Thursday, October 2, 2025

ABB's Dr. Matthew Wise and Andressa Ferraz Named Among Future of Field Service's 2025 Stand Out 50 Leaders


  • ABB Electrification Service leaders recognized for driving innovation in energy storage solutions and customer-centric service strategies.
  • Highlights leadership in enabling next-generation service models in line with evolving customer needs for energy resilience and digitalization
  • Underscores ABB Electrification Service’s commitment to helping industries modernize critical infrastructure, extend asset lifetimes, and accelerate the shift to smarter, cleaner, and more circular operations

 

 

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Two leaders from ABB Electrification Service have been named among the Future of Field Service's prestigious 2025 Stand Out 50 Leaders. Dr. Matthew Wise, Global Head of Strategy & Business Development, and Andressa Ferraz, Sustainability Advisory Service Manager for EMEA were selected for their outstanding contributions in redefining field service innovation and their roles in developing customer-centric energy solutions.

The recognition highlights the team’s instrumental work in helping customers navigate the energy transition through new service business models and strategic collaborations that support operational rigor, circularity and long-term customer value.

“This recognition reflects Matt’s and Andressa's commitment to redefining what field service can achieve when we work together with our customers as trusted partners,” said Stuart Thompson, President of ABB Electrification Service. “Their leadership in developing accessible energy solutions shows how service innovation can drive both performance and sustainability, all while remaining relentlessly focused on customer outcomes. By turning emerging technologies into accessible business solutions, they’ve helped to ensure our customers are equipped to outrun the complexities of renewable energy integration.”

Dr. Wise has played an integral part in driving strategic partnerships and acquisitions to grow ABB Electrification Service’s innovation ecosystem, especially in key areas spanning digitalization, energy storage, and emerging technologies such as AI and edge computing. He has driven partnerships with startups like GridBeyondNdustrial and Pratexo, enabling ABB to deliver smarter electrical asset management and real-time decision-making capabilities.

Ferraz has been instrumental in pioneering ABB’s newly launched Battery-Energy-Storage-Systems-as-a-Service (BESS-as-a-Service) offering, which addresses critical market needs around energy storage adoption. The service enables businesses to strategically manage energy costs, improve grid resilience, and accelerate their transition to renewable energy sources, all while paying only for the capacity they need, when they need it.

The Future of Field Service's Stand Out 50 Awards recognize leaders who are driving innovation, authenticity, and strategic execution in the field service industry.

ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and more than 105,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com

ABB Electrification is a global technology leader making efficient and reliable use of electricity from source to socket possible. With more than 50,000 employees across 100 countries, we collaborate with our customers and partners to solve the world’s greatest challenges in electrical distribution and energy management. We help businesses, industry, and consumers run their facilities and homes efficiently and reliably. As the energy transition accelerates, we are electrifying the world in a safe, smart and sustainable way. go.abb/electrification

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250930302234/en/



Contacts

For more information please contact:
Media Relations
Eva Ford-Murphy
Phone: +61 439 341 812
Email: eva.ford-murphy@au.abb.com

Investor Relations
Phone: +41 43 317 71 11
Email: investor.relations@ch.abb.com

ABB Ltd
Affolternstrasse 44
8050 Zurich
Switzerland


CompareForexBrokers: Seven Major Forex Pairs Slip to 66.3% of Global Turnover

  MELBOURNE, Australia - Wednesday, 01. October 2025 AETOSWire Print 




2025 BIS Triennial Survey data shows major pair concentration down 18.7% from 2022


(BUSINESS WIRE) -- CompareForexBrokers has analysed the latest Triennial Survey from the Bank for International Settlements, published 30 September 2025, and found the seven major currency pairs are losing dominance in global foreign exchange markets. While 85% of forex transactions consisted of the seven majors in 2022, their share has since dropped to 66.3% in 2025.


Despite the 18.7% drop in major pairs, overall activity has increased considerably, with daily turnover rising 28% to 9.6 trillion USD. On an annual basis, that equates to 3.5 quadrillion USD, up from 2.73 quadrillion in 2022. More data can be found on the forex statistics page.


