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MetaComp launches the world’s first AI agent governance framework for regulated financial services

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Introduced at Money20/20 Asia, the StableX Know Your Agent Framework establishes how AI agents are identified, authorised, monitored and held accountable to provide financial services in payments, compliance, and wealth management — authored in Singapore, designed for the world

BANGKOK, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — MetaComp Pte. Ltd. (MetaComp), today launched the StableX Know Your Agent (KYA) Framework – a governance framework for AI agents operating in regulated financial services in payments, compliance, and wealth[1] workflows authored by a licensed financial institution and believed to be the first of its kind globally. MetaComp is Asia’s pioneer in unified Web2.5 digital financial solutions bridging fiat and stablecoin capabilities across payments, treasury, and wealth[1] management through a group-level platform. The KYA framework is open for adoption by financial institutions, regulators, and network partners.

The announcement was made at Money20/20 Asia in Bangkok, Thailand, alongside the expansion of MetaComp’s AgentX agentic financial services Skill ecosystem, the first such ecosystem from a regulated financial institution, which will be available across Claude, Claude Code, OpenClaw, and other compatible AI platforms from 21 April 2026 at www.metacomp.ai.

Ms Tin Pei Ling, Co-President, MetaComp said:

“AI agents are already operating in financial services — initiating payments, making compliance decisions, managing portfolios. And yet there is no agreed standard for who those agents are, what they are permitted to do, or who is accountable when they act outside their mandate. KYA is our active contribution to establish that standard for regulated financial services. It governs agents across their full lifecycle — identity, authorisation, behaviour monitoring, and how they interact with each other — within a single architecture.”

To understand why this matters in practice, take something as fundamental as identity. When a human leaves an organisation, their access is revoked. When an AI agent completes a transaction, its identity and permissions do not automatically expire. It can persist in a system long after its mandate has lapsed — with no verified identity anchor, no accountability chain, and no mechanism to intervene. “Also, the longitudinal behavioural trail, if without safeguards such as time limits or privacy protection, risks being tracked and exploited. Hence, holistic lifecycle governance is imperative,” she added.

The Governance Gap Agentic Finance Has Yet to Close

Financial institutions globally are deploying AI agents to initiate payments, execute compliance decisions, and manage portfolios, yet fewer than one in three organisations have adequate governance and controls in place to oversee them, according to McKinsey’s 2026 State of AI Trust survey. Similarly, PwC’s Global AI Performance Study 2026, found that while Singapore businesses outperform the global average on AI adoption (67 per cent report a higher risk appetite for AI investment versus 41 per cent globally), only 47 per cent have a documented responsible AI framework, compared to 63 per cent among global AI leaders.

In January 2026, Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) published the world’s first cross-sector governance framework for AI agents. Budget 2026 built on this with the establishment of a National AI Council chaired by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, designating finance as one of four national AI mission sectors and committing to regulatory sandboxes for AI innovation.

Ms Tin Pei Ling added:

“We developed KYA drawing on IMDA’s Model AI Governance Framework for Agentic AI, and we went back to IMDA directly to seek their feedback. We are in active engagement with other regulators and stakeholders. We are not presenting this as a finished answer. We are publishing it openly, because this is not a problem any one institution can resolve on its own. We are asking financial institutions, regulators, and technology partners to adopt it, challenge it, and build on it with us.”

To the best of MetaComp’s knowledge and based on publicly available information, no licensed financial institution has published a governance architecture addressing agent identity, authorisation, action scope, behavioural monitoring, risk scoring, audit trails, and agent-to-agent governance in a single framework specifically for regulated payments, compliance, and wealth[1] workflows.

KYA governs AI agents across their full operational lifecycle, to establish who the agent is, what it is permitted to do, what it actually does and how it interacts. The framework is organised across four pillars: Agent Identity and Registration; Authority and Permission Control; VisionX Behaviour Monitoring and Risk Intelligence; and Ecosystem and Interaction Governance, which extends the FATF Travel Rule to agent-to-agent transactions.

Under the KYA framework, every AI agent is anchored to a verified identity linked to a real-world individual or institution through a tamper-resistant registry, ensuring clear accountability from the outset. Each agent operates within strictly defined permissions – governing what it can access, decide, and execute – with built-in safeguards that require human escalation when actions exceed approved thresholds.

