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Hong Kong’s first listed social responsibility index release “Hong Kong Main Board Listed Companies Social Responsibility Index”

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Sodata Index, Blue Chip Sodata Index And Hang Seng Index

 

On October 2, Rising Glory Financial limited company, with Sodata Analytics Foundation Association and LBS Communications Consulting Limited, jointly released the Hong Kong Main Board Listed Companies Social Responsibility Index Series, which establish a standardized and intuitive assessment method to quantitatively evaluate the company performance in social responsibility and governance.

With a number of social issues such as global warming, resource depletion and environmental pollution continuously emerging, more and more investors are aware of the impact of these non-financial factors on the operating stability and stakeholder values of the companies. Hence, Environment, Social Responsibility, Corporate Governance (“ESG”) factors have received extensive attention from the public. ESG is a standard used by investors to screen social-responsible investment targets and make investment decisions. The environmental factor examines the environmental protection concerns of companies; the social factor studies the ability of companies managing their relationship with the employees and communities around; corporate governance involves executive compensation, the corruption and litigation issues.

At present, international index developers have launched a number of ESG indices and derivative ETF investment products. The MSCI KLD 400 Social Index was created in May 1990 and is the world’s first ESG index. The most influential indices are the MSCI ESG Series Index (Global/US/Emerging Markets), the FTSE4Good Series Index, and The Dow Jones Sustainability Series Index. The ESG-themed fund is also part of the relevant investment products issued by the international mainstream fund companies. Among them, BlackRock’s MSCI US ESG ETF fund and Vanguard’s FTSE Social Fund are among the most famous.

Traditional ESG evaluation requires a lot of effort to study and evaluate environmental governance and business management of different companies from different industries, and it is difficult to give a standardized evaluation through a uniform method. In addition, many aspects of ESG, such as environmental indicators, employee management indicators, etc., are mandatory indicators. Only the social responsibility is a voluntary one, which we see as an alternative useful indicator to reflect corporate social responsibility. For example, many companies will voluntarily invest a lot of human and financial resources into environment, education, health care and other charitable causes.

The Hong Kong Main Board Listed Companies Social Responsibility Index (Sodata Index) selects 100 stocks from the underlying stocks in Hong Kong’s main board with higher social score ratings as index components. The social score rating consists of RGF self-developed evaluation factors such as the amount of donations, the growth rate of donations and the coefficient of sustainable donations which is the measurement of the implementation of charitable activities by enterprises on a continuing basis. The coefficient is based on the performance of the enterprise’s continuous contributions on an exponential weighted average basis, thus reflecting better scoring for enterprises with sustainable contributions. The Hong Kong Blue Chip Listed Companies Social Responsibility Index (Blue Chip Sodata Index) selects the constituent stocks of the Hong Kong Hang Seng Index as index components and adjusts the market capitalization weight according to the social score ratings.

As the first index based on the social score rating of listed companies in Hong Kong, the Sodata index started on June 2, 2015 as the base date, with a base point of 1,000 points. Comparing the performance of the Sodata Index, since June 2, 2015, the Sodata Index has increased by 7.08%, while the Hang Seng Index has fallen by 5.45%. Since January 2, 2019, the Sodata Index has fallen by 2.94%, and the Hang Seng Index has risen during the same period 3.83%. Comparing the performance of the Blue Chip Sodata Index, since June 2, 2015, the Blue Chip Sodata Index has increased by 18.10%. Since January 2, 2019, the Blue Chip Sodata Index has increased by 2.48%.

Michael Yip, one of the founders of the Sodata Analytics Foundation Association, said: “ESG is the new darling of the current investment community. In 2018, almost a quarter of global funds has adopted ESG standards for investment decisions. As ESG and related regulations become more sophisticated, ESG Investment has a huge positive effect on the market, companies, investors and government regulators. According to the Hong Kong Sodata Analytics Foundation research, the top 100 corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the past three years, has demonstrated a relatively high return on alpha and lower volatility. It is believed that the Sodata Index would be a better tool to track the stock movements of companies with higher social responsibility in the Hong Kong main board market.”

