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71 per cent of Asia’s young adults prefer clear planning, with 69 per cent optimistic about their financial future despite prevailing uncertainty

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 January 2026 – Asia’s young adults are taking a structured approach to managing their finances, according to a new study published by Prudential plc (“Prudential”), the leading Asia and Africa insurer. The research, titled “Financial Mindset of Young Adults in Asia”, finds that more than seven in 10 respondents (71 per cent) choose clear planning over spontaneity, maintaining consistent insurance and investment habits. This pragmatism is coupled with optimism: nearly 70 per cent believe their personal finances will improve in the next five to 10 years.

The study surveyed over 5,300 young adults aged 20-35 across seven Asian markets, including Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand, aiming to take a pulse on this dynamic generation’s insurance and investment experiences, preferences, and attitudes.

A Generation of Financial Pragmatists

The majority of Asia’s young adults believe living in uncertainty is now the norm (63 per cent), citing financial security as their top life concern (77 per cent), surpassing family responsibilities (53 per cent), health (52 per cent), career and education (42 per cent). Close to 60 per cent report focusing more on the future over enjoying the present moment.

Amidst this prevailing sense of unpredictability, young Asians maintain a positive personal financial outlook. Sixty-four per cent express confidence that they will have enough money to fund retirement.

In terms of financial management, more than half of young adults (53 per cent) seek a balance of smart investment strategies with freedom to enjoy life. Flexibility remains a defining preference, with 62 per cent of respondents favouring financial solutions that evolve alongside their lives and aspirations, rather than adhering rigidly to one style of saving or investing.

A measured risk profile with a long-term perspective also defines how young adults in Asia approach investment. They are balanced between high-risk investments for higher returns (42 per cent) and safe, low-risk options such as fixed deposits to safeguard savings (40 per cent). Nearly 60 per cent prefer investment instruments designed to be held for an extended period, reflecting an orientation toward sustainable financial growth.

Priscilla Ng, Chief Customer and Wealth Officer at Prudential plc, said: “Prudential is committed to empowering people across all life stages, including young adults, to shape their future, protecting possibilities and nurturing every promise. Today, Asia’s median age is just 32.5 years¹, highlighting a vibrant and youthful population. This generation is redefining how financial management and security is approached, with unique priorities and expectations. Understanding their perspectives helps us tailor solutions that are simple, accessible, and relevant to their needs.”

Digital Ease, Human Expertise

The survey further reveals that young adults in Asia are navigating their insurance and investment journey through a blend of digital convenience and human support. With the prevalence of digital tools, 61 per cent of respondents feel confident researching and selecting products on their own, and 54 per cent are confident managing their portfolio independently.

Yet, human touchpoints remain highly valued: 64 per cent prefer consulting financial advisers for life or health insurance decisions and ongoing support, especially when handling complexities in coverage details (70 per cent) and the claims process (68 per cent). At the same time, digital platforms are favoured for real-time financial management, reflecting a growing demand for hybrid insurance and investment experiences that integrate technology and personal guidance – an approach that strongly resonates with today’s pragmatic young adults.

Millennials and Gen Z are expected to make up about half of Asia-Pacific’s consumers by 2030². For insurers, this means reimagining engagement with this segment through simple, accessible products and innovative, empathetic experiences that blend data, technology, and human understanding, said Ms. Ng.

Explore the detailed findings in the full report.

¹ United Nations’ World Population Prospects 2024
² Eastspring Investment: Asia’s consumer-fuelled growth, September 2025Hashtag: #Prudential

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About the report

Financial Mindset of Young Adults in Asia is a Prudential commissioned report, delving into the insurance and investment experiences, preferences and attitudes of 5,348 people aged 20-35 in seven Asian markets. through online quantitative survey. The survey was conducted in July-August 2025.

About Prudential plc

Prudential provides life and health insurance and asset management in Greater China, ASEAN, India and Africa. Prudential’s mission is to be the most trusted partner and protector for this generation and generations to come, by providing simple and accessible financial and health solutions. The business has dual primary listings on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (HKEX: 2378) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: PRU). It also has a secondary listing on the Singapore Stock Exchange (SGX: K6S) and a listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: PUK) in the form of American Depositary Receipts. It is a constituent of the Hang Seng Composite Index and is also included for trading in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme and the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme.

