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Kia announces the EV5 exclusively for the Canadian market in North America

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The all-new EV5 will be on display at the Canadian International Auto Show for its public debut

TORONTO, Jan. 30, 2025 /CNW/ –  Exclusive to the Canadian market in North America, Kia is announcing an all-new electric vehicle for the compact SUV segment, the EV5. This vehicle is intended to accelerate the adoption of EVs by overcoming the affordability barrier that exists within the automotive landscape. EV5 will have compelling design, a refreshing interior cabin, matched to the benefits of Kia’s top-selling SUVs, and the advantage of being battery powered.

“In line with Kia’s commitment to being a mobility solutions provider, the company aims to continue to break down barriers to entry as the industry transitions to more electric vehicle ownership,” says David Sherrard, Director of Strategic Planning at Kia Canada. “Upon launch, EV5 will mark an important milestone as we introduce this vehicle as an affordable option, that will meet the needs of today’s modern consumer, in what is Canada’s most significant segment.”

The EV5 is expected to arrive in dealerships across Canada in 2026.  

Signature Design Cues that Command the Road

Built on the foundation of Kia’s design philosophy, ‘Opposites United,’ EV5 is inspired by the ‘Bold for Nature’ pillar, based on interaction with nature, informed by the details, shapes and proportions found both in the natural and human worlds. Taking many styling cues from the company’s flagship EV9, parallels are observed in the structured, confident exterior lines and commanding stance that EV5 exhibits. 

Kia’s signature EV ‘tiger face’ grille and unmistakable 3-dimensional star map lighting pattern will have the EV5 standing out on the road like no other. Along the side, it is sculpted for a dynamic silhouette giving it a dignified and voluminous stance, that will harmonize with the available 18, 19 and 20-inch alloy wheel designs. Cohesiveness continues through to the rear of the vehicle, tied together with combination taillights and a spoiler which not only elongates the vehicle, but provides aerodynamic support as well. EV5 will be available in 8 different colours, two that are completely new to Kia, Magma Red and Frost Blue.

Intersection of Sport-Inspired and Luxury

The EV5’s exterior sportiness is brought into the interior, and complimented by luxury appointments throughout, elevating the ownership atmosphere. With soft-touch surfaces and minimalist aesthetic, EV5 will contain the brand’s 10 environmentally mindful materials, in line with other Kia EVs, in an effort to innovate and modernize its vehicle interiors. Upon entering the cabin, nearly 30 inches of panoramic screen greet the driver’s view, the conduit to all of the necessary conveniences and functionalities the EV5 will deliver on. With total seating for five passengers, comfort is not limited to the applied materials, but also in dimensions for shoulder width and legroom for optimal well-being. Extending the experience one step further is consideration for ambiance with available mood lamp, which can be adjusted at leisure to match the occupant’s style. Storage is ample throughout the entire cabin, especially in the console area, partly in thanks to the shifting mechanism being mounted to the steering column. Cargo capacity will be generous, especially with the completely flat-folding second-row seats and the benefit of additional storage space in the front trunk for items like an adapter or charging cable. 

Power of Choice, Choice of Power

Customers will be given an abundance of choice when it comes to EV5. Starting with the power unit, two battery size options will be available: a standard range 60.3 kWh and a long range 81.4 kWh. With various trim options to select from, the EV5 will have availability in front wheel drive and all wheel drive, suitable for all types of driving styles and conditions in Canada. Owners will also benefit from access to 61% more DC fast charging outlets across the country, as the EV5 will be equipped with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port.

The EV5 will make its debut appearance at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto from February 14-23, 2025. To stay up to date on the latest information about EV5, visit www.kia.ca/EV5.

About Kia Canada
Kia Canada Inc., founded in 1999, is a subsidiary of Kia Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. The company employs over 190 people at its headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario, as well as in locations across Canada and at its regional office in Montréal, Québec. Kia offers award winning products that are dynamic, stylish and innovative and services that are meaningful and convenient through a network of 197 dealers across the country. The company’s brand slogan – ‘Movement that inspires’ reflects Kia’s desire to create the space for you to get inspired and more time to bring your ideas to life.  To learn more, visit kia.ca or Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.

The information in this press release is provided for informational purposes only and concerns Kia Canada Inc., in Canada. The content is based on available information at time of publication. Product features, specifications, options, pricing, models, packages, details and offering is subject to change by time of launch in Canada

SOURCE Kia Canada Inc.

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Finastra simplifies trade finance with AI-powered assistant using Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service

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Assist.AI boosts efficiencies and bridges the knowledge gap in trade finance, enabling banks to focus on strategic projects

LONDON, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Finastra today announced the launch of Assist.AI, an AI-powered assistant designed to enhance the trade finance operations within its Trade Innovation solution. The tool, built on architecture powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, bridges the knowledge gap in the trade finance industry, providing users with instant, accurate, and context-aware assistance.

