HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 January 2026 – Hong Kong is set to host the 94th INTERPOL General Assembly later this year, bringing global police chiefs from around the world to the city and highlighting Hong Kong’s strategic importance in global policing. It will be the first time for the General Assembly to be hosted in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the third time in China.
“We take pride in recalling that China hosted the INTERPOL General Assembly in Beijing in 1995 and 2017, and this time, Hong Kong, China will be the host city for the 94th General Assembly in 2026,” said Vice Minister of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Xu Datong.
The Vice Minister of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Xu Datong (second left, front row), accompanied by the Hong Kong SAR’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming (first left, front row), receives the INTERPOL flag at the closing ceremony during the 93rd INTERPOL General Assembly in Morocco last November, symbolising that the next General Assembly will be held in Hong Kong
The General Assembly is the governing body of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), at which police chiefs and ministers of its 196 member states gather to discuss global security issues and foster collaboration.
The HKSAR’s Commissioner of Police Mr Chow Yat-ming, said the selection of Hong Kong as the host city highlights China’s trust in both the HKSAR and the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), and underscores Hong Kong’s strategic importance as an international “super connector” in global policing.
“Having served at INTERPOL and visited Rome, Italy; New Delhi, India; Vienna, Austria; and Glasgow, United Kingdom for various General Assemblies, I never imagined Hong Kong would have the opportunity to host this prestigious event,” Mr Chow said. “When our country proposed Hong Kong as the host, I felt deeply honoured.”
The HKSAR Government and HKPF aim to use this occasion to showcase positive stories about China, Hong Kong, and the HKPF, illustrating the success of the “One Country, Two Systems” formula for the HKSAR, Mr Chow added.
Mr Chow leads the Hong Kong delegation as part of the national delegation to attend the 93rd INTERPOL General Assembly in Morocco
Hong Kong has a long association with INTERPOL. The HKPF is a sub-bureau under China, and plays an active and prominent role within INTERPOL, contributing expertise on major crime trends, cybercrime, and financial crime.
The HKPF regularly sends officers to INTERPOL headquarters in the French city of Lyon and the Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore for secondments. Currently, three officers are serving in key roles, one in financial crime coordination in Lyon, and two in technology crime management roles in Singapore.
The HKPF is restructuring its strategy to expand ties with overseas law enforcement agencies, especially in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and those under the Belt and Road Initiative, to better address emerging transnational crime.
Emphasis is placed on intercepting cross-border fraudulent funds, with the global FRONTIER+ platform (established in October 2024) now connecting 13 jurisdictions, facilitating real-time intelligence sharing and fund interception.
In this connection, on November 12, 2025, the HKPF held its inaugural Ethics Governance Roundtable in Hong Kong, with participation from INTERPOL, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and representatives from various countries.
INTERPOL’s delegation was led by the Director of the Office of Internal Oversight, Mr Eugênio Ricas. The Roundtable featured in-depth discussions on ethics governance including personal financial risk management strategies, achieving fruitful outcomes.
The HKPF will continue to leverage Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” through various international policing platforms, including INTERPOL, to further strengthen collaboration with law enforcement agencies across different countries and regions, working together to safeguard global and regional security.
Mr Chow said that hosting the General Assembly is a top priority for the HKSAR Government and that preparations were already well underway.
“The HKPF is maintaining close communication with INTERPOL and China’s National Central Bureau to ensure smooth hosting of the 2026 General Assembly,” Mr Chow said, adding that he hopes that delegates attending the event will appreciate Hong Kong’s vitality, friendly spirit, and rich culinary culture during their stay.
“We are determined to ensure every delegation has an unforgettable experience from the moment they arrive at Hong Kong International Airport,” he said.
Saudi Arabia has approved a borrowing plan for 2026 that signals continued reliance on debt markets to fund fiscal gaps while maintaining momentum on economic diversification, according to an announcement from the finance ministry. The plan sets total financing needs at about 217 billion riyals, equivalent to roughly $57.9 billion, reflecting a combination of deficit funding and scheduled debt repayments due during the year. The approval, signed […]
HONG KONG SAR/DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 January 2026 – Gaw Capital Partners, a leading multi-asset investment management firm, and GFH Partners, a leading Dubai-based real estate investment firm specializing in thematic property solutions, announce to establish a UAE-focused industrial and logistics platform (the “Platform”) through a joint venture partnership. Gaw Capital will hold a majority stake in the joint-venture company, which will serve as a gateway for the Asian capital to be deployed at-scale into the rapidly expanding UAE real estate market. The joint venture will be targeting high-quality industrial development projects comprising pre-identified seed assets across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, the Emirates’ fast-growing industrial zones.
