SWI Group announces the appointment of a strong Strategic Advisory Board that will broaden the Group’s future focus to include sports and entertainment

LONDON and GENEVA, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SWI Group, the alternative investment platform recently created from Stoneweg Group and Icona Capital, has announced the formation of a new Strategic Advisory Board.

Max-Hervé George, Chairman and Co-CEO SWI Group and Jaume Sabater, Co-CEO of the SWI Group, have brought together an impressive team that will provide strategic advice and guidance on the Group’s business and development strategy and in particular its desire to be actively involved in opportunities around sports and entertainment.

Arnaud de Puyfontaine, the Chairman of Vivendi, will serve as Non-Executive Chairman of SWI’s Strategic Advisory BoardCharles Leclerc, the F1 racing driver, and Andrés Iniesta, the former footballer for Barcelona and World Cup winner for Spain, have been appointed the Strategic Advisory Board’s Members to give guidance on the development of SWI’s business in sports and entertainmentFrédéric Vasseur, Olivier Jollin and Simon Benhamou will focus on the Group’s strategy and business development

Arnaud de Puyfontaine has an acknowledged position as a business leader in global media with an impressive career which includes holding senior positions at Vivendi, Emap, Schibsted, Lagardère, TIM, Havas, Canal+ and Prisma Media. He will assist and advise SWI Group with a strategic approach that complements SWI’s strengths as an alternative asset manager.

Frédéric Vasseur, Olivier Jollin and Simon Benhamou have all had successful careers within the fields of strategy, finance and real estate. SWI will benefit from their insights and their ability to bring new perspectives to the Group as well as offer advice on future challenges and their solutions.

Charles Leclerc and Andrés Iniesta will advise SWI Group on the development of its sports and entertainment business. Motor acing and other key sports’ disciplines are close to the hearts of the founders of Stoneweg and Icona Capital and together they will scale up their commitment to include a focus on not just on sport, but more broadly to include opportunities in culture and the arts.

Max-Hervé George, Chairman and Co-CEO, joined with Jaume Sabater, Group CEO, together said: “Bringing together the talents, skills and far-reaching international network of these business leaders and visionaries will give SWI Group powerful insights and vision. We are confident our Strategic Advisory Board will elevate the opportunities available to us and play a real part in underpinning the quality of SWI Group’s growth trajectory.”

Arnaud de Puyfontaine, Non-Executive Chairman of the Strategic Advisory Board, adds: “SWI Group combines a great entrepreneurial spirit together with access to the capital to deliver long term returns. I am really pleased to be joining this exciting journey and to make a real contribution to discovering high-potential opportunities across a wide variety of industries.”

Charles Leclerc, F1 Driver, said: “I would like to express my excitement at joining Max-Hervé George and SWI Group’s Strategic Advisory Board and be able to play a role in a really exciting business journey and venture,” Andrés Iniesta, former footballer added, “I have known Jaume for a long period of time and always thought we would work together, so I am very eager to join the team.”

Simon Benhamou, CEO and Shareholder of CBH International Banking Group, added to these comments, saying: “The combination of Icona Capital and Stoneweg to create SWI Group has undoubtedly strengthened their market position, making them a very attractive player in the alternative investment sector; and as a partner and Strategic Advisory Board Member I am very excited to be taking part in this venture.”

Olivier Jollin, CEO, OJO Group, said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Strategic Advisory Board and to support the Group’s ambitions across real estate, finance, and now, the exciting expansion into sports and entertainment. This is a forward-thinking platform with a global perspective, and I look forward to contributing to its continued growth.”

The Board will serve as an exclusive and collaborative advisory group for the company, as well as providing opportunities to reach new investors and institutions across a wide number of industries, including sports, finance and business, education, healthcare, social and community building, as well as arts and culture.

Notes to Editors

About SWI Group

SWI Group (www.swi.com) is an alternative investment platform driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit that operates in a number of sectors, including Data Centres, Real Estate, Credit, and the Financial Sector. The company’s investment strategies are grounded in thorough research, in-depth first-hand knowledge, and the ability to efficiently implement strategies to maximise the greatest return potential.

SWI Group relies on local operating teams to identify, develop and manage opportunities around the world, both real estate and investment strategies. SWI Group currently has over €10 billion of assets under management and more than 350 employees across 26 offices across the world.

