Technology
VOXX International Corporation Reports its Fiscal 2025 First Quarter Financial Results
Published
2 years agoon
By
Net sales declined by 18.1%, gross margins improved by 310 basis points, operating expenses declined by 16.6%; Adjusted EBITDA Loss of $2.9 million improved by $2.1 million year-over-year amidst restructuring program to streamline sales, lower costs and working capital needs and return the Company to profitability
ORLANDO, Fla., July 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX), a leading manufacturer and distributor of automotive and consumer technologies for the global markets, today announced its financial results for its Fiscal 2025 first quarter ended May 31, 2024.
Commenting on the Company’s first quarter results, Pat Lavelle, Chief Executive Officer stated, “During the first quarter, we took aggressive steps to improve gross margins and lower both our operating expenses and working capital needs. While our sales were down for the comparable periods, gross margins improved in our Automotive and Consumer segments, and we reduced year-over-year expenses by over 16%. The retail environment remains challenging, interest rates are high, and inflation is still a major concern. With market pressures expected to continue, we have instituted various restructuring programs to right size our business. We are equally focused on reducing our debt and freeing up capital to re-invest in VOXX. With the changes made and upcoming, we expect to return to profitability this year.”
Fiscal 2025 and Fiscal 2024 First Quarter Comparisons
On March 1, 2024, the Company’s majority owned subsidiary, EyeLock LLC, contributed assets, including inventory and intangible assets, to a newly formed joint venture, BioCenturion LLC, that will operate the Biometrics business moving forward. For the three months ended May 31, 2024, the Company accounted for its investment in BioCenturion as an equity method investment within our Biometrics segment (see Note 12 in the Company’s Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission).
Net sales in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter ended May 31, 2024, were $91.7 million as compared to $111.9 million in the Fiscal 2024 first quarter ended May 31, 2023, a decrease of $20.3 million or 18.1%.
Automotive Electronics segment net sales in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter were $27.7 million as compared to $38.4 million in the comparable year-ago period, a decrease of $10.7 million or 27.9%. For the same comparable periods, OEM product sales were $12.8 million as compared to $20.3 million, primarily due to a decline in sales of OEM rear seat entertainment (“RSE”) products, partially offset by an increase in sales of OEM remote start products. RSE sales were lower for the comparable periods primarily due to temporary halts in customer programs and volume reductions, as well as the termination of a customer program that was in place in the prior year. Aftermarket product sales were $14.8 million as compared to $18.1 million due primarily to lower aftermarket security, rear seat entertainment, and satellite radio products, among others.Consumer Electronics segment net sales in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter were $63.9 million as compared to $73.3 million in the comparable year-ago period, a decrease of $9.4 million or 12.8%. For the same comparable periods, premium audio product sales were $48.4 million as compared to $47.6 million, driven by higher sales domestically and driven by the successful launch of new products during the current Fiscal year period. This growth was partially offset by lower sales of premium audio products in Europe and Asia. Other consumer electronics (“CE”) product sales were $15.5 million as compared to $25.7 million, primarily related to lower sales of domestic wireless accessory speakers as a large customer program did not repeat, as well as lower sales of the Company’s balcony solar power products.
The gross margin in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter was 27.7% as compared to 24.6% in the Fiscal 2024 first quarter, an improvement of 310 basis points as margins improved across all business segments. When comparing the Fiscal 2025 and Fiscal 2024 first quarters, the Company reported:
Automotive Electronics segment gross margin of 23.2% as compared to 21.0%, an increase of 220 basis points with the year-over-year improvement primarily driven by the Company’s OEM manufacturing transition from Florida to Mexico, as well as improvements related to product mix.Consumer Electronics segment gross margin of 29.6% as compared to 25.5%, an increase of 410 basis points. The year-over-year improvement was primarily driven by the launch of new products both domestically and internationally and fewer close-out promotion sales, with other offsetting factors.