The developments will be led by Manrre Developments, a joint venture between GFH and Palmon Group, a seasoned UAE-based industrial conglomerate with over 40 years of institutional experience. This partnership unites proven regional expertise across acquisition, planning and design, development, execution, and operational readiness to deliver exceptional, future-ready warehouses and logistics centres.
Harry Ip, Managing Director of Gaw Capital, said, “We are thrilled to enter UAE’s flourishing industrial and logistics market, supported by strong fundamentals, the surge in structural demand driven by government-led initiatives, and heightened global interest in the logistics and industrial asset class. Leveraging the expertise from GFH Partners, this partnership positions us as one of Asia’s leading forerunners in delivering prime industrial facilities in the UAE, providing investors with exposure to a fundamentally undersupplied market.”
Nael Mustafa, CEO of GFH Partners, commented, “GFH Partners brings on-the-ground specialists, experienced local operators, and a strong track record managing logistics and industrial assets across the GCC. This joint venture allows us to scale that regional expertise even further, capitalizing on the UAE’s robust industrial growth trajectory. Through this partnership with Gaw Capital, we are combining regional insight with global capability to unlock new opportunities in the UAE’s expanding industrial and logistics sector.”
The Platform is being launched at a time of strong macroeconomic momentum, supported by the UAE’s long-term development strategies including the Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030 and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Majority of these initiatives are aimed at accelerating industrial diversification, attracting FDI, and expanding logistics infrastructure. The local government offers a list of pro-business regulatory and fiscal policies, including tax exemptions, customs duty exemption, simplified regulations in 40+ free zones, and relaxed foreign ownership limitation, to accelerate logistics demand and investment. Furthermore, the population of the UAE has experienced dramatic growth and is expected to reach 12.2 million by 2030, driven by the long-term residency incentives (e.g. Golden Visa), competitive tax regime, openings of prestigious school campuses for expatriate professional and family relocation.
Demand for logistics and industrial assets remains robust, supported by a persistent supply–demand imbalance. Dubai’s warehouse and logistics occupancy currently exceeds 97%, with rental rates increasing 33% year-on-year. The formation of the Platform will mark Gaw Capital’s first geographic footprint in the logistics sector in the UAE, demonstrating its global network and cross-border expertise in accessing industrial and logistics investments ahead of the curve.
Gaw Capital has established a robust logistics footprint across China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and Australia, with investments in 39 projects totalling approximately 3.8 million sqm of GFA. As of Q3 2025, Gaw Capital manages over US$3.4 billion in assets under management in its global logistics portfolio.
Since 2014, the firm has acquired, developed, and managed a substantial portfolio of modern logistics facilities with over 3 million sqm of GFA across China, supported by a team of around 100 professionals through 4 investment vehicles. Leveraging its deep expertise, Gaw Capital has expanded into other APAC markets through strategic partnerships, acquiring high-quality assets in key metropolitan hubs. Recent investments include seven logistics assets in Greater Tokyo (nearly 250,000 sqm GFA), one in Seoul (over 75,000 sqm GFA), two in Vietnam (over 210,000 sqm GFA) and six urban industrial and logistics warehouses in Sydney (over 45,000 sqm GFA). The firm’s in-house teams and operating partners deliver value-added services across the logistics value chain, including development, construction, leasing, and property management. Hashtag: #GawCapitalPartners #GFHPartners
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Gaw Capital Partners
Based in Asia, Gaw Capital Partners is a multi-asset investment management firm focusing on real estate, growth equity, private credit and infrastructure markets globally.
Since its inception in 2005, the firm has raised seven commingled funds targeting Asia Pacific, alongside value-add /opportunistic funds in the U.S., a Pan-Asia Hospitality Fund, a European Hospitality Fund, a Growth Equity Fund and a Credit Fund. It also manages credit strategies and separate account direct investments globally.
Gaw Capital has consistently generated high yields by revitalizing underperforming assets, enhancing value through creative financing solutions and leveraging deep expertise in capital allocation.
Since 2005, the firm has managed US$35.8 billion in assets and raised US$24.4 billion in equity as of Q2 2025.
