Technology

MVGX and World Free Zones Organization Partner to Advance Sustainability in Free Zones Worldwide

Published

1 year ago

March 4, 2025

SINGAPORE, March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MVGX Tech Pte Ltd (MVGX), a subsidiary of Alpha Ladder Group and a leader in sustainability solutions, and the World Free Zones Organization (WFZO), the global body representing 1,600 free zones and industrial parks, have signed a landmark agreement to accelerate sustainability adoption across Free Zones worldwide.

Through this collaboration, Free Zones will gain access to internationally recognised sustainability frameworks, enabling them to implement robust sustainability management systems and attain the Sustainable Industrial Park (Free Zone) Certification, a key benchmark for green industrial park development. Aligned with ISO 37101, the Management System for Sustainable Development in Communities, and PAS IP 8848, the framework for Sustainable Industrial Park management systems, this initiative underscores a commitment to fostering sustainable, future-ready industrial ecosystems.

The signing ceremony in Dubai signals a major push towards sustainable transformation, as Free Zones worldwide move to align with global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards and future-proof their operations.

Helping Free Zones Achieve Global Sustainability Standards

As part of this partnership, MVGX and WFZO will champion the adoption of the Sustainable Industrial Park (Free Zone) Standard (PAS 8848:2024), encouraging WFZO members to integrate structured sustainability practices within their operations. To facilitate this, MVGX will provide capacity-building programs, consulting services, and hands-on certification support, equipping Free Zones with the expertise needed to implement effective sustainability management systems. The initiative will also help Free Zones secure dual certification in ISO 37101 (Sustainable Development in Communities) and PAS IP 8848 (Sustainable Industrial Park Free Zone Standard), reinforcing their commitment to globally recognized sustainability benchmarks.

Defining the Path to Sustainability: WFZO and MVGX’s Roles

Under this partnership, WFZO will take the lead in promoting the Sustainable Industrial Park (Free Zone) Standard across its global network, encouraging Free Zones to integrate sustainability into their operations. It will organize capacity-building events and workshops, providing Free Zones with the knowledge and resources needed to participate in the certification process. Additionally, WFZO will serve as the key liaison between MVGX and Free Zones, ensuring seamless communication and coordination.MVGX, on the other hand, will drive the technical execution by developing specialized training programs, sustainability assessments, and improvement roadmaps for Free Zones. It will provide hands-on consulting, guiding Free Zone teams through gap analyses, sustainability project implementation, and certification preparation. From documentation support to third-party certification reviews, MVGX will ensure Free Zones meet globally recognized sustainability standards.

Why This Matters to Free Zones and the Global Economy

Free Zones and Industrial Parks play a critical role in global trade, contributing to economic growth, industrial development, and cross-border commerce. However, as sustainability becomes a defining factor in investment decisions, supply chain partnerships, and regulatory compliance, Free Zones that do not embrace sustainability risk falling behind.

Ms Lily Hong, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of MVGX, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “This agreement underscores our shared commitment to sustainability in industrial zones. By leveraging MVGX’s expertise in sustainability consulting and WFZO’s extensive global network, we aim to provide Free Zones with the necessary tools and guidance to achieve internationally recognized sustainability certifications. This partnership is a critical step in accelerating the transition to greener industrial practices worldwide.”

“This collaboration marks a significant step toward integrating carbon markets within free zones, enabling enterprises to actively participate in global carbon reduction efforts,” said Dr. Samir Hamrouni, Chief Executive Officer of World Free Zones Organization. “By establishing unified carbon credit standards and digital trading systems, we are fostering a more sustainable and economically resilient future for free trade zones worldwide.”

This partnership between MVGX and WFZO provides Free Zones with a clear roadmap to sustainability compliance, strengthening their appeal to global investors and businesses. By offering direct access to cutting-edge sustainability knowledge and best practices, it empowers Free Zones to future-proof their operations while aligning with global ESG regulations. With sustainability now shaping the future of trade, this collaboration ensures Free Zones remain competitive, resilient, and positioned for long-term success.

