Blog

Uniting the strength of Visa’s trusted infrastructure with HotelRunner’s deep presence in hospitality, this strategic preferred partnership sets the foundation for a new era of embedded finance in travel. By bringing Visa’s products directly into HotelRunner’s platform, this collaboration will enable seamless, secure, and scalable cross-border payments and settlements for thousands of travel businesses worldwide.

LONDON, UK / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / HotelRunner, a leading travel and hospitality technology platform, and Visa, a global leader in digital payments, have announced a global strategic preferred partnership to empower businesses of all sizes across the travel and hospitality industry. The collaboration brings together Visa’s trusted global infrastructure and secure cross-border payments capabilities with HotelRunner’s deep presence and extensive reach in hospitality technology. Solving the “last-mile” challenge in tourism and democratizing financial access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets, HotelRunner is collaborating with Visa to provide robust technology infrastructure and B2B connectivity that enables accommodation providers, from boutique hotels in Morocco to guesthouses in Bali, to get paid quickly and securely across borders.

By uniting their strengths, the two companies aim to accelerate economic growth across the global travel and hospitality ecosystem while delivering seamless, secure, and scalable financial solutions. This partnership sets the foundation for a new era of embedded finance with a specific focus on independent hotels by providing access to global payment rails.

“Travel runs on trust, and trust depends on secure, reliable infrastructure,” said Ali Beklen, Founder and Managing Partner of HotelRunner. “By combining HotelRunner’s global hospitality network with Visa’s unmatched expertise, we are building the autonomous financial infrastructure of travel. This is not only about payments; it is about building the financial rails that will power the next decade of global tourism. We are reshaping the future of cross-border travel commerce, making it safer, smarter, and more inclusive for businesses worldwide.”

On this partnership, Arden Agopyan, Founder and Managing Partner of HotelRunner, said, “HotelRunner has spent more than a decade building the digital backbone of hospitality. For too long, small and independent accommodations and travel agencies have been excluded from global financial flows and the payments economy. Together with Visa, we’re changing that. We’re combining our reach and reliable platform with one of the world’s most trusted networks to create a new standard for autonomous, secure, seamless, and scalable travel payments.”

“Our collaboration with HotelRunner demonstrates how together we can drive innovation across the B2B travel ecosystem. By combining Visa’s trusted global payments network with HotelRunner’s hospitality platform, we’re enabling travel businesses to connect, transact, and grow more seamlessly and securely. Together, we’re helping to unlock new opportunities, and strengthen the global travel ecosystem” Tania Platt, Global Head of B2B Travel, Visa.

Operating globally, this collaboration will bring Visa and HotelRunner together with key travel companies in Europe, APAC, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. This partnership is set to deliver innovative embedded and autonomous finance services supporting millions of travel businesses worldwide.

SOURCE: HotelRunner

Related Images

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

– Global Anti-Scam Alliance and Feedzai Release Global State of Scams 2025 –

THE HAGUE, NL / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / The Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), in partnership with Feedzai, has released the Global State of Scams 2025 Report. Based on a survey of 46,000 adults across 42 markets, the report provides a comprehensive analysis of the prevalence, impact, and policy challenges of scams worldwide.

In the past 12 months, 57 percent of adults worldwide experienced a scam and 23 percent lost money. Shopping scams affected 54 percent of victims, while investment scams and unexpected money scams each impacted 48 percent. Scam encounters were most frequent in South America, Africa, and Oceania, where up to one in four adults lost money in the last year.

The research also highlights the emotional toll of scams. 69 percent of victims reported (huge) stress as a result, while 17 percent reported a loss of confidence and 14 percent said scams created heightened tension within their family unit. Despite this, many scams remain unreported, with uncertainty over where to report being the main barrier.

93% of adults globally claim to take at least one step to verify if an offer is legitimate or not. However, many often rely on methods that are less effective such as checking for spelling and grammar errors (27%); looking for reviews on the same website (24%) and checking if the company is on social media (21%).

Despite nearly three quarters of adults globally feeling confident in their ability to recognise a scam, scams remain prevalent, with many scam victims losing money and a significant proportion never reporting their encounters.

Jorij Abraham, Managing Director of GASA, comments: “We have a huge challenge, 73 percent of people worldwide feel confident they can recognize scams, however, nearly a quarter still lost money in the past year. Scams are not only draining finances but also eroding trust and creating significant stress within families. We are learning that scam awareness campaigns alone are not enough. We need to continuously educate consumers, build better solutions to recognize and block (AI) scams and work internationally closer to get to catch the scammers.

