BlackRock

Fast Forward Unveils Its Largest-Ever Startup Accelerator Cohort, Supported by Leading Funders

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Online, Fast forward, Health, Democracy, Climate change, Organization, Google.org, Farmer, ServiceNow, Entrepreneurship, Salesforce, SAN, Climate, BlackRock, APN, Bloomberg, Student, Fidelity, Newsroom, Investigative Journalism Foundation, Health education, Dell Technologies, Database, Curriculum, Pinterest, Startup accelerator, Tutoring

SAN FRANCISCO, March 26, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Fast Forward, which brings the tech and nonprofit communities together to deploy tech to solve humanity's biggest challenges, today announced the launch of its 11th annual Startup Accelerator. The 2024 Startup Accelerator cohort is the largest one to date, featuring twelve tech nonprofits.

Key Points: 
  • The 2024 Startup Accelerator saw its most diverse pool of applicants, with a 6x increase in AI-powered nonprofit (APN) solutions.
  • During the program, Fast Forward will equip the selected cohort with seed funding, a tailored curriculum, mentorship, and technical support.
  • Since 2014, Fast Forward has seen its portfolio of 90 tech nonprofits collectively impact over 186M lives and secure $753M in follow-on funding.
  • Fast Forward is set to showcase these solutions in the upcoming months via its Demo Days.

Vanguard Unseats BlackRock's Top Spot in Broadridge's 2024 Best-Performing Fund Brand Ranking in the U.S.

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
JPMorgan Chase, Stasis, AIB (NI), Fidelity, Vanguard, Marketing, Research, BlackRock, Blackstone Inc., ETF, Communication, Financial services

NEW YORK, March 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The latest edition of Broadridge's Fund Brand 50 (FB50), an annual research study by global Fintech leader Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR) was released today, highlighting the world's best-performing third-party asset management brands. U.S. fund selectors prize solidity and client service as the domestic giants jostle for position and strengthen their hold on the asset management industry.

Key Points: 
  • While no-one new breaches the top five, the major firms jostle for position, with Vanguard usurping BlackRock's position atop the ranking.
  • Vanguard was able to maintain first place in the three highest-ranked brand attributes and duked it out with BlackRock across the entire brand spectrum.
  • In fact, the two firms split first place in eight of the 10 categories, with Vanguard winning by points total.
  • French firm Natixis IM remains the highest-ranked non-US brand but fell from 22nd place to 32nd.

Best-Performing Fund Brands in Europe and Globally According to the 2024 Broadridge Fund Brand 50 Report

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Communication, ETF, Schroders, ESG, BlackRock, Investment, Robeco, Solidity, PIMCO, Fund, Movement, Bank

LONDON, March 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The latest edition of Broadridge's Fund Brand 50 (FB50), an annual research study by global Fintech leader Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR) was released today, highlighting the world's best-performing third-party asset management brands. The study reveals that cautious European investors put the squeeze on the asset management industry – parking cash in bank savings accounts and money market funds – and scrutinising asset manager credentials like never before. As slowing growth colours global economic forecasts in 2024, fund groups need to play to their strengths and flex their brand attributes to compete in a saturated market that cannot sustain the current levels of competition.

Key Points: 
  • The big story is that 2023 was a bad year for ESG in Europe.
  • Broadridge interviews with fund selectors suggest that this may be overexaggerated, as ESG still constitutes a major consideration in investment decision-making.
  • But firms are undeniably more skeptical and subject asset manager credentials to greater scrutiny to validate a firm's ESG bona fides.
  • A webinar is scheduled for March 27, 2024 at 2 PM GMT / 10 AM ET / 10 PM HKT to reveal the top asset management brands in each region.

RIA M&A Demonstrates Remarkable Resilience Amidst Market Challenges & Significant Turbulence

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Annual report, Growth, AGS, Partnership, Gold, BlackRock, RIA, Creativity, Financial adviser

PHOENIX, March 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite a challenging capital environment in 2023, RIA M&A activity experienced only a modest decline in transaction volume. While valuations remained stable, the tone for market participants was cautious optimism, according to The 2024 RIA Deal Room report from Advisor Growth Strategies ("AGS"), a management consulting and transaction advisory firm. The sixth annual report, sponsored by BlackRock, offers an in-depth analysis of 2023 M&A transactions, revealing nuanced shifts in dynamics and providing valuable insights for participants navigating the evolving wealth management landscape. This year's report provides unique case study insights from buyers of all sizes and activity levels.

Key Points: 
  • "2023 was the proof point; RIA M&A persisted, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of the market," said Brandon Kawal, Principal and newly appointed Partner at Advisor Growth Strategies.
  • Findings from The 2024 RIA Deal Room report include:
    Redefinition of the "middle market" within the RIA industry, driven by the size and breadth of the largest platforms.
  • "Despite the challenges faced in 2023, the resilience of the RIA M&A market underscores its enduring strength and potential for growth," added John Furey, Managing Partner at Advisor Growth Strategies.
  • Advisor Growth Strategies will be hosting a series of webinars featuring industry experts to further explore recent trends in RIA M&A.

TIFIN announces Brooke Juniper as CEO of its AI-powered Investment Assistant, Sage

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 14, 2024
CIO, Intelligence, BlackRock, AI, Investment

BOULDER, Colo. and NEW YORK, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TIFIN, a leading AI and innovation platform for wealth, announces the appointment of Brooke Juniper as the Chief Executive Officer of Sage, its AI-driven investment platform that acts as a personalized CIO, helping advisors through quick ideation and actionability for each client and prospect portfolio.

