Dubai: Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has joined the Dubai FinTech Summit (DFS), organised by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global Financial Centre in the MEASA region, - as a Founding Partner & Co-Host underscoring its dedication to support innovative and future thinking businesses on a global scale. Visa has cemented its partnership with DFS through a strategic three-year agreement, demonstrating a strong commitment to the fintech ecosystem.Through initiatives like the Fast Track programme, Accelerators and Visa Everywhere, Visa is at the forefront of empowering FinTechs, providing them with the necessary resources and personalised tools to create innovative solutions needed to enhance the digital economy for consumers and businesses.Mohammad Alblooshi, CEO at DIFC Innovation Hub, said, “True innovation springs from collaboration. One of our objectives at the Dubai FinTech Summit is to unite global leaders, innovators and disruptive start-ups to forge the most progressive, inclusive, and technologically advanced financial community. Our alliance with Visa, solidified through a three-year agreement, aligns perfectly with our aim to provide a dynamic environment for innovation and enterprise to flourish in Dubai and beyond as we shape a resilient financial ecosystem. With Visa’s continued support and expertise, we look forward to delivering an exceptional event that will inspire and empower the FinTech community.”Hasan M. Kazmi , Vice President and Head of Digital Partnerships for Visa CEMEA, said, “As a global leader in digital payments, Visa is committed to fostering innovation and driving the growth of the FinTech ecosystem. Our three-year partnership with the Dubai FinTech Summit reflects our dedication to supporting FinTechs in the region and beyond.“At Visa, we recognise the transformative power of FinTechs in developing innovative payment solutions, expanding access to financial services and enabling the growth of the wider digital economy. Our participation as a co-host sponsor of the Dubai FinTech Summit provides us and our partners with a valuable platform to explore collaborative opportunities and drive further innovation in digital commerce. We believe that Dubai and DIFC's position as a global centre for innovation makes it the ideal location for this summit. By bringing together global FinTech and technology experts, the Summit will facilitate meaningful discussions and connections that will shape the future of finance not only in the region but also on a global scale.”In line with the D33 Agenda to position Dubai as the top four global financial hub by 2033, the 2nd edition of the Dubai FinTech Summit is designed to encourage cross-border collaboration and innovation, pivotal to transforming the global FinTech sector. It presents a unique opportunity to explore emerging FinTech trends and their potential to drive financial progress in the MEASA region.The Dubai FinTech Summit, scheduled for May 6-7,2024, at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, will see an unprecedented gathering of over 8,000 decision-makers, 300+ thought leaders and 200+ exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge technologies.Visitors can purchase tickets for the Dubai FinTech Summit 2024, with early bird prices ending soon.

ThinkMarkets, the leading multi-asset trading provider, has expanded its presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region with the recent regulatory approval for a licence from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). This new licence allows ThinkMarkets to onboard clients in the UAE and provide its new client base with access to the broker's innovative trading platform, ThinkTrader, featuring advanced tools including: Signal Centre, TrendRisk Scanner and Traders’ Gym .The acquisition of the DFSA licence forms part of ThinkMarkets' wider global expansion strategy, with the company recently also acquiring licences in other new markets around the world, including Japan Financial Services Agency (JFSA) and New Zealand Financial Markets Authority (FMA).Commenting on the new DFSA licence, ThinkMarkets co-CEO and co-founder, Faizan Anees said, "We are delighted to have obtained the DFSA licence. The UAE and wider MENA region is a high-growth market, and this new licence will now enable us to onboard new clients from this area in a regulated and secure way. At ThinkMarkets, we're always seeking ways to give our clients an exceptional trading experience with our proprietary platform ThinkTrader, thousands of trading instruments to chose from, and regulation, are fundamental parts to achieving this. Our new DFSA licence will help better serve our customer-base, while also helping extend ThinkMarkets' presence into new, strategic markets in the region."With this strategic expansion, ThinkMarkets reaffirms its commitment to broadening its global footprint and enhancing access to superior trading services for clients around the world. As ThinkMarkets continues to navigate the complexities of global markets, it remains focused on setting new standards for excellence in the multi-asset landscape of the MENA region and beyond.

