Latest news with #assetmanagers
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
SBTi unveils final net-zero standard for financial institutions
This story was originally published on ESG Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily ESG Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: The Science Based Targets initiative released the final version of its Financial Institutions Net-Zero standard Tuesday, which it said gives the finance sector a framework 'to align [its] lending, investing, insurance underwriting and capital market activities with net-zero.' SBTi, which validates whether global corporations' net-zero targets are aligned with leading climate science, said in a release that FINZ is the first framework to allow banks, asset owners and managers, private equity firms and other financial institutions to set science-based net-zero targets for 2050. The standard was piloted last year by 30 financial institutions and built off the organization's previous near-term target setting criteria for the sector, as well as stakeholder input SBTi received. The final standard includes an option for institutions to either focus on their financed emissions or their customers' net-zero alignment, according to the release. Dive Insight: SBTi said in a brief explainer the standard is designed to be used by entities that generate 5% or more of their revenue from lending, asset owner investing, asset management investing, insurance underwriting or capital market activities. The framework aims to guide companies through an 'expected net-zero journey' that first entails a public commitment to reach net-zero emissions by midcentury, followed by a base year portfolio assessment. The journey would also involve establishing policies and near- and long-term portfolio targets; conducting assessments and reporting progress; and assessing progress at the end of target cycles and setting new targets, according to a one-pager from SBTi. The standard notes that financial institutions 'play an enabling role' in the global climate transition and 'have the power to influence the direction of the economy and accelerate progress' on achieving global net-zero emissions. SBTi Chief Technical Officer Alberto Carrillo Pineda said in the release that the financial sector's economic influence and ability to engage portfolios is 'unparalleled' when it comes to the broader transition. 'Financial Institutions have the ability to play a transformative role in the transition to net-zero,' Carrillo Pineda said. 'With its broad applicability and flexibility, this robust, science-based standard will help financial institutions drive the net-zero transformation all over the world.' FINZ is aligned and designed to be interoperable with SBTi's broader Corporate Net-Zero Standard, with entities also being required to set non-portfolio targets using the flagship framework and/or sector standards. The standard will require financial institutions to phase out new 'general purpose financing or insuring of companies involved in oil and gas expansion immediately or by 2030 at the latest.' Financial institutions would also be required to adopt policies to immediately stop explicit project financing of fossil fuel expansion and general purpose financing of coal expansion. Global banks increased investments in fossil fuels and fossil fuel expansion year-over-year in 2024, after both numbers had fallen in the prior two years, according to the Rainforest Alliance Network's annual Banking on Climate Chaos report. FINZ requires companies to create a net-zero transition plan for any portfolio energy activities by midcentury. SBTi said the standard is also designed to allow financial institutions to engage with oil and gas companies as part of that transition. 'Today marks a key point of progress in setting a clear standard all financial institutions should meet to align their financing with climate goals,' Xavier Lerin, senior research manager at U.K. based climate nonprofit ShareAction, told ESG Dive. 'Importantly, the standard sends a clear signal that financial support for fossil fuel expansion must come to an end.' FINZ requires entities to address deforestation risks across their portfolio and commit to assess and publicly disclose their deforestation disclosure by 2030. If the assessment finds 'significant' exposure, institutions would also be required to develop an engagement plan to address its deforestation risk at the next target cycle at the latest, which SBTi said is usually five years after target validation. The standard also recommends that entities commit to increase financing for retrofitting existing buildings for decarbonization and cease new financial activities 'for buildings that are not zero-carbon ready.' SBTi is also in the process of piloting a draft update of its broader Corporate Net-Zero Standard, with a company survey portion of the pilot open until Aug. 15. Recommended Reading SBTi calls on financial institutions to pilot net-zero standard Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Arabian Business
a day ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
How AI will reshape business decision-making by 2030
