Latest news with #financialtransformation
Malay Mail
06-08-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia's US$43 Billion Potential Asset Tokenisation Opportunity
Project Juara charts way forward for all stakeholders to capture tokenisation opportunities and drive financial transformation in Malaysia. From left: Ranjit Singh Gill, Director, Head of Product & Market Development, Kenanga Investors Berhad ("Kenanga Investors"); Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, Kenanga Investors; Datuk Chay Wai Leong, Group Managing Director, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad; Qin En Looi, Partner, Saison Capital Pte Ltd; Teong Hng, Co-Founder & CEO, Satori Research Ltd; and Jitendra Singh Jaitawat, Co-Founder & CEO, Helicap Labs Pte Ltd. KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 6 August 2025 - Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (""), Saison Capital Pte Ltd, Helicap Labs Pte Ltd ("") and Satori Research Ltd, today announced the release of a white paper that offers insights into the asset tokenisation industry's potential and its significance in driving financial transformation in Malaysia. Titled Project Juara: Malaysia's Asset Tokenisation Opportunity ("") and authored by all four parties, it estimates that Malaysia's tokenised asset market could reach US$43 billion by 2030, spanning regulated products such as unit trusts, bonds and Juara aligns with national interest, particularly in light of the Malaysian Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's remarks in April 2025 that "with the right steps, Malaysia can position itself at the forefront of this transformation", after discussions on the nation's potential as a major hub for digital assets and the blockchain this backdrop, Project Juara charts a way towards building a robust digital asset ecosystem using a call to action and whole-of-nation approach. Traditional financial institutions can act as early adopters and counterparties to asset owners, who in turn create credible investment-worthy products. Equally important are infrastructure providers, government agencies and community leaders whose collective efforts can help shape the future of Malaysia's digital economy to make investing inclusive, equitable and empowering for every Malaysian. The report encourages all parties to recognise that each has a distinct yet interdependent role in creating a progressive capital market report highlights the scale of what is possible if we take the right steps today. While digitalisation has enhanced customer interfaces and experience, tokenisation offers a deeper structural reform by reshaping how financial assets are issued, traded and governed. As such, Project Juara dives deep into examining the institutional, regulatory and technological conditions needed to unlock that potential by drawing on lessons from other markets and models across Southeast Asia. It aims to provide a roadmap that sparks dialogue and guides real Group has significantly expanded its digital footprint in recent years, not only by launching cutting-edge platforms such as Kenanga Digital Investing (KDI) and the Rakuten Trade online stockbroking platform, but also through a series of strategic investments and partnerships. This includes a stake in Kinetic DAX Sdn Bhd (KDX), one of the country's first licensed digital asset exchanges, reinforcing its commitment to digital assets and the broader crypto ecosystem. In addition, Kenanga has invested in pioneering fintech and digital finance companies including Helicap Pte Ltd (Helicap) (data-driven private credit), Bay Group Holdings Sdn Bhd (CapBay) (supply chain financing), Merchantrade Asia Sdn Bhd (e-money and remittance services), and entered partnerships with leading technology and payment firms such as Ant Group Co, Ltd. These initiatives demonstrate Kenanga's proactive approach to shaping Malaysia's financial future through innovation, collaboration, and a robust presence in digital and digital asset Capital Pte Ltd is the venture capital arm of Credit Saison; it invests in early stage companies across all verticals, with a focus on fintech, e-commerce and Web is a blockchain-based tokenisation startup founded by Helicap. HELIX enables the issuance of tokenised private credit and alternative Research Ltd is a leading liquidity provider, market maker and algorithmic trader for digital more information about Kenanga Group, please visit Hashtag: #Kenanga The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad 197301002193 (15678-H) Established for over 50 years, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad ("The Group") is a leading financial group in Malaysia, offering a wide range of services, including equity broking, investment banking, treasury, Islamic banking, listed derivatives, investment management, wealth management, structured lending, and trade financing. The Group's digital innovations include the launch of KDi GO, a wealth-centric app, along with game- changing products such as Rakuten Trade, Malaysia's first fully digital stockbroking platform, and Kenanga Digital Investing, an A.I. robo-advisor. Kenanga has garnered multiple awards, including top honours at the Bursa Excellence Awards 2024 and The Edge Malaysia Centurion Club 2023. The Group also secured the Top 20 Overall Excellence and the Niche Cap Excellence Award at the National Corporate Governance and Sustainability Awards 2024. As one of the highest- scoring constituents of the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index and a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact, Kenanga continues to drive collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in the financial industry. This Press Release was issued by Kenanga Group's Marketing, Communications & Sustainability department.