XS.com, the global FinTech and financial services provider for online trading and investing, has been recognized with the award for "Most Secure Broker" during the “Oman Smart Vision” Summit which took place on February 14th and 15th.The event where the global multi-asset broker was featured as Global Sponsor was organized by Smart Vision Group at the esteemed “Sheraton Oman” Hotel in Muscat, Oman.The highlight of the event was XS.com being honored with the esteemed "Most Secure Broker" award, a testament to its efforts in prioritizing the security and safety of clients’ funds and information.Expressing excitement and gratitude for the recognition, Mr. Shadi Salloum, the Regional Director of XS.com in the MENA region, stated:“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable event organizers of “Oman Smart Vision” Summit. It is with immense honor and gratitude that we accept the award for "Most Secure Broker". This award is a testament to our efforts, and we are truly humbled to be recognized among such distinguished peers.”Presenting its cutting-edge products and services at the “Oman Smart Vision” Summit, the XS.com’s Global Sponsorship shone a spotlight on its dedication to online investments. In addition, they provided invaluable insights into the latest trends and advancements within the dynamic landscape of the Fintech industry.Dr. Mohammed Elnozamy, Chairman and Managing Director at Smart Vision, Said:“I am thrilled to announce XS.com as the "Most Secure Broker" at the first edition of Smart Vision summit in Oman 2024. This award stands as a testament to the efforts of XS.com in providing a safe and secure trading environment for traders”.As Global Sponsor, the multi-award winning broker had a prominent presence throughout the “Oman Smart Vision” Summit, where they showcased a comprehensive suite of services and expertise in the Financial Services industry. The Global Market Leader is known for prioritizing the security and safety of clients’ funds and information by continually investing in its infrastructure and implementing advanced security protocols to maintain the highest security standards and safeguard these funds.In addition to its multiple regulations in various jurisdictions around the globe, XS.com provides clients with additional insurance protection to cover losses in excess of USD 10,000 and up to USD 5,000,000 against claims against omission, fraud, negligence and other risks that may lead to the financial loss of clients. This Civil Liability Insurance Program is underwritten by Lloyd's of London.XS.com have also invested heavily in its infrastructure and implemented advanced security protocols to ensure that its systems comply with the most stringent global security standards.

Dhahran, Saudi Arabia: Aramco, one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, has allocated an additional $4 billion to Aramco Ventures, its global venture capital arm. It will more than double the capital allotted to Aramco Ventures, increasing its total investment allocation from $3 billion to $7 billion.It will take Aramco’s overall venture capital allocation to $7.5bn, which also includes the $500 million venture capital fund Wa’ed Ventures that focuses on the start-up ecosystem in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.The decision reflects the growing significance of Aramco’s venture capital programme in enabling the development of disruptive new technologies, creating diversification opportunities for Aramco, and paving the way for collaborations with innovative start-ups. In doing so, it aims to help advance the Company’s long-term strategy, which includes a focus on new energies, chemicals and transition materials, diversified industrial businesses, and digital technologies.Ahmad Al Khowaiter, Aramco Executive Vice President of Technology & Innovation, said: “Innovation is key to addressing some of the fundamental challenges facing the world today, including the energy transition. Through Aramco Ventures, we aim to support pioneers with big ambitions, and ultimately help bring their ideas to life. By injecting an additional $4 billion in funding over the next four years, we intend to provide the financial backing required to take game-changing solutions to the next level. This will provide crucial impetus to businesses at various stages of development around the world, while also contributing to Aramco’s own long-term objectives.”Prior to the new capital allocation, Aramco Ventures managed three funds. These are a Digital/Industrial Fund, which stood at $500 million, investing in technologies of strategic importance to Aramco; the Prosperity7 Fund with $1 billion, investing in disruptive technology ventures beyond the energy sector; and the Sustainability Fund, which stood at $1.5 billion and invests in start-ups with the potential to support Aramco’s ambition to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions across its wholly-owned and operated assets by 2050.

