Group 1 - RBC Capital analyst Daniel Perlin lowered the price target on Broadridge (BR) to $245 from $265 while maintaining an Outperform rating on the shares [1] - The company reported results that exceeded both the firm's and the Street's expectations [1] - Management maintained its FY26 recurring revenue growth expectations and tightened its FY26 adjusted EPS growth guidance higher [1] Group 2 - The price target cut is attributed to a more conservative overall and fintech market environment [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net revenue for Q2 reached ZAR 1.6 billion, a 16% year-on-year increase [13] - Group-adjusted EBITDA grew 47% year-on-year to ZAR 304 million [10][13] - Adjusted earnings per share increased more than sixfold to ZAR 1.34 [14][18] - Leverage ratio stands at 2.5 times, down from 2.9 times at year-end [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Merchant division net revenue decreased by 2% due to a refocus on high-potential clients and pricing pressure [15] - Consumer division net revenue rose 38% year-on-year to ZAR 567 million, marking a record performance [15] - Enterprise division net revenue increased by 67% year-on-year to ZAR 217 million [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Active merchants increased by 8% year-on-year to over 130,000 [24] - Consumer active base exceeded 2 million customers, a 21% increase over last year [31] - Total ADP TPV reached ZAR 11.9 billion, representing 18% year-on-year growth [38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build a leading independent fintech in Southern Africa, consolidating brands under "One Lesaka" [3][4] - Focus on integrating operations and enhancing distribution capabilities to reach underserved markets [9][10] - Plans to leverage the Bank Zero acquisition for funding and balance sheet benefits [14][41] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued growth, particularly in the consumer division driven by lending activities [17][33] - The company anticipates a flat growth profile for the merchant division for the rest of the fiscal year, with a return to growth expected in FY27 [16] - Management highlighted the importance of innovation and distribution in driving future performance [9][10] Other Important Information - The company exited its Cell C stake, receiving ZAR 50 million, and released ZAR 65 million from a legacy contract [10] - The company employs approximately 3,750 people across Southern Africa [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the increase in transaction fees an annual event? - Yes, transaction fees are reviewed annually, and the company is gaining market share from competitors [43][44] Question: What is the outlook for lending growth? - The company expects continued growth in lending, particularly with the new medium-term loan product [48][49] Question: What are the expected marketing costs related to the rebranding? - Estimated marketing costs for the next two quarters are between ZAR 50 million and ZAR 75 million [50]

Nigeria is tightening scrutiny of its fast-growing fintech industry while easing licensing and improving access to capital as it tries to balance innovation with financial stability https://t.co/m3EZRoGwUB ...

New York, Feb. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aether Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHR) (“Aether” or “the Company”), an emerging financial technology holding company developing data-driven platforms and media assets for investors, today announced it has acquired PublicView.ai, an AI-driven market intelligence platform designed to simplify and accelerate equity research. PublicView.ai is designed to support investors and market analysts by converting complex, time-consuming public filings into organized insights—re ...

Core Viewpoint - Triller Group Inc has appointed Enrome LLP as its independent registered public accounting firm to enhance its financial reporting and compliance capabilities [1][2]. Group 1: Appointment Details - The appointment of Enrome was approved by Triller's Audit Committee, indicating a strategic move to ensure robust financial oversight [2]. - Enrome is a PCAOB-registered firm with specialized expertise in audit and assurance services for public companies, positioning it well to support Triller's needs [2]. Group 2: Transition and Acknowledgment - Triller expressed gratitude to its previous accounting firm, WWC, P.C., for their dedication and hard work during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the interim period through February 3, 2026 [3]. - The company highlighted the successful collaboration with WWC in completing the 2024 audit following the merger [3]. Group 3: Future Outlook - Following a productive kick-off meeting with Enrome, Triller anticipates a smooth transition to meet upcoming audit and reporting obligations effectively [4]. - This transition reflects Triller's commitment to high standards of financial transparency, governance, and accountability as it pursues innovation and growth [4]. Group 4: Company Overview - Triller Group Inc operates primarily in two verticals: the Triller App, an AI-driven social media and live-streaming platform, and AGBA Group, a fintech and financial services group based in Hong Kong [6].

Core Viewpoint - Kaspi.kz is set to report its financial results for the quarter and year ending December 31, 2025, on March 2, 2026, with a conference call scheduled for 8:00 am EST to discuss the results [1]. Group 1: Company Overview - Kaspi.kz aims to enhance people's lives through innovative mobile products and services, operating a unique two-sided Super App model for consumers and merchants [3]. - The Super Apps provide access to leading Payments, Marketplace, and Fintech Platforms, facilitating transactions between consumers and merchants [4]. - The company has a significant stake in Hepsiburada, owning 85.17%, which is a leading e-commerce platform in Türkiye [5]. Group 2: Business Model and Growth - The combination of a large, engaged consumer and merchant base, along with high-quality digital products and a capital expenditure-light approach, contributes to strong top-line growth and a profitable business model [5]. - Kaspi.kz has been recognized in academia, with Harvard Business School producing two case studies on the company, which are taught to MBA students [6]. - The company has been publicly listed on Nasdaq since January 2024 [6].

