Latest news with #Sandbox
Business Insider
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
THE SANDBOX GAME MAKER 0.12 UPDATE ENHANCES MULTIPLAYER GAMEPLAY AND EMPOWERS CREATORS TO BUILD MORE IMMERSIVE WORLDS
The 0.12 update introduces new player abilities, saved progress, and no-code creator tools, powering polished multiplayer gameplay and the next wave of UGC Experiences. The Sandbox, the social gaming metaverse where people come together to create, connect, and play, today launched its latest product update: Game Maker and Game Client 0.12. This update brings upgraded multiplayer tools, new movement abilities, cinematic UI polish, and saved progress support for players. For creators, the release introduces no-code tools for smarter NPCs, more dynamic game mechanics, integrated sound design powered by WWise with access to over 2,500 new sounds, and new game templates and asset libraries. The Sandbox Game Maker and Game Client 0.12 are now available on PC and Mac, and can be downloaded for free from More Gameplay. More Fun. With this most recent update, The Sandbox continues evolving, providing a fully playable, gamified platform that gives players more ways to move, connect, and experience the metaverse together. Game progress can now be saved in select experiences. Smarter chat systems, including Metaverse Chat for connecting across the platform and Local Chat for in-game teamwork, help drive co-experience and social play. A new cinematic UI adds polish and brings the experience closer to AAA quality. The new Multiplayer Lobby, Quick Play system, and Friends tab make it easier than ever to jump into games, find your crew, and explore together. This is the first step toward a more connected metaverse, where players can seamlessly discover, join, and hang out with friends across platforming, racing, and combat genres. Creation Without Complexity. Tools With Impact. For creators, Game Maker 0.12 makes it easier to build multiplayer-ready content and support persistent gameplay. Dynamic NPC behaviors, such as healing, following, or gathering items, bring experiences to life, while Saved Data logic lets creators retain player progress across sessions. From WWise-powered sound design to improved onboarding, every feature in 0.12 is designed to support faster, smarter creation. 'With every update, we move closer to realizing our vision of a connected, creator-powered metaverse,' said Simon Berger-Perrin, Chief Product Officer of The Sandbox. 'The Game Maker 0.12 update expands capabilities for creators, giving them more control over how they build, publish, and scale social gameplay. For players, Game Client 0.12 introduces new multiplayer modes and the ability to save progress. This release deepens Player engagement and gives creators more autonomy to shape Experiences that last.' WHAT'S IN IT FOR PLAYERS: Quick Play, Multiplayer Lobby & Friends Tab: Matchmaking is faster and more social, with shared queues, interactive lobbies, and the ability to easily join your friends. Saved Progress: For supported experiences, players can retain inventory, checkpoints, and scores across sessions. Smarter Chat: Automatically switches between metaverse and local multiplayer conversations. New Abilities: Dash and Glide add momentum and verticality for action, racing, and exploration. Cinematic UI & Transitions: Upgraded onboarding, victory/defeat reactions, dynamic menus, and 3D backdrops. Interactive Collectibles: Preview how digital items will look on your avatar in 3D galleries. Auto Equip lets Players instantly equip items during gameplay without the need to open the inventory. Improved UX & FTUE: First-time user tips, animation smoothing, and camera transitions elevate gameplay quality. Travel Between Experiences Seamlessly: Access The Sandbox Map or dashboard without leaving your current session. New Audio Experience: Immersive spatial sound powered