Prudential is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc. a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America, nor with The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of M&G plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom.

www.prudentialplc.com/

United Arab Emirates will assume the presidency of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force in 2026, placing the country at the centre of regional efforts to strengthen safeguards against money laundering, terrorist financing and the proliferation of illicit funds. The appointment comes at a time when the bloc is seeking tighter coordination among member states as cross-border financial flows grow in scale and complexity.

MENAFATF brings together 21 jurisdictions across the Middle East, North Africa and neighbouring regions, representing a combined gross domestic product estimated at more than $3 trillion. The organisation functions as the regional body aligned with the global Financial Action Task Force standards, conducting peer reviews, issuing guidance and supporting members as they implement international rules designed to protect financial systems from abuse.

The decision for the UAE to lead the organisation follows its expanding role in financial regulation and enforcement across the region. Federal authorities have invested heavily in strengthening supervision of banks, exchange houses, designated non-financial businesses and professions, while also expanding cooperation with international counterparts. Officials involved in the process describe the presidency as recognition of the country’s progress in aligning domestic frameworks with global benchmarks and its capacity to convene consensus among diverse economies.

During its term, the UAE is expected to steer MENAFATF’s strategic agenda, including the scheduling of mutual evaluations, thematic studies and capacity-building programmes. These initiatives are central to helping member states address gaps identified in national risk assessments and respond to emerging typologies such as the misuse of virtual assets, trade-based money laundering and complex ownership structures.

Regulatory specialists say the presidency carries influence beyond administrative oversight. The chair country plays a pivotal role in shaping discussions on policy priorities, coordinating technical assistance and representing the region in dialogue with global standard-setters. This places added scrutiny on how effectively the bloc can balance the varied economic structures and legal systems of its members while maintaining consistent application of standards.

The UAE has signalled that cooperation and practical implementation will be key themes of its tenure. Policymakers have spoken about deepening information-sharing among financial intelligence units, enhancing public-private partnerships and supporting jurisdictions that face capacity constraints. Such measures are viewed as essential for raising overall compliance levels and reducing vulnerabilities that can be exploited across borders.

MENAFATF members span hydrocarbon-rich Gulf economies, large consumer markets in North Africa and smaller states with developing financial sectors. This diversity has historically posed challenges in achieving uniform progress. Analysts note that leadership will need to balance ambition with pragmatism, ensuring that reforms are realistic and tailored to local contexts while still meeting international expectations.

The presidency also coincides with broader shifts in the region’s financial landscape. Digital payments, fintech platforms and virtual assets have expanded rapidly, creating new opportunities for inclusion but also new risks. Addressing these developments requires updating supervisory tools, training regulators and fostering dialogue with technology providers. Observers expect the UAE to push for clearer regional guidance in these areas, building on its own experience in regulating emerging financial services.

Another area likely to feature prominently is the effectiveness of enforcement. While many jurisdictions have strengthened legal frameworks, translating laws into successful investigations and prosecutions remains uneven. MENAFATF’s peer review process increasingly emphasises outcomes, not just technical compliance. Under UAE leadership, the organisation is expected to encourage members to demonstrate tangible results in asset recovery, sanctions and international cooperation.

Diplomats familiar with the process say the appointment also reflects confidence in the UAE’s ability to engage constructively with both regional partners and global institutions. The country has positioned itself as a bridge between markets, hosting multinational financial institutions and acting as a hub for trade and investment. That role brings responsibilities, particularly in ensuring that financial openness is matched by robust controls.

This award is less about the trophy itself and more about what it represents — years of steady progress, consistent teamwork, and a shared commitment to improving the way we support businesses. It reflects the long-term effort of our team and partners who continue to learn, adapt, and refine how we use the Xero ecosystem to bring real value to clients.

“We are truly grateful for this recognition,” says Alex So, Founder of FastLane Group. “Each award reminds us that we’re on the right path, but it also keeps us grounded. Our progress comes from continuous effort, small improvements made every day, and the trust our clients place in us. Technology should empower people — not replace them — and we will keep working quietly and consistently to help businesses grow with clarity and confidence.”