“Fraud isn’t just about transactions anymore. It’s about intent. Criminals are exploiting trust, behavior, and technology in real time. Stopping them takes more than spotting anomalies; it takes understanding human patterns. No single bank or payment provider can do that alone. The only way forward is collaboration across financial institutions and cybersecurity teams. That’s how we protect consumers everywhere.” adds Nuno Sebastião, CEO, Feedzai

The Global State of Scams 2025 Report emphasizes that scams are no longer isolated crimes but a global threat to consumer safety, financial stability, and trust in digital economies. GASA and Feedzai call for stronger international collaboration, better scam prevention tools, and accountability across platforms, governments, and industries.

The full report can be downloaded here: https://www.gasa.org/research

SOURCE: Global Anti-Scam Alliance

Related Images

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

Icotrokinra met the primary endpoint of clinical response at all three doses, with 36.5% of patients treated achieving endoscopic improvement and 30.2% achieving clinical remission at the highest dose at Week 12 in the Phase 2b ANTHEM-UC study

These data support the promise of a first-in-class targeted oral peptide that selectively blocks the IL-23 receptor as a potential new option for people with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis

Registrational Phase 3 study in ulcerative colitis and Phase 2b/3 study in Crohn’s disease anticipated to begin patient enrollment in Q4 2025

NEWARK, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc. (“Protagonist” or the “Company”) today announced additional Week 12 results from the Phase 2b ANTHEM-UC study of icotrokinra, a first-in-class investigational targeted oral peptide that selectively blocks the IL-23 receptor, in adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). The study met its primary endpoint, with all once-daily icotrokinra dose groups achieving clinical response^a at Week 12 and showing clinically meaningful improvements versus placebo across key secondary endpoints.¹ These results underscore the potential of icotrokinra to deliver a valuable combination of significant therapeutic benefit and a favorable safety profile with once-daily oral dosing and are featured at United European Gastroenterology (UEG) Week 2025.

At Week 12, patients treated with 400 mg of icotrokinra once daily achieved a clinical response rate of 63.5% versus 27% for placebo (p<0.001), while patients treated with 200 mg and 100 mg of icotrokinra once daily achieved 58.1% and 54.7% response rates, respectively.¹

Across multiple secondary endpoints, in the 400 mg icotrokinra group, significantly greater proportions of patients achieved clinical remission, symptomatic remission, and endoscopic improvement at Week 12 compared to placebo. Both the 200 mg and 100 mg once-daily dosing groups also showed meaningful improvements in these secondary endpoints relative to placebo. All icotrokinra doses demonstrated higher rates of symptomatic remission compared to placebo as early as Week 4.¹

Similar proportions of participants reported adverse events and serious adverse events through Week 12 across all icotrokinra dose groups and the placebo group.¹

Based on results from the Phase 2b ANTHEM-UC study, a Phase 3 trial in ulcerative colitis will be initiated. Icotrokinra is also being studied in the pivotal Phase 3 ICONIC program in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and the ICONIC-PSA 1 and ICONIC-PSA 2 studies in active psoriatic arthritis. A New Drug Application (NDA) was submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2025 seeking the first approval of icotrokinra for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

“The vast body of compelling data from Phase 2b and Phase 3 studies, including the most recent results from this Phase 2b study in ulcerative colitis, supports the thesis of IL-23R targeted oral peptide icotrokinra as a potential treatment option in a range of inflammatory and immunological diseases,” said Dinesh V. Patel, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer at Protagonist. “We are pleased to see the recent initiation of the registrational Phase 3 study of icotrokinra in UC and a Phase 2b/3 study in Crohn’s disease by our partner, along with the ongoing Phase 3 studies in psoriatic arthritis and the Phase 3 head-to-head results vs. ustekinumab in plaque psoriasis. We are also excited about the initiation of the Phase 1 study of our fully-owned oral IL-17 targeted oral peptide PN-881. Our goal is to deliver well-differentiated oral treatments for patients as we continue to advance our scientific and innovation leadership in the I&I field.”

Editor’s notes:

1. Clinical response is defined as a decrease from baseline in the modified Mayo score by greater than or equal to (>=) 30 percent (%) and >=2 points, with either a >=1-point decrease from baseline in the rectal bleeding subscore or a rectal bleeding subscore of 0 or 1.

