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Labuan IBFC to be Asia’s Leading Digital-Based Financial Gateway with Islamic Finance Capabilities
Labuan International Business and Financial Centre (Labuan IBFC) is rapidly revolutionising its digital offerings, entrenching its commitment to become a facilitator of Asia’s digital revolution, a key driver of the centre’s success in recent years.
Labuan Financial Services Authority (Labuan FSA) – the jurisdiction’s regulator – provides an innovative licensing regime to support this evolving digital financial landscape. Allowing digital financial services (DFS) firms to operate within a live market environment, anchored on innovation, intermediation and financial inclusion.
“The DFS in Labuan IBFC is continually growing in recognition of the progressive approach that the centre has taken in embracing the digital revolution, by being as facilitative as possible to enable innovative digital business to take root in Labuan IBFC,” said Labuan FSA Director General, Nik Mohamed Din Nik Musa during his Welcome Address at the third Connecting Digital Ecosystems Asia (CoDE Asia 2021) today.
He added: “Labuan IBFC is envisioned to become a digital-based gateway with Islamic finance capabilities for all global investors and players as the future of Islamic finance looks ever promising. The digital transformation in Islamic finance positively contributes to the evolution and innovation of Islamic financial products and services in a rapid tone.”
“As we continue to strengthen Islamic finance footing in the region, our focus now is to realise the full potential of digital opportunities by offering an all-inclusive solution of a shariah based digital regime leveraging on Islamic finance and social-based finance instruments. This could further expand Islamic finance development across emerging markets while building connectivity with wider Islamic finance industry.”
“As digitisation for the financial sector evolves, regulatory bodies globally will be posed with the balancing act of determining appropriate ways of regulating these changes vis-a-vis promoting market breakthrough and innovations. Ensuring stability will remain of paramount importance as financial transactions become more seamless, intangible and borderless. Therefore, Labuan FSA is committed to adopting a facilitative approach by developing ‘fit-for-purpose’ requirements to cater for emerging business technologies,” said Nik Mohamed Din.
This year, Labuan FSA launched two key policy documents – the Guiding Principles on Business Continuity Management to enhance the Labuan financial institutions’ operational resilience; as well as a digital governance and cyber resilience framework which aims to protect DFS providers from cyber threats.
Farah Jaafar, CEO of Labuan IBFC Inc, said, “Being home to one of the fastest growing digital families in Asia, our ethos of constant engagement with industry coupled with innovation and facilitation, puts us in good stead to embrace the next digital evolution, governed by sound regulatory parameters. This curates a regulated digital ecosystem, providing synergy between wholesale financial intermediation and digitalisation allowing our licensees to operate in a facilitative borderless environment.”
As at September 2021, the number of DFS providers that have been approved to operate in the Labuan IBFC digital space has grown to 85 licensees, having licensed 25 intermediaries as of September 2021. The key licensees include 2 digital banks, 1 insurtech and 1 digital securities exchange, 16 payment systems providers, 18 credit token issuers and 33 money brokers (digital currency exchanges). Out of the total number of DFS providers in Labuan IBFC, the majority were licensed to provide digital currency trading platform, issuance of digital token and e-payment system or e-wallet.
Labuan IBFC’s debut as a digital friendly jurisdiction began in 2017 with just one licence and has since expanded with a wide range of digital businesses and players, from digital banking and insurtech to intermediaries such as robo-advisory, digital asset exchanges, crypto trading platforms, tokenisation licences and e-payment systems.
Having celebrated its 30th year of establishment in 2020, Labuan IBFC is now home to more than 5,000 active entities which include 70 banks, 232 insurance and insurance-related entities, 65 trust companies and other business sectors, with an ecosystem creating a robust environment promoting the growth of digital business.
The 3rd edition (virtual) of Connecting Digital Ecosystems Asia 2021 (CoDE Asia 2021) themed “Future Forward: Next Gen Digital Ecosystems” was attended by more than 400 regional delegates and featured a line-up of industry players and subject matter experts, discussing the current and emerging developments in the digital financial industry.
In conjunction with the conference, a joint white paper entitled ‘Curating a Regulated Digital Ecosystem’ was launched. The paper produced with Deloitte, examines the challenges faced by regulators in an ever-evolving digital landscape, and how jurisdictions can support and facilitate a well-balanced regulatory and business conducive environment.
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Redefining Financial Frontiers: Nucleus Software Celebrates 30 Years with Synapse 2024 in Singapore
SINGAPORE, Nov. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The thriving India–Singapore partnership in banking and technology reached a new milestone as Nucleus Software celebrated 30 years of transformative innovation at Synapse 2024, held in Singapore. The event underscored the company’s role in redefining financial services across Southeast Asia (SEA) and the globe, bringing together leaders in finance and technology to explore a shared vision for the future of banking.
Synapse 2024 celebrated 30 years of Nucleus Software’s leadership in driving transformative change across Singapore and Southeast Asia’s financial ecosystem. The event also shone a spotlight on the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), an initiative supported by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to champion responsible technology adoption. The event highlighted the deepening synergies between India and Singapore, driven by their shared commitment to innovation, cross-border collaboration, and financial inclusion. As the financial services sector undergoes rapid evolution with advancements in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital banking, these partnerships are setting the stage for a more connected, resilient, and inclusive global ecosystem.
Vishnu R. Dusad, Co-founder and Managing Director of Nucleus Software, reflected on the milestone: “For over 30 years, we’ve had the privilege of aligning our journey with Singapore’s ascent as a global financial powerhouse. Back in 1994, when we chose to go East instead of West, it was a bold and emotional decision—guided by our belief in Singapore as a hub for innovation and collaboration. We saw then what remains true today: Singapore is at the heart of the global financial landscape, a place where new ideas take root, and partnerships thrive.”
The event brought together a distinguished array of participants, highlighting the transformative potential of India–Singapore collaboration. Mr. Piyush Gupta, CEO of DBS Group and the Guest of Honor, set the tone for the event with his opening remarks, emphasizing the transformative role of big tech in reimagining scalable, customer-centric financial services in the digital age.
Following his address, key speakers enriched the discussions with their insights. Mr. Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief Fintech Officer at the Monetary Authority of Singapore and Group CEO-Designate of The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), underlined the importance of fostering responsible technology adoption and building inclusive financial ecosystems. Mr. Vinod Rai, globally respected public policy expert, Distinguished Visiting Research Fellow at the National University of Singapore, and former Comptroller and Auditor General of India, shared his perspectives on governance and policy frameworks in financial systems. Mr. S.M. Acharya, Chairman of Nucleus Software and former Defence Secretary of India, offered a visionary outlook on leveraging technology to modernize and secure banking frameworks. Finally, Mr. Pieter Franken, Co-founder and Director of GFTN (Japan), a global FinTech pioneer and deep tech innovator, discussed the future of decentralized finance and its implications for the financial sector.
The event showcased the transformative role of technology in global financial systems, emphasizing innovations that set benchmarks for scalability and inclusivity. Panelists discussed the importance of localized solutions, the challenges of cross-border integration, and leveraging dual business models to optimize capital and foster public participation. The dialogue highlighted the need for common standards, unified frameworks like APIs, and collaborative efforts to accelerate financial inclusion and drive global connectivity in the digital age.
For 30 years, Nucleus Software has consistently introduced advanced lending and banking solutions that support financial institutions’ evolving needs in Singapore and South East Asia. Driven by lean development methodologies like Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD) and Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CICD), Nucleus Software continues to push boundaries in efficient, flexible, and secure financial technology.
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2565374/Synapse_2024.jpg
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2565373/Nucleus_Software_Logo.jpg
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ROYAL CANADIAN MINT REPORTS PROFITS AND PERFORMANCE FOR Q3 2024
OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Royal Canadian Mint (the “Mint”) announces its financial results for the third quarter of 2024 that provide insight into its activities, the markets influencing its businesses and its expectations for the next 12 months.
“As the markets continue to change, the Mint is proving its ability to seize on new opportunities thanks to its diversified structure and flexible business strategy” said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint.
The financial results should be read in conjunction with the Mint’s annual report available at www.mint.ca . All monetary amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise indicated.
Financial and Operational Highlights
- The financial results for the third quarter of 2024 were ahead of target and higher than 2023 levels. Higher gold market pricing and foreign circulation volumes combined with lower fixed costs were the main drivers for the quarter over quarter increase. These increases were partially offset by lower than expected bullion volumes from the continued soft demand in the global bullion market. The Mint expects to meet its financial goals for 2024, as set out in its 2024-2028 Corporate Plan, the Mint’s Leadership team continues to actively monitor its status.
- Consolidated revenue decreased to $252.7 million in 2024 (2023 – $360.6 million).
Revenue from the Precious Metals business decreased to $217.6 million in 2024
(2023 – $328.4 million):- Gold bullion volumes decreased 38% quarter over quarter to 106.1 thousand ounces (2023 – 170.1 thousand ounces) while silver bullion volumes decreased 20% to 2.7 million ounces (2023 – 3.4 million ounces).
- Gold and silver market prices increased quarter over quarter by 27% and 23%, respectively.
- Sales of numismatic products decreased 12% quarter over quarter mainly due to the high demand in 2023 for the Queen Elizabeth II’s Reign products.
- Revenue from the Circulation business increased to $35.1 million in 2024
(2023 – $32.2 million):- Revenue from the Foreign Circulation business increased 77% quarter over quarter, a reflection of higher volumes produced and shipped in 2024 as compared to 2023.
- Revenue from Canadian coin circulation products and services decreased 12% quarter over quarter as fewer coins were required to replenish inventories, combined with lower program fees in accordance with the memorandum of understanding with the Department of Finance.
- Overall, operating expenses decreased 27% quarter over quarter to $28.3 million (2023 – $36.0 million) mainly due to planned reductions in consulting and workforce expenses.
Consolidated results and financial performance
(in millions)
13 weeks ended |
39 weeks ended |
|||||||||||
Change |
Change |
|||||||||||
September |
September |
$ |
% |
September |
September 30, 2023 |
$ |
% |
|||||
Revenue |
$ |
252.7 |
$ 360.6 |
(107.9) |
(30) |
$ 861.2 |
$ 1,841.8 |
(980.6) |
(53) |
|||
Profit (loss) for the period |
$ |
5.7 |
$ (5.8) |
11.5 |
(198) |
$ 24.1 |
$ 15.0 |
9.1 |
61 |
|||
Profit (loss) before |
$ |
1.4 |
$ (8.7) |
10.1 |
(116) |
$ 12.3 |
$ 23.4 |
(11.1) |
(47) |
|||
Profit (loss) before |
0.6 % |
(2.4) % |
1.4 % |
1.3 % |
(1) Profit (loss) before income tax and other items is a non-GAAP financial measure. A reconciliation from profit for the period to profit before income tax and other items is included on page 13 of the Mint’s 2024 Third Quarter Report. |
(2) Profit (loss) before income tax and other items margin is a non-GAAP financial measure and its calculation is based on profit before income tax and other items. |
As at |
||||||||||
September 28, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
$ Change |
% Change |
|||||||
Cash |
$ |
58.4 |
$ |
59.8 |
(1.4) |
(2) |
||||
Inventories |
$ |
71.5 |
$ |
68.8 |
2.7 |
4 |
||||
Capital assets |
$ |
174.2 |
$ |
173.0 |
1.2 |
1 |
||||
Total assets |
$ |
376.8 |
$ |
380.4 |
(3.6) |
(1) |
||||
Working capital |
$ |
99.2 |
$ |
97.8 |
1.4 |
1 |
||||
As part of its enterprise risk management program, the Mint continues to actively monitor its global supply chain and logistics networks in support of its continued operations. Despite its best efforts, the Mint expects changes in the macro-economic environment and other external events around the globe to continue to impact its performance in 2024. The Mint continues to mitigate potential risks as they arise through its enterprise risk management process.