From Cloud to Intelligence
FastLane’s journey with Xero began with cloud accounting — transforming how businesses manage compliance and financial data. Today, the partnership has evolved into something more ambitious: using AI to make accounting faster, smarter, and more human.

Xero’s latest AI companion, JAX (Just Ask Xero), automates tasks such as reconciliation, invoicing, and financial insights through simple conversational commands. For Alex, JAX represents the next leap in professional practice.

“Cloud technology gave us speed,” he explains. “AI gives us insight. When our accountants can ask a system a question and get an intelligent answer instantly, they can spend their time advising clients, not crunching numbers.”

Trust, Transparency, and the Human Touch
As AI becomes more embedded in accounting, FastLane emphasizes responsibility and human oversight. The firm aligns with Xero’s commitment to transparent and ethical AI — ensuring that every automated decision still begins and ends with human judgment.

“AI doesn’t take away our role; it amplifies it,” Alex says. “Technology can process data, but it can’t replace human intuition, empathy, or trust. That’s what clients truly value — and that’s what we protect.”

A Vision for the Future
FastLane’s influence now extends across Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Malaysia, where it helps entrepreneurs and growing companies build smarter, more scalable financial systems. Beyond compliance, the firm focuses on advisory, automation, and strategy — redefining how accountants support business growth in an AI-driven world.

“The future accountant isn’t just a number-keeper,” Alex concludes. “They’re a strategic partner, powered by technology and guided by purpose. AI gives us back the time to think, lead, and create real impact.”

Hashtag: #FastLaneGroup

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About FastLane Group

FastLane Group provides full-stack accounting services to startups, SMEs, and large corporations in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Taiwan. As a Xero Platinum partner, the Company leverages Xero’s cloud-based accounting software to provide efficient services that comply with local accounting standards. The services cover customised professional accounting services, accountancy, bookkeeping, taxation, offshore formation, company secretary, etc. It was honoured as the Total Xero Award 2025 – Winner, Xero Asia Advisory Partner of the Year 2024 – Winner, and Xero Accounting Partner of the Year Hong Kong 2019 – Winner.

For more information, please visit the official website:
https://fastlane-global.com/hk/

People familiar with the transaction said the capital injection is structured to provide QXO with flexibility to pursue large-scale deals while maintaining access to public markets. The funding is expected to be deployed alongside existing cash and debt capacity to accelerate consolidation across a fragmented construction materials supply chain that spans roofing, insulation, waterproofing and related products.

QXO, chaired and controlled by Jacobs, was formed to assemble a scaled distribution platform capable of competing with established regional and national players. Jacobs, known for building multibillion-dollar logistics businesses through serial acquisitions, has positioned QXO as a long-term consolidator targeting steady cash flows and pricing power in non-cyclical end markets such as residential repair, maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.

Apollo’s participation signals institutional backing for that strategy at a time when dealmaking in building products is reshaping supply networks in North America. The alternative asset manager has extensive experience in industrial and services investments, and its involvement is expected to reassure lenders and potential sellers as QXO negotiates transactions that could reshape the sector’s competitive landscape.

People briefed on the matter said the investment gives QXO additional firepower to support a transformative purchase announced earlier, while also preserving capacity for follow-on acquisitions. The company has indicated that scale is critical to improving procurement economics, expanding private-label offerings and deploying technology to optimise inventory and logistics across a wide branch network.

Market participants note that building products distribution has drawn sustained private equity interest due to its resilience during economic slowdowns and its exposure to long-term housing and infrastructure demand. While new construction can fluctuate with interest rates, repair and renovation spending tends to be more stable, supporting predictable earnings for distributors with diversified customer bases.

Apollo’s investment arrives amid cautious optimism in credit markets. Financing conditions have improved compared with earlier tightening cycles, though borrowers remain selective and focused on leverage discipline. By bringing in a deep-pocketed sponsor, QXO reduces reliance on debt at a time when acquisition multiples remain elevated for high-quality assets.

Executives close to the company have said QXO aims to balance rapid growth with operational integration, avoiding the pitfalls that can accompany aggressive roll-up strategies. Jacobs has emphasised disciplined capital allocation, standardised systems and experienced management teams as cornerstones of value creation.

