Core Viewpoint - Hong Kong, a significant financial hub, is facing competitive pressure from the UAE, which has established a robust regulatory framework for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology [1][2]. Group 1: Regulatory Environment - The UAE has created a solid regulatory framework for virtual assets, with dedicated regulatory authorities in regions like Dubai and Abu Dhabi [3]. - Hong Kong's regulatory approach is characterized by transparency, certainty, and predictability, which has remained consistent even during market fluctuations [5]. - Under Hong Kong's mandatory licensing regime for virtual asset trading platforms (VATPs), 11 licenses have been granted since the framework's implementation two and a half years ago [5]. Group 2: Future Developments - The stablecoin regulatory regime initiated in August is expected to issue its first batch of licenses in the first quarter of this year [6]. - A licensing regime for digital asset dealers and custodians is anticipated to be proposed by Hong Kong's financial secretary later this year, following necessary consultations and legislative readings [6][7]. - The regulatory process, while lengthy, is deemed important for ensuring industry participants are informed and can voice their concerns, minimizing surprises [7].

CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cosmos Health Inc. ("Cosmos Health" or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:COSM), a diversified, vertically integrated global healthcare group, today announced the expansion of its digital assets program with the purchase of $500,000 of Bitcoin (BTC), underscoring the Company’s disciplined, opportunistic, and flexible approach to capital deployment. The Company’s digital assets program has so far been centered on Ethereum (ETH). While Ethereum will continue to serve as a key pi ...

Core Viewpoint - NxGen Brands, Inc. is launching the CAND Token on PancakeSwap, marking a significant step in its strategy to integrate digital products and community engagement within the Candy Crew ecosystem [1][2]. Group 1: CAND Token Launch - The CAND Token launch is scheduled for February 13th at 10:00 am EST, with its initial listing on PancakeSwap.Finance [1]. - This launch represents the first decentralized exchange (DEX) listing for the CAND Token, aimed at creating a vibrant community around candy-themed digital assets [1][2]. - The CAND Token is designed to blend meme culture with real-world candy themes, making it suitable for trading and gifting during Valentine's [1][2]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - The launch is part of NxGen's broader strategy to connect traditional candy manufacturing with blockchain technology, enhancing brand engagement [2]. - The company aims to expand community participation and prepare for future platform integrations and brand activations [2]. - NxGen Brands is committed to responsibly combining brand engagement with emerging blockchain technologies, emphasizing the excitement of the Valentine's theme [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - NxGen Brands, Inc. focuses on building branded consumer experiences across various sectors, including confectionery and digital engagement [3]. - The company seeks to create interactive ecosystems that link physical products with digital communities, enhanced by blockchain initiatives [3].

Core Viewpoint - Addentax Group Corp. is in late-stage negotiations for the acquisition of a Hong Kong-based licensed digital lending platform, which could enhance its presence in the Asia-Pacific digital finance sector and integrate AI-driven credit technologies [1] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The proposed acquisition involves a Hong Kong-based online credit services provider that operates under a licensed money lending framework, with an annual loan volume exceeding HK$2 billion [1] - The platform serves over 30,000 customers annually and provides financing solutions for consumers and small-to-medium-sized enterprises through technology-enabled channels [1] - If completed, the acquisition would grant Addentax access to local operational expertise and digital origination capabilities [1] Group 2: Technological Integration - The Hong Kong-based platform has developed a loan application system that incorporates algorithm-based credit assessment tools for risk evaluation and automated processing [1] - Integration of these systems could enhance Addentax's financial technology capabilities, including data-driven risk modeling and scalable digital service delivery [1] - The platform has also explored the role of digital assets in lending-related risk management, aligning with Hong Kong's evolving regulatory environment [1] Group 3: Strategic Objectives - The acquisition aligns with Addentax's goal of expanding its participation in technology-enabled financial services markets [1] - Post-acquisition, Addentax intends to leverage the platform's licensing framework and local market knowledge to enhance its operational footprint in Hong Kong and explore broader regional opportunities [1]

Galileo’s infrastructure now supports 128.5 million accounts worldwide, extending SoFi’s reach far beyond its own member base. After a strong run in recent years, shares have taken a notable hit in 2026. Currently valued at a market capitalization of about $25.7 billion. SoFi’s stock is down 19.1% this year, sharply underperforming the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX), which has managed a modest 1.4% gain over the same period.Today, 13.7 million members rely on SoFi to borrow, save, spend, invest, and protect t ...