The global multi-asset fintech group, Plus500 which has over 25 million registered customers worldwide, has obtained a new regulatory license approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) through its subsidiary Plus500AE in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).This license from the DFSA presents Plus500AE, whose parent company Plus500 Ltd is a FTSE 250 company listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE), with significant growth opportunities in the burgeoning and dynamic UAE market. Approval of the new regulatory licence enables the company to provide a more localised experience to prospective customers in the UAE's online trading sphere through Plus500AE, complementing the group’s renowned user-friendly diverse offerings, innovation, and customer-centric approach.Additional customer benefits include the integration of local payment methods, and bespoke versions of the Plus500 trading platform, website, and mobile app, enabling access to the most popular financial instruments. The proprietary tech-based trading platform will enable UAE traders to engage in Over the Counter (OTC) or Contracts for Difference (CFD) products.Additionally, the platform's advanced analytics empower traders with real-time data, robust charting tools, and technical indicators, aiding informed trading decisions. It also ensures mobile accessibility on both iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.The establishment of the UAE subsidiary fortifies Plus500 group’s regulatory framework and complements the portfolio of regulatory licenses in markets such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Cyprus, Singapore, the United States, and Japan.According to the latest trends released by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the Middle East’s online trading industry is witnessing spectacular growth and is expected to reach US$1 trillion in value by 2025 with commonly traded assets including stocks, commodities, currencies, and cryptocurrencies.The intuitive and advanced trading platform allows customers to manage leveraged exposure appropriately with the aim of protecting potential profits and limiting exposure to losses.

Homegrown cashback rewards platform Znap revealed today its new brand identity, TOTL, as part of an extensive visual and service delivery transformation strategy.The rebranding marks a significant turning point in Znap’s corporate trajectory and underscores the firm’s unwavering commitment to delivering need-driven fintech solutions to consumers and partners in the region.The new look will include a logo refresh, which represents “in our mind” contactless payments with exciting colours – green, which represents growth, health, and tranquillity; purple, which represents creativity, luxury, and wisdom – and attributes that evoke emotions and brand association.The rebrand from Znap to TOTL (pronounced Total) modernises and simplifies brand recall among consumers while delivering solutions that ultimately bring people together and improve lives.According to Uday Rathod, CEO and Co-Founder of the brand, TOTL, which represents payments with Value back (cashback), is an innovative approach that transforms cashback into a seamless and straightforward process for customers and local businesses.“We’ve reached a critical turning point that began with the unveiling of Znap in 2017 – a platform that was at the time solely designed to help consumers upload their billd and earn cash rewards on every product listed in the FMCG sector. However, as business dynamics and consumer preferences evolve, there is a need to move the brand to the next level. By rebranding to TOTL, we are now on a mission to help consumers get value for every Dhiram spent in a way that’s a win-win situation for both business and consumers,” said Uday.Despite the growing competition within the industry, TOTL has been making meaningful strides in the region. From 2021 until now, TOTL has seen exponential growth, with transactions surging by over 100X thanks to the increased cashback utilisation. Moreover, boasing an impressive customer return rate exceeding 83%, the company has experiences remarkable progress.Driving loyalty and salesOver the last few years, the cashback rewards industry has become an integral part of most businesses’ growth strategy in the UAE and regionally, as the concept continues to help homegrown retailers drive customer loyalty and increase sales. According to research firm Statista, the global cashback industry is expected to be worth more than US$200 billion a year by 2024, with participating retailers growing their revenue up to two and a half times faster than competitors who do not use them.On its part, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been experiencing a ballooning adoption of loyalty programs by businesses of all sizes, led by e-commerce platforms increasingly tapping into loyalty programs to boost repeat purchases and drive revenue growth. With its loyalty market, which includes cashback and rewards programs, poised to grow by over 12 per cent annually to reach US$1,423.7 million in 2023, the market is expected to increase from US$1,269.7 million in 2022 to reach US$2,214.5 million by 2027.Before the rebrand, Znap had partnered with over 600 businesses and with the new brand outlook, the company is now expected to aggressively into other untapped markets, including Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah, in a bid to tap different potential categories such as food and beverages, beauty and wellness, optical floral stores, pet care and more.

