Technology

J.S. Held Lending Climate Survey Finds Growing Lender Caution Amid Rising Economic and Geopolitical Risks

Published

6 hours ago

September 3, 2026

Q3 2026 survey reveals weaker economic expectations, elevated recession concerns, more selective underwriting practices, and continued borrower investment in growth initiatives.

The Q3 2026 J.S. Held Lending Climate in America survey finds US lenders are becoming increasingly cautious as geopolitical instability, recession concerns, and broader economic uncertainty intensify. Survey respondents reported weaker expectations for both near-term and long-term economic performance, continued selectivity in underwriting larger loans, and heightened focus on risk management. At the same time, borrowers continue to pursue growth initiatives, including product development, capital investment, market expansion, and hiring, creating a lending environment characterized by both opportunity and increased discipline.

NEW YORK, Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Global consulting firm J.S. Held today published the results of its Q3 2026 Lending Climate in America survey, offering insight into how US lenders are assessing economic conditions, credit risk, borrower activity, and market expectations. The latest findings point to a lending environment marked by growing caution. Concerns regarding geopolitical instability, recession risk, and policy uncertainty remain elevated, while lender expectations for both near-term and longer-term economic performance have weakened. Despite this more guarded outlook, borrowers continue to pursue investment and expansion initiatives, highlighting a notable disconnect between lender sentiment and borrower activity.

To review the complete findings from the Q3 2026 J.S. Held Lending Climate in America survey, visit: https://www.jsheld.com/insights/articles/lending-climate-in-america.

Lenders Grow More Cautious About the Economic Outlook

The survey found a meaningful decline in lender expectations for both the next six months and the period beyond. Weighted average economic outlook scores fell from Q2 levels, while the percentage of respondents assigning below-average grades to the US economy increased across both time horizons. Recession concerns also remained among the most frequently cited risks affecting the economy.

“The Q3 results indicate lenders are approaching the market with a heightened awareness of downside risk,” said J.S. Held Senior Managing Director and Strategic Advisory Practice Lead, Michael Jacoby. “While capital remains available for well-positioned borrowers, lenders are placing greater emphasis on disciplined underwriting, liquidity strength, and resilience in uncertain economic conditions. The survey suggests that risk management has become as important as growth in current lending decisions.”

Geopolitical and Recession Concerns Continue to Shape Decision-Making

Geopolitical Risk/War remained the most frequently cited factor expected to affect the economy in the coming six months, while concerns regarding a potential US recession ranked second. Policy risk, political uncertainty, debt-related concerns, and stock market stability also remained prominent among respondents. Collectively, the findings suggest lenders continue to evaluate a broad range of risks extending beyond traditional credit fundamentals.

“What stands out in this quarter’s results is the persistence of geopolitical concerns alongside growing recession expectations,” said Livia Paggi, Senior Managing Director and political risk and business intelligence expert at J.S. Held. “Many of the risks lenders identified are interconnected. Geopolitical tensions increasingly influence economic forecasts, trade dynamics, supply chains, commodity markets, and investment decisions, making them a more central consideration in financial planning and risk assessment.”

Borrowers Continue Investing Despite Greater Economic Uncertainty

While lender sentiment became more cautious, respondents reported that their customers continue to pursue growth-oriented initiatives. Introducing new products and services, raising additional capital, making capital investments, entering new markets, and hiring employees were among the most frequently cited customer priorities. Acquisition activity remained comparatively limited, suggesting organizations continue to favor organic growth and internal investment strategies.

The contrast between lender caution and borrower expansion plans indicates that many companies remain committed to long-term growth opportunities despite a more uncertain economic backdrop.

Underwriting Remains Selective as Risk Management Takes Priority

Although maintaining existing loan structures remained the most common response across all loan categories, lenders continued to demonstrate greater conservatism toward larger credits. Tightening remained most prevalent among loans exceeding $25 million, while smaller loans saw comparatively greater willingness to relax lending terms.