“Our biggest take away from yesterday’s BIS data release is foreign exchange remains the largest financial market, but the composition of trading is changing,” said Justin Grossbard, co-founder of CompareForexBrokers. “Major pairs still set the benchmark for pricing, but rising volumes in minor and emerging markets have resulted in a significant shift in trading patterns.”


Market Share of Major Currency Pairs (%)


Pair


2022


2025


Change


EUR/USD


22.7


21.2


-1.5


USD/JPY


13.5


14.3


+0.8


GBP/USD


9.5


7.6


-1.9


USD/CNY


6.6


8.1


+1.5


USD/CAD


5.5


5.3


-0.2


AUD/USD


5.1


4.9


-0.2


USD/CHF


3.9


4.9


+1.0


“USD/CNY is the clearest example of this shift. It has grown from just 0.8% of global turnover in 2010 to 8.1% in 2025, that is a 912% increase,” said Grossbard. “It paints a clear picture of the yuan’s growing role in global trade and finance, and how Asia has become increasingly central to foreign exchange markets.”


Other dollar pairs have also gained ground. USD/HKD almost doubled its share from 2.4% to 3.6%, supported by active hedging around North Asia trade, and USD/KRW increased to 1.8% as electronics and semiconductor supply chains managed currency risk more directly.


This year’s BIS Triennial Survey confirms that while forex remains the world’s largest and most liquid market, its structure is shifting as new regions and currencies play a bigger role.


About CompareForexBrokers


Independent review, comparisons and broker statistics can be viewed on compareforexbrokers.com with no paywall applied.


 


View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251001844788/en/



Permalink

https://www.aetoswire.com/en/news/0110202549522


Contacts

Compare Forex Brokers Pty Ltd

Justin Grossbard

Director

3 Hart Street, Caulfield North, Victoria, Australia, 3161

justin@compareforexbrokers.com

EIG’s MidOcean Energy to Acquire Interest in LNG Canada from PETRONAS

LONDON - Tuesday, 30. September 2025


(BUSINESS WIRE)--MidOcean Energy (“MidOcean”), a liquefied natural gas (LNG) company formed and managed by EIG, a leading institutional investor in the global energy and infrastructure sectors, today announced it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire a 20% interest in PETRONAS’ key entities in Canada.


The transaction includes a 20% interest in the North Montney Upstream Joint Venture (“NMJV”), which hold PETRONAS’ upstream investment in Canada, and a 20% interest in the North Montney LNG Limited Partnership (“NMLLP”), which holds PETRONAS’ 25% participating interest in the LNG Canada Project.


LNG Canada is Canada’s first LNG export project and represents a strategically significant development supplying LNG into Asia at a competitive cost of supply. LNG Canada shipped its first LNG cargo earlier this year.


The NMJV is a partnership that holds more than 800,000 gross acres of mineral rights with 53 trillion cubic feet of reserves and contingent resources.


Following completion of the transaction, MidOcean will hold a position across the integrated value chain, spanning upstream resource development in the North Montney and downstream liquefaction and export through LNG Canada via its participation in NMLLP. Through this partnership with PETRONAS, MidOcean will have the ability to secure an associated LNG Volume of 0.7 MTPA with potential to grow through LNG Canada Phase 2.


R. Blair Thomas, MidOcean Chairman and EIG CEO, said: “This transaction marks an important milestone in MidOcean’s growth journey. We are proud to join PETRONAS in its efforts to deliver reliable, low-cost LNG to global markets. Our participation further strengthens MidOcean’s portfolio, secures meaningful LNG offtake, and reinforces our commitment to building a diversified and resilient LNG business for the decades ahead.”


De la Rey Venter, CEO of MidOcean, said: “We are excited to enter into this long-term partnership with PETRONAS, a leader in the LNG industry and a company that we respect. This investment is a clear reflection of our conviction in the future of LNG and its long-term role to help deliver global energy security and to underpin a practical and affordable energy transition.”