Total operating expenses in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter were $32.5 million as compared to $39.0 million in the comparable Fiscal 2024 period, a decline of $6.5 million or 16.6%. The year-over-year improvement was driven primarily by restructuring programs and other initiatives designed to lower costs and working capital needs. When comparing the Fiscal 2025 and Fiscal 2024 first quarters, the Company reported:
Selling expenses of $9.6 million as compared to $11.2 million. The year-over-year improvement of $1.6 million or 14.1% was primarily driven by lower website and trade show expenses, as well as lower headcount related expenses.General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses of $16.5 million as compared to $19.4 million. The year-over-year improvement of $3.0 million or 15.3% was primarily driven by lower headcount related expenses, and a decline in legal, professional and third-party service fees, among other factors.Engineering and technical support expenses of $6.2 million as compared to $8.3 million. The year-over-year improvement of $2.1 million or 25.1% was primarily due to a decline in labor expense due to lower headcount, as well as lower research and development expenses.The Company incurred approximately $0.2 million of restructuring costs as compared to $0.1 million, with costs in both periods related to the relocation of certain OEM production operations to Mexico.
The Company reported an operating loss of $7.1 million in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter as compared to an operating loss of $11.4 million in the comparable year-ago period.
Total other expense, net, in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter increased by $2.0 million over the comparable Fiscal 2024 period. Interest and bank charges increased by $0.6 million principally due to higher borrowings on the Company’s Domestic Credit Facility, as well as an increase in interest rates, and equity in income of equity investees declined by $1.3 million, principally due to lower net income at ASA as well as due to losses incurred by BioCenturion, which was not present in the prior year period. Additionally, the Company incurred a loss of $0.4 million related to the contribution of assets to the BioCenturion joint venture, representing the difference between the book value of the assets contributed and their fair values on March 1, 2024. Lastly, other net increased by $0.8 million, primarily as a result of losses in foreign currency.
Net loss attributable to VOXX International Corporation in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter was $9.3 million as compared to a net loss attributable to VOXX International Corporation of $10.7 million in the comparable Fiscal 2024 period. The Company reported a basic and diluted loss per common share attributable to VOXX International Corporation of $0.40 in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter as compared to a basic and diluted loss per common share attributable to VOXX International Corporation of $0.45, in the comparable Fiscal 2024 period.
The Company reported an Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) loss in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter of $5.2 million as compared to an EBITDA loss in the comparable Fiscal 2024 first quarter of $7.6 million. Adjusted EBITDA in the Fiscal 2025 first quarter was a loss of $2.9 million as compared to an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $4.9 million in the comparable Fiscal 2024 period.
Balance Sheet Update
As of May 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $4.2 million as compared to $11.0 million as of February 29, 2024. Total debt as of May 31, 2024 was $68.6 million as compared to $73.3 million as of February 29, 2024. The decline in total debt is primarily related to a $4.4 million reduction in outstanding debt on the Company’s Domestic Credit Facility as well as lower debt associated with the Company’s Florida mortgage and shareholder loan payable to Sharp Corporation. Total long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs as of May 31, 2024 was $63.7 million as compared to $71.9 million as of February 29, 2024, an improvement of $8.2 million.
Conference Call Information
The Company will be hosting its conference call and webcast on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET.
To attend the webcast: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/kzsk98zvTo access by phone: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI7eae05a5e3b74b5b8b78a3235500c167
Participants are requested to register a day in advance or at a minimum 15 minutes before the start of the call. Those wishing to ask questions following management’s remarks should use the dial-in numbers provided.
A replay of the webcast will be available approximately two hours after the call and archived under “Events and Presentations” in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at https://investors.voxxintl.com/events-and-presentations
Non-GAAP Measures
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not financial measures recognized by GAAP. EBITDA represents net loss attributable to VOXX International Corporation and Subsidiaries, computed in accordance with GAAP, before interest expense and bank charges, taxes, and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA adjusted for stock-based compensation expense, gains on the sale of certain assets, loss on contribution of assets to a joint venture, foreign currency losses, restructuring expenses, certain non-routine legal fees, and awards. Depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, loss on contribution of assets to a joint venture, and foreign currency losses are non-cash items.
