Technology

BigFundr Eyes S$500 Million in Total Loans Under Management (LUM) by 2026

Published

4 months ago

August 28, 2024

Driven by rapid user growth and strong financial performance, the fintech platform is cementing its position in the real estate debt investment sector with strategic backing from Aspial Corporation Limited

SINGAPORE, Aug. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — BigFundr, an innovative and leading fintech platform offering retail investors access to real estate debt investments, is proud to announce significant milestones since its launch in October 2021. Founded in Singapore and licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), BigFundr has demonstrated impressive growth over the last three years, becoming a trusted name among both retail and accredited investors while solidifying its presence in the market and significantly expanding its customer base.

The past two years have seen BigFundr experience a near five-fold growth, as the platform’s number of total customers skyrocketed from over 1,100 in end-2022 to an impressive 5,200 by mid-2024. BigFundr’s financial metrics also reflect its robust growth trajectory. The platform’s Total Loans Under Management (LUM), a key indicator of its scalability, has consistently doubled every six months, with current LUM at S$160 million.

Looking ahead, the platform is projected to surpass S$500 million in Total LUM by 2026. These turning points highlight BigFundr’s strong market appeal and its capacity to grow in today’s competitive retail investment landscape.

A Bright Future for Retail Investors

BigFundr is strategically positioned to capitalise on the growth opportunities in Australia’s thriving real estate sector through targeted investments in both commercial and residential real estate debt markets. Since its inception, BigFundr has successfully funded developments exceeding S$275 million, all while maintaining a zero percent default rate, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable investment platform.

Committed to making real estate-backed investments safer and more accessible, BigFundr empowers retail investors to start with as little as S$1,000. This approach has democratised investment opportunities that were once exclusive to those with substantial capital, offering returns comparable to larger-scale investments.

Reflecting on the company’s progress, Quah Kay Beng, CEO & Founder of BigFundr, noted, “Our remarkable growth over the past three years is a testament to the strong partnership between Maxi-Cash and BigFundr. We share common values in our desire to be the go-to investment platform for retail customers. The belief in our shared vision has been instrumental in our success, and we’re proud to have delivered on our promise to create lasting value together.”

Robust Corporate Backing

Incorporated in 2008, Aspial Lifestyle Limited is an investment holding company specialising in consumer lifestyle, housing brands such as Maxi-Cash, Lee Hwa Jewellery, and Goldheart. Its parent company, Aspial Corporation Limited is the first publicly-listed jewellery retailer on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) which manages a wide spectrum of businesses. Its purview includes jewellery retail, property development, financial services, and hospitality and resort management.

In February 2024, Maxi-Cash Capital Management (a wholly owned subsidiary of Aspial Lifestyle Limited) increased its shareholding in BigFundr from 15% to 70%. This investment not only reinforces confidence in BigFundr’s highly scalable business and its mission to make the real estate debt investment sector more accessible to retail investors, but also cements BigFundr’s position within the fintech industry. The substantial backing from the Aspial Group of companies ensures a secure and reliable platform for investors, offering robust safeguarding for both principal and interest in real estate debt investments.

“This development marks a significant turning point for BigFundr, poised to greatly enhance its growth trajectory and expand the opportunities available to its investors,” commented Koh Wee Seng, CEO of Aspial Corporation Limited. He also remarked that, “Our strategic partnership with BigFundr has seen the business exceeding our initial growth expectations. We are confident that with the current base of loyal investors, as well as new investors, we are set to further surpass our growth trajectory.”

“What started as a model to democratise real estate debt investment to the retail market has now proven to be a viable and practical investment opportunity that’s highly accessible and scalable,” said Meelan Gurung, Senior Director, Corporate Finance & Investments, Aspial Corporation Limited. “With Aspial’s strategic support, we look forward to growing BigFundr both in size and scope,” he added.

About BigFundr

BigFundr is the first and only MAS-licensed fintech platform that grants retail investors access to real estate-backed investments from as little as $1,000. In February 2024, BigFundr became a subsidiary of Maxi-Cash Capital Management (MCCM) following SGX-listed Aspial Lifestyle Limited’s increase in shareholding to 70% from 15%. Bigfundr’s mission is to democratise investments, making better returns safer and more accessible to everyone.

For more information, please visit www.bigfundr.com.

About Aspial Lifestyle Limited

Incorporated in 2008, Aspial Lifestyle Limited (formerly known as Maxi-Cash Financial Services Ltd. which also holds Maxi-Cash Capital Management as a subsidiary) is Singapore’s first public-listed pawnbroker on the Singapore Exchange (SGX), offering a wide range of services including pawnbroking, retailing of new jewellery, and pre-loved jewellery and branded merchandise. Within the pawnbroking industry, Aspial Lifestyle leads the industry by pioneering digital innovations such as online payment services, e-wallet solutions and the Maxi-Cash E-Shop through the Maxi-Cash App. Committed to reliability, quality, and transparency, Aspial Lifestyle has been recognised as one of Singapore’s Best Employers by The Straits Times in 2022 and 2023.

