Fintech PR
Fitwel & EVORA Global Launch ‘Social Performance’ Following Successful Completion of Pilot Program with Leading Companies in Real Estate
Newly branded entity-wide certification pathway quantifying health & value for “S” in ESG expands to exclusive group of early adopters for Phase 2 of launch
CANNES, France, March 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Fitwel®, the global healthy building certification and data insights platform, launched phase two of its groundbreaking new solution that, for the first time, quantifies Social performance by overlaying health research and financial data to identify strategies that have the greatest impact on stakeholders and asset value. Phase one was successfully piloted last year in collaboration with sustainability advisor, EVORA Global, enlisting an exclusive first cohort of some of the largest commercial real estate owners and asset managers worldwide. This portfolio-scale certification pathway has proven to be essential for substantiating “S” data for real estate, addressing the growing demand – driven by both investors and forthcoming regulations – for a rigorous and standardized approach to integrate “Social” metrics, including health and wellbeing measures, into ESG reporting. Social Performance by Fitwel will receive recognition by GRESB for 2024 reporting.
First introduced in 2023 under the name Certified Metrics, Social Performance by Fitwel realizes the potential for an entity-wide ESG solution by offering a complimentary pathway to Fitwel’s asset certification, effectively addressing a prominent market gap. Together, the existing asset-level certification and Social Performance provide 100% portfolio assessment, allowing asset managers and investors to:
- Generate portfolio-wide insights for social and material risk;
- Optimize asset performance by generating gap analysis based on S criteria;
- Report on goal-based performance with third-party certified data;
- Compare performance to industry peers;
- Include all assets in certification assessments.
Fitwel has begun rolling out Phase 2 of Social Performance. For more information and to become an early adopter, visit fitwel.org/socialperformance.
The initial pilot of Social Performance was led by Fitwel Leadership Advisory Board (LAB) members, including BGO, Harrison Street, Hudson Pacific Properties, Lendlease Americas, PGIM, QuadReal Property Group, and Vornado Realty Trust, and expanded to a larger pilot cohort, including Barings, Kayne Anderson Real Estate, Fabrix, and others.
While voluntary ESG reporting has become the norm, nearly half of investors find the ‘S’ to be the most difficult ESG factor to codify, analyze and embed into investment strategies, according to a 2022 Deloitte Survey. At the same time, in the European market, anticipated reporting regulations will require more stringent reporting standards for ESG metrics, particularly as commercial real estate companies in Europe prepare for their first round of Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive reporting.
The new social solution is the result of years-long analysis by Fitwel’s non-profit research arm, the Center for Active Design, on the economic impacts of the evidence-based strategies included in the Fitwel Standard. This resulted in the identification of a subset of strategies with the greatest impact on not only occupant and community health, but also material risk and financial value.
“Social Performance by Fitwel is the only certification pathway applicable to all real estate assets and designed to measure and track the Social performance of real estate funds on an entity scale. Together with EVORA Global and the first cohort of pilot users, we have made it possible to clearly define the value of Social strategies, providing structured insights to inform continuous improvement for stakeholders – an industry first,” said Joanna Frank, President & CEO of Fitwel. “Social reporting will become as commonplace as environmental reporting in the coming years, and we’re thrilled to accelerate this transformation right here at MIPIM, the largest global stage for commercial real estate in the world.”
Philippa Gill, Executive Director at EVORA Global, added: “We are delighted to be working with Fitwel on such a critical step forward for the real estate sector. Every building has been created for people, whether to live, eat, work or shop, and the new Social Performance portfolio methodology now allows investors and managers to understand and track the human and financial impact of social measures.”
Social Performance by Fitwel in Action
Pilot users from a diverse range of real estate investors and fund managers provided invaluable input which enabled the product to be ready for a full public launch.
QuadReal Property Group, a long-time strategic partner and Fitwel investor, was a first adopter of Fitwel’s social solution, Social Performance, as a pilot user, providing invaluable input to help craft a market-ready tool for the industry.
