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The BlackRock Foundation and Commonwealth Launch National Research Effort to Understand First-Time Investors Who Entered Capital Markets Since 2020

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Supported by a $1MM grant from The BlackRock Foundation, “The Investor Diaries” will shed light on investors earning low to moderate incomes; pave the way for more sustainable wealth-building

BOSTON, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The BlackRock Foundation and national nonprofit Commonwealth launched “The Investor Diaries,” a research initiative designed to better understand the millions of new investors who entered retail capital markets in the U.S. since 2020, particularly those earning low to moderate incomes (LMI). By following these investors through voice diary entries, a national survey, and analysis of large transaction data sets representing millions of investment decisions by people earning LMI, the project shines a light on their unique financial circumstances, motivations, behaviors, needs, and the role that capital market investing plays in the overall financial wellness of LMI households. The initiative aims to equip the investing industry, financial platforms, and policymakers with important insights to support and sustain this and future generations of new investors. 

During 2020-21 alone, 46 million new brokerage accounts were opened by individual investors in the U.S., an 80% increase over a two-year period. Despite the prediction that this might be a temporary surge, more than 75% of these new investors remain invested today.

Partnering with Investing Platforms
The Investor Diaries will feature real-time research with people earning LMI ($30,000 to $80,000) who are currently investing, capturing their unique stories through their experiences and transaction data. The longitudinal research study will follow dozens of individual investors over 18 months, conducting observational diary-style interviews and tracking their transactional behavior on an ongoing basis. Many are among the first in their families to invest.

Commonwealth has partnered with investment platforms Betterment and moomoo to capture participants’ experiences with both robo-advised and self-directed platforms:

Betterment – For investors who don’t want to pick their own stocks, Betterment’s easy-to-use, automated investment technology offers diversified, expert-built portfolios and continually monitors the investments, rebalances the portfolios, and reinvests the dividends.moomoo – Moomoo offers an accessible platform for self-directed investors of all levels to confidently make their own investment decisions with advanced tools and features to help guide their trades.

The Investor Diaries will also include a large National Perceptions and Habits Survey and a parallel study of macro-level investor transaction data to better understand the broad investing behaviors of this population. 

“The Investor Diaries will provide a groundbreaking holistic view of those living on modest incomes who are new to investing in the past five years,” says Timothy Flacke, CEO, Commonwealth. “Understanding the choices and actions of these new market participants, and where existing platforms and tools are serving these new investors well—and falling short—will inform the next wave of investing innovations and help ensure broader capital market participation is a sustainable, productive source of wealth creation.” 

Commonwealth’s past research has demonstrated an unmet appetite for investing among LMI households and the early positive impact of this type of market participation on financial stability and mobility.

“Measuring household investing behavior will help determine how supported these new market participants feel in their investing experience,” says Claire Chamberlain, President, The BlackRock Foundation. “The insights derived from The Investor Diaries can help inform product solutions, investor education, and outreach strategies to optimally support LMI households in building and sustaining wealth via the capital markets.”

For more information about The Investor Diaries, please visit https://buildcommonwealth.org/research/investordiaries

About Commonwealth
Commonwealth is a national nonprofit building financial security and opportunity for people earning low- to moderate-income through innovation and partnerships. For over two decades, Commonwealth has designed effective innovations, products, and policies enabling over 2 million people to save nearly $8 billion. Commonwealth collaborates with consumers, the financial services industry, employers, and policymakers. Because Black, Latin, and women-led households disproportionately experience financial insecurity, we focus especially on these populations. The solutions we build are grounded in real life, based on our deep understanding of people who are financially vulnerable and how businesses can best serve them. To learn more, visit us at www.buildcommonwealth.org. 

About The BlackRock Foundation
Helping people earn, save, and invest – earlier, more often and for their futures. Guided by BlackRock’s history of making saving and investing more accessible and affordable, The BlackRock Foundation funds and partners with organizations that elevate the voices and experiences of LMI households. With our partners, we aim to 1) support individuals in their efforts to build a financial safety net to protect against shocks that widen disparities and 2) make it easier to build wealth and support upward mobility. With Commonwealth and partners, BlackRock’s Emergency Savings Initiative has provided access to more than 10 million people and led to $2 billion in new liquid savings between 2019 and 2022.