by AAA tech, supporting reverb, terrain-based audio, and Atmos. WHAT'S IN IT FOR THE SANDBOX CREATORS: Smarter Multiplayer Logic: Easier game setup, new matchmaking lobbies to help games fill up faster, and custom matchmaking flows. Dynamic NPCs: New behaviors, like sidekick, gatherer, or healer roles, add depth to games. Saved Data Support: Retain player states across play sessions for persistent progression and replayability. Expanded Asset Library & Game Templates: Four new Asset Libraries (The British Museum, Architecture, Interior design: Furniture and lamps, and Terrain Colors) and three new Game Type Templates (Shooters, Action RPG, and Business Tycoon) to jumpstart creation. Auto-Equip & Effect Timers: Smarter pickups and UI feedback with no inventory menu diving. Sound Design With WWise: Add advanced audio systems with reverb zones, spatial mixing, and voiceovers, and access to over 2,500 custom sound effects and music tracks. Game Maker and Game Client 0.12 are now available for free at on PC and Mac. To celebrate the launch of Game Maker and Game Client 0.12, The Sandbox is kicking off a series of The Sandbox Game Jams, where creators are invited to participate in tournaments which will run for four to six weeks giving participants a chance to win a piece of the 130,000 SAND reward pool and exclusive LAND plots. This round of Game Jams features prompts including The Smurfs, Teletubbies and a Las Vegas City Builder. For full details and how to participate, check out The Sandbox blog here. About The Sandbox The Sandbox, a subsidiary of Animoca Brands, is an immersive metaverse platform in which users play, create, and monetize unique experiences alongside their favorite brands, IPs, and celebrities across gaming, entertainment, music, art, and more. The Sandbox leverages Web3 technologies to fully enable end-user creation and creator economies, disrupting existing platforms by providing both players and creators with true ownership of their assets, creations, and rewards as non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Over 400 partners have joined The Sandbox, including Warner Music Group, Gucci, Ubisoft, Paris Hilton, The Walking Dead, Snoop Dogg, Attack on Titan, Lacoste, Steve Aoki, The Smurfs, and many more. For more information, please visit and follow the regular updates on Twitter, Medium, and Discord. About Animoca Brands Animoca Brands, a Deloitte Tech Fast winner and ranked in the Financial Times list of High Growth Companies Asia-Pacific 2023, is a leader in digital entertainment, blockchain, and gaming. The company has multiple subsidiaries, including The Sandbox, Blowfish Studios, Quidd, GAMEE, nWay, Pixowl, Bondly, and Lympo. In addition, Animoca Brands has a growing portfolio of more than 150 investments in blockchain companies and decentralized projects that are contributing to building the open metaverse, including Axie Infinity, OpenSea, Dapper Labs (NBA Top Shot), Yield Guild Games, Harmony, Alien Worlds, Star Atlas, and others. For more information, visit or follow on Twitter or Facebook.
Qatar Tribune
14-07-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar Central Bank grants sandbox entry approval to TrustIn Limited
Doha In line with the Third Financial Sector Strategy, the FinTech Strategy, and Qatar Central Bank's efforts to develop and regulate the FinTech ecosystem in the country, the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has granted sandbox entry approval for Trustln, which offers a Digital Escrow Platform. This step highlights QCB's commitment to fostering the financial sector and advancing the objectives of the Third Financial Sector Strategy. It is important to note that entry into the regulatory sandbox does not equate to full-scale licensing approval; however, the applicant is considered an Authorised FinTech Sandbox Participant for regulatory activities by the FinTech entity.