About GFH Partners Ltd.
GFH Partners Ltd. (“GFH Partners”) is the DIFC-based global asset management subsidiary of GFH Financial Group B.S.C. (“GFH”). Headquartered in Dubai International Financial Centre and regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority, GFH Partners is dedicated to real estate investment and asset management across diverse markets. With assets under management exceeding US$7 billion and investments spanning the US, UK, and GCC. GFH Partners focuses on strategic partnerships and innovative real estate solutions, reinforcing its role as a leading player in global asset management.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai OPEC+ decided to keep its oil production levels unchanged after a brief ministerial meeting on Sunday, opting to focus narrowly on market conditions while avoiding discussion of political strains affecting several of its key members. The decision came at a time of sustained pressure on crude prices and mounting concerns over global oversupply, underlining the group’s cautious approach as it seeks to […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 January 2026 – Amid Hong Kong’s rising prominence as a hub for life sciences talent, the Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS) is stepping up its efforts to nurture young talents who will shape the city’s scientific future. Through its Hong Kong Life Sciences Scholarship Awards (the Scholarship Awards) introduced in 2022, the Society has celebrated the achievements of outstanding students – this time honoring six students selected from more than 120 nominations.
The awardees of Hong Kong Life Sciences Scholarship Awards 2025/26: (from left) SANTOSO Rachelle Jacinda, RAHMAN Syed Rayan, and TAI Wing Yin Vincy.
The Scholarship Awards aims to recognize and support students pursuing life sciences or biomedical sciences programs at local UGC-funded institutions. Each awardee would receive a HK$50,000 scholarship, mentorship from industry professionals through the HKLSS Mentorship Scheme, and priority enrollment in the HKLSS Life Sciences Summer Internship Program, which offers students an integrated hands-on learning experience across Hong Kong, the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) Region and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
Brought together by the Scholarship Awards, three awardees of cohort 2025/26 – SANTOSO Rachelle Jacinda(Y3 BSc in Biological Sciences, CityUHK), RAHMAN Syed Rayan(Y3 BSc in Applied Biology with Biotechnology, PolyU), and TAI Wing Yin Vincy(Y3 Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences, HKU), embarked on a shared journey – to be nurtured, grow, and ultimately bloom as future leaders in life sciences, contributing their skills and passion to advance Hong Kong’s life sciences ecosystem and build a better tomorrow through inter-disciplinary collaborations.
Awardees of Hong Kong Life Sciences Scholarship Awards 2025/26 (from left) Vincy, Rachelle, and Rayan shared their career aspirations in life sciences and enthusiasm for the HKLSS pillar programs.
Homegrown Biological Sciences Dream Fuels Up in Hong Kong Arriving from Indonesia three years ago, SANTOSO Rachelle Jacinda (Rachelle) joined Hong Kong’s life sciences community as an undergraduate with determination and hope. Her passion was first ignited by family medical challenges and her curiosity for biology drove her to pursue deeper studies in biological sciences.
What opened her door to her true calling was the hands-on laboratory work. Rachelle came to appreciate not only the essential role of doctors but also the vital impact of scientists, both working together to advance healthcare. This realization fueled her dream for postgraduate studies, a goal that she once deemed rather idealistic.
She described the Scholarship Awards as a “confidence boost”. She recalled receiving an affirmation from one of the Scholarship Awards interviewers about her future plans, “I think you’re in a quite good place” reassured her that she was on the right path.
With her confidence boosted, Rachelle plans to leverage the scholarship to establish herself in Hong Kong – a supportive nurturing ground for life sciences students, and growing global healthcare investment. Embracing the local culture, she is now learning Cantonese and improving her Mandarin to gear herself up and pursue future opportunities in both Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.
From Hometown to International Life Sciences Research Lab “I wanted to become a surgeon [in the past] because I wanted to save lives every day. But if I become a researcher in the life sciences field, one single breakthrough can change millions of lives,” said, RAHMAN Syed Rayan (Rayan), who discovered his real passion in the research lab.