The framework goes beyond traditional controls by introducing continuous, real-time monitoring of agent behaviour, assessing not just what actions are taken, but how they are executed and whether outcomes align with intent. As agents operate, their risk profiles are dynamically updated, enabling proactive risk management. All activities and interactions are securely authenticated and recorded, creating a comprehensive, end-to-end audit trail that delivers full transparency and traceability for regulators, institutions, and ecosystem participants.

KYA extends its governance to agent-to-agent interactions, building on the principles of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Travel Rule by requiring the exchange of verified identity and transaction information not only between institutions, but also across agent-initiated and agent-to-agent activities within a unified architecture. This ensures that every interaction remains traceable, attributable, and compliant by design.

The framework governs all agents operating within the StableX Network, including those accessing MetaComp’s capabilities through the AgentX Skill ecosystem. Financial institutions and developers can access MetaComp’s regulated infrastructure (compliance, payments, and wealth[1] management) directly through the AI platforms they already use, including Claude, Claude Code, and other compatible platforms via Model Context Protocol (MCP).

The ecosystem’s first Skill, the VisionX Know Your Transaction (KYT) Skill, packages the Web2.5 VisionX Engine into a single agent-callable compliance layer combining more than four blockchain analytics vendors in parallel. New Skills across cross-border payments, treasury, and wealth[1] management will be available by late Q2 2026.

The Compliance Foundation and the Evidence Behind It

The framework sits on top of a compliance architecture that MetaComp has validated across real-world transaction flows. Cross-border transactions today increasingly span both traditional banking rails and blockchain networks within a single transfer. FATF data from June 2025 shows that 73 per cent of jurisdictions have passed Travel Rule legislation, but 59 per cent have taken no supervisory or enforcement action.

Ms Summer Yu, Group Chief Compliance Officer, Alpha Ladder Group, said: “Today’s compliance frameworks were designed for a world where humans initiate transactions. That assumption no longer holds. Our analysis of more than 7,000 real-world transactions shows that even in hybrid fiat and blockchain environments, relying on a single screening tool can leave up to 25% of high-risk exposures undetected. In an agent-driven environment, these risks multiply, and without a defined identity layer, clear authorisation boundaries, or shared accountability standards, the control framework simply does not exist. VisionX Web2.5 closes the visibility gap. KYA establishes the governance layer. Both are essential, and both must be in place before agentic finance can scale safely.”

Today’s announcement continues a period of sustained momentum for MetaComp. Since closing US$35 million across two Pre-A funding rounds within three months, the group has launched the Web2.5 VisionX Engine, established a joint venture with Maqam International Holding to connect Abu Dhabi’s real asset base to Asian capital markets through the StableX Network, and now introduced the KYA Framework as the governance layer for the next phase of institutional agentic finance. Capital is being deployed across all three dimensions: deepening compliance capabilities, expanding regulated payment corridors across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, and building the institutional standards that the agentic era requires.

[1] All products and/or services in relation to securities and capital market products are offered and operated solely by Alpha Ladder Finance Pte. Ltd.

About MetaComp

MetaComp is Asia’s pioneer in unified Web2.5 digital financial solutions, bridging fiat and stablecoin capabilities across payments, treasury, and wealth management on an institutional, group-level platform. Licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore as a Major Payment Institution to provide Digital Payment Token (DPT) and Cross-border Money Transfer (CBMT) services, MetaComp serves more than 1,000 institutional and accredited clients across major financial hubs globally.

In 2025, the group-level platform processed over US$10 billion in payment and OTC volume across 13+ stablecoins, operating at a monthly run rate exceeding US$1 billion. Through the StableX Network, institutions move, convert and manage capital across fiat and stablecoin rails within a compliant, unified Web2.5 financial architecture. Treasury and investment services are provided through Alpha Ladder Finance Pte. Ltd., MetaComp’s MAS-licensed affiliate holding Capital Markets Services (CMS) and Recognised Market Operator (RMO) licences, with wealth AUM surpassing US$500 million across its solutions.

MetaComp has raised US$35 million in its Pre-A funding rounds to date and achieved full-year net profitability in 2025, reflecting strong institutional demand for regulated Web2.5 financial solutions.