Daily Express
13-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Charting a sustainable tourism path
Published on: Sunday, July 13, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 13, 2025 By: Jointly Prepared by Ministry of Tourism Culture and Environment and Sabah Tourism Board Text Size: Pic credit: Sabah Tourism Board Sabah's tourism industry often draws comparisons with regional giants like Bali, Phuket, or Da Nang. While these comparisons can offer valuable insights, it's important for the public to understand that Sabah has chosen a different path — one built on sustainability, conservation, and the wellbeing of our local communities. Phuket and Bali recovered more quickly than Sabah largely due to their early, phased reopening strategies and proactive international engagement. Phuket launched the Sandbox pilot programme in July 2021, allowing fully vaccinated tourists to enter without quarantine. This positioned Phuket as a safe and accessible destination early on, attracting international travelers—particularly from Europe and the Middle East. By late 2021, Thailand further expanded its 'Test & Go' scheme to other gateways, accelerating national tourism recovery. Bali began zonal reopening in mid-2021, starting with green zones such as Nusa Dua and Ubud. By April 2022, it fully reopened with visa -on-arrival for over 40 countries. Combined with strong branding and a concentrated tourism infrastructure, Bali's recovery was swift and well-supported. Sabah, in contrast, reopened its borders under Malaysia's national policy on April 1, 2022, without a phased or state-specific pilot programme. International flights resumed only by mid-April, with direct China flights returning in March 2023. These different recovery strategies were based on different nations and localities' assessment on their strengths and priorities. Inconsiderate comparisons create biased and unfair analysis. Acknowledging Our Challenges We fully acknowledge that Sabah faces challenges. Infrastructure in certain urban areas, including parts of Kota Kinabalu, requires improvement. Our international air connectivity remains more limited than destinations with direct links to Europe, the Middle East, or Australia. We do not yet have large-scale urban attractions like mega malls, vibrant nightlife districts, or theme parks found in other tourism hotspots. These are realities we are actively addressing through ongoing development plans, urban rejuvenation projects, and gradual enhancements to connectivity and facilities. Why Sabah's Path Is Different Unlike mass tourism destinations, Sabah's tourism model is intentionally focused on low - impact, high-quality experiences. We are home to some of the world's most precious ecosystems, including Kinabalu Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the rich biodiversity of the Kinabatangan floodplain, and the globally renowned diving site of Sipadan Island. Our natural attractions are fragile and cannot support mass tourism without risking irreparable harm to the environment and the communities who depend on these ecosystems. Learning from the experiences of overtourism faced by other destinations, Sabah is determined to avoid similar pitfalls that lead to environmental degradation, strained local resources, and diminished visitor experiences. Instead, Sabah is positioning itself as a destination for sustainable, meaningful travel, offering visitors unique opportunities for adventure, wildlife encounters, and authentic cultural experiences. Domestic Tourism: A Vital Pillar Domestic tourism is sometimes undervalued in public discussions, but for Sabah, it has been a crucial lifeline. During the international border closure, Sabah's tourism industry strategically pivoted to the domestic market as a critical lifeline for the sector. With interstate travel in Malaysia resuming on 11 October 2021, following the achievement of over 90% adult vaccination, Sabah capitalised on this momentum by activating cross-state travel initiatives. This timely shift to domestic tourism was instrumental in preserving business continuity, supporting local operators, and sustaining livelihoods. It also allowed industry players to adapt their products and services to new market expectations, maintain operational capacity, and remain resilient during a period of global travel uncertainty. The strong domestic foundation laid during this time ensured that Sabah's tourism sector was well - prepared for the eventual reopening of international borders. The domestic market remains a crucial pillar of Sabah's tourism strategy —not only as a buffer during international border closures but also as a sustainable response to the current global economic slowdown. Recognising the stabilising effect of domestic travel, many governments have prioritised local tourism to stimulate internal economic activity. In 2023, Sabah recorded 2.6 million total visitor arrivals, of which approximately 1.75 million were domestic travellers (around 67%), and 858,000 were international arrivals. In 2024, total arrivals rose to approximately 3.2 million, reflecting an encouraging upward trend. Of these, around 2.0 million were domestic visitors and 1.2 million were international arrivals — a 40% increase in international arrivals year-on-year. This steady growth in international markets is a positive signal that Sabah is regaining its global presence. At the same time, domestic tourism continues to form the backbone of the industry, supporting rural economies, sustaining tourism operators, and ensuring business continuity in between seasonal international flows. Domestic and international arrivals