2. Clinical remission was defined as a Mayo stool frequency subscore of 0 or 1, a Mayo rectal bleeding subscore of 0, and a Mayo endoscopic subscore of 0 or 1.

3. Symptomatic remission per Mayo score is defined as a stool frequency subscore of 0 or 1 and a rectal bleeding subscore of 0.

4. Endoscopic improvement was defined as an endoscopy subscore of 0 or 1.

About ANTHEM-UC

ANTHEM-UC (NCT06049017) is a Phase 2b multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of icotrokinra (JNJ-77242113, JNJ-2113) in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis who had an inadequate response or intolerance to conventional therapy (e.g., thiopurines or corticosteroids), prior biologics (TNF antagonists or vedolizumab) and/or ozanimod or approved JAK inhibitors. The study is evaluating three once-daily dosages of ​icotrokinra taken orally.²

About Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic disease of the large intestine, also known as the colon, in which the lining of the colon becomes inflamed and develops tiny open sores, or ulcers, that produce pus and mucus. It is the result of the immune system’s overactive response. Symptoms vary but may typically include loose and more urgent bowel movements, rectal bleeding or bloody stool, persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue.³

About Protagonist

Protagonist Therapeutics is a discovery through late-stage development biopharmaceutical company. Two novel peptides derived from Protagonist’s proprietary discovery platform are currently in advanced Phase 3 clinical development, with New Drug Application (NDA) for icotrokinra submitted to the FDA in July, and in the NDA submission for rusfertide expected by end of 2025. Icotrokinra (formerly, JNJ-2113), is a first-in-class investigational targeted oral peptide that selectively blocks the Interleukin-23 receptor (“IL-23R”), which is licensed to Janssen Biotech, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company. Following icotrokinra’s joint discovery by Protagonist and Johnson & Johnson scientists pursuant to the companies’ IL-23R collaboration, Protagonist was primarily responsible for the development of icotrokinra through Phase 1, with Johnson & Johnson assuming responsibility for development in Phase 2 and beyond. Rusfertide, a mimetic of the natural hormone hepcidin, is currently in Phase 3 development for the rare blood disorder polycythemia vera (PV). Rusfertide is being co-developed and will be co-commercialized with Takeda Pharmaceuticals pursuant to a worldwide collaboration and license agreement entered in 2024 under which the Company remains primarily responsible for development through NDA filing. The Company also has a number of preclinical stage drug discovery programs addressing clinically and commercially validated targets, including IL-17 oral peptide antagonist PN-881, obesity triple agonist peptide PN-477, and the oral hepcidin program.

More information on Protagonist, its pipeline drug candidates, and clinical studies can be found on the Company’s website at https://www.protagonist-inc.com/.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the potential benefits of icotrokinra and PN-881, and expectations regarding the icotrokinra and PN-881 development programs. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “may,” “will,” “expect,” or the negative or plural of these words or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those anticipated, including, but not limited to, our ability to develop and commercialize our product candidates, our ability to earn milestone payments under our collaboration agreements with Janssen and Takeda, our ability to use and expand our programs to build a pipeline of product candidates, our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval of our product candidates, our ability to operate in a competitive industry and compete successfully against competitors that have greater resources than we do, and our ability to obtain and adequately protect intellectual property rights for our product candidates. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors affecting our business can be found in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in our most recently filed periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and our actual results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity, and the development of the industry in which we operate, may differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. We assume no obligation to update our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

Investor Relations Contact

Corey Davis, Ph.D.
LifeSci Advisors
+1 212 915 2577
cdavis@lifesciadvisors.com

Media Contact

Virginia Amann, Founder/CEO
+1 833 500 0061 ext 1
ENTENTE Network of Companies
virginiaamann@ententeinc.com

References:

¹Abreu M., et al. Icotrokinra, a targeted oral peptide that selectively blocks IL-23 receptor activation, in moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis: week 12 results from the phase 2b, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, treat-through, dose-ranging ANTHEMUC trial. Oral presentation OP206 at United European Gastroenterology Week (UEGW) 2025. October 2025.

²Clinicaltrials.gov. A Study of JNJ-77242113 in Participants With Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis (ANTHEM-UC). Identifier NCT06049017. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06049017?term=ANTHEM-UC&rank=1. Accessed February 2025.

³Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. What is ulcerative colitis? Available at: https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-ulcerative-colitis. Accessed April 2024.

SOURCE: Protagonist Therapeutics

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / New to The Street, one of the nation’s longest- running business television brands airing as sponsored programming on Fox Business and Bloomberg, today announced a 12-month national media partnership with Stardust Power (NASDAQ:SDST), .a developer of battery-grade lithium carbonate designed to bolster America’s energy leadership by building resilient supply chains.

The comprehensive media partnership includes:

* Long-form sponsored television interviews airing nationwide on Fox Business and Bloomberg;
* Earned media placements across major network affiliates including ABC, NBC, and CBS;
* High-frequency national TV commercials produced and distributed by New to The Street; and
* Outdoor billboard campaigns across New York City’s Times Square and the Financial District.

“Partnering with New to The Street provides Stardust Power with a platform that reaches both institutional and retail investors through authentic storytelling across multiple channels,” said Vince Caruso, CEO and Executive Producer of New to The Street. “Our Predictable Media™ model ensures brands like Stardust Power gain consistent visibility on television, social media, and outdoor – the most powerful combination in financial media today.”

The 12-month series will spotlight Stardust Power’s progress on its Muskogee, Oklahoma lithium processing facility, located in the U.S. heartland and designed to produce up to 50,000 metric tons of battery grade lithium carbonate annually, while highlighting the company’s broader efforts to advance U.S. lithium refining, strengthen domestic supply chains, and drive American energy security. Interviews will be filmed from the NYSE and Nasdaq MarketSite studios and distributed to New to The Street’s expanding multi-platform audience, including more than 3.5 million YouTube subscribers and hundreds of thousands of social followers.

About New to The Street

New to The Street is one of America’s longest-running televised business brands, broadcasting nationwide on Fox Business and Bloomberg TV as sponsored programming. For over 16 years, the show has been a trusted platform where CEOs, founders, and innovators share their company’s story directly with millions of investors and consumers.

The program’s multi-channel distribution – spanning network television, earned media, social platforms, and iconic outdoor billboards in Times Square and the NYC Financial District – delivers unmatched visibility and credibility.

With an audience reach of over 220 million U.S. television households, a 3.5-million-plus YouTube subscriber base, and hundreds of thousands of followers across LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook, New to The Street has become the go-to destination for financial storytelling at scale.

Its proprietary Predictable Media™ model integrates long-form interviews, national TV commercials, social amplification, and earned media placements to ensure consistent exposure across all major investor touchpoints.

Featured clients and partners have included Goldman Sachs, Ford, KITON, PetVivo, GlintPay, DataVault – underscoring the show’s position as the most comprehensive and credible financial media platform in the U.S. today.

Media Contact: Monica Brennan – Monica@NewtoTheStreet.com

SOURCE: New To The Street

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

Platform’s “Better Leads, Better Prices, Better Results” mantra highlights LeadStar’s advanced AI-powered, compliance-integrated tools to empower licensed healthcare agents’ success

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / AmeriLife, a leading provider of insurance and financial solutions, is proud to announce the remarkably successful launch of its premier lead generation tool, LeadStar, Powered by EnrollHere, as licensed agents prepare to help millions of people during this year’s Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). This innovative technology has not only streamlined the lead generation process but has also significantly enhanced the value and efficiency for AmeriLife’s licensed insurance agents and affiliate companies.

“As we prepare for this year’s Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, LeadStar is poised to be a game-changer for our licensed agents,” said William DeCourcy, Chief Lead Generation Officer for AmeriLife. “This advanced tool will provide you with a steady stream of high-quality, compliant leads, ensuring you are ready to meet the needs of potential clients efficiently and effectively. We are committed to client satisfaction and success, and LeadStar is just one of the many ways we are equipping licensed agents with the best resources to help consumers secure the healthcare coverage they need.”

Transforming the Lead Generation Landscape

LeadStar has been a game-changer for AmeriLife’s agents. By integrating advanced data analytics and compliance features, the proprietary technology ensures that agents receive leads that are not only exclusive but also fully compliant with CMS regulations. This has led to a 64% reduction in lead costs, allowing agents to focus more on building relationships and closing deals rather than on the financial burden of acquiring leads.

AmeriLife’s affiliate companies are also benefiting from LeadStar. The tool’s ability to provide a steady stream of discounted, high-quality leads has enabled licensed agents to expand their reach and improve their market presence. The thousands of agents using LeadStar are a testament to its effectiveness and the trust it has built within the AmeriLife network.

