Technology

eCOM’s data-driven innovation steers global trade finance into new waters

Published

5 hours ago

November 1, 2024

SINGAPORE and HONG KONG, Nov. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The fintech firm is leading a sea change in trade finance for SMEs by converting operational data into valuable assets to address the long-standing financing gap faced by asset-light businesses

eCOM Registry, a fintech firm powered by a combination of blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and other cutting-edge digital innovations, is redefining trade finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by turning operational data into valuable assets that can be used as collateral for loans.

Despite their vital role in driving economic growth and trade, SMEs often face difficulties securing finance from traditional institutions due to limited assets, smaller scale and stringent collateral requirements coupled with lengthy application processes.

This global financing gap for SMEs has grown to trillions of US dollars, intensifying the demand for financial solutions that are simple, fast and flexible. eCOM’s platform is designed to address this gap by leveraging data to unlock new credit opportunities.

In fact, unsecured loans, which eliminate the need for traditional collateral and lengthy paperwork, are gaining traction among SMEs, providing them with faster, more flexible access to finance.

However, this approach hinges on sophisticated data-driven algorithms to deliver accurate credit assessments, robust risk management, and informed decision-making. As such, effective data collection, storage and analysis have become essential components of successful digital finance.

eCOM is leading this transformation, harnessing big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain to revolutionise trade finance in the shipping industry.

Headquartered in Singapore, the fintech company is backed by Kingful Ventures, chaired by Andy Tung, a non-executive director at Orient Overseas International Limited. Its operations span Hong Kong, Shanghai, Australia and the Philippines.

The company aims to bridge the massive financing gap for SMEs in the shipping sector – such as freight forwarders, logistics companies and cargo owners – by providing collateral-free loans through an innovative digital financial model. The growth potential of this model is vast.

Bridging an ocean’s deep financing gap

Traditional financial institutions face considerable uncertainty when extending credit to SMEs in the shipping industry, primarily due to a lack of collateral and time-consuming due diligence processes.

Shipping service providers, typically asset-light and dispersed across the supply chain, offer little security for lenders. Moreover, the complexity of service transactions – unlike traditional goods trade – makes it difficult for banks to verify the authenticity of the services.

Even when valid data is available, banks often face lengthy verification processes, resulting in inefficiencies.

“Against this backdrop, we need a new approach and technology to bridge the gap between SMEs and financial institutions. eCOM serves as the connector, allowing data to tell the story and enabling lenders to carry out credit evaluations more efficiently and accurately,” said Tung.

Navigating a complex ecosystem with knowledge and data mastery

eCOM’s model offers two distinct advantages. First and foremost, the company has a deep understanding of the entire shipping ecosystem.

“Numerous participants from various parts of the shipping supply chain, including freight forwarders, logistics companies, ports and customs authorities, contribute to a complex ecosystem, each with its own unique characteristics,” Horace Mak, founder and executive director of eCOM Registry Pte Ltd and eCOM DataFin Limited, explained.

“Understanding how to gather, interpret and integrate data from these sources is crucial to assessing creditworthiness and providing effective solutions,” said Horace. “Our team, alongside Tung, has deep expertise in this ecosystem, with 20 to 30 years of experience in data integration and exchange.”

Using advanced data recognition and processing technologies, including AI models and analytical algorithms, the team continuously optimises parameters for risk assessment and precise forecasting.

Furthermore, eCOM’s financial experts work closely with financial institutions to analyse historical data, expedite KYC (Know Your Customer) and KYB (Know Your Business) processes, pre-approve credit lines and help banks identify high-quality clients.

This collaboration, according to Horace, tremendously improves the efficiency of financial institutions’ credit services and risk management.

In 2021, eCOM introduced its data-driven financing solution in partnership with OnePort, a joint venture with Hong Kong’s leading port group.

By December 2023, eCOM DataFin Limited, the company’s Hong Kong subsidiary, secured a lending licence to fund its eSPIN Cash (revolving loan) and Easy Ship Easy Pay (post-shipment payment) products, specifically designed for the port sector.

Robust risk management and data governance

When asked about risk management, Horace explained that all data gathered by eCOM is sourced from trusted entities, including ports, customs authorities and shipping companies.

Harnessing blockchain and cloud computing technologies, eCOM guarantees both the authenticity and traceability of this data, he said.

Philip Ho, CEO of OnePort, added: “Data privacy is paramount. We ensure all data is collected with customer consent and is rigorously managed in line with local privacy regulations.”

eCOM also continuously tracks multiple data points across the trade chain in real-time, allowing lenders to monitor borrowers’ performance and conduct dynamic cross-checks to make timely adjustments.

The company has established internal committees for information security, risk control and digital finance to oversee all process management, ensuring that both data handling and lending practices adhere to stringent regulatory standards.

After nearly a year of trial operations at the Hong Kong port service platform, eCOM has successfully validated its core technology, business model and profitability. Building on this success, the company is now actively exploring new global partnerships in digital financial services.

