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RBC issues C$500-million Indigenous Bond to finance Indigenous communities and businesses

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New offering reflects RBC’s efforts to help drive inclusive economic prosperity, create positive social change and advance reconciliation

TORONTO, Oct. 13, 2026 /CNW/ — Royal Bank of Canada (“RBC”) announced today the issuance of its C$500-million four-year callable (4NC3) Fixed-to-Floating Rate Indigenous Bond, with proceeds intended to be allocated to loans supporting Indigenous communities and businesses across Canada.

“This social bond supports economic opportunities that matter to Indigenous communities,” said Sarah Thompson, Managing Director, Global Head of Sustainable Finance, RBC Capital Markets. “Investor demand demonstrates the potential to scale this type of financing structure over time, enabling sustainable finance to help advance economic reconciliation.”

RBC Capital Markets is acting as sole bookrunner and lead agent, and Cedar Leaf Capital, Canada’s first majority Indigenous-owned investment dealer, as co-lead agent. The offering is expected to close on October 16, 2026.

Aligning with global sustainable finance guidelines
The bond is issued pursuant to RBC’s Sustainable Bond Framework (the “Framework”)1, which provides the basis for RBC’s issuance of Green, Social, and Sustainability Bonds. The Framework defines Eligible use-of-proceeds Categories across green and social themes, including Affordable Basic Infrastructure, Access to Essential Services, Affordable Housing, Socioeconomic Advancement and Empowerment and Employment Generation. The Framework is aligned with the International Capital Market Association’s (“ICMA”) Green Bond Principles, Social Bond Principles, and Sustainability Bond Guidelines, and has received a Second Party Opinion from S&P Global Ratings.

Supporting Indigenous communities through strategic partnerships
“RBC has been working with Indigenous communities for decades to foster long-term relationships rooted in reconciliation,” said Brittanee Laverdure, Director, Truth and Reconciliation Office, RBC Origins. “This issuance demonstrates our commitment to advancing economic inclusion for First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and businesses, helping to create lasting economic opportunities.”

In collaboration with RBC Origins and its Truth and Reconciliation Office, RBC’s approach to help create positive social change is grounded in both market opportunity and Indigenous community needs, reflecting the bank’s broader Reconciliation Action Plan.

RBC Capital Markets’ Indigenous Advisory & Finance Practice, established earlier this year, provides specialized advisory, financing and capacity-building support for Indigenous-owned major projects across Canada. This comes at a pivotal moment – with many major projects running through or near Indigenous territories, Indigenous partnership has become increasingly important to the country’s nation-building efforts. Governments, businesses and Indigenous communities are recognizing the value of this partnership, which can strengthen investor confidence across the country2.

For more information on RBC’s reconciliation efforts and Indigenous initiatives, please visit: rbc.com/indigenous/.

Caution regarding forward-looking statements and important notice regarding this press release
The information in this press release is provided for information purposes only. This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of certain securities laws. Information on this press release is or may be based on assumptions, estimates and judgements. For cautionary statements relating to the information on this press release, refer to the “Caution regarding forward-looking statements” and the “Important notice regarding this document” appendices in our latest Sustainability Report, available at www.rbc.com/sustainabilityreporting. Except as required by law, none of RBC nor any of its affiliates undertake to update any information in this webpage. The content of any websites referred to in this press release including via website link, and any other websites they refer to are not incorporated by reference in, and do not form part of, this press release.

About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 105,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 19 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.‎

We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/peopleandplanet.

For more information, please contact:
Maggie Cheung, RBC Capital Markets, maggiepc.cheung@rbccm.com

____________________

1 Refer to the Framework for more details, including definitions for the capitalized terms related to the Framework.

2 Refer to RBC Thought Leadership: “Closing Canada’s Indigenous Investment Gap: The $51 billion nation-building opportunity“

SOURCE RBC Capital Markets

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BDG Law Group Provides Notice Following Data Security Incident

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October 15, 2026

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LOS ANGELES, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BDG Law Group (“BDG”) is providing notice of a data breach involving personal information belonging to certain individuals.

