All Industries

Infrastructure Capital Advisors Gives Investors Access To Corporate Bonds With New ETF

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin Benzinga The economy seems to be humming along, and corporate profits seem to be proving resilient. At the same time, cash balances among publicly traded companies are increasing and the spread between corporate bonds and comparable Treasuries remains low. So much so that in October the gap narrowed to a nearly twenty-year low. That’s good news. When spreads are tight it means risk is down and corporations don’t have to pay a bigger yield to entice investors. Then there is the prospect of deregulation under a Trump Administration, which could help companies make more money and hoard extra cash. And let’s not forget what may come from the Federal Reserve. While more hawkish, it still expects to cut interest rates twice in 2025. Add low unemployment and rising wages to the mix and it all bodes well for the corporate bond market, which ended 2024 on a high note. While this year may not be an exact repeat, Wall Street watchers expect the good times to last throughout 2025. “Strong fundamentals, rich valuations,” is how Charles Schwab described the corporate bond market heading into 2025, pointing to investment-grade corporate bonds as an attractive area of the market for income seeking investors. After all, investment grade corporate bonds have average yields of 5.6%. “Like the resilient economy, corporations generally remain strong as profits grow and cash balances rise. That's been a key driver of the outperformance so far this year, as falling credit spreads have pulled up corporate bond prices relative to Treasuries. All credit-related sectors have outperformed Treasuries year to date, with riskier, low-rated investments performing the best,” wrote Charles Schwab in its corporate bond market outlook. Infrastructure Capital Advisors Launches New Bond ETF Investors who want to get exposure to the corporate bond market in the new year may want to give the Infrastructure Capital Bond Income ETF (ARCA: BNDS) a look. Launched last week by Infrastructure Capital Advisors, a provider of investment management solutions designed to meet the needs of income-focused investors, the ETF is actively managed by Infrastructure Capital Founder, CEO and Portfolio Manager Jay D. Hatfield and Portfolio Manager Andrew Meleney. Together they have over thirty years of experience in the securities and investment markets. In addition to the Infrastructure Capital Bond Income ETF, Hatfield runs the InfraCap Small Cap Income Fund (NYSE: SCAP), InfraCap Equity Income Fund ETF (NYSE: ICAP), InfraCap MLP ETF (NYSE: AMZA), InfraCap REIT Preferred ETF (NYSE: PFFR), Virtus InfraCap U.S. Preferred Stock ETF (NYSE: PFFA) and a series of hedge funds. Infrastructure Capital Advisors reports it manages more than $2 billion in total assets. Just like Charles Schwab, Infrastructure Capital Advisors is also bullish on the bond market this year, even if there was a recent selloff in 10-year Treasuries on the heels of the Fed’s more conservative approach to interest rate cuts, predicting the 10-year yield will move into the 3.5% to 4% range during the first quarter. Infrastructure Capital Advisors is also undeterred by talk of rising inflation due to tariffs or government policies, arguing inflation is caused by excessive monetary growth and energy shocks not government policies. Capital Appreciation Through Corporate Bonds The Infrastructure Capital Bond Income ETF seeks to maximize current income and pursue strategic opportunities for capital appreciation, investing at least 80% of its total assets in fixed-income securities, largely focusing on corporate bonds. The ETF will also include muni and government bonds in its portfolio. Meanwhile, up to 20% of the fund may also be invested in equities, although the fund is focused largely on corporate debt. The fund uses a mix of quantitative and qualitative analysis with an emphasis on fixed-income securities that managers believe are undervalued based on several factors including term premium, credit premium, liquidity premium, industry, sector and market capitalization, reports Infrastructure Capital Advisors. “There continue to be opportunities to find both alpha and compelling income in the fixed income markets. The key however is in knowing where to look,” said Hatfield. “We believe active management is essential for successful income investing. Through vigilant risk management, and by focusing on interest rate, credit, and call risks, BNDS is poised to benefit from our active management process. I am very excited for us to be introducing BNDS and look forward to all of the conversations we will have with investors and advisors about the role BNDS can play in their portfolios.” So far, the markets are starting the year in a position of strength, with yields above 5%. That’s good news for investors seeking income, but it may not last. With high inflation, historic low yields on traditional stock market benchmarks and projected interest rate cuts, it’s getting tougher for today’s income investor to find better payouts. Infrastructure Capital Advisors is aiming to take advantage of these market issues with the launch of the Infrastructure Capital Bond Income ETF. To learn more about BNDS, click here. Featured photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