In the rapidly evolving world of business, decision-making is on the verge of a seismic shift. By 2030, artificial intelligence (AI) will no longer be a supplementary tool for data analysis; it will be the core engine driving strategic choices across industries. The traditional reliance on historical data and static reports is giving way to AI-powered systems that continuously analyse real-time data, offering predictive insights and dynamic recommendations. From finance and healthcare to construction and real estate, the age of real-time intelligence is beginning—and the implications for decision-making are profound. From retrospective to predictive thinking Historically, businesses have relied on backward-looking data: quarterly reports, historical trends, and static dashboards. But in a 2023 report by McKinsey, 74 per cent of business leaders said they believe the next competitive edge will come from real-time, AI-enabled decision-making. This paradigm shift is already taking shape as AI tools leverage machine learning to process vast volumes of unstructured data from IoT sensors, digital platforms, and mobile apps. In real estate, for instance, AI systems now analyse market trends, occupancy rates, maintenance needs, and user behaviour data to provide developers and asset managers with up-to-the-minute insights. This enables faster, more precise decisions on pricing, tenant engagement, and resource allocation. Real-time data flows are the new currency What distinguishes the future of decision-making is the transition from periodic updates to continuous data flows. This enables organisations to shift from reactive to proactive strategies. According to a 2024 Deloitte survey, 61 per cent of global executives said that real-time analytics will be essential to navigating uncertainty and responding to market disruptions over the next five years. In construction, AI platforms are already digitising site inspections, tracking progress updates in real time, and flagging risks before they materialise. These capabilities minimise downtime, reduce rework, and enable data-driven decisions from the field to the boardroom. Cross-industry impact: Agility, efficiency, and accuracy The implications of this transformation are sector-agnostic. In logistics, AI-powered route optimisation tools reduce fuel consumption and improve delivery timelines. In healthcare, AI models are being used for early diagnostics, treatment planning, and real-time monitoring of patient vitals. For construction and real estate, the impact is twofold. First, AI streamlines operations by automating manual workflows, such as defect management or document tracking. Second, it empowers leadership to respond to shifting market demands and regulatory requirements faster than ever before. A 2023 PwC study estimated that AI adoption could boost global GDP by up to $15.7 trillion by 2030, with real estate and infrastructure expected to benefit significantly from increased operational efficiency and risk reduction. The shift toward autonomous decision systems As AI matures, we will witness a move toward semi-autonomous and fully autonomous decision-making frameworks. These systems, guided by ethical boundaries and human oversight, will be capable of executing routine tasks without manual input—freeing professionals to focus on strategic initiatives. In facilities management, for example, AI can automate energy usage monitoring, maintenance schedules, and compliance reporting. In the next five years, expect to see smart buildings that 'decide' when to adjust HVAC settings, schedule inspections, or alert for safety risks based on real-time data analysis. Barriers to adoption: Trust, governance, and data quality Despite the promise, the transition to AI-driven decision-making is not without challenges. Many organisations struggle with fragmented data ecosystems, poor data quality, or lack of integration between systems. Moreover, trust in AI recommendations remains a barrier. A 2024 Gartner report noted that only 38 per cent of business executives fully trust their organisation's AI systems. Transparency, explainability, and human-in-the-loop processes will be key to improving trust and driving adoption. The human-AI collaboration model Ultimately, AI will not replace human decision-makers but will augment their capabilities. By 2030, effective leaders will be those who can interpret AI-generated insights, ask the right questions, and apply critical thinking. The future of decision-making is hybrid: humans guiding strategy, AI handling complexity. Companies that invest in upskilling their workforce, integrating AI responsibly, and building a culture of data literacy will be best positioned to succeed in this new paradigm. Building the infrastructure for AI-driven decisions To unlock the full potential of AI in decision-making, businesses must act now. This means breaking down data silos, investing in interoperable platforms, and adopting AI tools that evolve with organisational needs. It also means creating governance frameworks that balance innovation with responsibility. By 2030, the most successful organisations will be those that have moved beyond static dashboards to dynamic, AI-driven decision engines. For sectors like construction and real estate—where timing, accuracy, and compliance are paramount—this shift will not only drive profitability but also improve safety, sustainability, and stakeholder confidence. AI is no longer a futuristic concept. It is the decision-making compass of tomorrow—and the journey has already begun.