Key Highlights:

Cost-Effective CPA: LeadStar has helped top agents achieve lower than $100 Cost Per Acquisition (CPA), making it one of the most cost-effective lead generation solutions in the industry.
Thousands of Discounted Leads: Agents now have access to thousands of high-quality, compliant leads at discounted rates, ensuring a robust pipeline of potential clients.
Thousands of Agents: thousands of agents are leveraging LeadStar to supercharge their sales efforts, resulting in increased conversions and higher client satisfaction.

“AmeriLife remains committed to investing in cutting-edge technology to support its agents and affiliate companies,” said Scotty Elliott, Chief Distribution Officer, Health at AmeriLife. “The anticipated success of LeadStar during AEP is just the beginning, and we plan to continue enhancing the tool to meet the evolving needs of our partners and clients.”

To learn about the new LeadStar, powered by EnrollHere, visit LeadStarHub.com.

About LeadStar, Powered by EnrollHere

LeadStar, Powered by EnrollHere, is an industry-leading enterprise leads program that delivers the compliant, reliable, and performative leads that today’s health and life insurance agents need to grow their book of business and maximize their success. Powered by AmeriLife exclusively for the company’s affiliated agents, LeadStar’s suite of solutions includes LeadStar, powered by EnrollHere, LeadStar Direct, and LeadStar Seminars Powered by LeadingResponse. For more information, contact an AmeriLife-affiliated marketing company or visit LeadStarHub.com.

About AmeriLife

AmeriLife’s strength lies in its mission: to provide insurance and retirement solutions that help people live longer, healthier lives. AmeriLife develops, markets, and distributes life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees across the United States. For over 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with top insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers through a national distribution network of over 300,000 agents, financial professionals, and more than 160 marketing organizations and insurance agencies. For more information, visit AmeriLife.com and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn.

SOURCE: AmeriLife

Related Images

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / Fashion brands have always been built on one primary characteristic: trust. Trust that the product is genuine. Trust that the craftsmanship is real. Trust that the values behind the brand match the ones it promotes. From Paris ateliers to fast-fashion retailers, every label’s reputation depends on that same promise of quality, consistency, and credibility.

But the world has changed. Supply chains have gone global. Sustainability has become a shareholder demand. And the old way of proving trust – through reputation alone – no longer cuts it. Today, trust must be earned through evidence. That’s where SMX (NASDAQ:SMX) and CETI, the European Center for Innovative Textiles, come in.

Together, they’ve created something fashion has needed for years: proof. Their industrial-scale collaboration embeds molecular-level traceability directly into textile fibers, giving every material its own unbreakable digital fingerprint. It’s DNA for fabric; a permanent identity that confirms where materials come from, how they were made, and whether they meet the sustainability claims printed on the tag. And for the first time, every brand, not just the luxury houses, can turn transparency into a competitive advantage.

A Measurement Problem, Not Faulty Intentions

Fashion doesn’t have a moral problem; it has a measurement problem. Even value-focused retailers have teams dedicated to quality control and sustainability. The intent is real, but the evidence hasn’t kept up. Supply chains sprawl across continents, crossing language barriers, time zones, and subcontractors until visibility fades. The result? Honest effort that still looks like greenwashing because no one can prove what’s real. SMX and CETI are changing that dynamic entirely.

Instead of auditing factories after the fact, their system embeds truth from the start. SMX’s patented molecular markers are added at the resin or polymer stage, before the first thread is spun. That proof lives within the fiber itself, surviving every step of production, from dyeing and weaving to retail. Yes, it works.

CETI’s validation lines in Lille have already demonstrated that this technology isn’t theoretical; it works on industrial machines, at industrial speeds. Proof no longer interrupts production. It powers it. That subtle shift – from inspection to integration – changes everything. A brand can now trace a fabric’s full journey from its thread origin to the finished garment and back through recycling, maintaining continuous accountability at every stage. Regulators can verify claims instantly. Stakeholders can see real ESG performance data. And consumers can finally trust that “sustainable” means something measurable, not just marketable.

Rewarding Through Monetization

But SMX doesn’t stop at validation; it monetizes verification. Through its blockchain-enabled Plastic Cycle Token (PCT), proof itself becomes an asset. The same mechanism that turns verified recycled plastics into tradeable digital credits now applies to textiles, transforming tons of verified fiber into quantifiable economic value.

