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Checkout.com becomes first Global PSP to launch Octopus, the leading payment method in Hong Kong, for online payments

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Checkout.com is the first global digital payments provider to offer Octopus as an online payment method for merchants.Octopus, the leading payment method in Hong Kong, boasts an impressive 98% penetration among its 7.5 million residents, making it the most popular payment method in the region.This new offering enhances Octopus’ portfolio of Alternative Payment Methods (APMs), driving better performance and providing significant benefits for merchants with a business presence in Hong Kong or those operating e-commerce or retail platforms catering to Hong Kong residents.

HONG KONG, Oct. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Checkout.com, a leading digital payments provider, today announced a strategic partnership with Octopus, Hong Kong’s first homegrown global fintech, to enable online payment for customers of Hong Kong’s leading payment choice – becoming the first global payment service provider (PSP) to add Octopus as a payment option at check-out. 

Octopus, the dominant payment experience in Hong Kong, boasts an impressive 98% penetration among the city’s 7.5 million residents. Initially introduced as the world’s first contactless card for multimodal transportation in 1997, Octopus has evolved into a versatile payment system, now widely used for retail, shopping, and food and beverage transactions at home and abroad.

In a strategic move to stay competitive in a market where digital-first payments are increasingly expected, Octopus has been driving the shift toward digital payments in Hong Kong. Since launching its mobile app in 2012, there are now more than 4.5 million Octopus wallets. With its ecosystem partners, the company continues to drive mobile payment adoption in Hong Kong, as well as expansion of interoperable payments in Mainland China and overseas. Through this integration, Checkout.com empowers merchants targeting Hong Kong residents to offer a seamless, tech-forward payment experience that meets the evolving expectations of consumers.

The collaboration will make Octopus more accessible to merchants seeking a secure, efficient digital checkout experience, while also enhancing merchants’ payment performance. Checkout.com’s offering includes the integration of Octopus’s online payment solutions through Octopus mobile app.

Brian Sze, General Manager, APAC at Checkout.com, said: “Catering to local payment preferences is crucial for success in the Hong Kong market. Our strategic partnership with Octopus underscores Checkout.com’s commitment to investing in our Asia footprint, delivering localized payment solutions that empower merchants to thrive in this dynamic region.”

Edwin Lai, Head of Business Development and International Business at Octopus, said: “At Octopus, we pride ourselves for making everyday life easier. This partnership with Checkout.com will enhance and broaden the payment experience not just for our customers, but also merchants within Hong Kong and beyond. We anticipate robust demand from global and local businesses eager to access Hong Kong’s consumers. We hope this collaboration will help support the growth of the city’s digital commerce.”

*ENDS*

About Checkout.com

Checkout.com processes payments for thousands of companies that shape the digital economy. Our global digital payments network supports over 145 currencies and delivers high-performance payment solutions across the world, processing billions of transactions annually.

With flexible and scalable technology, we help enterprise merchants boost acceptance rates, reduce processing costs, combat fraud, and turn payments into a major revenue driver. Headquartered in London and with 16 offices worldwide, Checkout.com is trusted by leading brands such as Sony, Shein, Sainsbury’s, Wise, GE Healthcare, and The Financial Times.

Checkout.com. Where the world checks out.

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About Octopus Cards Limited (Licence Number: SVF0001)

Operating under the Stored Value Facilities Licence, Octopus Cards Limited (OCL) provides innovative offline and online Octopus payment services to meet customers’ diverse payment needs. Launched in 1997 by OCL, the Octopus system in Hong Kong is one of the world’s leading and most extensively accepted contactless smartcard payment systems. Its aspiration is to bring diversity and inclusion in payment to customers of all facets of life.

Today, more than 24 million Octopus cards and products are in circulation; spanning businesses including public transport, parking, retail, self-help services, schools, and leisure facilities, and access control for residential and commercial buildings. There are almost 190,000 Octopus acceptance points in the market. Octopus’ application has been extended to online and mobile payment arenas with services including Octopus on iPhone and Apple Watch, Octopus on Samsung Pay, Octopus on Huawei Pay, Octopus App, Octopus Wallet, Octopus Mastercard® and UnionPay, bringing new payment experiences to customers.