February 06, 2025 08:20 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image

Black Radiance Announces Partnership with U.S. Figure Skater Starr Andrews

Black Radiance Beauty

Black Radiance, the leading beauty brand for women of color, is proud to announce its partnership with U.S. figure skater Starr Andrews. Just in time for Black History Month, this collaboration celebrates Black excellence and uplifts women by supporting one of the most inspiring athletes in the sport today. In 2022, Starr Andrews made history as the first African American woman to medal in singles in the Grand Prix era and the first African American woman to stand on the U.S. Championship podium in 35 years. Her resilience, competitive spirit, and dedication to excellence align perfectly with Black Radiance’s mission to empower women of color to express themselves through beauty and confidence. “At Black Radiance, we celebrate and support Black women who break barriers and redefine what’s possible," said K. MacDonald Parris, Vice President of Marketing at Black Radiance. “Starr Andrews’ journey in figure skating embodies perseverance and the power of representation. We are honored to stand by her and support her Olympic pursuit as she continues to inspire and make history on the ice.” "Figure skating, like makeup, is an art form rooted in creativity, confidence, and self-expression,” said Starr Andrews. “My partnership with Black Radiance is so meaningful because they celebrate the same values that have helped shape my journey as a figure skater. Together, we’re uplifting and inspiring the next generation to show up confidently in their beauty and their dreams." Like many Black Radiance users who are introduced to the brand by their mothers, Starr’s journey in figure skating began with her mom taking her to the rink at just three years old, creating a shared tradition of inspiration. In figure skating, presentation is key, where everything from outfits to makeup plays a role in the ritual. For Starr, putting on makeup before a big competition is as important as the hours spent practicing on the ice. It’s a powerful act of self-expression and confidence. This collaboration showcases Black Radiance’s dedication to celebrating diverse beauty, amplifying Black voices, and providing high-quality products that inspire individuals to embrace their beauty with pride. It also honors the brand’s long-standing trust and influence among women of color worldwide. Looking ahead, Black Radiance envisions this partnership evolving into a long-term collaboration, with Starr Andrews serving as a spokesperson and brand ambassador. As she continues to inspire audiences worldwide, Black Radiance is excited to support her journey while showcasing its commitment to providing accessible, high-quality beauty products tailored for women of color. Be sure to catch Starr’s makeup looks on and off the ice on Black Radiance’s Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Starr Andrews’s Instagram. High res images and interviews are available upon request. About Black Radiance: For over 30 years, Black Radiance® has recognized, represented, and celebrated the diversity of darker complexions by offering affordable, high-quality cosmetics with uncompromising color, trusted coverage, and formula innovation. Black Radiance empowers and inspires women of color through cosmetics, beauty, and lifestyles. Our mission – to enable Black women worldwide to be even more beautiful. We promise to create both products and experiences that encourage women of color worldwide to embrace, enhance, define, and love their shade of beauty. Contact Details Six One Agency Camryn Carlson camryn@six-one.com Black Radiance Sherry West swest@markwins.com

February 06, 2025 08:03 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image

CURE ALZHEIMER’S FUND APPOINTS THREE NEW MEMBERS TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Alzheimer’s Disease Research Foundation

Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing research with the highest potential to prevent, slow or reverse Alzheimer’s disease, announced today that Mary Greenhill Cagliero, Mark Faggiano and Kumar Mahadeva have been appointed to its Board of Directors. “As our organization continues to grow and evolve, it’s essential to bring new expertise and perspectives to the Board,” said Henry McCance, Board Chair and Co-Founder of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. “Mary, Mark and Kumar each bring proven leadership expertise and success in business and share a personal desire to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease.” “I am delighted to welcome such a strong group of new Board members,” said Meg Smith, CEO of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. “CureAlz will benefit tremendously from their direction and passion for our mission. I look forward to working with each of them as we continue our efforts to find a cure.” Mary Greenhill Cagliero worked for several years at Goldman Sachs in the real estate investment banking division and in Equity Capital Markets. She later founded Serafina LLC, a bridesmaid dress business based in New York and London. Ms. Cagliero is a graduate of Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. She earned a bachelor of arts degree from Harvard College and a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School. Ms. Cagliero is the daughter of Robert F. Greenhill, a CureAlz Director and Board Member Emeritus. Her connection to Alzheimer’s disease is a personal one. Her mother, Gayle, was affected by the disease and passed away in 2017. Mark Faggiano is a career entrepreneur with a passion for creating software companies that solve complex problems and enable businesses to reach their goals. He is best known for being the Co-Founder and CEO of TaxJar, a sales tax automation platform for ecommerce businesses. He led the company from its inception in 2013 through to its acquisition by Stripe in 2021—Stripe’s largest acquisition ever at the time. In 2019, Mr. Faggiano had the honor of being ranked as the No. 1 CEO in America for small- to mid-sized businesses among a survey of employees for more than 50,000 companies. The CureAlz mission holds special significance for Mr. Faggiano; his father, Frank, passed away from the disease in 2021. Kumar Mahadeva is the Founder and former Chairman and CEO of Cognizant Technology Solutions, a $35 billion Nasdaq 100 company he started in 1993. Mr. Mahadeva also held senior executive positions at McKinsey and Co., AT&T, and Dun and Bradstreet, and founded private equity company Kubera Partners. Mr. Mahadeva now runs his family office and foundation and serves on the boards of private venture-funded technology companies, nonprofit foundations and the Harvard Business School international advisory board. He earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Cambridge University in the United Kingdom and an MBA from the Harvard Business School. The mission of CureAlz is especially meaningful to Mr. Mahadeva, as his father succumbed to the disease in 2013. Cure Alzheimer’s Fund is a nonprofit dedicated to funding the most promising research to prevent, slow or reverse Alzheimer’s disease. Since its founding in 2004, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has provided 927 grants to more than 300 of the world’s leading researchers and contributed more than $223 million to research. Its funded initiatives have been responsible for many key breakthroughs in understanding the causes and pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has achieved a 100% perfect score and a Four-Star rating for 13 consecutive years from Charity Navigator. Cure Alzheimer’s Fund also received a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, formerly known as GuideStar. Our Board of Directors, Trustees and a core group of other donors direct their donations to our overhead expenses so that 100% of general donations go to our research program. For more information, visit CureAlz.org. Contact Details Cure Alzheimer's Fund Barbara Chambers +1 978-417-9890 bchambers@curealz.org Company Website http://curealz.org

February 06, 2025 05:45 AM Eastern Standard Time

Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust Issues Monthly Reporting Package for January 2025

Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust

Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust (“the Trust”) has filed a Form 8-K containing its monthly report for the period ended January 31, 2025. An aggregate total distribution of $6.20 million or $0.082711 per trust certificate will be paid on February 10, 2025, to certificateholders of record as of February 7, 2025. This distribution is lower than the Trust’s typical monthly distribution primarily due to annual expenses paid in January, particularly insurance and Trustee fees. In addition, the Trust obtained its required semi-annual BOV’s in January. Additional information, including the Trust’s Monthly and Quarterly Reports, as well as other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) can be accessed via the Trust’s website at www.ctltrust.net. About Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust (the “Trust”) was established to acquire 160 retail properties and 6 warehouse distribution centers (the “Properties”) from J.C. Penney as part of its Chapter 11 plan of reorganization. The Trust’s operations consist solely of owning, leasing and selling the Properties. The Trust’s objective is to sell the Properties to third-party purchasers as promptly as practicable. The Trustee of the trust is GLAS Trust Company LLC. The Trust is externally managed by an affiliate of Hilco Real Estate LLC. The Trust is intended to be treated, for tax purposes, as a liquidating trust within the meaning of United States Treasury Regulation Section 301.7701-4(d). For more information, please visit https://www.ctltrust.net/. Forward Looking Statement This news release contains certain “forward-looking statements”. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “our vision,” “plan,” “potential,” “preliminary,” “predict,” “should,” “will,” or “would” or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology and include, but are not limited to, the Trust’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events and stock price performance. The Trust has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While the Trust believes these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond its control. These factors, including those discussed in the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), may cause its actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, please refer to the Trust’s filings with the SEC that are available at www.sec.gov. The Trust cautions you that the list of important factors included in the Trust’s SEC filings may not contain all of the material factors that are important to you. In addition, in light of these risks and uncertainties, the matters referred to in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release may not in fact occur. The Trust undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. Contact Details Jessica Cummins +1 847-313-4755 jcummins@hilcoglobal.com Company Website https://ctltrust.net/about/default.aspx

February 05, 2025 04:15 PM Eastern Standard Time

Bermuda Risk Summit 2025 Confirms Agenda and Opens with Leading Global CEO Panel

BDA Bermuda

February 5, 2025: The Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) has confirmed the agenda for the highly anticipated Bermuda Risk Summit 2025, from March 10 to 12 at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. This year’s event, themed “Redefining Resilience,” will gather global leaders in property and casualty insurance, reinsurance, and risk management to discuss the evolving landscape and emerging challenges. The Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR) and EY return as title sponsors, reinforcing their commitment to driving industry-leading conversations in the risk and insurance sectors. Further strengthening its impact, new Silver sponsor, Ariel Re, and Supporting sponsor, SiriusPoint, have also joined the event. Their involvement underscores the summit’s growing significance as a global platform for risk and reinsurance leaders. The opening panel, Navigating Global Risk: Insights from Industry Leaders, features John Huff, CEO & President of ABIR, as moderator. This session will set the stage for a