XanPool Launches XanPay – New and More Efficient form of Payment Routing

HONG KONG, Nov 9, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Hong Kong-based Fintech Company XanPool (the "Company") having just raised raised it's US$4.3 million in a Pre-A financing last quarter, is pleased to announce that it has launched its latest, product XanPay.

XanPay is a unique payment routing technology that utilizes the Company's proprietary C2C-routing-technology and its network of Digital Currency Liquidity Providers to enable cross-border payments between payment service providers, merchants and their customers. XanPay's software allows its partners to instantly route and settle their cross border payments without any custody risk, simply by integrating with XanPay's REST API.

What this means in practice, is that payment service providers that use XanPay's routing technology, are now able to settle their merchant payments instantly, at minimal cost. Whereas conventional payment routing requires long settlement times – from days to weeks – to clear payments between merchant and customer.

The Company is currently already integrated with over 20 payment service providers and merchant acquirers in Asia, helping them route cross border payments in seconds instead of days, without taking custody of their customers' funds throughout the entire process.

XanPay's routing technology currently supports over 15+ countries and currencies including but not limited to Hong Kong S.A.R., Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia, China, Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, India, and Vietnam, connecting the currencies and local payment methods of over 50% of the world's population into a single software stack.

Commenting on the XanPay launch, Daniel De Weyer, previously the Global Clients Director at SWIFT (the world's oldest and most established payment routing company), now having joined XanPay full time, said, "I'm incredibly excited about the XanPay product. Having worked for over 20 years at SWIFT, I instantly saw the value of XanPay's C2C-rounting-technology alongside the usage of Digital Currencies. I have big ambitions for XanPay, and am excited to grow it into an organization with global capabilities making it the go to routing provider for local, regional and global clients".

Evonne Tan, Business Manager at XanPay, said, "Our aim is to offer our business partners and merchants the quickest and most affordable infrastructure for the routing of money across the region (to enable cross-border payments); The interesting thing about XanPay's infrastructure is that the more businesses use it, the faster and cheaper it becomes. This occurs when our C2C network volumes increase, which allows us to optimize our network liquidity better."

Merchants in Asia are encumbered by legacy payments routing institutions, intermediaries, and infrastructure, forcing these merchants to have to contend with high costs and long settlement periods. Digital Currencies routed through XanPay's C2C network can enable instant, cross-border routing and settlement, cutting out a lot of middlemen. Such as, for example, a Bangladeshi merchant will be able to accept Singapore dollars with Paynow, while receiving Bangladeshi Taka into his bank account within a few minutes.

Jeffery Liu, Chief Executive Officer at XanPool, and Daniel De Weyer, Director of Banking Relationships at XanPool are available for interviews.

Media contact
Company: XanPool
Contact: Fred Tan, Marketing & PR Manager
Email: Fred@XanPool.com & Support@XanPool.com
Phone: +852 5334 3110 (for Whatsapp Only)
Website: https://xanpool.com/

Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Raffles Financial Appoints Mike Zhou as Executive Director

SINGAPORE, Nov 6, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Raffles Financial Group Limited (CSE: RICH) (FSE: 4VO) (OTC: RAFFF) today announced that it has appointed Mike Zhou, previously Independent Director, as Executive Director for North America.

Mr. Zhou's expertise, developed over the course of a decade, covers capital markets and international business strategy with a special focus on the technology sector. In recent years, he has held management positions and director roles throughout the FinTech, digital marketing, consulting, and financial sectors.

From 2013 to 2015, Mr. Zhou served as Manager of Corporate Development for BiYond (China) Corp. Under his management, the firm successfully launched a multi-million-dollar FinTech Joint Venture and structured the merger & acquisition of a digital marketing corporation. In late 2015, Mr. Zhou also co-founded a private investment and consulting firm.

"Mike's industry background and in-depth knowledge of the FinTech sector paired with deep understanding of the Canadian capital markets landscape is a valuable asset for Raffles as we move towards our goal of becoming a global diversified financial services firm. We are pleased to have him on our Board and are excited to see the North American chapter of Raffles' story develop further," said Dr. Charlie In, Chairman of Raffles.

