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ASEAN FinTech funding grew more than 10-fold in past decade, GenAI and Quantum Computing to power new era: FinTech in ASEAN 2024 report

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Optimism in ASEAN’s FinTech scene as Singapore and Thailand draw top funding this year.

SINGAPORE, Nov. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Funding for Financial Technology (FinTech) in ASEAN has surged more than 10 times since 2015[1], growing at an exponential rate compared to global FinTech funding. This fuelled growth in sectors such as payments and alternative lending, and is poised to advance further with the increasing prevalence of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and quantum computing. Jointly launched by UOB, PwC Singapore and the Singapore FinTech Association (SFA) today, the roundup edition of FinTech in ASEAN 2024 report: A decade of innovation report recaps the evolution of FinTech in the region from 2015 to 2024.

Weathering through the funding winter in recent years on the back of uncertain macroeconomic climate, FinTech investments in the six biggest ASEAN economies[2] are finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. ASEAN FinTech funding totalled US$1.41 billion in the first three quarters of this year (9M24), constituting four per cent of global FinTech funding, a one percentage point growth year-on-year (yoy). Though the region’s total funding was down by less than one per cent yoy, it was a significant recovery from the 71 per cent fall seen in 9M23 against 9M22.

Ms Janet Young, Managing Director and Group Head, Channels & Digitalisation and Strategic Communications & Brand, UOB, said, “FinTechs have evolved from a disruptive force to an essential component of financial ecosystems over the past decade. ASEAN’s FinTech sector continues to show promise, supported by improving macroenvironment and emergence of advanced technologies. UOB has been a long-term supporter of FinTechs and will continue to look for opportunities for collaboration to bring innovation and better solutions to our customers and stakeholders across ASEAN.”

The latest report showed regional FinTechs garnering more than US$20 billion in investments over the last decade, with close to 1,500 deals. FinTechs in payment and alternative lending sectors were the most sought, making up more than half of ASEAN’s total funding at US$6.5 billion and US$4.1 billion respectively.

Ms Wong Wanyi, FinTech Leader, PwC Singapore, said, “ASEAN’s FinTech sector is progressively making waves in global waters, demonstrating resilience and adaptability amidst macroeconomic uncertainties. Despite being in the game with larger economies, ASEAN’s FinTechs have steadily gained long-term investor confidence over the last decade. Going forward, the growing impact of quantum computing and GenAI will continue to push new frontiers in financial services, offering faster, more secure and intelligent solutions. We are at the epicentre of a transformation, where these advancements will not only drive unprecedented growth, but also firmly establish ASEAN as a global FinTech innovation leader.”

Mr Shadab Taiyabi, President, Singapore FinTech Association, said, “It is encouraging to see that ASEAN remains as a vibrant hub for FinTech innovation, with the sector demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of ongoing volatility. The FinTech ecosystem in Singapore continues to attract robust funding, driven by strong regulatory support and opportunities for cross-border collaboration. Looking ahead, SFA remains committed to foster the growth of the FinTech ecosystem while creating new opportunities for FinTechs to leverage emerging technologies and strategic partnerships that will further strengthen the ecosystem.”

The next decade of innovation

With the US Federal Reserve (Fed)’s recent interest rate cut in September 2024, the FinTech industry will likely receive a shot in the arm. Lower interest rates typically lead to cheaper funding, greater investor appetite from venture capital and higher valuations, ultimately improving exit opportunities. When Fed last cut interest rates in third quarter 2019 and further slashed it to a historical low during 2020 to 2021, ASEAN’s FinTech funding spiked and peaked at US$6.36 billion in 2021, the region’s highest amount in the past decade.

Beyond better macroeconomic environment, FinTechs worldwide are set to enter a new era catalysed by two advanced technologies – GenAI and quantum computing – which may potentially reshape the financial ecosystem significantly.

In 9M24, global funding injected into the GenAI sector increased by 38 per cent yoy. GenAI can significantly enhance customer experience in the FinTech sector with innovative personalised financial advice and products, improved fraud detection and risk management.

Another promising FinTech sector is quantum computing, which enables financial institutions to develop innovation solutions beyond boundaries of classic computers. It has the potential to revolutionise the FinTech sector in areas such as optimising investment strategies and enhancing security through advanced cryptography algorithms.

