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VERSABANK RECEIVES CANADIAN REGULATORY APPROVAL FOR U.S. BANK ACQUISITON: TRANSACTION TARGETED TO CLOSE AUGUST 30, 2024

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–  Acquisition Will Enable VersaBank to Broadly Launch its Unique and Highly Successful Receivable Purchase Program (RPP) Financing Solution in the United States

LONDON, ON, June 25, 2024 /CNW/ – VersaBank (TSX: VBNK) (NASDAQ: VBNK), a North American leader in business-to-business digital banking, as well as technology solutions for cybersecurity, today announced that it has received approval from  its Canadian regulator, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), to proceed with VersaBank’s acquisition of Minnesota-based Stearns Bank Holdingford N.A. (“Stearns Holdingford”) (the “U.S. Bank Acquisition”).  OSFI’s approval follows approvals by U.S. regulators and is the final approval required to enable VersaBank to complete the U.S.  Bank Acquisition.  VersaBank is targeting close of the U.S. Bank Acquisition for August 30, 2024.

Stearns Holdingford is an independent OCC-chartered national bank with US$79 million in assets located in Holdingford, Minnesota that is wholly owned by Stearns Financial Services, Inc. (“Stearns Financial”). Stearns Financial, a multi-bank holding company owning two additional and separate national bank charters, Stearns Bank Upsala National Association and Stearns Financial’s flagship and largest national bank, Stearns Bank National Association (headquartered in St. Cloud, Minnesota), is not part of the VersaBank transaction and will continue to exist and operate independently.

“OSFI’s approval of our U.S. bank acquisition – the final regulatory hurdle for this transformational next step in our growth strategy – paves the way for the launch of our unique and highly successful Receivable Purchase Program (RPP) to the largest point-of-sale financing market in the world,” said David Taylor, President and Chief Executive Officer, VersaBank.  “Building on more than a decade of very strong growth in our RPP portfolio in Canada and the very favourable response to our RPP pilot program in the U.S., we are actively working toward broadly launching our RPP solution this autumn to address the significant demand that has developed since first announcing  our intention to enter the U.S. market.”

Mr. Taylor added, “We are actively working with the Stearns team toward closing of the Stearns Holdingford acquisition, ensuring a smooth transition and integration, and continuing the outstanding legacy of Stearns Holdingford in serving the local community.”

About VersaBank’s Receivables Purchase Program

VersaBank’s Receivable Purchase Program is an innovative and highly attractive digital funding solution for finance companies who lend money to consumers and small businesses for what are typically “big ticket” purchases (e.g. consumer home improvement/HVAC projects and a wide variety of commercial equipment).   It was specifically designed to address an unmet need in the market for consistently available, readily accessible, economically attractive capital using VersaBank’s proprietary, state-of-the-art banking technology.  Consistent with its branchless, business-to-business, partner-based digital banking strategy, VersaBank’s RPP enables it to access the massive and growing consumer and small business financing market in an indirect, efficient and highly risk-mitigated manner.

As of April 30, 2024, VersaBank’s Receivable Purchase Program portfolio was in excess of C$3.1 billion (US$2.3 billion), growing at compounded annual rate of more than 26% over the last five years (fiscal year ended October 31).  Since the Bank’s RPP was first launched in Canada in 2010 and launched on a limited basis in the U.S. in April 2022, VersaBank has provided more than C$9 billion (more than US$6.5 billion) in funding to North American finance companies.

About VersaBank

VersaBank is a Canadian Schedule I chartered (federally licensed) bank with a difference. VersaBank became the world’s first fully digital financial institution when it adopted its highly efficient business-to-business model in 1993 using its proprietary state-of-the-art financial technology to profitably address underserved segments of the Canadian banking market in the pursuit of superior net interest margins while mitigating risk. VersaBank obtains all of its deposits and provides the majority of its loans and leases electronically, with innovative deposit and lending solutions for financial intermediaries that allow them to excel in their core businesses. In addition, leveraging its internally developed IT security software and capabilities, VersaBank established wholly owned, Washington, DC-based subsidiary, DRT Cyber Inc. to pursue significant large-market opportunities in cyber security and develop innovative solutions to address the rapidly growing volume of cyber threats challenging financial institutions, multi-national corporations and government entities on a daily basis.