The trade finance industry faces significant challenges, including a diminishing knowledge base and a widening disparity between seasoned professionals and new entrants. Assist.AI addresses these issues by offering prompt-based assistance, allowing users to interact with the tool by entering specific questions related to trade processes. This ensures that users receive precise answers sourced from relevant resources without the need to sift through extensive documentation.

Assist.AI offers Trade Innovation users the following benefits:

Enhanced user support: Provides instant, accurate, and context-aware assistance, significantly improving the user experience.24/7 availability and efficiency: Ensures users can access support anytime, boosting efficiency by automating routine inquiries and freeing up valuable time for more strategic tasks.Continuous improvement and adaptability: The solution learns and adapts based on interactions, ensuring ongoing relevance and continuous improvement in responses.

“This timely and much needed solution represents a significant leap forward in our commitment to advancing Open Finance and leveraging AI technology to solve real-world challenges in financial services. By providing instant assistance to bank employees, we are empowering our clients to navigate the complexities of trade finance with greater ease and efficiency,” said Andrew Bateman, EVP Lending at Finastra.

Finastra identified a significant talent gap in the trade finance industry through interactions with various clients. As experienced staff retire or transition to other careers, banks need to invest in training new staff on the latest developments in trade finance and the use of Trade Innovation. Assist.AI uses Microsoft Copilot technology to facilitate this training and support, making it a timely and essential addition to the industry.

“We are pleased to work with Finastra to make trade finance simpler and more efficient for banks worldwide. Using the robust capabilities of Microsoft Azure, this solution exemplifies the power of AI in enhancing operational efficiency and user experience,” said Bill Borden, Corporate Vice President of Worldwide Financial Services at Microsoft.  “This collaboration not only showcases our shared vision for the future of financial technology, but also strengthens the long-standing relationship between Microsoft and Finastra. Together, we are committed to driving innovation and empowering businesses to achieve more through cutting-edge technology.”

Assist.AI is a global solution, available to users of Finastra Trade Innovation worldwide. To learn more, visit Finastra’s website.

finastra.com

About Finastra
Finastra is a global provider of financial services software applications across Lending, Payments, Treasury and Capital Markets, and Universal (retail and digital) Banking. Committed to unlocking the potential of people, businesses and communities everywhere, its vision is to accelerate the future of Open Finance through technology and collaboration, and its pioneering approach is why it is trusted by ~8,100 financial institutions, including 45 of the world’s top 50 banks. For more information, visit finastra.com.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2615478/FINASTRA_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/finastra-simplifies-trade-finance-with-ai-powered-assistant-using-microsoft-azure-openai-service-302371441.html

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RedotPay Partners with StraitsX and Visa to Revolutionise Digital Spending

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RedotPay is excited to announce its collaboration with Visa and StraitsX to launch a groundbreaking card programme in Singapore. This initiative aims to redefine how users interact with their digital assets in everyday transactions by combining RedotPay’s innovative technology with Visa’s extensive global payment network.

SINGAPORE, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ —

Partnership to Facilitate Launch of Crypto Credit Card for Seamless Transactions

Singapore, 10 February 2025 RedotPay, a leading provider of crypto payment solutions, is excited to announce its collaboration with Visa and StraitsX to launch a groundbreaking card programme in Singapore. This initiative aims to redefine how users interact with their digital assets in everyday transactions by combining RedotPay’s innovative technology with Visa’s extensive global payment network. The collaboration is made possible through the essential support of StraitsX as the BIN sponsor for the card programme.

Seamless Transactions

The new card programme will empower users to spend their cryptocurrencies effortlessly across millions of Visa-accepting merchants worldwide. With this innovative solution, users can utilise their cryptocurrencies directly, thanks to RedotPay’s proprietary real-time conversion technology. This feature bridges the gap between digital assets and traditional commerce, making crypto spending as seamless as using a conventional debit or credit card.

Compliance and Security

RedotPay is committed to providing users with a secure and trustworthy platform for their transactions. The partnership emphasises robust security measures to protect user data and funds, fostering confidence in the use of cryptocurrencies for everyday purchases.

Enhancing User Experience

“We are thrilled to partner with Visa and StraitsX to bring this innovative card program to Singapore,” said Michael, CEO of RedotPay. “This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our mission to make crypto payments accessible and user-friendly, promoting the mass adoption of cryptocurrencies in payment systems. Our users will enjoy the flexibility of spending their digital assets just like traditional currency.”

Jason Tay, Head of Commercial at StraitsX said, “We are excited to support RedotPay in launching this innovative card program in Singapore. This partnership is a game changer for everyday retail use cases, enabling users to easily leverage their digital assets for daily transactions. As the BIN sponsor, StraitsX is dedicated to powering this initiative, which will transform how consumers interact with cryptocurrencies in the retail space. By combining our technology with Visa’s vast network, we are making it easier than ever for users to seamlessly integrate digital assets into their everyday spending.”