Singapore and Thailand lead ASEAN FinTech investments in 2024

Singapore snared the lion’s share of FinTech investments in ASEAN for the 10th consecutive year, securing more than half of the region’s total funding with US$745 million in 9M24. Singapore also topped the number of deals at 62 across nine FinTech categories. The Lion City housed the most FinTech unicorns in ASEAN since 2015, with six out of 16 unicorn firms. Notable FinTech unicorns include Advance Intelligence Group, the parent company of several AI financial service platforms including buy-now-pay-later platform Atome; and NIUM, a cross-border payments firm that has expanded globally and continued to raise a series E funding this year.

Thailand to rose to second place, ahead of last year’s runner up Indonesia, with US$341 million or 24 per cent of ASEAN’s Fintech funding in 9M24, backed by closing two mega deals[3].  Singapore and Thailand accounted for 76 per cent of total FinTech funding and close to 68 per cent of funding deals in ASEAN in 9M24, having clinched the only four mega deals in the region.

Two of the mega deals are seed- and early-stage[4] investments of more than US$240 million, boosting young FinTechs to make up more than 60 per cent of total funding in ASEAN. This reflects investors’ willingness to bet on budding innovation, and ASEAN is still seen as a fertile ground for new FinTechs to thrive with favorable long-term growth prospects, building the region’s growth in FinTech for the past decade.

The FinTech in ASEAN 2024: A decade of innovation report was launched at Singapore FinTech Festival today. For the full report, please visit go.uob.com/fintech2024.

[1] 9M15 vs 9M24
[2] Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam
[3] Funding deals of more than US$100 million. The two mega deals from Thailand are: Payment FinTech firm Ascend Money with US$195 million and financial blockchain firm GuildFi with US$140 million.
[4] Seed investments refer to seed and angel funding; Early-stage investments refer to Series A or B funding.

– Ends –

About UOB

UOB is a leading bank in Asia. Operating through its head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, UOB has a global network of around 500 offices in 19 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Since its incorporation in 1935, UOB has grown organically and through a series of strategic acquisitions. Today, UOB is rated among the world’s top banks: Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service and AA- by both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.

For nearly nine decades, UOB has adopted a customer-centric approach to create long-term value by staying relevant through its enterprising spirit and doing right by its customers. UOB is focused on building the future of ASEAN – for the people and businesses within, and connecting with, ASEAN.

The Bank connects businesses to opportunities in the region with its unparalleled regional footprint and leverages data and insights to innovate and create personalised banking experiences and solutions catering to each customer’s unique needs and evolving preferences. UOB is also committed to help businesses forge a sustainable future, by fostering social inclusiveness, creating positive environmental impact and pursuing economic progress. UOB believes in being a responsible financial services provider and is steadfast in its support of art, social development of children and education, doing right by its communities and stakeholders.

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SOURCE UOB

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Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Announces Proposed Exchangeable Senior Notes Offering

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AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: DLR), (“Digital Realty”), the largest global provider of cloud- and carrier-neutral data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions, today announced that its subsidiary, Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (“Digital Realty L.P.”), intends to offer, subject to market and other conditions, $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of exchangeable senior notes due 2029 (the “notes”) in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Digital Realty will fully and unconditionally guarantee the notes on a senior, unsecured basis. Digital Realty L.P. also expects to grant the initial purchasers of the notes an option to purchase, for settlement within a period of 13 days from, and including, the date the notes are first issued, up to an additional $150,000,000 principal amount of notes.

The notes will be senior, unsecured obligations of Digital Realty L.P., will accrue interest payable semi-annually in arrears and will mature on November 15, 2029, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or exchanged. Noteholders will have the right to exchange their notes in certain circumstances and during specified periods. Digital Realty L.P. will settle exchanges in cash and, if applicable, shares of Digital Realty’s common stock.

The notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part (subject to certain limitations), for cash at Digital Realty L.P.’s option at any time, and from time to time, on or after November 22, 2027 and on or before the 40th scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date, but only if the last reported sale price per share of Digital Realty’s common stock exceeds 130% of the exchange price for a specified period of time and certain other conditions are satisfied. The redemption price will be equal to the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.

If certain corporate events that constitute a “fundamental change” occur, then, subject to a limited exception, noteholders may require Digital Realty L.P. to repurchase their notes for cash. The repurchase price will be equal to the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the applicable repurchase date.

The notes will be entitled to the benefits of a registration rights agreement pursuant to which Digital Realty will agree to register, under the Securities Act, the resale of the shares of Digital Realty’s common stock, if any, issuable upon exchange of the notes within specified time periods and subject to certain limitations.

The interest rate, initial exchange rate and other terms of the notes will be determined at the pricing of the offering.