Rayan’s fascination with science began at the age of ten in Bangladesh, where he observed animals in his hometown. Like Rachelle, his enthusiasm for life sciences brought him to Hong Kong, where he was encouraged to immerse himself in research at the university laboratory, guided by professors with profound global research expertise. During semester breaks, Rayan seized every opportunity to broaden his knowledge. Now based in Hong Kong, on his freshman and sophomore years, he pursued an internship in Canada and a summer exchange in the UK, where research primarily followed a fundamental approach. He was thankful for the diverse doors Hong Kong had opened, as exposure to different research methods taught him to see things more holistically, which benefited his work in Hong Kong, known for its focus on translational research.
As Rayan continued to build his career in the life sciences field, receiving the Scholarship Awards meant a great deal to Rayan as he felt “trusted by the panel” and empowered him to be aware of his actions. “Having somebody else to tell you that you are on the right path and believe in you, is very important,” Rayan emphasized.
Rayan also feels especially grateful and refreshed to have found the amazing community he discovered through the Scholarship Awards, as he gets a chance to connect with like-minded peers, who all work towards the same goals and similar challenges. The Scholarship Awards has paved his way to additional opportunities, including priority access to the Society’s industry experience focused Summer Internship Program.
Scientists on TV Ignite Big Ambitions TAI Wing Yin Vincy (Vincy), raised in Hong Kong, developed her passion for life sciences as a child watching scientists in action on TV. Inspired by her curiosity and determination to make a difference, she chose to study biomedical sciences at The University of Hong Kong, following her passion despite conventional expectations.
During her time at university, she gained practical experience through internships in both laboratory and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant facility, which reinforced her ambition. She also minored in Sustaining Cities, Cultures and the Earth to explore inter-disciplinary connections, “As a student, we should not only focus on life sciences, but also learn more about the global perspective, especially when sciences can influence the world,” she said.
These experiences deepened her dedication to the field and the Scholarship Awards became more than an award – it offered a source of belonging that affirmed her place in the life sciences community. “I feel like I am part of the Society, someone who can eventually grow and evolve together with the community and industry,” she said.
The Scholarship Awards has helped bridge her to the broader life sciences ecosystem, as Vincy was connected with previous and other same-cohort awardees at the Presentation Ceremony, and she looks forward to meeting more entrepreneurs, researchers, and C-suite executives from the life sciences sector and gaining guidance from them through HKLSS’ Mentorship Scheme and Summer Internship Program.
Powering Ambition: HKLSS Opens Paths Beyond the Classroom with its Pillar Programs From different beginnings, Rachelle, Rayan, and Vincy find common ground through HKLSS. For them, the Scholarship Awards is more than financial support – it brings them to the pillar programs, a gateway to industry-centered mentorship, industry experience, and a vibrant community driving the future of life sciences in Hong Kong, the YRD, the GBA and beyond.
“I would very much love to go there [Shanghai and Shenzhen] because I will have the opportunity to explore new places and also to meet people with different cultures,” Rachelle said, while Rayan and Vincy also saw the internships as valuable opportunities to gain experience in the Chinese Mainland. “I have heard so many good things from my friends, especially the pharmaceutical companies over there,” Rayan added.
As a life sciences ecosystem enabler, HKLSS continues to expand its pillar programs, activities, and network to meet the evolving needs of members at different career stages. To address the growing demand for life sciences talent and attract both local and non-local professionals to the city, HKLSS also launched Biotech Talent, a dedicated job platform that connects talent with opportunities in the life sciences and biotechnology industry, and offers employers direct access to a diverse talent pool. Through a growing suite of initiatives, the Society partners with its network to support and cultivate a vibrant life sciences ecosystem with dedication. Hashtag: #HongKongLifeSciencesSociety #HKLSS #香港生命科技青年會 #LifeSciences
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hong Kong Life Sciences Society
Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS) is an organization established by Nan Fung Group in 2018 aiming to build a dynamic life sciences ecosystem in Hong Kong. Through knowledge exchange, collaboration and public engagement, HKLSS aims to attract, cultivate and retain talent in Hong Kong’s life sciences and biotechnology sectors.