We present EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA in this release because we consider them to be useful and appropriate supplemental measures of our performance. Adjusted EBITDA helps us to evaluate our performance without the effects of certain GAAP calculations that may not have a direct cash impact on our current operating performance. In addition, the exclusion of certain costs or gains relating to certain events allows for a more meaningful comparison of our results from period-to-period. These non-GAAP measures, as we define them, are not necessarily comparable to similarly entitled measures of other companies and may not be an appropriate measure for performance relative to other companies. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be assessed in isolation from, are not intended to represent, and should not be considered to be more meaningful measures than, or alternatives to, measures of operating performance as determined in accordance with GAAP.
About VOXX International Corporation
VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX) has grown into a worldwide leader in the Automotive Electronics and Consumer Electronics industries. Over the past several decades, with a portfolio of approximately 35 trusted brands, VOXX has built market-leading positions in in-vehicle entertainment, automotive security, reception products, a number of premium audio market segments, and more. VOXX is a global company, with an extensive distribution network that includes power retailers, mass merchandisers, 12-volt specialists and many of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers. For additional information, please visit our website at www.voxxintl.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Except for historical information contained herein, statements made in this release constitute forward-looking statements and thus may involve certain risks and uncertainties. All forward-looking statements made in this release are based on currently available information and the Company assumes no responsibility to update any such forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, may cause actual results to differ materially from the results suggested in the forward-looking statements. The factors include, but are not limited to the risk factors described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, and other filings made by the Company from time to time with the SEC, as such descriptions may be updated or amended in any future reports we file with the SEC. The factors described in such SEC filings include, without limitation: impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic, global supply shortages and logistics costs and delays; global economic trends; cybersecurity risks; risks that may result from changes in the Company’s business operations; operational execution by our businesses; changes in law, regulation or policy that may affect our businesses; our ability to increase margins through implementation of operational improvements, restructuring and other cost reduction methods; our ability to keep pace with technological advances; significant competition in the automotive electronics, consumer electronics and biometrics businesses; our relationships with key suppliers and customers; quality and consumer acceptance of newly introduced products; market volatility; non-availability of product; excess inventory; price and product competition; new product introductions; foreign currency fluctuations; and restrictive debt covenants. Many of the foregoing risks and uncertainties are, and will be, exacerbated by the War in the Ukraine and any worsening of the global business and economic environment as a result.
Investor Relations Contact:
Glenn Wiener, GW Communications (for VOXX)
Email: gwiener@GWCco.com
VOXX International Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
May 31,
2024
February 29,
2024
(unaudited)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
4,160
$
10,986
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $2,758 and $3,041 at May 31, 2024 and February 29, 2024, respectively
64,787
71,066
Inventory
116,230
128,471
Receivables from vendors
1,190
1,192
Due from GalvanEyes LLC, current
–
1,238
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
16,759
20,820
Income tax receivable
4,273
2,095
Total current assets
207,399
235,868
Investment securities
761
828
Equity investments
23,762
21,380
Property, plant and equipment, net
44,420
45,070
Operating lease, right of use assets
3,053
2,577
Goodwill
63,283
63,931
Intangible assets, net
65,265
68,766
Due from GalvanEyes LLC, less current portion
–
1,340
Deferred income tax assets
1,461
1,452
Other assets
2,798
2,794
Total assets
$
412,202
$
444,006
Liabilities, Redeemable Equity, Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest, and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$
25,895
$
35,076
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
36,601
38,238
Income taxes payable
834
1,123
Accrued sales incentives
15,160
18,236
Contract liabilities, current