Learn more at www.mce.sg, or follow MetaComp on X @MetaCompHQ or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/metacompsg).

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SOURCE MetaComp Pte Ltd

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Sidus Space Announces Closing of Offering

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April 21, 2026

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sidus Space, Inc. (Nasdaq: SIDU) (“Sidus” or the “Company”), an innovative space and defense technology company, today announced the closing of its previously announced best-efforts offering of 13,453,700 shares of its Class A common stock (or pre-funded warrants (“Pre-funded Warrants”) in lieu thereof). Each share of Class A common stock (or Pre-funded Warrant) was sold at an offering price of $4.35 per share (inclusive of the Pre-funded Warrant exercise price) for gross proceeds of approximately $58.5 million, before deducting the placement agent’s fees and offering expenses. All of the shares of Class A common stock and Pre-funded Warrants were offered by the Company.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for working capital and general corporate purposes.

ThinkEquity acted as sole placement agent for the offering.

The securities were offered and sold pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-292839), including a base prospectus, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on January 20, 2026, and declared effective on February 4, 2026. The offering was made by means of a written prospectus. A final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus related to the offering have been filed with the SEC and made available on the SEC’s website. Copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to the offering may also be obtained, when available, from the offices of ThinkEquity, 17 State Street, 41st Floor, New York, New York 10004.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Sidus Space

Sidus Space (NASDAQ: SIDU) is an innovative space and defense technology company offering flexible, cost-effective solutions, including satellite manufacturing and technology integration, AI-driven space-based data solutions, mission planning and management operations, AI/ML products and services, and space and defense hardware manufacturing. With its mission of Space Access Reimagined®, Sidus Space is committed to rapid innovation, adaptable and cost-effective solutions, and the optimization of space systems and data collection performance. With demonstrated space heritage, including manufacturing and operating its own satellite and sensor system, LizzieSat®, Sidus Space serves government, defense, intelligence, and commercial companies around the globe. Strategically headquartered on Florida’s Space Coast, Sidus Space operates a 35,000-square-foot space manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing facility and provides easy access to nearby launch facilities. For more information, visit: sidusspace.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected trading commencement and closing dates. The words ‘anticipate,’ ‘believe,’ ‘continue,’ ‘could,’ ‘estimate,’ ‘expect,’ ‘intend,’ ‘may,’ ‘plan,’ ‘potential,’ ‘predict,’ ‘project,’ ‘should,’ ‘target,’ ‘will,’ ‘would’ and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: the uncertainties related to market conditions and other factors described more fully in the section entitled ‘Risk Factors’ in Sidus Space’s prospectus supplement and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Sidus Space, Inc. specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts

Investor Relations
Investor-Relations@sidusspace.com

Media
press@sidusspace.com

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SOURCE Sidus Space, Inc.

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Ezee Fiber Connects First Customers in Santa Fe, Accelerates New Mexico Expansion

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April 21, 2026

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HOUSTON, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ezee Fiber, a fast-growing fiber internet company delivering 100% fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) service, announced it has connected its first customers in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This milestone marks the company’s first major step in building its Santa Fe network and expanding multi-gigabit, symmetrical fiber service across the state.

Installations are now underway, giving residents access to Ezee Fiber’s high-performance network, which features symmetrical multi-gig speeds, no data caps, no hidden fees and transparent lifetime pricing. The company also emphasizes locally staffed customer support and a reliable, high-quality experience that sets it apart from legacy providers.

“We’re excited to bring our modern, 100% fiber network to homes the state capital,” said Carlos Rosas, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Southwest Region at Ezee Fiber. “Communities deserve more than basic connectivity. We are focused on delivering ultra-fast speeds, reliability and long-term infrastructure that supports how people live and work today.”

Ezee Fiber began expanding in New Mexico in 2024 and continues to scale rapidly. In addition to Santa Fe, the company is building fiber infrastructure in Albuquerque and surrounding communities, with service activating on a rolling basis as construction is completed.

Residents can expect construction activity to move efficiently through neighborhoods. Ezee Fiber will provide advance notice before work begins and will restore all areas in line with municipal requirements and industry best practices.

Residents can check availability and learn more at ezeefiber.com.

About Ezee Fiber

Ezee Fiber is a rapidly growing fiber internet company delivering premium multi-gig service to residential, business, and government customers over a 100% fiber-optic network—at exceptional value.