The transaction is anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to customary regulatory approvals.


RBC Capital Markets acted as financial advisor to MidOcean, and Latham & Watkins acted as legal advisor.


About EIG


EIG is a leading institutional investor in the global energy and infrastructure sectors with $23.8 billion assets under management as of June 30, 2025. EIG specializes in private investments in energy and energy-related infrastructure on a global basis. During its 42-year history, EIG has committed $51.3 billion to the energy sector through 420 projects or companies in 44 countries on six continents. EIG’s clients include many of the leading pension plans, insurance companies, endowments, foundations and sovereign wealth funds in the U.S., Asia and Europe. EIG is headquartered in Washington, D.C. with offices in Houston, London, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro, Hong Kong and Seoul.


About MidOcean Energy


MidOcean Energy, an LNG company formed and managed by EIG, seeks to build a diversified, resilient, cost- and carbon-competitive global LNG portfolio. It reflects EIG’s belief in LNG as a critical element of a lower carbon, competitive and more secure global energy system. MidOcean Energy has diverse LNG interests, including in Gorgon LNG, Pluto LNG, QCLNG and Peru LNG. The company is headed by De la Rey Venter, a 27-year industry veteran who has held a variety of senior executive roles, including Global Head of LNG for Shell Plc.


For additional information, please visit MidOcean Energy’s website at www.midoceanenergy.com or EIG’s website at www.eigpartners.com.


 


View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250930598702/en/



Permalink

https://www.aetoswire.com/en/news/3009202549458


Contacts

EIG/MidOcean Contact Information

FGS Global

Kelly Kimberly / Brandon Messina

+1 212-687-8080

EIG@fgsglobal.com

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Mastercard and Smile ID to Scale Digital Identity Across Africa

 Partnership combines Mastercard’s global payments network with Smile ID’s capabilities to combat fraud and expand financial inclusion across Africa.


 


Mastercard has extended its strategic commercial partnership with Smile ID, an identity verification provider in Africa to accelerate the rollout of secure digital identity solutions across the continent.


This partnership will enable banks, fintechs, mobile money operators and other enterprises to onboard new customers faster, reducing identity fraud and expanding access to the financial system. It combines Mastercard’s global insights and Identity technology, which enables customers to verify digital identity elements with Smile ID’s data verification and fraud detection capabilities.


Addressing Africa’s Fraud & Inclusion Gap


As Africa’s digital economy is projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, trusted identity solutions are a critical enabler of financial inclusion, fraud prevention, and cross-border commerce. Additionally, smartphone penetration is continuing to rise, necessitating an urgent need to unlock opportunities for millions through secure identity verification services that work across digital channels.


For over five decades, Mastercard has worked alongside African governments, businesses, and communities to advance financial inclusion and economic development. Mastercard, together with Smile ID, is well positioned to address these challenges by expanding access to financial services, while helping to support compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations across Africa.


As part of the agreement, Mastercard has also made a minority investment in Smile ID, reinforcing its long-term commitment to digital inclusion and innovation in Africa.


“This partnership with Smile ID is a pivotal step in advancing digital trust and inclusion across Africa. As fragmented identity systems slow down businesses and lock millions out of the digital economy, Smile ID’s innovative identity platform complements Mastercard’s commitment to fostering secure and inclusive digital ecosystems,” said Selin Bahadirli, Executive Vice President, Services, Mastercard EEMEA.


Through this partnership, Mastercard customers, including banks, telecom providers, mobile money operators, and fintechs can gain access to Smile ID’s advanced identity verification tools. These tools will be integrated into Mastercard’s digital platforms, assisting the enablement of:


Instant, secure onboarding of users across all African markets.

Enhanced fraud detection and prevention, including synthetic identity fraud.

Compliance with local and international KYC/AML regulations.

Scalable solutions for cross-border commerce and digital expansion.

