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Five Canadian Winners Recognized for IT Innovation and Leadership in 2026 Info-Tech Awards

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Info-Tech Research Group’s annual awards program has named five Canadian recipients whose achievements for 2026 span organizational innovation, IT process improvement, and leadership that supports the advancement of women in technology. The honourees represent municipal government, financial services, manufacturing, and higher education.

TORONTO, Oct. 13, 2026 /CNW/ — Info-Tech Research Group has announced the Canadian winners of its 2026 Info-Tech Awards, recognizing achievements across the country that have strengthened IT performance and its contribution to organizational success this year. The 2026 Canadian recipients include The Regional Municipality of Durham and leaders from Manulife, City of Brampton, Premier Tech, and Yorkville University.

The annual program celebrates both individual leadership and organizational innovation through its Leader of the Year and Innovator of the Year streams. Recipients are selected through an evaluation process that draws on diagnostic data, nomination forms, and interviews, with criteria specific to each category.

“Creating a more capable IT organization means paying equal attention to processes and the people who carry them out,” says Info-Tech Research Group’s Chief Global Services Officer, Hannes Scheidegger. “This year’s Canadian recipients bring those priorities into focus through their achievements in innovation, operational improvement, and leadership. Their contributions set an example for others working to strengthen IT performance and create opportunities for the next generation of technology leaders.”

The five recipients for Canada are among 68 total award recipients recognized worldwide in 2026. Canadian honourees were recognized in both the North America Large and Enterprise Division and the North America Small and Medium Division, reflecting the breadth of achievements across organizations of different sizes.

2026 Info-Tech Awards Canadian Winners
The Canadian winners of the 2026 Info-Tech Awards were recognized across three categories: Innovator of the Year, Women Leading IT, and IT Excellence. Together, their success highlights the contributions of IT leaders and teams across the nation to organizational innovation, operational effectiveness, and the ongoing evolution of the profession.

2026 Innovator of the Year Award
The Innovator of the Year Award honours organizations that deliver impactful, technology-driven initiatives to solve business challenges, improve efficiency, and set new standards.

The following Canadian organization has earned this year’s Innovator of the Year award:

North America – Large and Enterprise DivisionThe Regional Municipality of Durham

2026 Women Leading IT Award
The Women Leading IT Award celebrates women who have elevated innovation, inclusive leadership, and mentorship within their organizations and across the broader industry, helping to shape the next generation of leaders.

Canada’s 2026 Women Leading IT award recipient is:

North America – Large and Enterprise DivisionDawn Borent, Head of Retirement Technology Transformation, Manulife

2026 IT Excellence Award
The IT Excellence Award spotlights leaders who have demonstrated measurable improvements in IT processes and operational effectiveness, based on progress between assessments in Info-Tech’s IT Management & Governance Diagnostic.

This year’s Canadian recipients are:

North America – Large and Enterprise DivisionMedhanie Tekeste, Chief Information Officer, City of BramptonPierre-Luc Simard, Vice President, Information Technology, Premier TechNorth America – Small and Medium DivisionJassi Kaur, Chief Information Officer, Yorkville University

For more information about the Info-Tech Awards and the complete list of global winners, please visit the 2026 Info-Tech Awards page.

To request interviews or expert commentary from Info-Tech’s experts on the evolving role of IT leadership and innovation in Canada, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is the “get things done” partner for over 30,000 IT, HR, and marketing leaders worldwide. The fastest growing research and advisory firm, Info-Tech enables leaders to make well-informed decisions and transform their organizations through AI, strategic foresight, step-by-step methodologies, practical tools, industry-leading advisory, and training programs. For nearly 30 years, tens of thousands of private and public organizations have trusted Info-Tech to lead their most important initiatives through periods of change and deliver outcomes that truly matter.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s HR research and advisory services, visit McLean & Company, and for data-driven software buying insights and vendor evaluations, visit the firm’s SoftwareReviews platform.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software, and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

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Tin Leg Introduces New General Manager to Lead The Next Phase of Growth

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Squaremouth, the leading travel insurance marketplace, has hired Jennifer Spindler as General Manager of their leading travel insurance brand, Tin Leg.

Spindler brings more than 25 years of insurance industry leadership, with expertise in building and launching new insurance products and driving strategic growth. Before joining Tin Leg, she served as the Chief Product Officer at Specialty Program Group (SPG), the parent company of Squaremouth and Tin Leg. She also previously held leadership positions at Lemonade, PURE Insurance, Chubb, and AIG.

As General Manager, Spindler will lead Tin Leg’s product development and distribution strategy.

“Jennifer has an impressive background in the insurance industry, and a proven ability to turn customer and market needs into products and growth opportunities,” shares Rupa Mehta, CEO of Squaremouth. “Tin Leg’s strong reputation is built on keeping travelers at the forefront of everything we do, and Jennifer will help us continue to build on that foundation as we move into the brand’s next chapter.”

“I’m excited to join Tin Leg at this stage of the brand’s growth,” shares Spindler. “Tin Leg has an impressive foundation, and I look forward to building on it by identifying new opportunities through product development and additional distribution channels in order to provide comprehensive travel protection to more travelers.”

Tin Leg was founded in 2014 by the experts behind Squaremouth, drawing on more than 20 years of marketplace experience to create a product focused on comprehensive coverage, competitive value, and an easier experience for travelers.

Since launching, Tin Leg has helped over 400,000 travelers protect their travel investments and continues to demonstrate significant growth and ongoing evolution.

Known for award-winning customer service, 24/7 emergency support, and its dedicated claims team, Tin Leg holds some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings of any insurance provider on Squaremouth.com.

Learn more about Tin Leg and its travel insurance product portfolio at tinleg.com.

About Tin Leg
Since 2014, Tin Leg has provided affordable travel insurance built on over 20 years of marketplace expertise from its parent company, Squaremouth. A four-time 2026 U.S. News Award winner, Tin Leg offers tailored plans for any trip type, backed by reputable underwriters including Berkshire Hathaway, Starr, and Spinnaker.

Contact
Lauren McCormick
Manager of PR at Tin Leg & Squaremouth
press@tinleg.com

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tin-leg-introduces-new-general-manager-to-lead-the-next-phase-of-growth-302906997.html

SOURCE Tin Leg

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abrdn Asia-Pacific Income Fund VCC Announces Normal Course Issuer Bid

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TORONTO, Oct. 13, 2026 /CNW/ — abrdn Asia-Pacific Income Fund VCC (TSX: FAP) (UEN: T21VC0235H) (the “Company”), a closed-end investment company trading on The Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”), announced today that the TSX has accepted notice of its intention to make a normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”), through which the Company will make open market purchases of its ordinary shares on the TSX, other designated exchanges and/or other Canadian alternative trading systems.  During the bid, which will commence on October 15, 2026 and end no later than October 14, 2027, the Company may purchase up to 1,664,763 ordinary shares, which is 5% of the total of the Company’s 33,295,277 ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of October 6, 2026. Repurchases made under the NCIB during any 30-day period will not exceed 2% of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares. The actual number of ordinary shares purchased, the time of the purchases and the prices at which the shares will be bought will depend upon future market conditions. The Company will cancel shares purchased under the bid. 

The Company has also entered into an automatic repurchase plan (“ARP”) with its broker, in order to facilitate repurchases of its ordinary shares. Under the Company’s ARP, the broker may repurchase ordinary shares under the NCIB at times when the Company would ordinarily not be permitted to repurchase its securities due to regulatory restrictions and customary self-imposed black-out periods. Purchases will be made by the broker based on the purchasing parameters agreed upon by the Company and the broker and in accordance with the rules of the TSX, applicable securities laws and the terms of the ARP. Outside of the Company’s self-imposed blackout periods, ordinary shares may also be purchased under the NCIB at the discretion of the Company.

The Company’s directors believe that from time to time the purchase of ordinary shares of the Company may be a worthwhile investment for the Company that should benefit continuing shareholders.  The Company’s directors believe that normal course issuer bid purchases of ordinary shares for cancellation may reduce the discount that may exist between the market price of the shares and the Company’s net asset value per share.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Company’s existing annual redemption feature remains unchanged and is not affected by the implementation of the NCIB.

Under the Company’s existing annual redemption program, shareholders have the opportunity to redeem up to 100% of their shares if the applicable Trading Discount Percentage for the 12-month period ending on the last Business Day of December exceeds 12.0%. The annual redemption feature and the NCIB serve distinct purposes and will operate independently. The NCIB provides the Company with the ability to repurchase shares in the open market for cancellation when the Board and management determine that such purchases are in the best interests of the Company and its continuing shareholders, including when shares trade at a discount to net asset value. The NCIB does not modify, limit, suspend, or replace any shareholder rights under the annual redemption program.

Closed-end funds are traded on the secondary market through one of the stock exchanges. The market price of a fund’s shares is determined by supply and demand and may be greater than (a “premium”) or less than (a “discount”) the fund’s net asset value (NAV). A fund’s investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and investors may receive more or less than their original investment upon the sale of shares. There is no assurance that a fund will achieve its investment objective. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

The trading price of a closed-end fund’s shares may be influenced by various factors, including market conditions, investor sentiment, and other external forces, and is not directly controlled by the fund, its Board of Directors, or its investment adviser. As a result, shares may trade at a premium to or discount from NAV at any given time. A premium to NAV may not be sustained, and a discount to NAV may increase or decrease over time. Investors should consider these risks when purchasing or selling closed-end fund shares.

Shareholders whose fund shares trade at a premium to NAV and who participate in the fund’s dividend reinvestment plan should be aware that distributions may be reinvested at prices above NAV, which may adversely affect investment results.

About Aberdeen Investments

Aberdeen Investments and Aberdeen Investments Global are the registered marketing names in Canada for abrdn Canada Limited, and abrdn Investments Luxembourg S.A. abrdn Canada Limited (“abrdn”) is registered as a Portfolio Manager and Exempt Market Dealer in all provinces and territories of Canada as well as an Investment Fund Manager in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Aberdeen Investments is among the world’s largest asset managers, with decades of experience overseeing closed-end funds dating back to the 1980s. As of June 30, 2026, the firm had approximately $527 billion in assets under management. Closed-end funds represent a core component of Aberdeen Investments’ client franchise in both the U.S. and global markets. Aberdeen and its affiliates currently manage 28 closed-end funds – 17 available in the U.S. and 11 outside the U.S. – totaling $28.3 billion in assets as of June 30, 2026.

For Shareholders Holding Shares Directly with the Fund (Non-Brokerage Accounts):
Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
1-800-992-6341
Investor Center

For Shareholders Holding Shares Through a Brokerage Account:
Please contact your financial advisor, broker, or the brokerage firm through which your shares are held.

abrdn Asia-Pacific Income Fund VCC | Aberdeen

SOURCE abrdn Asia-Pacific Income Fund VCC

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CfC St. Moritz Returns in January 2027 with Canton Network Co-Founder Yuval Rooz; Binance Co-Founder CZ; Franklin Templeton CEO Jenny Johnson; and DRW CEO Don Wilson Among Headline Speakers

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The application-only conference will bring together 250 investors, industry leaders and decision-makers at Suvretta House from January 13–15, 2027

ST. MORITZ, Switzerland, Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CfC St. Moritz, the highly curated digital assets conference for investors and decision-makers, will return to the Swiss Alps from January 13-15, 2027, convening 250 leaders from across digital assets, traditional finance, technology, investment and policy.

Held at the iconic Suvretta House in St. Moritz, the conference returns as the convergence of digital assets and traditional finance accelerates and as institutional adoption, tokenization and AI reshape global markets. CfC St. Moritz is known for providing an intimate setting for the C-level leaders shaping the future of the financial system to exchange perspectives, forge partnerships and explore the trends defining its next chapter. With strict participant selection criteria and high demand for conference tickets, just 12% of applicants secure a seat.

The speaker lineup for the CfC St. Moritz 2027 so far includes:

Ambre Soubiran, Co-Founder and CEO at KaikoAnthony Scaramucci, Founder and Managing Partner at SkyBridge CapitalBrett Tejpaul, Co-CEO of Coinbase InstitutionalCarlos Domingo, Co-Founder and CEO at SecuritizeCarolyn Weinberg, Chief Product and Innovation Officer at BNYCatherine Chen, Head of VIP & Institutional at BinanceCharles Cascarilla, CEO and Co-Founder of PaxosChangpeng “CZ” Zhao, Co-Founder and former CEO at BinanceDon Wilson, Founder and CEO at DRWFred Thiel, Chairman and CEO at MARA HoldingsJenny Johnson, President and CEO at Franklin TempletonKay Swinburne, Baroness Swinburne, Member of the House of Lords of the UKMathias Imbach, Co-Founder and Group CEO of SygnumMichael Blaugrund, VP of Strategic Initiatives at Intercontinental Exchange (ICE)Nag Bharatula, Founder & Senior Portfolio Manager of G-20 GroupPeter Kerstens, Adviser at the European CommissionWai Lum Kwok, Senior Executive Director at Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)Yat Siu, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman at Animoca BrandsYuval Rooz, Co-Founder and CEO at Digital Asset; Co-Founder of Canton Network

The 2027 edition marks a new chapter for the conference, with Canton Network joining as main partner following three years of involvement with CfC St. Moritz. The expanded partnership reflects the organizations’ shared focus on connecting traditional and digital finance and advancing the real-world adoption of blockchain technology.

Yuval Rooz, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Asset and Co-Founder of the Canton Network, said: “Having attended CfC St. Moritz for several years, I’ve seen firsthand what makes this gathering unique. It brings together leaders from traditional finance, digital assets, technology and policy at a time when these worlds are becoming increasingly interconnected. That closely reflects what we are building at Canton: infrastructure that enables markets and institutions to connect and operate across a more integrated financial system. We’re proud to deepen our longstanding relationship with CfC St. Moritz as main partner and look forward to returning in January.”

Nicolo Stöhr, CEO of CfC St. Moritz, said: “Our ambition has always been to create an environment where industry leaders can have meaningful conversations and build lasting relationships. As traditional finance and digital assets continue to converge, bringing these different perspectives together has never been more relevant, and many of the conversations we have been having for years are becoming real strategic decisions for institutions, investors and policymakers. We’re looking forward to welcoming an exceptional group back to St. Moritz in 2027 and creating the space for the discussions that will shape the year ahead.”

For 2027, CfC St. Moritz will further strengthen the conference environment by introducing the Suvretta House Rules, establishing confidentiality as the default across conference sessions and conversations. The decision to introduce new confidentiality guidelines is intended to encourage even more open and candid exchange in a now truly private environment.

Ahead of the main conference, the CfC St. Moritz Pre-Opening will return on January 11–12, 2027. The two-day program brings participants together before the formal agenda begins through a series of curated outdoor activities and informal gatherings across the Engadin Valley, creating additional opportunities to build relationships away from the conference stage.

Applications to attend CfC St. Moritz 2027 will open on October 14, 2026. Further details on the 2027 agenda, speakers and partners will be announced in the coming months.

About the CfC St. Moritz

The CfC St. Moritz is an intimate circle of hand-picked opinion leaders and investors in the private and unique setting of the Swiss Alps. The annual application-only conference fosters a culture of genuine connection and deliberately admits a maximum of only 250 international UHNWI, family offices, funds, and institutional investors, uniting the traditional finance sector and the crypto industry. Founded in 2017, CfC St. Moritz has since held nine in-person conferences in St. Moritz, one in Half Moon Bay, California, two virtual conferences during the pandemic, and several smaller events.

www.cfc-stmoritz.com | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

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