“Based on a Visa study, close to six in 10 consumers in Singapore are aware of cryptocurrencies. In fact, over 35 per cent of cryptocurrency owners in Singapore use cryptocurrencies for retail purchases.[1] We are happy to support our partners who are helping more cryptocurrency users have a more seamless payment experience and access to digital payments leveraging on their Visa cards for face-to-face or online transactions. Visa is committed towards promoting innovation with our valued partners and this initiative with RedotPay and StraitsX aligns with our vision to become the best way to pay and be paid,” said Adeline Kim, Visa Country Manager for Singapore & Brunei.

Looking Ahead

The RedotPay card program is set to soft launch later this year, featuring a user-friendly interface designed for both convenience and security. Users will have the ability to manage their crypto assets easily, making everyday spending as simple as swiping a card.

About RedotPay

RedotPay is a leading crypto payment company, headquartered in Hong Kong, eligible to operate across various Asian, European and other jurisdictions. Their mission is to enable crypto adoption as a medium of exchange, increase payment efficiency with blockchain, and promote financial inclusion for the unbanked. Through intuitive interfaces and proprietary blockchain technology, RedotPay simplifies crypto transactions while prioritizing enterprise-grade security. The platform enables seamless integration of digital assets into everyday spending, ensuring accessibility and trust for both businesses and individuals.

For media inquiries, please contact: Press@RedotPay.com

About StraitsX

StraitsX is Southeast Asia’s leading digital payment infrastructure provider and a licensed Major Payment Institution regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Leveraging blockchain technology within a secure, regulated environment, StraitsX empowers businesses and individuals with innovative tools for managing funds, integrating digital assets, and enabling seamless cross-border transactions. Through partnerships with global financial institutions, businesses, and developers, StraitsX is driving the future of digital payments and financial connectivity.

1 Visa Green Shoots Radar: Study conducted across Asia Pacific markets, including 500 Singapore respondents in June 2023.

Media Contact

Jackee T. T. WONG, RedotPay, 1 85221290009, press@redotpay.com, https://www.redotpay.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/redotpay-partners-with-straitsx-and-visa-to-revolutionise-digital-spending-302371220.html

SOURCE RedotPay

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KBC Group renews collaboration with Cognizant to improve IT services and customer experience

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KBC Group and Cognizant celebrate over a decade of collaboration with a renewed agreement until 2027. Cognizant will provide various IT services, focusing on quality and cost-effectiveness.

BRUSSELS, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) today announced the renewal of its relationship with KBC Group, a leading Belgian universal multi-channel bank-insurer.

This renewal of the agreement will extend until 2027, positioning Cognizant as KBC Group’s partner in supporting its IT and business transformation across the entire spectrum of IT services, including application development & maintenance, data services, infrastructure, and quality engineering.

“We are pleased to renew our agreement with Cognizant, as it supports our goals of creating superior customer experience, supporting innovation, and maintaining operational excellence,” said Isabel Van Mele, Chief Information Officer of KBC Bank & Insurance. “Cognizant’s ability to provide various IT services, focusing on quality, stability, and cost-effectiveness, makes it an important partner for KBC. We look forward to continuing our collaboration to achieve our organizational objectives.”

Cognizant and KBC Group have enjoyed a long-standing relationship for over 11 years, built on mutual trust, respect, and a proven track record. This agreement has been characterized by a collaborative spirit, seeking win-win solutions for both parties. The renewal of the relationship underscores the commitment of both organizations to continue bringing execution focus, innovative solutions and thought leadership to KBC Group. Cognizant’s existing team and service offerings are expected to enhance quality, ensure operational stability, foster innovation, and optimize cost-effectiveness for KBC Group.

“We are honored to extend our partnership with KBC Group,” said Geert Lejon, Country Manager, Belgium & Luxembourg at Cognizant. “Our extensive experience in delivering a wide range of IT services has been crucial in helping KBC achieve its objectives over the past eleven years. Our team is excited to continue this work and further enhance our collaboration.”

About Cognizant

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) engineers modern businesses. We help our clients modernize technology, reimagine processes and transform experiences so they can stay ahead in our fast-changing world. Together, we’re improving everyday life. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.

About KBC Group

KBC is one of the leading financial groups in Europe. It is a multi-channel bank-insurance group with a geographic focus on Europe, catering mainly to retail clients, SMEs and local midcaps. The group occupies significant, and in many cases leading positions in its core markets of Belgium, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Hungary and Slovakia. The KBC group has also selectively established a presence in a number of other countries and regions around the world.

KBC Group employs around 41000 staff and caters for about 13 million clients in its core markets. KBC Group NV is listed on Euronext Brussels (ticker symbol ‘KBC’).

For more information, contact: GlobalCommunications@cognizant.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kbc-group-renews-collaboration-with-cognizant-to-improve-it-services-and-customer-experience-302371525.html

SOURCE Cognizant Technology Solutions

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