Members of Hong Kong Life Sciences Society Founder and Board Chair: Mr Vincent Cheung Board Vice-chair: Mr Shannon Cheung, Prof Nancy Ip, Mr Antony Leung Executive Director: Prof Ken Wong
Members of the Advisory Board Prof Tom Cheung, Dr Vanessa Cheung, Ms Irene Chu, Mr Shan Fu, Mr Meng Gao, Ms Gladdy He, Prof David Ho, Dr Lu Huang, Mr Emmanuel Hui, Prof Daniel Lee, Ms Nisa Leung, Prof Suet Yi Leung, Prof Kai Liu, Prof Stephanie Ma, Dr Jay Mei, Prof Malik Peiris, Prof Leo Poon, Dr Jin Seok Seo, Prof Anderson Shum, Dr Qiusong Tang, Mr William Tang, Prof Lap-Chee Tsui, Prof Yung Hou Wong, Mr Frank Yu, Prof Kwok-Yung Yuen
Matein Khalid 2026 has started with a bullish bang for my Dr. Copper trade, even though a single trading session when half of Asia is still getting over its New Year’s Day hangover is hardly an optimal sample size. Yet as I see LME spot copper trade at $12500 a metric ton, I feel exhilarated as this is precisely the breakout I flagged for my friends and […]
Finnish authorities have detained two crew members from a foreign-flagged cargo vessel as part of an expanding criminal investigation into damage to an undersea telecommunications cable linking Helsinki and Tallinn, sharpening security concerns across the Baltic Sea region at a time of heightened geopolitical tension. The sailors were taken into custody following the seizure of the vessel Fitburg, which Finnish officials believe may be connected to the […]
Nvidia is stepping up output of its H200 artificial intelligence processors as demand from technology firms operating in China intensifies, reflecting a wider global race to secure advanced computing power for large-scale AI models. People familiar with the company’s manufacturing plans say production schedules have been tightened and supply allocations adjusted to prioritise customers seeking alternatives to restricted top-tier chips. The H200, built on Nvidia’s Hopper architecture […]
Bitcoin has flashed a weekly “death cross”, a technical pattern that has coincided in earlier market cycles with deep drawdowns, prompting traders to reassess downside risk even as longer-term adoption narratives remain intact. The signal, formed when a shorter-term moving average slips below a longer-term one on a weekly chart, has historically preceded declines of 50% to 60% from local highs, according to widely tracked market data […]
XRP has moved back into the top tier of digital assets by market value, overtaking Binance-linked BNB to reclaim fourth place among cryptocurrencies as trading momentum gathered pace and regulatory signals from Washington shifted. Data from major market trackers show the token’s market capitalisation pushing past that of BNB, leaving only Bitcoin and Ethereum ahead when stablecoins are excluded. The advance follows a sharp rally that lifted […]
UAE authorities have overhauled how excise tax is calculated on sweetened beverages from January 1, introducing a tiered, volumetric model that directly links the tax payable to the amount of sugar and other sweeteners contained in a drink. The change, announced by the Federal Tax Authority, marks a decisive move away from the previous flat-rate approach and places product formulation at the centre of tax outcomes for […]
Brookfield Asset Management is preparing to launch a cloud computing business called Radiant that will lease artificial intelligence chips directly to developers, underpinned by a newly formed $10 billion AI fund as part of its broader strategy to build an integrated AI infrastructure platform. Radiant’s model aims to control key inputs in the AI value chain from land and power to compute, offering an alternative to conventional cloud […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Barq has vaulted into the spotlight of Saudi Arabia’s financial technology landscape, cementing its position as the fastest-growing digital wallet in the Kingdom by download and usage metrics, according to market data and industry tracking. The platform’s pace of adoption has set benchmarks rarely seen in consumer financial services, underscoring how quickly digital payments are becoming embedded in everyday transactions across Saudi Arabia. […]
Bitcoin is trading within a narrow band at the start of 2026 after pulling back from the $110,000 zone, yet blockchain data and market activity point to mounting pressure beneath the surface. Large holders are adding to positions, exchange balances are thinning and derivatives markets are showing renewed engagement, a combination that has fuelled expectations of a potential double-digit move if key technical levels give way. The […]
Plans to turn India into a major semiconductor manufacturing hub are moving from policy to execution, with four companies scheduled to begin chip production during 2026 and the government setting its sights on becoming one of the world’s leading producers by 2035. The transition marks a decisive phase for a country long dependent on imported chips but now seeking to embed itself in global electronics supply chains amid geopolitical realignments and rising demand for secure manufacturing bases.
The most advanced of the announced projects is the large-scale fabrication facility planned at Dholera in Gujarat, a joint venture between Tata Electronics and Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation. The plant, cleared with government backing and financial incentives under the Semiconductor Mission, is designed to manufacture mature-node chips used in automobiles, power electronics, consumer devices and industrial equipment. Construction work has progressed through 2025, with commercial production targeted to start the following year, according to timelines shared with policymakers and industry partners.