About MVGX

MVGX, a subsidiary of Alpha Ladder Group and headquartered in Singapore, is a pioneer in sustainability compliance solutions across seven key markets in Asia-Pacific, with a growing presence. We offer a comprehensive suite of services, including digital Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV), regulatory compliance reporting, carbon credit advisory and trading, capacity building, and access to green finance.

Leveraging proprietary AI inference models and the region’s most extensive emissions factor database, MVGX streamlines sustainability compliance, making it simpler, scalable, and seamless. Our plug and play solutions enable businesses to lower the cost of regulatory compliance while unlocking capital —whether by securing green finance or monetising carbon credits.

Discover how MVGX is shaping the future of sustainability compliance at www.mvgx.com.

About WFZO

The World Free Zones Organization (WFZO) is an international, non-profit organization established to promote and advocate for the global free zones ecosystem. Founded with the aim of fostering cooperation, innovation, and sustainable development within free zones worldwide, WFZO acts as a key facilitator for stakeholders in the free zone industry. These include governments, regulatory bodies, investors, and business operators. The World FZO was launched in Dubai, UAE, in May 2014, by its 14 founding members and under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. WFZO serves as a central platform that connects over 3,000 free zones globally, providing them with the resources, knowledge, and support needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy. Its mission is to elevate the free zone sector by sharing best practices, facilitating networking opportunities, and advocating for policies that stimulate economic growth, trade, and innovation.

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SOURCE MVGX Tech

Technology

1-800Accountant Launches Tax Savings Services Designed for 1099 Workers

Published

13 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

New offering helps independent contractors structure their business to reduce their tax burden from day one

NEW YORK, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 1-800Accountant, the nation’s leading virtual accounting firm for small businesses, announced the launch of a new service offering built specifically for 1099 workers and independent contractors. The service helps freelancers and self-employed professionals work with an accountant to select the right business setup for their income, with a focus on reducing taxes from the start.

Growth Is Outpacing Tax Readiness

Independent contractor work has grown significantly in recent years. 1-800Accountant’s client data shows sharp year-over-year growth across contractor-heavy industries, with Consulting up 17%, Construction up 10%, and Service-sector clients growing more than 200% compared to 2024. Despite this growth, many contractors continue to overpay their taxes because they operate without a formal business structure in place or the right tax election.

The gap is particularly visible in industries like Healthcare, Engineering, and Legal, where LLC adoption among 1-800Accountant clients sits at 81%, 72%, and 71%, respectively, well below the 90%-plus rates seen in higher-adoption industries like Construction and Real Estate. 1-800Accountant’s new business tax optimization service closes that gap by matching contractors with the right business type while ensuring their business is set up correctly before they file their first return.

“Independent contractors continue to be one of the fastest-growing segments of the American workforce, and they are also among the most underserved when it comes to strategic tax planning,” said Mike Savage, Founder and CEO of 1-800Accountant. “That lack of planning means that most 1099 workers don’t realize how much they’re leaving on the table. This service changes that. We’re giving contractors access to the same strategic advantages that established businesses have, ensuring the right business setup from the beginning.”

Tax Strategy Built In from Day One

These services walk clients through a structured process that includes accountant-recommended business types, registering with the appropriate state agencies, and coordinating with an accountant to ensure alignment between the structure and the client’s specific tax situation. 1-800Accountant integrates business setup for 1099 earners into a broader tax strategy tailored around each contractor’s income level, filing status, and long-term goals.

“What sets us apart is the tax strategy layer,” said Ryan Teeples, Chief of Strategy at 1-800Accountant. “What contractors and gig workers actually need are professionals to help them understand which tax setup makes the most sense for their income, their industry, and where they want their business to go. Then, we do the work to save on both their business and personal taxes. That’s what we’re delivering here.”

The service is available now to new and existing 1-800Accountant clients. Pricing starts at $19 per month (plus any government filing fees) and includes business setup evaluation, tax return preparation and filing, state registration, federal registration, simple-to-use AI bookkeeping software, and a consultation with a tax expert for onboarding and explanation of their individual tax situation.

