Fintech PR
SAS invests in humans, powered by AI and analytics education
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SAS GLOBAL FORUM – SAS announced its latest plans to invest in the people behind the analytics, to help educate the new generation to change what’s possible, and to train a workforce for a transformed economy. Several new programs and initiatives – all part of the overall commitment SAS has to promoting analytics education for all – were introduced during SAS® Global Forum 2019.
Offering something for everyone including academic institutions, professionals, and future programmers of tomorrow, the new programs will help create talent to drive analytical innovation and exploration:
- SAS® Viya® for Learners offers free access to AI software for higher education teaching and learning.
- Cortex, a new simulation game, allows educators to gamify the analytics learning experience.
- New certifications and badges help professionals showcase their AI skills to the world.
- And a new philanthropic partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs introduces kids to coding.
“Analytics is changing work and our current and upcoming workforce as we know it,” said SAS CEO Jim Goodnight. “But humans will always be the heart and soul of innovation. Our commitment to analytics education from kids to educators to professionals unleashes the power of learners to build a better world.”
Free access to AI and machine learning for academic institutions
SAS is helping educators prepare students to seize new career opportunities, at no cost, with SAS Viya for Learners. SAS Viya for Learners is a full suite of cloud-based software that supports the entire analytics life cycle – from data, to discovery, to deployment – and lets users access the most advanced SAS® AI and machine learning analytics tools, for free.
Education is a key pillar of the company’s recently announced $1 billion AI investment. To support the successful use of SAS Viya for Learners at academic institutions, a substantial portion of the education portion of that investment will go towards free educator workshops and teaching materials.
With SAS Viya for Learners, academic institutions can boost graduate career placement rates by building a complete advanced analytics program within a single software environment. SAS Viya for Learners provides support tools like online chat, web tutorials, e-learning opportunities, documentation, communities and technical support, freeing educators to teach creative applications of analytics, and critical thinking skills. Educators can access a private forum to share experiences and best practices.
Students gain expertise in the most popular software languages today, including SAS and open source options Python and R. They learn to explore data, discover insights and deploy AI and machine learning models. Students gain real-world experience through true business use cases and showcase their skills with badges and certification opportunities.
Louisiana State University (LSU) is an early adopter of SAS Viya for Learners. A SAS Global Forum panel will include several LSU graduates who used their advanced analytics expertise to land jobs at a Fortune 500 financial services company. The alumni will share best practices from their time at LSU, highlight what they found most beneficial for their current careers and provide insights into transitioning from graduate school to a career.
Professors can apply for access to SAS Viya for Learners via the home page.
SAS Viya for Learners is also available to those who enroll in a new SAS machine learning course, available now. Learners can also soon gain AI and machine learning skills via two new Coursera courses that will offer access to SAS Viya for Learners.
Introducing Cortex, an analytics simulation game
SAS and Canadian business school HEC Montreal have launched Cortex, an online simulation game that teaches analytics and predictive modeling skills. Educators can bring real-world experience into the classroom by having students compete to create the best model to support a fictional charitable foundation’s fundraising efforts. The game provides students with information on the nonprofit and a data set of potential donors, as well as access to SAS data mining tools. Students are ranked on a leaderboard based on the quality of their model and its results.
Educators can begin integrating Cortex into instruction now at no cost. Students can access it on a desktop or in the cloud for a small fee.
SAS Global Forum attendees can check out Cortex at HEC Montreal’s booth in the Quad and learn more about gaming as a learning tool during a presentation on Monday, April 29. There is an educator training session on Tuesday, April 30.
New certifications and badges signal AI expertise to employers
A SAS AI, big data, advanced analytics or data science credential fosters lucrative opportunities across industries. The SAS Global Certification program has long been the standard for industries like banking and life sciences, having awarded more than 142,000 SAS credentials to individuals in 112 countries.
Learners can amplify their marketability through three new specialist-level SAS certifications in machine learning, natural language and computer vision, and forecasting and optimization. The learners who pursue the certification automatically earn the professional-level credential, SAS Certified Professional: AI and Machine Learning. An immersive two-week classroom experience or flexible, online option taken over 12 months are available. Both options include certification exams.
In addition, SAS has partnered with Acclaim to create digital badges for SAS credentials. Professionals can add badges to online resumes, social media and email signatures to showcase expertise in a variety of analytical skills.
Building tomorrow’s programmers through new Boys & Girls Clubs partnership
To succeed in the analytics, AI and data science jobs of tomorrow, young students need a strong foundation in STEM and coding fundamentals.