The scale is staggering. We’re not talking about pennies per product. We’re talking about metric tons of authenticated material worth tens of thousands, even millions, when aggregated across global supply chains. For the first time, sustainability isn’t a cost center. It’s a profit driver. Proof doesn’t just protect brand equity; it compounds it.

That’s the genius of this partnership: SMX and CETI aren’t forcing fashion to reinvent itself. They’re giving it tools that fit seamlessly into the world it has already built: the infrastructure of design, logistics, and identity that has powered the industry for over a century. And they’re doing it at a moment when the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Timely to Meet EU Digital Product Passport Mandates

With the EU’s Digital Product Passport mandate set to take effect in 2026, every brand will soon be required to prove the origins, composition, and recyclability of its materials. Most companies are scrambling to figure out how. SMX and CETI already have the answer: a live, validated system that replaces paperwork with molecular proof and turns compliance into a competitive advantage.

The implications go far beyond regulation. Counterfeiting, fashion’s most persistent parasite, collapses when authenticity lives inside the material. A counterfeit can fake a label, but not a molecule. One scan verifies authenticity, origin, and sustainability simultaneously. For brands, that’s protection. For regulators, that’s enforcement. For consumers, that’s trust they can touch. And for e-commerce sellers, a single scan replaces armies of authenticators, eliminating human error and putting an unmistakable seal of legitimacy on every product. Buyers get the real deal, and seller platforms gain the biggest credibility boost in their history.

That’s the beauty of this SMX technology; it works for everyone. A couture house in Milan, a denim brand in Los Angeles, or a retailer in Bangkok. All can operate on the same foundation of verifiable truth. SMX and CETI have combined to offer a system that unites fashion’s two great ambitions: creativity and credibility.

Fashion built its empire on both quality and trust. Today, SMX and CETI are laying that trust on an unprecedented foundation – one where brands can replace promises with immutable and verifiable proof. Brands will continue to give consumers the logos. SMX and CETI will give them the ledger, not stitched on, but woven in. Those brands that embrace SMX and CETI’s contributions won’t just meet the standard; they’ll be a part of setting it. More importantly, protect brand pedigree at a level no one ever thought possible.

About SMX

As global businesses face new and complex challenges relating to carbon neutrality and meeting new governmental and regional regulations and standards, SMX is able to offer players along the value chain access to its marking, tracking, measuring and digital platform technology to transition more successfully to a low-carbon economy.

Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intends,” “may,” “will,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements in this press release may include, for example: matters relating to the Company’s fight against abusive and possibly illegal trading tactics against the Company’s stock; successful launch and implementation of SMX’s joint projects with manufacturers and other supply chain participants of gold, steel, rubber and other materials; changes in SMX’s strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects and plans; SMX’s ability to develop and launch new products and services, including its planned Plastic Cycle Token; SMX’s ability to successfully and efficiently integrate future expansion plans and opportunities; SMX’s ability to grow its business in a cost-effective manner; SMX’s product development timeline and estimated research and development costs; the implementation, market acceptance and success of SMX’s business model; developments and projections relating to SMX’s competitors and industry; and SMX’s approach and goals with respect to technology. These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this press release, and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing views as of any subsequent date, and no obligation is undertaken to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include: the ability to maintain the listing of the Company’s shares on Nasdaq; changes in applicable laws or regulations; any lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on SMX’s business; the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations, and identify and realize additional opportunities; the risk of downturns and the possibility of rapid change in the highly competitive industry in which SMX operates; the risk that SMX and its current and future collaborators are unable to successfully develop and commercialize SMX’s products or services, or experience significant delays in doing so; the risk that the Company may never achieve or sustain profitability; the risk that the Company will need to raise additional capital to execute its business plan, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; the risk that the Company experiences difficulties in managing its growth and expanding operations; the risk that third-party suppliers and manufacturers are not able to fully and timely meet their obligations; the risk that SMX is unable to secure or protect its intellectual property; the possibility that SMX may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and other risks and uncertainties described in SMX’s filings from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

EMAIL: info@securitymattersltd.com

SOURCE: SMX (Security Matters)

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

NORTH CANTON, OH / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / Visual Edge IT today announced the addition of three seasoned executives to its leadership team: Peter Stelling as Chief Integration Officer and Chief of Staff, Stephen Choi as Chief Product Officer, and Laurel Burton as Vice President of Marketing. These appointments build on the momentum from the July 2025 naming of James Hwang as Chief Executive Officer. Under Hwang’s leadership, the newly expanded executive team is poised to accelerate Visual Edge IT’s growth, innovation, and market leadership as the trusted technology solutions partner for small and medium-sized clients across its national footprint.