3,574
3,810
Current portion of long-term debt
4,162
500
Total current liabilities
86,226
96,983
Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs
63,684
71,881
Finance lease liabilities, less current portion
559
644
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion
2,127
1,884
Deferred compensation
761
828
Deferred income tax liabilities
2,604
2,690
Other tax liabilities
706
809
Prepaid ownership interest in EyeLock LLC due to GalvanEyes LLC
–
9,817
Other long-term liabilities
2,147
2,170
Total liabilities
158,814
187,706
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable equity: Class A, $.01 par value; 577,581 shares at both May 31, 2024 and February 29, 2024 (Note 8)
4,110
4,110
Redeemable non-controlling interest
(3,158)
(3,203)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock:
No shares issued or outstanding
–
–
Common stock:
Class A, $.01 par value, 60,000,000 shares authorized, 23,990,603 and 23,985,603 shares issued and 19,639,420 and 19,698,562 shares outstanding at May 31, 2024 and February 29, 2024, respectively
240
240
Class B Convertible, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 2,260,954 shares issued and outstanding at both May 31, 2024 and February 29, 2024
22
22
Paid-in capital
296,044
293,272
Retained earnings
49,003
58,272
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(16,784)
(17,366)
Less: Treasury stock, at cost, 4,351,183 and 4,287,041 shares of Class A Common Stock at May 31, 2024 and February 29, 2024, respectively
(39,821)
(39,573)
Total VOXX International Corporation stockholders’ equity
288,704
294,867
Non-controlling interest
(36,268)
(39,474)
Total stockholders’ equity
252,436
255,393
Total liabilities, redeemable equity, redeemable non-controlling interest, and stockholders’ equity
$
412,202
$
444,006
VOXX International Corporation and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
Three months ended
May 31,
2024
2023
Net sales
$
91,661
$
111,926
Cost of sales
66,252
84,346
Gross profit
25,409
27,580
Operating expenses:
Selling
9,590
11,166
General and administrative
16,457
19,427
Engineering and technical support
6,244
8,337
Restructuring expenses
231
59
Total operating expenses
32,522
38,989
Operating loss
(7,113)
(11,409)
Other (expense) income:
Interest and bank charges
(2,138)
(1,546)
Equity in income of equity investees
351
1,616
Final arbitration award
–
(986)
Other, net
(1,871)
(701)
Total other expense, net
(3,658)
(1,617)
Loss before income taxes
(10,771)
(13,026)
Income tax benefit
(594)
(1,321)
Net loss
(10,177)
(11,705)
Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interest
(908)
(967)
Net loss attributable to VOXX International Corporation and Subsidiaries
$
(9,269)
$
(10,738)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments
595
238
Derivatives designated for hedging
(13)
(60)
Pension plan adjustments
–
(1)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
582
177
Comprehensive loss attributable to VOXX International Corporation and Subsidiaries
$
(8,687)
$
(10,561)
Loss per share – basic: Attributable to VOXX International Corporation and Subsidiaries
$
(0.40)
$
(0.45)
Loss per share – diluted: Attributable to VOXX International Corporation and Subsidiaries
$
(0.40)
$
(0.45)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (basic)
23,139,876
23,795,718
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (diluted)
23,139,876
23,795,718
Reconciliation of GAAP Net Loss Attributable to
VOXX International Corporation to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
Three months ended
May 31,
2024
2023
Net loss attributable to VOXX International Corporation and Subsidiaries
$
(9,269)
$
(10,738)
Adjustments:
Interest expense and bank charges (1)
1,923
1,346
Depreciation and amortization (1)
2,728
3,101
Income tax benefit
(594)
(1,321)
EBITDA
(5,212)
(7,612)
Stock-based compensation
146
258
Gain on sale of tradename
–
(450)
Loss on contribution of assets to joint venture (1)
252
–
Foreign currency losses (1)
1,849
962
Restructuring expenses
231
59
Non-routine legal fees
(123)
853
Final arbitration award
–
986
Adjusted EBITDA
$
(2,857)
$
(4,944)
(1)
For purposes of calculating Adjusted EBITDA for the Company, interest expense and bank charges, depreciation and amortization, losses on the contribution of assets to a joint venture, as well as foreign currency losses have been adjusted in order to exclude the non-controlling interest portion of these expenses attributable to EyeLock LLC and Onkyo Technology KK, as appropriate.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/voxx-international-corporation-reports-its-fiscal-2025-first-quarter-financial-results-302194046.html
SOURCE VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ:VOXX)
You may like
Technology
Australian Winter Bulk Cooking Trend Springs Into Spring as Australians Balance Costs and Health Goals
Published
2 minutes agoon
October 28, 2026By
Consumer insights from Samsung Australia reveals approximately 72% of Australians surveyed are turning to bulk cooking to ease grocery bills and stress.