thought-provoking discussion on the evolving risk landscape, with a panel of Global CEOs including Stephen Catlin (Founder and Executive Chair of Convex Group), Mark Cloutier (Executive Chairman and Group CEO of Aspen Insurance Group), Nicolas Papadopoulo (CEO of Arch Capital Group), and Kathleen Reardon (CEO of Hiscox Re & ILS). They will share their perspectives on how their businesses are navigating an increasingly complex global risk environment while supporting economies around the world. The discussion will cover how the sector is responding to emerging challenges, adapting to shifting market dynamics, and implementing resilience-focused strategies. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the innovative approaches shaping the future of risk management and ensuring long-term industry sustainability. John Huff, CEO & President of ABIR, said: "From geopolitical instability to inflationary pressures and increasing climate-driven catastrophes, the risk landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace. As the world’s largest reinsurance market, the Bermuda industry plays a critical role in absorbing global shocks, ensuring financial resilience in times of uncertainty while protecting families, businesses and communities. This year’s Bermuda Risk Summit is the opportunity to bring together the brightest minds in risk and reinsurance to move beyond theory and into action. We’re not just discussing risk — we’re forging the solutions that will define the future of global stability.” This year’s agenda includes high-impact discussions on the most pressing topics in risk and reinsurance today. Highlights include: Black Swans, Grey Rhinos, and the Risks We Face — A strategic session on forecasting uncertainty and mitigating volatility in global markets. Building Bridges Across Borders to Strengthen Global Partnerships — A deep dive into cross-market collaboration, and innovative partnerships that drive resilience, capital efficiency, and global expansion. Cyber Resilience in Focus: Protecting Against Emerging Threats — With cyber risks escalating, this panel will tackle regulatory shifts, technological advancements, and proactive solutions for fortifying digital defences in an evolving threat landscape. Strategic Depth: Unlocking the Potential of Multi-Captive Solutions in Bermuda — A session showcasing Bermuda’s leadership in multi-captive strategies, governance considerations, and financial opportunities within a well-established framework. Attendees will not only have access to expert panels, but exclusive networking opportunities that encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing among the industry’s most influential figures. Registration for Bermuda Risk Summit 2025 is open at a rate of $495 until February 28, after which the standard rate of $595 will apply from March 1 to 10. Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact bermudarisk@bda.bm. To secure accommodation at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, attendees can reserve rooms online or contact 1-441-295-3000 or the Global Reservations Centre at 1-800-441-1414, using the booking code “Bermuda Risk Summit” to access preferred rates. With limited spots available, early registration is highly encouraged to secure your place at this industry-defining event. Bermuda Risk Summit 2025 is sponsored by: Title: ABIR, EY Platinum: BILTIR Gold: AM Best, Aspen, SS&C Technologies Silver: Ariel Re, Kirkland & Ellis, KPMG, Supporting: Aon, Fidelis Insurance Group, KBRA, Rein4ce, SiriusPoint Official Airline: BermudAir Media: The Insurer (Thomson Reuters), Insurance Insider, Bermuda:Re+ILS About The Bermuda Risk Summit The Bermuda Risk Summit 2025 is a premier platform for insurance and reinsurance professionals to engage with industry leaders, strengthen partnerships, and gain insights into emerging risks and solutions. With the strong backing of ABIR and EY, along with a growing network of sponsors, the summit will deliver valuable discussions that shape the future of the global risk industry. Media Contact: Nadia Hall PR & Communications Manager M. +1 441 747 5269 E: nadia@bda.bm Contact Details Melvin Dickinson Melvin@bda.bm