About Raffles Financial Group Limited (CSE: RICH) (FSE: 4VO) (OTC: RAFFF)

Raffles Financial Pte Ltd (a wholly owned subsidiary of Raffles Financial Group Limited) is an exempt corporate finance advisory firm, registered with the Monetary Authority of Singapore, which provides public listing advisory and arrangement services. Raffles Financial serves as advisor for family trusts, family offices and investment funds. Please visit www.rafflesfinancial.co for more information.

For more information, please contact:
Cathy Hume, Investor Relations
Phone: 416-868-1079 x 231
Email: cathy@chfir.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain statements contained in this release may constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively "forward-looking information") as those terms are used in Canadian securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated", "anticipates" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/67583

Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Raffles Financial Enters into Joint Venture Agreement with Raffles Infrastructure Investment

SINGAPORE, Nov 3, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Raffles Financial Pte Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Raffles Financial Group Limited (CSE: RICH) (FSE: 4VO) (OTC: RAFFF) ("Raffles", "the Company" or "RF"), today announces that the Company has entered into a Joint Venture Agreement with Raffles Infrastructure Investment Pte Ltd. ("RII"), a subsidiary of Raffles Infrastructure Holdings Limited listed in Singapore under symbol LUY. The Parties intend to collaborate in a joint venture company ("JVC"), MFUND Limited, which upon completion shall be renamed into "Raffles Infrastructure Capital Limited", a company incorporated in Hong Kong.

The joint venture is in line with the Company's long-term objective of seeking opportunities and growth of its business and operations.

"Asia infrastructure spending is forecast at US$5.3 trillion by 2025*. Raffles Infrastructure's core competency is in the planning and developing of infrastructural projects in Asia, particularly China, while Raffles Financial is focused on the global fund raising and corporate finance advisory. The JV can provide a complete suite of infrastructure development solutions to governments and their developers," comments Dr. Charlie In, Chairman of Raffles Financial.

* Source: PWC APEC Infrastructure Development

The principal activity of the JVC will be to provide advisory and management services such as:
A. Funding of infrastructure projects commissioned by government and/or developers
B. Appointment & appraisal, including payment approvals, of EPC contractors and suppliers
C. Marketing and leasing of the projects to secure buyers and tenants
D. Sale of developments to REITS, Business Trusts and Funds

The key targets are Asian governments and developers of infrastructure projects such as highways, rail systems, air/sea ports, logistic hubs, clean energy stations, telecommunication towers, cloud & data centres, and government facilities like hospitals, schools, national parks, water plants, energy grids.

The JVC will not invest in these developments; it will provide advisory and management services.

Raffles Financial Group Limited

Terms of the Joint Venture Agreement

The Parties shall procure that JVC is incorporated with an initial issued and paid up share capital of HKD 200 divided into 200 shares. The number of shares and the respective shareholding held by each party are set forth below:

Number of Shares – Percentage of Enlarged Share Capital
RII: 100 Shares, 50%
RF: 100 Shares, 50%

The Board shall comprise up to three Directors. RII shall be entitled to appoint two Directors to the Board and RF shall be entitled to appoint one Director to the Board.

About Raffles Financial Group Limited (CSE: RICH) (FSE: 4VO) (OTC: RAFFF)

Raffles Financial Pte Ltd (a wholly owned subsidiary of Raffles Financial Group Limited) is an exempt corporate finance advisory firm, registered with the Monetary Authority of Singapore, which provides public listing advisory and arrangement services. Raffles Financial serves as advisor for family trusts, family offices and investment funds. Please visit www.rafflesfinancial.co for more information.

For more information, please contact:
Cathy Hume, Investor Relations
Phone: 416-868-1079 x 231
Email: cathy@chfir.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain statements contained in this release may constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively "forward-looking information") as those terms are used in Canadian securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated", "anticipates" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward looking information relating to the business of the Company, the anticipated partnerships with financial institutions worldwide and the growth potential through Province Representatives. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/67290

Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Hangcheng GBA Youth Entrepreneurship (Employment) Camp: Helping Returning Students Starting Jobs or Own Businesses

SHENZHEN, CHINA, Oct 31, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – The Greater Bay Area / GBA Youth Entrepreneurship (Employment) Camp, open for only three months, proudly announces success in helping overseas students find jobs and start their own businesses. More than 50 job seekers and entrepreneurs have joined the Camp for consultation and classes, while 16 entrepreneurial teams have settled in. The Camp held activities during this first quarter, talent, entrepreneurship and policy meetings, lectures on intellectual property (IP) and legal ownership, and courses to help prepare graduates and resident teams to solve issues they will encounter as entrepreneurs. At the same time, Hangcheng GBA Youth Entrepreneurship (Employment) Camp has published articles addressing policies, questions and apprehensions, empowering overseas students returnees.