Smile ID’s integrations with local governments and trusted data sources offer unique capabilities that differentiate this partnership in the region, for example, pan-African reach, near real-time onboarding, integration with Mastercard’s insights.


“The surge in synthetic identity fraud in Africa is costing banks and lenders hundreds of millions of dollars a year,” said Mark Straub, CEO of Smile ID. “By joining forces with Mastercard we can help turn the tide. As we combine insights and technologies, we can expand opportunities for consumers by giving banks and mobile wallets the confidence to onboard the next 300 million African users securely, in seconds.”



Permalink

https://www.aetoswire.com/en/news/mc01102025e


Contacts

Kanyi Mwangi


Kanyi.Mwangi@mastercard.com


 

Parse Biosciences Expands Global Access by Certifying Single Cell Discoveries as a Service Provider

Partnership Expands Access to Scalable, High-Quality Single Cell Analysis for Researchers

 

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Parse Biosciences, the leader in scalable and accessible single cell sequencing, is pleased to welcome the Netherlands-based Single Cell Discoveries as the newest member of its Certified Service Provider (CSP) Program. As a certified provider, Single Cell Discoveries will expand access to Parse’s single cell technology, pairing it with a team uniquely dedicated to single cell science to support researchers across Europe and worldwide.

Introduced in 2024, the CSP Program connects researchers with rigorously vetted partners for outsourcing single cell projects of any size. By maintaining exacting standards for data quality, scalability, and service, the program helps labs accelerate discovery with confidence.

“Becoming the first service provider in Europe to join Parse’s Certified Service Provider program reflects our commitment to leadership in single cell science,” said Mauro Muraro, PhD, co-founder and CEO of Single Cell Discoveries. “Partnering with Parse’s scalable, fixation-friendly technology allows us to deliver high-quality results at the pace modern research demands, whether for a focused pilot or an atlas-scale study.”

“Expanding our CSP network ensures researchers have reliable, regional access to best-in-class single cell services,” said Alex Rosenberg, CEO and co-founder of Parse Biosciences. “With Single Cell Discoveries joining the program, scientists gain a trusted partner whose focus has always been single cell, now complemented by the scalability and precision that Parse enables.”

About Parse Biosciences

Parse Biosciences is a global life sciences company dedicated to accelerating advancements in human health and scientific research. By empowering researchers to conduct single cell sequencing with unparalleled scale and simplicity, Parse’s innovative solutions are driving breakthroughs in cancer treatment, tissue repair, stem cell therapy, and more. Built upon transformative technology developed at the University of Washington, Parse Biosciences has raised over $100 million and is used by over 3,000 labs worldwide. Its expanding product portfolio includes Evercode Whole Transcriptome, Evercode TCR, Evercode BCR, CRISPR Detect, Gene Select, and Trailmaker for advanced data analysis. Headquartered in Seattle’s vibrant South Lake Union district, Parse Biosciences recently inaugurated a 34,000-square-foot facility featuring state-of-the-art laboratories to support its mission of advancing global research. www.parsebiosciences.com

About Single Cell Discoveries

Single Cell Discoveries is a leading contract research organization (CRO) specializing in single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and multiomic applications. Headquartered in Utrecht, the Netherlands, the company partners with biopharmaceutical organizations and academic institutions worldwide to accelerate drug discovery and innovation. With more than a decade of expertise, over 1,000 projects completed, and millions of single cells sequenced across 50+ species, Single Cell Discoveries delivers high-impact transcriptomic insights with precision and scale. Leveraging state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, advanced sequencing platforms, and tailored bioinformatics support, the company combines high-throughput automation, fast turnaround times, and excellence in single-cell preparation, which are three factors essential for successful and reproducible outcomes.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250930263922/en/



Contacts

 

Kaitie Kramer
kkramer@parsebiosciences.com | 858.504.0455


Lenovo Launches GPU Advanced Services to Help Boost AI Workload Performance by Up to 30%

Flexible services streamline GPU deployment and management, helping enterprises accelerate AI adoption, reduce infrastructure risk, and scale with confidence.

