Connect with us

Technology

Became one of the world’s highest ESG leader groups LOTTE rental earned the highest ‘AAA’ rating in the MSCI ESG evaluation

Published

on

▶ Acquired the highest rating, AAA, for the first time in the world in the same industry in Europe, the US, and Asia

▶ Scores rise evenly through various activities in all areas of environment, society, and governance

▶ Among domestic listed companies, only 6 companies, including SK Corporation, KB Financial Group, and Woori Financial Group, received AAA

SEOUL, South Korea, July 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — LOTTE rental(https://www.lotterental.com/) was awarded the highest AAA rating in the 2024 ESG evaluation announced by Morgan Stanley Capital International(MSCI), a global investment information provider. LOTTE rental is the first and only company in the world to receive an AAA rating in the passenger ground transportation industry.

MSCI ESG Evaluation is a global appraisal that evaluates the sustainability of companies and provides useful information to investors. Every year, the ESG management status of about 8,500 listed companies around the world is evaluated and classified into 7 levels (AAA-AA-A-BBB-BB-B-CCC). It is one of the most authoritative global rating agencies recognized by investors around the world.

LOTTE rental was listed on the stock market in August 2021 and has been receiving MSCI ESG evaluation since 2022. It obtained AA grade, the highest level in the industry, for two consecutive years in 2022 and 2023, and rose to AAA grade, the highest grade in this year’s evaluation. This is a result of an even increase in scores across the environmental, social, and governance evaluation areas. It is interpreted that the sustainable management activities that have been continuously pursued despite uncertain internal and external business environments have been recognized.

In the 2024 MSCI ESG evaluation, AAA rating was given to only 15% of companies worldwide. Along with LOTTE rental, there are only six domestic listed companies that received an AAA rating, including SK Corporation, KB Financial Group, and Woori Financial Group.

MSCI said in a report, “LOTTE rental aims to achieve carbon neutrality (Net-Zero), which reduces net greenhouse gas emissions to ‘0’ by 2040. It highly evaluated the environment area, saying, “We have eco-friendly vehicles such as electric and hybrid vehicles, and our greenhouse gas emissions are lower than those in the same industry.”

The area where scores increased the most was the social area. LOTTE rental is carrying out various activities to create an organizational culture that is good to work in and to fulfill its social responsibilities. LOTTE rental implements a work-from-home and sabbatical leave system for child care, as well as a voluntary dress code and voluntary work commute system. In addition, it has created a corporate culture where executives and employees communicate and share opinions, such as anonymous/named online chat rooms where management issues are resolved through collective intelligence, and the CEO operates a direct communication channel. In addition, LOTTE rental conducted a human rights impact assessment to identify potential factors affecting human rights through corporate activities and achieved an excellent overall achievement rate of 96.7%. It also made efforts to protect customer information, such as obtaining Information Security Management System(ISMS) certification.

Governance, which had the highest evaluation weight, saw scores for all items increase. LOTTE rental introduced an electronic voting system to encourage shareholder voting and appointed outside director system to strengthen the independence of the board of directors. It also acquired ISO37001 certification, an international standard for anti-corruption management systems.

It is expected that this MSCI ESG rating increase will have a positive effect on credit rating evaluation. This is because not only domestic institutional investors, but also domestic and foreign credit rating agencies heavily reflect ESG ratings, especially governance factors, in their credit rating methodologies, and view them as important evaluation factors when investing in bonds and stocks.

Choi Jin-hwan, CEO of LOTTE rental, stated, “We will continue to lead the industry’s ESG management across the environment, society, and governance, and in particular, continue efforts to enhance shareholder value under a transparent and sound governance structure.”

Since LOTTE group declared ESG management in July 2021, it has been working to build a global-level ESG management environment. As a result, in addition to LOTTE rental, LOTTE CHEMICAL’s rating went up by one level from BBB to A, and LOTTE Fine Chemical’s rating went up by one level from BB to BBB.

About LOTTE rental

LOTTE rental, the only comprehensive rental company in Korea, provides better value with various business portfolios, including auto mobility services that encompass car life, business solution services that support more effi­cient businesses.

LOTTE rent-a-car is creating an innovative car life as the No.1 car rental brand. Greencar, Korea’s –first car-sharing brand, is drawing a better mobility service.

LOTTE rental is moving forward as a mobility leader that connects customers’ precious lives.

For more information about LOTTE rental, please visit: https://www.lotterental.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/became-one-of-the-worlds-highest-esg-leader-groups–lotte-rental-earned-the-highest-aaa-rating-in-the-msci-esg-evaluation-302191569.html

SOURCE LOTTE rent-a-car

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Bank Alfalah Acquires Strategic Stake in UAE Fintech Jingle Pay

Published

on

By

DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bank Alfalah, a leading commercial bank in Pakistan with a network of over 1,000 branches, has announced its acquisition of a 9.9% equity stake in Jingle Pay, one of the fastest growing fintechs in the MENAP region. The Bank’s fintech investment underscores its commitment to driving digital transformation and fostering financial inclusion across key markets.