Joanne Chan, Managing Director of LBS Communications Consulting Limited, said: “The Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) supported by United Nations reflect the relationship between ESG and the capital markets, and provides a framework for global investors to make a long term and sustainable investment decision. It also facilitates the development of a stable capital market. PRI is in line with the long-term interests of investors and global capital markets. It is also in line with the long-term interests of environmental and societal causes, a redefinition of current investment behavior. The ESG investment concept is gradually gaining widespread recognition from global asset owners, investment institutions, regulators and other investors. According to UN PRI data, as of August 2018, more than 2,000 organizations around the world signed up with assets of more than 80 trillion US dollars. PRI has had a profound impact on the long-term and sustainable development of capital markets. ”

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GCL Energy Technology and Ant Digital Technologies Launch First Blockchain-Based RWA Project in Photovoltaic Industry

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SUZHOU, China, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — GCL Energy Technology Co., Ltd., a leader in the clean energy sector, and Ant Digital Technologies, a pioneer in digital technology services and blockchain technology, have achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing the first-ever Real World Asset Tokenization (RWA) issuance in China’s photovoltaic industry, securing 200 million yuan in cross-border financing. The groundbreaking initiative on December 23 not only injects substantial new capital into GCL Energy Technology’s ambitious growth plans but also establishes a novel financing model for Chinese photovoltaic companies seeking to fund green projects internationally.

RWA represents a transformative approach to asset management, where physical assets are digitized as tokens on the blockchain, enhancing liquidity and market accessibility. For this inaugural issuance, GCL Energy Technology has tokenized two strategically significant solar power plants in Hunan and Hubei, with a combined capacity of approximately 82MW, to spearhead this new financing frontier.

As the core entity of China’s largest private power conglomerate, GCL (Group) Holdings Co., Ltd., GCL Energy Technology is at the forefront of integrating clean energy production with comprehensive energy services and advanced digital operations. The company has significantly expanded its renewable energy footprint, with its total installed capacity reaching 5976.36 megawatts as of September 30, 2024, and renewable sources constituting 57.81% of this capacity. Notably, under the GCL SUN brand, residential photovoltaic installations have surged to 1105.89 megawatts across more than 36,500 households, demonstrating robust growth.

This RWA initiative is a cornerstone in GCL Energy Technology’s strategy to harness data for asset valorization, involving around 3000 residential photovoltaic systems. By integrating cutting-edge artificial intelligence, blockchain, and IoT technologies, the project packages and stores operational and revenue data on the blockchain. This dual-chain and one-bridge architecture has garnered strong backing from prominent global investors, reinforcing RWA’s role as a pivotal green finance tool that underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable development and transparency.

The move not only bolsters GCL Energy Technology’s global ESG credentials but also strengthens its position in the international market, aligning investor interests with the burgeoning demand for environmentally responsible, low-carbon investments. Looking ahead, GCL Energy Technology remains dedicated to leading the charge in renewable energy, with a strategic focus on leveraging data to drive innovation across the sector and foster a transparent, effective ESG ecosystem.

During the issuance event, Ant Digital Technologies emphasized that industries are increasingly adopting renewable energy and sustainable assets to drive sustainable growth, and its partnership with GCL Energy Technology aims to better support this trend. Leveraging blockchain and smart contract technologies, the collaboration has dramatically improved the transparency and efficiency of asset management, operations, and transactions, while also reducing costs associated with these activities. The strategic alliance is a response to the growing market demand in the photovoltaic sector, bringing substantial practical benefits to the real economy and demonstrating the scalability of these advanced technologies.

At the same event, strategic ties were further cemented with a comprehensive partnership agreement signed with Ant Digital Technologies in Suzhou. The partnership will broaden to include joint construction, acquisition, and securitization of new energy assets, covering distributed, commercial, industrial, and residential photovoltaic power stations.

In addition, both parties will collaborate to develop AI large model applications for various scenarios including new energy generation forecasting, energy management optimization, and intelligent operations, driving the industry’s move towards enhanced intelligence and sustainability.

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FXCess CFD Broker Now Empowers Partners with up to $5,000 Monthly Earning Opportunity via Referrals

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HAMILTON, Bermuda, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — FXCess CFD broker, a leading brand in the trading landscape, has introduced a new opportunity for its partners. The IB Reward program is a recently launched initiative that pays participants up to $5,000 per month for referring active traders. Unlike other income opportunities, this program involves zero risk, which makes it a perfect option for partners who want to maximize their financial potential.

“We are genuinely excited to bring this opportunity to our partners. The IB Reward Program is designed with simplicity and high returns in mind,” stated Thomas Pavlatos, the spokesperson for FXCess. “Participants will be able to earn substantial monthly rewards by referring new traders to our platform while enjoying the thrill of a risk-free earning process. This showcases our efforts to help our clients achieve consistent financial success.”

A Structure That Rewards Effort and Success

The FXCess CFD broker offers a Reward Program that is structured into five unique tiers. Starting at the Bronze level, partners can earn $450 if their network meets a net deposit of $10,000 and 100 traded lots in a month. Rewards grow progressively on Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers, and reach the Master level with a maximum of $5,000 earnings for $150,000 net deposits and 1,250 traded lots. The eligibility is checked at the end of every qualifying month to make sure the participants get their due rewards for fluffing the criteria.