complement each other: Domestic arrivals provide year-round stability and economic resilience, particularly in times of global uncertainty. International arrivals contribute additional economic value through longer stays, higher average spending, and foreign exchange earnings. Together, they help Sabah build a more balanced, inclusive, and resilient tourism ecosystem as the state moves toward Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and beyond. During the pandemic and other crises, domestic travellers sustained our tourism businesses, supported rural communities, and kept local economies moving. While we continue working to rebuild and grow our international markets, domestic tourism remains a strong foundation — contributing to regional inclusivity and economic resilience. A Growing International Footprint Despite the challenges, Sabah's international tourism is recovering strongly. International arrivals rose from just over 7,000 in 2021 to over 858,000 in 2023. Projections for 2025 suggest we could surpass 1.1 million international visitors — reflecting an impressive rebound toward pre-pandemic levels. We are steadily expanding connections to key regional markets, including Korea, China, Japan, and Singapore. Sabah is currently served by 14 international routes with 122 weekly international flights with a total weekly seating capacity approximately 22,337 seats. We are growing thoughtfully, ensuring that increases in visitor numbers match our infrastructure capacity and conservation priorities. Sabah's Strengths: Authentic and Naturally Inspiring Sabah does not aim to replicate other destinations. Instead, we offer experiences that are truly our own: Majestic natural landscapes from mountain peaks to coral reefs Close encounters with wildlife like orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and pygmy elephants Pristine beaches, islands, and breathtaking sunsets A rich cultural tapestry woven from diverse indigenous communities Eco-adventures that allow visitors to connect deeply with nature while contributing to conservation and local livelihoods These strengths are increasingly in demand as global travellers seek destinations that value authenticity, sustainability, and responsible tourism. Sabah's Distinctive Brand: Naturally Inspiring, Beyond Ordinary Culture, Adventure, and Nature — or CAN — defines what makes Sabah truly unique. Sabah's tourism brand is built upon this remarkable blend, offering diverse experiences that span vibrant traditions, thrilling activities, and breathtaking natural wonders. It's a place 'where mountain high meets ocean deep.' Unlike destinations focused solely on urban attractions or mass tourism, Sabah offers authentic, meaningful journeys that connect visitors deeply with nature and local communities. Sabah is proud to be home to 10 unique attractions that set it apart as a destination: UNESCO Triple Crown Site — Kinabalu Park, recognized as a World Heritage Site for its outstanding biodiversity, geological importance, and cultural significance. World's Highest Tropical Tree — A towering yellow meranti tree standing at over 100 metres tall, discovered in Sabah's rainforests. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre — The oldest and largest orangutan rehabilitation centre in the world, renowned for rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned and injured orangutans. Bornean Elephant — Asia's smallest elephant species, unique to Borneo, found roaming Sabah's lush lowland forests. Sipadan Island — Globally renowned as one of the top dive sites in the world, teeming with vibrant marine life. Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre — The only centre in the world dedicated to the care, research, and conservation of the world's smallest bear species. Tanjung Aru Sunset — Recognized as one of the world's most stunning sunsets, painting the skies in brilliant hues over calm seas. Top 5 Highest Peaks in Malaysia are in Sabah — Highlighting the state's dramatic mountain landscapes beyond just Mount Kinabalu. Birding in Sabah — A paradise for birdwatchers with over 688 recorded bird species, including many Bornean endemics. Second Oldest Lowland Rainforest in the World — Sabah's lowland rainforests hold incredible biodiversity and ancient ecological significance. Beyond its natural wonders, Sabah is defined by its warm hospitality, vibrant culture, and commitment to sustainable tourism. Visitors can enjoy eco -adventures while contributing to conservation efforts and supporting local communities, ensuring that travel remains responsible and meaningful. Through all these elements, Sabah presents a distinctive brand promise: a destination that is Naturally Inspiring, Beyond Ordinary — offering not just places to see, but meaningful connections to nature, people, and purpose. Moving Forward — Carefully and Confidently Sabah's tourism strategy is not shaped merely by limitations, but by deliberate choices. We prioritise: Protecting world-class natural and cultural heritage Building sustainable infrastructure before expanding further Ensuring tourism benefits local communities Creating a tourism industry that can stand resilient against future challenges We believe that success is not just measured in visitor numbers, but in the quality of experiences we offer and in our ability to protect what makes Sabah unique. An Invitation to Discover Sabah Sabah welcomes visitors who value nature, culture, and meaningful travel. Whether you are drawn by our mountains, our rainforests, our oceans, or our people, we invite you to discover the wonders of Sabah — a destination that is Naturally Inspiring, Beyond Ordinary. The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