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MUMBAI, India, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, along with SIDBI, has released the Sustainability Perception Index (SPeX), referred to as the ‘Green Pulse Indicator’ for the October-December 2024 period. SPeX evaluates MSME’s perception of sustainability across three dimensions: willingness, awareness, and implementation. The SPeX value declined 5.3% in Q4 2024 over Q3 2024. Though awareness and willingness dimensions fell 11% and 12%, respectively from the previous quarter, the implementation dimension rose significantly by 41%.

The overall SPeX value reflects changes across these three dimensions, providing insights into MSME’s understanding, willingness to adopt, and implementation of sustainability measures. An increase in SPeX value indicates improvement in MSME’s perception towards sustainability adoption. A decrease could indicate challenges or a decline in perception.

Dr. Arun Singh, Global Chief Economist, Dun & Bradstreet, said, “Globally, sustainability regulations are evolving rapidly, and MSMEs are recognizing value in sustainability adoption in gaining market share. Global businesses are enabling sustainability adoption through supply chain mandates aligned with international sustainability goals. A higher share of MSMEs reporting limited sustainability familiarity in Q4 versus Q3 highlights their intent to catch up with shifting regulations. 45% of MSMEs seek alternative financial or policy support for increasing adoption, highlighting the need for policy support to drive sustainability adoption. Notably, the perception that sustainability adoption caters only to select global clients has declined, reflecting the broader reach of sustainability mandates worldwide. Although the medium-to-long-term return on sustainability investments remains a barrier, the concerns about uncertain returns are declining with a growing recognition of the long-term benefits.”

Dr. R.K. Singh, CGM, SIDBI, stated, “The Sustainability Perception Index (SPeX), referred as the ‘Green Pulse Indicator’ for the October-December 2024 period, indicates an increase in the MSME implementation dimension with a rise of 41% as compared to previous quarter. The implementation cost and capital availability are consistently emerging as a key challenge for MSMEs in adopting sustainable practices. Factors such as environmental labelling and certification, operating procedures, and management buy-in are the least obstacles, reflecting MSMEs keenness to adopt sustainability and seek financial and technical support. Aligned to PANCHAMRIT, to scale up green finance in the MSME ecosystem, SIDBI runs PANCHTATVA missions viz. (i) Energy Efficiency, (ii) Renewable Energy, (iii) Circular Economy, (iv) E-Mobility and (v) Adaptation (Nature Based Solutions) helping the nation achieving its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) commitments. SIDBI attends to the Greening mandate through ‘PANCHTOOL’ (5 energising pillars) — (i) Financing, (ii) Development, (iii) Risk Mitigant, (iv) Thought Leadership and (v) International Cooperation (Synergy 4 Energy) and is taking its ‘Greening MSME Ecosystem’ agenda forward.”

Highlights of the SPeX Report:

The SPeX for Q4 2024 declined q-o-q, yet increased y-o-y by 8%, the second highest value in nine quarters since Q4 2022.Implementation dimension in Q4 2024 reached its highest level of 58 in the last nine quarters, reflecting progress of MSMEs in adopting sustainability measures.85% of MSMEs are planning to adopt additional sustainability measures in the next two quarters compared with only 49% in the previous quarter. This upward shift is across business sizes, with medium-sized firms leading the way (95%) in their commitment towards sustainability.Firms with longer operational histories exhibit high sustainability awareness, willingness and implementation, while newer firms show strong awareness and willingness, but lag in actual implementation.The perception that sustainability investments were preferred by select global customers is less pronounced in Q4 compared to Q3, reflecting the expanding scope of global policies and regulations.Medium and small sized businesses are keen on building expertise on sustainable business strategies and environmental practices, while micro businesses have also shown intent to enhance expertise in sustainability implementation and policy formulation.Established businesses with more than 10 years of operations regard increased stakeholder attractiveness as a primary benefit for adopting sustainability initiatives. Younger businesses with five to 10 years of operations indicated lower confidence in cost reduction as a benefit compared to other factors, reflecting concerns about upfront investments and/or challenges in measuring returns on sustainability adoption.In 2024, cost reduction (63%), regulatory compliance (59%) and peer pressure (41%) were the key factors influencing sustainability adoption.In 2024, medium and small businesses prioritized environment and workforce related sustainability measures over compliance and social welfare, with an average of 76% of MSMEs focusing on these areas.In 2023 and 2024, the implementation cost and capital availability consistently emerged as key challenges for MSMEs in adopting sustainable practices. Meanwhile, factors such as environmental labelling and certification, operating procedures, and management buy-in were the least obstacles, reflecting that MSMEs are keen to adopt sustainability and seek financial and technical support.