Digital Realty L.P. intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to temporarily repay borrowings outstanding under its global revolving credit facilities, acquire additional properties or businesses, fund development opportunities, and to provide for working capital and other general corporate purposes, including potentially for the repayment of other debt or the repurchase, redemption, or retirement of outstanding debt securities, or a combination of the foregoing.

The offer and sale of the notes, the guarantee and any shares of Digital Realty’s common stock issuable upon exchange of the notes have not been registered under the Securities Act or any other securities laws, and the notes and any such shares cannot be offered or sold except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any other applicable securities laws. Although Digital Realty L.P. and Digital Realty intend to enter into a registration rights agreement pursuant to which Digital Realty will agree to register, under the Securities Act, the resale of the shares of Digital Realty’s common stock, if any, issuable upon exchange of the notes, the registration rights agreement will contain significant limitations, and a resale registration statement may not be available at the time investors wish to resell the shares of Digital Realty’s common stock, if any, issuable upon exchange of their notes. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, the notes or any shares of Digital Realty’s common stock issuable upon exchange of the notes, nor will there be any sale of the notes or any such shares, in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or solicitation would be unlawful.

About Digital Realty

Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL®, the company’s global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data meeting place and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx®) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges. Digital Realty gives its customers access to the connected data communities that matter to them with a global data center footprint of 300+ facilities in 50+ metros across 25+ countries on six continents.

Investor Relations

Jordan Sadler / Jim Huseby
Digital Realty
+1 415 275 5344
InvestorRelations@digitalrealty.com

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the anticipated terms of the notes being offered, the completion, timing and size of the proposed offering and the intended use of the net proceeds. Forward-looking statements represent Digital Realty’s current expectations regarding future events and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements. Among those risks and uncertainties are market conditions, including market interest rates, the trading price and volatility of Digital Realty’s common stock and risks relating to Digital Realty’s business, including those described in periodic reports that Digital Realty files from time to time with the SEC. Digital Realty L.P. may not consummate the proposed offering described in this press release and, if the proposed offering is consummated, cannot provide any assurances regarding the final terms of the offering or the notes or its ability to effectively apply the net proceeds as described above. The forward-looking statements included in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release, and neither Digital Realty nor Digital Realty L.P. undertakes to update the statements included in this press release for subsequent developments, except as may be required by law.

 

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SOURCE Digital Realty Trust

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SOPHiA GENETICS and Genomenon Collaborate to Streamline Genetic Research

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The companies expand partnership to enhance genetic variant interpretation for cancers and rare diseases

BOSTON and ROLLE, Switzerland , Nov. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — SOPHiA GENETICS (Nasdaq: SOPH), a cloud-native healthcare technology leader in data-driven medicine, today announced the next step in the partnership between the Company and Genomenon, a leading genomic intelligence company, to support better, data-driven outcomes in the rare disease and oncology fields. The two companies have expanded the integration of Genomenon’s Mastermind® Genomic Intelligence Platform into SOPHiA GENETICS’ Alamut™ Visual Plus, to empower researchers and clinical geneticists with a solution that helps accelerate variant interpretation for rare disorders.

Time is crucial in gathering actionable insights for rare diseases and cancers due to the complexity and unknown elements of their genetic underpinnings. Identifying these variants often involves navigating limited literature and sparse data, as many rare disorders lack comprehensive studies. Delays in finding relevant information can hinder accurate analysis and interpretation of genomic variants. Many rare conditions have no cure, and easy access to relevant, comprehensive and well-organized information can help accelerate insights and health decisions.

Alamut™ Visual Plus is an advanced decision-support tool for the exploration, annotation, and interpretation of genetic variants from next-generation sequencing (NGS) data. Genomenon’s Mastermind® Genomic Intelligence Platform provides comprehensive curated evidence for genomic data, as well an indexed content from more than 10 million full-text articles. The integration of the two tools significantly enhances variant curation and interpretation by connecting the Alamut™ Visual Plus comprehensive, full genome browser for variant interpretation to a vast library of scientific research, offering critical insights even for rare variants with limited existing research. This partnership will prove especially valuable in such cases where findings from only a single study globally might be available that hold the key to understanding a variant’s pathogenicity. By offering immediate access to a broad spectrum of indexed data and curated genomic insights, researchers and clinicians can more efficiently assess the pathogenicity of variants, enabling them to make informed decisions with greater confidence.

“We are excited to expand our work with Genomenon and provide our customers the opportunity to access world-class tools like Mastermind® through our technology platform.” said Ross Muken, President, SOPHiA GENETICS. “This partnership simultaneously benefits our customers, who will gain a more comprehensive understanding of detected variants in a seamless, single platform, while providing Genomenon the opportunity to broaden its reach through our unmatched global network.”