To help returning overseas students find jobs, and provide an entrepreneurial environment free of worries, Hangcheng, Bao'an District, Shenzhen established the Hangcheng GBA Youth Entrepreneurship (Employment) Camp. [10/27/20]



The Coronavirus outbreak of 2020 brought challenges to all countries; an International Labor Organization survey suggested that one-sixth of the world's young people remain unemployed. The pandemic isn't subsiding, and entrepreneurship and employment are tested to their limits. The employment situation for overseas students is even more worrying: these students cannot return to China and can only stay abroad; all the major enterprises have laid-off workers or reduced their salaries, making it difficult for the most competitive international students to find jobs, or face unemployment. The pandemic has impacted the original supply chain and capital chain for entrepreneurs, dealing many entrepreneurial teams fatal blows.

To reverse the social impact of the epidemic, the Chinese government has made employment and entrepreneurship a major task over this and the next few years. Various parts of China have issued favorable policies on employment and entrepreneurship, tried every possible means to stabilize and expand employment, and actively supported the masses' Entrepreneurship and innovation. In terms of talent recruitment, Shenzhen Special Economic Zone has been at the forefront of the country. To help returning overseas students find jobs, and provide an entrepreneurial environment free of worries for returnees, the Hangcheng Sub-district, Bao'an District, Shenzhen, established the Hangcheng GBA Youth Entrepreneurship (Employment) Camp.

Bao'an District of Shenzhen is the heartland of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, close to the airport wharf and Bao'an International Airport. Bao'an is an important place of industry and innovation in Shenzhen and Guangdong Province. Bao'an District was selected eighth of the top 100 districts in China, In 2018; on March 4, 2020, Bao'an District ranked in the National Demonstration Base of New Industrialization by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. This is where the Hangcheng GBA Youth Entrepreneurship (Employment) Camp was founded.

Bao'an's unique geographical and economic advantages will likely provide even more help for the entrepreneur. For overseas students, the main causes of employment difficulties are the lag of domestic employment news, maladjustment to the domestic environment, and lack of work experience. To assist with these issues, the Hangcheng GBA Youth Entrepreneurship (Employment) Camp, with it's well established services system, provides the following:

– Help returning overseas students with an academic degree certification, in the form of settlement introductions, subsidy applications, and other guides;
– Resume optimization, interview guidance, career planning, and other help in updating the latest recruitment information in Bao'an District;
– Organizing enterprise introductory activities for overseas students to visit key enterprises in Bao'an, so as to help them better integrate into the domestic environment.
– Professional policy consultants and senior HR to solve overseas students' employment problems.

As for returnee entrepreneurial teams, Hangcheng GBA Youth Entrepreneurship (Employment) Camp will surely become a leading choice to start a business back home. In addition to its Greater Bay Area location, the Hangcheng GBA Youth Entrepreneurship (Employment) Camp can provide 3-6 months of free office space for an entrepreneurial team. The space features a beautiful environment with complete support facilities: Additional to the office area are a reception area, roadshow hall, conference room, multi-function room, and other features. At the same time, it is equipped with a cafe, book bar, gym, and shower room, providing leisure space for entrepreneurs.

Free venues for entrepreneurs are provided in the early stage of entrepreneurship. Lectures on policy, business, finance, taxation, and legal affairs and invite experts to answer questions and doubts for entrepreneurs will be held time to time. Cooperation with investment institutions to provide financial support for entrepreneurs' one-on-one investment in the middle stage of entrepreneurship, and match the appropriate follow-up incubation resources for entrepreneurs when the team matures.

To know more, please send a CV and project introduction to: bella@hexcubes.com

Contact: Eve@hexcubes.com
Telephone: +86 17603014024
Website: https://www.hexcubes.com
Address: Floor 2, Building 2, Baoxing Widsom City,
Qianjin No.2 Road, Baoan District, Shenzhen, China

Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Raffles Announces 2020 Fiscal Year-End Financial Results

Vancouver, BC, Oct 29, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Raffles Financial Group Limited (CSE: RICH) (FSE: 4VO) (OTC: RAFFF) ("Raffles" or "the Company") today announces its financial results for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020, highlighted by revenue of $8,866,672 and adjusted comprehensive income before other items and income tax expenses of $12,220,573. All amounts expressed are in Singapore dollars.