Jingle Pay has redefined the fintech space with its proprietary AI-powered tech stack already processing over 2 million transactions and facilitating over $1 billion in international money transfers in 2024, saving customers over $6 million in fees. Jingle Pay was recently awarded the top global fintech for remittances into Pakistan.

Jingle Pay has solidified its position as a high-growth fintech leader in the MENAP region, supported by prestigious investors, including MoneyGram, G42-backed Applied AI, and prominent U.S. venture capital firms known for backing global fintech giants like N26 and PayPal, Jingle Pay continues to disrupt the industry. Bank Alfalah’s equity investment and appointment to Jingle Pay’s Board signal a robust partnership aimed at driving growth and innovation. This collaboration leverages Bank Alfalah’s extensive infrastructure to amplify Jingle Pay’s impact on cross-border payments and digital banking, advancing its ambitious vision for the MENAP region.

Jingle Pay provides innovative services, including multi-currency accounts, instant money transfers via the world’s first remittance marketplace, card payments, and last-mile payouts across 150+ corridors in 99+ currencies. Additionally, its Remittance-as-a-Service solution enables banks, FinTech’s, and non-financial institutions to facilitate seamless international money transfers.

Jingle Pay plans to launch its digital banking services in Pakistan in Q1 2025 as a branchless banking mobile app targeting to bring seamless and inclusive financial services to the country’s largely unbanked population. Jingle Pay will leverage Bank Alfalah’s infrastructure to bring seamless banking solutions to millions of customers. The partnership will create synergies in cross-border payments strengthened by shareholder MoneyGram.

As Pakistan’s 5th largest remittance partner, Jingle Pay plays a crucial role in driving global financial flows that contribute significantly to the country’s GDP. Establishing local presence in Pakistan will strengthen its partnership and cross-border capabilities, further cementing Jingle Pay’s position as a leader in the remittance ecosystem.

Leadership Remarks

Farooq A. Khan, Group Head – Corporate, Investment Banking and International Business of Bank Alfalah, emphasized: “This acquisition is a milestone in our journey to lead the digital banking revolution. By combining Jingle Pay’s innovative platform with Bank Alfalah’s resources, we aim to redefine cross-border financial services and deliver exceptional value to millions of users.”

Amir Fardghassemi, Founder and CEO of Jingle Pay, said: “Partnering with Bank Alfalah empowers us to scale our vision of inclusive finance. Together, we aim to enrich the digital economy and create transformative cross-border financial solutions.”

The collaboration also enhances Bank Alfalah’s role in the global Payments ecosystem, strengthening its position as a leader in cross-border financial flows and delivering unparalleled value to customers in the MENAP and beyond.

About Bank Alfalah

Bank Alfalah is a leading commercial bank in Pakistan, with over 1,000 branches across 200 cities and an international presence in the UAE, Bahrain, and Afghanistan. Its heritage and prominence extend over 25 successful years, highlighted by achievements that reflect exponential growth in the country’s financial sector.

The Bank offers various products and services to private-sector institutions and governments, including corporate and investment banking, consumer banking, securities brokerage, commercial, small and medium enterprises, agricultural, Islamic, and asset financing.

The Bank has established itself as a premier digital bank by introducing various features on its banking app, such as Alfamall, Buy Now Pay Later, and Term Deposit Receipts. It has also launched Pakistan’s first digital lifestyle branch. 

About Jingle Pay

Jingle Pay, a UAE born fintech, is the MENAP region’s leading and fastest-growing fintech, specializing in cross-border money transfers licensed by Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). Jingle Pay operates in the UAE, Bahrain, and Pakistan, offering cutting-edge financial services. Backed by global financial institutions like MoneyGram, Bank Alfalah, top-tier U.S. and international venture capital firms that have backed PayPal and N26, as well as G42 backed, Applied AI.

The company provides a wide array of solutions, including Remittance-as-a-Service for financial institutions, enabling seamless global payouts across 150+ corridors and 99+ currencies. Additionally, Jingle Pay operates a B2C app for retail customers, facilitating card payments and international money transfers focused on driving financial inclusion and leveraging AI to redefine cross border payments.