Core Insights - Early Bitcoin advocate Eric Voorhees has invested $6.81 million in tokenized gold, indicating a shift towards traditional assets amid Bitcoin's price pressures [3][8] - Tether has significantly increased its gold reserves, now estimated at around $23 billion, positioning itself among the top gold holders globally [5][6][8] - The convergence of crypto investments in tokenized gold and Tether's accumulation of physical gold highlights a trend of the crypto sector embracing traditional safe havens [7][8] Group 1: Eric Voorhees' Investment - Voorhees created nine new wallets and purchased 1,382 PAX Gold (PAXG) tokens at an average price of $4,926 [3] - This purchase comes as gold prices are near record highs, reflecting a growing intersection between digital assets and traditional commodities [2][4] Group 2: Tether's Gold Holdings - Tether's gold holdings are reported to be around 148 tonnes, with purchases exceeding those of most individual central banks [5][6] - The firm acquired approximately 26 tonnes in Q4 2025 and an additional 6 tonnes in January, indicating aggressive accumulation strategies [5] Group 3: Market Trends - Gold prices have surged nearly 50% in the last six months due to strong central bank demand and macroeconomic pressures [4] - The actions of crypto investors like Voorhees suggest a tactical shift towards lower-volatility assets, as accessibility to tokenized real-world assets increases [4]

Summary of State Street (NYSE: STT) 2026 Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: State Street Corporation - **Industry**: Financial Services, specifically Investment Banking and Asset Management Key Points and Arguments Transformation and Strategic Initiatives - **Global Scale**: State Street operates over 100 locations worldwide, emphasizing its interconnected business model, which differs significantly from regional banks [5][7] - **Strategic Focus**: The company is concentrating on distinctive strategic initiatives such as private markets, digital assets, and wealth management to drive performance [9][11] - **Technology Transformation**: Plans include rationalizing applications and migrating to a hybrid cloud strategy, aiming for a more efficient technology platform [12][14] - **AI Integration**: State Street is set to scale its agentic AI capabilities significantly in 2026, enhancing operational efficiency [16][18] - **Agile Operating Model**: The company aims to transform its operating model to become fully agile, improving speed and functionality for clients [18][19] Revenue Growth and Business Outlook - **Investment Services Growth**: Organic growth in investment services was around 2% in 2025, with expectations for continued growth in 2026 [31][32] - **Sales Targets**: The company aims for $350 million to $400 million in sales for 2026, building on a strong sales culture established three years ago [32][35] - **Quality of Sales**: The focus is on high-quality sales, particularly in back-office services and private markets, which are expected to be more profitable [35][36] - **Digital Assets**: The launch of a digital asset platform is anticipated to drive growth, with initial products including tokenized money funds [42][44] Investment Management Business - **Asset Growth**: The investment management sector has seen over 3% net new asset growth in the last three years, benefiting from trends in passive investing and ETFs [69][71] - **Product Innovation**: State Street launched 37 new products in Q4 2025, indicating strong momentum in product development [72][74] - **Geographic Expansion**: The company is expanding its presence in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, capitalizing on growth opportunities in these regions [74][75] Financial Performance and Projections - **Fee Growth**: The company projects a fee growth range of 4%-6% for 2026, with potential for upper-end performance if market conditions remain stable [78][79] - **Net Interest Income (NII)**: State Street aims to grow NII in 2026, primarily through net interest margin improvements [83][84] - **Balance Sheet Optimization**: The focus is on optimizing the balance sheet to enhance NII growth while maintaining strong customer relationships [89][90] Cost Management and Productivity - **Expense Growth**: State Street plans to grow expenses by 3%-4% in 2026, with a significant portion attributed to productivity savings [113][114] - **Productivity Initiatives**: The company has generated approximately $500 million in savings annually, which will support strategic initiatives and positive operating leverage [115][116] Capital Management and Deployment - **Buybacks**: State Street is committed to buying back shares, with plans to allocate around 80% of earnings to this effort while maintaining capital discipline [134][135] - **Inorganic Growth**: The company is open to small acquisitions to accelerate strategic capabilities but maintains a high bar for capital deployment [147][148] Regulatory Environment - **Liquidity Rules**: There are no significant concerns regarding liquidity rules that could negatively impact State Street, and the company is well-positioned to adapt to regulatory changes [130][132] Additional Important Insights - **Market Infrastructure Bill**: The potential impact of the market infrastructure bill is not expected to significantly alter State Street's strategy regarding digital assets [66][67] - **Stablecoin Demand**: There is a strong customer demand for stablecoin capabilities, which will guide product development in the digital asset space [61][63] This summary encapsulates the key insights and strategic directions discussed during the State Street 2026 conference call, highlighting the company's focus on transformation, growth, and capital management.