The Octopus Group exports its unique experience and technology overseas, offering consultancy services across the world. The mission of OCL is simple: Making everyday life easier. For more information about OCL, please visit www.octopus.com.hk.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/checkoutcom-becomes-first-global-psp-to-launch-octopus-the-leading-payment-method-in-hong-kong-for-online-payments-302270206.html

SOURCE Checkout.com

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Achieve earns Top 3 ranking for personal loan customer satisfaction from LendingTree

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October 30, 2026

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Recognition marks seventh consecutive quarter Achieve has ranked among the nation’s top lenders for customer satisfaction

SAN MATEO, Calif., Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Achieve, the fintech for everyday Americans, has been named one of the Top 3 lenders in personal loan customer satisfaction by LendingTree for the third quarter of 2026. This distinction from one of the nation’s largest online personal finance marketplaces underscores Achieve’s commitment to delivering transparent, supportive, and human-centered financial services.

This marks the seventh consecutive LendingTree customer service award that Achieve has earned, following a top-three ranking in the second quarter of 2026. The quarterly ranking is published by LendingTree, based on verified customer reviews and other data evaluating lenders on transparency, ease of the application process and the quality of customer service. Achieve consistently maintains high ratings for providing consumers with a clear path toward improving their financial health.

“For someone consolidating debt, a personal loan is more than a transaction. It’s an opportunity to improve their finances and move forward with greater confidence,” said Achieve President of Lending Kyle Enright. “Our team helps members understand their options and find the solution that fits their goals by pairing competitive fixed rates with personal guidance. Earning this recognition for a seventh consecutive quarter reflects the care our teammates bring to those conversations and the trust our members place in us.”

A rate cut earlier this year lowered the best available annual percentage rate (APR) on Achieve Personal Loans to 6.25%, a reduction of 274 basis points. This initiative, supported by advanced underwriting and enhanced with FICO® Score 10 T data, maintains access to fixed-rate loans for an expanded set of consumers, with an expected improvement in credit performance. These loans are originated by a bank partner via the Achieve Personal Loans platform.

Key highlights of the Achieve Personal Loan experience:

Competitive, fixed rates: APRs now start as low as 6.25% for qualified borrowers, providing a more affordable alternative to high-interest credit card debt.Rapid funding: Qualified members can have funds sent in as little as 24 hours to address immediate financial needs.Flexible terms: Borrowers can choose repayment schedules ranging from 2, 3, 4 and 5 years to align with their specific budget and goals.Transparent pricing: All loans feature fixed monthly payments and a clear payoff date, with no hidden fees or revolving balances.

For more information and important disclosures about Achieve Personal Loans, visit achieve.com/personal-loans

Achieve has served over 2 million consumers, helping to resolve over $22 billion in debt and facilitated over $15 billion in personal loans and home equity lines of credit since 2002. This latest accolade follows a series of recent wins. Achieve was named to Az Business Magazine’s AZ Big 100 List for 2026, and honored by InHerSight with eight recognitions, including being named the No. 1 finance company for women to work.

As a trusted leader in debt consolidation, Achieve remains committed to helping everyday people move toward a better financial future. This commitment is rooted in providing a transparent experience, a personalized approach to every member’s unique situation and the predictable, fast cash flow necessary to attain long-term financial stability. By focusing on these core principles, the company continues to redefine how consumers manage debt and build lasting financial health.

About Achieve

Achieve, the fintech for everyday Americans, helps everyday people get on, and stay on, the path to a better financial future. Achieve pairs proprietary data and analytics with personalized support to offer personal loans, home equity loans, debt relief and debt consolidation, along with financial tips and education. Achieve is frequently recognized for providing top-rated customer experience and satisfaction by both consumers and leading personal finance review platforms and has 2,200 dedicated teammates across the country, with hubs in Arizona, California, Florida and Texas.

Achieve refers to the global organization and may denote one or more affiliates of Achieve Company, including Achieve.com, Equal Housing Opportunity (NMLS ID #138464); Achieve Home Loans, Equal Housing Opportunity (NMLS ID #1810501); Achieve Personal Loans (NMLS ID #227977); Freedom Debt Relief (NMLS ID # 1248929); and Freedom Financial Asset Management (CRD #170229).