“We are thrilled to welcome Peter, Stephen, and Laurel to the Visual Edge IT leadership team,” said James Hwang, CEO of Visual Edge IT. “Each brings unique expertise and proven leadership that will strengthen our ability to deliver comprehensive solutions, seamless operational integration, and impactful market presence. Together, they position us to accelerate our transformation and growth strategy.”

Peter Stelling, Chief Integration Officer and Chief of Staff

With extensive experience in corporate strategy, operations, and organizational transformation, Peter Stelling will oversee enterprise-wide integration efforts and serve as a key advisor to the CEO and executive team. Stelling has held several leadership positions, most recently as COO at Marquis-experts in customer data platform (CDP) software-and previously as SVP of Strategic Initiatives at FireMon, where he successfully built corporate infrastructures and implemented systems to streamline operations.

“I am excited to join Visual Edge IT at such a pivotal time in its journey,” said Stelling. “I look forward to bringing additional value to a company that is already a leader in the industry including unlocking meaningful insights that give our customers a clear marketplace advantage.”

Stephen Choi, Chief Product Officer

Stephen Choi brings more than two decades of global technology leadership to Visual Edge IT. Prior to joining, Choi served as Vice President at Samsung Electronics America and Head of the North America Display Office (NADO), where he impacted nearly $1.6 billion in annual revenue and led teams across solution architecture, integration, and business development. His career also includes senior roles at Stratacache and AT&T Business, in addition to distinguished military service in the U. S. Air Force and the Air Force Reserve, where he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

“As Visual Edge IT continues to expand its client-facing technology solutions, product innovation will be central to our success,” said Choi. “I’m eager to leverage my experience to drive growth, introduce new capabilities, and help our clients succeed in an increasingly digital world.”

Laurel Burton, Vice President of Marketing

With more than 25 years of leadership experience in technology services and digital infrastructure, Laurel Burton will lead Visual Edge IT’s company-wide marketing strategy, aligning business objectives with brand development, demand generation, and client engagement. She has held senior marketing leadership roles at JSA, Otava, Faction, and ViaWest, where she drove global rebrands, launched impactful go-to-market programs, and supported record-setting revenue growth.

For more information, visit www.visualedgeit.com.

###

Contact Information

Jen Arthur
National Marketing Director
jarthur@visualedgeit.com

SOURCE: Visual Edge IT, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

Becomes the World’s Only Driver Monitoring System Validated Under Both Indian and EU Safety Standards

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / New to The Street, one of America’s longest-running business television brands airing as sponsored programming on Fox Business and Bloomberg, congratulates its client partner Roadzen Inc. (NASDAQ:RDZN) on a historic milestone for its flagship platform, DrivebuddyAI.

DrivebuddyAI has secured validation for compliance with the European Union’s General Safety Regulation (EU GSR 2144) from Applus IDIADA in Barcelona, making it the world’s only AI-powered Driver Monitoring System (DMS) validated under both India’s AIS-184 and EU safety standards.

This breakthrough solidifies Roadzen’s global leadership in AI-driven mobility and insurance technology, aligning with the upcoming EU NCAP 2026 mandate, which will require in-cabin driver monitoring in all new vehicles beginning July 2026.

Key Highlights

• Dual Certification: Only driver monitoring platform validated under both Indian (AIS-184) and EU (GSR 2144) safety frameworks.

• 3.5 Billion+ Kilometers of Data: DrivebuddyAI has surpassed 3.5 billion kilometers of real-world driving data-nearly doubling within four months.

• 70%+ Accident Reduction: Proven AI efficacy with over 70% fewer accidents through advanced behavioral modeling and alert accuracy.

• Global Showcase: DrivebuddyAI will exhibit live at InCabin Europe 2025 (Booth C210) in Barcelona, October 7-9, featuring live demos across DMS, ADAS, ADDW, DDAW, and occupant monitoring.