About 1-800Accountant

1-800Accountant is the nation’s leading virtual accounting firm for small businesses and independent contractors. With a team of credentialed accountants and tax professionals, 1-800Accountant provides bookkeeping, tax preparation, tax planning, and advisory services to clients across all 50 states. The firm is committed to making professional accounting accessible and affordable for business owners at every stage.

Contact: Wyatt Johnson
Content Manager, 1-800Accountant
920-807-9159 | media@1800accountant.com

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SOURCE 1-800Accountant

Technology

9fin launches in APAC to expand global credit coverage

Published

13 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

With APAC playing a bigger role in increasingly complex global credit markets, 9fin brings the news, data and AI tools professionals need to navigate volatility

HONG KONG, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 9fin, the AI-native information platform for global debt markets, has formally launched in the Asia Pacific region, giving credit professionals access to cutting-edge news, data and analysis across private and public bonds and loans.

As the 9fin team continues to grow quickly across APAC from its initial base in Hong Kong, it is supporting firms locally by providing proprietary credit intelligence, comprehensive data, and AI-powered workflow tools, all within one unified platform.

The launch comes as the tussle between public and private markets intensifies in APAC, making it more important than ever for banks, asset managers, advisors, and law firms to have visibility across the full credit landscape. While bond issuance has dropped amid geopolitical disruption, private credit activity remains robust as borrowers seek alternative financing options.

By combining deal intelligence from local sources with its extensive global credit database and AI tools, the 9fin platform gives users a comprehensive view across fragmented markets. The APAC platform includes coverage of more than 1,800 issuers and 16,000 instruments, with issuance history dating back to 2003 following 9fin’s acquisition of Bond Radar, in March 2025.

9fin is already used by more than 300 institutions globally, including KKR, Apollo, BNP Paribas, and Kirkland & Ellis. The company’s APAC buildout — supported by its $170 million Series C fundraise in March 2026 — marks the next phase of its global expansion.

Steven Hunter, CEO and co-founder at 9fin, commented: “APAC is a complex region and is becoming even more so as private markets expand and geopolitical volatility increases. The region needs a faster, smarter platform covering the full picture across bonds, loans, private credit and distressed. That’s exactly what 9fin provides. With our full platform now live in APAC, we’re giving our users the clarity to make informed decisions, faster.”

9fin’s APAC launch follows its expansion across the US, Europe, and Latin America, with CEEMEA to follow.

About 9fin

9fin is the AI-native platform for global debt markets. Founded by former J.P. Morgan banker Steven Hunter and Deutsche Bank engineer Hussam EL-Sheikh, the company combines data, analytics, and AI-powered workflows in a single platform, helping clients work smarter and faster to outperform their peers.

The company is headquartered in London, with offices in New York, Hong Kong, and Belfast and with teams across Latin America and Asia. For more information, visit 9fin.com.

Media contacts
Jessica Simpkin
jessica.simpkin@9fin.com
Shree Dhond/Katie Nerantzis
Dukas Linden Public Relations | 9fin@dlpr.com

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/9fin-launches-in-apac-to-expand-global-credit-coverage-302750649.html

Technology

Trimble First Quarter Earnings Call and Webcast

Published

13 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

WESTMINSTER, Colo., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB) will hold a conference call on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 8 a.m. ET to review its first quarter 2026 results. The call will be broadcast live on the web at https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/544327873. Analysts who wish to dial into the call may do so by first registering at https://events.q4inc.com/analyst/544327873?pwd=s5ilhwSm. Upon registration, dial-in details will be sent via email to the registrant.

About Trimble

Trimble is a global technology company that connects the physical and digital worlds, transforming the ways work gets done. With relentless innovation in precise positioning, modeling and data analytics, Trimble enables essential industries including construction, geospatial and transportation. Whether it is helping customers build and maintain infrastructure, design and construct buildings, optimize global supply chains or map the world, Trimble is at the forefront, driving productivity and progress. For more information about Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB), visit: www.trimble.com.

FTRMB

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SOURCE Trimble