The company’s carrier-grade infrastructure spans Texas, New Mexico, Illinois, Oregon, Michigan and Washington, supported by local teams who live and work in the communities they serve. Ezee Fiber’s industry-leading speeds, award-winning customer service, and transparent pricing model set the company apart. Learn more at www.ezeefiber.com.

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SOURCE Ezee Fiber

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CFA Institute calls for functional, proportionate AI oversight to safeguard UK retail investors and market integrity

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April 21, 2026

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LONDON, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, has published its response to the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Review into the long-term impact of artificial intelligence on retail financial services (the “Mills Review”). CFA Institute welcomes the FCA’s technology-neutral approach, while urging greater operational clarity to ensure responsible AI deployment.

In its submission, CFA Institute supports anchoring AI oversight within the UK’s existing principles-based framework, including the Consumer Duty and the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR), rather than introducing a standalone AI rulebook. However, it emphasizes that supervisory expectations must be clearer and more practical as AI systems move from assistive tools to advisory functions and, ultimately, autonomous agents.

CFA Institute argues that regulation should follow what AI systems do for consumers, not how they are labelled or constructed. AI-enabled retail interfaces may generate “advice-like” outcomes, such as personalized product steering or portfolio construction guidance, without formally crossing regulatory thresholds. A substance-over-form approach is therefore essential to prevent regulatory arbitrage and ensure consistent consumer protection.

While the Consumer Duty provides a robust foundation, CFA Institute calls for AI-specific articulation of how its four outcomes apply where decision-making is increasingly delegated to automated systems. In particular, the response highlights a risk of automation bias, which may reduce effective consumer outcomes, especially among vulnerable customers.

Firms should be expected to test, monitor and evidence outcomes based on how consumers actually use AI systems in practice, not solely on how they are intended to function.

The submission also identifies a potential governance gap where firms report formal accountability for AI systems yet lack deep operational understanding of complex or third-party models. CFA Institute recommends clearer expectations around what “reasonable steps” and “meaningful oversight” mean under SM&CR and SYSC when AI is deployed in material retail use cases.

It further calls for:

A proportionate, tiered governance framework aligned to the assistive–advisory–autonomous spectrumClear allocation of end-to-end accountability for consumer outcomesReinforced oversight of third-party AI dependencies and operational resilience risks.

Although retail-focused, the response underscores broader market structure implications, including model concentration, correlated behavior, and third-party dependencies that could amplify volatility in stressed conditions. CFA Institute encourages close coordination between the FCA and the Bank of England, as well as continued alignment with IOSCO and the Financial Stability Board, to reduce fragmentation and support the UK’s global competitiveness.

Finally, CFA Institute stresses that responsible AI adoption depends on developing “hybrid” talent, professionals who combine technological fluency with fiduciary judgement and market expertise. Strengthening professional standards and supervisory capability should form part of the UK’s long-term AI competitiveness strategy.

Olivier Fines, CFA, Head of Advocacy and Capital Markets Policy at CFA Institute, said: “Artificial intelligence has the potential to expand access, improve efficiency and strengthen retail financial services, but only if trust and accountability remain firmly at the center.

“The UK’s principles-based framework is advantageous. The priority now is operational clarity: clear guidance on how the Consumer Duty and SM&CR apply when decision-making is increasingly delegated to AI systems.

“Regulation should follow function, not technological form. Where AI systems effectively shape or execute consumer decisions, protections must apply in substance, not just in label.

“We encourage the FCA to provide practical supervisory guidance by the end of 2026 and to continue close dialogue with industry and international standard-setters. With proportionate safeguards, meaningful oversight and investment in hybrid professional skills, the UK can play a leading role in responsible AI-enabled finance while preserving market integrity and public trust.”

About CFA Institute

As the global association of investment professionals, CFA Institute sets the standards for professional excellence and credentials. We champion ethical behavior in investment markets and serve as the leading source of learning and research for the investment industry. We believe in fostering an environment where investors’ interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. With more than 200,000 charterholders worldwide across more than 160 markets, CFA Institute has 9 offices and 157 local societies. Find us at https://www.cfainstitute.org/ or follow us on LinkedIn, and subscribe on YouTube.

 

 

 

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