Alongside the Dholera fab, three other facilities are slated to commence output in 2026, primarily in the assembly, testing, marking and packaging segment. Micron Technology’s ATMP plant at Sanand in Gujarat is expected to be the first major operational unit, focusing on memory products for global markets. Two domestic groups, Tata Electronics and Kaynes Semicon, are also developing advanced packaging facilities, while CG Power, in partnership with Japan’s Renesas Electronics and Thailand’s Stars Microelectronics, is setting up an outsourced semiconductor assembly and test unit in Gujarat. Together, these projects are intended to establish a foundational ecosystem rather than a single flagship plant.
Government officials argue that the emphasis on both fabrication and packaging reflects a deliberate strategy. While advanced-node fabs require decades of experience and heavy capital, mature-node manufacturing and packaging are seen as realistic entry points that align with India’s strengths in engineering talent, scale and cost efficiency. Officials involved in the programme say the objective is to capture value across the semiconductor chain while gradually building capabilities for more complex processes.
Public funding has played a central role. Under the incentive framework, the central government is offering support covering up to half the project cost for approved semiconductor and display manufacturing units, with additional incentives from host states. The total committed investment across approved projects runs into tens of billions of dollars, according to official estimates, making it one of the most capital-intensive industrial initiatives undertaken in the country.
Industry analysts note that the timing coincides with a global rethinking of chip supply chains. Disruptions during the pandemic years, coupled with trade and technology tensions, prompted governments and companies to seek diversified manufacturing locations. India’s pitch combines policy stability, a large domestic electronics market and strategic partnerships with established chipmakers. Executives at electronics firms say the presence of local chip production could shorten supply chains and reduce vulnerability to external shocks.
Challenges remain substantial. Semiconductor manufacturing demands ultra-reliable power, water and logistics, as well as a deep supplier base for chemicals, gases and equipment. Skills development is another constraint. While India produces large numbers of engineers, chip fabrication requires specialised expertise built through years of hands-on experience. To address this, training collaborations with overseas partners and academic institutions have been initiated, and several universities have launched semiconductor-focused programmes.
There is also scepticism about the 2035 ambition. Market researchers point out that becoming a “top” producer can be defined in different ways, whether by volume, value or technological sophistication. Countries such as Taiwan, South Korea and the United States dominate advanced-node manufacturing, while China has invested heavily across the value chain. India’s near-term projects focus on mature technologies, which serve vast markets but command lower margins. Supporters counter that demand for such chips is set to remain strong due to electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and industrial automation.
Ilya Lichtenstein, the convict at the centre of one of the largest bitcoin thefts in history, has walked free from federal custody ahead of his full sentence, publicly attributing his early release to the First Step Act, a criminal justice reform law enacted in 2018 under President Donald Trump. Lichtenstein’s abrupt return to civilian life after serving about 14 months of a five-year term for laundering nearly […]
Iran has signalled that it is prepared to accept cryptocurrency as payment for advanced military hardware, a move that underscores Tehran’s efforts to widen its financial options under sanctions while raising fresh concerns among regulators and security analysts about the use of digital assets in global arms markets. Information published on a government-linked defence export website indicates that prospective buyers could settle contracts using cryptocurrencies for a […]
More than $110 billion in digital assets moved out of South Korea during 2025 as stringent trading restrictions and policy uncertainty pushed investors and firms to seek friendlier jurisdictions, according to estimates compiled from blockchain analytics, exchange disclosures and regulatory briefings. The scale of the outflows has sharpened debate in Seoul over how to balance market oversight with competitiveness at a time when global crypto activity is […]
XRP has moved ahead of BNB to claim the position of the world’s fourth-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation, marking a sharp shift in the digital-asset rankings during a period of heightened market activity. The token’s valuation has climbed to about $123 billion after prices advanced to the $2.02–$2.03 range, reflecting an intraday rise of roughly 8 per cent and outpacing gains among several large-cap peers. The change […]
Samsung is preparing a significant overhaul of its Bixby voice assistant by integrating technology from Perplexity AI, a move aimed at strengthening on-device intelligence across the Galaxy S26 smartphone range scheduled for 2026. The partnership reflects Samsung’s push to reposition Bixby as a practical, search-driven assistant capable of delivering clearer answers and tighter control over handset functions, as competition in mobile artificial intelligence intensifies. People familiar with […]
Dollar trading opened the new year on firmer ground on Friday, extending a modest rebound after a bruising twelve months that marked its weakest annual performance in eight years, as investors reassessed the outlook for United States interest rates and global growth.
The greenback edged higher against a basket of major peers in early European dealings, with the yen drifting back towards levels last seen in the spring and the euro slipping slightly after gains built up over the previous year. Market participants described the move as cautious rather than decisive, reflecting thin liquidity and lingering uncertainty over policy direction in Washington.
Currency strategists said the dollar’s fragile recovery followed heavy selling through much of last year, when expectations of rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and easing inflation undercut the yield advantage that had supported the currency in earlier cycles. At the same time, improving growth prospects outside the United States encouraged investors to rotate towards higher-yielding or undervalued alternatives.
Against the yen, the dollar climbed back towards the upper end of its trading range, hovering near a ten-month high. The Japanese currency has remained under pressure amid a persistent gap between domestic borrowing costs and those in the United States, even as Tokyo has signalled a gradual move away from ultra-loose policy. Traders noted that the yen’s slide was less abrupt than in past episodes, reflecting continued sensitivity to the risk of official intervention.
The euro eased after a strong performance last year, when slowing inflation and steady growth in parts of the euro zone boosted confidence in the region’s economic resilience. Analysts cautioned that the single currency’s trajectory would depend heavily on whether European policymakers deliver further easing or pause to assess wage pressures and fiscal spending plans.
Sterling traded in a narrow band, supported by signs of stabilising inflation but weighed by questions over the durability of domestic growth. Emerging market currencies showed mixed moves, with higher-yielding units holding up better as investors searched for carry opportunities, while those linked to commodities reacted to softer prices in energy and metals.
Market focus remains fixed on forthcoming United States data releases, including employment and inflation indicators that could shape expectations for policy adjustments later in the year. While inflation has moderated from its peak, officials have stressed that decisions will be driven by incoming data rather than preset timelines, a stance that has kept rate forecasts in flux.
Some investors argue that the dollar’s decline last year went too far, pointing to the size and liquidity of United States markets and the economy’s capacity to absorb tighter financial conditions. Others counter that structural forces, including a narrowing growth gap with other advanced economies and rising fiscal deficits, could cap any sustained rebound.
Central banks outside the United States are also recalibrating. In Japan, policymakers are weighing how quickly to normalise after years of stimulus without destabilising markets. In Europe, debates continue over balancing support for growth with the need to anchor inflation expectations. These cross-currents have injected volatility into foreign exchange markets, even as overall trading ranges remain narrower than during periods of crisis.
Commodity prices have added another layer of complexity. Oil has softened amid ample supply, trimming support for currencies of major exporters, while gold’s pullback has reduced its appeal as a hedge against currency weakness. Equity markets have started the year on a cautious note, reinforcing demand for safe and liquid assets.
Coinbase has said a former customer-support agent has been arrested in India following an investigation into a security breach that exposed limited user data on the US-based cryptocurrency exchange, marking a significant step in efforts to trace accountability for one of the platform’s most closely watched incidents. The exchange said the individual, who had worked for a third-party support contractor, was taken into custody by law-enforcement authorities […]
Careto, the elusive cyber espionage group also known as “The Mask”, has resurfaced after nearly a decade of silence, deploying a new generation of attack techniques that signal a marked evolution in its operational capability and strategic intent. The renewed activity, disclosed by cybersecurity researchers during an international security conference in October, marks the first confirmed evidence of Careto-linked operations since early 2014, when the group […]
By Prabhat Patnaik The BJP-led government has just got parliament to pass a legislation permitting up to 100 percent foreign equity-ownership in India’s insurance sector. This, the Prime Minister has announced, marks the beginning of a major “reform” in India’s financial sector, towards presumably much greater private, including foreign, ownership of financial institutions. This would […]
https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/
https://x.com/Brand_HK/
https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isd
https://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong
By Prabhat Patnaik The BJP-led government has just got parliament to pass a legislation permitting up to 100 percent foreign equity-ownership in India’s insurance sector. This, the Prime Minister has announced, marks the beginning of a major “reform” in India’s financial sector, towards presumably much greater private, including foreign, ownership of financial institutions. This would […]