2020 Financial Highlights:

– Total Revenue of $8,866,672 (2019: $11,533,334)
– Adjusted comprehensive income before other items and income tax expenses3 of $12,220,573 (2019: $10,750,652)
– Cash Flow from operations of $7,044,654 (2019: $11,002,734)
– The Company generated cash inflow from financing activities of $20,296,000 (2019: cash outflow of $8,900,000) related to the completion of a private placement for gross proceeds of $20,296,000.

Comparative Summary of Key Financial Metrics for 2019 and 2020

2020 – 2019
Revenue $8,866,672 $11,533,334
Unrealized gain on investments $4,748,139 –
Operating expenses(*1) $1,565,443 $782,682
Listing expenses for RTO(*2) $6,052,280 –
Adjusted comprehensive income before other items and income tax expenses(*3) $12,220,573 $10,750,652
Net Income (Loss) ($425,229) $9,560,301

(*1) Operating expenses do not include interest, taxes, depreciation (including impairment of intangible assets) and amortization, and other non-recurring Items and non-cash accounting expenses.
(*2) Listing expense relates to the RTO in the amount of $6,052,280, which comprised of a non-cash acquisition consideration of $5,479,920 recognised under IFRS 3 in accounting for the reverse take over transaction ("RTO").
(*3) Adjusted comprehensive income before other items and income tax expenses equals income before other items and income tax expenses plus other comprehensive income includes Foreign currency translation and unrealized gain on investments.

Review of 2020

The Company's sole operating subsidiary, Raffles Financial Private Limited ("RFP"), first appeared in the second quarter of the calendar year 2020, marking the beginning of the Company tapping into the corporate finance advisory segment exclusively. From a financial standpoint, the Company was able to exceed its revenue and earning objectives for the year. From an operational standpoint, the Company disposed its old business and continued to make inroads into the Asia financial market through its services provided by RFP. The highly customisable service provided to its small to medium clients, coupled with its unique professional and low-cost service, are value-propositions that continue to resonate with and account for its adoption rate among industry players.

Outlook for 2021

– Significant opportunities for Raffles as many business owners and investors are seeking solutions to their financial situations amid the COVID-19 pandemic;
– Rising wave of acquisitive Chinese companies venturing beyond their national borders has created an uptick in outbound transactions;
– Asia-Pacific is expected to continue to dominate global IPO activity year-to-date in 2020 by volume.

Future Plans

– To expand our market by adding more Provincial Representatives;
– To enter into Strategic Partnerships and cooperation with international banks, venture capital firms, incubators, etc.;
– To invest in businesses that meet our investment criteria and guidelines;
– To strengthen our market liquidity and shareholder base.

Fiscal 2020 Financial Results Summary

The Company generated revenues of $8,866,672, which was derived from two major service segments, namely financial advisory service and licensing service (compared to $11,533,334 in fiscal 2019). The difference in revenue between fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2020 can be attributed to:

– the COVID-19 pandemic which caused travel restrictions and shutdowns that delayed and suspended the delivery of our advisory services (namely Re-structuring & Corporate Finance Advisory ("RCF"), IPO & Global Fund Raising Advisory ("IRS") and Fund, Family Office, Trust Advisory ("FOT")), and created difficulties for the Company to service clients in most of the major cities in which the Company operates including, among others, China, Hong Kong and Singapore;
– there were no FOT advisory service agreements entered into with clients so no fee income from FOT services during 2020 ($1,500,000 in 2019);
– suspension in licensing services with clients pursuant to force majeure clause in response to the COVID-19 outbreak since January 2020. The Company had agreed with its clients (the Regional Representatives) who were based in the PRC to suspend the contracted licensing services commencing in January 2020. The COVID-19 outbreak had a significant impact not only on the Company itself but also the Company's clients in PRC, as they had been hindered from performing their obligations under their service agreements due to the lockdown imposed by the local authorities and market downturn during and after the COVID-19 outbreak. Consequently, licensing services with clients was suspended until the clients can fully resume operations.