 

(BUSINESS WIRE)--With GPU demand outpacing enterprise deployment capacity, Lenovo today launched GPU Advanced Services to help customers boost workload performance by up to 30% and accelerate AI adoption.1 Enterprises can achieve these gains through optimized GPU deployment and tuning delivered by Lenovo experts, based on internal performance evaluations. For businesses, that means faster time-to-market for AI innovation and reduced infrastructure costs by avoiding underutilized GPUs.

“Enterprises are moving rapidly to operationalize AI, but many still struggle with the complexity of GPU infrastructure deployment,” said Steven Dickens, CEO and Principal Analyst of HyperFRAME Research. “Lenovo’s approach addresses this challenge by helping IT teams deploy faster, optimize performance, and scale confidently, which is exactly what the market needs as AI use cases become mainstream.”

As AI adoption surges, enterprises need scalable GPU infrastructure to support high-performance workloads. Lenovo GPU Advanced Services provide guided support to help enterprises design, deploy, and operate GPU-based systems efficiently. Taking a services-first approach, Lenovo enables enterprises to maximize existing investments and scale AI without being locked into proprietary stacks.

"With certified experts and deep platform integration, Lenovo helps enterprises deploy GPU infrastructure faster and run workloads more reliably, reducing risk and unlocking the full potential of their AI investments,” said Linda Yao, VP and General Manager, Hybrid Cloud & AI Solutions, Lenovo.

GPU Advanced Services align with validated Lenovo Hybrid AI Advantage™ solutions such as the Lenovo Hybrid AI 285 platform, enabling scalable deployment from a single node to multi-nodes with customizable AI software stack and services. Designed for high-performance workloads such as generative AI, real-time video processing, and content creation, these services address critical gaps in in-house expertise, infrastructure complexity, and performance tuning.

GPU Advanced Services: Flexible Options for Every Stage

GPU Advanced Services includes three modular options that can be purchased individually or combined, giving enterprises access to Lenovo experts at the stage that best fits their GPU adoption journey and avoiding a one-size-fits-all bundle.

  • GPU Plan & Design Services– For organizations just beginning their AI journey, this service provides workload assessment, solution sizing, technology selection, and architecture planning to establish the right foundation.
  • GPU Implementation Services – For teams ready to deploy, Lenovo experts deliver architecture documentation, stack configuration, deployment guidance, and knowledge transfer so systems are set up correctly and efficiently.
  • GPU Managed Services – For enterprises running production AI, this service delivers ongoing optimization, updates, and recovery support, including patching and compliance, across hybrid and on-premises GPU environments.

Enterprises can accelerate their AI journey with Lenovo AI Fast Start, rapidly identifying and validating use cases before scaling confidently into production with GPU Advanced Services.

Proven Impact in Key Industries

Lenovo GPU Advanced Services ease the load on IT teams by streamlining deployment and creating a faster, lower-risk path from pilot to production. The services are designed to address challenges common across industries where AI is transforming operations:

  • Healthcare – AI-assisted diagnostics with real-time insights help improve the speed and accuracy of patient care.
  • Automotive – Managed services can help optimize edge AI models that power autonomous and connected vehicle systems.
  • Media and Entertainment – GPU tuning can enhance real-time rendering and content production workflows, enabling creators to deliver richer experiences more efficiently.
  • Cirrascale Cloud Services – Cut GPU deployment time by more than 40% with Lenovo expertise, accelerating AI innovation across customer environments.

A Proven Track Record in High-Performance GPU Solutions

Lenovo GPU Advanced Services offer flexible engagement backed by proven expertise in optimizing GPU infrastructure for performance and scalability. Built on Lenovo ThinkSystem and High-Performance Compute platforms, these services sit on top of GPU-rich Lenovo systems, ensuring customers maximize their hardware investments without being locked into a single platform.

