Month: June 2024

Revolut expands investment offering with bonds in Ireland

Revolut, the financial app with more than 40 million customers worldwide and over 2.8 million in Ireland, has added bonds to its investment offering in Ireland. Its investment services in the EEA are provided by Revolut Securities Europe UAB (Revolut).

Bonds emerge as a good starting point for those individuals who tend to be more risk-averse, normally offering stability and great portfolio diversification. Good credit ratings and protection against inflation further contribute to their appeal for investors seeking stability and potentially reliable returns. Both governments and corporations utilise bonds as a means to raise capital, offering investors the chance to effectively lend money in exchange for periodic interest payments and eventual repayment of the principal amount. Different bond types offer various risk and return profiles, and they should be assessed accordingly. Bonds’ returns might also make them a good hedge in case of a wider economic downturn. 

Revolut currently allows trading of close to 40 corporate and government bonds and will expand the list in the upcoming months. The minimum amount to start investing in bonds is USD/EUR 100, with 0.25% fixed fee per trade (min. USD/EUR 1). Other fees may apply.

This is yet another step in Revolut’s mission to build an all-in-one investment platform that is multi-asset class, has coverage across EEA markets, and caters to both advanced and beginner users. With access to 2,800+ US and EU listed companies, and 500+ Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), users can check the performance of their investments in real-time with live watchlists, trading charts, and market news — all within the Revolut app.

Earlier this year, Revolut also removed the custody fees (0.12% of annual market value of the assets held by the client) across all the financial instruments offered in the app to UK and EEA customers by Revolut Trading Ltd and Revolut Securities Europe UAB, respectively.

Rolandas Juteika, Head of Wealth and Trading (EEA) at Revolut, said: “We continue expanding Revolut investment offering with bonds, a great way to diversify the investment portfolio, hedge against uncertainty, and generate fixed income. With higher potential returns and diversification benefits, bonds offer a compelling alternative for investors seeking to build wealth and preserve capital.”

Maurice Murphy, General Manager at Revolut Bank UAB – Ireland Branch, added: “Bonds trading is just another way in which we are solving all things money for our customers in Ireland and we expect this to be a very useful addition for those wishing to grow their wealth. Along with our recently introduced Instant Access Savings product and our automated portfolio management tool Robo-Advisor, Revolut remains a frontrunner in helping Irish people to grow their finances more broadly.”

Revolut has recently introduced a wide array of investment options for its customers across the EEA, all available within the Revolut app: US, EEA stocks, ETFs and now bonds. The company has also introduced Trading Pro — a paid subscription that offers, among other benefits, access to pricing benefits (e.g. lower commission fees and higher order size limits) and additional analytics features. For those less experienced investors, Revolut offers its Robo-Advisor service, which is most advantageous for customers who have limited or no trading experience, or simply don’t have time to do extensive research and actively trade.

Investment services in the EEA are provided by Revolut Securities Europe UAB (“Revolut”), which is an investment firm authorised and regulated by the Bank of Lithuania. As with all investments, capital is at risk. The value of investments can go up and down. Past performance, as well as a bond yield shown in gross, is not a reliable indicator of future performance and Revolut does not guarantee that your investment objectives will be achieved or that the portfolio will generate returns. You might lose your whole investment if the bond issuer defaults. The value of investments may be affected by currency fluctuations. Information contained herein is not a personal recommendation, investment advice or offer to take any investment decision. For further information, please see Revolut’s Trading Terms and Conditions, fees FAQ page, and risk description. 

Revolut was recently recognised by financial comparison site Bonkers.ie as ‘Ireland’s Best Consumer Business’ and ‘provider of the Best Current Account’, whilst it ranked 9th as part of the Ireland RepTrak® 2024 study earlier this year.

For more information, visit: www.revolut.com/en-IE

RETN Awarded Google Verified Gold Peering Partner Status, Simplifying Cloud Connectivity for Customers

As businesses increasingly rely on cloud services for critical operations, highly available internet connectivity becomes essential. RETN, the leading independent global network services provider, is proud to announce its designation as a Google Verified Gold Peering Partner. This recognition, granted to RETN’s Autonomous System (AS9002), underscores the company’s commitment to delivering top-tier connectivity solutions to its customers across Europe and Asia.