“Collaborating with SOPHiA GENETICS allows us to provide geneticists and researchers with the most comprehensive and up-to-date genomic research available as they review patient data in Alamut,” said Mike Klein, CEO of Genomenon. “The links to Mastermind® from Alamut will put curated genomic data and the most recent research on every variant at the fingertips of clinicians assure patient diagnoses are informed by the most recent scientific findings in a single, complete workflow.”

For more information on SOPHiA GENETICS, visit SOPHiAGENETICS.COM, or connect on LinkedIn.

About SOPHiA GENETICS
SOPHiA GENETICS (Nasdaq: SOPH) is a cloud-native healthcare technology company on a mission to expand access to data-driven medicine by using AI to deliver world-class care to patients with cancer and rare disorders across the globe. It is the creator of the SOPHiA DDM™ Platform, which analyzes complex genomic and multimodal data and generates real-time, actionable insights for a broad global network of hospital, laboratory, and biopharma institutions. For more information, visit SOPHiAGENETICS.COM and connect with us on LinkedIn.

About Genomenon
Genomenon is a leading genomic intelligence company transforming patient care by uncovering the genomic drivers of genetic disease and cancer. By combining the power of AI built on the world’s premier genomic data set with genomic expertise, the company simplifies complex genetic data into actionable insights. Genomenon’s integrated software, data, and services solutions empower clients with advanced patient diagnosis and precision medicine development. For more information, visit GENOMENON.COM.

SOPHiA GENETICS products are for Research Use Only and not for use in diagnostic procedures unless specified otherwise. The information in this press release is about products that may or may not be available in different countries and, if applicable, may or may not have received approval or market clearance by a governmental regulatory body for different indications for use. Please contact support@sophiagenetics.com to obtain the appropriate product information for your country of residence.

SOPHiA GENETICS Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy, products, and technology, as well as plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on our management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to various factors, including those described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. No assurance can be given that such future results will be achieved. Such forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update these forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which such statements are based, unless required to do so by applicable law. No representations or warranties (expressed or implied) are made about the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements.

SOPHiA GENETICS Media Contact:
Kelly Katapodis
media@sophiagenetics.com

Genomenon Media Contact:
Colleen McMillen
cmcmillen@genomenon.com

Media Contact

Colleen McMillen, https://www.genomenon.com, 9173449360, cmcmillen@genomenon.com, https://www.genomenon.com

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SOURCE Genomenon

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Yaber and Pantone Color Institute Reunite: Introducing Yaber Projector L2s in Stunning Misty White and Lunar Rock

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NEW YORK, Nov. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Yaber, a pioneer of entertainment projectors, continues its strong collaboration with the Pantone Color Institute, introducing Yaber Projector L2s in two distinguished Pantone colors: the newly released Misty White and the previously celebrated Lunar Rock from the K3 series. This partnership elevates the projector’s aesthetic appeal, providing a stylish and accessible option for entry-level projector enthusiasts.

Misty White, emblematic of a vaporous daytime sky, is a softly subtle white with a blue-gray tint,” explains Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute. “Composed and cool in temperature and attitude, it signifies our desire for simple solutions and creative technologies that can enhance our lives.” Misty White brings a sense of peace and tranquility, giving Yaber Projector L2s a role beyond function, turning it into a symbol of refined living.

Reflecting Yaber’s vision of harmonious simplicity in home entertainment, Misty White aligns perfectly with modern, minimalist tastes. Meanwhile, Lunar Rock, with its timeless elegance, nods to Yaber’s successful K3 series collaboration, making it a striking choice for those who appreciate classic design.

Enjoy $110 off the L2s on Amazon U.S., now priced at $159.99 from the original $269.99. With options of the elegant Lunar Rock, the minimalist Misty White, and the standard color, Yaber Projector L2s allows users to express their personal style while enjoying top-tier performance.

About Yaber

Founded in 2018, Yaber stands as a pioneer of entertainment projectors, having successfully delivered over two million units to enthusiasts in more than 120 countries and regions worldwide. Notably, Yaber has been honored with prestigious awards, including the Red Dot Award and the CES Innovation Award 2024.

Yaber is committed to pushing the boundaries of both visual and audio excellence. Every Yaber projector is crafted to deliver exceptional experiences, embodying a pursuit of perfection and offering users outstanding audiovisual quality, as well as an enriching journey of continual self-transcendence.

For the latest updates, visit https://www.yaber.com/collections as Yaber continues redefining entertainment excellence.

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