More than a third say their fridge simply isn’t big enough to keep up.
SYDNEY, Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Samsung Australia has today released a fresh batch of consumer insights that reveals bulk cooking, a habit long associated with cooler months, is extending into spring as Australians look to manage grocery costs and kick-start New Year health goals as the weather warms up.
The Samsung insights reveal that almost two in three Australian respondents (62%) say they have bulk cooked specifically to save money[1], while over two thirds (69%) believe that bulk cooking helps to reduce their weekly shopping bill[2]. Beyond the hip pocket, the insights also suggest Australians are turning to bulk cooking as weekly meal prep to support overall health and wellbeing. Sixty-two per cent of Australian respondents say they intend to start the New Year by eating healthier[3], with over half (59%) claiming that bulk cooking helps meet health and nutrition goals[4].
Furthermore, the insights reveal that bulk cooked meal prep is also emerging as a genuine stress reliever. Almost three quarters of Australian respondents (72%) agree it reduces their weekly stress[5]; a figure that climbs to 87% among 25 to 29 year olds[6]. Further, almost half of Australians respondents (46%) claim to bulk cook breakfast, lunch and dinners to save time and reduce the daily mental load.[7]
Conversely however, Australians are running into storage challenges, with the insights revealing a third (34%) of Australians want to bulk cook more often, but claim their fridge isn’t big enough[8]. Further, around a quarter of Australians (24%) admit to stacking containers dangerously to make bulk-cooked meals fit[9], spiking to 45% among 18- to 24-year-olds and 43% among 25- to 29-year-olds[10].
According to Phil Gaut, Director – Consumer Electronics, Samsung Australia, the national shift towards meal prep to support Australian lifestyles has been occurring subtly over the past few years, and is now firmly reflected in consumer retail trends. “In 2026, larger capacities and energy efficient performance rank as the two most sought-after features among Australians shopping for a new fridge[11]. This shows that bulk cooking and meal prep isn’t just a winter ritual anymore, it’s a genuine strategy for Australians to save money, eat better and feel less stressed as we head towards the end of the year,” said Mr. Gaut.
As Australians move further into spring, the insights show that 56% have plans to use their weekends to bulk cook, while one in three (37%) say they’ll continue to put healthy food at the front of their fridge to remind themselves to eat healthier.[12] With end of year sales coming up, Mr Gaut suggests that now is a good time for Australians to start researching larger capacity models and notes that many shoppers re-entering the market for the first time in years may be surprised by the technological leaps refrigeration technology has taken in that time.
“AI paired with new design approaches have been the biggest drivers of change in the premium refrigeration category, with smart features working to address some of Australians’ biggest pain points every day,” said Mr Gaut. “French-door refrigerators are incredibly popular amongst Australians who rely on bulk cooking to stay on top of bills and schedules because they benefit from large internal capacities, flexible shelving, and in-built beverage centres that give easy access to ice and water – all while fitting into most standard refrigerator kitchen cavities.
“Large capacity screen-enabled refrigerators like Samsung’s Family Hub go further by using AI to directly address common Australian concerns like reducing food wastage and saving time and energy every day. The Family Hub does this by automatically tracking what goes into the fridge to create shopping lists and bulk-cooking menus based on nutrition goals, while tracking and managing energy use via SmartThings.[13] Refrigerators like this are made for Australian lifestyles and are designed to offer long-term value by evolving with families and personalising to their unique routines over time,” said Mr Gaut.