Key Points: 
  • With an extensive background in finance and technology, Brooke Juniper brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role at Sage.
  • "We are delighted to welcome Brooke Juniper to the TIFIN family as the CEO of Sage," said Dr. Vinay Nair, Founder and CEO of TIFIN.
  • "I am honored to join TIFIN and lead Sage in its mission to redefine wealth management through the power of artificial intelligence," said Brooke Juniper, CEO of Sage.
  • Sage is an advanced AI-powered investment platform that empowers financial advisors with intelligent portfolio insights and personalized and actionable recommendations.

Canadian Solar Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Solar, ASPS, Growth, CFO, Partnership, Topcon, FIT, Nominal power (photovoltaic), BlackRock, Depreciation, Senior, GWP, Investment, Kilowatt-hour, Safety, Recurrence, PPA, Engineering, Total, EPC, Professional, Renewable energy

GUELPH, ON, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Canadian Solar Inc. ("Canadian Solar" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: CSIQ) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023.

Key Points: 
  • GUELPH, ON, March 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Canadian Solar Inc. ("Canadian Solar" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: CSIQ) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023.
  • Total operating expenses in the fourth quarter of 2023 were $213 million, compared to $225 million in the third quarter of 2023 and $213 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.
  • Depreciation and amortization charges in the fourth quarter of 2023 were $89 million, compared to $76 million in the third quarter of 2023 and $50 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.
  • Net interest expense in the fourth quarter of 2023 was $18 million, compared to $11 million in the third quarter of 2023 and $11 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Polymetal International plc: Completion of divestment of Russian business

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
AIX, International, BlackRock, MOEX, Polymetal, Circular, Sale, Transaction, JSC, Completion, Policy, Bank

Polymetal International plc (“Polymetal”, the “Company” or the “Group”) announces that following shareholder approval and satisfaction of all other conditions precedent, the divestment of Polymetal Group’s Russian business by way of disposal of 100 per cent of the JSC Polymetal share capital to JSC Mangazeya Plus has completed.

Key Points: 
  • Polymetal International plc (“Polymetal”, the “Company” or the “Group”) announces that following shareholder approval and satisfaction of all other conditions precedent, the divestment of Polymetal Group’s Russian business by way of disposal of 100 per cent of the JSC Polymetal share capital to JSC Mangazeya Plus has completed.
  • “We are pleased shareholders of Polymetal supported the sale of our Russian business.
  • With the transaction closed and major risks eliminated, we plan to present our new strategy and capital allocation policy in May”, said Vitaly Nesis, Group CEO.
  • Following Completion, the Polymetal Retained Group has a net cash position of approx.

Leading the Future: The Revolutionary Role of BRTS in Digital Currency Quantitative Trading

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 4, 2024
Crypto, AI, Learning, Fintech, BlackRock, Educational technology, BRTS, Artificial intelligence, Cryptocurrency

BRTS's AI quantitative trading platform aims to minimize the impact of human emotional fluctuations, thereby enhancing the rationality and efficiency of investment decisions.

Key Points: 
  • BRTS's AI quantitative trading platform aims to minimize the impact of human emotional fluctuations, thereby enhancing the rationality and efficiency of investment decisions.
  • Since its inception, BRTS has demonstrated its leadership in the cryptocurrency investment domain, achieving significant annual net trading growth through its AI quantitative trading strategies.
  • By collaborating with leading exchanges like Coinbase, BRTS utilizes its AI quantitative intelligent robots for arbitrage activities, simultaneously enhancing the brand's promotional effects.
  • The AI quantitative trading platform of BRTS represents a significant innovation in the digital currency investment field, providing global investors with an efficient, rational, and scientific investment tool.

TC Energy announces sale of Portland Natural Gas Transmission System

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 4, 2024
Bracewell LLP, Note, Natural gas, TSX, TC Energy, News, Growth, Sale, Debt-to-GDP ratio, TQM, Atlantic Canada, Safety, GAAP, Comparable, BlackRock, TRP, Donald Duck filmography, Barclays, TC, FERC, Bank

PNGTS is a 475-kilometer (295-mile) FERC-regulated transporter of natural gas serving the upper New England and Atlantic Canada markets.

Key Points: 
  • PNGTS is a 475-kilometer (295-mile) FERC-regulated transporter of natural gas serving the upper New England and Atlantic Canada markets.
  • The pipeline receives natural gas from the Trans Quebec and Maritimes (TQM) Pipeline via the Canadian Mainline.
  • TC Energy will provide customary transition services and will work jointly with the Buyer to ensure the safe and orderly transition of this critical natural gas system.
  • Barclays acted as exclusive financial advisor to TC Energy and Énergir on the transaction.

Nicox Restructures Debt, Streamlines Operations to Extend Cash Runway and Focus Resources on NCX 470 Pivotal Trial

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Ophthalmology, Financial statement, Sale, Communication, BlackRock, Consolidated, 2022–23 Feyenoord season, NCX, Convertible bond, Mass meeting, EGM, NDA, Glaucoma, VWAP, Security (finance)

“The additional cash runway and the overall reduction in cash needs gives us the flexibility to advance our core asset and continue partnering and strategic discussions.

Key Points: 
  • “The additional cash runway and the overall reduction in cash needs gives us the flexibility to advance our core asset and continue partnering and strategic discussions.
  • Specifically, this provides an opportunity to deliver on the promise of NCX 470 in glaucoma, and thereby to preserve and create value.
  • Under the current bond agreement, Nicox was due to begin repaying the Amortizing Bond to Kreos from 1 February 2024.
  • The debt restructuring and cost reductions extend the Company’s cash runway to November 2024, based on focusing exclusively on the development of NCX 470.