About Dun & Bradstreet

Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, enables companies around the world to improve their business performance. Dun & Bradstreet’s Data Cloud fuels solutions and delivers insights that empower customers to accelerate revenue, lower cost, mitigate risk and transform their businesses. Since 1841, companies of every size have relied on Dun & Bradstreet to help them manage risk and reveal opportunity. For more information on Dun & Bradstreet, please visit www.dnb.com.

Dun & Bradstreet Information Services India Private Limited is headquartered in Mumbai and provides clients with data-driven products and technology-driven platforms to help them take faster and more accurate decisions in domains of finance, risk, compliance, information technology and marketing. Working towards Government of India’s vision of creating an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) by supporting the Make in India initiative, Dun & Bradstreet India has a special focus on helping entrepreneurs enhance their visibility, increase their credibility, expand access to global markets, and identify potential customers & suppliers, while managing risk and opportunity.

India is also the home to Dun & Bradstreet Technology & Corporate Services LLP, which is the Global Capabilities Center (GCC) of Dun & Bradstreet supporting global technology delivery using cutting-edge technology. Located at Hyderabad, the GCC has a highly skilled workforce of over 500 employees, and focuses on enhanced productivity, economies of scale, consistent delivery processes and lower operating expenses.

Visit www.dnb.co.in for more information.
Click here for all Dun & Bradstreet India press releases.

About SIDBI

Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) in its role as the Principal Development Finance Institution for MSME sector has played a significant role in developing the financial services for MSME sector through various interventions including Refinance to Banks, Credit Guarantee programs, Development of the MFI sector, Contribution to Venture capital/AIF funds, MSME ratings, promoting digital lending ecosystem, etc. The Bank has proactively been working toward Energy Efficiency (EE) in MSMEs since 2005-06 as part of Direct Finance business using support of multilaterals like World Bank, ADB, GiZ, FCDO, JICA, AFD, KfW etc. for energy efficient projects. SIDBI has taken steps to promote Energy Efficiency and Cleaner production in the MSME sector and propose to accelerate its efforts for MSME sector for their survival, growth, and competitiveness in long run during prevailing climate related challenges.

Looking to importance of ESG aspects and the need for a simplified, Customised ESG risk rating framework, SIDBI has already started integration of ESG framework into its operations. Subsequent to setting up of Green Climate Finance Vertical for prioritised focus, a Board level Committee has been constituted for guidance, oversight, and monitoring on ESG, Green Strategy of the bank, including relevant SDGs etc. To lead with the example, SIDBI has set a target to become Carbon Neutral by 2024 and Net Neutral organization in subsequent years.

Through Green Financing products and other developmental activities, SIDBI enables the manufacturers and service providers in MSME sector to adopt green energy efficient technologies helping in lesser waste leading to positive impact on environment and sustainability.

Visit www.sidbi.in for more information.

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Data harmonization is key when it comes to implementing AI and digital assets with 80% of firms making moderate-to-large investments in AI this year; 50% of executives believe there will be a significant adoption of digital assets and ledger technology within the capital markets over the next several years.While 58% of financial services technology and operations executives agree a clear data strategy leads to the maximum rate of return on technology investments, 40% admit to having data quality issues.Almost half (41%) of executives feel their technology strategy is not moving fast enough at its current trajectory and 46% feel legacy tech is hurting resiliency.Overall, firms expect to allocate 29% of their total IT spend to technology innovation over the next two years, an increase of seven percentage points from last year’s study. 