To help build that foundation, SAS is bringing a fun coding experience to the Austin, Dallas and Houston chapters of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). CodeSnaps is a free app from the makers of Curriculum Pathways® that teaches coding basics by enticing students to actively work together to control Sphero, an app-enabled robotic ball that students command using code and an iPad®. SAS is donating CodeSnaps kits, which include Sphero robots and iPads with accessories. SAS volunteers from the local city offices will train BGCA staff to conduct the lessons themselves.
Today’s announcements were made at SAS Global Forum, the world’s largest analytics conference, with more than 30,000 business and IT users of SAS software participating on-site and online.
SOURCE SAS
Stable Real Estate Recovery and Steady Growth in the New Economy
SHENZHEN, China, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The PHBS Think Tank at Peking University HSBC Business School released its Macroeconomic Analysis Report for the First Quarter of 2025, highlighting a strong start to the year for the Chinese economy. In January and February, production exceeded expectations, and the cumulative trade surplus reached a historical high for the period. However, consumption and investment grew at a slower pace.
The report outlines four key macroeconomic trends from the first quarter:
- Real Estate Market Stabilizes with Policy Support
Policy-driven measures have helped stabilize the real estate sector, with major markets showing signs of gradual recovery. - Positive Feedback Loop in Auto Exports
Investment, production, and expectations in overseas automobile markets reinforced each other in a positive cycle. Based on available data, leading enterprises remained optimistic about the impact of tariffs on new energy vehicles. - Support for the Development of New Economy
Domestic industrial policies supported investment, production, and retail in sectors such as electronics and transport equipment, helping sustain a growth cycle in new economy. - Rush to Export, with Tariff Uncertainty Ahead
A surge in exports drove temporary growth in labor-intensive goods and home appliance production. However, this momentum faces risks from future U.S. tariffs. Many enterprises have already taken steps to mitigate potential disruptions.
Looking ahead to the first half of 2025, GDP growth is projected to reach 5.0%. Export pressure may intensify in Q2 2025, and current policies may not be strong enough to significantly boost consumption. The real estate market is expected to continue its steady recovery, while manufacturers will likely expand their use of automation and smart technologies to reduce costs.
The report offers several policy recommendations: strengthen support for enterprises expanding globally through vertical specialization; boost the effectiveness of fiscal policies to stimulate consumption; ensure this year’s land reserve special bond issuance reaches at least 700 billion yuan; and accelerate fiscal and tax reforms to address structural unemployment driven by technological change.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/phbs-think-tank-releases-q1-2025-macroeconomic-report-302431164.html
Fintech PR
HTX Completes Fireblocks Off-Exchange Integration, Advancing Institutional Trading Security and Efficiency
SINGAPORE, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HTX, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, has successfully integrated and launched Fireblocks Off-Exchange, a next-generation solution for institutional trading.
“This integration represents a strategic expansion of HTX’s institutional offerings,” said Justin Sun, Advisor to HTX. “Fireblocks’ state-of-the-art technology enhances our platform’s security infrastructure while streamlining institutional operations within a compliant framework. Looking ahead, we remain committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that make HTX the preferred gateway for institutions entering the digital asset market.”
This milestone reinforces HTX’s commitment to delivering a secure, compliant, and seamless trading environment for its global institutional clientele.
Fireblocks Off-Exchange: Revolutionizing Institutional Asset Security
Fireblocks Off-Exchange enables institutions to securely trade digital assets by maintaining funds in self-custodied, off-exchange collateral accounts, while simultaneously receiving 1:1 credit on the exchange. This dramatically reduces counterparty risk while maintaining the speed and capital efficiency of centralized trading.
The solution facilitates rapid, low-cost settlement across platforms, ensuring assets remain under institutional-grade security throughout the trade lifecycle. A robust disaster recovery mechanism guarantees recoverability of funds even under extreme conditions, enabling institutional clients to retain control over private keys while accessing deep exchange liquidity.
HTX: Reinforcing Institutional Confidence in the Crypto Market
By deploying Fireblocks Off-Exchange, HTX strengthens its platform’s regulatory posture and operational resilience—critical factors in today’s evolving digital asset landscape. The integration aligns with HTX’s broader mission to advance institutional participation through enhanced asset protection and compliance infrastructure.
Since the launch, HTX has onboarded numerous institutional clients and recorded a 200% increase in trading volume, validating market demand for secure off-exchange settlement models.