February 05, 2025 12:52 PM Eastern Standard Time

Is Now the Best Time To Buy DOGE and PEPE? Investors Bet Big On Cutoshi (CUTO) Following 100% Rally

Cutoshi

Meme coins are the worst hit in the recent crypto market crash with Pepe price dropping by 62% from the $0.00002825 all-time high recorded on December 09 2024. Also, the Dogecoin price has dropped from $0.48 recorded in early December to $0.27, signalling the massive selloff across the meme coin market. However, is now the best time to accumulate these coins? In contrast, Cutoshi's price has continued to grow, surging by over 100% in the past few weeks. Analysts attribute the rally to the real-world utility, which has drawn massive interest in the meme coin. Unlike Pepe and Dogecoin, which have no real utility, Cutoshi is backed by a multi-chain DEX that will allow for seamless asset swapping across different blockchains. Dogecoin Price Prediction: Expert Tip DOGE for Uptrend Dogecoin (DOGE) is one of the top meme coins showing strength despite the recent market slump. While other meme coins like Dogwifhat have lost over 85% of their value, Dogecoin's price is still above the $0.25 support zone. Ali Martinez, a popular analyst, reported that whales have sold off over 270M DOGE coins in the past 24 hours as market activity slumps. While studying the Dogecoin price chart setup, crypto analyst Henry believes the meme coin is looking good as long as it holds the $0.2644 support zone. Henry thinks that a rebound from this level could push the Dogecoin crypto price to $0.48, which it recorded last December. For Cas Abbey, Dogecoin crypto has witnessed a bullish MACD crossover, with the altcoin expected to pump towards $0.34 in the coming days. However, due to uncertainty surrounding tariffs, the analyst warns of a dip before the pump. Meanwhile, over 20 technical indicators are negative, as per Tradingview. However, with the resilience shown so far, it is one of the meme coins to watch in 2025. Pepe Price Trajectory Looks Bullish, Analyst Claims Pepe's (PEPE) dominance has dwindled. However, it is still one of the top meme coins in the meme coin space. While Pepe's price soared 10% in the past 24 hours, it is still not technically out of the bearish phase. CoinMarketCap data shows that Pepe's market cap has surged by 9% to $4.33B while the market activity has dropped significantly in the past day. Despite these negative indicators, Chandler remains bullish about Pepe crypto. The analyst thinks that Pepe is one of the meme coins that showed strength before and after the election with the higher lows trendline remaining unbroken. Another expert, Crypto Jack, monitoring the Pepe price chart, sees a strong bullish wedge forming and claims this is a bullish move pattern. Pepe Coin recorded 14 green days in the past month despite the bearish market sentiment. While price volatility stands at 17%, Pepe's Fear and Greed index is 72 (greed), suggesting it is in the accumulation zone. With the crypto market projected for resurgence soon, now might be the best time to invest in Pepe Coin. Cutoshi — a DeFi Coin Promoting Decentralization and Financial Freedom One of the major issues investors face in traditional banking institutions is privacy and control. Cutoshi (CUTO) is a project that promotes full decentralization and financial freedom. Inspired by the traditional Chinese Lucky Cat known for its lucky powers, Cutoshi aims to bring luck, prosperity and wealth to investors' digital assets. The Cutoshi project was born out of Satoshi Nakamoto's teachings on blockchain technology, which borders on decentralization, privacy, and monetary freedom. In essence, Cutoshi aims to give financial control to the masses and not to BlackRock or other institutions. By bringing DeFi closer to the masses, Cutoshi wants everyone to make financial decisions without third-party interference. To achieve its objective, Cutoshi is developing a multi-chain decentralized exchange that will allow users to swap assets across multiple blockchains at the lowest fees compared to centralized exchanges. Users can also boost their portfolio by performing simple tasks through the Cutoshi farming protocol, while the educational academy is designed to boost DeFi literacy. All these are aimed at ensuring that everybody prospers and not just institutions. The native token, CUTO, an ERC-20 token serves as a governance and reward mechanism. At the ongoing presale, CUTO is sold for just $0.031 with a limited 440M total supply. Having given early investors over 106% ROI, analysts anticipate a 1000% rally in presale. This makes it one of the top altcoins to invest in for long-term gains. Top Memecoins To Invest for Massive Returns in Q1 Despite the high volatility in the meme coin market, Dogecoin and Pepe are high-ranking meme coins expected to witness massive growth in 2025. However, newer projects like Cutoshi might outshine them due to Cutoshi's strong use case in the lucrative DeFi industry. The DEX, educational platform, and farming mechanism are all designed to promote decentralization and financial freedom, the hallmark of the crypto industry evolution. As such, CUTO is one of the best meme coins to buy in Q1. For more information on the Cutoshi (CUTO) Presale: https://cutoshi.com/ Join and become a community member: https://twitter.com/CutoshiToken https://t.me/cutoshicommunity Cutoshi is a revolutionary meme coin inspired by the Chinese Lucky Cat and Satoshi Nakamoto’s teachings. It’s based on decentralization, privacy, and monetary freedom, embodying the blockchain's original purpose and ethos. Cutoshi has a vision - to introduce more people to cryptocurrencies and bring financial freedom to all who want it. Contact Details Cutoshi Camila Perez support@cutoshi.com Company Website https://cutoshi.com/

February 05, 2025 10:45 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image