Borneo Post
11-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah's tourism: A sustainable path for future
A Bornean Elephant along the bank of Kinabatangan River.-Bernama photo KOTA KINABALU (July 11)Sabah's tourism industry often draws comparisons with regional giants like Bali, Phuket, or Da Nang. While these comparisons can offer valuable insights, it's important for the public to understand that Sabah has chosen a different path — one built on sustainability, conservation, and the wellbeing of our local communities. Phuket and Bali recovered more quickly than Sabah largely due to their early, phased reopening strategies and proactive international engagement. • Phuket launched the Sandbox pilot programme in July 2021, allowing fully vaccinated tourists to enter without quarantine. This positioned Phuket as a safe and accessible destination early on, attracting international travelers — particularly from Europe and the Middle East. By late 2021, Thailand further expanded its 'Test & Go' scheme to other gateways, accelerating national tourism recovery. • Bali began zonal reopening in mid-2021, starting with green zones such as Nusa Dua and Ubud. By April 2022, it fully reopened with visa-on-arrival for over 40 countries. Combined with strong branding and a concentrated tourism infrastructure, Bali's recovery was swift and well-supported. • Sabah, in contrast, reopened its borders under Malaysia's national policy on April 1, 2022, without a phased or state-specific pilot programme. International flights resumed only by mid-April, with direct China flights returning in March 2023. These different recovery strategies were based on different nations and localities' assessment on their strengths and priorities. Inconsiderate comparisons create biased and unfair analysis. Acknowledging Our Challenges We fully acknowledge that Sabah faces challenges. Infrastructure in certain urban areas, including parts of Kota Kinabalu, requires improvement. Our international air connectivity remains more limited than destinations with direct links to Europe, the Middle East, or Australia. We do not yet have large-scale urban attractions like mega malls, vibrant nightlife districts, or theme parks found in other tourism hotspots. These are realities we are actively addressing through ongoing development plans, urban rejuvenation projects, and gradual enhancements to connectivity and facilities. Why Sabah's Path Is Different Unlike mass tourism destinations, Sabah's tourism model is intentionally focused on low-impact, high-quality experiences. We are home to some of the world's most precious ecosystems, including Kinabalu Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the rich biodiversity of the Kinabatangan floodplain, and the globally renowned diving site of Sipadan Island. Our natural attractions are fragile and cannot support mass tourism without risking irreparable harm to the environment and the communities who depend on these ecosystems. Learning from the experiences of overtourism faced by other destinations, Sabah is determined to avoid similar pitfalls that lead to environmental degradation, strained local resources, and diminished visitor experiences. Instead, Sabah is positioning itself as a destination for sustainable, meaningful travel, offering visitors unique opportunities for adventure, wildlife encounters, and authentic cultural experiences. Domestic Tourism: A Vital Pillar Domestic tourism is sometimes undervalued in public discussions, but for Sabah, it has been a crucial lifeline. During the international border closure, Sabah's tourism industry strategically pivoted to the domestic market as a critical lifeline for the sector. With interstate travel in Malaysia resuming on 11 October 2021, following the achievement of over 90% adult vaccination, Sabah capitalised on this momentum by activating cross-state travel initiatives. This timely shift to domestic tourism was instrumental in preserving business continuity, supporting local operators, and sustaining livelihoods. It also allowed industry players to adapt their products and services to new market expectations, maintain operational capacity, and remain resilient during a period of global travel uncertainty. The strong domestic foundation laid during this time ensured that Sabah's tourism sector was well-prepared for the eventual reopening of international borders. The domestic market remains a crucial pillar of Sabah's tourism strategy — not only as a buffer during international border closures but also as a sustainable response to the current global economic slowdown. Recognising the stabilising effect of domestic travel, many governments have prioritised local tourism to stimulate internal economic activity. In 2023, Sabah recorded 2.6 million total visitor arrivals, of which approximately 1.75 million were domestic travellers (around 67%), and 858,000 were international arrivals. In 2024, total arrivals rose to approximately 3.2 million, reflecting an encouraging upward trend. Of these, around 2.0 million were domestic visitors and 1.2 million were international arrivals — a 40% increase in international arrivals year-on-year. This steady growth in international markets is a positive signal that Sabah is regaining its global presence. At the same time, domestic tourism continues to form the backbone of the industry, supporting rural economies, sustaining tourism operators, and ensuring business continuity in between seasonal international flows. Domestic and international arrivals complement each other: Domestic arrivals