The transaction also underscores Apollo’s broader strategy of partnering with founder-led platforms that can compound value through scale rather than short-term financial engineering. The firm has increasingly favoured equity-heavy structures in sectors where operational improvements and market positioning drive returns over extended horizons.

Analysts covering the building products space say the investment could intensify competitive pressure on mid-sized distributors, many of which face succession challenges or capital constraints. For sellers, a well-capitalised buyer with public currency and sponsor backing can offer certainty of execution, a factor that often influences deal outcomes alongside price.

QXO’s shares have reflected heightened investor attention since the company outlined its acquisition plans, with trading volumes increasing as the market digests the implications of a more aggressive growth profile. The Apollo-backed financing is expected to reduce uncertainty around funding while sharpening focus on execution and integration milestones.

The announcement provides clarity after months of anticipation among drivers seeking to regularise their records. Authorities said the waiver applies only to black points linked to offences committed up to the specified date and does not extend to fines, vehicle impoundments, or violations registered after December 1, 2025. Officials stressed that the measure is designed as a one-off regulatory reset rather than a permanent policy shift.

Sharjah finalises deadline for black points waiver, police officials said, framing the move as part of a broader road safety strategy that balances enforcement with incentives for compliance. The initiative allows eligible motorists to have accumulated black points removed automatically, provided no outstanding legal conditions remain attached to the offences.

Traffic black points in Sharjah, as in other emirates, are imposed for serious or repeat violations such as excessive speeding, reckless driving, running red lights, or dangerous overtaking. Accumulating a certain number can lead to licence suspension, mandatory training, or other penalties. By offering a time-bound waiver, police aim to encourage drivers to correct their behaviour while easing administrative backlogs tied to older records.

Senior officers said the deadline is intended to prevent confusion and discourage last-minute assumptions that the relief period will be extended. “The date is final,” officials said in briefings, adding that motorists should not delay checking their driving records through official digital channels or service centres. Authorities have urged drivers to verify eligibility early to avoid congestion at service counters as the deadline approaches.

The waiver has been positioned as part of a preventive approach rather than a relaxation of standards. Sharjah Police emphasised that enforcement remains strict for new violations, with advanced monitoring systems continuing to track speed, signal compliance, and risky manoeuvres across major highways and residential areas. Any offence recorded after December 1, 2025 will continue to attract penalties, including black points, without exception.

Road safety analysts note that similar time-limited amnesty-style measures have been used internationally to reset driver records while reinforcing education and deterrence. In Sharjah, the initiative coincides with expanded awareness campaigns highlighting the consequences of distracted driving, speeding, and failure to observe pedestrian crossings. Officials said the objective is to translate administrative relief into safer behaviour, not complacency.

Data shared by traffic authorities over the past year indicate that black point systems have played a role in reducing repeat high-risk violations, particularly among younger drivers. However, legacy points tied to older offences have continued to affect licence renewals and insurance assessments, prompting calls for a structured reset. The current waiver responds to those concerns without altering the underlying penalty framework.

Motorists with suspended licences or court-linked cases have been advised that additional procedures may apply. Police clarified that the waiver does not override judicial rulings or ongoing legal actions, and drivers in such situations must resolve those matters separately before any administrative relief can take effect.

Insurance professionals say the deadline may also influence renewal cycles, as cleaner driving records can affect premium assessments. While insurers set their own criteria, a reduction in black points can improve a driver’s risk profile, creating an indirect financial incentive for compliance ahead of the cut-off date.

Speaking at a New Year gathering at the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Satsuki Katayama, a prominent member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party known for her advocacy of financial innovation, outlined a vision in which tokenised assets and crypto-linked exchange-traded products operate alongside equities and commodities. While Katayama does not hold the finance minister portfolio, her remarks reflected broader policy debates underway in Tokyo over how far Japan should go in embracing digital finance within its tightly regulated markets.

The comments arrive as global asset managers press Asian regulators to open the door to crypto exchange-traded funds, following approvals in the United States and growing institutional interest in Europe. Japan has long taken a cautious stance after high-profile exchange failures earlier in the past decade, but officials now argue that clearer rules and stronger custody standards make broader participation possible without undermining investor protection.