Zawya
06-08-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Malaysia's US$43 Billion Potential Asset Tokenisation Opportunity
Project Juara charts way forward for all stakeholders to capture tokenisation opportunities and drive financial transformation in Malaysia. KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 6 August 2025 - Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (" Kenanga Group"), Saison Capital Pte Ltd, Helicap Labs Pte Ltd (" HELIX") and Satori Research Ltd, today announced the release of a white paper that offers insights into the asset tokenisation industry's potential and its significance in driving financial transformation in Malaysia. Titled Project Juara: Malaysia's Asset Tokenisation Opportunity (" Project Juara") and authored by all four parties, it estimates that Malaysia's tokenised asset market could reach US$43 billion by 2030, spanning regulated products such as unit trusts, bonds and sukuk. Project Juara aligns with national interest, particularly in light of the Malaysian Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's remarks in April 2025 that "with the right steps, Malaysia can position itself at the forefront of this transformation", after discussions on the nation's potential as a major hub for digital assets and the blockchain industry. Against this backdrop, Project Juara charts a way towards building a robust digital asset ecosystem using a call to action and whole-of-nation approach. Traditional financial institutions can act as early adopters and counterparties to asset owners, who in turn create credible investment-worthy products. Equally important are infrastructure providers, government agencies and community leaders whose collective efforts can help shape the future of Malaysia's digital economy to make investing inclusive, equitable and empowering for every Malaysian. The report encourages all parties to recognise that each has a distinct yet interdependent role in creating a progressive capital market landscape. This report highlights the scale of what is possible if we take the right steps today. While digitalisation has enhanced customer interfaces and experience, tokenisation offers a deeper structural reform by reshaping how financial assets are issued, traded and governed. As such, Project Juara dives deep into examining the institutional, regulatory and technological conditions needed to unlock that potential by drawing on lessons from other markets and models across Southeast Asia. It aims to provide a roadmap that sparks dialogue and guides real action. Kenanga Group has significantly expanded its digital footprint in recent years, not only by launching cutting-edge platforms such as Kenanga Digital Investing (KDI) and the Rakuten Trade online stockbroking platform, but also through a series of strategic investments and partnerships. This includes a stake in Kinetic DAX Sdn Bhd (KDX), one of the country's first licensed digital asset exchanges, reinforcing its commitment to digital assets and the broader crypto ecosystem. In addition, Kenanga has invested in pioneering fintech and digital finance companies including Helicap Pte Ltd (Helicap) (data-driven private credit), Bay Group Holdings Sdn Bhd (CapBay) (supply chain financing), Merchantrade Asia Sdn Bhd (e-money and remittance services), and entered partnerships with leading technology and payment firms such as Ant Group Co, Ltd. These initiatives demonstrate Kenanga's proactive approach to shaping Malaysia's financial future through innovation, collaboration, and a robust presence in digital and digital asset markets. Saison Capital Pte Ltd is the venture capital arm of Credit Saison; it invests in early stage companies across all verticals, with a focus on fintech, e-commerce and Web 3.0. HELIX is a blockchain-based tokenisation startup founded by Helicap. HELIX enables the issuance of tokenised private credit and alternative assets. Satori Research Ltd is a leading liquidity provider, market maker and algorithmic trader for digital assets. For more information about Kenanga Group, please visit Hashtag: #Kenanga The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad 197301002193 (15678-H) Established for over 50 years, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (" The Group") is a leading financial group in Malaysia, offering a wide range of services, including equity broking, investment banking, treasury, Islamic banking, listed derivatives, investment management, wealth management, structured lending, and trade financing. The Group's digital innovations include the launch of KDi GO, a wealth-centric app, along with game- changing products such as Rakuten Trade, Malaysia's first fully digital stockbroking platform, and Kenanga Digital Investing, an A.I. robo-advisor. Kenanga has garnered multiple awards, including top honours at the Bursa Excellence Awards 2024 and The Edge Malaysia Centurion Club 2023. The Group also secured the Top 20 Overall Excellence and the Niche Cap Excellence Award at the National Corporate Governance and Sustainability Awards 2024. As one of the highest- scoring constituents of the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index and a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact, Kenanga continues to drive collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in the financial industry. This Press Release was issued by Kenanga Group's Marketing, Communications & Sustainability department. Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad
Arab News
02-08-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Barq surpasses 7m users in first year of launch, with SR73bn worth transactions
In a development that reflects the Kingdom's rapid shift toward a cashless economy, Barq, a digital payments application, has recorded exceptional performance in its first year of operation. The number of its users has surpassed 7 million, representing 150 nationalities from around the globe. The app has encompassed a wide range of digital payments and money transfers, contributing effectively to advancing the Kingdom's non-cash economy objectives. In its first year, Barq issued more than 6.5 million digital payment cards, enabling users to conduct their transactions with ease and security. The app offers banking services through an advanced digital platform tailored to meet the needs of individuals as well as small and medium-sized enterprises, providing innovative payment solutions under a license granted by the Saudi Central Bank. Since its launch in July last year, the app has processed over 500 million financial transactions, with a total transaction volume reaching SR73 billion ($19.4 billion), cementing its position as the fastest-growing digital wallet in the Kingdom and one of the leading success stories in the digital financial transformation aligned with the Saudi Vision 2030 goals. Barq has also strengthened its international presence through strategic partnerships, facilitating payments for visitors and residents from outside the Kingdom. This initiative supports the digital tourism sector and contributes effectively to the objectives of the Financial Sector Development Program and Vision 2030, by fostering a digitally empowered society and an innovation-driven economy. With a clear vision for empowering individuals and businesses, Barq continues to shape the digital payments landscape in the Kingdom, playing a vital role in realizing the Vision 2030 aspiration of building a thriving cashless society.