BDG became aware of a network disruption on September 11, 2025. With the assistance of cybersecurity specialists, it promptly took steps to ensure the security of its environment and launched an investigation to determine the nature and scope of the disruption. As a result of the investigation, it determined that an unauthorized actor acquired certain information. It then engaged third-party specialists to review the impacted dataset. After a thorough review of that dataset, it was determined that certain personal information was contained within it. BDG notified individuals for whom it had addresses information and worked diligently to identify missing addresses. BDG subsequently notified individuals for whom it located missing address information and provided this public notice to ensure that anyone with questions about the event and its possible impact has a means to inquire further.

The accessible information varied by individuals and may have included individuals’ names in combination with driver’s license or state identification number, Passport number, medical information, Social Security number. Not all data elements were affected for all individuals. Please note that there is no evidence of the misuse, or attempted misuse, of any potentially impacted information.

BDG has established a toll-free call center to answer questions and address related concerns and can be reached at 1-800-405-6108. Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern time, excluding holidays. Representatives have been fully versed on the breach and can answer questions or concerns you may have regarding protection of your information.

The privacy and protection of all information is a top priority for BDG, which deeply regrets any inconvenience or concern this may cause.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bdg-law-group-provides-notice-following-data-security-incident-302908204.html

SOURCE BDG Law Group

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Samjung Introduces ‘MetaBoard,’ a Next-Generation Lightweight Steel Production Board

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October 15, 2026

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Samjung has introduced the MetaBoard, a lightweight steel production board that combines material technology and structural design to reduce steel usage and achieve approximately 60–70% of the weight of conventional steel production boards, depending on product specifications.

POHANG, South Korea, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — 

Combining material technology and structural design based on more than 30 years of manufacturing experience… Achieving approximately 60–70% of the weight of conventional steel production boards, depending on product specifications

“Stronger, Smarter, Greener with SAMJUNG”.

Samjung, a specialized manufacturer of steel production boards, has introduced the MetaBoard, a lightweight steel production board designed to reduce steel usage and product weight through material technology and structural design.

Production boards used in the manufacturing of concrete blocks and pavers are essential production components that support formed concrete products while withstanding repeated vibration and loads. Conventional steel production boards generally use a certain amount of steel to achieve the required rigidity and durability.

Drawing on its experience specializing in steel production boards since 1992, Samjung developed the MetaBoard by moving beyond this conventional approach and considering both material performance and structural efficiency.

The MetaBoard is not a product made lighter simply by reducing the thickness of a conventional steel production board. Its key feature is the application of suitable materials in areas where higher performance is required, while structural design is used to reduce unnecessary steel usage.

Depending on product specifications, the MetaBoard can be manufactured at approximately 60–70% of the weight of a conventional steel production board. It can also be produced to the same thickness specifications as conventional steel production boards, taking into consideration its applicability to existing production environments.

From Material Quantity to Design Efficiency

At concrete product manufacturing sites, production boards are repeatedly exposed not only to continuous vibration and loads, but also to moisture, concrete residue, wear and corrosion. To reduce steel usage while considering the performance required under these conditions, Samjung has applied both material technology and structural design.

Rather than uniformly using large amounts of high-performance materials, the core design approach of the MetaBoard is to apply appropriate materials where performance is actually required and reduce structurally unnecessary weight.

Through this approach, Samjung is expanding its production board design criteria beyond simple weight and thickness to comprehensively consider material properties, structure and production environments.

Considering Production and Logistics Efficiency Through Lightweight Design

The difference in weight of a single production board may be limited, but in concrete product manufacturing plants that use large quantities of production boards, the difference in total weight can become significant.

Reducing steel usage can help improve raw material efficiency, while reducing product weight can help lower the burden associated with handling and transportation. In particular, when large quantities of production boards are transported over long distances, reducing the total cargo weight may also offer potential benefits in terms of logistics efficiency.

Samjung describes the lightweight design of the MetaBoard not simply as a reduction in product weight, but as a design approach that considers production performance, economic efficiency and material efficiency together.