News Release

Miaora CCRMS Alerts Businesses to Escalating ESG Risks in 2025

Rev Up Marketers

Businesses worldwide face mounting risks in 2025 as environmental disasters, regulatory crackdowns, and governance failures threaten stability. Miaora CCRMS, a leader in corporate risk management and sustainability strategies, warns that companies must take immediate action to mitigate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) risks or risk severe financial and operational consequences. Environmental and Social Risks Disrupt Global Markets A series of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles this year have highlighted the growing financial and operational impact of environmental crises. Businesses have suffered extensive property damage, supply chain disruptions, and operational shutdowns, reinforcing the urgent need for climate resilience strategies. Rising energy costs and environmental regulations are further pressuring companies to adopt sustainable practices or face penalties and reputational damage. Social risks are also escalating. The sudden shutdown of major digital platforms in multiple countries has exposed vulnerabilities in companies’ marketing and customer engagement strategies. Businesses overly dependent on these platforms for outreach have faced revenue declines and unexpected operational disruptions, underscoring the need for diversification and long-term digital resilience. Corporate Governance and Cybersecurity Failures Create Instability Governance failures continue to shake investor confidence, with corporate transparency lapses and ethical breaches leading to financial and reputational losses. At the same time, a surge in cyberattacks is putting companies at risk of data breaches and operational paralysis. Weak compliance measures and outdated security frameworks are proving inadequate in protecting organizations from evolving cyber threats, demanding immediate investment in robust governance and cybersecurity protocols. Miaora CCRMS Calls for Urgent ESG Action Miaora CCRMS urges businesses to take decisive action in strengthening ESG strategies. Large enterprises must implement comprehensive ESG reporting, enhance sustainability initiatives, and prioritize transparent governance. Mid-sized companies should focus on risk management optimization and compliance frameworks, while small businesses must leverage sustainability efforts and digital adaptability to maintain competitiveness. As global markets tighten regulations and investors shift focus to ESG-compliant companies, those failing to act risk financial instability, reputational harm, and regulatory penalties. Miaora CCRMS remains committed to equipping businesses with the tools and strategies needed to navigate these evolving risks, ensuring long-term stability and growth. About Miaora CCRMS Miaora CCRMS is a corporate risk management and sustainability consultancy dedicated to helping businesses address evolving ESG challenges. Through expert-driven risk assessment, compliance solutions, and sustainability strategies, Miaora CCRMS empowers organizations to strengthen resilience and achieve long-term success in a rapidly shifting global economy. For more information on ESG risk management, visit https://miaora-ccrms.net/. https://www.linkedin.com/in/konstantin-birman-91a7a92a9 Contact Details Miaora CCRMS Konstantin Birman contact@miaora-ccrms.net Company Website https://miaora-ccrms.net/