Associated Press
21-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
West Welcomes Robert McMahon as Incoming Chief Financial Officer
EXTON, Pa., July 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE: WST), a global leader in innovative solutions for injectable drug administration, today announced the appointment of Robert McMahon as the company's new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective August 4, 2025. Mr. McMahon will succeed Bernard Birkett, CFO, who announced his intention to retire earlier this year. Mr. Birkett will assume the role of Senior Advisor to the CEO through the end of the year to ensure a seamless transition. 'Bob is an accomplished CFO and business executive within the healthcare industry who has guided several companies through dynamic environments and meaningful financial transformation during his impressive 34-year career. He brings a proven track record of delivering strong financial results, implementing effective financial and operational strategies, and demonstrating inspirational leadership,' said Eric M. Green, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board. 'I'm pleased to welcome Bob to the West team and am confident that his expertise will be instrumental in helping steer our company forward and generating long-term shareholder value.' Mr. McMahon has been Chief Financial Officer of Agilent Technologies Inc. since 2018. In this role, he is responsible for finance, audit, treasury, tax, investor relations, IT and procurement. Prior to Agilent, Mr. McMahon was the CFO at Hologic, Inc. and spent 20 years with Johnson & Johnson, in executive financial roles of increasing responsibility. He has also served as an Independent Director at OraSure Technologies, Inc. since 2023. 'I'm excited by the opportunity to join such a well-positioned company with a talented team dedicated to improving patient health,' said Mr. McMahon. 'With a history of innovation spanning more than a century, I look forward to working alongside Eric and the leadership team to play a meaningful role in charting the next chapter of West's growth story for all stakeholders.' About West West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. is a leading provider of innovative, high-quality injectable solutions and services. As a trusted partner to established and emerging drug developers, West helps ensure the safe, effective containment and delivery of life-saving and life-enhancing medicines for patients. With over 10,000 team members across 50 sites including 25 manufacturing facilities worldwide, West helps support our customers by delivering over 41 billion components and devices each year. Headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania, West in its fiscal year 2024 generated $2.89 billion in net sales. West is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: WST) and is included on the Standard & Poor's 500 index. For more information, visit All trademarks and registered trademarks used in this release are the property of West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. or its subsidiaries, in the United States and other jurisdictions, unless otherwise noted. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.
Globe and Mail
11-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Which Brokerage Stock Will Lead Tomorrow: Robinhood or Schwab?
As the investing landscape evolves at breakneck speed, two online brokerage giants — Robinhood Markets HOOD and Charles Schwab SCHW — stand at the forefront of a financial transformation targeting retail investors. Robinhood has redefined trading with its sleek, mobile-first platform and growing presence in crypto and fintech innovation. Meanwhile, Schwab remains a powerhouse in wealth management, offering a full-service ecosystem trusted by millions of long-term investors. But as technology, regulation and investor behavior shift in 2025, a big question looms: which brokerage stock is better positioned to lead the future of finance? Let's break down the fundamentals, growth prospects and strategic moves that could determine whether HOOD or SCHW emerges as the smarter buy for forward-looking investors. The Case for Robinhood Robinhood became immensely popular among younger generations in early 2021, riding on the meme stock wave. Nonetheless, since its IPO in July 2021, a lot has happened on the business front. It has evolved from a brokerage firm primarily trading in digital assets to a more mature and diversified entity, striving to become a one-stop shop for building generational wealth. In this context, HOOD has launched several initiatives to attract more clients and strengthen its market share. Some notable ones are Robinhood Legend (desktop trading platform) aimed at retail investors seeking more advanced trading tools; Robinhood Strategies, Robinhood Banking and Robinhood Cortex to boost the wealth management offerings; the prediction markets hub; and a credit card to expand in the consumer finance space. Further, Robinhood is expanding aggressively through acquisitions to grow and diversify its business. Recent deals include Bitstamp for crypto, WonderFi for Canadian digital assets, TradePMR for Registered Investment Advisors services and Pluto Capital for artificial intelligence (AI)-driven investing. These moves support its goal of becoming a global, full-spectrum financial services provider, with ambitions to expand into the Asia-Pacific region. However, the recent launch of stock tokens in the European Union (EU), offering tokenized access to firms like