VersaBank’s Common Shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) and Nasdaq under the symbol VBNK. Its Series 1 Preferred Shares trade on the TSX under the symbol VBNK.PR.A.

Forward-Looking Statements 

VersaBank’s public communications often include written or oral forward-looking statements. Statements of this type are included in this document, and may be included in other filings and with Canadian securities regulators or the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or in other communications. All such statements are made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of, and are intended to be forward-looking statements under, the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and any applicable Canadian securities legislation. The statements in this press release that relate to the future are forward-looking statements. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, many of which are out of our control. Risks exist that predictions, forecasts, projections, and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as several important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the strength of the Canadian and U.S. economy in general and the strength of the local economies within Canada and U.S. in which we conduct operations; the effects of changes in monetary and fiscal policy, including changes in interest rate policies of the Bank of Canada and the U.S. Federal Reserve; changing global commodity prices; the effects of competition in the markets in which we operate; inflation; capital market fluctuations; the timely development and introduction of new products in receptive markets; the impact of changes in the laws and regulations pertaining to financial services; changes in tax laws; technological changes; unexpected judicial or regulatory proceedings; unexpected changes in consumer spending and savings habits; the impact of wars or conflicts including the crisis in Ukraine and the impact of the crisis on global supply chains; the impact of new variants of COVID-19 and the Bank’s anticipation of and success in managing the risks implicated by the foregoing. For a detailed discussion of certain key factors that may affect our future results, please see our annual MD&A for the year ended October 31, 2023.

The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The forward-looking information contained in this document and the related management’s discussion and analysis is presented to assist our shareholders and others in understanding our financial position and may not be appropriate for any other purposes. Except as required by securities law, we do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that is contained in this document and the related management’s discussion and analysis or made from time to time by the Bank or on its behalf.

Visit our website at:  www.versabank.com

Follow VersaBank on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter)

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From Turbine Supply to Ecosystem Building: Goldwind Outlines APAC Strategy at the APAC Wind Energy Summit

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HANOI, Vietnam, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Speaking at the GWEC APAC Wind Energy Summit in Hanoi, Goldwind, a reliable global strategic partner in clean energy, reaffirmed its deep commitment to the Asia-Pacific region. Operating in 10 countries across APAC, Goldwind is driving the region’s energy transition through deep localization, ecosystem collaboration, and tailored clean energy solutions.

Drawing on two decades of international experience, Goldwind articulated a clear evolution at the summit: true globalization is not just about “going global” — it is about “landing well.” This strategic shift from pure market expansion to ecosystem building has already delivered tangible results. Goldwind’s cumulative installed capacity now exceeds 165 GW across 49 countries.

Across Asia Pacific, Goldwind delivers diversified, tangible impact: grid-forming storage in Australia, talent cultivation, localized supply chain and rapid delivery in Vietnam, typhoon-resilient designs in the Philippines, and hybrid towers that boost output in Thailand.

Dong Yinming, CEO of Goldwind Asia, emphasized in his keynote address at the summit:

“In Asia, our commitment goes beyond delivering turbines — we strive to be a locally-rooted system partner, supporting projects across the full lifecycle to create long-term value. Empowering local projects with global expertise and deeply cultivating the Asia-Pacific market — that is what true ‘landing well’ means for a greener, more prosperous region.”

 

Wu Kai, Vice President of Goldwind, added:

“Scaling wind power in Asia requires more than just installing additional turbines. It demands innovative solutions tailored to the region’s unique complexity. Closing the gap between ambition and implementation in Asia’s wind sector takes more than any single company. Let’s share what works, learn from each other, and co-create solutions that deliver lasting value — for the industry, for communities, and for the future.”

Looking ahead, Goldwind aims to deepen its local roots across every market it serves, empowering Asia’s energy transition with global expertise and local adaptation. As the region accelerates toward a green future, Goldwind remains committed to being a trusted, long-term partner — rooted in APAC, thriving together.