Within government circles, 2026 is being framed as a symbolic inflection point. Lawmakers and regulators have increasingly referred to the year as a moment when legacy systems and digital infrastructure converge, particularly in capital markets settlement, identity verification and cross-border payments. Katayama described it as the start of a “digital era” for finance, a phrase that has been echoed in policy discussions tied to Japan’s broader digital transformation agenda.

Regulatory authority for any crypto-linked listings ultimately rests with the Financial Services Agency, which oversees exchanges and approves new financial products. The agency has already moved to modernise rules for security tokens and stablecoins, creating a framework that allows banks and trust companies to issue yen-backed digital currencies under strict supervision. Officials familiar with the discussions say the same principles—segregation of client assets, disclosure standards and market surveillance—would apply to crypto ETFs or similar instruments.

Market operators have begun preparing for that possibility. The Tokyo Stock Exchange’s parent group has invested heavily in trading and clearing systems capable of handling tokenised securities, while major brokerage houses are expanding digital asset teams to service institutional clients. Commodity exchanges have also explored how blockchain-based contracts could streamline settlement and reduce counterparty risk, particularly for energy and metals trading.

Japan’s interest in crypto-linked exchange products also reflects competitive pressure from regional peers. Hong Kong has positioned itself as a hub for virtual asset trading, approving spot crypto ETFs and encouraging global issuers to list in the city. Singapore, while more conservative on retail access, has built a reputation for regulatory clarity that attracts institutional capital. Policymakers in Tokyo are wary of ceding ground, especially as domestic pension funds and insurers look for diversified investment options in a low-yield environment.

Still, scepticism remains within Japan’s policy establishment. Some lawmakers and consumer groups warn that crypto markets remain volatile and vulnerable to manipulation, arguing that wider access through stock exchanges could expose unsophisticated investors to sharp losses. Regulators have responded by stressing that any approved products would likely be limited initially to professional investors, with strict marketing controls and suitability requirements.

Industry executives counter that regulated exchange-traded products may actually reduce risk by shifting activity away from offshore platforms toward transparent, supervised venues. They point to Japan’s experience with security tokens, where pilot issuances have proceeded without major incidents under a clear legal framework.

The debate has also revived questions about taxation and accounting. Crypto gains in Japan are currently taxed as miscellaneous income, a structure critics say discourages long-term investment and innovation. Government panels have been reviewing whether a shift toward capital gains treatment is warranted, particularly if digital assets become embedded in mainstream portfolios through ETFs and listed funds.

MiniMax is preparing to price its Hong Kong initial public offering at the top of the marketed range, signalling strong demand for artificial intelligence developers as investors seek exposure to homegrown technology firms with global ambitions, according to people familiar with the transaction.

The Shanghai-based company, best known for its large language models and consumer-facing AI applications, has accelerated its listing timetable amid a surge in interest for Chinese technology firms that are perceived to be less exposed to US trade and regulatory pressures. Bankers involved in the deal say early indications from institutional investors point to robust demand, particularly from Asia-based funds focused on long-term technology themes.

MiniMax, founded in 2021 by former SenseTime and Megvii researchers, has positioned itself as one of the country’s leading independent AI model developers. Its core products include general-purpose foundation models, AI companions and enterprise solutions used across gaming, education and content creation. The firm competes with larger players backed by internet conglomerates while marketing itself as more agile and research-driven.

People familiar with the IPO said the company is targeting a valuation that reflects the premium currently attached to AI-related listings in Hong Kong. While final pricing has not yet been approved, the expectation is that the offer will be set at the upper end of the range to capitalise on strong order books built during early marketing. The shares are expected to begin trading later this year, subject to market conditions and regulatory clearances.

The decision to push for top-range pricing comes as Hong Kong’s equity market shows signs of renewed momentum after a prolonged slowdown. Technology and healthcare deals have drawn increasing attention, supported by policy measures aimed at reviving capital markets and encouraging listings by innovative firms. Fund managers say AI remains one of the few sectors where investors are willing to pay up for growth, despite broader concerns over economic headwinds.

MiniMax’s IPO is also being closely watched as a test case for how investors value Chinese AI companies that operate largely outside the orbit of the country’s major internet platforms. Unlike peers that rely heavily on parent companies for distribution and funding, MiniMax has raised capital from a mix of venture investors and strategic backers, allowing it to retain greater operational independence. That positioning has resonated with some institutional investors seeking exposure to AI innovation without heavy platform risk.