Core Insights - The article discusses the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) from a technical concept to a competitive landscape in key sectors such as healthcare, finance, and industry, highlighting a "arms race" among major players like Alibaba, ByteDance, and Tencent [1] - Ant Group's AI assistant "Afu" has made significant upgrades, including a "senior mode" targeting the elderly market, differentiating its strategy from competitors focused on general models [1][2] - Ant Group's CEO emphasizes the need for continuous innovation and warns against complacency, stating that the company is still a "follower" in the AI space [2][3] Ant Group's Strategy - Ant Group is focusing on three core areas: payment, finance, and healthcare, which are seen as essential for its future development [3] - The company aims to leverage its long-standing experience in payment and healthcare to create a unique advantage in the vertical model space [1][4] - Ant Group's AI assistant "Afu" has achieved over 10 million daily health inquiries, with a significant portion coming from users aged 50 and above, capitalizing on the aging population [1][3] Market Dynamics - The competition among major players is characterized by a focus on foundational models, with a significant emphasis on parameter scale, computing power, and ecosystem influence [4] - Ant Group's approach contrasts with the broader strategies of competitors, as it seeks to build deep understanding and service loops within the healthcare sector [4][5] - The healthcare market presents substantial opportunities, with a notable shortage of quality medical resources and a fragmented patient demand [5] Organizational Changes - Ant Group is enhancing its internal incentives for teams making innovative contributions in AI, indicating a commitment to fostering innovation [2][9] - The company has restructured its health business into an independent unit alongside payment and finance, reflecting a strategic focus on health [5][9] AI Integration in Payment - Ant Group is integrating AI into its payment systems, exemplified by the "Alipay AI Pay" feature that allows users to place orders using natural language commands [6][7] - The introduction of the ACT protocol aims to create a standardized framework for AI and e-commerce collaboration, enhancing service efficiency and user experience [6][8] Future Outlook - Ant Group's strategic evolution is closely tied to the concept of "inclusive finance," with significant investments in AI and technology infrastructure planned for the coming years [9][10] - The competitive landscape is intensifying, with major companies like Alibaba and Tencent also ramping up their AI investments, indicating a broader industry shift towards AI capabilities [10][11] - The article concludes with a perspective that Ant Group has the potential to change the competitive landscape, moving from being a variable in the AI ecosystem to a key player [13]

Economic and Investment Environment - Malta is positioned as a strategic gateway to the EU, combining a Mediterranean lifestyle with a resilient economy, making it attractive for investors and global citizens [2][3] - The country has a diversified economy with a business-friendly framework, emerging as a hub for sectors like fintech, blockchain, AI, and iGaming [3] - Malta Enterprise focuses on enhancing innovation capacity, deepening industry collaboration, and aligning sustainability with economic development, targeting high-value sectors such as advanced manufacturing and life sciences [25][24] Tourism and Connectivity - Malta's tourism strategy emphasizes quality and exclusivity, aiming to attract high-spending visitors rather than focusing solely on volume [8][16] - The country has seen a 12% increase in visitor arrivals and a 22% increase in visitor spending in 2025, with a target of approaching 4 million visitors [16] - Strong air connectivity, including new direct flights from major Gulf hubs, supports both leisure and business travel, enhancing Malta's appeal as a lifestyle and mobility hub [19][20] Education and Workforce Development - The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) in Malta prepares students for international careers in hospitality and tourism, offering globally relevant programs and partnerships with international institutions [12][14] - Malta's education system aligns with European standards, providing students with opportunities for internships and employment in growing sectors like finance and technology [38][40] Real Estate and Property Market - Malta's property market shows resilience, with capital values rising around 5% and rental yields consistent at 5-6%, driven by genuine demand [30] - High-end developments and traditional properties in historic locations are attracting international buyers, supported by strong domestic fundamentals [30][31] - Infrastructure investment is seen as a priority for enhancing long-term property market value, with opportunities for public-private collaboration [32] Financial Services and Innovation - Malta is strengthening its position as a financial center, focusing on innovation in areas like fintech, wealth management, and capital markets [43][44] - The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) is developing frameworks for emerging markets, including Sharia-compliant products, while ensuring regulatory integrity [54][55] - Companies like Finance Incorporated and CoinGateway are leveraging Malta's regulatory environment to provide tailored financial solutions and support cross-border operations [51][70] Bilateral Relations and International Engagement - Malta is enhancing its relationship with the UAE through structured cooperation in areas like trade, healthcare, and tourism, with a focus on measurable outcomes [5][6] - The country aims to act as a bridge for EU-GCC cooperation, facilitating trade and investment flows across various sectors [7] - Malta's diplomatic engagements have reinforced its reputation as a trusted facilitator of dialogue and partnerships in the region [10]

Core Viewpoint - Rosen Law Firm is reminding investors who purchased securities of Klarna Group plc about the upcoming lead plaintiff deadline in a securities class action related to Klarna's September 2025 IPO [1] Group 1: Class Action Details - Investors who purchased Klarna securities may be entitled to compensation without any out-of-pocket fees through a contingency fee arrangement [2] - A class action lawsuit has already been filed, and those wishing to serve as lead plaintiff must act by February 20, 2026 [3] - The lawsuit alleges that the Registration Statement contained false and misleading statements regarding Klarna's loss reserves and the associated risks [5] Group 2: Rosen Law Firm's Credentials - Rosen Law Firm emphasizes the importance of selecting qualified counsel with a successful track record in securities class actions [4] - The firm has achieved significant settlements, including the largest securities class action settlement against a Chinese company and has been ranked highly for its performance in this area [4] - In 2019, the firm secured over $438 million for investors, showcasing its capability in recovering funds for clients [4]

NEW YORK, Feb. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of Klarna Group plc (NYSE: KLAR). Shareholders who purchased shares of KLAR during the class period listed are encouraged to contact the firm regarding possible lead plaintiff appointment. Appointment as lead plaintiff is not required to partake in any recovery. CONTACT US HERE: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/klarna-group-plc-loss-submission-form/?id=183337&from=3 CLASS PERIOD: This lawsuit ...