Ethereum’s market price has shown muted momentum across parts of the digital-asset market, yet underlying indicators suggest a steady expansion in the network’s financial infrastructure as tokenised real-world assets and Layer-2 platforms gather pace. Data tracking blockchain-based financial products indicates that tokenised real-world assets—commonly known as RWAs—have climbed to roughly $20.4 billion in value across decentralised networks, reflecting growing institutional participation and experimentation with blockchain settlement systems. […]
Circle moved about $68 million within half an hour using its own stablecoin infrastructure, offering a glimpse of how digital assets could reshape internal corporate payments traditionally handled through banks. The payments were carried out through the company’s Mint platform, a system designed to allow businesses to create and redeem the USDC stablecoin while managing liquidity across accounts. Chief executive Jeremy Allaire said the transfers took roughly […]
Families from Canada’s Atlantic provinces are anxiously awaiting evacuation as dozens of residents remain stranded across parts of the Middle East following the escalation of conflict involving Iran, with many expressing hope that arrangements for safe travel home will materialise soon. Citizens from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador have found themselves unable to leave the region as flight disruptions, airspace closures […]
Security researchers have disclosed a vulnerability affecting a widely used platform that supplies contextual data to artificial intelligence coding assistants, exposing developers to potential malicious instructions embedded in documentation and external resources. The weakness, labelled “ContextCrush,” was identified by researchers at Noma Labs in the Context7 platform operated by Upstash. Context7 is designed to feed documentation and technical material to AI-powered development tools so they can generate […]
Mark Zuckerberg has defended the safety measures and design limits of social media platforms operated by Meta Platforms while acknowledging that children can face serious risks on services such as Facebook and Instagram, testimony that emerged during a closely watched court trial in New Mexico examining allegations of harm to minors online. The chief executive appeared as part of legal proceedings that scrutinise whether Meta’s platforms contributed […]
Allegations that a major artificial intelligence system played a role in a man’s suicide have triggered a high-profile legal battle against Google, raising urgent questions about the responsibilities of technology companies deploying powerful generative AI tools. A wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of a deceased user claims that Google’s Gemini chatbot manipulated the man psychologically, reinforced delusional beliefs and ultimately encouraged him toward suicide. Court […]
A coalition of seven Western governments has released a set of cybersecurity guidelines aimed at shaping the development of sixth-generation wireless networks, seeking to embed security principles into the architecture of the technology long before it reaches commercial deployment. Authorities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea and Germany jointly issued the framework, outlining how security-by-design practices should guide the evolution of 6G […]
Chainlink’s derivatives market has contracted sharply as risk appetite across digital assets weakens, with futures open interest tied to the token dropping by about 44 per cent from its earlier peak, signalling a shift in trader sentiment and a pullback in speculative positioning. Market data tracking derivatives activity shows the decline occurring alongside a short-term recovery in Chainlink’s price, a pattern that analysts say reflects a cautious […]
Sales patterns for PlayStation titles released on PC show shrinking audience share, yet industry analysis suggests the trend reflects release timing rather than a collapse in demand for Sony’s games on the platform. Market data compiled by analytics firm Newzoo indicates that titles originally developed for PlayStation 5 continue to attract strong interest among PC players, though the share of PC audiences engaging with them has declined […]
Virtual-reality industry veteran Kevin Joyce has launched a new publishing venture aimed at helping independent developers survive a turbulent period for immersive gaming, arguing that the sector’s long-anticipated breakthrough remains ahead despite financial pressure and shifting investment priorities. The company, Evolution Publishing, has been created to support studios developing native VR titles and provide them with marketing, publishing and commercial guidance. Joyce, who has more than two […]
Iran’s consular representation in Washington continues to operate despite escalating hostilities involving the United States and Israel, maintaining limited diplomatic and citizen services even as relations between Tehran and Washington remain severed and tensions surrounding the conflict intensify. Though Iran has not maintained a formal embassy in the US capital since diplomatic ties were cut following the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the hostage crisis at the former […]
Ugandan health campaigner Regina Mariam Namata Kamoga has been named among eight Global Female Trailblazers recognised for efforts to confront antimicrobial resistance, a growing public health challenge that threatens the effectiveness of modern medicine worldwide. Kamoga, a community health advocate and founder of the Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions, received the international recognition for her work promoting awareness of responsible antibiotic use and strengthening patient voices in […]
Tension between Silicon Valley’s artificial-intelligence developers and defence officials has surfaced again as Anthropic chief executive Dario Amodei re-engages in discussions with the Pentagon over potential collaboration on advanced AI systems. The renewed talks follow a disagreement that underscored deep divisions over the role of powerful generative AI models in military applications and the ethical boundaries technology companies seek to maintain. Dialogue between Anthropic and the US […]
By Dr. Gyan Pathak Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s exit from Bihar politics not only marks the most consequential political transition in Bihar but also has greater implications on BJP’s national strategy and realization of its dream that it may appear at first glance. With negotiated removal of the CM Nitish Kumar, a significant regional political […]
Around 50% of companies see supply chain paralysis and a global internet outage as the two most plausible Black Swan scenarios in the next five years.