Administrative expenses for fiscal 2020 amounted to $1,565,443, compared to $782,682 in 2019. The difference between fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2020 was mainly due to:

– a non-cash item of share-based compensation of $297,610 pertaining to stock options granted to certain management and directors of the Company (2019: nil);
– a business development and marketing expenses amounting to $205,727 (2019: nil);
– increased professional fees, directors fee and staff costs arising from the RTO transaction and incurred after listing.

The comprehensive income for the year was $4,494,115 compared to $9,560,301 in 2019.

Excluding the listing expense related to the RTO in the amount of $6,052,280 (it comprised of a non-cash consideration of $5,479,920 recognised under IFRS 3 in accounting for the RTO), the Company made a comprehensive income of $10,546,395 in 2020 (comprising of operating profits of $5,627,051 and other comprehensive Income of $4,919,344). In 2019, the Company had a comprehensive income of $9,560,301.

Full details of the Company's 2020 financial results can be found in the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) for the years ended June 30, 2020, which are available at www.sedar.com.

About Raffles Financial Group Limited (CSE: RICH) (FSE: 4VO) (OTC: RAFFF)

Raffles Financial Pte. Ltd. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Raffles Financial Group Limited) is an exempt corporate finance advisory firm, registered with the Monetary Authority of Singapore, which provides public listing advisory and arrangement services. Raffles Financial serves as advisor for family trusts, family offices and investment funds. Please visit www.rafflesfinancial.co for more information.

For more information, please contact:
Cathy Hume, Investor Relations
Phone: 416-868-1079 x 231
Email: cathy@chfir.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain statements contained in this release may constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively "forward-looking information") as those terms are used in Canadian securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated", "anticipates" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to the business of the Company, the anticipated partnerships with financial institutions worldwide and the growth potential through Province Representatives. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/67117

Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Endowus launches Fund Smart for Singapore investors: Build customisable portfolios with direct access to curated institutional best-in-class funds from the world’s leading asset managers

SINGAPORE, Oct 26, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Endowus.com, Singapore's leading MAS-licensed digital wealth management platform and the first and only digital advisor for the Central Provident Fund (CPF), has announced the launch of their new investment solution – Fund Smart. Singapore investors can now build investment portfolios from a selection of institutional share-class and trailer-fee free funds curated by the Endowus Investment Office, led by Samuel Rhee, Chairman & Chief Investment Officer at Endowus. This new solution gives investors the ability to customise their fund allocations, analyse the historical and projected performance, as well as look-through the underlying exposure and total costs across the selected funds. It also provides real time advice to investors on the suitability of the portfolio they have created against their financial needs. Similar to existing Endowus investment offerings, Fund Smart has no sales fees, no transaction fees, no lock-ups and 100% trailer fee rebates. Endowus has also built in automated rebalancing and regular savings plans capabilities to improve the client investment experience.

Endowus launched a market survey to better understand Singaporeans' investment preferences and needs prior to designing Fund Smart. The majority of respondents indicated a strong preference for the flexibility to customise their own investment portfolios, with exposure to specific geographies or sectors (74.5%) and lower costs (84%) as key considerations. Endowus Investment Office sought to design a differentiated investment solution to take into consideration Singaporeans' investment needs and also provide quality advice in the form of curated fund selection and model portfolios.

Samuel Rhee, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer at Endowus, said: "Fund Smart's value proposition is clear. People struggle with too many options – a growing array of platforms, and far too many funds to choose from with confusing fee structures. Transparency is important to us as it should be to our clients. We want our clients to experience the same quality of advice we have provided with our core portfolio products, but now with greater flexibility as we introduce a new way of investing through Fund Smart. Stick to our advised and new model portfolios, or make the tweaks you need. It's that simple. And at the same low and aligned fees you can't get elsewhere."

The curated model portfolios include an ultra-defensive fixed income portfolio to prioritise capital preservation to weather volatility in markets and also flexible cash management solutions, as well as thematic and sector-focused portfolios such as ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) or SRI (Socially Responsible Investing) funds, Shariah-compliant funds, and thematic funds.

Funds available on Fund Smart include those managed by Dimensional Fund Advisors, PIMCO, Vanguard, Schroders, First Sentier, Franklin Templeton, Eastspring, Fidelity, PineBridge, Legg Mason, Fullerton, Lion Global, Nikko, and UOB Asset Management.