The MENA Fintech Association, the premier not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving fintech startups and established players across the Middle East and Africa, is excited to announce the reignition of its Payments working group known as SHIFT, marking a significant leap forward in the evolution of financial technology within the region. The association is delighted to appoint Akshay Chopra and Imane Adel as Co-Chairs to spearhead this revitalized effort.Founded in 2018, the MENA Fintech Association has earned recognition as one of the top 4 fintech groups globally. With a strong presence in the Middle East and Africa, the association has been at the forefront of driving innovation and fostering collaboration in the fintech industry.In a strategic move to amplify its commitment to advancing payment solutions and fostering innovation, MFTA has chosen industry leaders Akshay Chopra and Imane Adel to guide the SHIFT – Payments Working Group. Their wealth of experience, forward-thinking approach, and dedication to pushing the boundaries of fintech will undoubtedly elevate the group's impact.Nameer Khan, Chairman of MENA Fintech Association and Founder of FILS, stated the following, "The resurgence of the SHIFT – Payments Working Group is a testament to our commitment to driving fintech innovation in the MENA region. With Akshay Chopra and Imane Adel as Co-Chairs, we are confident in the transformative potential of this collaboration. Their expertise and vision align seamlessly with the association's mission to shape the future of finance. Together, we aspire to lead the charge in revolutionizing payment solutions, fostering collaboration, and championing an inclusive fintech landscape across the Middle East and North Africa.Akshay Chopra, a veteran fintech investor, inventor, and practitioner, serves as Managing Partner at 237 Ventures. 237 Ventures grows businesses via investment, product advisory, coaching, and board directorship. He serves on multiple boards, including the MENA FinTech Association. Akshay holds 7 fintech patents, and his former executive roles include VP heading innovation, product design & crypto solutions for Visa CEMEA.Akshay stated the following upon taking over this role, “I am honored to co-chair the SHIFT – Payments Working Group alongside Imane. In an era of unprecedented innovation, this platform provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of payments in the MENA region, co-creating with large players, new entrants, policymakers, and enablers. We will also work closely with regulators to share the ecosystem’s inputs.”Imane Adel, EVP of Strategy at Paymob, is a seasoned payments professional with tenures at Visa and Mastercard, a member of the Forbes Technology Council, and a Strategic Adviser to regional startups, stated the following upon joining SHIFT,” As we embark on this exciting journey co-chairing the SHIFT – Payments Working Group, I am thrilled to collaborate with industry leaders and innovators to shape the future of payments in the MENA region. The convergence of technology and finance presents unprecedented opportunities, and together with Akshay Chopra, we aim to drive a wave of innovation, foster strategic partnerships, and advocate for a regulatory environment that propels fintech forward. This is not just a working group; it's a collective force shaping the narrative of financial technology, and I am honored to be a part of it.”

 Paymob, the leading financial services enabler in the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan (MENA-P) has announced its partnership with Tamara, the leading shopping and payments platform in the GCC region.The strategic partnership integrates Tamara’s Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) service with Paymob’s secure gateway to power seamless payments by enabling customers to split their payments in four without any hidden fees or interest. Paymob’s omnichannel payments infrastructure serves 250,000 merchants in the region, while Tamara has over nine million registered users and more than 30,000 partner merchants. The agreement between two of the MENA region’s fastest growing fintech companies creates a payments ecosystem that enables merchants to offer more comprehensive solutions and seamless customer experiences.Both companies have partnerships with some of the region’s biggest brands, however, this agreement is designed to fuel the growth of small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) which are the greatest contributors to GDP in MENA. For businesses of any size, comprehensive payment offerings ensure increased sales and conversions. With Tamara’s BNPL solution, merchants gain a 40% increase in average order value, a 15% increase in online conversion rates, and a 50% increase in repeat purchases.The addition of Tamara’s BNPL solution to Paymob’s gateway is via a simple integration that reduces merchants’ barrier to entry and ensures transactions are processed seamlessly and securely. The partnership will initially serve merchants in KSA and the UAE in the first phase, with more countries planned to go live in later stages.Islam Shawky, Co-founder and CEO of Paymob said, "Our partnership with Tamara delivers on Paymob’s mission to fuel SME growth in the digital economy. There is a massive opportunity to enable merchants in the GCC to capitalize on the power of alternative payment methods and we are thrilled to partner with Tamara to fuel this growth in MENA.”Turki Bin Zarah, Co-founder and CCO of Tamara said, “This partnership with Paymob provides seamless access to Tamara’s services to thousands of SMEs to enable their growth across the region. As a leading commerce enabler, we are revolutionizing how people shop, pay, and bank and are thrilled to partner with Paymob as we deliver on this goal.”Tamara and Paymob are currently experiencing rapid growth fueled by recent funding. Riyadh-based Tamara secured a $150 million debt facility earlier this year from Goldman Sachs, the first deal of its kind in the region. The company is actively expanding its product lines and verticals. Paymob’s growth across the region is driven by its 2022 Series B funding which was led by PayPal Ventures. As a result, the company expanded to the UAE in 2022 and secured PTSP certification from Saudi Payments in Q2 2023 making it fully operational in KSA.