provide year-round stability and economic0p resilience, particularly in times of global uncertainty. International arrivals contribute additional economic value through longer stays, higher average spending, and foreign exchange earnings. Together, they help Sabah build a more balanced, inclusive, and resilient tourism ecosystem as the state moves toward Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and beyond. During the pandemic and other crises, domestic travellers sustained our tourism businesses, supported rural communities, and kept local economies moving. While we continue working to rebuild and grow our international markets, domestic tourism remains a strong foundation — contributing to regional inclusivity and economic resilience. A Growing International Footprint Despite the challenges, Sabah's international tourism is recovering strongly. International arrivals rose from just over 7,000 in 2021 to over 858,000 in 2023. Projections for 2025 suggest we could surpass 1.1 million international visitors — reflecting an impressive rebound toward pre-pandemic levels. We are steadily expanding connections to key regional markets, including Korea, China, Japan, and Singapore. Sabah is currently served by 14 international routes with 122 weekly international flights with a total weekly seating capacity approximately 22,337 seats. We are growing thoughtfully, ensuring that increases in visitor numbers match our infrastructure capacity and conservation priorities. Sabah's Strengths: Authentic and Naturally Inspiring Sabah does not aim to replicate other destinations. Instead, we offer experiences that are truly our own: • Majestic natural landscapes from mountain peaks to coral reefs • Close encounters with wildlife like orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and pygmy elephants • Pristine beaches, islands, and breathtaking sunsets • A rich cultural tapestry woven from diverse indigenous communities • Eco-adventures that allow visitors to connect deeply with nature while contributing to conservation and local livelihoods These strengths are increasingly in demand as global travellers seek destinations that value authenticity, sustainability, and responsible tourism. Sabah's Distinctive Brand: Naturally Inspiring, Beyond Ordinary Culture, Adventure, and Nature — or CAN — defines what makes Sabah truly unique. Sabah's tourism brand is built upon this remarkable blend, offering diverse experiences that span vibrant traditions, thrilling activities, and breathtaking natural wonders. It's a place where mountain high meets ocean deep.' Unlike destinations focused solely on urban attractions or mass tourism, Sabah offers authentic, meaningful journeys that connect visitors deeply with nature and local communities. Sabah is proud to be home to 10 unique attractions that set it apart as a destination: UNESCO Triple Crown Site — Kinabalu Park, recognized as a World Heritage Site for its outstanding biodiversity, geological importance, and cultural significance. World's Highest Tropical Tree — A towering yellow meranti tree standing at over 100 metres tall, discovered in Sabah's rainforests. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre — The oldest and largest orangutan rehabilitation centre in the world, renowned for rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned and injured orangutans. Bornean Elephant — Asia's smallest elephant species, unique to Borneo, found roaming Sabah's lush lowland forests. Sipadan Island — Globally renowned as one of the top dive sites in the world, teeming with vibrant marine life. Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre — The only centre in the world dedicated to the care, research, and conservation of the world's smallest bear species. Tanjung Aru Sunset — Recognized as one of the world's most stunning sunsets, painting the skies in brilliant hues over calm seas. Top 5 Highest Peaks in Malaysia are in Sabah — Highlighting the state's dramatic mountain landscapes beyond just Mount Kinabalu. Birding in Sabah — A paradise for birdwatchers with over 688 recorded bird species, including many Bornean endemics. Second Oldest Lowland Rainforest in the World — Sabah's lowland rainforests hold incredible biodiversity and ancient ecological significance. Beyond its natural wonders, Sabah is defined by its warm hospitality, vibrant culture, and commitment to sustainable tourism. Visitors can enjoy eco-adventures while contributing to conservation efforts and supporting local communities, ensuring that travel remains responsible and meaningful. Through all these elements, Sabah presents a distinctive brand promise: a destination that is Naturally Inspiring, Beyond Ordinary — offering not just places to see, but meaningful connections to nature, people, and purpose. Moving Forward — Carefully and Confidently Sabah's tourism strategy is not shaped merely by limitations, but by deliberate choices. We prioritise: • Protecting world-class natural and cultural heritage • Building sustainable infrastructure before expanding further • Ensuring tourism benefits local communities • Creating a tourism industry that can stand resilient against future challenges. We believe that success is not just measured in visitor numbers, but in the quality of experiences we offer and in our ability to protect what makes Sabah unique. An Invitation to Discover Sabah Sabah welcomes visitors who value nature, culture, and meaningful travel. Whether you are drawn by our mountains, our rainforests, our oceans, or our people, we invite you to discover the wonders of Sabah — a destination that is Naturally Inspiring, Beyond Ordinary.