Endowus' no sales fee and 100% trailer fee rebate policy not only lowers the total cost of investment, but also ensures alignment of interests with the investors. As a fee-only advisory firm, Endowus is not incentivised by product providers paying them hidden sales kickbacks. The average net cost of managing portfolios with Endowus is 65% cheaper than trying to replicate the portfolios on popular platforms and private banks in the market.

Kimberley Stafford, Managing Director and Head of PIMCO Asia Pacific said, "PIMCO has had the pleasure to collaborate with Endowus since their launch. With its unique solution offerings and the launch of the new innovative Fund Smart solution, we believe Endowus, as an industry leading digital wealth management platform, will help broaden PIMCO's outreach to retail investors in Singapore and provide them with the access to our fuller range of global fixed income investment solutions."

Gregory Van, Founding Partner at Endowus, said "Fund Smart provides transparency and flexibility for clients to express their investment views through access to best-in-class funds, all on a secure wealth platform that is home to all their money – Cash, CPF and SRS. We will continue to help clients cut through the clutter, keep fees low and aligned, and improve everyone's investment experience."

Joel Kim, CEO of Dimensional Asia ex-Japan, said "Dimensional is pleased to have worked with Endowus since they started serving Singaporean investors. They are one of the pioneers of fee-based independent advice in Singapore with a strong focus on low cost, transparent and systematic approach to investing. Endowus' launch of the Fund Smart solution is a significant evolution in their advice offering for Singaporeans wishing to invest more of their savings with Dimensional through Endowus."

Safety and Security together with Ease of Use Are Still Important

According to the investor survey conducted, the safety and security of the platform (83.9%) are crucial deciding factors in determining where Singaporeans invest. Through Endowus' partnership with Singapore's largest broker UOB Kay Hian, all client assets and investments are safely held in trust under the client's own name. As with all of the Fintech company's product offerings, Endowus Fund Smart gives users a fully digital, fuss-free onboarding experience using MyInfo within minutes from the comfort of their own homes.

About Endowus

Endowus.com is a MAS-licensed financial technology company and the first-and-only digital investment advisor for the Central Provident Fund (CPF), Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS), and cash.

Endowus offers access to superior investment products, personalised advice, and lower costs on a seamless digital investment platform for all investors. Partnered with UOB Kay Hian, Singapore's largest broker, client assets and positions are safely held in the client's own name. For more info, please visit www.endowus.com/

For media queries, please contact:
PRecious Communications for Endowus
E: endowus@preciouscomms.com
T: +65 6303 0567 / +65 9644 2930

Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Raffles Financial Announces Strategic Cooperation with Shanghai Lingang Free Trade Zone Technology Hub

SINGAPORE, Oct 26, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Raffles Financial Group Limited (CSE: RICH) (FSE: 4VO) (OTC: RAFFF) today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary Raffles Financial Private Limited ("Raffles") has entered into a 3-Year Strategic Cooperation Agreement (the "Agreement") with Shanghai Lingang Technology Entrepreneurship Center Co., Ltd. ("Lingang") on October 22, 2020 (the "Cooperation").

Raffles, equipped with professional background and experience in corporate finance, will support Lingang in building an incubation centre for fast-growing tech firms with leading disruptive technologies. Raffles' role is to assist in screening, inviting, coaching, developing "mega unicorn potential" companies with the aim to secure funding via public listing on major stock exchanges worldwide.

"Lingang has 17 hubs, hosting more than 20,000 high-tech firms, spread across the key provinces in China and Raffles' mandate is to provide these and future hubs with the full suite of Raffles Financial solutions including bespoke services designed for Lingang like the Unicorn Acceleration Program," explained Dr. Charlie In, Chairman of Raffles.

Raffles will also provide the Lingang companies with advisory and arrangement services in financing restructuring, overseas listing, mergers and acquisitions, overseas trusts, global strategic alliances, investor relations, post-listing market development and corporate governance.

About Lingang Technology Hub

Shanghai Lingang Technology Entrepreneurship Center Co., Ltd. ("Lingang") is located in the International Innovation Collaboration Zone of the Lingang New Area of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone ("FTZ"), established in August 2019, that serves as a national technology incubation hub. The FTZ priority is to attract 'mega unicorn' technology companies into Lingang with preferential governmental policies and tax rates, seamless cross-border financial, talent, and technology transfers starting with the Shanghai Technology Exchange.