Qashio, a UAE-founded fintech company, has recently announced a new partnership with Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai. This exciting collaboration will enable customers to convert Qashio Points into Skywards Miles, opening doors to a wide range of benefits Emirates Skywards is renowned for.Qashio Points, Qashio’s loyalty program, rewards customers who make business purchases and transactions through Qashio business expense cards. Qashio's innovative platform allows customers to consolidate their earned points from all business expense card spending and effortlessly convert them into Skywards Miles for individual employees with Emirates Skywards accounts.As we anticipate a return to pre-pandemic levels for business travel by 2024, Qashio is determined to provide Qashio's customers with the best possible travel experiences. This strategic partnership represents a significant milestone for Qashio, as it will offer customers exclusive travel benefits including flight rewards and upgrades with Emirates – the world’s largest international airline. Armin Moradi, CEO and Co-founder of Qashio said: “Collaborating with Emirates Skywards is an immense privilege for Qashio. As a UAE-based enterprise, we have always aspired to partner with Emirates Skywards, and this partnership will empower Qashio to provide our customers with even more valuable and pertinent rewards, tailored specifically for business leaders.”Founded in Dubai in 2021, Qashio has established itself as a leading Business Expense Card and Expense Management solution in the UAE. Their comprehensive platform combines seamless issuance of virtual and physical Business Expense cards with robust software capabilities. By streamlining expense management, automating reconciliation processes, and offering additional benefits such as business financing and affordable employee medical insurance, Qashio enables businesses to optimise their financial operations.For more information about Qashio and the seamless transfer of Qashio Points to Skywards Miles, please visit www.qashio.com/qashio-points.

Amazon Payment Services, a regional leader in digital payments operating across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, has been granted a Retail Payment Services license by the UAE Central Bank. Marking a significant milestone for the business, this license enables Amazon Payment Services to unlock an enhanced offering for its merchants across the country, through unique products and services, directly improving the experience for their customers. Obtaining the license reinforces Amazon Payment Services’ position as a trusted payment service provider in the UAE, where the company facilitates payment processing for hundreds of merchants including Small to Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs). This license enables Amazon Payment Services to invest in operational efficiency to deliver more streamlined payment processing and continues to support merchants of all sizes through its various hassle-free products and services.SMBs in the UAE accepting, or considering, online payments are set to gain the most from the regulated payment processing solution by Amazon Payment Services, with a range of benefits enabling faster onboarding and lower cost of payments, which aims to support their growth and success through a secure and reliable platform.Peter George, Managing Director for Amazon Payment Services in MENA, said: “It is a privilege to have earned the trust of the UAE Central Bank and been granted this license which not only instils trust and security for merchants and customers alike, but also allows us to take our offering to the next level. We look forward to continuing to work with key local stakeholders as we expand our offering and invest in our operations across the UAE, facilitating seamless, secure, and fast payments for merchants of all sizes and customers. At Amazon, we insist on the highest standards, and this license is a true testament of this.”Amazon Payment Services continues to offer seamless and secure payment solutions to merchants across new and diverse sectors such as travel, insurance, and education. With this license, the company joins a select group of payment providers operating a regulated retail payment service locally, contributing to instilling trust and promoting further adoption of digital payments in the UAE.

Meta Platforms (META) closed at $318.36 in the latest trading session, marking a 0.93% increase from the previous day. This outperformance compared to the S&P 500's daily gain of 0.63%, the Dow's 0.59% increase, and the Nasdaq's 0.39% rise.Over the past month, Meta Platforms' stock has climbed by 5.89%, surpassing the Computer and Technology sector's 2.3% loss and the S&P 500's 3.39% decline.Investors are eagerly awaiting Meta Platforms' upcoming earnings release scheduled for October 25, 2023. Analysts anticipate an EPS of $3.57, reflecting a substantial 117.68% increase from the same quarter last year. The consensus estimate for quarterly revenue stands at $33.41 billion, up 20.55% year-over-year.For the full year, Zacks Consensus Estimates indicate expectations of earnings per share of $13.34 and revenue of $132.79 billion. These projections represent changes of +35.71% and +13.87%, respectively, from the previous year.It's important to monitor analyst estimate revisions for Meta Platforms, as they often reflect short-term business trends. Positive estimate revisions can signify optimism about the company's outlook.Zacks Research has shown that estimate changes are closely linked to short-term stock price movements. To harness this insight, the proprietary Zacks Rank model was developed. With rankings ranging from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), the Zacks Rank system has a proven track record of strong performance, with #1 stocks delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has risen by 1.58%. Currently, Meta Platforms holds a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).Additionally, investors should consider Meta Platforms' current valuation metrics, such as its Forward P/E ratio of 23.65. This indicates a discount compared to the industry's average Forward P/E of 37.56.Meta Platforms' PEG ratio, currently at 1.1, is also noteworthy. This metric, akin to the P/E ratio, factors in expected earnings growth. In comparison, the Internet - Software industry, as of the last trading session, had an average PEG ratio of 1.52.The Internet - Software industry falls within the Computer and Technology sector and boasts a Zacks Industry Rank of 63, positioning it in the top 25% of over 250 industries.The Zacks Industry Rank evaluates the strength of individual industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of constituent stocks. Research has shown that industries in the top 50% of rankings tend to outperform those in the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.Stay tuned to Zacks.com for further updates on these and other stock-moving metrics throughout upcoming trading sessions.

SoftBank Corp. has unveiled plans to launch a comprehensive expansion of its global IoT business in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region starting in October 2023. This expansion will encompass 19 countries and regions, including Japan. SoftBank's primary focus in this initiative will be the promotion of IoT services, particularly the "1NCE IoT Flat Rate" offered by German company 1NCE GmbH, targeting enterprise customers. The telecom giant aims to secure a total of 2 million 1NCE IoT Flat Rate connections across APAC and other regions by the end of the 2025 fiscal year, which concludes on March 31, 2026.As part of its "Beyond Carrier" growth strategy, SoftBank is diversifying beyond its core telecommunications business and is actively driving digital transformation (DX) in various industry sectors. Within the IoT domain, SoftBank made an equity investment in 1NCE GmbH in April 2022 and secured an exclusive agreement to market the 1NCE IoT Flat Rate in 19 APAC markets. The 1NCE IoT Flat Rate offers highly cost-effective global IoT connectivity, allowing customers to roam on 1NCE's extensive global network spanning over 160 countries and regions at no additional cost. This service has gained traction among enterprise customers, including Japanese companies like Pocketalk Corporation.While SoftBank initially focused on promoting the 1NCE IoT Flat Rate within Japan, it is now broadening its reach to include 19 countries and regions in APAC, intensifying its global IoT business efforts. The company will bolster its IoT salesforce by quadrupling its team, launch a dedicated online IoT shop in partnership with 1NCE, and enhance advertising and marketing campaigns across the region. In addition, SoftBank will leverage its IoT platform to propose solutions related to smart meters and work towards further expanding its global IoT business presence.SoftBank is committed to building a comprehensive support framework to address the challenges faced by various industries in different countries and regions. The expansion of its global IoT business, starting with the APAC region, aligns with SoftBank's broader "Beyond Japan" initiative aimed at expanding its global presence.Daichi Nozaki, Senior Vice President overseeing the global business at SoftBank Corp., expressed enthusiasm about the comprehensive expansion of the company's IoT business in the APAC region. Nozaki stated, "We’re extremely pleased to be able to fully expand our IoT business in the APAC region. While we’ve been providing IoT services primarily in Japan and contributing to the DX of various industries there, going forward we’ll collaborate with strong business partners like 1NCE and leverage our expertise gained in the Japan market to fully establish ourselves in APAC. Doing this, we’ll work to contribute to the digitalization of the entire region and solve social issues."