The Verified Peering Partner program is designed to enhance connectivity for customers by identifying Internet Service Providers (ISPs) with superior, reliable, and diverse connectivity to Google.

RETN’s achievement of Gold status in this program is a testament to its technical excellence and robust network infrastructure and provides significant advantages for its customers:

Simplified Connectivity: Customers no longer need to meet Google’s peering requirements. RETN, as a Verified Gold Peering Partner, handles the complexities of peering arrangements, allowing customers to spend less time deploying and managing the technical complexities of Direct Peering. By acquiring IP Transit or Dedicated Internet Access from RETN, customers can let RETN manage peering with the highest quality direct connections to Google.

High Availability: The Verified Gold badge signifies that RETN provides metro-level redundant connectivity, ensuring maximum reliability for customers. The Google badge verifies this redundancy, offering peace of mind that connectivity to Google is highly reliable.

Enterprise-Grade Connectivity: RETN provides connectivity to Google through internet products designed for enterprises. Customers can access Google services with or without the need for an autonomous system number (ASN), and work directly with RETN’s account teams.

Dedicated Private Google Connectivity: All connections to Google through RETN are managed via private dedicated and redundant links spanning RETN’s extensive footprint, leveraging the same infrastructure that supports Google’s own services. This ensures robust and secure access to all Google services.

Access to All Google Services: RETN customers can access a wide range of Google services, including Workspace, Cloud APIs, Cloud VPN, Google Public IPs, and more. Any Google service reachable over the internet can be used with RETN as a Verified Peering Provider.

“The Verified Peering Program is a win-win for Google and ISPs. Google customers benefit from improved connectivity and reliability, and RETN gains a competitive advantage. We’re excited to have RETN as a part of this program and look forward to working together to provide a great experience for our mutual customers,” said Dave Schwartz, Senior Product Manager, Google Global Networking.

“This recognition underscores our dedication to providing the highest quality connectivity solutions to our customers – ensuring robust, redundant, and highly available connectivity to essential cloud services is more critical than ever. This partnership not only enhances our service offerings but also assures our customers that they are receiving enterprise-grade, reliable access to Google’s extensive suite of services,” said Andrey Gazizov, Chief Operating Officer of RETN.

Parking Cupid – Now Someone Else Will Pay Your Parking Tickets

A new online service is taking the hassle out of getting a parking fine. https://www.parkingmadeeasy.com.au , an innovative online platform, has launched a new initiative giving drivers the chance to have their parking fines paid for them Australia-wide. Operating as https://www.parkingcupid.com globally and in cities such as New York, Toronto, Singapore, Chennai, Dubai and Christchurch where the service is the same there. This initiative, known as the ‘Parking Fine Protection’, offers a unique solution to the common problem of parking fines and is available exclusively to the platform’s members.

For just $15, members can join Parking Made Easy, gaining access to the ‘Parking Fine Protection’ initiative. This service not only provides the opportunity for fines to be reimbursed but also assists members with putting together appeal letters if they wish to challenge their fines. The platform is designed to alleviate the financial and emotional stress associated with parking fines, providing a supportive and practical solution for drivers.

Through the Parking Made Easy website, members can submit their parking tickets and potentially receive a reimbursement for the full fine amount. The funding to pay off these fines is generated through the crowdsourcing of the website’s membership fees, creating a community-driven approach to solving parking-related issues.

There is, however, a catch. Each day, a draw is held to decide who gets their fine paid off, with only one winner per day. If a member is the only person to have submitted a fine on a given day, their fine will be paid out. If multiple members submit fines, Parking Made Easy will randomly draw a name from the submissions. This element of chance adds a layer of excitement and anticipation, making the process engaging for all members.

Parking Made Easy is not just about parking fine protection ( see here for more info https://www.parkingmadeeasy.com.au/parking-fine-protection ). The platform is dedicated to enhancing the overall parking experience by connecting drivers with available parking spaces across Australia. Whether it’s driveways, garages, or parking lots, Parking Made Easy facilitates the rental process, offering a convenient solution for both parking space owners and drivers in need. This service is particularly beneficial in urban areas where parking is often scarce and expensive.