“Capital has not disappeared from the market, but lenders are becoming increasingly selective in how they deploy it,” said Kevin Doyle, Director in J.S. Held’s Strategic Advisory practice. “Borrowers who can clearly demonstrate financial performance, operational stability, and preparedness are likely to be better positioned in this environment. The survey reflects a market where underwriting standards remain disciplined even as competition for certain opportunities persists.”

Volatility Expectations Broaden Across Industries

Financial Services remained the industry most frequently identified as likely to experience volatility in the coming six months, followed by Energy and Power, Consumer Products and Services, Agriculture, and Real Estate. The results suggest lenders expect potential disruption across a wide range of sectors rather than concentrating risk within a single portion of the economy.

Interest Rate Expectations Remain Balanced

Respondents’ expectations regarding Federal Reserve policy remained relatively stable compared with Q2. While more lenders continued to anticipate some degree of rate increases than decreases, the overall distribution of responses remained balanced, resulting in a weighted average expectation that was essentially unchanged from the prior quarter. The findings point to a more measured and data-dependent outlook for monetary policy than was evident earlier in 2026.

Experienced Support for Complex Business Challenges

When organizations, lenders, investors, and stakeholders face decisions that materially affect enterprise value, J.S. Held provides strategic, financial, and operational expertise to help clients evaluate risk, navigate uncertainty, and make informed decisions. Through its Strategic Advisory practice, J.S. Held helps clients address evolving credit conditions, restructuring challenges, liquidity concerns, operational issues, and complex stakeholder matters.

About J.S. Held

J.S. Held is a global consulting firm that combines technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise to advise clients seeking to realize value and mitigate risk. Our professionals serve as trusted advisors to organizations facing high stakes matters demanding urgent attention, staunch integrity, proven experience, clear-cut analysis, and an understanding of both tangible and intangible assets. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, products, and data that enable clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations.

More than 1,500 professionals serve organizations across six continents, including 84% of the Global 200 Law Firms, 75% of the Forbes Top 20 Insurance Companies, and 71% of Fortune 100 Companies.

J.S. Held, its affiliates and subsidiaries are not certified public accounting firm(s) and do not provide audit, attest, or any other public accounting services. J.S. Held is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Securities offered through PM Securities, LLC, d/b/a Phoenix IB or Ocean Tomo Investments, a part of J.S. Held, member FINRA/SIPC.

Contact

Kristi L. Stathis | Global Public Relations | +1 786 833 4864 | Kristi.Stathis@jsheld.com

SOURCE J.S. Held

Technology

Real Life-Size Human Anatomy in Your Hands with Anatomage Replica

Published

25 minutes ago

September 3, 2026

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Anatomage Inc., a leader in medical visualization and education technology, today announced the launch of Anatomage Replica, a new line of 3D printed physical anatomy models based on real cadaver data. Designed to complement the company’s exclusive real-human-based digital anatomy, Anatomage Replica provides access to highly accurate, durable physical anatomy models that can be explored repeatedly in the classroom, cadaver lab, and clinical training environments.

Cadaver dissection remains an important component of medical education, giving students direct experience with real human anatomy; however, dissection is inherently a destructive and finite process, and structures cannot simply be restored or kept for repeated reference. Therefore, educators have long relied on tools like dry skulls and anatomy models to provide students with anatomy they can revisit throughout their studies.

Plastinated models, a more detailed alternative, use specially preserved real human tissues to create dry, durable anatomical specimens that can be handled and studied. However, while plastination can preserve intricate anatomical details, these specimens can be fragile, expensive, and visually different from living or freshly preserved anatomy, with some specimens relying on painted or altered coloration to distinguish structures. The provenance and ethical sourcing of human specimens can also raise questions when individual anatomical parts are separated for commercial distribution.

Anatomage Replica was developed to provide a better approach. Derived from the real-human-based anatomy represented in the Anatomage Table, Replica transforms Anatomage’s highly detailed cadaver data into physical models using 3D printing technology. The Anatomage Table is well-known for delivering the most accurate and complete real human anatomy, with fully volumized digital bodies derived from real cadaver slices as well as highly accurate synthetic cadavers.