Leadership Commentary

Nisarg Pandya, Head of Roadzen’s DrivebuddyAI, said:

“We’re proud to be the only company validated for both European and Indian standards. The industry is demanding higher accuracy and fewer false alerts – and DrivebuddyAI delivers exactly that. With validated compliance for DMS and our single-box, five-compliance solution, we’re fully prepared for the EU market.”

Rohan Malhotra, CEO of Roadzen, added:

“We’re building the world’s first truly global AI foundation model for road safety-trained on billions of miles of diverse driving data. Our platform is designed to make roads safer everywhere.”

About Roadzen Inc. (NASDAQ: RDZN)

Roadzen Inc. is a global technology leader at the intersection of AI, insurance, and mobility. Its technologies empower insurers, carmakers, and fleets to build new products, process claims faster, and improve road safety through telematics and computer vision. Recognized by Forbes, Fortune, and Financial Express as a top AI innovator, Roadzen operates across the U.S., U.K., and India with over 300 employees.
Visit www.roadzen.ai for more information.

About New to The Street

New to The Street is one of the nation’s longest-running business television brands, broadcasting weekly as sponsored programming on Fox Business and Bloomberg, reaching more than 220 million households. Through its Predictable Media™ model, New to The Street blends sponsored programming, earned media, and outdoor billboard dominance across Times Square and the NYC Financial District. Its YouTube channel, with over 3.5 million subscribers, provides unmatched digital distribution for its featured companies, making it the most integrated media platform for public and private companies globally.

Media Contact

Monica Brennan
New to The Street
Monica@NewToTheStreet.com

SOURCE: New To The Street

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

Partnership combines Vertosoft’s public sector distribution and contract access with Exclusive Networks’ commercial distribution and technical services, to accelerate partner & supplier growth

LEESBURG, VA AND FREMONT, CA / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / Vertosoft and Exclusive Networks North America today announced a strategic partnership to strengthen channel opportunities and deliver a coordinated route to market for the companies’ suppliers and partners that covers both the U.S. public sector and commercial market.

Under the agreement, Vertosoft will serve as Exclusive Networks’ preferred distributor for the U.S. Government market, while Exclusive Networks will serve as Vertosoft’s preferred North American commercial distributor. The collaboration pairs Vertosoft’s contract access and public-sector expertise with Exclusive Networks’ cybersecurity market expertise, commercial channel reach, engineering and services capabilities, creating new market opportunities for channel partners and vendors.

“This partnership removes friction for innovative suppliers entering or expanding in the United States,” said Jay Colavita, President of Vertosoft. “By combining Vertosoft’s Public Sector contract access and compliance expertise with Exclusive Networks’ commercial scale, and technical enablement, suppliers get one coordinated path to win across Federal, SLED, and Commercial enterprise segments.”

“Together, we will unlock new opportunities and develop strategic programs that drive growth, amplify impact, and build lasting value for our partners and their customers,” said Jason Beal, President, Americas, Exclusive Networks. “This unique relationship also allows us to expand delivery of our cyber-skills program development resources into the public sector.”

Partners can benefit from joint enablement programs to grow their business in both the public and private sectors and take advantage of offerings including government contract vehicle access (e.g., GSA Schedule and cooperative purchasing programs), and deep technical services spanning pre‑sales design, training and certification, implementation, and ongoing technical account management. The companies will also collaborate to productize post‑sales professional services to aid adoption, expansion, and renewals. Exclusive Networks will also make its university‑based student talent development CyberFarm program available to support cyber skills development in the U.S. Partners gain access to both government and commercial segments in a structured, scalable approach to reach more customers, faster, allowing for one coordinated path for growth.

Suppliers interested in accelerating U.S. market growth across both public sector and commercial segments can request a joint strategy session with Vertosoft and Exclusive Networks.

About Vertosoft

Vertosoft is a high‑value distributor dedicated to helping innovative technology suppliers win in the U.S. government market through contract access, compliance expertise, and a public‑sector‑ready reseller ecosystem.

About Exclusive Networks

Exclusive Networks is a global cybersecurity go-to-market specialist that provides partners and end-customers with a wide range of services and product portfolios via proven routes to market.

Our best-in-class vendor portfolio is carefully curated with all leading industry players. Our services range from managed security to specialist technical accreditation and training and capitalize on rapidly evolving technologies and changing business models. For more information visit https://www.exclusive-networks.com/usa/.

Brian Sherman
CommCentric Solutions
bsherman@commcentric.com
Mobile: +1 814-882-4432

SOURCE: Exclusive Networks USA

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire