Fintech PR
Fitwel Announces Certified Metrics Pilot to Substantiate Value & Risk
In Collaboration with EVORA Global, New Pilot Marks Codification of Metrics Connecting Health and Well-Being to “S” in ESG for Commercial Real Estate Industry
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Fitwel®, the healthy building certification platform operated by the Center for Active Design (CfAD) and Active Design Advisors Inc. (Adai), announced today the launch of its Certified Metrics pilot in partnership with sustainable technology and services company EVORA Global. A global first for the industry, the new tool is a giant step forward in validating data for real estate, addressing the growing need for a rigorous and standardized approach to integrate the ‘Social,” including health and well-being measures, into ESG reporting.
Voluntary ESG reporting is booming, but 46% of investors find the ‘S’ to be the most difficult ESG factor to analyze and embed into investment strategies (BNP Paribas, 2019). 69% of investors believe having an external certification or validation would give them more confidence in assessing the accuracy of a company’s reporting (PwC, 2022), and so the Certified Metrics is a direct response to industry demand.
Certified Metrics will enable real estate firms to assess an entire fund or portfolio against an evidence-based standard, generate data insights about social and material risk, verify their performance through a third-party review, and compare that performance to peers. Certified Metrics can be used across funds and portfolios with a variety of asset types, ultimately delivering data-driven insights to inform investment decisions. Fitwel’s entity-level solution builds on the latest health evidence base by, for the first time, connecting health outcomes with economic value, pointing to clear substantiation of value and risk.
Certified Metrics offers an answer to a question the global market has asked for some time: how do we quantify and validate the “Social” component of ESG for real estate investors, and how can it be applied universally? Europe has largely been at the forefront of developing solutions to this question, and now, EVORA and Fitwel will standardize a solution that can be successful globally. The key to this anticipated success is in providing an evidence-based reporting framework that will result in verified outcomes, thus making Social reporting clear and straightforward industry-wide.
The pilot is part of Fitwel’s ever-growing suite of product offerings as it expands beyond its flagship role as a healthy building certification to a comprehensive data and insights platform that drives market transformation for the industry. Earlier this year, Fitwel released its Relational Data Insights Tool which measures asset performance of Fitwel-certified projects.
“Given that ‘S’ metrics are still in their infancy in terms of ESG reporting, what matters most is where you stand in relation to the rest of the market,” according to Joanna Frank, Fitwel President & CEO. “This is the appeal of Certified Metrics – in offering a much-needed pathway for companies to maximize the value they are creating by prioritizing health.”
“For the first time, we will have a codified standard for social impact in real estate across the world,” said Sarah Coughlan, EVORA Global Associate Director. “Codification is a major milestone for ‘Social’ as it has long suffered from a lack of comparable metrics and benchmarks. This is no longer the case. Acting as industry partners, EVORA has been working with Fitwel to develop a widely applicable standard that works across all asset classes. The Social pillar is finally maturing and I’m very proud that EVORA is helping to drive this change.”
The first phase of the Certified Metrics pilot will be led by Fitwel Leadership Advisory Board (LAB) members BGO, Hudson Pacific Properties, Lendlease Americas, QuadReal Property Group, Tishman Speyer, and Vornado Realty Trust. The full pilot cohort, which will soon be announced, is expected to focus on six targeted outcomes with proven impact on health and financial value: Supporting a High-Quality Environment; Creating Climate Change Resilience & Preparedness; Engaging with Occupants and Community Stakeholders; Promoting Equity; Optimizing Asset for Walking & Active Transportation; and Enhancing Access to Natural Elements.
Fitwel Certified Metrics will deliver increased value by providing:
- A report showcasing a fund or portfolio’s certified metrics, including key stats and narratives to bolster regulation and compliance reporting as well as marketing and ESG submissions
- Rankings to provide valuable insights on how a fund performs compared to others in the industry
- A gap analysis highlighting specific areas for targeted investment and improvement over time
“EVORA’s long-standing relationship with Fitwel has moved a step closer now thanks to our collaboration on the Certified Metrics standard,” shared Philippa Gill, EVORA Global Executive Director, Strategic Accounts. “We are delighted to be part of the first independent industry framework to address social wellbeing and climate resilience factors and look forward to further insights from our pilot scheme participants who are key to ensuring the metrics can be adopted across global markets.”