A Step Toward the Future of Compliant Institutional Trading
As the crypto industry continues to mature, HTX remains committed to innovation in asset protection, regulatory alignment, and institutional services. The Fireblocks Off-Exchange integration marks another key milestone in HTX’s journey to provide a best-in-class, compliant trading experience tailored to institutional needs—positioning the exchange as a global leader in secure digital asset trading.
About HTX
Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.
As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.
To learn more about HTX, please visit HTX Square or https://www.htx.com/, and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord.
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/htx-completes-fireblocks-off-exchange-integration-advancing-institutional-trading-security-and-efficiency-302430596.html
Fintech PR
Eric Trump and Asher Genoot to Make First On-Stage Appearance for American Bitcoin at Consensus 2025
TORONTO, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Consensus 2025, North America’s most influential gathering for the crypto, blockchain, and AI industries, has announced Eric Trump and Asher Genoot as their conference headline speakers, marking their first on-stage appearance since establishing American Bitcoin. Trump and Genoot will discuss their vision to reshape Bitcoin mining across North America during the conference, scheduled for May 14–16 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
“The launch of American Bitcoin represents a transformative moment for Bitcoin mining in North America,” said Eric Trump, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of American Bitcoin. “I am so proud to share our bold vision for this initiative, which we believe will become the world’s largest and most efficient pure-play Bitcoin miner.”
Eric Trump and Asher Genoot will speak on the mainstage on Thursday, May 15, from 1:15 pm to 1:40 pm, followed by a session at the dedicated Bitcoin Mining Summit from 2:15 pm to 2:45 pm, where they will be joined by American Bitcoin CEO Matt Prusak. These highly anticipated discussions will provide Consensus 2025 attendees with exclusive insights into how American Bitcoin plans to reshape industrial-scale Bitcoin mining in North America while building a strategic Bitcoin reserve.
“I’m excited to join the conversation in Toronto at Consensus 2025 as we launch American Bitcoin,” said Asher Genoot, Chief Executive Officer of Hut 8 and Board Member of American Bitcoin. “We are committed to establishing North America as the global leader in Bitcoin mining and looking forward to connecting with industry leaders and investors at Consensus to share how we believe American Bitcoin is positioned to make that vision a reality.”
Launched on March 31, 2025, American Bitcoin aims to become the world’s largest pure-play Bitcoin miner, targeting over 50 EH/s of mining capacity.
“We’re honored to welcome Eric Trump and Asher Genoot to Consensus 2025 for their first in-person presentation of American Bitcoin. This keynote is among the most highly anticipated sessions of the conference, and I look forward to hearing first-hand how this initiative will help redefine Bitcoin mining across North America. With over 500 speakers convening at Consensus, we continue to offer attendees a front-row seat to the visionaries shaping the future of the crypto sector,” commented Sara Stratoberdha, CEO of CoinDesk.
Consensus will feature over 500 speakers across multiple stages, immersive experiences, and unparalleled networking opportunities. This year’s expanded programming includes dedicated tracks on Bitcoin mining, institutional adoption, regulatory developments, and emerging Web3 innovations, making it the must-attend event for industry leaders, investors, developers, and policymakers shaping the future of digital finance.
Early bird registration is now open with limited-time discounted rates available at consensus2025.coindesk.com.
Members of the media are invited to apply for press credentials at https://consensus2025.coindesk.com/press/-id/0.
Media Contact:
Jamie Sly
press@coindesk.com
About Consensus:
Consensus by CoinDesk is the world’s longest running and most influential gathering for the crypto, blockchain, and AI industries. Bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators, it helps you understand the future of digital assets with discussions on key topics such as DeFi, Web3, AI, the evolving regulatory landscape and more.
With a mix of panels, keynotes, and networking opportunities, Consensus 2025 provides a platform to explore the latest trends shaping the digital economy. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just entering the space, this event offers valuable insights and connections in a rapidly evolving field.
About CoinDesk:
CoinDesk is the most trusted media, events, indices, and data company for the global crypto economy. Since 2013, CoinDesk Media has led the story of the future of money and investing, illuminating the transformation in society and culture that comes with it. Our award-winning team of journalists delivers news and unparalleled insights that bring transparency, comprehension, and context.
CoinDesk gathers the global crypto, blockchain, and Web3 communities at annual events such as Consensus, the world’s largest and longest-running crypto festival. CoinDesk Indices offers expertise in digital asset indices, data, and research to educate and empower investors. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by Bullish Group. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. For more information on CoinDesk media and events, please visit CoinDesk.com
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/eric-trump-and-asher-genoot-to-make-first-on-stage-appearance-for-american-bitcoin-at-consensus-2025-302431031.html
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