MetaBoard Built on More Than 30 Years of Field Experience

Since its establishment in 1992, Samjung has developed and manufactured steel production boards for concrete block and paver production for more than 30 years. Today, the company’s production boards are supplied to concrete product manufacturers in more than 100 countries worldwide.

Manufacturing experience accumulated across diverse climates, production environments, block-making equipment and operating conditions provided the foundation for the development of the MetaBoard.

A Samjung representative said, “The goal of developing the MetaBoard was not simply to create a lighter production board. Rather than relying on the use of more steel, we focused on analyzing where performance is actually required and on designing the materials and structure more efficiently.”

The representative continued, “Future production boards can evolve toward applying materials suited to the required performance and implementing them through efficient structural design, rather than simply increasing the amount of material used. The MetaBoard represents this technological direction at Samjung.”

Expanding Production Board Technology with Efficiency and Sustainability in Mind

Across the manufacturing industry, there is a growing movement to consider raw material efficiency and the environmental impact of product manufacturing and transportation alongside productivity.

The MetaBoard responds to these changes through a design that reduces steel usage and product weight while taking required performance into consideration. Samjung plans to continue advancing its production board technology based on material technology, structural design and precision manufacturing, while responding to the needs of the global concrete product manufacturing market.

About Samjung

Samjung, founded in Daegu, South Korea, in 1992, is a specialized manufacturer of steel production boards used in the production of concrete products, including concrete blocks and pavers. Based on more than 30 years of manufacturing experience, the company supplies its products to concrete product manufacturers in more than 100 countries worldwide and serves a variety of production environments with its Wow Board and lightweight MetaBoard. Samjung continues to develop production board technology based on material technology, structural design and precision manufacturing.

Company: Samjung

Headquarters: Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea

Website: http://www.samjungltd.com/language/eng/main/index.php

Marketing / PR Media Contact

Contact: Krystal LEE

E-mail: sjn@samjungltd.com

TEL: +82 10-6333-5403

Media Contact

Krystal LEE, Samjung Industries, 82 10-6333-5403, sjn@samjungltd.com, http://www.samjungltd.com/language/eng/main/index.php

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/samjung-introduces-metaboard-a-next-generation-lightweight-steel-production-board-302903256.html

SOURCE Samjung Industries

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DronTech Asia 2026 Showcases the Technologies Shaping Asia’s Fast-Growing Drone Industry

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October 15, 2026

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More than 150 exhibiting brands, live demonstrations and international conference sessions connect global technology providers with commercial and defense opportunities across Southeast Asia, 11–13 November in Thailand.

BANGKOK, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Drones are rapidly becoming essential tools across agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, public safety and national defense. As artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, autonomous navigation and advanced communications transform unmanned systems, Asia-Pacific is emerging as an increasingly important market for the industry.

The regional drone market is estimated to reach approximately US$30.2 billion in 2026 and is projected to grow to around US$62.4 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9% from 2026 to 2033. Meanwhile, according to Next Move Strategy Consulting, Thailand’s drone market was estimated at approximately US$262 million in 2025, equivalent to around THB 8.6 billion, reflecting expanding market opportunities driven by technological advancements and the increasing adoption of drones across various industries.*

“Drone adoption is advancing more rapidly than many people realize, transforming industries ranging from defense and security to agriculture, logistics, infrastructure and disaster response. As these technologies become more capable and their applications continue to expand, it is increasingly important for businesses and governments to understand not only what drones can do today, but also the opportunities they will create in the future. DronTech Asia 2026 brings together leading technology providers, industry experts and stakeholders from across the region to explore these developments, experience the latest innovations and better understand the future capabilities of unmanned systems,” said Mr. Manu Leopairote, Chairman of GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

Against this backdrop, DronTech Asia 2026 returns for its third edition from 11–13 November 2026 at IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center Hall 5, Bangkok, Thailand. Recognized as Asia’s fastest-growing exhibition dedicated to commercial and defense drone technology, the event brings together international technology providers, government agencies, defense organizations, system integrators and commercial users to explore the technologies and opportunities shaping the future of unmanned systems.