Replica models preserve the visual characteristics and anatomical relationships represented in the source anatomy. Muscles, ligaments, and bones retain the appearance of the original frozen cadavers, while vascular structures and nerves are clearly defined and colored for easy identification. Removable outer layers reveal deeper structures, allowing students to explore internal anatomy through hands-on examination.

The result is a physical representation designed to closely replicate the anatomy students encounter in Anatomage’s digital environment, providing a unified, multi-modal learning experience that connects tactile exploration with digital visualization, helping educators make complex anatomy more accessible, engaging, and memorable. Durable, safe to handle, and reusable, Anatomage Replica brings the anatomy of real human organs into physical models that students can hold and study.

The first Anatomage Replica set includes the heart, brain, hand, knee, and foot, each featuring detachable components that allow for deeper exploration of internal anatomy. Anatomists have been impressed by the cadaver-level detail and accuracy of the Replica models, which bring educators and students more of the anatomy they need into a physical format.

By connecting the physical and digital worlds, Anatomage Replica gives students a consistent anatomical reference they can return to throughout their education. It offers the detail of human anatomy, the accessibility of a physical model, and the flexibility of digital visualization, which provides educators with a practical and ethical tool for hands-on anatomy education that is substantially more economical than plastinated human specimens.

About Anatomage
Anatomage is a market leader in medical imaging and education technology, transforming traditional learning through continuous innovation. With an ecosystem of medical imaging software and hardware, the company delivers world-class anatomy and physiology content at the highest level of accuracy. Anatomage is committed to enhancing its technologies to transform standard anatomy learning, medical training, treatment planning, as well as revolutionize science education.

Media Contact:
Dr. Jack Choi
CEO, Anatomage Inc.
Phone: 1-408-885-1474
Email: info@anatomage.com
www.anatomage.com

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SOURCE Anatomage Inc.

Technology

Sins of a Solar Empire II: Harbinger Arrives with the Deadly Eidolon Faction

Published

26 minutes ago

September 3, 2026

Expansion launches along with the free version 2.0 update which includes new units, improved graphics, updated market view, new VO and more

Harbinger Expansion Trailer: https://youtu.be/tTMjpY2LAAs

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stardock today released the first expansion for Sins of a Solar Empire II, Harbinger. The new DLC adds the long-awaited fourth faction to the Sins universe, giving a face to the great enemy that’s chased the Vasari for 10,000 years. The expansion is available now on Steam, Epic Games Store, and direct through Stardock with a launch discount price of $23.99. Shipping alongside Harbinger is a free version 2.0 update for every Sins of a Solar Empire II owner.

The Eidolon

Fighting for planets, trade routes, culture, or wealth is not the Eidolon way. Working behind the scenes, the Eidolon spread corruption wherever they go. Their technology shrouds entire worlds to fuel their advance, and they strike from the shadows with cloaked fleets, forcing every other empire to fight for survival on unfamiliar terms.

Expansion Features

The Eidolon rewrite the rules of galactic conquest with systems built around corruption, secrecy, and control:

Planetary Transformation: The Eidolon spread corruption across the galaxy to empower themselves and their worlds. As populations fall under the Eidolon’s influence, their planets gain corruption over time. Once a world has fully fallen, it can be shrouded, greatly expanding the upgrades that planet can support.

Unit Corruption: Corruption empowers Eidolon units in combat as well as weakens them. As an Eidolon ship gains corruption, its hull dwindles while its offensive power increases. Enemy forces can become infected by corruption, giving the Eidolon another advantage.

Null Weapons: Eidolon weapons are far more advanced than the other factions, and can negate shields and spread corruption against enemies.

Cloaked Ships: Subterfuge is one of the sharpest weapons of a great enemy, as on the Kalizaeth Profaner support capital ship. New cloaking and detection systems let the Eidolon appear and vanish at will, enabling hit-and-run tactics that reward patience and punish anyone caught off guard.

Psionic Abilities: The Eidolon possess psionic abilities that allow them to seize control of lesser beings and drive Vasari ships into madness, firing on friend and foe alike.

Phase Echoes: Sometimes the dead don’t die. Eidolon units infused with corruption may refuse to die and carry on the onslaught.

Version 2.0 Features

Quality of Life UX ImprovementsUpdated Unity quick bar system can now expand and be pinned.Weapon ranges of defense structures are now visible on mouseover and during placement.Market window has been redesigned and now uses price fluctuations with tracking and price history.Improved tooltips that give more information on why you can’t do something.Updated Mod UIRedesigned the Modding UI system to make it easier to browse collections and highlight popular mods.Users can now save playlists of mods and reload them. The game will automatically offer to download mods that aren’t installed.Added more filtering options and various safeguards during installation (e.g., low disk space, etc.).Updated Graphics SettingsNew planetary shaders provide more natural lighting and weather effects.Improved threading system helps prevent crashes or hangs on systems with low texture memory.The game now auto-detects which graphics settings are best for your system.

Sins of a Solar Empire II: Harbinger is now available to play on Steam, Epic Games Store, or direct through Stardock with a launch discount price of $23.99 through September 14 at 1:00 PM ET. The expansion is also included as part of the Premium Edition for $99.99 or as part of the Sins of a Solar Empire II: Content Pass for $59.99. The free v2.0 base-game update has also been released simultaneously to all Sins of a Solar Empire II owners on all platforms. Follow Sins II and learn more at https://www.sinsofasolarempire2.com.

About Stardock Entertainment
Stardock is a pioneer in the strategy gaming genre headquartered in Plymouth, Mich. that has been developing and publishing strategy and simulation games since 1993, starting with the original release of Galactic Civilizations. Stardock’s recent hits include Sins of a Solar Empire, Ashes of the Singularity, Elemental: Reforged, and Offworld Trading Company. Learn more at https://www.stardock.com.

Media Kit:
https://www.sinsofasolarempire2.com/press

Media Contact:
Colin Regan
Stardock_Media@zebrapartners.net
Zebra Partners

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SOURCE Stardock Entertainment

Technology

OGA 2026 OPENS WITH STRONGER FOCUS ON MARKET ACCESS, REGIONAL PROJECTS AND ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES

Published

26 minutes ago

September 3, 2026

Joint opening with MOGSEC and EIC strengthens links between Malaysian OGSE capabilities, international project pipelines and growing regional energy opportunities

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Oil & Gas Asia (OGA) 2026 opened with a stronger focus on market access, project opportunities and cross-border business connections, bringing Malaysian and international energy companies together as the industry responds to shifting demand, supply-chain pressures, technological change and the transition towards more resilient energy systems.

The 22nd edition of OGA, taking place from 2 to 4 September 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, is co-located with the Malaysian Oil, Gas & Energy Services Exhibition & Conference (MOGSEC) and EIC Connect OGA. Together, the three platforms bring Malaysian OGSE capabilities, international project opportunities, technology, investment and industry expertise into closer contact.

The joint opening was officiated by PETRONAS President and Group Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik, alongside Informa Markets Malaysia Chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat, Energy Industries Council (EIC) Regional Director, Asia Pacific Syed Saggaf Syed Ahmad, Malaysian Oil, Gas & Energy Services Council (MOGSC) President Zahris Sham Abu Musa and Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC) President and Chief Executive Officer Mohd Yazid Jaafar.

For Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat, Chairman of Informa Markets Malaysia, the value of OGA lies in bringing companies, capabilities and markets together at a time when the energy industry is undergoing significant change.

“OGA connects businesses with decision-makers, technology providers with potential users, investors with opportunities, and Malaysian companies with regional and international markets. And very often, a conversation that begins here can lead to a partnership, an investment or a new business opportunity,” said Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat.

The commercial potential of such connections was demonstrated at OGA 2025, which attracted more than 33,000 attendees from 81 countries and 2,000 participating brands and companies, generating US$42.17 million in reported potential business for exhibitors.

OGA 2026 is expected to attract more than 30,000 trade attendees, alongside 2,000 participating brands and companies, more than 40 industry speakers and eight international pavilions from Australia, China, Germany, India, Italy, Singapore, South Korea and the United Kingdom. Notably, 35% of exhibitors are new to OGA this year, bringing a wider mix of companies and capabilities to this year’s edition.

The international profile of the event is further strengthened by a new pavilion from Western Australia, bringing additional companies, capabilities and perspectives to OGA. The event is also collaborating with Timor-Leste, strengthening links with an emerging energy market and creating another avenue for cooperation.

The participation of new and international players is supported by PETRONAS, as Corporate Sponsor, and Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC), as National OGSE Development Partner. For Malaysia’s OGSE sector, stronger regional and international links are increasingly important as companies seek to build capabilities, adopt new technologies and identify new markets.

“For MPRC, being the National OGSE Development Partner at OGA 2026 gives us an opportunity to bring Government and industry closer and move forward together on an important conversation: Not just about where the oil and gas services industry is today, but about where Malaysian companies will find their next source of growth.” said Mohd Yazid Jaafar, President and CEO of MPRC.

That focus on domestic capability is reflected in MOGSEC, which returns for its eighth edition, co-organised with MOGSC. Bringing together emerging companies from Malaysia’s OGSE sector, MOGSEC puts local capabilities in the spotlight, creating opportunities for service providers to showcase their expertise and connect with regional and international stakeholders. Its SME Pavilion further provides a dedicated platform for smaller companies to build connections and pursue new business opportunities.

The international business dimension is strengthened through EIC Connect OGA, delivered in partnership with the Energy Industries Council. The platform brings international energy companies, technology providers and service organisations together to explore project pipelines, market intelligence, investment opportunities and potential partnerships, with a focus on markets including Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Indonesia.

Beyond the exhibition floor, OGA’s conference and knowledge programme, including the SPEAK OGA C-Suite Series, brings industry leaders, technical experts and policymakers together to examine market developments, operational efficiency, digital transformation, energy transition, talent development and emerging technologies, with a focus on how businesses are responding to a changing operating environment.

OGA Industry Plus, supported by SBM International Trading FZCO, further expands industry engagement by encouraging broader participation and peer-to-peer networking across the energy community.

Across the three days, OGA 2026 will also host a series of targeted business engagements, leadership roundtables, investment forums, talent sessions and technical dialogues, bringing together stakeholders from specific markets, sectors and communities across the wider energy ecosystem.

The event is supported by industry partners across the energy value chain, including Platinum Sponsors Velesto Energy and EPIC Berhad; Gold Sponsors Octave and ANP; Silver Sponsors Yokogawa, MHH Condition Monitoring Sdn Bhd and Vantris Energy Berhad; General Sponsors ENE Petro Services Sdn Bhd, FPT Corporation, Prometheus Group and KMIRA; and OGA Industry Plus sponsor SBM International Trading FZCO.

OGA 2026 continues at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre until 4 September, bringing together the regional energy community for three days of business, industry dialogue and technology showcase.

For more information and visitor registration, visit www.oilandgas-asia.com

Notes to Editors
About Oil & Gas Asia (OGA)
Oil & Gas Asia (OGA) is one of Southeast Asia’s premier platforms for the oil, gas and energy sector. Organised by Informa Markets Malaysia, the exhibition and conference convene policymakers, national and international energy companies, engineering and technology providers, investors and solution partners to explore emerging opportunities, showcase innovation and drive business growth across the energy value chain. As the industry’s leading meeting place for knowledge exchange, investment and technology advancement, OGA supports the development of a resilient, competitive and sustainable energy ecosystem by facilitating market access, strategic partnerships and industry insights that shape the future of energy in Southeast Asia. For more information, visit www.oilandgas-asia.com.

About Informa Markets
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate, and grow. Our portfolio comprises more than 450 international B2B events and brands across markets, including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience, and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content, and actionable data solutions. As the world’s leading exhibition organiser, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them thrive 365 days a year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.

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SOURCE Informa Markets Malaysia