“Through thoughtful placemaking, QuadReal contributes to the resilience of local economies by creating spaces that improve health and wellbeing. Buildings are a vital component of a healthy society and we are committed to improving environments that support individual and community wellbeing. The Social Performance report by Fitwel is one way we can dive deeper into understanding the health aspects of our portfolio and how it compares to peers,” said Jamie Gray-Donald, Senior Vice President, Sustainability & EHS at QuadReal. “We have been an early user of the Fitwel certification program to support our approach to health and wellness and Social Performance provides the benchmarking summary. It allows us to continue refining specific health-promoting initiatives across the portfolio in a thoughtful and strategic way.”
Fitwel & EVORA at MIPIM
Joanna Frank and Philippa Gill will both be attending and participating at MIPIM 2024 at Palais des Festivals convention centre in Cannes, France. Joanna will be speaking on a panel session titled, Demonstrating Social Impact: Leveraging Qualitative Research for Effective Communication and Reporting on Thursday March 14th at 11:10am at the Make It Happen Stage (Palais 3).
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. With over a decade of experience, EVORA is dedicated to addressing the climate challenge posed by the real asset industry, focusing on the needs of investors in the built environment. Its clients include many of the biggest names in global real estate, including Invesco Real Estate, Hines and M&G. Founded in 2011, the company now has over 200 staff and 250 clients.
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PANAMA CITY, March 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BingX, a global leading cryptocurrency exchange, is excited to announce its participation as a Gold Sponsor at the 5th edition of Next Block Expo (NBX), scheduled for March 19-20, 2025, at Multikino Złote Tarasy in Warsaw, Poland. As one of Europe’s premier Web3 events, NBX 2025 is expected to attract over 2,000 attendees, making it a key platform for blockchain innovation and collaboration.
NBX serves as a dynamic hub for industry leaders, startups, investors, and developers, fostering knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities to drive the future of blockchain. As a firm advocate for Web3 advancements, BingX will showcase its ongoing commitment to innovation through an interactive booth, featuring engaging activities, expert insights, and exclusive giveaways. Attendees will gain firsthand knowledge of how BingX supports high-potential blockchain projects with financial backing, technical expertise, and strategic growth consultations.
In addition to its sponsorship, Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer of BingX, will be a key speaker at NBX 2025, contributing to discussions on strategic trading approaches, risk management, and the evolving landscape of blockchain investments. She will also deliver a keynote speech exploring BingX’s vision for blockchain innovation and how the company translates emerging technologies into real-world applications.
“At BingX, we believe that true innovation comes from bold ideas and strategic execution,” said Lin. “Sponsoring NBX 2025 is more than just a presence for us — it’s a commitment to fostering a thriving blockchain ecosystem. We are here to connect with visionaries, provide the resources they need, and help shape the future of decentralized technology. By empowering builders and innovators, we’re not just supporting projects — we are accelerating the evolution of Web3 itself.”
BingX’s participation at NBX 2025 underscores its long-term vision of driving blockchain innovation and supporting the next generation of industry leaders. As BingX continues to expand its global footprint, initiatives like this sponsorship reinforce its role as a catalyst for growth in crypto space. By engaging with emerging projects, thought leaders, and investors, BingX remains at the forefront of Web3 advancements, bridging the gap between groundbreaking ideas and real-world impact.
About BingX
Founded in 2018, BingX is a leading crypto exchange, serving over 20 million users worldwide. BingX offers diversified products and services, including spot, derivatives, copy trading, and asset management – all designed for the evolving needs of users, from beginners to professionals. BingX is committed to providing a trustworthy platform that empowers users with innovative tools and features to elevate their trading proficiency. In 2024, BingX proudly became the official crypto exchange partner of Chelsea Football Club, marking an exciting debut in the world of sports.
For more information please visit: https://bingx.com/
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WEST ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., March 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Great Bay Insurance Group (the “Group”), a leading provider of coastal homeowners’ insurance in New Jersey, today announced the following leadership changes. Timothy J. Byrne, Jr., has been named as President of the Group and Ronald R. Lovatt has been named President of Great Bay Insurance Company, a wholly owned affiliate of the Group.
Mr. Byrne Jr. has nearly 15 years of industry experience and previously served as the Group’s Chief Operating Officer overseeing the Groups operations and underwriting strategies.