About Fitwel
Fitwel is the world’s leading certification system committed to building health for all. Generated by expert analysis of 7,000+ academic research studies, Fitwel is implementing a vision for a healthier future where all buildings and communities are enhanced to strengthen health and well-being. Fitwel was originally created by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and U.S. General Services Administration. The CDC remains the research and evaluation partner for Fitwel. The Center for Active Design (CfAD), a global not-for-profit organization, maintains the Fitwel standard and conducts objective third-party assessments that lead to certified projects. CfAD’s new business unit, Adai (pronounced “a-DAY”), is charged with expanding Fitwel to the global market, administering the program while providing best-in-class customer service and technical support. To learn more about Fitwel, please visit: www.fitwel.org.
About Evora Global
EVORA Global is a premier sustainability advisor, providing comprehensive, industry-leading climate solutions for real asset investors. EVORA works with clients to improve their sustainability and reduce their climate risk. Its clients include many of the biggest names in global real estate, including Invesco Real Estate, Hines and M&G. The company provides consultancy services and has developed its own software, SIERA, which enables its clients to make investment decisions regarding climate change and sustainability. Founded in 2011 by Chris Bennett, Ed Gabbitas and Paul Sutcliffe, the company now has over 200 staff.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fitwel-announces-certified-metrics-pilot-to-substantiate-value–risk-301925688.html
PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BitGo, the leading digital asset infrastructure solutions provider since 2013, is pleased to announce that Brett Reeves has been appointed Head of European Sales, a role he takes on in addition to his existing position as Head of Go Network. His new title is Head of Go Network and European Sales.
Brett joined in May 2024 and has since then overseen the expansion of BitGo’s presence in Europe, which includes onboarding new clients and partners and expanding the volume and scope of business across multiple jurisdictions within the European Union and UK.
Brett Reeves, Head of Go Network and European Sales, said:
“Since joining BitGo last year, it has been an intense and rewarding journey. Alongside growing the business our focus has been on obtaining the necessary licenses to achieve MiCA compliance, ensuring we are fully prepared for a comprehensive rollout of our Custody, Wallets, Staking, Trading and Financing services across Europe. With a growing team and increasing demand for secure, well-regulated digital asset solutions, we are highly optimistic about the opportunities 2025 holds for us.”
Brett has twenty years’ experience in the financial services industry having worked at Citibank, Nomura and Standard Chartered Bank. His background includes working within Prime Brokerage and OTC teams within the FX and interest rates markets. Most recently Brett was the Head of Business Development at the Bequant, a regulated digital asset Prime Broker.
About BitGo
BitGo is the leading infrastructure provider of digital asset solutions, offering custody, wallets, staking, trading, financing, and settlement out of regulated cold storage. Founded in 2013, BitGo is the first digital asset company to focus exclusively on serving institutional clients. BitGo is dedicated to advancing a digital financial services economy that is borderless and accessible 24/7. With multiple Trust companies around the world, BitGo is the preferred security and operational backbone for more than 1,500 institutional clients in 50 countries, including many of the world’s top brands, cryptocurrency exchanges, and platforms. BitGo also secures approximately 20% of all on-chain Bitcoin transactions by value and is the largest independent digital asset custodian.
W: https://www.bitgo.uk/
L: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bitgo/
X: https://x.com/BitGo
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bitgo-appoints-brett-reeves-as-head-of-european-sales-complementing-his-go-network-role-302350962.html
SINGAPORE, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Markel, the insurance operations within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), today announced that Wanshi Lin has been appointed as the Head of Singapore, effective immediately.
In this newly created position, Lin will oversee the company’s underwriting team in Singapore and spearhead business planning and market engagement on the company’s Lloyd’s Singapore platform. The establishment of a new leadership role in Singapore is demonstrative of Markel’s ongoing commitment to expanding its Asia Pacific operations and underwriting capabilities.
Lin will report to Christian Stobbs, Managing Director – Asia Pacific, in her new capacity.
Stobbs commented: “I’m thrilled about the energy and innovative ideas Wanshi will bring to this pivotal role. Singapore is our largest marketplace in the region for specialty products, and I’m confident that, under her leadership, we’ll further enhance our relationships with brokers and clients while building on the strong momentum achieved in recent years.”
Kevin Leung, Chief Underwriting Officer – Asia Pacific, adds: “It’s a delight to see Wanshi progress to take on this role. Her extensive experience, strategic insight and understanding of the Singapore market will be instrumental in strengthening our commitment to providing underwriting excellence to this important regional hub.”