OpenAI and SpaceX, has triggered regulatory scrutiny. Lithuania's central bank, Robinhood's primary EU regulator, is seeking clarity on the product's structure, while OpenAI has distanced itself. Regulators are questioning the transparency and legality of offering such tokens to retail investors. The Case for Schwab With more than $10 trillion in total client assets and a dominant position in both retail brokerage and advisor custody, Schwab benefits from deep client relationships and recurring revenue streams. Its acquisition of TD Ameritrade ('TDA') in 2020 solidified its leadership among retail and institutional investors. A key strength of Schwab is its diversified revenue base, which includes net interest income (NII), asset management fees and advisory services. Rising interest rates over the past two years have significantly boosted the company's net interest margin (NIM). Also, its focus on repaying high-cost bank supplemental funding balances will drive NIM. By the end of March 2025, the bank's supplemental funding balance was down 61% to $38.8 billion from the peak of $97.1 billion recorded in May 2023. Schwab's RIA custody business is one of the largest in the United States, and demand for independent advisors continues to grow. The integration of TDA enhanced the company's ability to scale and serve this high-margin segment. Schwab is quietly modernizing its platform to appeal to younger investors, with improved digital tools and plans to launch spot Bitcoin and Ethereum trading by mid-2026. This move aligns with changing investor behavior, as clients seek diversification. The company's scale and trusted platform position it well to serve as a bridge between traditional finance and digital assets, especially as cryptocurrency adoption becomes increasingly mainstream. Yet, Schwab faces risks from interest rate cuts, which could significantly reduce its NII due to a larger reliance on interest spreads. Also, rising competition from fintechs, including Robinhood, with their mobile-first and crypto-focused platforms, may limit the company's appeal among Gen Z and millennial investors despite its recent digital moves. How Do Earnings Estimates Compare for HOOD & SCHW? Over the past seven days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for HOOD's 2025 earnings has been revised upward, while for 2026, it has remained unchanged. The earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 imply 13.8% and 22.2% growth, respectively. Earnings Estimates for HOOD Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Additionally, analysts are bullish on Schwab's prospects. The earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have been revised upward over the past week. The consensus mark for SCHW's 2025 and 2026 earnings suggests 35.1% and 17.8% growth, respectively. Earnings Estimates for SCHW Image Source: Zacks Investment Research HOOD & SCHW: Price Performance, Valuation & Other Comparisons This year, shares of Robinhood have performed extremely well given the bullish investor sentiments. The stock has soared 164.9%, while Schwab has gained 25.7% so far this year. Additionally, both have outpaced the industry and the S&P 500 Index. In terms of investor sentiments, HOOD has the edge. YTD Price Performance Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Valuation-wise, HOOD is currently trading at the 12-month trailing price-to-tangible book (P/TB) of 11.88X. The SCHW stock, on the other hand, is currently trading at the 12-month trailing P/TB of 8.17X. HOOD & SCHW P/TB Ratio Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Thus, Schwab is inexpensive compared with HOOD. Schwab's return on equity (ROE) of 18.31% is higher than HOOD's 15.42%. This reflects SCHW's efficient use of shareholder funds in generating profits. ROE Robinhood or Schwab: Which Stock is the Better Bet? Robinhood and Schwab are carving distinct paths in reshaping the future of finance. While Robinhood is leaning into innovation, crypto expansion and aggressive growth, SCHW leverages its massive asset base, stable earnings and trusted platform to deliver long-term value. HOOD may appeal to growth-focused investors energized by its rapid transformation and recent stock surge. However, it also carries higher regulatory and market risk. In contrast, Schwab stands out as the long-term pick, offering a balanced blend of scale, profitability and strategic adaptability without compromising its conservative approach. With rising earnings estimates, a lower valuation and solid returns on equity, it offers a compelling blend of reliability and growth potential in an evolving financial landscape. Currently, Schwab carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), while Robinhood has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. #1 Semiconductor Stock to Buy (Not NVDA) The incredible demand for data is fueling the market's next digital gold rush. As data centers continue to be built and constantly upgraded, the companies that provide the hardware for these behemoths will become the NVIDIAs of tomorrow. One under-the-radar chipmaker is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the next growth stage of this market. It specializes in semiconductor products that titans like NVIDIA don't build. It's just beginning to enter the spotlight, which is exactly where you want to be. See This Stock Now for Free >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. The Charles Schwab Corporation (SCHW): Free Stock Analysis Report Robinhood Markets, Inc. (HOOD): Free Stock Analysis Report