CONTACT: Jingle Pay, Media@jinglepay.com, +971 4 547 7778

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2594862/Jingle_Pay.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bank-alfalah-acquires-strategic-stake-in-uae-fintech-jingle-pay-302347236.html

Continue Reading

Technology

Better Business Bureau Serving the Tri-Counties Warns Homeowners About Donation Scams Following Southern California Fires

Published

on

By

BBB Offers Recommendations for Donating to Southern California Wildfire Requests, Warning to Beware of Click-Bait and Phishing Scams, Bogus Crowdfunding Requests

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Better Business Bureau Serving the Tri-Counties issues warning to businesses and consumers tied to donation scams following Southern California Fires. As reported, strong winds fueling a fast-moving fire in Southern California has caused more than 100,000 people to evacuate their homes. For those seeking to help those in need, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips to give thoughtfully.

For those seeking to help those in need, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips to give thoughtfully.

Tips for Donating to Southern California Wildfire Relief Efforts

Make Sure the Charity Is Trustworthy: Before giving, search for the charity’s report on Give.org to find out if the charity meets the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., a BBB Accredited Charity). While disaster fundraising has not yet fully emerged for this tragedy, donors might check with the following BBB Accredited Charities to help start their selection of organizations offering help: American Red Cross, Direct Relief, GlobalGiving and Salvation Army.

Look for Specific Fire Relief Activities in Appeals: Be wary of relief appeals that have vague program descriptions and do not explain what activities your support will assist.

Watch Out for Click-Bait and Phishing Scams: Online giving scams tend to pop up after a disaster to take advantage of public sympathy. Don’t click on email, text, or social media links promising to connect you to a familiar charity. Instead, go directly to the charity’s website on your own.

Review Crowdfunding Requests: Some crowdfunding sites take precautions in carefully screening, vetting, and managing postings after a disaster or tragedy. Others might not. If unsure, review the procedures described on the site and also find out about transaction fees and other specifics.

Verify Charity Registration: About 40 of the 50 states require charities to annually register. Check with your state’s office of the attorney general or secretary of state’s office.

Understand the Phases of Disaster Relief: Most disasters go through three periods of activity: rescue, relief, and recovery. Each phase involves different activities and support. You can familiarize yourself with each phase on our Supporting Disaster Relief and Preparedness page.

Better Business Bureau Serving the Tri-Counties intends for this advice to help donors to give with confidence while avoiding questionable efforts.

For more information
To report a scam, go to BBB Scam Tracker.
To learn how to protect yourself, go to “10 Steps to Avoid Scams.”

Media Contact

Frank Tortorici, Marketing Maven, (908) 875-8908, frank@marketingmaven.com, https://marketingmaven.com/ 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/better-business-bureau-serving-the-tri-counties-warns-homeowners-about-donation-scams-following-southern-california-fires-302347662.html

SOURCE Better Business Bureau

Continue Reading

Technology

Pollo AI Launches Consistent Character Video to Maintain Consistency of Characters, Objects, or Scenes in Generated Videos

Published

on

By

SINGAPORE, Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pollo AI  continues to raise the bar in AI video generation with the addition of its latest feature: Consistent Character Video, which can transform still images into high quality AI videos, while maintaining consistency of characters, objects, or scenes throughout every frame.

Users can upload one or up to three images of a subject to the tool – it could be a person’s face, for example, or image(s) of an inanimate object, like an appliance or piece of clothing, or image(s) of specific scenes. The AI video generator will then use the image(s) as the reference point(s) when generating its video content, ensuring that the original visuals are accurately and consistently portrayed.

This way, users can make multiple videos while keeping the same consistent subjects. They can make themselves the star of numerous clips, for example, or incorporate real-life items into their video creations. While other elements of the videos may change, the core subjects you choose will always remain consistent.

The uses for this are numerous. Brands, for example, could upload images of their latest products and then make various AI-generated videos featuring those products in a range of settings and scenarios. Or creators could make entire feature-length films by generating multiple short-form AI videos with the same consistent subjects in different scenes.

You could even upload an image of a famous landmark or monument, and instruct the tool to use that throughout your video creations. This makes it so much easier to create sequences or series of videos with the same consistent background, environment, or setting – a feat that many AI video generators have historically struggled with.

It’s a huge leap forward for AI video technology. Before the Consistent Character Video Generator, many users had expressed frustration when it came to trying to keep the same characters and subjects in multiple AI-generated videos. But with this new tool, that challenge has been solved.

What’s more, the Consistent Character Video Generator is backed up by Pollo AI’s advanced algorithms and powerful technology. Thanks to that, it’s able to make some of the most visually impressive AI videos, with cinematic levels of quality, fluid motion, realistic physics, and other desirable characteristics.

Plus, just like other AI videos generated with Pollo AI, the user has total control over various aspects, such as the aspect ratio, the length of the video, the resolution, and the camera movement. With this bold new addition, Pollo AI continues to assert itself as one of the leading and most innovative names in the AI video sphere.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pollo-ai-launches-consistent-character-video-to-maintain-consistency-of-characters-objects-or-scenes-in-generated-videos-302347735.html

SOURCE Pollo AI

Continue Reading

Trending