For more information, visit www.aspiallifestyle.com & www.maxi-cash.com

About Aspial

Aspial Corporation Limited, the first publicly listed jewellery retailer on the Singapore Exchange has grown from a traditional jeweller into a leading Asian conglomerate. Aspial owns prominent jewellery retail brands such as Lee Hwa and Goldheart. Beyond jewellery retail, Aspial’s diversified portfolio includes real estate, hospitality, financial services, and precious metal trading, reflecting its commitment to building long-term value and strong customer relationships across the region.

For more information, please visit www.aspial.com.

APPENDIX

Koh Wee Seng, CEO of Aspial Corporation Limited
Koh Wee Seng is the CEO of SGX Mainboard-listed Aspial Corporation Limited (ACL), overseeing diverse businesses including jewellery retail, financial services, property development, and hospitality. ACL’s real estate arm, World Class Global, is an innovative developer with a presence in Australia and Malaysia, having completed over 39 projects across these regions and Singapore, with a gross realisation value exceeding $4.8 billion. Iconic developments include the $1 billion Australia 108 and the $800 million Citygate project, both recipients of the CTBUH Award of Excellence in 2022 and 2023. An alumnus from the National University of Singapore’s Business School, Koh drove Lee Hwa to become the first jeweller to be publicly listed on SGX in 1999 and later led Maxi-Cash Financial Services Limited to become the first publicly listed pawnbroker in 2012.

Meelan Gurung, Senior Director, Corporate Finance & Investments, Aspial Corporation Limited
Meelan is Senior Director of Corporate Finance & Investments at Aspial Corporation Limited, specialising in infrastructure assets, investment management, and private equity. He leads the Private Credit and Real Estate Debt division, managing strategy, portfolios, and compliance. Meelan also drives business turnarounds and digital transformations, with experience in emerging markets and multinational firms. Additionally, he oversees BigFundr, Aspial’s major subsidiary, providing strategic leadership and investor engagement.

Quah Kay Beng, CEO & Founder of BigFundr
Kay Beng is the CEO and Founder of BigFundr, a fintech platform established in 2021 that connects retail investors with real estate debt opportunities. Leveraging over 25 years in real estate investment management and a career that includes roles at DTZ, Halverton Fund Management, JPMorgan, and Hongkong Land, he has since overseen assets exceeding US$1 billion globally. Under his leadership, BigFundr has facilitated over S$275 million in loans across 164 Development Notes. The platform, which operates with a Capital Markets Services licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore, allows investments from $1,000 with tenures of six to 18 months, secured by Maxi-Cash’s 70% ownership stake.

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SOURCE BigFundr

Technology

Who’s Working Remotely? Virtual Vocations Survey Highlights Evolving Jobseeker Demographics

Published

2 hours ago

December 27, 2024

This survey underscores the diverse backgrounds and experiences of remote jobseekers, highlighting the growing demand for flexible work arrangements across various demographics.

TUCSON, Ariz., Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — With over 500 participants from the U.S. (69%) and international locations (31%), Virtual Vocations‘ 2024 demographics survey offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of remote work. By comparing responses across these groups, the survey highlights shared experiences and unique challenges faced by jobseekers worldwide.

“Whether based in the U.S. or abroad, jobseekers are embracing remote roles to align their careers with their personal goals, and we’re proud to be a part of their journey.” –Laura Spawn, CEO and co-founder of Virtual Vocations

Although Virtual Vocations is a U.S.-based company, it supports international jobseekers through its fully remote job board and career resources, addressing the global demand for remote work opportunities. The company frequently receives inquiries from international members seeking to access fully remote roles, punctuating the worldwide appeal of flexible work arrangements.

“The 2024 demographics survey results reinforce what we’ve known for years—professionals around the world are seeking flexibility, balance, and opportunities to work from home,” said Virtual Vocations CEO Laura Spawn. “Whether based in the U.S. or abroad, jobseekers are embracing remote roles to align their careers with their personal goals, and we’re proud to be a part of their journey.”

Fully Remote Jobs Remain Most Desired

A significant 43% of U.S.-based jobseekers and 42% of international respondents named fully remote, no-travel jobs as their top preference. These roles, which allow employees to work entirely from home, offer flexibility, aligning with both personal and professional goals. Although occasional in-person requirements may arise, fully remote roles are favored over hybrid, partially remote, and “work from anywhere” options. These positions provide businesses with access to a broader talent pool and enable employees to prioritize workplace values and culture.