About Betterment 
Betterment LLC (“Betterment”) is the largest independent digital financial advisor, using automated technology powered by human expertise to fulfill a singular mission: making people’s lives better. With easy-to-use saving, investing, and retirement solutions, Betterment is built to help people optimize their money, no matter their level of experience or how the market is doing. Launched in 2010, Betterment helps more than 900,000 customers manage over $50 billion with curated selections of low-cost, expert-built investing portfolios; personalized guidance; and tax-smart tools. The company has received multiple awards for its investing app, including Buy Side from WSJ (2024). Learn more and for additional disclosure on these awards, visit https://www.betterment.com/#award-disclosure.

About moomoo
Moomoo is an investment and trading platform that empowers global investors with pro-grade, easy-to-use tools, data, and insights. It provides users with the necessary information and technology to make more informed investment decisions. Investors have access to advanced charting tools, technical analytics, and in-depth data. Moomoo grows with its users, cultivating a community where investors share, learn, and grow together in one place. Moomoo provides free access to investment courses, educational materials, and interactive events that any investor, at any level, can gain from. Users can join forum discussions, trending topics, and seminars to better their investment knowledge and insights. The moomoo app is offered by Moomoo Technologies Inc. (“MTI“) a company that is based in Jersey City, New Jersey. The app is used globally in countries including the U.S., Singapore, Australia, Japan, Malaysia and Canada. MTI is not a broker-dealer and does not provide investment advice or recommendations. In the U.S., securities products and services are offered by Moomoo Financial Inc. (“MFI“), an SEC-registered broker-dealer and member FINRA/SIPC. MTI and MFI are indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Futu Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: FUTU). For more information, please visit Moomoo’s official website at www.moomoo.com/us.

Contact:
Jackie Jusko
216-374-0945

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SOURCE Commonwealth

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Viettel Group and Vietnam’s Government Cipher Committee Unveil Security Chip Embedding Vietnamese Cryptography in Silicon

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HANOI, Vietnam, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vietnam’s Government Cipher Committee and Viettel Group have unveiled VGC v1.0, a security chip integrating a domestically developed cryptographic algorithm directly into silicon, alongside the country’s first domestically designed secure semiconductor platform.

The project addresses concerns over potential data exposure associated with reliance on imported chips. By embedding cryptographic functions directly into hardware, Vietnam’s Government Cipher Committee and Viettel Group aim to strengthen Vietnam’s control over the design and verification of technologies used to protect sensitive information.

VGC v1.0 contains 300 million transistors in a 10 × 10 mm package and is fabricated using a 28-nanometre CMOS process. In performance tests, it performed encryption and decryption approximately 15 times faster than a software-only solution carrying out the same tasks. The first batch passed technical tests and received certification for socio-economic applications in the first quarter of 2026. Technical safeguards were also applied to protect the design before fabrication, reducing risks of information leakage and reverse engineering.

The Government Cipher Committee’s M2 unit established security requirements, developed the cryptographic algorithm and defined evaluation criteria, while Viettel Semiconductor Center designed and implemented the chip. Based on the open RISC-V instruction set architecture, the underlying platform enables Vietnamese engineers to modify processor designs and reuse established verification processes for future chip generations.

VGC v1.0 has already seen initial deployment in secure USB storage devices for Party, government and defence agencies. Planned applications include supporting Vietnam’s national digital signature certification system, which has more than two million digital certificates in circulation. Other potential uses span financial data protection, connected cameras and sensors, and critical infrastructure systems in electricity, water, oil and gas, and telecommunications. Products intended to protect state secrets would require further testing and certification under applicable standards.

“Researching, designing and developing secure semiconductor chips is a formidable challenge, requiring years of accumulated expertise, technological capabilities and highly skilled talent. Yet we believe that starting later does not mean accepting dependence on others. With the right strategy, focused resources and sustained commitment, we can steadily close the gap and move towards mastering technologies of strategic importance to our country,” said Lieutenant General Tao Duc Thang, Chairman and CEO of Viettel Group.

At the launch, the Vietnam’s Government Cipher Committee and Viettel Group signed an agreement covering plans for volume production, multicore security chips, specialist workforce development and testing on real devices. Viettel is also building a semiconductor fabrication plant in Hoa Lac as part of broader efforts to develop domestic capabilities across chip design, manufacturing and packaging.

Beyond the initial chip, the initiative establishes a foundation for future generations of security hardware, supporting Vietnam’s long-term efforts to reduce technological dependence and strengthen control over critical digital technologies.