Available in various styles and capabilities in plumbed and non-plumbed models, Samsung has a refrigerator solution to meet the needs of Australian homes. Australians can also shop with confidence knowing that in 2026, Australian consumers voted Samsung’s Refrigerator line-up ‘Top Value’, ‘Most Reliable’, ‘Top Performance’ and ‘Most Recommended’ in Finder’s 2026 Customer Satisfaction Awards.
To find out more about Samsung’s range of refrigerators, visit https://www.samsung.com/au/refrigerators/all-refrigerators/
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.
[1]Samsung commissioned research conducted by PureProfile, February 2026. Nationally representative sample of 1,008 Australians aged 18-95 years.
[2]Samsung commissioned research conducted by PureProfile, February 2026. Nationally representative sample of 1,008 Australians aged 18-95 years.
[3]Samsung commissioned research conducted by PureProfile, February 2026. Nationally representative sample of 1,008 Australians aged 18-95 years.
[4]Samsung commissioned research conducted by PureProfile, February 2026. Nationally representative sample of 1,008 Australians aged 18-95 years.
[5]Furthermore, the insights reveal Samsung commissioned research conducted by PureProfile, February 2026. Nationally representative sample of 1,008 Australians aged 18-95 years.
[6]Samsung commissioned research conducted by PureProfile, February 2026. Nationally representative sample of 1,008 Australians aged 18-95 years.
[7] Samsung commissioned research conducted by PureProfile, February 2026. Nationally representative sample of 1,008 Australians aged 18-95 years.
[8]Samsung commissioned research conducted by PureProfile, February 2026. Nationally representative sample of 1,008 Australians aged 18-95 years.
[9]Samsung commissioned research conducted by PureProfile, February 2026. Nationally representative sample of 1,008 Australians aged 18-95 years.
[10]Samsung commissioned research conducted by PureProfile, February 2026. Nationally representative sample of 1,008 Australians aged 18-95 years.
[11]WorldPanel ComTech, February 2026. Larger capacity and energy efficiency are the top two features desired by Australian consumers considering a Samsung refrigerator in 2026.
[12] Samsung commissioned research conducted by PureProfile, February 2026. Nationally representative sample of 1,008 Australians aged 18-95 years.
[13] Using the SmartThings App, which is available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/australian-winter-bulk-cooking-trend-springs-into-spring-as-australians-balance-costs-and-health-goals-302921385.html
SOURCE Samsung Australia
Technology
GTN and AmInvestment Bank expand market access for Malaysian investors
Published
2 minutes agoon
October 28, 2026By
SINGAPORE, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GTN, the global fintech powering limitless investment, and AmInvestment Bank Berhad (“AmInvestment Bank”), part of AmBank Group Berhad, one of Malaysia’s largest leading banking groups, today announced a partnership to expand the global investment opportunities available to AmInvestment Bank clients.
Powered by GTN’s co-branded global trading platform, GTN Trade, AmInvestment Bank will enable its clients seamless access to 13 global markets, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and Australia.
Through a single integration, AmInvestment Bank can offer access to multiple markets without having to establish separate broker relationships or build the associated connectivity and post-trade infrastructure for each market. GTN Trade operates under AmInvestment Bank’s brand, while GTN provides the underlying execution, custody and settlement infrastructure, enabling AmInvestment Bank to bring its global investing offering to market more efficiently.
“At GTN, we believe access to global markets should be simpler and more accessible to investors,” said Julien Le Noble, CEO Asia at GTN. “Our infrastructure enables financial institutions to expand their investment offerings and connect clients to global markets without having to build the underlying capabilities themselves. By partnering with AmInvestment Bank, we are helping bring global investing opportunities to more Malaysian investors through a familiar banking relationship.”