Lin joined Markel in 2018 as an Assistant Underwriter – Marine, and since 2023 has been Senior Underwriter – Marine. Prior to Markel, Lin was Assistant Vice President at Marsh Singapore.
About Markel
We are Markel, a leading global specialty insurer with a truly people-first approach. As the insurance operations within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), we operate the Markel Specialty, Markel International, and Markel Global Reinsurance divisions, as well as State National, our portfolio protection and program services operations, and Nephila, our insurance-linked securities operations. Our broad array of capabilities and expertise allow us to create intelligent solutions for the most complex risk management needs. However, it is our people – and the deep, valued relationships they develop with colleagues, brokers and clients – that differentiates us worldwide.
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/markel-elevates-wanshi-lin-to-newly-created-head-of-singapore-position-302350760.html
Fintech PR
FinVolution’s SVP Ming Gu speaks at Asian Financial Forum, highlighting opportunities in CreditTech for Southeast Asia’s underserved
HONG KONG, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FinVolution Group (NYSE: FINV), a leading fintech service provider in the pan-Asian region, reaffirmed its commitment yesterday to advancing financial inclusion through cutting-edge credit technology and strategic partnerships at the Asian Financial Forum 2025 in Hong Kong.
Dr. Ming Gu, Senior Vice President of FinVolution Group, shared his insights on how fintech innovation is transforming access to credit for underserved populations in Southeast Asia.
“Fintech is creating new pathways for underserved populations to access credit and financial support, empowering them to invest in their futures,” he said at a thematic workshop on the future of fintech in Southeast Asia.
Driving financial inclusion through innovation
Gu emphasized FinVolution’s mission to bridge the gap between financial institutions and underserved communities by leveraging advanced credit technology.
The company has built its business around serving young workers and small business owners from grassroots backgrounds, whose financial needs are often overlooked by traditional banks and other financial institutions.
Through user-friendly digital lending platforms and collaborations with local partners, FinVolution has supported over 6 million borrowers and facilitated loans exceeding US$3 billion in its markets outside China as of Q3 2024.
FinVolution’s AI-powered tools enable financial institutions to better assess creditworthiness, particularly for those without traditional credit histories, Gu explained.
Opportunities and challenges in Southeast Asia’s market
Gu highlighted Southeast Asia’s potential as a key growth market for fintech, driven by its young population, e-commerce growth, and credit-driven consumption habits.
“Very few regions in this world can meet all these criteria,” he said, highlighting the underpinnings of Southeast Asia’s ascent as a fintech powerhouse. “Digital lending always goes hand in hand with the growth of e-commerce.”
“The number one factor driving financial inclusion and literacy is GDP per capita,” Gu said. “Fintech and other technologies serve as a tool to facilitate this process, but it is GDP per capita that remains the cornerstone of development.”
For instance, Indonesia’s ambitious Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision aims to accelerate the nation’s economic growth by at least 5% annually over the next two decades.
This initiative reflects the nation’s commitment to fostering financial inclusion and leveraging technology as a catalyst for sustainable progress.
“Indonesia is the place to watch over the next five to 10 years,” Gu added. “We are very bullish on Southeast Asia.”
Symbiotic relationship with regulators and financial partners
Despite these opportunities, challenges such as the lack of credit histories and increasing fraud risks persist, threatening the future of fintech in this region.
FinVolution combats these issues with advanced proprietary risk management systems and fraud prevention technologies.
Gu stressed the collaboration with regulators and financial institutions in creating a robust and inclusive financial ecosystem.
FinVolution itself adheres to stringent regulatory standards, securing necessary licenses and aligning with local laws. This endeavor coincides with steady improvements to Southeast Asia’s regulatory stringency in recent years, which are credited for creating an environment conducive to fintech innovation.
“I believe a symbiotic relationship between regulators and fintechs like us is crucial to Southeast Asia’s rise as a key global fintech hub,” Gu noted.
With over 100 financial institution partners, including digital banks and consumer finance companies, FinVolution provides end-to-end credit tech solutions that streamline processes and expand outreach.
FinVolution Group remains dedicated to driving financial inclusion and innovation in Southeast Asia. With a focus on technology and collaboration, the company aims to empower individuals and communities while fostering a thriving fintech ecosystem in the region.
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/finvolutions-svp-ming-gu-speaks-at-asian-financial-forum-highlighting-opportunities-in-credittech-for-southeast-asias-underserved-302351545.html
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