In 2022, eCOM launched a data finance platform in Shanghai’s Free Trade Zone, offering data-driven financial services to local clients. The company has also made rapid progress in China’s Greater Bay Area and at Australian ports.

Looking ahead, eCOM plans to develop additional financing products for cargo owners and freight forwarders, including freight financing, purchase order financing and supply chain financing.

“We set sights on building strategic partnerships with financial institutions, leveraging our data-driven model to offer joint loan solutions. Our goal is to bring more financial institutions and investors on board, ensuring that more SMEs can access efficient, high-quality loan services,” Tung concluded.

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SOURCE eCOM Registry Pte Ltd

Technology

Blanchard Celebrates 45 Years of Empowering Leadership and Organizational Success

Published

12 mins ago

November 1, 2024

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Blanchard®, a global pioneer in leadership development, consulting, and coaching, proudly announces the celebration of its 45-year anniversary. Ken and Margie Blanchard founded the company in 1979 with three simple goals: to make a positive difference in people’s lives, drive human worth and effectiveness in the workplace, and help each client organization become the provider, employer, and investment of choice.

Since its founding, Blanchard has been at the forefront of transforming leaders and organizations through innovative programs, contextualized learning journeys, and coaching designed to foster personal and professional growth.

Over the past 45 years, Blanchard has equipped thousands of organizations across industries with the tools to lead effectively and create lasting impact. With a strong commitment to helping individuals and teams unlock their full potential, the company’s programs have been trusted by Fortune 500 companies, government institutions, and nonprofit organizations worldwide.

“Reaching 45 years is a significant milestone for Blanchard,” says Scott Blanchard, CEO of Blanchard. “It’s a testament to the dedication of our team, the strength of our partnerships, and our unwavering focus on empowering leaders. We’re incredibly proud of the positive change we’ve helped bring to organizations over the years and look forward to continuing our mission for many more.”

Debbie Ung, President, says, “I’m proud of how our company has continually transformed to meet the needs of learners and we remain committed to providing dynamic new learning options to support our vision of leaders powered for good.”

Margie and Ken Blanchard say, “Growing this company has been a constant challenge to remind us to walk our talk. And to think that 45 years have passed. Unbelievable!”

Blanchard’s signature programs, including SLII®, have empowered leaders to adapt their styles to meet the needs of their teams, driving engagement and results. As leadership development evolves to meet the demands of a fast-changing global landscape, Blanchard remains committed to developing new methodologies and tools to serve the next generation of leaders.

For more information about how Blanchard can help your organization thrive, please visit www.blanchard.com.

About Blanchard
Blanchard is a global leader in leadership development, consulting, and coaching. For more than 40 years, Blanchard has partnered with organizations to maximize individual achievement and organizational performance, bringing measurable progress and true transformation. Blanchard’s SLII® is the global leadership model of choice, powering inspired leaders for more than 10,000 organizations worldwide. Blanchard also offers a suite of award-winning solutions through flexible delivery modalities to meet the specific needs of clients and learners. Discover more at www.blanchard.com.

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SOURCE Blanchard

Technology

PKF O’Connor Davies Publishes 20th Annual Architectural and Engineering Studies

Published

12 mins ago

November 1, 2024

Reports provide industry benchmarking data, trends and insights impacting firm profitability and productivity

NEW YORK, Nov. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — PKF O’Connor Davies, one of the nation’s largest accounting, tax and advisory practices, today announced the release of its 20th Annual Architectural and Engineering Studies. Based on 2023 financial and operational data provided by a sample of participating architectural and engineering (A&E) firms, the studies reflect the state of the industry and enable firms to benchmark their performance against others as they seek ongoing profitability and growth.

For the first time, the studies provide a historical perspective, highlighting key milestones and industry trends that have shaped the A&E landscape over the past two decades. They also include firms’ current and future use of artificial intelligence, as well as expert insights on emerging trends. The studies present several key takeaways for the A&E industry, including:

During 2023, profit as a percentage of net fee income reached its highest level in the past five years.Firms’ billing multiple increased slightly as they continued their focus on project management efficiencies.Firms’ breakeven multiple and overhead rate continued their upward trend, driven by increases in indirect labor, employee and fringe benefits, and computer and IT investments.Raises as a percentage of base compensation remain higher than historical averages, despite a year-over-year decrease.

“We are excited to release the 20th anniversary edition of the Architectural and Engineering Studies prepared by our dedicated team of industry specialists. These studies have provided valuable insights to the A&E industry and allowed firms to benchmark their results so they may assess their performance in order to continue to grow and improve profitability,” said David M. Sullivan, Jr., Partner and Leader of the Architecture & Engineering Practice at PKF O’Connor Davies. “The A&E industry is going through a period of unprecedented changes. To fully capitalize on future opportunities, it’s crucial for industry leaders to have a strong understanding of industry trends.”

To access the 20th Annual Architectural and Engineering Studies, visit https://www.pkfod.com/annual-architectural-study/ and https://www.pkfod.com/annual-engineering-study/.

