By K Raveendran Brent crude oil futures continue to hover around the $65 per barrel mark, a level that reflects the push and pull of market forces clouded by a cocktail of geopolitical tensions, environmental disruptions, and strategic production decisions. As prices hold steady, the broader sentiment among traders and analysts leans toward caution, with […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 May 2025 – International mediation marked a significant milestone yesterday (May 30) with the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed). The IOMed, with its headquarters in Hong Kong, is the world’s first inter-governmental international legal organisation devoted to the use of mediation in resolving international disputes. More than 80 countries and about 20 international organisations, including […]
In the dynamic real estate market of the UAE, the collaboration between property developers and international luxury brands has emerged as one of the defining trends of the past decade. Branded residences—homes created in partnership with names known for fashion, jewelry, hospitality, or design—are transforming not only the architectural landscape but also the way residents and investors think about living in the region. From private beachfronts to […]
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has issued a stark warning that U.S. export restrictions on advanced semiconductors are inadvertently accelerating China’s progress in artificial intelligence , potentially undermining America’s technological leadership. Huang contends that the sanctions, intended to curb China’s access to cutting-edge AI chips, have instead galvanized Chinese firms to develop domestic alternatives. “The Chinese competitors have evolved,” Huang remarked, highlighting Huawei’s rapid advancements. He emphasized that […]
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 May 2025 – Traders and investors alike are unnerved by the recent turbulence in the bond markets. After Moody’s—a major rating agency—downgraded U.S. government debt on 16 May, and Japanese long-term bond yields soared to multi-decade highs, some market participants started to fear that the world may be on the verge of a major debt crisis. Meanwhile, the […]
Sberbank, Russia’s largest lender, has introduced structured bonds tied to Bitcoin’s performance, offering investors exposure to cryptocurrency price movements without direct ownership. These bonds, denominated in rubles and compliant with Russian law, are currently available to qualified investors through over-the-counter markets, with plans for future listings on the Moscow Exchange.
The initiative follows the Bank of Russia’s recent decision to permit financial institutions to offer crypto-linked financial instruments to accredited investors. Under the new guidelines, banks can provide derivatives, securities, and digital financial assets whose returns are linked to cryptocurrency prices, provided there is no actual delivery of the underlying crypto assets. This move aims to offer regulated exposure to digital assets while mitigating associated risks.
Sberbank’s Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board, Anatoly Popov, stated that the bank’s new product provides a convenient and secure way for investors to gain exposure to cryptocurrency assets without direct ownership, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements on Russian infrastructure. The structured bonds are designed to cater to investors seeking returns linked to cryptocurrency dynamics within a regulated framework.
In addition to Sberbank’s offerings, the Moscow Exchange has announced plans to launch a cash-settled Bitcoin futures contract on its derivatives market in June. The SPB Exchange has also outlined intentions to introduce cryptocurrency-linked futures trading, signaling a broader acceptance of crypto-related financial products within Russia’s regulated financial markets.
The Bank of Russia’s decision to allow crypto-linked financial instruments comes amid increasing interest in digital assets among Russian investors. The central bank reported a 51% increase in crypto asset inflows by Russian residents in the first quarter of 2025, totaling 7.3 trillion rubles . To manage potential risks, the central bank has mandated that banks and credit institutions fully back these products with capital, apply conservative risk assessments, and set individual exposure limits.
Sberbank’s move to offer structured bonds tied to cryptocurrency price movements represents a significant step in bridging traditional finance with digital assets in Russia. By providing regulated investment products linked to cryptocurrencies, the bank aims to meet growing investor demand while adhering to the country’s cautious regulatory stance on digital assets.
Huatai Securities has continuously expanded its international presence since its H-share listing a decade ago. Over the past ten years, Huatai Securities has facilitated nearly 600 domestic and international financing deals for enterprises globally, with a total fundraising volume of approximately USD 280 billion. HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 May 2025 – As Huatai Securities approaches the 10th anniversary of its H-share listing, […]
Tether’s USDT stablecoin has experienced significant expansion over the past year, with its market capitalisation rising by 37% to surpass $150 billion. Daily transfer volumes have increased by 90%, and the estimated user base has grown by 51%, according to CEO Paolo Ardoino.
These figures underscore USDT’s dominant position in the $238 billion stablecoin market, where it accounts for over 60% of the total market share. The surge in daily transfer volumes, now exceeding $90 billion, reflects heightened activity across both decentralised finance platforms and centralised exchanges.
The user base has expanded notably, with an estimated 46 million new wallets added in the first quarter of 2025 alone. This growth is attributed to increased adoption among retail and institutional investors seeking stable, dollar-pegged assets for trading and cross-border transactions.
Tether’s strategic initiatives have played a role in this expansion. The company’s acquisition of a 70% stake in Latin American agriculture and energy firm Adecoagro aims to integrate stablecoins into commodity trading, extending USDT’s utility beyond digital assets. This move aligns with Tether’s broader strategy to embed stablecoins into real-world financial ecosystems.
In terms of reserves, Tether has reported holding over $120 billion in U.S. Treasuries, positioning it among the largest holders globally. The company also holds more than 100,000 bitcoins and over 50 tons of gold, reinforcing its commitment to backing USDT with substantial assets.
Regulatory developments have also influenced Tether’s operations. The U.S. Senate’s advancement of the GENIUS Act, which introduces stricter oversight for stablecoin issuers, has prompted Tether to enhance its compliance measures. The act includes provisions for audits, prohibitions on yield offerings, and strengthened anti-money-laundering protocols.