February 05, 2025 10:10 AM Eastern Standard Time

OYO Introduces Industry-first Pay at Hotel Feature Across US Properties

OYO

First major hotel chain in the US to offer flexible pay-at-property option Innovative payment solution addresses growing demand for booking flexibility Feature rolled out across 400+ OYO properties in 35 states Global hospitality technology company OYO today announced the launch of its innovative Pay at Hotel feature across all US properties, becoming the first major hotel chain to offer guests the flexibility to pay directly at the property. This launch marks a significant step in OYO's commitment to making travel more accessible and convenient for its growing US customer base. The new payment option allows guests to secure their bookings without upfront payment or credit card details, addressing a key pain point in the hospitality industry. Themed around ‘as easy as OYO’, the feature complements OYO's existing suite of customer-friendly policies, including its streamlined three-click booking process and last-minute booking capabilities. Nikhil Heda, Head of Business Development, OYO US said, "The introduction of Pay at Hotel represents a transformative step in how Americans book their stays. We understand that travelers, especially those booking last-minute or managing uncertain schedules, need more flexibility in their payment options. This feature directly addresses that need while maintaining our commitment to providing affordable, accessible accommodations across the United States." The Pay at Hotel feature has already been successfully tested in the Houston market, where it demonstrated strong customer adoption and positive feedback. The feature is now being rolled out across OYO's network of more than 400 hotels in 35 states, making it particularly valuable for business travelers and spontaneous trip planners. Initial data from the Houston pilot program showed increased booking flexibility led to a significant reduction in cancellation rates, higher customer satisfaction scores, particularly among business travelers and strong adoption among last-minute bookers, who constitute a growing segment of OYO's customer base. This launch comes as OYO continues to strengthen its position in the US market, following acquisition of G6 Hospitality that operates Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands. The Pay at Hotel feature, however, will only be available at OYO hotels and not at G6 Hospitality properties. The initiative will further differentiate OYO in the competitive US hospitality market, where the company has consistently demonstrated strong growth and innovation in the economy segment. The feature is now available through OYO's mobile app and website, requiring just three simple clicks to secure a booking without immediate payment. This innovation aligns with OYO's technology-first approach, which includes AI-powered customer support, dynamic pricing, and an integrated loyalty program. About OYO OYO is a global platform that empowers entrepreneurs and small businesses with hotels and homes by providing full-stack technology products and services that aim to increase revenue and ease operations; bringing easy-to-book, affordable, and trusted accommodation to customers around the world. OYO offers 40+ integrated products and solutions to patrons who operate over 185K hotel and home storefronts in more than 35 countries including India, Europe and Southeast Asia. For more information, visit www.oyorooms.com/us. Contact Details Anupriya +91 97911 63065 anupriya.d@oyorooms.com Company Website https://www.oyorooms.com/

February 05, 2025 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

TechNexus Venture Collaborative Unveils Electrification 50 List

TechNexus Venture Collaborative

TechNexus Venture Collaborative, a leading investor in electrification startups, today announced the inaugural Electrification 50, a list of 50 U.S. hard-tech startups electrifying the physical world around us. The list recognizes startups developing innovative solutions to address the climate crisis and accelerate the transition to a clean energy future. "Startups on the Electrification 50 are developing groundbreaking technologies that will transform the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us," said Terry Howerton, TechNexus CEO and co-founder. "We believe that they have the potential to make a significant impact on the fight against climate change and transform industries." The Electrification 50 startups were selected based on a variety of criteria, including their technological innovation, market potential, and impact on the electrification ecosystem. The list includes companies working in a wide range of sectors, including aviation, marine, and recreational vehicles. Founded in 2007, TechNexus helps large corporations build collaborative relationships with ambitious startups. As a trusted investment partner, TechNexus works with leading companies in legacy industries to back disruptive tech startups relevant to their business. "TechNexus sits at the unique intersection between industry giants seeking to innovate and the disruptive startups driving the future of electrification," said Fred Hoch, co-founder and general partner of TechNexus. "We're proud to bridge that gap, connecting corporations with these emerging technology companies to accelerate the adoption of solutions that will transform our world." Companies on the Electrification 50 include Harbinger Motors, an EV startup disrupting the medium-duty commercial and specialty vehicle industry that recently raised $100 million in Series B funding. Others, like Lightship, are developing an all-electric recreational vehicle. H3X, another startup on the list, makes electric motors for aerospace, defense, marine and heavy industry applications. The Electrification 50 is a testament to the growing momentum of the electrification movement. TechNexus is committed to supporting the startups that are leading the charge in this critical transition. See the full list here. About TechNexus Venture Collaborative Founded in 2007, TechNexus Venture Collaborative invests in better relationships between leading corporations and ambitious startups. A first-of-its-kind Venture Collaborative, we invest capital, incubate, and collaborate to create new growth opportunities. TechNexus, in partnership with leading corporations, has invested in more than 150 startups across the globe. TechNexus helps portfolio companies grow by creating new business models, revenue streams, markets and products. Portfolio companies include Harbinger Motors, Tonal, H3X and more. For more information, please visit technexus.com. Contact Details TechNexus Venture Collaborative Jim Dallke jdallke@technexus.com Company Website https://technexus.com/

February 05, 2025 09:00 AM Central Standard Time

1 2 3 4 5 6 ... 3820