The exhibition expects to welcome more than 5,000 international visitors and feature over 150 exhibiting brands and companies, alongside five indoor and outdoor demonstrations and more than 15 international conference sessions and technical seminars.

Connecting Global Technologies with Southeast Asian Opportunities

Across Southeast Asia, drones offer opportunities in precision agriculture, surveying and mapping, infrastructure inspection, disaster response, logistics and security. DronTech Asia provides a platform for regional buyers and end users to discover technologies, compare solutions, meet manufacturers and explore partnerships, while international companies can connect with stakeholders across Thailand and the wider ASEAN market.

Featured exhibitors and technologies include:

STM, showcasing the TOGAN reconnaissance and surveillance UAV, KARGU rotary-wing attack drone and KUZGUN long-range loitering munition.KNDS, presenting ammunition technologies, including short- and medium-range loitering munitions.DJI Enterprise by SIS, featuring the DJI Matrice 4E, a compact enterprise drone designed for surveying and mapping.Amazon Web Services (AWS), highlighting cloud platforms and software capabilities supporting drone operations, AI, geospatial analytics and secure data processing.STC (Special Technology Center), showcasing its LUN-20 UAV unmanned aerial system.

Other participating companies include SYSTRONICS CO., LTD., AUTEL ROBOTICS CO., LTD., CHC NAVIGATION and ALCRONS FRONTIER CO., LTD.

15+ Sessions Covering the Drone Industry, Supported by AI-Powered Translation for Global Participants

International Conferences Explore the Future of Unmanned Systems

The international conference and technical presentation programs will examine developments across commercial and defense applications, offering insights into emerging technologies, operational requirements and regional opportunities.

Highlighted sessions include:

World Drone Congress (WDC) Bangkok Edition: “Low Altitude Economy, Soaring into the Future.””Thailand: Where ASEAN and the International Drone Ecosystem Converge,” featuring contributions from DTI, CAAT, DEPA, private-sector companies and NECTEC.”Next-Generation Military Unmanned Systems: Lessons, Requirements and Future Capabilities,” presented by Thailand’s Ministry of Defence and the Defence Technology Institute.

Technical presentations will also examine cloud-powered drone operations and AI-enabled autonomy for defense and agriculture, presented by AWS, as well as anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technologies for mitigating GNSS vulnerabilities, presented by INFOX NAVIGATION TECHNOLOGY.

Experience Drone Technology in Action

Live indoor and outdoor demonstrations will give visitors the opportunity to see unmanned technologies in operation and understand their practical applications.

Indoor demonstrations will feature ONCOMMAND, Disaster Response ID4 Association Thailand (D.R.A.T.), SYSTRONICS and 13 ENTERPRISE. Outdoor demonstrations presented by Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) will include disaster management and smart transportation and logistics applications.

Register for DronTech Asia 2026

For professionals seeking new technologies, suppliers, business connections and insights into the evolving commercial and defense drone sectors, DronTech Asia 2026 offers an opportunity to engage with the international drone ecosystem in one place. International visitors will also enjoy courtesy Thailand MICE VISA prepaid credit cards which can be used for transportation, shopping, spa & wellness, and even food outlets at the venue.

Visitors can discover new solutions, learn from technical experts, experience live demonstrations and connect with international technology providers across three days.

Register in advance and join the industry in Bangkok this November.

DronTech Asia 2026
Dates: 11–13 November 2026
Venue: Hall 5 IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand
DronTech Asia is organized by GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co.,Ltd.

Media & General Enquiries
Ms. Siwaporn Srichompoo (Rose)
Marketing Manager
Email: siwaporn@asiandefense.com
Tel. 02-023-9951 ext 1009
GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co.,Ltd.

*Source to Grand View Research’s Asia Pacific Drone Market 2026

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/drontech-asia-2026-showcases-the-technologies-shaping-asias-fast-growing-drone-industry-302908602.html

SOURCE GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

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