The platform ensures a seamless process through its user-friendly interface, making it easier than ever to find, book, and manage parking spaces. This ease of use, combined with the innovative ‘Parking Fine Protection’ initiative, positions Parking Made Easy as a leader in the parking solutions market.

About Parking Made Easy

Parking Made Easy is an innovative online platform that connects drivers with available parking spaces across Australia. By facilitating the rental of driveways, garages, and parking lots, Parking Made Easy offers a convenient solution for both parking space owners and drivers in need. The platform’s services include the unique ‘Parking Fine Protection’ initiative, which provides members with the chance to have their parking fines reimbursed. Committed to enhancing the parking experience, Parking Made Easy ensures a seamless process through its user-friendly interface, making it easier than ever to find, book, and manage parking spaces.

Sign up HERE

Nearly half of Irish jobseekers (47%) would refuse a job offer if there were no hybrid or fully remote working options offered

A new report released today by The Stepstone Group, a leading global jobs platform and parent company of IrishJobs, reveals that hybrid working is a key deal breaker for Irish jobseekers.  Nearly half of jobseekers (47%) would refuse a job offer if there were no hybrid or fully remote working options offered, compared to a global average of 29%. The research also found that 61% of jobseekers would turn down an otherwise attractive job offer from an employer if they received a negative impression during an interview.

Published in partnership with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and The Network, a global alliance of more than 70 leading recruitment websites, the new report titled How Work Preferences Are Shifting in the Age of GenAI, is based on survey data from more than 150,000 workforce respondents from 188 countries, including 1,746 respondents in Ireland, and is the fourth instalment in a series, the previous editions having been published in 2014, 2018, and 2021.

Findings also highlight the growing importance of corporate environmental, social and governance policy for Irish jobseekers. Almost one in five (18%) of jobseekers would refuse a job offer from an employer that didn’t have environmental or sustainability initiatives in place. 30% of jobseekers would not accept a job offer from an employer that didn’t offer mental health or wellbeing benefits.

A good work-life balance was the top job preference among Irish professionals, unchanged since the last report was published in 2021. Financial compensation, job security, and the amount of paid time off/holidays were the other most important work preferences in Ireland. Financial compensation has increased by six places since the last survey, indicating the impact of an increased cost of living on the workforce over the past number of years.

Findings also reveal how work preferences change across different age groups. While a good work-life balance is the most important job element for professionals aged 21 and above, interesting job content is the top component for workers under the age of 21. Financial compensation is the second most important work preference for professionals aged 21-50. Good relationships with colleagues overtake monetary considerations as the second most important job preference among workers aged 51 and above.

The research also revealed that when it comes to the balance of power in the employment markets, almost half of jobseekers (48%) believe they have at least some degree of choice in salary offers and can negotiate with employers.

Sam Dooley, Country Director of The Stepstone Group Ireland, responsible for IrishJobs says: “The Irish economy continues to expand, albeit at a more moderate pace, with the rate of unemployment remaining at a record low of 4%. Against this backdrop of near full employment, there continues to be significant competition among employers to attract and retain skilled talent. 

“The insights from our latest Decoding Global Talent 2024 report, published today, provide an important insight for employers into the changing needs and preferences of professionals as they seek to meet their talent needs in this competitive environment.

Amidst such a tight labour market it’s crucial that employers regularly review and update their talent offerings to ensure they meet workers’ expectations. Providing employees with a good work-life balance remains the most important job preferences for professionals and should not be underestimated by employers in their job offering ­– it has consistently ranked as the top job preferences in our research since 2018.

“Our research also highlights the growing importance of hybrid and flexible working in the jobseeker agenda. With nearly half of jobseekers willing to turn down opportunities that do not provide hybrid or fully remote working options, employers should ensure they’re evolving their policies to address these needs and comply with new Government guidelines on the right to request remote work.”

Global Findings

The global findings of the survey reveal that three-quarters of workers around the world believe GenAI will bring some level of disruption to the workplace. But despite uncertain times, they remain confident about their place in the labor market: 57% of them are ready to retrain into new roles to stay ahead in their careers, and 64% feel they hold the upper hand when negotiating for jobs.