Technology players in the artificial intelligence, biotech, green energy & environment technologies, financial technologies, integrated circuits and life sciences will be invited to house their HQ in Lingang. Lingang is now home to global firms like Tesla, BMW, General Electric (GE), and Siemens.

About Raffles Financial Group Limited (CSE: RICH) (GR: 4VO) (OTC: RAFFF)

Raffles Financial Pte Ltd (a wholly owned subsidiary of Raffles Financial Group Limited) is an exempt corporate finance advisory firm, registered with the Monetary Authority of Singapore, which provides public listing advisory and arrangement services. Raffles Financial serves as advisor for family trusts, family offices and investment funds. Please visit www.rafflesfinancial.co for more information.

For more information, please contact:
Cathy Hume, Investor Relations
Phone: 416-868-1079 x 231
Email: cathy@chfir.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain statements contained in this release may constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively "forward-looking information") as those terms are used in Canadian securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated", "anticipates" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to the business of the Company, the anticipated partnerships with financial institutions worldwide and the growth potential through Province Representatives. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

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Bixin Ventures Announces $100M Proprietary Capital Fund to Support Global Blockchain Ecosystem

HONG KONG, Oct 22, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Bixin Ventures has launched a $100 million proprietary capital fund to support the global blockchain ecosystem and infrastructure necessary for the future of open finance through a permissionless and decentralized network.

Bixin Ventures participated as co-lead investor in a strategic round for O(1) Labs, the team incubating Mina Protocol, contributing US$ 2M to the raise, and has invested in projects including Microbit, xDai, Algorand, Nervos, Arweave, Conflux, Certik, and Marlin.

Earlier in 2020, Bixin Ventures announced a $66 million proprietary fund of funds enabling hedge funds and liquidity providers to strengthen the global liquidity framework in Bitcoin markets, with qualifying fund recipients satisfying fully denominated BTC criteria.

"One of our primary priorities is to help make the ecosystem truly global. Our investment team is working alongside the founders to provide guidance and expertise for growth in Asia," said Wang Xi, partner at Bixin Ventures.

Bixin mining operations are currently operating at 300 megawatt-hour capacity, boasting ~3,000 peta hash per second (PH/s) of computing power, which accounts for roughly 2% of the global Bitcoin network. Bixin Wallet has over 1 million retail users and has been one of the incumbent crypto wallets available in Asia.

Bixin has presence around the world with primary offices located in Hong Kong. Bixin aims to solve long standing issues, create long term value and provide long term support for the Bitcoin ecosystem. Please visit the official websites at https://bixin.com/ and https://bixinvc.com to learn more.

Media Contact
invest@bixin.com

About Bixin



Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Woori BMO Group Comments on Finance of America Set for IPO

TORONTO, ONTARIO , Oct 16, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Woori BMO Group has today commented on Blackstone Group-backed consumer-leading platform Finance of America Equity Capital LLC as they get set to go public with a valuation of $1.9 billion through a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) merger, the popular way to list this year.

"Finance of America is merging with the special-purpose acquisition company Replay Acquisition Corp. This will give the company a valuation of $1.9 billion. The company will also receive $250 million in investment from institutional investors as part of the deal," commented Christian Harper, Director of EMEA Wealth Management at Woori BMO Group.

As a result of the transaction, the Pennsylvania-headquartered company's founder and CEO Bill Dallas and funds managed by Blackstone will be left with a 70% ownership stake.

This year, SPACs have emerged as a popular IPO substitute for some businesses, offering a route to going public with less regulatory oversight and more clarity about the valuation that will be reached and the funds that will be raised.

"So far in 2020, U.S. SPACs have raised $53.8 billion through IPOs, which is more than the total raised in the last seven years," commented Director of Institutional Equity at Woori BMO Group, Andrew Williams.

Finance of America has generated over $65 billion in loans through its collection of companies since 2017, according to researchers at Woori BMO Group. The company operates in four emerging markets including Commercial Real Estate, Mortgages, Reverse Mortgages and Fixed Income Investing. In recent years, Blackstone has evolved Finance of America through a series of acquisitions, including purchases of Gateway Funding, Pinnacle Capital Mortgage and Skyline Home Loans.

In the third quarter, Finance of America generated over $7.4 billion, the highest of any quarter on record for the end-to-end lending and services platform. Like other mortgage lenders, the Blackstone portfolio company has highly benefited from ultra-low interest rates and a huge demand for refinancing business.

About Woori BMO Group

Founded in 2007, Woori BMO Group is a full-service wealth management company providing both corporate institutions and private clients a tailored financial advisory service from its retail office in Toronto, Canada.

Media Contact
Company: Woori BMO Group
Contact: Mr. Shinsato Masao, Chief Economist
Telephone: +1-647-946-8880
Email: shinsato.masao@wbginternational.com
Address: 25F Exchange Tower, 130 King Street West, Toronto, ON, Canada M5X 1E3

Related Links
Woori BMO Group https://www.wbginternational.com/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/66036

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Broncus Closes Series C Financing

HONG KONG, Oct 14, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Broncus Holding Company ("Broncus"), a global leader in diagnostic and therapeutic technology for lung diseases, today announced the closing of a Series C round of funding led by Lake Bleu Capital, and including Baidu Capital, the venture arm of one of the world's largest Internet and data science companies, Ascendum Capital, CNCB Capital and DCP Capital, along with previous investor Qiming Venture Capital.





The funds will be used to further develop markets and technology across lung cancer, emphysema and other important lung diseases. Efforts will include expanding global market adoption of the Archimedes Virtual Bronchoscopic Navigation System combining Fused Fluoroscopy, real-time bronchoscopy and virtual bronchoscopic navigation for 3D views and access to nodules anywhere in the lungs; expanded commercial adoption and global clinical studies of the InterVapor System for Bronchoscopic Thermal Vapor Ablation (BTVA) used in emphysema; U.S. and European studies of the EMPOWER RF Catheter used in Bronchoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation (BRFA); and further development of next-generation RF technology to precisely treat lung nodules.

Zhan Guowei, CEO of Broncus, said, "In recent years, medical device leaders such as Medtronic and Johnson & Johnson have invested in the market development of technologies for lung disease, which validates our forward-looking vision to focus exclusively on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the lung. Securing investors such as Lake Bleu Capital, Baidu Capital and Intuitive Surgical further supports our strategy to 'own' the lung when it comes to diagnosis and treatment. Our breakthrough navigation technology is enabling us to accelerate the development and commercialization of precise interventional technologies for diagnosis and treatment in order to improve options for patients with lung diseases and the physicians that care for them."

Dr. Li Bin, founder of Lake Bleu Capital, said: "Broncus is Lake Bleu's major investment in the medical device sector this year because they are addressing a large and unmet need globally in the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases. Their world-leading Archimedes lung navigation technology is supported with robust data and uniquely helps physicians accurately locate and reach targeted lesions, which will open the door to new and exciting interventional lung therapies. We believe that Broncus is well positioned to lead the world in providing less invasive methods to diagnose and treat lung disease broadly."

Broncus recently announced a new strategic partnership with Olympus Europa to exclusively distribute Broncus Medical's Archimedes Planner and Archimedes Lite Virtual Bronchoscopic Navigation (VBN) system in several European countries.

Early investors in the company include Intuitive Surgical, an early pioneer and global technology leader in minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgery.

About Broncus Holding Company
Broncus is dedicated to the development of diagnostic and therapeutic technology for lung disease. Founded in 2012, the company's primary technology platforms focus on the diagnosis of lung cancer and the treatment of emphysema. Its lung cancer portfolio includes the Archimedes System, Archimedes Planner, LungPoint Virtual Bronchoscopic Navigation (VBN) System, LungPoint Planner and FleXNeedle.

The Archimedes System has been cleared by the FDA (U.S.), CE (Europe) and NMPA (China) and had broad patent protection globally. The InterVapor System has received the CE Mark.

About Lake Bleu Capital
Lake Bleu Capital is an investment platform that specializes in healthcare in Asia/Greater China. As one of the largest healthcare public equity funds in Asia, the USD public equity fund under Lake Bleu Capital has won multiple industry-leading performance awards for the region of Asia ex-Japan. Meanwhile, Lake Bleu Capital has also focused on private equity investments in the Chinese healthcare industry, successfully completing multiple investments in flagship innovative companies across different healthcare subsectors.

Media Contact:
Broncus
Shirley Deng Email: shirley.deng@dnamedtech.com


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