“Our goal is to make global investing simpler and more accessible for our clients. Through this partnership with GTN, we are enhancing our investment offering by providing convenient access to 13 global markets, enabling clients to diversify their portfolios and capture opportunities across different geographies and sectors. More importantly, this is a strategic step in strengthening our wealth and investment services, empowering Malaysian investors to look beyond domestic markets with greater choice and flexibility. By combining AmInvestment Bank’s market expertise and established presence in Malaysia with GTN’s global trading infrastructure, we are well positioned to deliver a more seamless and integrated investment experience that supports our clients’ evolving financial needs and long-term investment aspirations,” said Christopher Ng, Chief Executive Officer of AmInvestment Bank.
The partnership reflects the growing importance of international market access as investors look beyond their domestic markets to diversify their portfolios. By combining AmInvestment Bank’s established presence in Malaysia with GTN’s global brokerage infrastructure, the partnership will make it easier for AmInvestment Bank clients to access investment opportunities across major global markets and the wider Southeast Asian region.
About GTN
GTN is the global fintech infrastructure powering limitless investment through a unified API-first architecture. By combining cloud-native technology with deep institutional expertise, GTN provides brokers, banks, asset managers, and fintechs with brokerage infrastructure spanning 90+ markets and up to 8 asset classes across GTN’s six regulated entities, through a single API, enabling partners to create the next generation of investing and trading experiences. From fractional trading and micro-portfolios, including $1 fractional bonds, to full-service brokerage, GTN automates the investment lifecycle from digital onboarding to post-trade settlement. As a single counterparty, GTN reduces technical and regulatory burdens, enabling investment banks, brokerage firms, and wealth management firms to scale without having to build technology from scratch.
GTN has over 700 professionals across 14 countries and serves more than 500 clients worldwide, united by one mission: transforming the accessibility of investment and trading opportunities. GTN operates through six regulated entities, each authorised in its own jurisdiction: FCA in the UK, DFSA in the DIFC, MAS in Singapore, SEC and FINRA in the US, FSCA in South Africa, and SFC in Hong Kong. Strategic investors include IFC (World Bank Group) and SBI Ventures Singapore. To learn more, visit www.gtngroup.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/gtn-and-aminvestment-bank-expand-market-access-for-malaysian-investors-302921199.html
Technology
Ascendion Expands AI Advisory Community with Four Global Business and Technology Leaders
Published
1 hour agoon
October 27, 2026By
Former Global CTO of Banco Santander, former Group CIO of Currys, former CEO of IBPAP, and former Microsoft CVP and CTO of AI join the advisory community
Advisors will provide guidance on AAVA platform innovation, AI strategy, C-suite alignment, and enterprise adoption across Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and the UK
The growing community of advisors will bring practitioner perspective closer to Ascendion as enterprises move AI from experimentation to governed, production-scale outcomes
BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ascendion, an AI-native software engineering company, today announced the appointment of four global business and technology leaders to its AI Advisory Community: Andy Gamble, Jack Madrid, Julieta Ross, Ph.D., and Joseph Sirosh, Ph.D.
The advisors bring perspectives rarely found in one group: executives who answered to Boards, regulators, and C-suites for what technology actually delivered; a builder of AI and data platforms at global scale; and a leader who shaped one of the world’s largest technology-services and talent ecosystems. Their experience spans banking, high-tech, media, and retail. Each will work directly with Ascendion’s regional and engineering leaders, so their counsel reaches the decisions it is meant to shape.
“We are changing how software gets built. Enterprise leaders have moved past experiments. They want AI that delivers outcomes boards can measure and risk they can manage. Andy, Jack, Julieta, and Joseph have the experience and know where transformation succeeds. They will challenge our thinking, raise our ambition, and help us navigate a period of intense — and exciting — change,” said Karthik Krishnamurthy, CEO, Ascendion.
Each advisor will map to a different part of the business, strengthening Ascendion’s alignment with leadership communities across the globe.