The findings of the study underscore the proactive approach workers are taking in response to the potential impacts of GenAI. By prioritizing reskilling and development, they are not only preparing to adapt to technological changes but also expressing confidence in their ability to thrive in an evolving labor market. This adaptability is key to maintaining a robust and resilient workforce in the face of ongoing technological advances.

Globally, workers are also clear about what they don’t want—54% would refuse an attractive job offer if they had a bad experience during the interview process. The importance of the recruitment process is underscored by the fact that a negative experience during recruitment is the second-most-significant dealbreaker in North America and Europe. Additionally, 40% of workers say they won’t work for companies that don’t offer mental health support or that have a perceived negative impact on society.

“In attracting global talent, a personalised, modern recruitment process is every bit as critical as providing a value-based workplace that supports the well-being of employees,” said Sebastian Dettmers, CEO of The Stepstone Group. “These are simply not just ‘nice-to-haves’ anymore.”

Interestingly, the impact of AI disruption is evident in what global talent desires in an ideal workplace. Job security was the most important factor for workers in East Asia and South Asia, particularly among those who perceived AI to have a greater impact on their future work. Learning and development topped the list for the Middle East and North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America, highlighting a strong desire to adapt, progress, and upskill in an evolving landscape. The highly competitive labour markets of recent years and the strong bargaining position of workers are reflected in financial compensation being the top priority for North Americans and work-life balance for Europeans.

Download the publication here.
More insights about the survey here.

Linxens commits to fostering diversity and unlocking the full potential of its workforce in engineering

Linxens, the world leader in the design and manufacture of security and identification solutions for the smartcard, eGovernment, connected health and the Internet of Things (IoT) markets, reaffirms its commitment to diversity and the role of women in electronics manufacturing.

Ethical principles

For several years now, Linxens has been committed to promoting diversity and professional equity within its teams, a dedication that is all the more strategically important as the company itself diversifies its activities towards new high-growth sectors such as IoT and healthcare. The company is convinced that diversity – whether in terms of skills, background, origin or gender – is a driver of performance and innovation and contributes to the richness and creativity of its people. The issue of gender parity remains important insofar as Linxens’ areas of activity have traditionally been considered male. Linxens is committed to creating an environment free of discrimination in the treatment of individuals.

In France, in particular, women engineers are still under-represented in engineering schools and in positions of responsibility. They often face specific obstacles. According to the Femmes Ingénieures association, 24% of engineers are women, i.e. 242,810 out of around 1 million working engineers. This non-parity seems inescapable, given that only 30% of engineering students are women.

A spotlight on three exceptional talents at Linxens with an impressive career path

 Helena Berg, Managing Director at Linxens Healthcare (Sweden)

Helena BERG is an accomplished and passionate leader, with a solid background in mechanical engineering and organizational consulting. After six years in the aviation industry, where she contributed to key projects for the Swedish Air Force, she moved to the healthcare industry. At Linxens Healthcare, she manages and oversees the company’s operations, while providing strategic direction to the Board of Directors. Her inspirational leadership and strategic vision make her a key figure in the industry.

 

 Lamia FERDJANI, Technical Project Leader at Linxens (France)

Lamia FERDJANI is an engineer with a degree in Physics and Engineering Sciences, and solid experience in various sectors such as aeronautics, manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. At Linxens, she coordinates the development of complex medical products, drawing on her technical expertise and teamwork skills. Her career path testifies to her ability to rise to technical challenges and adapt to a variety of working environments.

 

 Sévérine GOMONT, Production Manager at Linxens  (France)

Sévérine GOMONT is a recognized expert in chemical engineering and polymer chemistry, with over 20 years’ experience at Linxens. After holding various positions of responsibility in R&D and engineering, she is now Production Manager at the Mantes site (Yvelines). Her career path bears witness to her constant commitment to excellence and her ability to adapt to new challenges. Her mastery of production processes and her ability to unite her teams make her a key figure in the chemical industry.