Mr. Timothy J. Byrne, Sr., Chief Executive Officer of the Group, added, “I’m excited to announce the promotion of Tim Jr. to the role of President of The Great Bay Insurance Group and Ron to the role of President of Great Bay Insurance Company. Tim Jr. and Ron have been an integral part of the Group since its founding in 2019.”
As President, Tim Jr. will provide oversight for all corporate support functions and will continue to report to Tim Sr.
Mr. Byrne Jr. holds a BS in Economic and Mathematics from the University of Vermont, an MBA in Risk Management and Insurance from St. John’s University and holds a CPCU designation.
Mr. Lovatt has 40 years of broad insurance industry experience in leadership capacities with international, national, regional and start-up insurance companies. Ron is a founding member of The Great Bay Insurance Group, working with Tim Sr. & Tim Jr. to launch Great Bay in late 2019. Ron currently serves as Chief Underwriting Officer & Chief Claims Officer for The Great Bay Insurance Group, has an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics, Finance, Accounting & Marketing from Miami University.
Contact:
Investor Relations
Brian Schleider, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
609-434-2000, x102
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Fintech PR
Forward Global responds to surge in UK shareholder activism with launch of UK Corporate Contests Practice
LONDON, March 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — International risk management firm Forward Global launched its UK Corporate Contests Practice on Tuesday in response to what is described as “all-time high of shareholder activism” in London and Paris.
Speaking ahead of the launch on Tuesday night, Brendan Foo, Partner and Global Head of Corporate Contests at Forward Global, said “As activism gains currency as an asset class, savvy investors are looking toward the UK and Europe to generate alpha. Indeed, in 2025 alone, we have seen an unprecedented demand for our services not just in our traditional strongholds of the US and Canada, but also in the UK and Europe. This reflects the surge in activist (and active) engagements, with which our team is uniquely well-placed to assist.”
Forward Global’s Corporate Contests Practice was established to meet demand from law firms, investors, and advisers to provide a comprehensive suite of services to support companies in high-stakes shareholder engagements. In keeping with the firm’s established activism practice in the US, the new London offering will deliver investigative and intelligence work such as vetting board nominees, relationship mapping, scrutinizing the track records of both incumbents and challengers, and conducting deep-dive reputation analyses. In Europe, Forward Global’s Patrice Lambert-de Diesbach offers clients battle-tested expertise in investor relations and financial communications.
Shareholder activism in the UK has expanded significantly, with campaigns becoming more frequent and sophisticated. In 2023, the number of new public activist campaigns in Europe surged by 68%, with the UK remaining a primary target. US-based activist investors have also increased their focus on UK firms, launching 40% of all UK activist campaigns in 2024. With contested boardroom battles and regulatory shifts on the rise, the expansion of Forward Global’s Corporate Contests practice into the UK is well-timed, equipping issuers with the intelligence and strategies needed to navigate this evolving landscape.
The firm launched the new practice at an exclusive gathering at the International Institute of Strategic Studies in London, bringing together leading voices from the shareholder activism space to discuss the evolving landscape of transatlantic shareholder activism.
The panel discussion, featuring Brendan Foo, Patrick J. McHugh of Okapi Partners, and Sebastian Fain of Freshfields, explored critical considerations for US investors entering the UK market and vice versa, differences in engagement styles across jurisdictions, and strategies for issuers to proactively engage with both activist and active investors. Panelists also examined the impact of anti-DEI and ESG sentiment on investor relations in the UK, as well as how issuers can adapt to evolving regulatory and institutional expectations.
John Watts, Managing Partner of Forward Global UK, added, “Forward Global’s new UK Corporate Contests Practice is designed to provide companies with the strategic intelligence and investigative depth needed to navigate an increasingly complex activist landscape. Our team is committed to equipping clients with the tools to engage proactively with investors, safeguard their strategic interests, and strengthen shareholder relations across Europe.”
Notes for Editors
Forward Global is an international group, with its historic headquarters in France, boasting five main offices in Paris, Brussels, London, Miami, and Washington. As a leading player in risk management with over 450 employees and 30 partners, Forward Global offers an integrated approach across the three major risks: digital, economic, and informational.
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