LONDON, March 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the first quarter of 2025 draws to a close, uncertainty remains the defining theme in global financial markets. A volatile mix of political upheavals, aggressive tariff exchanges, and shifting economic policies has kept investors on edge, forcing a recalibration of risk appetite across asset classes. The White House’s unpredictable trade stance—marked by punitive tariffs targeting China, Canada, and Mexico—has triggered swift retaliatory measures, amplifying fears of a prolonged trade war. This climate of instability has already left its imprint on market sentiment, leading to a downturn in U.S. equities. The S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and Dow Jones Industrial Average have all struggled under the weight of uncertainty, reflecting investor concerns about slowing corporate earnings and disrupted supply chains. In contrast, European and Asian markets outperformed, showing greater resilience. Germany’s DAX benefited from a major investment drive, while France’s CAC 40 gained on strong corporate earnings. The FTSE 100 advanced, supported by energy and finance. In Asia, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng had its best start in years, fueled by a Chinese tech rally, AI growth, and pro-market policies and Japan’s Nikkei 225 saw modest gains, backed by economic stability but tempered by cautious monetary policy.

The Q1 2025 edition of Pan Finance Magazine explores a diverse range of critical discussions—from the future of the global economy without America and the EU and BRICS’ emerging leadership roles to the AI race and its profound impact on every aspect of human life. Additionally, our cover story examines the far-reaching implications of Trump’s second term, not only for markets but for everyday lives worldwide.

Furthermore, Pan Finance continues to shine a spotlight on a variety of topics by highlighting leading examples of best practice across the financial services sector and beyond. Established to be a true measure of excellence, the Pan Finance awards look beyond the realm of the balance sheet alone, measuring success through innovation, stewardship of the environment and positive impact on society.

Christos Kontos, Founding Partner & CEO at ELIA Investment Advisors stated, “For our team at ELIA this award is not only a reflection of our work so far, but an even stronger commitment to what we aim for in the future. Beyond financial markets and numbers, “Investing.As It Should Be” is built on a deeply rooted relationship of trust with our clients. And this is something we truly and always commit to honour.”

“4Tax is honored to receive the PAN FINANCE Award, a recognition that reaffirms our commitment to excellence and innovation in our field. This achievement reflects the dedication of our entire team, whose expertise and passion drive us to deliver the highest standards for our clients. This award is not just a milestone, it’s a motivation to keep evolving, pushing boundaries, and setting new benchmarks in our industry. We extend our gratitude to our clients and partners for their trust, and to PAN FINANCE for this incredible recognition,” said Luiz Gomes, Founding Partner & CFO of 4Tax Group.

Yavuz Karadeniz, Chief Growth Officer of E8 Markets said: “We are honored to be recognized by Pan Finance Magazine as the Most Innovative Simulated Trading Platform – USA 2025. At E8 Markets, innovation is at the core of everything we do—from developing flexible evaluation models to providing traders with industry-leading conditions. This award is a testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of prop trading and continuously improving the trader experience. We remain dedicated to creating cutting-edge solutions that empower traders worldwide. Thank you to our incredible community for your trust and support—this achievement is as much yours as it is ours.”

Pan Finance is delighted to announce the following award winners in the Q1 2025 edition:

Elia Investments – Most Trusted UHNWI Wealth Advisor – Switzerland 2025
E8 Markets – Most Innovative Simulated Trading Platform – USA 2025
Tawuniya Insurance Company – Corporate Finance Advisory of the Year – Middle East 2025
Unicorn Group – Payment Gateway Solutions of the Year – Switzerland 2025
4Tax Group – Best Cross-Border Tax Planning Solutions Provider – Brazil 2025
European Payments Initiative – Most Innovative Digital Payment Infrastructure – Europe 2025

To learn more about these award winners, pick up the latest issue of Pan Finance magazine, available now:

Pan Finance Magazine Q1 2025

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Featuring articles from:

Jim O’Neill, former chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, former UK Treasury minister; Raghuram G. Rajan, former governor of the Reserve Bank of India, chief economist of the International Monetary Fund, professor of finance at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business; Olivier Blanchard, former chief economist of the International Monetary Fund, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics; Jean Pisani-Ferry, senior fellow at the Brussels-based think tank Bruegel, senior non-resident fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, professor at Sciences Po.

About Pan Finance 

Each quarter Pan Finance delivers key information through time-sensitive financial news covering world markets, industry analysis and c-suite level interviews. Content from renowned academics and leading professionals provides an accessible view of global trends, with a focus on finance, economics, infrastructure, technology and sustainability – www.panfinance.net

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• Expanded shareholder group, led by global investors including Neuberger Berman Private Markets, CPP Investments, CF Alba and Dubai Holding, brings deep expertise and long-term capital to support Nord Anglia’s continued expansion and innovation in premium education

• USD 14.5 billion transaction reflects Nord Anglia’s leadership in delivering world-class education and its position as a premier global institution

• The depth and diversity of global financial asset managers and institutions in Nord Anglia’s expanded shareholder base enhance its long-term resilience, introduce fresh strategic capital and create new pathways for innovation and growth

LONDON, March 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — EQT, as part of a global consortium of premier institutional investors including Neuberger Berman Private Markets, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (“CPP Investments”), Corporación Financiera Alba, S.A. (“CF Alba”) and Dubai Holding Investments (“Dubai Holding”) (collectively the “Consortium”), today announced the successful completion of the Consortium’s acquisition of Nord Anglia Education (“Nord Anglia” or the “Company”), valuing the business at USD 14.5 billion.