Greenlogue/AP Abu Dhabi’s sovereign investor Mubadala and the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company have finalised the acquisition of an 875-megawatt combined-cycle gas-fired power plant at the Talimarjan Power Complex in Uzbekistan, marking a significant step in the ongoing privatisation of the Central Asian country’s energy sector. Each entity now holds a 40 per cent stake in the TPP1 gas-fired plant through a newly created project company, Talimarjan […]
Gridora, a new infrastructure platform supported by ADQ, the Investment Holding Company , and Modon Holding, has formalised its first major collaboration by signing a memorandum of understanding with the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre . This partnership aims to streamline the planning and execution of key transport infrastructure projects within the emirate. The MoU sets a strategic framework for cooperation, enabling Gridora and ADPIC to […]
A Cozy Companion for Young Explorers, Designed for the Needs of Today’s Families CALIFORNIA, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 May 2025 – Ahead of International Children’s Day, Moonkie—the modern baby and toddler brand—proudly introduces the Moonkie Hug & Go™ Toddler Backpack, a thoughtfully designed essential that meets the evolving needs of modern parenting. Known for its minimalist design and everyday functionality, Moonkie continues its mission […]
Microsoft has launched a new terminal-based text editor designed to work seamlessly on both Windows and Linux platforms, aiming to simplify coding and text editing directly within the command line interface. This move reflects growing demand for efficient, lightweight tools that integrate naturally into developers’ existing workflows without the need for extensive retraining. The new editor, which arrived without significant fanfare, leverages familiar keyboard shortcuts that many […]
Saudi Aramco has secured $5 billion through a three-part bond sale, signalling its commitment to leveraging debt markets to sustain growth and maintain financial stability amidst declining oil revenues. The bond issuance, comprising five-, ten-, and thirty-year tranches, attracted strong investor interest, with spreads tightening significantly from initial guidance, reflecting confidence in the company’s creditworthiness despite a challenging energy market landscape. The bond sale follows a 4.6% […]
Kuwait’s fiscal deficit is projected to average 8.9% of GDP between 2025 and 2028, a significant increase from the estimated 2% in 2024, according to S&P Global Ratings. This deterioration is attributed to subdued oil prices and persistently high government expenditures, particularly on wages and subsidies, which together account for approximately 70% of total spending. S&P anticipates Brent crude oil prices to average $65 per barrel in […]
ADNOC Drilling has entered into an agreement to acquire a 70% stake in SLB’s land drilling rigs business in Kuwait and Oman for $112 million. The joint venture encompasses eight fully operational land rigs—two in Kuwait and six in Oman—currently under contract with the respective national oil companies. The transaction, pending customary regulatory approvals, is anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2026. ADNOC Drilling plans […]
Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment Company has raised $1 billion through a 10-year U.S. dollar-denominated Islamic bond, or sukuk, marking its first debt issuance of the year. The bonds, issued via its financing arm Mamoura Diversified Global Holding, were priced at 60 basis points over U.S. Treasuries, tightening from initial guidance of 95 basis points, following robust investor demand.
The offering attracted orders exceeding $4.75 billion, leading to a fivefold oversubscription, underscoring strong investor confidence in Mubadala’s creditworthiness and the appeal of Islamic finance instruments. This issuance follows Mubadala’s previous sukuk sale in October, where it raised 1 billion dirhams through a five-year bond.
The sukuk employs a wakalah structure, utilizing a portfolio of publicly listed shares as underlying assets, a first for a UAE-origin sukuk. This innovative approach reflects a shift towards more flexible and equity-based structures in Islamic finance, potentially setting a precedent for future issuances in the region.
Mubadala’s latest financial results indicate a 9.1% increase in assets under management, reaching 1.2 trillion dirhams, driven by strategic investments in sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and private credit. As the second-largest state investment fund in Abu Dhabi, following the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Mubadala plays a pivotal role in the emirate’s economic diversification efforts.
Revolutionizing Brain Health with CUHK Spin-off’s Cutting-Edge Technology to Enable Early Detection and Prevention HONG KONG SAR- Media OutReach Newswire – 29 May 2025 – Humansa, Asia’s leading health and longevity center, is proud to announce the launch of its ground-breaking BrainSpark Program, a brain health program in collaboration with i-Cognitio Sciences, a spin-off company from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) founded by Prof. Vincent […]
Over 100 AI+ Game Changers Share Cutting-Edge AI Trends—Register for Free to Unlock New Opportunities. HONG KONG SAR- Media OutReach Newswire – 29 May 2025 – Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the game-changing key! Presented by BUSINESS GOVirtual (BGOV), AI+ Power 2025, Hong Kong’s premier AI application exhibition, will take place on June 5-6, 2025, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Showcasing local and Greater Bay […]
The US Marine Corps is advancing a comprehensive artificial intelligence strategy aimed at overhauling its operational, logistical, and decision-making frameworks. This initiative is designed to embed AI into the core of military functions, moving beyond isolated technological applications to a holistic transformation of processes and structures. A central element of this strategy is the deployment of Digital Transformation Teams across various commands. These cross-functional units are tasked […]
China Media Group debuted the world’s first humanoid robot combat event in Hangzhou on May 25, 2025, showcasing bots performing martial arts moves learned from motion-captured fighters. Celebrated as a tech milestone, the competition merges innovation with spectacle, signaling China’s ambition to lead the robotics industry and pioneer real-world applications. BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 May 2025 – China Media Group (CMG) unveiled the […]
Don’t Miss Out on the Million-dollar Opportunity at Asia’s Most Dynamic Ecosystem HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 May 2025 – The 9th Elevator Pitch International Competition (EPIC 2025), organised by Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), has only 3 weeks left for global startups with their anchor in FinTech, and new tech tracks Digital Health and Green Tech, respond to the […]
