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Cambodia Microfinance Association Catalyzes Global Efforts in Sustainable, Inclusive Finance

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SIEM REAP, Cambodia, Nov. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA) successfully hosted its Annual Microfinance Conference in Siem Reap, gathering over three hundred leaders, policymakers, and international partners under the theme “Sustainable and Inclusive Microfinance: Current Situation and Future Trends.” This conference underscored CMA’s dedication to expanding financial inclusion and promoting responsible growth, aligning with global development goals and positioning Cambodia as a model for sustainable finance.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Dith Nita, Chairwoman of CMA, emphasized CMA’s mission to strengthen Cambodia’s microfinance sector, stating, “Sustainable and inclusive microfinance is not only a goal, but it is a necessity. Together, we’re working toward a stronger economy, a fairer society, and a financial system that serves all Cambodians.” Her remarks highlighted CMA’s core commitment to client protection and empowerment across Cambodia’s rural and underserved communities, which include 74.4% of the population.

CMA’s 132 member institutions play a vital role in this mission, managing a combined loan portfolio of $5.11 billion USD, serving 1.55 million active borrowers, and holding $2.21 billion in deposits across nearly two million accounts, 67% of which are held by women. This commitment not only supports financial accessibility but also contributes significantly to local employment, with over 21,000 staff members across nine hundred branches.

A highlight of the conference was the recognition of the Bakong payment system, developed by the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC). Launched in 2020, Bakong now has ten million active wallets, bridging traditional financial services and the unbanked population through seamless, low-cost digital finance. This pioneering initiative has earned international acclaim for advancing financial inclusion, and CMA expressed deep gratitude to NBC for its leadership in supporting this transformative step toward economic resilience and client empowerment.

While client protection and empowerment remain central to CMA’s mission, the association is also paving the way in green finance, aligning with the global shift toward environmental sustainability. CMA collaborates with Oxfam to advance green finance initiatives and works alongside Water.org to provide technical assistance in developing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) products. Mrs. Dith Nita remarked, “We encourage our members to view green finance as essential, paving a path toward sustainability that benefits clients and the environment.” This initiative supports global sustainability goals, including clean water access and climate action.

Throughout the day, CMA reinforced the importance of financial literacy, capacity building, and adherence to a strong code of conduct in creating a transparent, resilient financial sector. Concluding the conference, a call to action was made to continue collaborative efforts in promoting sustainable and inclusive finance that aligns with both Cambodia’s needs and global priorities.

The Annual Microfinance Conference 2024 concluded with a collective commitment to build a resilient and inclusive financial future. CMA invites international partners, investors, and stakeholders to contribute to a financial landscape that empowers local communities and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through this annual event and ongoing initiatives, CMA remains dedicated to empowering communities, supporting sustainable growth, and actively participating in global efforts toward inclusive economic development.

Contact Information: Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA), Name: Tongngy Kaing, Email: hoc@cma-network.org, Phone Number: +855 95 262 111

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cambodia-microfinance-association-catalyzes-global-efforts-in-sustainable-inclusive-finance-302292870.html

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leap-group-relaunches-humanview-a-growth-intelligence-system-built-to-explain-why-customers-behave-the-way-they-do-302918557.html

SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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