NEW YORK, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Data strategy has accelerated as a priority focus for the financial services industry as AI, digital assets, operational resilience and personalization become non-negotiable forces in 2025, according to the fifth annual Digital Transformation & Next-Gen Technology Study by global Fintech leader, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: BR). Almost half (41%) of executives feel their technology strategy is not moving fast enough at its current trajectory and 46% feel legacy tech is hurting resiliency. Today, when the introduction of a new AI model has the power to send shockwaves through financial markets, Bitcoin ETFs are routinely turning over billions in average daily volume, and cybersecurity has become a global mandate, financial services firms can no longer afford half-measures or indecision when it comes to data harmonization or addressing legacy technology.

“As financial services firms modernize their operations and move away from legacy systems, many are realizing that the right data management strategy has the power to break down silos and achieve the level of data quality needed to realize the potential of AI and sustain prolonged digital transformation within their organizations,” said Chris Perry, President of Broadridge. “With the right data strategy and a clear plan to address legacy tech, firms can drive digital transformation, enable innovation at scale, enhance customer experiences, and foster long-term growth while providing operational resilience and efficiency.”

Over half (58%) of financial services technology and operations executives globally identified data harmonization as the ideal driver for maximizing their return on investment with 60% indicating they’re confident their data quality won’t cause transformation challenges. Therefore, firms are increasing their spend in this area to ensure they’re capable of harnessing transformative technology like AI, digital assets and cloud platforms to achieve a competitive advantage.

Promise of GenAI Gains Too Hard to Ignore

The results of this year’s study show an evolution in the way financial services firms are extracting value from GenAI. Key findings include:

72% are making moderate to large investments in GenAI this year, up from 40% in 2024. More than two-thirds (68%) believe that GenAI will have the greatest impact on employee productivity and 35% expect to start seeing ROI from GenAI within six months.67% noted that they personally use GenAI most for investment or market research.

Digital Assets Go Mainstream

After many years of sitting on the sidelines, digital assets have also captured the focus of financial services executives. Key findings include:

Nearly three-quarters (71%) of firms are making major investments in blockchain and distributed ledger technologies (DLT) this year, up from 59% in 2024.64% are making big investments in cryptocurrency, up from 51% in 2024.Almost half (47%) believe DLT is enabling the development of new opportunities in the capital markets ecosystem.73% agree that there will be greater regulation and governance around digital assets moving forward.

Cloud Continues as the Backbone of Scalability, Operational Efficiency and Agility

When it comes to the technology being adopted most widely today, cloud is king, with 86% of firms integrating it into their processes, and 84% making moderate-to-large investments this year.

When asked which technology executives believe has the greatest impact on their business, the majority (31%) selected cloud platforms and applications, and 27% plan to increase their investment in the technology over the next two years.

“It’s really all about straight-through processes and the ability to see consistent data across all products and workflows,” said Jason Birmingham, Broadridge global head of engineering. “Firms that are still trying to drive transformation by bolting on point solutions are quickly starting to realize that there is a limit to how much they can accomplish before they address the fundamental flaws in their platforms.”

The fifth annual Broadridge Digital Transformation & Next-Gen Technology Study breaks down the sentiment, reflections and actions of more than 500 financial services technology and operations leaders from around the world and across wealth management, capital markets and asset management firms. The study demystifies what’s guiding each organization’s transformation roadmap and explores their unique approaches to data, AI, crypto, cybersecurity, personalization and more.

Methodology

Broadridge commissioned Phronesis Partners to conduct this survey. This survey, as part of Broadridge’s annual series, was conducted in a fashion consistent with previous years. The survey was taken by over 500 financial services technology and operations leaders from around the world and across wealth management, capital markets, and asset management firms.

About Broadridge

Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE: BR) is a global technology leader with the trusted expertise and transformative technology to help clients and the financial services industry operate, innovate, and grow. We power investing, governance, and communications for our clients – driving operational resiliency, elevating business performance, and transforming investor experiences. 

Our technology and operations platforms process and generate over 7 billion communications per year and underpin the daily trading of more than $10 trillion of securities globally. A certified Great Place to Work®, Broadridge is part of the S&P 500® Index, employing over 14,000 associates in 21 countries.

For more information about us, please visit www.broadridge.com.

Broadridge Contacts:

Investors: 
Edings Thibault
Head of Investor Relations, Broadridge
broadridgeir@broadridge.com

Media:
Gregg Rosenberg
Global Head of Corporate Communications
Gregg.Rosenberg@broadridge.com

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SOURCE Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.