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SOURCE Viettel Group

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USDGO Plus SP Among First Products on OSL’s Instant Redemption

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Eligible professional investors redeeming units of USDGO Plus SP through OSL may receive redemption proceeds on the same day, subject to OSL’s eligibility criteria and applicable terms and conditions

HONG KONG, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Units of PrimePlus SPC – USDGO Plus SP held via OSL are included in the initial batch of products covered by Instant Redemption, a feature OSL Group announced on 2 November 2026 for tokenised real-world asset (RWA) products on its licensed platform.

Eligible professional investors redeeming designated products through OSL may receive their redemption proceeds on the same day, subject to OSL’s eligibility criteria, product coverage and applicable terms and conditions. Designated products may also be subscribed for and redeemed in USDGO.

USDGO Plus SP is a segregated portfolio of PrimePlus SPC, a Cayman Islands segregated portfolio company registered with CIMA as a mutual fund. Under the co-operation framework of 2WA and OSL, fund units stay in custody via OSL, 2WA does not custody client fund units, and Instant Redemption is an OSL platform feature*.

OSL continues to provide custody and distribution for USDGO Plus SP. Instant Redemption does not change the fund’s redemption terms, registration status, offering documents, risk disclosures or investor eligibility requirements.

*Instant Redemption is only available to investors on the OSL platform who qualify as professional investors.

About 2WA

2WA is a real-world asset (RWA) and digital asset technology development company focused on expanding the utility of regulated assets. 2WA applies blockchain technology, including tokenization, to broaden how regulated assets such as fund units and listed equities are held, used and mobilized. Throughout, the underlying assets remain with licensed custodians. 2WA’s objective is to create new use cases for these assets and, in doing so, enhance their overall value for investors and institutions.

USDGO sits at the core of 2WA’s business. As an active contributor to the USDGO ecosystem, 2WA uses USDGO as the primary settlement and liquidity asset across its RWA products, and works alongside partners to broaden its adoption, deepen its liquidity and support the long-term growth of its ecosystem. For more information, visit https://2wa.io

About OSL

OSL Group (HKEX: 863) is a global stablecoin infrastructure company that strives to provide compliant and efficient digital financial infrastructure services globally, empowering enterprises, financial institutions and individuals to seamlessly exchange, pay, trade, and settle between fiat and digital currencies. Grounded in the core values of Open, Secure, and Liquid, it is committed to building a more efficient ecosystem that connects global markets and enables instant, seamless and compliant value movement worldwide. For media inquiries, please contact: media@osl.com

Media contacts

2WA: media@2wa.io
OSL: media@osl.com

Disclaimer

This press release is for information purposes only. It does not constitute an offer, solicitation, recommendation or inducement to buy, sell or otherwise deal in any digital asset, security or other financial product, and it is not financial, investment, legal, tax, accounting or other professional advice and should not be relied on as such. Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the official positions of OSL Group or its affiliates. Descriptions of products and services are for general reference only, and participation is subject to applicable terms, conditions and regulatory requirements. This press release may contain forward-looking or indicative information; actual outcomes may differ materially, and none of OSL Group, 2WA, PrimePlus SPC or their respective affiliates undertakes any obligation to update it.

USDGO Plus SP has not been authorised by the Securities and Futures Commission under section 104 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) (SFO), and its offering documents have not been reviewed by any regulatory authority in Hong Kong. Interests in USDGO Plus SP may be offered in Hong Kong only to professional investors, and only on the basis of the fund’s offering documents. Investing in digital asset funds involves significant risks, including the possible loss of the entire amount invested. Market-neutral strategies do not eliminate risk, and funding rates may turn negative. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Instant Redemption is a feature of OSL’s platform. Its availability is subject to OSL’s eligibility criteria, limits and platform terms, and may be changed, suspended or withdrawn at any time. It does not amend the redemption terms of USDGO Plus SP and is not a guarantee of liquidity or of the return of any amount invested.

This press release is intended only for “professional investors” as defined in the SFO and its subsidiary legislation, must not be distributed or used in any jurisdiction where doing so would breach applicable laws, and does not constitute active marketing to the public in Hong Kong. Readers are responsible for complying with the laws of their own jurisdiction. The stablecoins referred to in this press release may be “specified stablecoins” under the Stablecoin Ordinance (Cap. 656); their issuers and OSL Digital Securities Limited (OSLDS) are not licensed under that Ordinance to conduct regulated stablecoin activities in Hong Kong. OSLDS is a permitted offeror under that Ordinance and offers such products in Hong Kong only to clients it has verified and accepted as professional investors.