To read more of the Mint’s Third Quarter Report for 2024, please visit www.mint.ca.
About the Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. The Mint is one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, producing award-winning collector coins, market-leading bullion products, as well as Canada’s prestigious military and civilian honours. As an established London and COMEX Good Delivery refiner, the Mint also offers a full spectrum of best-in-class gold and silver refining services. As an organization that strives to take better care of the environment, to cultivate safe and inclusive workplaces and to make a positive impact on the communities where it operates, the Mint integrates environmental, social and governance practices in every aspect of its operations.
For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca. Follow the Mint on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS AND NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
This Earnings Release contains non-GAAP financial measures that are clearly denoted where presented. Non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other corporations reporting under IFRS.
This Earnings Release contains forward-looking statements that reflect management’s expectations regarding the Mint’s objectives, plans, strategies, future growth, results of operations, performance, and business prospects and opportunities. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “plans”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “believes”, “estimates”, “intends”, and other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are not facts, but only estimates regarding expected growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities (assumptions). While management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on available information, they may prove to be incorrect. These estimates of future results are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from what the Mint expects. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, those risks and uncertainties set forth in the Risks to Performance section of the Management Discussion and Analysis in the Mint’s 2023 annual report, as well as in Note 9 – Financial Instruments and Financial Risk Management to the Mint’s Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. The forward-looking statements included in this Earnings Release are made only as of November 20, 2024 and the Mint does not undertake to publicly update these statements to reflect new information, future events or changes in circumstances or for any other reason after this date.
For more information, please contact: Alex Reeves, Senior Manager, Public Affairs, Tel: (613) 884-6370, [email protected]
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/royal-canadian-mint-reports-profits-and-performance-for-q3-2024-302314428.html
Fintech PR
OIVE and ViniPortugal celebrate closing of joint campaign that reached 100 million consumers
MADRID and PORTO, Portugal, Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — For three years, A Shared Passion showed European consumers the quality and unparalleled versatility of Iberian wines. The program reached over 100 million consumers with advertising in airports, train stations, press trips, digital content, and other actions with opinion leaders.
The wine interprofessionals of Spain (OIVE) and Portugal (ViniPortugal) celebrated the closing of their ambitious joint campaign A Shared Passion with flagship events in Madrid and Porto. The closing event in Spain took place in Madrid’s iconic Calle Alcalá, while in Portugal, the World of Wine (WOW) in Porto was the perfect setting to present the achievements of the international collaboration. Both ceremonies were very well received by the press and the wine sector, highlighting the impact of the promotional actions that reached more than 79.2 million travelers in key transport infrastructures.
The campaign included 22 study trips, taking 150 specialized journalists to explore the world of wine in both countries and generating publications that reached nearly 15 million European consumers.
On social media, the A Shared Passion profile on Instagram exceeded 15,000 followers, consolidating its presence in the digital sphere. In addition, exclusive activities such as workshops and VIP dinners contributed significantly to this initiative’s global impact.
The final events were honored by the presence of opinion leaders, such as Masters of Wine Pedro Ballesteros and Dirceu Vianna Júnior, who moderated round tables with the presidents of OIVE, Fernando Ezquerro, and ViniPortugal, Frederico Falcão. The conference concluded with masterclasses that highlighted Spain and Portugal’s extraordinary oenological diversity, reinforcing the relevance of the sector in the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of both countries.
With funding from the European Union, A Shared Passion highlighted not only the quality and authenticity of Iberian wines but also their strategic role in the sustainable development of numerous municipalities. This initiative underlines the passion with which Spanish and Portuguese wines are made, reflecting their rich traditions and commitment to the future.
For more information: www.asharedpassion.com
Video: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2565600/ViniPortugal_and_OIVE.mp4
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