“Our Reward Program is more than a simple referral initiative. It is a reflection of our commitment to providing high-value benefits that align with the needs of our partners,” Pavlatos added. “With no risk of loss and the potential to earn up to $5,000 every month, this program sets a new standard in rewards. Moving forward, we remain dedicated to introducing further innovative programs for all of our valued partners.”

About FXCess

FXCess CFD broker is a trusted name for traders worldwide. The company offers over 300 trading instruments, from forex pairs to futures, for both beginners and seasoned professionals. Moreover, they provide competitive trade conditions, multiple account options, and solid customer support so that every client is served with the best services. Supported by advanced platforms like MT4 and PMAM, FXCess CFD broker delivers trading excellence with a focus on transparency and trust.

FXCess is a trade name of Notesco Int Limited; a company incorporated in Anguilla with registration number A000001800 and registered address The Valley, AI2640, Cosely Drive, 1338, AI.

All trading involves risk. It is possible to lose all your capital.

https://www.fxcess.com/

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Smartkem Closes $7.65 Million Offering

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MANCHESTER, England, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Smartkem (Nasdaq: SMTK), which is seeking to change the world of electronics using its disruptive organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs), announced it has completed its previously announced concurrent public and private offerings of its securities, including shares of its common stock and common stock equivalents, for an aggregate total gross proceeds of $7.65 million.

Smartkem issued 1,449,997 registered shares of common stock and unregistered Class D warrants to purchase up to 1,449,997 shares of common stock to investors in concurrent public and private offerings at a price of $3.00 per share and related Class D warrant. Each investor received one Class D warrant for each share purchased in the public offering.

Pursuant to the separate concurrent private placement, the Company sold to certain institutional investors, including existing investors in the Company, 169,784 unregistered shares of common stock, unregistered pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 930,215 shares of common stock and unregistered Class D warrants to purchase up to 1,099,999 shares of common stock at a price of $3.00 per share and related Class D warrant and a price of $2.9999 per pre-funded warrant and related Class D warrant.  Each investor received one Class D warrant for each share of common stock or pre- funded warrant purchased in the offering.

The Class D warrants are immediately exercisable at an exercise price of $3.00 per share and expire on December 31, 2025.  The pre-funded warrants are immediately exercisable at an exercise price of $0.0001 per share and may be exercised at any time until all of the pre-funded warrants have been exercised in full.

The gross proceeds of the offerings described above were $7.65 million before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses payable by the Company. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offerings for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Craig-Hallum Capital Group LLC acted as the Company’s exclusive placement agent for the offerings.

In connection with the offerings described above, the Company has entered into a registration rights offering pursuant to which it has agreed to register the shares of common stock issued in the private placement, the shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Class D warrants and the pre-funded warrants sold in the offerings and certain other securities for resale by the holders thereof no later than the earlier of (i) the 10th day after the filing of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 or (ii) April 25, 2025.

The sale of the registered shares of common stock was made pursuant to Smartkem’s effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (file no. 333- 281608), including a base prospectus, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and declared effective by the SEC on August 22, 2024 and a prospectus supplement dated December 18, 2024 filed with the SEC. Copies of the prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus may be obtained from Craig-Hallum Capital Group LLC, Attention: Equity Capital Markets, 222 South Ninth Street, Suite 350, Minneapolis, MN 55402, by telephone at (612) 334-6300 or by email at [email protected]. Alternatively, copies of the prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus may be obtained for free at the SEC’s EDGAR website at www.sec.gov.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any Smartkem securities.

About Smartkem

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Smartkem is seeking to reshape the world of electronics with its disruptive organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) that have the potential to revolutionize the display industry.  Smartkem’s patented TRUFLEX® liquid semiconductor polymers can be used to make a new type of transistor that can be used in a number of display technologies, including next generation microLED displays. Smartkem’s organic inks enable low temperature printing processes that are compatible with existing manufacturing infrastructure to deliver low-cost displays that outperform existing technology.

Smartkem develops its materials at its research and development facility in Manchester, UK and provides prototyping services at the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) at Sedgefield, UK. It has a field application office in Taiwan. The company has an extensive IP portfolio including 138 granted patents across 18 patent families, 16 pending patents and 40 codified trade secrets.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this press release that are not historical are forward-looking statements, including, among other things, the expected use of proceeds received from the offerings. These statements are not historical facts but rather are based on Smartkem Inc.’s current expectations, estimates, and projections regarding its business, operations and other similar or related factors. Words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “believe,” “estimate,” and other similar or related expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult or impossible to predict and, in some cases, beyond the Company’s control. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update information in this release to reflect events or circumstances in the future, even if new information becomes available.

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