This transaction marks a significant milestone in Nord Anglia’s evolution as a global leader in private international education. Operating over 80 schools in 33 countries, Nord Anglia educates more than 90,000 students from ages 2 to 18.  Its students consistently achieve excellent academic results, with Year 12 graduates frequently accepted into the world’s top 100 universities. Central to Nord Anglia’s educational philosophy is its personalized learning approach, where classroom teaching is tailored to each student’s unique learning style.

Alongside EQT, Neuberger Berman Private Markets, CPP Investments, CF Alba and Dubai Holding, the completion of Nord Anglia’s acquisition also introduces a distinguished group of global financial asset managers or institutions which significantly broadens and strengthens the Company’s ownership structure. This group includes sovereign wealth funds, insurers, and family offices across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America, which not only enhances Nord Anglia’s long-term stability as a private company but also brings new strategic perspectives, resources, and capital to drive its continued growth. The strong momentum and commitment from these investors reflect the exceptional quality of the organization and confidence in its long-term trajectory.

EQT has been a dedicated partner to Nord Anglia since 2008 and further strengthened its commitment in 2017, when CPP Investments joined as an investor. Over this period, EQT has played a central role in strategic M&A, helping Nord Anglia successfully execute more than 21 acquisitions since 2017 that have significantly expanded its footprint and earnings. Additionally, EQT has worked closely with Nord Anglia to invest in digital initiatives, enhancing both the student learning experience and operational efficiencies. Under EQT’s ownership, Nord Anglia has also established an innovative collaboration model with world-renowned institutions, further elevating its reputation for academic excellence. Its partners include UNICEF, Juilliard, MIT, IMG Academy, King’s College London, and Project Zero, a research center at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Neuberger Berman, CF Alba, Dubai Holding and other leading global investors now join EQT and CPP Investments to further strengthen Nord Anglia’s position as a sophisticated, globally integrated premium education group. With a commitment to supporting both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, the Consortium ensures Nord Anglia remains well-positioned for continued innovation, expansion, and leadership in the evolving global education landscape.

Jean Eric Salata, Chairperson of EQT Asia and Head of Private Capital Asia, said, “EQT is proud to be a long-term partner to Nord Anglia and to continue supporting its evolution as a world-leading premium education platform. This transaction not only delivers a strong outcome and a successful exit for BPEA Private Equity Fund VI but also marks a defining moment for EQT, as we align with a distinguished group of global investors who share a deep commitment to Nord Anglia’s mission. The strength and diversity of this expanded shareholder base will reinforce the company’s long-term stability, provide additional strategic capital, and unlock new opportunities for innovation. We look forward to this next chapter and to seeing Nord Anglia continue to set new benchmarks in academic excellence and global impact.”

Jack Hennessy, Partner at EQT Private Equity, said, “Nord Anglia is an outstanding institution that has set new standards for excellence in global private education. For more than 16 years, we’ve worked closely with the company’s exceptional management team to expand its reach and elevate its academic offering. With the completion of this transaction, we are excited to continue this journey with Neuberger Berman, CPP Investments, CF Alba, Dubai Holding and a world-class group of long-term institutional investors, ensuring Nord Anglia is well-positioned for its next stage of growth.”

Andrew Fitzmaurice, Chief Executive Officer of Nord Anglia Education, added, “We are delighted to partner with some of the world’s most respected investors, who share our commitment to educational excellence. EQT has been an exceptional partner over the years, helping to strengthen our academic programs, invest in research and innovation, and expand our family of schools globally. With the support of our investor group, we are excited about the future and the opportunities this will create to further improve students’ outcomes.”

EQT is investing in Nord Anglia through its BPEA Private Equity Fund VIII. 

Contact
EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com 

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PASAY CITY, Philippines, March 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), the parent company of the SM group, is optimistic about the Philippines’ growth momentum, reaffirming its commitment to the economy’s future, according to Erwin G. Pato, Executive Vice President for Treasury, Finance, and Planning.

In recent interviews on CNBC and Bloomberg, Mr. Pato highlighted SM Investments’ confidence in the country’s growth trajectory. He emphasized that the group’s synergized investments in retail, property, and financial services will continue to contribute to the consumption-driven growth of the Philippines.

The group also recently announced a PHP60-billion share buyback program, which is touted as the largest in Philippine corporate history. This initiative reflects SM’s positive outlook on the country’s economic future. SM’s decision to repurchase shares worth USD1 billion signals the company’s belief in its value appreciation and the continued growth of the Philippine economy.

“We’re having this buyback because we believe in our company and its growth potential,” said Mr. Pato.

“We believe that growth in the Philippines will continue to be consumption-driven,” he added. “Seventy percent of our gross domestic product (GDP) is consumption-driven, and our business is right within that footprint. Our offerings in retail, integrated property development, and financial services will continue to be key players in this consumption-driven growth.”

SM Investments’ consolidated net income showed a 7% increase in 2024, rising to PHP82.6 billion from PHP77.0 billion in 2023. Meanwhile, SM Retail Inc., the group’s retail arm, posted a net income of PHP20.9 billion, up from PHP19.9 billion in the previous year.

“We’re a proxy of the Philippine economy because of our scale and the communities we serve,” Mr. Pato explained. “With lowering interest rates, we believe this will help our macroeconomics and could lead our economic managers to achieve our inflation rate within the 2% to 4% range. If that happens, it suggests a strong tailwind for the consumer story.”

As one of the country’s leading property developers, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., the group’s property arm, is earmarking PHP100 billion this year for the development of its malls, residences, offices, hotels and convention centers. This investment is driven by expectations of sustained growth in consumer demand and corporate activity.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

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SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

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