Contacts

Austin Kilgore
akilgore@achieve.com
214-908-5097

Elina Tarkazikis
etarkazikis@achieve.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/achieve-earns-top-3-ranking-for-personal-loan-customer-satisfaction-from-lendingtree-302924429.html

SOURCE Achieve

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Mediaplanet Launches Men’s Mental Health Campaign in USA TODAY, Featuring Jake Shane, Howie Mandel, Kevin Love, Dr. Mark Hyman and Yung Pueblo

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October 30, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mediaplanet today announces the launch of its Men’s Mental Health campaign, publishing within USA TODAY and through the Future of Personal Health digital content hub. The national campaign brings together leading healthcare experts, mental health advocates, organizations, athletes and public figures to encourage more open conversations around men’s mental health and provide accessible, actionable resources for building healthier lives. Featuring Netflix podcaster and internet sensation Jake Shane as the publication’s cover story, the campaign also includes editorial from global influence Howie Mandel, All-Star athlete Kevin Love, Dr. Mark Hyman and author Yung Pueblo, offering personal experiences and expert perspectives on mental health, emotional well-being, resilience and personal growth.

Through personal stories, expert insights and practical resources, the campaign directly challenges the expectation that men should navigate mental health struggles alone while encouraging a more open and supportive approach to overall well-being. “I wish people would take care of their mental health the way we take care of our dental health,” said Howie Mandel. His perspective reflects the campaign’s broader mission to normalize mental health care as an essential part of everyday health and encourage men to prioritize their well-being before they reach a point of crisis.

The campaign was made possible through the participation and support of Vibrant Emotional Health, Financial Therapy Association, NOCD, Spear Center, NeuroStar Advanced Therapy, American Association of Kidney Patients, Crisis Text Line, YMCA, One Mind at Work, The Hidden Opponent, Kevin Love Fund, American College of Sports Medicine, Whitman-Walker, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Psychiatric Association, Dr. Mark Hyman, Yung Pueblo, Kevin Love, Howie Mandel and Jake Shane.

Media Contact: Joelle Hernandez, joelle.hernandez@mediaplanet.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mediaplanet-launches-mens-mental-health-campaign-in-usa-today-featuring-jake-shane-howie-mandel-kevin-love-dr-mark-hyman-and-yung-pueblo-302924437.html

SOURCE Mediaplanet

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Wonderloom Media’s Dr. Insanity Launches Patreon With Exclusive Content for Superfans Amid Rising Demand for Premium True Crime

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October 30, 2026

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Wonderloom Media’s true crime channel, with more than 6 million YouTube subscribers, gives its most dedicated fans a deeper way to experience its documentary-style storytelling

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Wonderloom Media, the creator economy studio formed by Content Partners and media entrepreneur Ed Simpson, today announced the launch of a Patreon membership for Dr. Insanity, one of YouTube’s largest true crime channels, expanding the depth of content available to the channel’s biggest fans.

The Dr. Insanity Patreon offers members extended cuts of episodes, exclusive content and a community space, giving superfans more of the stories they follow on YouTube. The membership launches October 31 alongside a weeklong feature on a Times Square billboard, running through November 5.

Dr. Insanity now has more than 6.1 million YouTube subscribers and over 3 billion total views, and has continued to grow since Wonderloom acquired the channel in June 2026. The Patreon launch is part of Wonderloom’s push to expand Dr. Insanity’s content and bring it to fans wherever they watch, including its distribution on Tubi.

True crime superfans can become members of the Dr. Insanity Patreon at www.patreon.com/c/DrInsanity

About Wonderloom Media
Wonderloom Media is a creator-first media platform that acquires, operates and scales YouTube-native content businesses. Formed by Content Partners and media entrepreneur Ed Simpson, Wonderloom brings institutional operating experience, expanded distribution and 360° monetization to digital-native properties with loyal audiences and long-term growth potential. Its portfolio includes Dr. Insanity, one of YouTube’s largest true crime channels, with more than 6.1 million subscribers and over 3 billion views.

About Dr. Insanity
Dr. Insanity is one of YouTube’s largest true crime channels, known for documentary-style storytelling and a loyal, highly engaged audience. The channel has more than 6.1 million subscribers and over 3 billion views. https://www.youtube.com/@DrInsanityCrime 

Media Contact:
Michal Mitchell
Wonderloom@relativity.ventures

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wonderloom-medias-dr-insanity-launches-patreon-with-exclusive-content-for-superfans-amid-rising-demand-for-premium-true-crime-302922403.html

SOURCE Wonderloom Media

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