Gizmodo
3 days ago
- Business
- Gizmodo
Ethereum Is Quietly Soaring. What Comes Next?
Ethereum is experiencing a seismic rally. The price of Ether, the native token of the Ethereum network, surged by nearly $1,000 in a single week to hit a five-month high, climbing 25.3% to reach $3,745.72, according to data firm CoinGecko. For the first time in recent memory, there's a palpable sense that this rally is grounded in something real and sustainable. So, what's driving this explosive momentum? Major asset managers have begun launching Ethereum ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds). These regulated financial products allow investors to gain exposure to Ethereum's price without the technical hurdles of buying and storing the cryptocurrency themselves. Think of it as buying a share of gold through the stock market instead of purchasing a physical bar. According to market analysts, a staggering $730 million has flooded into these funds in just the past few weeks, shattering inflow records. This is a significant wave of capital from institutional players, and it's fundamentally driving prices higher. Many investors believe this is merely the opening act. The crypto world is buzzing with the funds flooding into spot Ethereum ETFs, from pension funds, retirement accounts, and conservative wealth managers who have been waiting on the sidelines. Spot Ethereum ETFs enable investors to have regulated exposure to Ether. This is where the story gets truly compelling. For years, Bitcoin was the only cryptocurrency reputable enough for a public company to hold as a treasury asset. Now, Ethereum is breaking that monopoly in a dramatic fashion. SharpLink Gaming, a Minnesota-based company, pivoted its entire business model from online gambling marketing to building an Ethereum treasury. After adding 144,501 ETH in the past few days, it now holds at least 353,000 ETH worth $1.3 billion, according to EmberCN. BitMine Immersion Technologies raised $250 million in June with the explicit goal of acquiring Ether. This move attracted serious attention, with Peter Thiel's Founders Fund recently purchasing a 9.1% stake in the firm, causing its stock to soar. As of July 17, the company said that it holds 300,657 ETH worth $1.04 billion at current prices. Bit Digital, once a Bitcoin mining firm, sold its mining infrastructure to go all-in on Ethereum. The company now holds over 120,306 ETH worth $450.6 million. It has shifted its focus to staking, the process of actively participating in transaction validation on Ethereum's proof-of-stake network to earn yield on its holdings. These companies are strategically buying and holding for the long term, a practice that reduces the available supply on the open market and signals growing conviction in Ethereum as a durable store of value. Ethereum is digital trust — SBET (SharpLink Gaming) (@SharpLinkGaming) July 16, 2025Another critical factor fueling this rally is a classic supply shock: there simply isn't much ETH left to buy. On-chain analysts have observed that the amount of Ether held on major cryptocurrency exchanges has plummeted to an all-time low. Instead of sitting on exchanges waiting to be sold, ETH is being moved into private wallets for long-term holding, locked into corporate treasuries, or deposited into staking contracts to earn rewards. When supply dries up this dramatically while demand from ETFs and corporations spikes, prices take off. Beyond the price action, Ethereum's underlying fundamentals are stronger than ever. On-chain activity, a key measure of network health, is rising steadily. Both the number of daily transactions and the use of smart contracts—the self-executing code that powers decentralized applications—are trending upward. Consequently, demand for 'gas fees,' which are paid to process transactions, is also increasing, indicating genuine, organic usage. Furthermore, Layer 2 networks, or scaling solutions built on top of Ethereum to offer faster and cheaper transactions, are seeing explosive growth and adoption. This vibrant ecosystem proves Ethereum is a foundational settlement layer for decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and a growing number of next-generation applications. Timing is everything. Bitcoin had its landmark ETF moment earlier this year, leading to a historic run. Now, a natural market cycle is unfolding as some of that capital rotates out of Bitcoin and into high-potential altcoins, with Ethereum being the prime beneficiary. This 'dominance shift' is attracting the attention of sophisticated traders and funds looking to capture the market's next major wave. That is the multi-billion dollar question. As long as institutional demand for ETFs continues, corporate treasuries keep accumulating, and the supply on exchanges remains tight, Ethereum has a clear runway to continue its ascent through the third quarter. Some traders are already setting targets of $4,000 or even $5,000 if the current momentum holds. However, the rally is not without risks. A sudden slowdown in ETF inflows, a broader market downturn, or a resurgence of Bitcoin's dominance could quickly cool this rally. For now, Ethereum is riding a perfect wave of real-world adoption, institutional validation, and savvy capital positioning itself for the future. And Main Street is only just beginning to pay attention.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