Top Industries for Remote Jobseekers

The survey also highlights four key industries attracting remote jobseekers worldwide. Information Technology (IT) stands out as the leading industry for remote roles, with significantly more job postings than any other field. Healthcare follows closely, benefiting from the growth of telehealth and remote medical roles. Customer service offers engaging opportunities for professionals interested in client interaction, while education presents a wide array of roles in online teaching, tutoring, and instructional design, fueled by the expansion of virtual learning.

Jobseekers’ Common Frustrations

Both U.S. and international jobseekers shared frustrations, particularly with online job scams. Jobseekers expressed dissatisfaction with the prevalence of scams, especially when searching for work-at-home positions. Despite relying on online job boards, only a quarter (23% of U.S. respondents and 24% of international respondents) use dedicated remote job boards, like Virtual Vocations, where job postings are thoroughly vetted to ensure they are free of scams. Additionally, many jobseekers expressed frustration with excessive job requirements and employers failing to provide feedback or “ghosting” applicants during the hiring process, with one-third of respondents from both groups reporting these issues.

Income Insecurity: A Global Concern

Income insecurity remains a pressing issue for both U.S. and international jobseekers, with many reporting their earnings as insufficient for comfortable living. Sixty-five percent of U.S. respondents and 77% of international respondents reported inadequate household incomes. Nearly half (48%) of U.S. jobseekers earn less than $60,000 annually, while 68% of international jobseekers earn under $30,000. To improve financial stability, many jobseekers have set income targets, with 30% of U.S. jobseekers aiming for $60,000–$89,999 and another 30% targeting at least $120,000. In contrast, international respondents generally require lower salaries, with 38% seeking $30,000–$59,999 and 32% aiming for $60,000–$89,999.

For a comprehensive analysis and additional insights, read the full demographics survey report here: https://www.virtualvocations.com/blog/annual-statistical-remote-work-reports/remote-work-demographics-survey-results-2024/

ABOUT VIRTUAL VOCATIONS
Founded in 2007 by CEO Laura Spawn and her brother, CTO Adam Stevenson, Virtual Vocations is a small company with a big mission: to connect jobseekers with legitimate remote job openings. To date, Virtual Vocations has helped more than four million jobseekers in their quests for flexible, remote work.

In addition to providing a database of current, hand-screened, and 100% remote job openings, Virtual Vocations offers jobseekers a number of tools to aid in their job searches, including exclusive career courses, downloadable jobseeker content, and career coaching and resume writing services. Virtual Vocations also releases several data-driven reports each year on current trends in remote work.

Virtual Vocations, Inc. is a private, family-owned, and 100% virtual company incorporated in Tucson, Arizona.

Media Contact

Kimberly Back, Virtual Vocations, Inc., 1 (800) 379-5092 x. 703, kim@virtualvocations.com, https://www.virtualvocations.com

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SOURCE Virtual Vocations, Inc.

Technology

Judge Baker Children’s Center d/b/a The Baker Center for Children and Families Provides Notice of Data Security Incident

Published

2 hours ago

December 27, 2024

BOSTON, Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Judge Baker Children’s Center d/b/a The Baker Center for Children and Families (“The Baker Center”), a nationally recognized provider of services for children’s mental health, has learned of a data security incident that may have impacted certain personal and / or protected health information. On December 27, 2024, The Baker Center formally notified potentially affected individuals with available address information and provided resources to assist them.

On July 28, 2024, The Baker Center discovered unusual activity within its local digital storage environment. After taking immediate steps to ensure the environment was secure, The Baker Center enlisted independent cybersecurity experts to conduct an investigation to determine what happened and whether sensitive information may have been impacted. According to the investigation, an unauthorized actor gained access to The Baker Center’s systems between July 26 – 28, 2024 and may have downloaded certain files. Following a thorough review of the impacted files, on October 28, 2024, The Baker Center determined that certain individuals’ personal and/or protected health information was potentially impacted during the incident.

The information affected during this incident varies between individuals but may have involved the following: name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, driver’s license or other government identification number, financial account information, health insurance information, medical treatment or diagnosis information, and/or clinical information.

On December 27, 2024, The Baker Center mailed notification letters to potentially impacted individuals with verifiable address information. The letters include information about this incident and about steps that potentially impacted individuals can take to monitor and help protect their personal and protected health information. The Baker Center has established a toll-free call center to answer questions about the incident and to address related concerns. The call center can be reached at 844-920-8988, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Eastern time.

The Baker Center takes the security and privacy of information in its possession very seriously and is taking steps to prevent a similar event from occurring in the future. The Baker Center deeply regrets any inconvenience or concern this incident may cause.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/judge-baker-childrens-center-dba-the-baker-center-for-children-and-families-provides-notice-of-data-security-incident-302339677.html

SOURCE The Baker Center for Children and Families

Technology

outboundIQ Achieves Certified Implementation Partner (CIP) Status with Five9

Published

3 hours ago

December 27, 2024

Delivering Optimized, Outbound-Focused Contact Center Solutions for Modern Businesses

LAUDERDALE LAKES, Fla., Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — outboundIQ www.outboundiq.com proudly announces its accreditation as a Five9 Certified Implementation Partner (CIP), a distinction that reflects its deep expertise in optimizing and streamlining outbound-focused contact center operations. With a team of seasoned Five9 veterans, expert programmers, and industry thought leaders, outboundIQ is uniquely equipped to help businesses of all sizes unlock the full potential of Five9’s Virtual Contact Center platform.

Optimized Solutions for Complex Contact Center Needs
outboundIQ specializes in providing expedited, outbound-focused contact center implementations, integrating advanced features such as inbound and outbound Voice, SMS, Chat, Email, Salesforce Integration, and other third-party app integrations. Clients can also leverage ongoing optimization engagements and monthly retainers for strategic consulting designed to support long-term, outreach-focused success.

“Who better to handle your domain configuration than the experts that understand the outbound contact center world. To be an outbound expert, you must know 3 things; how to configure the domain front end, how the architecture interprets that design, and how carriers respond to your dialing behavior as a result of the build. outboundIQ has the advantage of deeply understanding all 3 things. Our experts are seasoned professionals that will guide toward the best build for your business. You tell us about your business, your needs and your processes, and we will build you a domain fit for purpose. outboundIQ offers best in class Domain Optimization, Implementation and Consulting for customers of all sizes and complexity. Due to our methodology and proprietary automations, we are able to bring our customers’ projects to life within accelerated timeframes.”

– Jessica Clay, VP Support and Services

“We launched our business in June and were fortunate to connect with the incredible team at outboundIQ early on. Navigating the world of outbound calling and building efficient prospecting systems isn’t easy, but the entire team at outboundIQ brought our vision to life seamlessly. They implemented our ideas quickly and executed them flawlessly. Since partnering with them, our contact rates have significantly improved, our conversions have increased, and our overall business is thriving. We’re deeply grateful for this collaboration and look forward to continuing our work together on future endeavors!”

– Tim, Lit Financial

“I genuinely don’t know enough ways to thank the entire outboundIQ team. I inherited a domain riddled with mistakes, tangled beyond belief, and I had essentially planned to scrap the whole thing and start over. That’s when this team, led by Jessica Clay’s brilliance, took over to understand exactly what I wanted to create and completely revitalized my domain. We are all beyond thankful as they continue to consult for us to this day and I see no reason to stop. Thank you, Jessica, Jason, Rudy, Bruno, Sandy and everyone who gets the pleasure of working with these domain geniuses!”

– Michael, Lifetime Home Remodeling

A Holistic Approach to Outbound Excellence
Creating a competitive, consumer-focused outreach program requires more than just advanced technology. As outboundIQ explains, a thriving contact center functions like a high-performing racing team:

The Car: Five9 Virtual Contact Center provides a cutting-edge technology foundation.The Driver: Strong Dialer Administrators who skillfully manage operations.The Pit Crew: IT/Support teams ensuring seamless functionality.The Spotters: Data Analytics and Reporting experts optimizing performance.The Fuel: High-quality data driving better outcomes.

outboundIQ’s professional services team brings these critical elements together, ensuring clients achieve best-in-class outbound operations that prioritize consumer experience while maintaining a competitive edge.

A Call to Collaboration
With its new CIP certification, outboundIQ invites businesses to explore select partnership opportunities and projects to reimagine their contact center operations. Whether through expedited implementations or ongoing strategic consulting, outboundIQ is committed to driving measurable results for its clients.

About outboundIQ
outboundIQ delivers optimized, outbound-focused contact center implementations, combining years of Five9 expertise with cutting-edge strategies to help businesses achieve exceptional outreach outcomes. As a Five9 Certified Implementation Partner, outboundIQ provides tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of modern organizations.

About Five9
Five9 is a digital enterprise’s leading cloud contact center and software provider. The Five9 Intelligent CX Platform is reliable, secure, compliant, and scalable, designed to create exceptional personalized customer experiences.
www.five9.com

Media contact:
Sandy Tafur
Phone: 404-660-5314
mail: sandy@outboundiq.com

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SOURCE outboundIQ