Julieta Ross, Ph.D., former Global CTO of Banco Santander, brings two decades of leading technology inside global banks, along with public-company board experience. She will work with Ascendion’s leadership on executive relationships, go-to-market strategy, and growth, and will help the company meet the governance, regulatory, and risk expectations that banking and financial services leaders place on AI. Andy Gamble, former Group CIO of Currys plc, has spent nearly three decades as a technology buyer and transformation leader across consumer electronics, industrial, and retail businesses. He will advise Ascendion’s work across Europe and the UK, with a focus on consumer goods, manufacturing, and retail, and will share what executive teams and Boards expect from a technology partner. Joseph Sirosh, Ph.D., former Microsoft CVP and CTO of AI, has spent his career building and scaling machine learning platforms in the high-tech industry. He will advise Ascendion’s engineering leadership on the evolution of AAVA and its broader platform strategy as AAVA becomes an orchestration and harness layer for enterprise AI. Jack Madrid, former President and CEO of IBPAP, spent five years leading the industry association behind one of the world’s largest technology and business-services ecosystems, centered in the Philippines. He brings robust experience working across industries, including banking, high-tech, and media, and will advise Ascendion on Asia-Pacific markets and on how AI is reshaping global delivery, skills, and workforce models.
Together, the advisors give Ascendion an outside perspective on the full spectrum of enterprise AI, from agentic platform strategy and product engineering to industry alignment and delivery. They will add capacity to Ascendion’s ongoing work on AI governance, helping ensure trusted impact from AI-native software engineering, and their practice-based insight will inform how Ascendion applies its Engineering to the Power of AI™ approach to commercial models, platform design, service execution, and workforce development.
About Ascendion
Ascendion is a global AI-native software engineering company delivering trusted business outcomes – capital unlock, innovation velocity, lower risk – to 250+ enterprise clients. The company delivers business outcomes at scale by combining expert engineers, AI agents, and AAVA, Ascendion’s agentic AI platform. Together, they design, engineer, and operate production-ready software that improves everyday work and life. Learn more at www.ascendion.com.
Engineering to the Power of AI™, Engineering to Elevate Life™, and AAVA™ are trademarks or service marks of Ascendion. AAVA™ is pending registration. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ascendion-expands-ai-advisory-community-with-four-global-business-and-technology-leaders-302921368.html
Australian Winter Bulk Cooking Trend Springs Into Spring as Australians Balance Costs and Health Goals
GTN and AmInvestment Bank expand market access for Malaysian investors
Ascendion Expands AI Advisory Community with Four Global Business and Technology Leaders
Send Rakhi to UK swiftly with UK Gifts Portal
Whiteboard Series with NEAR | Ep: 45 Joel Thorstensson from ceramic.network
Nullmax and Renesas Forge Strategic Partnership to Deliver Competitive ADAS Solutions for the Global Market
Why You Should Build on #NEAR – Co-founder Illia Polosukhin at CV Labs
Whiteboard Series with NEAR | Ep: 45 Joel Thorstensson from ceramic.network
NEAR End of Year Town Hall 2021: The Open Web World, MetaBUILD 2 Hackathon and 2021 recap
Trending
-
Technology4 days agoMiami Startup BOB Raises $5.5M To Build An AI-Powered Banking Platform
-
Coin Market5 days agoBitcoin ETFs bleed $635M as October slides back into the red
-
Coin Market5 days agoCysic dangles a 10% bounty, hacker pours loot into Tornado Cash
-
Coin Market5 days agoEthereum delays Glamsterdam Hoodi testnet launch over security risks
-
Coin Market5 days agoMalaysia, Thailand join Singapore’s cross-border stablecoin push
-
Technology4 days agoKin Becomes First U.S. Home Insurer to Enable WebMCP for AI Shopping
-
Technology4 days agoEnigmata Joins Finovifi Marketplace to Support AI Data Protection and Privacy-Preserving Analytics
-
Coin Market4 days agoWells Fargo and five others object to OKX-ICE tokenized stock listings: Report