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SOURCE Goldwind

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Bambu Lab Launches PLA Pure: A Filament Made for Printing Where You Live

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AUSTIN, Texas, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As desktop 3D printers become a fixture in homes around the world, Bambu Lab – one of the fastest-growing companies in the consumer 3D printing space – is raising the bar on what a home printing filament should be. Today, Bambu Lab announced the launch of PLA Pure, a filament engineered for cleaner, safer home 3D printing, with every ingredient certified compliant with EU 10/2011, the European regulation governing plastics intended for food contact.

Five Ingredients. Each One Earned Its Place.

PLA Pure draws on materials you encounter in everyday life:

Polylactic acid (PLA) – derived from corn and sugarcane.Acrylic copolymer – commonly found in children’s toys.Color pigments – also used in baby tableware.EBS (ethylene bis-stearamide) – familiar from food packaging films.Talc – used in products such as biodegradable drinking straws; independently tested by a third party and verified asbestos-free.

Every ingredient appears on the EU 10/2011 positive list with a traceable FCM (Food Contact Material) substance number. Raw materials are supplied by global manufacturers including TotalEnergies Corbion, Dow, Chemours, and BASF, making compliance and traceability straightforward.

Most filaments marketed as food-contact compliant are tested only as finished products. PLA Pure is verified ingredient by ingredient, from the base material to the pigments.

Cleaner Air at Your Desk

Since printing often happens in living spaces, emissions matter. PLA Pure carries UL 2904 GREENGUARD certification*, the recognized standard for 3D printer emissions that measures particulate matter and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) for indoor air quality impact.

Particle and VOC levels during printing fall below what’s typically present in an average kitchen, living room, or office.In a four-hour continuous printing test conducted by an accredited laboratory, PLA Pure produced lower PM2.5 and PM10 emissions than a comparable filament under identical conditions.Proper ventilation is still recommended to minimize inhalation of any printing byproducts.

Bambu Lab’s PLA Basic also holds indoor air quality certification under the same standard, but PLA Pure’s cleaner ingredient profile yields even lower emission levels-particularly relevant when printing near children, pets, or in shared living spaces.

*Testing was conducted on Bambu Lab A1 and A2L printers, both open-deck models without enclosure or filtration. This setup represents the baseline emission scenario, where filament emissions are measured directly without any additional containment.

Safety Is One Thing. Reliability Is Another.

Most filaments rely on impact modifiers and flow agents to achieve consistent print results. PLA Pure takes a different approach: to keep the formula to five food-safe ingredients, Bambu Lab rebuilt the formulation from scratch—iterating until the chemistry alone could deliver what additives typically do. The result is less residue, reduced nozzle buildup, and more consistent extrusion spool after spool.

Less stringing — even without prior drying, PLA Pure produces noticeably fewer strings than typical third-party filaments.Cleaner surfaces — finished parts require less post-processing.Strength intact — PLA Pure matches PLA Basic in mechanical performance, with layer adhesion comparable to most PLA materials on the market.

All printing parameters are stored in the RFID tag and automatically read by the AMS system. Load the spool, let the material synchronize itself, and start printing. No guesswork required.

Toy Safety

The material has also passed EN 71-3 certification, the European safety standard that governs the migration of certain elements from toy materials. The standard’s main concern is whether potentially harmful elements-such as lead, cadmium, chromium, and other heavy metals-can leach out of a material when a child handles, mouths, or swallows it. It also sets strict limits on the permissible migration of each.

Passing this test makes the material suitable for models meant to be handled and played with: a toy kitchen plate, a small car, a cat toy.

As with any 3D-printed toy, common sense still applies. Small parts and support structures can pose a choking hazard, edges may be sharp, and the material is combustible. Models should be selected appropriately, and children should be supervised during play.

A Note on Application

These certifications apply to the filament itself and its ingredients. Whether a specific printed object is suitable for a particular application depends on factors such as equipment hygiene (especially nozzle cleanliness), printing conditions, and how the object is ultimately used. Because of the layered structure of FFF prints, they are not suitable for liquid foods, and PLA itself should not be exposed to temperatures above 60°C (like putting 3D prints into dishwashers). Bambu Lab recommends that users consider these factors when selecting a material for a specific application. PLA Pure provides a fully documented ingredient profile-the rest of the decisions are yours to make with confidence.