“We are convinced that diversity, in its broadest sense, is an essential driver of performance, innovation and competitiveness. We work every day to promote diversity and inclusion within our teams, creating role models and encouraging young women to take an interest in our technical professions from an early age. We are convinced that this choice will benefit both their own careers and the growth of this industry, so important in today’s interconnected world”, says Patrick Roux, Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer & Communications at Linxens.

Sources:

*<https://www.swe.org/about-swe/swe-fact-sheets/women-in-engineering-by-the-numbers>

** <https://www.engineering.com/story/women-in-stem-statistics-and-trends>

 

Dargan Forum 2024: Harnessing Technology, Empowering Communities

On 4th July, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers will converge at the Dargan Forum 2024 to explore the intersection of technology, empowerment and community building. Set in venues across picturesque Dún Laoghaire, an historic hotbed for innovation, the Dargan Forum 2024 intends to ignite conversations and inspire innovation, laying a path to digital, green future for Ireland’s communities.

Opening this year’s conference with expert insight into how technology can serve people and places is Bobby Healy, CEO of MANNA Drone Delivery, who will share his company’s inspiring vision for a net zero future for deliveries. Keynote speakers include Dara Calleary TD, Minister of State for Digital Transformation; Allan Mulrooney, CEO of the Western Development Commission; David Curtin, CEO of .ie; and Emma Jones, founder and CEO of Enterprise Nation which recently announced a strategic partnership with the Dargan Forum.

Upon announcing this collaboration, Emma Jones of Enterprise Nation said:

“Digital adoption is not just about new jobs, a tech-enabled, thriving local small business community creates better jobs, better businesses and more innovation — all of which contribute to a healthy local economy. That’s why we’re delighted to be partnering with Dargan Institute’s forward-thinking plans to ensure Irish firms can get ahead in the global digital transformation race.”

David Curtin, CEO of key Dargan Forum 2024 sponsor .ie, shared:

“.ie has been a long-term champion of the transformative power of digital technology in our towns and communities. The Dargan Forum serves as a crucial platform for driving meaningful change by leveraging our collective experience to bridge the digital divide and elevate digital skills. Partnering with the Dargan Forum is vital because it prioritises people and places, ensuring that progress benefits everyone. Together, we are committed to uncovering the innovative ways in which digitalisation enriches lives, strengthens communities, and boosts enterprises.”

Eoin Costello, national director of the Dargan Institute and adviser on the government’s Enterprise Digital Advisory Forum (EDAF), said:

“In the 21st century powerful virtual technologies such as cloud computing, AI and quantum computing will shape our lives in ways that we can only imagine. The objective of the Dargan Forum is ensuring that these powerful technologies are put to the service of people and places, leaving no one behind.”

Other key event partners include Irish Rail, Connected Hubs, Søstrene Grene and Fáilte Ireland.  Bank of Ireland is also a long-term supporter of the work of the Dargan Institute through the Dargan Hub, Dún Laoghaire.

To secure your place at this exciting and innovative free event, connect with like-minded individuals, and contribute to the dialogue that will shape the future of Irish communities, visit the Dargan Forum website:

https://www.darganinstitute.ie/dargan-forum

ASUS Announces Fresh New Verdure Green Color for Zenfone 11 Ultra

ASUS today announced Verdure Green, a fresh new color option for its Zenfone 11 Ultra lineup that pays homage to the lush greenery of New York’s Central Park, an oasis of calm in a bustling city. This new shade offers the user a touch of serenity, wherever they go.

Building upon the Zenfone 11 Ultra’s legacy of innovation, the Verdure Green variant retains all the hallmark features that users have come to love. The Verdure Green variant maintains consistency in design, with both the upgraded aluminum-framed, glossy glass-covered triple-lens camera module and the back cover elegantly clad in the same captivating color. This harmonious design aesthetic ensures a visually striking device that stands out from the crowd. Additionally, the on-trend green colorway gives users an up-to-date fashion choice to suit modern style sensibilities.

Zenfone 11 Ultra provides more of everything, packing a more expansive screen, a faster processor, and a bigger battery into its meticulously-designed chassis.  The phone includes a raft of AI-powered features, including AI Noise Cancelation, AI Call Translator, AI Transcript, and AI Wallpaper, which make the user’s mobile lifestyle easier and more fulfilling[i]. ASUS continues to deliver cutting-edge technology wrapped in an ultra-elegant package.

The Zenfone 11 Ultra in Verdure Green delivers the perfect blend of style and technology, elevating users’ AI-powered mobile experience and making a statement with this fresh new addition to the Zenfone family.

“The Color plan pursues the essence of simplicity and nature, inspired by the colors and inspired by the Life, to pay tribute to the incomparable beauty of nature. Low-chroma color matching provides maximum product adaptability across a wide range of environments.” said Jess Wu, Industrial Design Senior Manager. “Drawing inspiration from the Earth’s natural elements, the phone’s back cover showcases a range of earth-inspired hues, including Eternal Black, Skyline Blue, Misty Gray, and Desert Sand. These colors not only add vibrancy and innovation to the phone’s design but also evoke a sense of tranquillity, stability, energy, and presence, reminiscent of the serenity found in nature’s elements.”

“In addition to all those features, we’ve embraced sustainability from the design phase, incorporating eco-friendly practices throughout. This includes a touch panel with 22% PIR recycled glass, a protective case made from 50% PCR recycled plastic, a 100% recycled aluminum frame, and fully sustainable packaging,” concluded Jess Wu. “Our packaging materials are FSC-certified, printed with non-toxic soy-based inks, and all phone and cable components are encased in paper. We are committed to making strides in sustainability, from the inside out.”

AVAILABILITY & PRICING

ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra in Verdure Green will be available from 17th June 2024 in Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Czechia from https://www.asus.com/mobile-handhelds/phones/zenfone/zenfone-11-ultra/.

Edifier D32 tabletop speaker – Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified, AirPlay compatible and high-capacity built-in battery

Edifier International, the award-winning audio design house, has announced details of their new retro-inspired D32 Tabletop Wireless Speaker. Producing high quality audio playback, the D32 is precision manufactured to satisfy savvy audiophiles and design lovers alike.

Edifier have become known for marrying premium production quality with flawless audio experiences and the D32 is no exception. With a hand-made wooden housing, the speaker is acoustically treated to reduce excess resonance and distortion, whilst dual bass reflex ports enhance lows without overpowering mids and highs. Fitted with two 1″ silk dome tweeters and one 4″ long-throw mid-low driver, the speaker is capable of producing a frequency response of between 52Hz – 40kHz and has earned the prestigious Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certifications.

Elsewhere inside, the D32 includes dual Class-D audio amplifiers from Texas Instruments, capable of providing enhanced end-to-end high resolution audio processing. Importantly, this is done via a two-way active crossover, which separates the audio signal during processing to ensure it remains as pure as possible. Additionally, the D32 has in-built dynamic range control (DRC) that reduces the difference between the loudest and quietest aspects of an audio signal, overall producing a more balanced, detailed and consistent audio fidelity when listening between different genres.

Together, with support for SBC, AAC, LDAC, and ALAC (Apple AirPlay 2) codecs and an 11-hour battery life, the Edifier D32 TableTop Speaker places a premium on outstanding audio whilst maintaining, at its core, multi-use functionality. Featuring multiple input options, including Bluetooth V5.3, USB-C, Wi-Fi (Apple AirPlay) and AUX, the D32 weighs just 3.04Kg. Measuring 250mm x 162mm x 179mm, users can enjoy the D32 in a range of home and on-the-go settings, whether enjoying the latest podcast on the couch, singing to a favourite song in the bathroom or entertaining friends in the summer sun.

Quintessential to this multi-use functionality, Edifier place particular importance on the visual language of their products. The D32 sports a unique mid-century modern feel; built using the most advanced production techniques and materials, it combines the sleek and minimal lines of the Bauhaus design movement with subtle nods to timeless 1970s radio design. Delivering in both form and function, the warm and sophisticated appearance has a tactile-yet-luxe character, complete with a textured, braided grille, satisfying accordion-style keyboard buttons and smart metallic detailing. Available in both white and black walnut colour ways, the aesthetic versatility of the D32 truly sets it apart – making this an unrivalled choice for the decor-conscious consumer who values a balance between elegant award-winning design and industry-leading audio technology.

Together, Edifier has produced another defining product for the market. A perfect fit for modern life, the D32 achieves impeccable sound whilst maintaining a distinct and eye-catching presence. Finally, the D32 is compatible with the Edifier ConneX App, allowing users to sculpt their sound to taste, including a source switch, various playback controls, sound effects switch and EQ customization.

  • 60W (RMS) total output power with quality sound
  • Dual 1″ silk dome tweeters and one 4″ long-throw mid-low driver
  • Full digital signal processing, two-way active crossover, and DRC
  • Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified
  • Works with Apple AirPlay2 via the 5GHz and 2.4GHz dual-band Wi-Fi connection
  • Bluetooth V5.3, USB, and AUX inputs
  • Supports SBC, AAC, LDAC, and ALAC (AirPlay mode only) codecs
  • 11 hours playtime by the built-in battery pack
  • Works with EDIFIER ConneX mobile app
  • Codecs – SBC, AAC, LDAC, and ALAC (AirPlay mode only)

Price & Availability:

Available for £189.99 from https://www.kbaudio.co.uk/products/edifier-d32-bluetooth-wifi-desktop-speaker

FinTech Depowise, platform handling €800bn in assets, enters the UK and Irish market

Depowise, the Estonian-founded oversight and process automation startup for financial services firms, is expanding into the United Kingdom and Ireland. The company aims to increase its current 5% market share tenfold in the domiciled funds market of Luxembourg, Ireland, and the UK, valued at more than €16.5 trillion. Over the next five years, Depowise plans to achieve a volume of assets on the platform of €8 trillion and become a market leader.

Leading this significant expansion is Leonid Belov, the newly appointed Managing Director for the UK and Ireland. Belov has a wealth of experience across front-to-back and cross-asset-class solutions, having worked in leading financial institutions such as BlackRock, State Street, MSCI, and Bloomberg.

“Having known Leo since our Bloomberg days, I have always admired his drive and insight. During one of our chats, I brought up my ambition to develop Depowise, and this resonated strongly with Leo, who thought we could disrupt the status quo and bring about meaningful change,” says Artur Reiter, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Depowise. “We are beyond delighted to welcome Leonid Belov to our team. His exceptional talent in growth engineering, coupled with his strategic approach, sales expertise, and extensive financial technology knowledge, will undoubtedly secure our success in these new markets.”

Mr Belov shares the excitement: “Depowise has incredible growth potential that I couldn’t resist being a part of. The dedication and achievements of the team in just three years – developing a market-leading end-to-end tool for the depositary market – are truly impressive.

Market starving for automation

The global asset servicing and management industries are in dire need of technological advancement. “Despite the significant pace of automation, a meaningful proportion of the industry still relies on manual processes for critical tasks. We see this as a big market opportunity for Depowise – our modern technology can unlock scale and achieve viable efficiency for our customers,” notes Belov.

In Queen Elisabeth II’s time, asset custody and oversight were managed primarily in Excel; in King Charles’s time, we aim to move it into Depowise, and by the time Prince William picks up the reigns, it will be largely driven by AI,” says Belov.

Depowise offers a comprehensive automation solution that streamlines compliance, oversight, safekeeping, reporting, and record-keeping tasks, significantly reducing manual efforts and inherent inefficiencies.

Unicorn-size market potential

Based on discussions with Depowise clients and prospects, we note that around a third of asset servicing and management companies in the UK and Ireland currently use multiple service providers to manage different parts of operations, around another third use in-house solutions, and nearly every organisation still heavily relies on Excel. The market size for automation in this sector is projected to grow to over €7bn by 2027, and with no complete, end-to-end competitors, Depowise aims to become the market leader within five years.

Our 2022 customer survey showed that Depowise increased efficiency for our customers by up to 82%. “You don’t have to spend your mornings searching for discrepancies because Depowise does the checks for you in the background,” Sven Peekmann, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Depowise, explains the efficiency phenomenon. “Now, when nearly 90% of daily work is done automatically, Depowise allows you to focus on the issues with the most significant business impact.”