The company has continued to expand its research capabilities, investing heavily in computing infrastructure and talent. Industry analysts note that MiniMax has been among the more visible Chinese developers releasing multilingual models and consumer applications that aim to compete with global offerings. Its emphasis on overseas markets, including Southeast Asia and parts of the Middle East, has helped broaden its revenue base and narrative ahead of the listing.

Still, the firm faces stiff competition. Domestic rivals supported by large technology groups benefit from vast user ecosystems and deep pockets, while international players continue to dominate cutting-edge model development. Pricing the IPO aggressively could raise expectations around execution and financial performance at a time when monetisation of AI remains uneven across the industry.

Market participants say Hong Kong has become a more attractive venue for such listings as regulatory scrutiny on technology firms has stabilised compared with earlier years. The city’s exchange has also updated listing rules to better accommodate companies with heavy research spending and limited near-term profitability, a profile that fits many AI developers.

Bankers involved in the transaction say MiniMax has highlighted its progress in commercialising products, including enterprise contracts and consumer subscriptions, to address investor concerns around sustainability. While the company is not yet profitable, it has signalled a clearer path to revenue growth than at earlier funding rounds, helped by rising demand for customised AI solutions among businesses.

GLAS has carved out a niche as a specialist provider of services that support the lifecycle of debt instruments, from syndicated loans and direct lending to private credit and leveraged finance transactions. Founded in 2011 by Mia Drennan and Brian Carne, the firm oversees administration for a substantial portfolio of assets under management running into the hundreds of billions of dollars and employs over 450 staff across 16 offices worldwide. Drennan is expected to remain at the helm as chief executive, reflecting continuity in leadership amid the change in ownership.

The strategic rationale behind the investment reflects broader shifts in global credit markets. Demand for outsourced loan administration and trustee services has grown as lenders and borrowers navigate increasingly complex financing arrangements and regulatory requirements. Private credit, in particular, has expanded sharply, with non-bank lenders and institutional investors seeking specialist support for documentation, compliance and reporting functions that underpin large, bespoke transactions. GLAS’s suite of services has made it a go-to partner in this space, particularly for institutional clients negotiating intricate debt structures.

Financial terms of the deal disclosed by Oakley indicate its indirect contribution via Fund VI will be up to about £55 million, but wider valuations implied by market coverage suggest a total enterprise value near £1 billion. That figure aligns with expectations from advisers and reflects both GLAS’s established market position and the strategic value investors place on firms that facilitate the expanding private credit ecosystem. Oakley’s purchase follows a period of growth for GLAS under Levine Leichtman’s ownership, during which assets under administration reportedly rose from roughly $120 billion in 2021 to more than $750 billion today, driven by geographic expansion, technology investment and targeted acquisitions.

Oakley Capital’s profile has broadened in recent years as the firm has backed a variety of businesses across sectors including consumer brands, technology and business services. Its backing of GLAS reflects a deliberate push into specialised financial services where structural trends favour outsourced, technology-enhanced solutions. The involvement of La Caisse, a major institutional investor, underscores the appeal of GLAS’s business model to long-term capital allocators seeking exposure to the infrastructure of global credit markets.

Industry analysts have noted the appetite for loan agency services has been underpinned by the proliferation of private credit funds and a resurgence of syndicated lending activity following periods of market volatility. As banks and alternative lenders diversify their portfolios and jurisdictions tighten reporting standards, demand for independent administrators with global reach has grown. GLAS’s deep bench of expertise in handling complex transactions and its geographic footprint are seen as competitive advantages that could support accelerated growth under Oakley’s stewardship.

Executives from both sides have highlighted the strategic fit. Mia Drennan said the partnership with Oakley and La Caisse positions GLAS to expand its offerings and deepen client relationships, building on a track record of innovation in service delivery. Josh Kaufman, partner and head of Europe at Levine Leichtman, expressed pride in the firm’s role in GLAS’s development and confidence in its future trajectory under new ownership. Advisers on the transaction included Deutsche Bank and Robert W. Baird, working with GLAS and Levine Leichtman, reflecting the complexity and market interest in the deal.