Availability

PLA Pure is available now at Bambu Lab Official Store

Price: USD 24.99 (With Spool)/ USD 21.99 (Refill)

Additional details regarding availability, colors, and variants will be announced separately.

About Bambu Lab

Bambu Lab is a consumer-tech company focusing on desktop 3D printers. Its state-of-the-art 3D printers offer a feature-rich, first-class experience for a global community of 3D printing makers, aiming to break the barriers between the digital and physical worlds and bring creativity to a whole new level. Bambu Lab sells its 3D printers, filaments, and accessories on its official website, serving customers across 30+ countries.

Learn more at https://www.bambulab.com. 

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SOURCE Bambu Lab

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UROVO DT610 Pro: The Rugged AI Terminal Redefining Frontline Productivity

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SINGAPORE, June 15, 2026 /CNW/ — UROVO, a global leader in enterprise mobility solutions, unveiled the DT610 Pro, a next-generation ultra-rugged intelligent terminal purpose-built to empower frontline operations across industries. Designed to withstand the toughest environments, DT610 Pro combines enterprise-grade durability with cutting-edge AI capabilities to redefine workforce productivity.

In today’s fast-paced digital economy, frontline workers face increasing operational pressure. Field engineers must diagnose equipment failures on the spot, delivery drivers operate in extreme weather, and warehouse staff respond to sudden surges in order volume. Any device failure can disrupt critical workflows, making reliability and performance essential.

The DT610 Pro is purpose-built for frontline operations. Powered by the Qualcomm Q-6690 4nm platform with a dedicated 6 TOPS AI engine, it enables real-time OCR, intelligent data capture, and voice-assisted workflows directly on the device–without cloud dependency. This delivers faster response times, lower latency, and reliable performance for demanding enterprise workloads, while long-term platform support through 2034 helps maximize device lifecycle value.

Enterprise-grade ruggedness sets DT610 Pro apart from consumer devices. Rated IP68, and capable of surviving 1.8-meter drops while operating reliably from -20°C to 60°C, it minimizes downtime and reduces total cost of ownership.

Frontline workers benefit from a hot-swappable battery for uninterrupted full-shift operation and a sunlight-readable display built for demanding environments. Combining FlexRange barcode scanning (5 cm–10 m), high-performance RFID reading, and a 3-sided NFC design, the DT610 Pro delivers an all-in-one data capture platform for frontline operations. Workers can efficiently scan barcodes, track assets, verify IDs, card emulation, and enable contactless payments from virtually any angle. A 50MP autofocus camera with AI-powered OCR further streamlines delivery verification, document digitization, and field data collection, helping businesses boost productivity and operational efficiency.

Connectivity is critical for uninterrupted workflows. In warehouses, DT610 Pro’s Wi-Fi 7 with 2×2 MU-MIMO delivers wired-like speeds in high-density environments, while Multi-Link Operation (MLO) keeps connections stable with instant failover, lower latency, and rock-solid reliability. For field operations, 5G connectivity ensures instant work order updates, image capture, and data synchronization wherever work happens.

“Frontline operations don’t wait–and neither should the technology that supports them,” said Zhang Bo, CTO at UROVO. “DT610 Pro is not just a device; it’s a long-term investment in operational efficiency, workforce productivity, and business continuity.”

The DT610 Pro represents the next evolution in intelligent rugged devices, delivering performance, reliability, and future-ready AI capabilities for every shift, every environment, and every mission.

About Urovo
Founded in 2002, UROVO is the world’s leading industry application enabler, specializing in AI, Mobility, Barcode and RFID Technologies, Printers, and Payment Terminals. Committed to technological advancement, we provide cutting-edge digital solutions that drive smart transformation for clients across industries such as logistics, retail, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, government, and transportation.

By integrating pioneering innovations into business processes, we enable our clients to meet their strategic goals with unmatched efficiency and precision, fostering sustainable growth.

Website: https://en.urovo.com/

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