition of the Compass was originally scheduled to be launched during the tenth edition of the Future Investment Initiative conference, which has since been postponed. The Institute draws on the Compass to shape its agenda around the priorities of citizens worldwide, with this edition focusing on financial pressures and growing demands for safeguards governing emerging technologies.

Conducted in partnership with Ipsos between April 24 and June 5, 2026, the online survey gathered views from 61,200 adults aged 18 and over in 32 countries, collectively representing 66% of the global population.

Read the full FII PRIORITY Compass and explore country and regional findings.

About FII Institute

The FII Institute is a global nonprofit foundation with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity. Through its THINK, XCHANGE, and ACT pillars, the Institute fosters great ideas, empowers innovators, and invests in scalable solutions across critical sectors, including AI and robotics, sustainability, healthcare, and education. For more information, visit fii-institute.org.

Media Contact

media@fii-institute.org
+966 53 978 2030

October 27, 2026 7:26 PM
EDT
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NEW YORK, NY

IPX Names Ja Rule President of Its Celebrity Board of Advisors and Founding Member

NEW YORK, NY, October 27, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- IPX, an agentic operating system and on-chain launchpad for intellectual property, announced today that Ja Rule has been named president of its celebrity board of advisors and a founding shareholder. The Grammy-nominated, multiplatinum artist is also a celebrity co-founder of the company.

As president of the celebrity board of advisors, Ja Rule advocates for and co-writes the script on how artists, athletes and creators on the platform own and retain their IP — shaping the structure for how their projects are financed and produced, and ensuring fans also have a seat at the table.

Ja Rule, president of IPX’s celebrity board of advisors, said, "I'm a creative first, and I've seen firsthand what can happen to artists who don’t own their work. When I create IP, I make sure every show is my IP, on purpose, so that content will be ours, forever. That’s why IPX is a game-changer for the industry, empowering celebrities, creatives and fans alike. We’re rewriting the script on how celebrities own and retain their IP."

"Ja Rule's partnership has been a game-changer; his creative vision centers on ownership and touches film, TV, livestreaming, music and animation," said Brendan McCafferty, founder and CEO of IPX. "He truly knows what it takes to build original IP from scratch, time and again. His vision for artists as creators, entrepreneurs and owners is synonymous with what we're building at IPX: a platform to help them bring new projects to life and connect more directly with their fans."

About IPX

IPX Exchange is the agentic operating system for intellectual property where celebrities can give their fans a real seat at the table with real rewards in real IP. Its platform is designed to help creators and rights holders greenlight original projects, finance and produce them, engage sponsorship and reach distribution from one platform. IPX is based in Miami. Learn more at ipx.exchange.

Media Contact

Melrose PR
ipx@melrosepr.com

October 27, 2026 10:46 AM
EDT
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LIMASSOL, Cyprus

Empacer Launches Voice-First AI Business Assistant for Small Business Owners

LIMASSOL, Cyprus, October 27, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Empacer has launched a voice-first AI business assistant for owners of small and medium businesses. Owners say or type what they need, such as a post from a photo, a reply to a customer or a plan for the week, and Empacer prepares the work with their business details. The owner checks the result and decides whether it goes out.

Built for owners who are also the whole team

Empacer is built for people who run small and medium businesses where the owner is also the whole team. Nail studios, hair salons, barbershops, auto repair shops, cleaning services, bakeries and photographers are typical examples. The owner spends the day with clients or on the job, while messages and admin pile up on the phone.

Empacer takes on the everyday tasks around that work: customer replies, social posts, documents and planning the week. Photos the owner already has become posts and captions for review. A customer question about Saturday hours becomes a reply in the business's tone. A price list or an invoice attached to a request becomes a clean document or a summary.

Voice first, with text one tap away

Voice is the main way to give Empacer a task. Owners tap the voice button and say what they need, or type in the "Ask anything" field when talking isn't convenient. Photos, price lists and invoices can be attached to any request. Empacer works for the owner and doesn't take calls from customers.

Instead of filling out a long form, the owner answers a few short questions about the business by voice or text. The answers come back as short facts in About you, where the owner can check and correct them. When Empacer has to guess something, like the business's tone of voice, it marks the fact as a guess. When a detail is missing, like a price, Empacer asks the owner instead of making up an answer.

Every result waits for the owner's approval

Each result arrives as a card with the post, reply, plan or document. The owner can edit a line, tell Empacer what to fix, decline the draft or approve it. By default, nothing is sent until the owner approves it, so the card is the moment to check names, dates and numbers before anything goes out.

Empacer asks to connect a tool only when a task needs it, and a separate screen shows what access is requested before the owner agrees. It works with more than 1,000 tools, including Instagram, Facebook, Google Calendar, Gmail and Notion. Available actions depend on the tool, the account and the permissions the owner grants. Without a connected tool, the finished work stays in Empacer, where the owner can open it or share it to another app.

Empacer doesn't use chats or business data to train its own AI models, and the AI providers it's built on don't use that data to train theirs. Owners can correct or delete anything Empacer keeps about their business.

On the web and Android

Empacer runs in the browser at app.empacer.com on a computer, phone or tablet, and as Empacer for Business on Google Play. An iOS app is coming soon. Until then, iPhone users can open app.empacer.com in the browser. One account keeps the same tasks, files and settings on every device.

Learn more at empacer.com and see how Empacer works.

About Empacer

Empacer is an AI business assistant for small and medium business owners, provided by EMPACER LIMITED. Owners say or type what they need, such as a post from a photo, a reply to a customer or a plan for the week, and Empacer prepares a draft with their business details. By default, nothing is sent until the owner approves it. Empacer runs on the web and on Android, with an iOS app coming soon, and connects to more than 1,000 tools. It does not take calls from customers, and chats and business data are not used to train AI models.

Media Contact

Empacer PR Team
organic@empacer.com

October 27, 2026 9:02 AM
EDT
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SWANSEA, United Kingdom

Plates4Less Publishes Private Number Plate Guide Following Concerns Over Misleading AI Advice

SWANSEA, United Kingdom, October 27, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Motorists looking for reliable advice about personalised number plates now have a new consumer resource, as Plates4Less publishes a comprehensive guide to the UK private registration market.

  • New consumer guide launched: The UK Private Number Plate Market Explained helps motorists understand registration values, buying and selling, DVLA procedures and how to avoid costly mistakes.
  • Six areas of concern identified: Plates4Less' review found inaccurate, incomplete or potentially misleading advice across AI-generated answers and online forums.
  • Protecting motorists: Drawing on nearly 30 years of industry experience, the guide explains how the market works and how owners can protect valuable registration marks.

The UK Private Number Plate Market Explained has been created to help motorists understand how personalised registrations are valued, where to buy and sell them safely, how DVLA procedures work and how to protect their registration rights.

The guide follows a review by Plates4Less of advice provided by ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Google's AI-powered search results and online forums. Conducted during September and October 2026, the review identified six areas of concern where information was inaccurate, incomplete or potentially misleading when assessed against DVLA guidance and specialist industry knowledge.

The findings highlight the importance of checking advice before making decisions involving valuable registrations, particularly where misunderstandings about ownership, transfers or certificate expiry could have serious financial consequences.

A guide to understanding private number plate values

One of the most common questions motorists ask is: How much is my private number plate worth?

There is no single formula for valuing a personalised registration. Its potential value depends on factors such as the combination of letters and numbers, readability, associations with names or initials, desirability, comparable registrations and current market demand.

AI-generated valuations can provide a starting point, but they may not reflect the full market, available alternatives or the price a registration could realistically achieve. An advertised price is not necessarily the same as its eventual selling price.

The guide explains the factors that influence registration values and why motorists should consider the wider market before deciding to buy, sell or retain a cherished plate.

The DVLA plays a central role in the private plates market, administering registration rights and selling previously unissued registration marks. AI tools know this and so give the most eminence to DVLA (because they are a Government Agency) in its answers.

Previously issued registrations are also bought and sold through specialist dealers and private sellers. Motorists relying solely on AI-generated recommendations may therefore overlook suitable registrations already in circulation or receive suggestions that are unsuitable for their vehicle.

Incorrect advice can put valuable registrations at risk

The Plates4Less review also identified concerns about advice relating to DVLA procedures, retention certificates, expiry deadlines, vehicle age restrictions and private transactions.

One particularly important issue involves motorists changing the registration assigned to a vehicle. Owners wishing to keep an existing cherished registration generally need to follow the correct DVLA procedure to remove and retain it before assigning another registration. Failure to follow the required process can put their entitlement at risk.

Expired entitlement certificates present another potential problem. Motorists should check the applicable DVLA deadlines and requirements rather than assume that an expired entitlement can always be reinstated.

Private purchases also require care. Buyers need to understand what they are purchasing, verify the seller's position and ensure the correct procedures are completed. Receiving paperwork or being named as a nominee should not be mistaken for completing all the necessary steps to secure and use a registration.

The new guide brings these issues together in one place, covering safe buying and selling, registration transfers, retention, legal display requirements and common fraud risks.

Plates4Less: “We wanted to provide a reliable source of information”

Antony Clark, Marketing Manager at VRM Swansea | Plates4Less, said: “We're increasingly hearing from customers who have purchased unsuitable private registrations after relying on misleading advice, and from owners who have been given unrealistic valuations by AI tools.

“AI-generated answers are becoming increasingly prominent in online searches, sometimes appearing directly in Google results without people specifically asking for them. Our review identified six areas where advice could be inaccurate, incomplete or misleading.

“The problem isn't exclusive to AI. Information shared through online forums and social media can also be misleading, even when people are genuinely trying to help.

“We felt there was a real need for a clear, accessible guide explaining how the UK private number plate market actually works. Whether someone wants to know what their plate is worth, where to find a particular registration, how to sell safely or how to protect a plate they already own, we want to help them make informed decisions.”

A lasting resource for private number plate owners

Established in 1997, Plates4Less has nearly 30 years of experience helping motorists and businesses find, buy, sell, transfer and protect personalised vehicle registration marks.

The company hopes the guide will serve as a lasting reference for motorists researching registration values, comparing buying options or checking the procedures involved in managing a cherished registration.

As AI tools increasingly influence how consumers research products and services, Plates4Less believes accessible, specialist information is essential to help motorists distinguish reliable guidance from incomplete or misleading answers.

Read the guide: The UK Private Number Plate Market Explained

About Plates4Less

Plates4Less is a trading name of VRM Swansea Ltd, the only Swansea-based private registration mark specialist, established in 1997. The firm helps motorists and businesses find, buy, sell, transfer and protect personalised vehicle registration marks, including those available through the DVLA and the wider secondary market. For more information, visit plates4less.co.uk.

Disclaimer

Plates4Less (a trading name of VRM Swansea Ltd) is an independent private registration specialist and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an agency of the DVLA or the UK Government. The information contained in this release and the referenced guide is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal, administrative, or financial valuation advice; motorists are advised to verify their specific requirements directly with the DVLA prior to completing any transaction. All product and brand names mentioned—including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Google—are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners and are cited solely for editorial identification and comparative commentary.

Media Contact

tony@plates4less.co.uk