Financial Performance - Barclays achieved a return on tangible equity (RoTE) of 11.3% and top-line income grew by 9% year-on-year to GBP 29.1 billion [2][3] - The cost-income ratio improved to 61%, and the group loan loss rate was 52 basis points, within the guidance of 50-60 basis points [2][3] - The CET1 ratio ended the year at 14.3%, with a capital generation of 173 basis points from profits [7][10] Business Lines and Key Metrics - The group plans to maintain broadly stable Investment Bank RWAs at around GBP 200 billion, with expectations of more than 5% loan growth annually to 2028 [5][6] - Structural hedge income increased by GBP 1.2 billion to GBP 5.9 billion, contributing 46% of 2025 group NII, excluding the Investment Bank [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics - The deposit base increased by GBP 25 billion across customer segments, with strong corporate growth in the International Corporate Bank and improved market share in the UK Corporate Bank [12][13] - The average liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) was 170%, representing GBP 131 billion in excess of regulatory requirements [12] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - Barclays is focused on sustainable higher returns, simplifying processes, and exiting non-strategic businesses while prioritizing growth in high-returning UK businesses [3][4] - The company is exploring digital assets and tokenization to enhance client services and is actively engaged in the UK industry innovation [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management is confident in delivering Group RoTE greater than 12% in 2026 and more than 14% in 2028, supported by stable income streams and planned efficiency savings [4][6] - The company emphasizes a disciplined capital allocation strategy, prioritizing regulatory capital, shareholder distributions, and selective investments [6][10] Other Important Information - Barclays is participating in the Sterling Tokenized Deposits pilot phase, aiming to bridge traditional and tokenized deposits [15] - The company is focused on maintaining robust capital ratios and has a light capital redemption profile for the year [11][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inorganic Growth Opportunities - Management highlighted recent transactions that align with their strategy, focusing on clear strategic fit, price, and avoiding complicated integrations [21][22][23] Question: Structural Hedge Balances - Management confirmed they are rolling 100% of hedgeable balances and are focused on protecting those through client propositions and technology [25][26] Question: SRT Constraints - Management views SRT as a risk management tool and focuses on maintaining appropriate hedge ratios across the portfolio [26][27] Question: Tier 2 Issuance - Management indicated that while they have a Tier 2 call coming up, they expect limited issuance activity [31][34] Question: Ratings and Upgrades - Management expressed optimism about potential ratings upgrades, emphasizing improved credit profiles and ongoing dialogue with rating agencies [32][35] Question: Private Credit Exposure - Management confirmed a disciplined approach to private credit, focusing on top managers and ensuring valuation rights [54][56]

Barclays (NYSE:BCS) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 10, 2026 09:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsAnna Cross - Group Finance DirectorDan Fairclough - Group TreasurerGildas Surry - Managing DirectorLee Street - VPPaul Fenner-Leitão - Managing Director and Head of Financials Credit ResearchRobert Smalley - Managing DirectorConference Call ParticipantsDaniel David - Director and Senior AnalystOperatorWelcome to Barclays' full-year 2025 fixed income conference call. I'll now hand over to Anna Cross, Group Finance Dir ...

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the convergence of culture, technology, and valuation in future-oriented industries, particularly in digital assets and gaming sectors [1] Group 1: Digital Assets - The focus includes major cryptocurrencies such as XRP, Bitcoin, and Ethereum, which are reshaping global finance [1] - The analysis aims to identify early positioning in these digital assets that are leading the next cycle of growth [1] Group 2: Gaming Industry - The article covers gaming publishers like Nintendo, Capcom, and Square Enix, highlighting their role in transforming entertainment [1] - The gaming sector is viewed as a significant area for investment opportunities due to its cultural impact and technological advancements [1] Group 3: Consumer Brands - Selected consumer brands such as Monster Beverage, Sprouts, and Macy's are analyzed, focusing on how brand and consumer behavior drive long-term value [1] - The approach combines discounted cash flow (DCF) and relative valuation with macroeconomic and narrative context [1]