Lenovo also brings unmatched leadership in advanced computing, ranked the #1 supercomputer provider for seven consecutive years2, #1 in x86 server reliability, and among the top in security.3 This trusted foundation ensures enterprises can scale AI infrastructure with confidence.

Discover how Lenovo GPU Advanced Services can help enterprises simplify management and scale AI with confidence at: http://lenovo.com/us/en/Solutions/Hybrid_Cloud_Services/GPU_Advanced_Services.

About Lenovo

Lenovo is a US$69 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #196 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo’s continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.

[1] Based on Lenovo internal performance evaluations of optimized GPU deployment and tuning.

[2] Supercomputing leadership — Lenovo remains the world’s #1 supercomputer provider by number of systems on the June 2025 TOP500 list. See TOP500 list statistics and vendor share; Lenovo also reiterated #1 status at ISC 2025.

[3] x86 server reliability & security — Independent ITIC studies report Lenovo ThinkSystem x86 servers with the best uptime for 11 straight years (latest report referenced February 2025) and among the most secure platforms in ITIC’s 2025 server security survey. See LenovoPress ITIC summary and coverage of the 2025 ITIC security survey; additional 2024 survey recap also confirms leadership.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250930144708/en/



Contacts

Zeno Group for Lenovo: lenovossg@zenogroup.com


Microplastics in the Air: Global Study Uncovers Concerning Levels of Daily Exposure

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The PlasticDustCloud project, a global study led by the Eurofins Environment Testing network, has revealed alarming microplastic pollution in air, with deposition rates of up to 1,300 microplastics per square metre per day (/m2/day). Working with samples collected across 12 sites in 9 countries on 3 continents, this global study highlights the pervasive presence of microplastics in the air we breathe every day.

Microplastics, defined as particles smaller than 5 mm, are now ubiquitous in the environment. Recent toxicological studies show that microplastics pose potential risks to human health and the environment, raising growing global concerns.

Research, results and methodology

In mid-2024, samples were collected using a harmonised deposition methodology at urban sites in Melbourne (AU), Budapest (HU), Bergen (NO), Gijón (ES), Rovaniemi (FI), Aabybro (DK), Barneveld (NL), Northampton (UK), Sacramento and South Bend (USA). Rural sites in Pelkosenniemi (FI) and Alta (NO) provided reference samples for comparison.

Samples were prepared and analysed across all Eurofins Environment Testing laboratories that perform microplastic testing using a suite of state-of-the-art detection technologies, including spectroscopical (FTIR, LDIR, Raman) and thermoanalytical (Pyrolysis-GC/MS, TED-GC/MS) technologies. Stringent QA/QC protocols were applied throughout the process.

The results showed deposition rates varying by site and detection method, ranging from 1,250 particles/m2/day in Barneveld (NL) and up to 3,110 μg/m2/day in Bergen (NO) using spectroscopy and thermoanalytical technologies respectively. Polyethylene and polypropylene were the most common polymers, reflecting global plastic production trends. Tyre wear particles measured up to 304 μg/m²/day, indicating road traffic as a significant contributor to environmental microplastic prevalence. Most particles detected were smaller than 100 μm that is within the breathable fraction. Significant differences were observed even between adjacent sampling points and using the same testing method, emphasising the heterogeneous distribution of airborne microplastics. These findings contribute critical data, demonstrating that microplastic pollution affects air quality globally and underscoring the need for coordinated international action. The full report is available at: plasticdustcloud.com

About the Eurofins Environment Testing network

The Eurofins Environment Testing network of laboratories contributes to a clean and safe environment by providing market-leading laboratory testing, monitoring and consulting services to a wide range of industrial companies, environmental consultants, contractors, retailers and government authorities.

Please visit: https://www.eurofins.com/environment-testing/

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250929140266/en/



Contacts

 

For further information contact:

Julia Jaeger
Technical Specialist
Australia
Julia.Jaeger@eurofinsanz.com

Gábor Bordós
Business Unit Manager
Hungary
Gabor.Bordos@etcee.eurofins.com