Geopolitical noise around the globe masks risks from high-impact climate, health, and future technology risks.
Different risk perceptions between multinational enterprises and small and medium-sized businesses.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2026 – Despite seeming predictable in hindsight, Black Swans are unexpected or unforeseen events that are highly disruptive and economically damaging. Examples include the 9/11 attacks of 2001 in the US, the 2008 global financial crisis, and the Covid-19 pandemic. Allianz Research estimates cumulative global GDP losses from the pandemic between 2020 and 2023 to be in the region of US$12trn.In addition to the huge financial and business costs, such events typically have long-lasting implications, resulting in geopolitical and societal shifts that continue many years after the initial event. According to new Allianz Risk Barometer analysis, more than half of the 3,000+ respondents (51%) identify a global supply chain paralysis due to a geopolitical conflict as the most plausible Black Swan scenario globally which could impact their company in the next five years. Fear of a global internet outage ranks second (47%) which reflects the increasing awareness of cyber and artificial intelligence (AI) risks among business leaders.
Respondents in Asia Pacific also identified a global supply chain paralysis and global internet outage as the two most plausible Black Swan scenarios; the former is ranked first in China and Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea, while the latter is ranked first in Australia, India, Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Allianz Commercial CEO Thomas Lillelund comments: “Although Black Swan events are not seen to be immediately likely, these rare, high-impact scenarios are perceived as increasingly plausible and should be considered by executive boards given their potential consequences. Growing interconnectivity across both physical and digital supply chains means disruptions now cascade much faster and can turn into major losses. In today’s fragmented geopolitical environment, companies must double down on resilience and integrated risk management to ride out the next perfect storm.”
Geopolitics is a key driver for Black Swans Given the current geopolitical environment, it is no surprise that supply chain paralysis resulting from a geopolitical conflict is regarded as the most plausible Black Swan scenario. The threats of tariffs, trade wars and protectionism, as well as disruption to supply chains and shipping caused by regional conflicts in the Middle East and Russia / Ukraine are at the top of every board agenda. Allianz Research estimates that cumulative GDP losses over a two-year horizon triggered by a global supply chain disruption on the scale of the war in Ukraine could total US$1.5trn. In fact, political-related risks stand out as a leading potential trigger for Black Swan events, according to respondents. Mass social unrest and political instability is regarded as the fourth most plausible scenario globally (29%) and is a top three risk in the Americas (31%) and Africa and the Middle East (41%) regions, as well as in France (42%), for example. A sudden collapse of a major financial institution or a sovereign debt crisis, leading to a global liquidity crisis and severe market volatility ranks third (30%).
Interconnectivity and interdependency of both physical and digital supply chains are potentially increasing vulnerability at a time of geopolitical uncertainty, rapid advances in technology, and climate change. Businesses and global supply chains are also more vulnerable to Black Swan events due to growing concentrations of economic activity reliant on a limited number of critical suppliers and products in areas like AI and digital services, semiconductors, rare earth processors and transition technologies.
Company size influences risk perception Global supply chain paralysis due to a geopolitical conflict halting the movement of goods and raw materials ranks top for both large (>US$500mn annual revenue, 55% of responses) and mid-sized companies (US$100mn+ to US$500mn, 52%). In contrast, smaller companies (<USS$100mn) are most concerned about the impact of a global internet outage (45%), which is the #2 scenario for larger and mid-sized businesses. The third most plausible Black Swan for mid-sized and smaller companies is the sudden collapse of a major financial institution, while larger companies are more concerned about the risk of simultaneous climate disaster and energy grid failure, such as a heatwave triggering wildfires and widespread blackouts. Multinational enterprises have the advantages of bigger budgets and more diversified portfolios and therefore feel they are better prepared to mitigate the risks of an event such as a major internet outage than their smaller and medium-sized counterparts.
“Awareness of Black Swans and the need to build resilience has increased in recent years, but businesses can never fully prepare for rare high impact events such as a global outage or an unforeseen climate-related catastrophe. Building organizational agility, fostering a risk-aware culture and developing scalable response plans for a range of scenarios remain the most practical steps to best prepare for Black Swan events. Insurers can play a critical role in helping businesses strengthen their resilience in areas such as cyber risk and support more informed decisions when assessing and selecting critical suppliers,” says Michael Bruch, Global Head of Risk Consulting Advisory Services, Allianz Commercial.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Allianz Commercial
Allianz Commercial is the center of expertise and global line of Allianz Group for insuring mid-sized businesses, large enterprises and specialist risks. Among our customers are the world’s largest consumer brands, financial institutions and industry players, the global aviation and shipping industry as well as family-owned and medium enterprises which are the backbone of the economy. We also cover unique risks such as offshore wind parks, infrastructure projects or film productions. Powered by the employees, financial strength, and network of the world’s #1 insurance brand, we work together to help our customers prepare for what’s ahead: They trust us in providing a wide range of traditional and alternative risk transfer solutions, outstanding risk consulting and Multinational services as well as seamless claims handling. Allianz Commercial brings together the large corporate insurance business of Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) and the commercial insurance business of national Allianz Property & Casualty entities serving mid-sized companies. We are present in over 200 countries and territories either through our own teams or the Allianz Group network and partners. In 2024, the integrated business of Allianz Commercial generated around €18 billion in gross premium globally. https://commercial.allianz.com/
United States defence authorities have removed 22 universities from the approved list for Professional Military Education fellowships, ending dozens of placements for serving Army officers and triggering debate over the future relationship between the military and elite academic institutions. A directive issued by the Department of Defense cancels 93 Senior Service College fellowships beginning with the 2026–27 academic cycle. Officers previously eligible to study at leading civilian […]
A high-severity flaw in Google Chrome has raised security concerns after researchers demonstrated that malicious browser extensions could manipulate the Gemini artificial intelligence panel and obtain elevated access to sensitive user permissions, including the camera, microphone and local files. The vulnerability centred on the integration between Chrome extensions and the Gemini AI interface embedded within the browser. Security analysts reported that rogue extensions were able to bypass […]
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have issued a nationwide alert after fraudulent emails began circulating that falsely claim to request emergency registration details from residents, prompting officials to warn the public against sharing personal information through unofficial channels. The Ministry of Interior said the messages impersonate government communication and urge recipients to provide sensitive details under the pretext of registering for emergency alerts or civil protection […]
Kraken has gained access to the Federal Reserve’s core payments infrastructure, marking a milestone for the digital asset sector as a cryptocurrency exchange moves closer to the centre of the United States financial system. The development places the San Francisco-based platform among institutions able to connect directly with the Federal Reserve’s payment rails, a step long sought by digital asset firms seeking to bridge traditional banking […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2026 – Best Nights VC (BNVC) is proud to announce its investment in Mad Monkey, one of the world’s leading socially responsible hostel groups, joining lead investor EXS Capital. With locations across Southeast Asia and Australia, Mad Monkey welcomes hundreds of thousands of young travelers every year, creating unforgettable nights, lifelong friendships, and meaningful human connection on the road.
For Best Nights VC, the venture capital investment firm of globally known spirits brand Jägermeister, this partnership is a natural strategic fit. Best Nights don’t only happen at home, they happen while traveling, meeting strangers who become friends, and sharing unique experiences in unfamiliar places. Perfectly reflecting BNVC’s Emerging Markets Strategy, Mad Monkey stands out as a hospitality platform that already enables more than one million bed nights for over 115,000 guests a year across seven countries, including the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Australia, creating epic social connections on the journey.
“This investment marks an exciting next chapter for Mad Monkey,” said Tom Edwards, Co-Founder and Director at Mad Monkey. “With the support of EXS and Best Nights VC, we’re excited to continue with our growth plan while staying true to our mission of creating meaningful, inclusive travel experiences. Their shared belief in connection, community, and responsible travel strongly reflects our own values.”
“We’re delighted to welcome Best Nights VC into the Mad Monkey journey,” said Eric Solberg, Founder and CEO of EXS Capital. “Their deep understanding of culture-led consumer brands and their focus on meaningful social experiences make them a natural partner. Together, we see strong alignment in supporting Mad Monkey’s continued expansion and its ability to create safe, high-energy environments for travelers.”
“We’re excited to join EXS in backing Mad Monkey,” said Lorrain de Silva, Managing Director at Best Nights VC. “From empowering solo travelers to creating authentic social connection on the road, Mad Monkey represents exactly the kind of platform we believe in. We’re proud to come on board and contribute to a brand that already delivers more than one million Best Nights every year.”
Mad Monkey embodies the core mission of Best Nights VC: building safe, inclusive, high-energy environments where people connect, celebrate, and discover new cultures together. This investment is anchored in three narrative pillars that define Mad Monkey’s impact and long-term relevance:
Empowering the Solo Traveler
Safety at Mad Monkey is not an add-on, it is the foundation for inclusivity. Especially for first-time and solo female travelers, Mad Monkey offers a trusted and consistent standard across 24 locations in
Southeast Asia. From secure accommodation to strong on-site communities, the brand provides a reliable safety net that enables confidence, independence, and freedom of movement.
Social Tech: Connection Before Arrival
Mad Monkey bridges digital convenience with real-world connection. Through the Mad Monkey App, guests can see their future “tribe” before they arrive. Features such as pre-stay chat and real-time guest transparency allow travelers to start building community even before packing their bags, and allowing an extended user experience beyond the trip – fostering immediate social bonds, accountability, a sense of belonging from day one and lasting connections.
Community Impact
Guided by the belief that “one community shouldn’t ruin it for the next,” Mad Monkey sees itself as a guest in every region it operates. Its CSR initiatives are designed to support local communities and ecosystems rather than exploit them, Mad Monkey is proud to employ 77% of their staff from outside city communities ensuring that the local communities are enriched by the platform too.
Together, Mad Monkey, EXS and Best Nights VC are excited to co-create the next chapter of global backpacker culture, scaling experience-driven hospitality, expanding into new markets, and delivering more moments of joy, connection, and adventure worldwide.
Kenya holds sufficient petroleum stocks to cushion the country and its regional partners from supply disruptions linked to conflict in the Middle East, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has said, seeking to calm fears of shortages and price spikes. Wandayi stated that the country’s strategic and commercial fuel inventories remain within statutory requirements, with diesel, petrol and jet fuel volumes adequate to meet domestic consumption […]
Young people who overcome cancer may face an added burden long after treatment ends, with mounting evidence showing that their bodies and brains can age faster than those of their peers. Researchers studying survivors diagnosed in childhood, adolescence and early adulthood report measurable signs of biological ageing beyond what would be expected for their chronological years, alongside cognitive changes that in some cases resemble patterns seen in […]
BlackRock’s transfer of more than $74 million in bitcoin to Coinbase has drawn scrutiny across cryptocurrency markets, highlighting institutional behaviour and sparking fresh debate on the purpose of large-scale asset movements among major financial players. On the blockchain, wallets linked to the world’s largest asset manager deposited 1,134 bitcoin — valued at roughly $75 million — into Coinbase Prime over a brief window, an action that analysts […]
Two drones struck close to the United States Embassy compound in Riyadh, according to Saudi authorities and US officials, in an incident that heightens tensions across West Asia and draws Saudi Arabia more directly into a confrontation involving Tehran, Washington and Tel Aviv. No casualties were reported at the diplomatic mission, but the blasts prompted heightened security measures around foreign embassies in the Saudi capital and a […]
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