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SOURCE 2WA

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THE KOREA INDUSTRY DAILY: ROBOTWORLD 2026 to Spotlight Physical AI and AI-Driven Manufacturing With 402 Exhibitors From 17 Countries

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Rainbow Robotics, Neuromeka and Samhyun to exhibit Nov. 4–7 near Seoul; NVIDIA and Qualcomm to participate in conference

GOYANG, South Korea, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ROBOTWORLD 2026 will bring together 402 companies from 17 countries at the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) Nov. 4–7. The 1,198-booth exhibition will explore how Physical AI and AI-driven manufacturing systems are being developed for industrial applications.

International exhibitors will include Taiwan’s Advantech, Japan’s FANUC and China’s Booster Robotics, PAXINI and Unitree. A Canadian delegation of 10 technology companies will participate in the exhibition and conference, while companies from India and Bangladesh will exhibit at ROBOTWORLD for the first time.

The International Robot Business Conference 2026 will extend the discussion of industrial applications through 36 sessions on Nov. 4–5. Its three tracks — Manufacturing AX (AI transformation), Humanoid with Physical AI and Mobility — will address AI adoption in production, robot intelligence and mobility across industrial and service environments. The Manufacturing AX track will feature presentations by representatives from Qualcomm and Advantech, while a speaker from NVIDIA will present in the Humanoid with Physical AI track. Qualcomm will also sponsor the exhibition.

According to the International Federation of Robotics’ World Robotics 2026 report, global industrial robot installations reached a record 603,307 units in 2025, marking an 11% increase from the previous year and surpassing 600,000 units for the first time. Asia accounted for 76% of all newly installed industrial robots, with 457,315 units installed, up 14% year-on-year. Global installations are forecast to reach 655,000 units in 2026, reflecting the continued expansion of industrial automation.

Against this industrial backdrop, the exhibition will explore Physical AI technologies that enable robots to perceive their surroundings, assess conditions and perform physical tasks. Korean exhibitors will address both task intelligence and the platforms and components that enable movement and manipulation.

Rainbow Robotics will exhibit its RBY mobile humanoid and RBQ quadruped series, while Neuromeka will present its Physical Skill Foundation (PSF) technology alongside the EIR humanoid and NAMI mobile humanoid platforms. Neuromeka describes PSF as supporting task execution involving unfamiliar objects and changing work environments. Samhyun will showcase its AXLON actuator series for robot joint actuation, torque control and linear motion, together with the BOLDUM autonomous transport robot for industrial material handling with payloads of up to 3 metric tons.

Beyond individual robots, the exhibition will examine AI-driven manufacturing through systems that combine collaborative robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), machine vision and manufacturing software. Exhibitors will demonstrate how process data and material flows can inform robot and equipment operations across production processes.

Humanoid, food-tech and healthcare pavilions will provide focused views of these technologies and their applications. The newly established humanoid pavilion will cover complete robots, actuators, reducers, sensors, controllers and AI software. The food-tech pavilion will feature cooking, serving and kitchen automation. The returning healthcare pavilion will cover surgical, rehabilitation, wearable and care robots, as well as hospital logistics.

Business programs will connect the technology presentations with opportunities for procurement, exports and investment. Export and procurement matchmaking sessions will run Nov. 4–6, with suppliers and prospective buyers matched in advance for one-to-one meetings. A seminar on entering international markets will be held on Nov.5 providing practical information on certification requirements in different countries.

Global Scale-up Day on Nov. 6 will be open to small and medium-sized enterprises as well as startups in AI and robotics seeking investment and growth capital. Conducted entirely in English, the program will bring together venture capital firms, accelerators, strategic investors and M&A specialists.

“With increased participation by global companies and the addition of national and special pavilions, we hope this year’s exhibition will showcase the capabilities of Korean robotics companies and expand opportunities for practical cooperation between Korean and international businesses,” a ROBOTWORLD representative said.

ROBOTWORLD 2026 will take place at KINTEX Exhibition Center 1, Halls 3–5, in Goyang. Information on exhibitors, conference sessions and business programs are available at https://eng.robotworld.or.kr/.

About ROBOTWORLD

ROBOTWORLD is an international robotics exhibition covering industrial and service robots, core components, AI software and manufacturing automation solutions, alongside a conference and business programs. ROBOTWORLD 2026 is hosted by South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) and jointly organized by the Korea Association of AI Robot Industry (KAR), the Korea Institute for Robot Industry Advancement (KIRIA) and the Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems (ICROS).

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SOURCE THE KOREA INDUSTRY DAILY

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