About PKF O’Connor Davies

PKF O’Connor Davies is a top-tier accounting, tax and advisory practice with a long history of serving domestic and international clients. “Know Greater Value” speaks to the confidence and guidance that our clients realize when they work with us. It reinforces our commitment to delivering the highest levels of value, expertise and service in everything we do. Our clients Know Greater Connections, Know Greater Insights and Know Greater Value. “PKF O’Connor Davies” is the brand name under which PKF O’Connor Davies LLP and PKF O’Connor Davies Advisory LLC, independently owned entities, provide professional services in an alternative practice structure in accordance with applicable professional standards. PKF O’Connor Davies LLP is a licensed CPA firm that provides attest services and PKF O’Connor Davies Advisory LLC and its subsidiary entities provide tax and advisory services.

For more information, please visit pkfod.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

Media Contact

Michelle Goyke, PKF O’Connor Davies, 914-341-7615, mgoyke@pkfod.com, https://www.pkfod.com/

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SOURCE PKF O’Connor Davies

Technology

Ziegler Advises Strata Health Solutions Inc. On Acquisition by VitalHub Corp.

Published

12 mins ago

November 1, 2024

Ziegler, a specialty investment bank, is pleased to announce its role as exclusive financial advisor to Strata Health Solutions Inc. (“Strata Health”, “Strata” or the “Company”) on its acquisition by VitalHub, a leading software company dedicated to empowering Health and Human Services providers.

CHICAGO, Nov. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Ziegler, a specialty investment bank, is pleased to announce its role as exclusive financial advisor to Strata Health Solutions Inc. (“Strata Health”, “Strata” or the “Company”) on its acquisition by VitalHub, a leading software company dedicated to empowering Health and Human Services providers.

“Ziegler’s guidance on the presentation of our business, financials, and growth strategy led us to this great outcome. We ultimately could not be happier about the partnership with VitalHub…” said Peter Smith, President and CEO of Strata Health Solutions Inc.

Based in Canada, Strata Health designs, builds, and deploys software that improves access and navigation to care. Strata Health has over 80 health system partners and works with over 500 hospitals to provide over 800 thousand patient transitions annually. The company serves customers in Canada, the UK, the US, and New Zealand with offices internationally.

Strata Health extends VitalHub’s solution set into the electronic referral market, a large and growing market opportunity internationally. Poor transitions of care result in fragmented delivery, unsatisfactory patient outcomes, and billions of dollars of inefficient healthcare system spend annually. Strata Health’s digital suite solves for these problems with solutions like electronic referral, waitlist management, and placement automation.

“Strata Health Solutions offers a comprehensive, technology-driven approach to streamline patient transitions across the healthcare continuum, addressing a critical market need for improved efficiency and patient outcomes. Strata Health’s value proposition lies in its ability to significantly improve patient flow logistics, reduce wait times, minimize unplanned readmissions, and ultimately deliver better patient experiences which are themes we are constantly trying to solve for in today’s healthcare environment. Strata’s partnership with VitalHub will create an incredible opportunity to expand electronic referral solutions internationally” stated Grant Chamberlain, Senior Managing Director in Ziegler’s Healthcare Investment Banking Practice.

“Ziegler’s guidance on the presentation of our business, financials, and growth strategy led us to this great outcome. We ultimately could not be happier about the partnership with VitalHub. We look forward to enhancing our product and market roadmap with the support of the VitalHub platform,” said Peter Smith, President and CEO of Strata Health Solutions Inc.

Ziegler’s Healthcare Investment Banking team is focused on delivering best-in-class advisory and financing solutions for companies and organizations across the healthcare industry. In our core practice areas of healthcare services, information technology, hospitals, and senior living, Ziegler is one of the most active M&A firms offering differentiated sell-side, buy-side, recapitalization/restructuring, equity private placement, and strategic partnering services.

For more information about Ziegler, please visit us at http://www.ziegler.com.

About Ziegler:
Ziegler is a privately held investment bank, capital markets, and proprietary investments firm. Specializing in the healthcare, senior living and education sectors, as well as general municipal and structured finance, enables Ziegler to generate a positive impact on the clients and communities it serves. Headquartered in Chicago with regional and branch offices throughout the United States, Ziegler provides its clients with capital raising, strategic advisory services, equity and fixed income sales & trading and research. To learn more, visit http://www.ziegler.com.

Certain comments in this news release represent forward-looking statements made pursuant to the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This client’s experience may not be representative of the experience of other clients, nor is it indicative of future performance or success. The forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, in particular, the overall financial health of the securities industry, the strength of the healthcare sector of the U.S. economy and the municipal securities marketplace, the ability of the Company to underwrite and distribute securities, the market value of mutual fund portfolios and separate account portfolios advised by the Company, the volume of sales by its retail brokers, the outcome of pending litigation, and the ability to attract and retain qualified employees.

Media Contact

Christine McCarty, Ziegler, 3125961617, cmccarty@ziegler.com, www.ziegler.com

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SOURCE Ziegler