XRP Cools After ATH Surge, But Accumulation Zones Signal More Upside
XRP surged to a fresh all-time high near $3.61 on the back of major U.S. crypto legislation advances and institutional ETF filings, before sliding into a volatile correction that tested bulls' conviction. The token shed 7.5% intraday but clawed back losses to close the session near $3.45 — suggesting consolidation rather than a full reversal. What to Know • XRP hit a record high of $3.61 before falling to $3.34 — then rebounded to close at $3.45, down 4.4% from session open• Massive 308 million volume spike at $3.34 hints at institutional accumulation zone• Traders now eye $3.47-$3.48 as short-term resistance as bulls attempt to stabilize News Background Momentum picked up after the U.S. House passed three crypto-related bills — including the CLARITY and GENIUS Acts — which aim to provide clearer regulatory frameworks for digital assets. In parallel, ProShares filed for the first XRP futures ETF, while 11 other asset managers submitted products tied to XRP price action. Traders are increasingly pricing in an 88% probability of spot XRP ETF approval by December 2025. Price Action Summary XRP opened the session on July 18 at $3.61 and declined steadily to an intraday low of $3.34 by 15:00, marking a 7.48% drawdown.• Key support emerged between $3.34–$3.37, bolstered by heavy volume prints of 280 million and 308 million at 07:00 and 08:00 respectively — more than 2x the 24h average.• XRP recovered 3.24% from the low to close at $3.45, signaling strategic buying interest rather than panic selloff. Technical Analysis • Session range: $3.61 (high) to $3.34 (low), a 7.48% swing• Recovery phase: From 15:00 onward, XRP stabilized in the $3.43–$3.45 zone with low-volume accumulation• Final hour: Sharp but failed breakout to $3.4759 at 04:34 on 2.88 million volume, followed by institutional profit-taking that pushed price back to $3.4380• Resistance remains firm at $3.47–$3.48• Support zone confirmed at $3.34–$3.37, reinforced by intraday whale buys Takeaway Despite the aggressive selloff from ATHs, XRP's ability to defend the $3.34–$3.37 zone and recover toward $3.45 points to ongoing institutional support and a bullish medium-term structure. Traders are now watching whether XRP can build fresh momentum above $3.48 to challenge the $3.60–$3.64 zone once more. The $3.34 floor remains the key level to hold if short-term bullish sentiment is to stay intact. Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards. For more information, see CoinDesk's full AI Policy. Sign in to access your portfolio
Reuters
5 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
India markets regulator proposes several changes to mutual fund rules
July 18 (Reuters) - India's markets regulator on Friday proposed a series of changes to mutual fund scheme rules, including allowing asset managers to offer both value and contra funds under certain conditions. The Securities and Exchange Board of India, in a consultation paper published on its website, suggested permitting mutual funds to offer both value and contra funds provided the overlap in their investment portfolios does not exceed 50%. Value funds typically invest in undervalued companies, while contra funds invest against prevailing market trends. Under current regulations, asset managers are allowed to launch only one of these two. India's mutual fund industry hit a new record in June, with net assets under management climbing to nearly 75 trillion rupees ($870.95 billion). SEBI on Friday also sought feedback on whether mutual funds should invest the residual portion of their equity scheme funds in a diversified mix of assets such as debt, gold, silver and real estate investment trusts. Equity schemes must invest a minimum 65% of their funds in equity-related instruments, and the rest can be parked in debt or money market instruments. The regulator sought feedback on whether mutual funds should be permitted to invest the residual portion of debt scheme funds in real estate investment trusts and infrastructure investment trusts, except for schemes with short durations. SEBI has sought comments by August 8. ($1 = 86.1130 Indian rupees)