Techday NZ
04-07-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
eflow Global launches sandbox to help reduce false positives
eflow Global has launched a sandbox feature for its TZTS Trade Surveillance system, providing compliance teams with a secure environment to test and adjust alert thresholds without affecting live systems. Responding to regulatory pressure The new Sandbox functionality offers compliance teams a dedicated replica of their surveillance system in which they can simulate and refine alert parameters using real historical trading data. This development comes as compliance teams continue to grapple with high volumes of false positives and intensified regulatory scrutiny. Recent research from eflow Global indicates that 43% of regulatory professionals cite managing the volume of false positive alerts generated by their trade surveillance systems as a major concern. These false alarms can distract teams from real threats, making it harder to prioritise meaningful alerts and comply with regulatory expectations. Traditionally, financial firms have found it challenging to experiment with their trade surveillance configurations due to concerns over compliance risks when making changes to live systems. The Sandbox aims to address this gap by enabling secure, risk-free experimentation. Functionality details The Sandbox provides a ring-fenced replica of a firm's trade surveillance setup. Compliance professionals can stress-test and simulate parameter alterations using historical trade data, analyse the resulting alert outcomes, and then export their preferred settings seamlessly into production systems. This tool supports efforts to reduce false positives, improve audit readiness, and adjust to changing market dynamics. "The ability to stress-test your surveillance strategy with real-life trading data in a no-risk environment is a game-changer," said Ben Parker, CEO of eflow Global. "Firms need the confidence that their alert thresholds are both appropriately stringent and operationally manageable. The Sandbox gives them that confidence - backed by real data and a clear audit trail." This new feature is available to all users of the TZTS Trade Surveillance system, and it comes at a time when regulatory activity is rising sharply. In the first quarter of 2025, global regulatory enforcement produced over $150 million in financial penalties across six jurisdictions. Enforcement actions in 2024 increased by 863% year-on-year, highlighting the urgency for compliance functions to operate with reliable and defensible surveillance methods. Changing market conditions Market volatility has added to the compliance burden. Ben Parker noted recent events that have led to rapid spikes in alert volumes, including technological and geopolitical developments. "Recent market shocks, such as the release of DeepSeek AI and its ripple effect across NVIDIA and the wider NASDAQ, as well as the renewed volatility following President Trump's recent tariff announcements, have shown how quickly alert volumes can spike," added Parker. "The Sandbox gives firms a way to replay these periods, refine parameters in response, and ensure robust controls are in place." Given this context, compliance teams are increasingly required by regulators to demonstrate that their surveillance parameter tests are based on real evidence and robust processes. The capability to playback historical data and visibly adjust controls provides them with the audit trail necessary to validate their surveillance procedures during regulatory reviews. The system's audit support is designed to help financial firms demonstrate regulatory compliance, improving their readiness for inspections and inquiries. Firms can trace decisions regarding alert configuration changes directly to historical data events, helping to prove that their controls are suitable for evolving market and regulatory conditions. Availability and industry implications The Sandbox is now included for all users of TZTS Trade Surveillance. It is positioned to support both immediate adjustments arising from current market movements and ongoing strategy reviews aimed at reducing false positives and demonstrating compliance diligence. Follow us on: Share on:
