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Survey: Risk pros sound alarm on asset liability management readiness

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SAS-sponsored research by Celent reveals a financial industry shaken by recent bank failures and mobilizing to improve risk management practices and capabilities; June 28 virtual event offers more insights

CARY, N.C., June 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The sudden fall of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) in March was a staccato siren shattering a period of relative calm in the financial services industry. Between 2015 and 2022, bank failures averaged less than four per year – with none at all in 2021 and 2022. SVB’s ripple effects have intensified attention on asset liability management (ALM), a long-overlooked facet of risk management. How financial firms are adapting is the subject of a new ALM research study by Celent, sponsored by analytics leader SAS.

“At the start of the year, few would have predicted that [ALM] would take center stage the way it has.” SAS.com/almstudy

The resulting report, Modernizing Asset Liability Management, is based on a global survey of 266 risk-focused finserv professionals in 22 countries. It provides timely insights into firms’ strategies for strengthening their balance sheets amidst rising interest rates and soaring liquidity risk, the one-two punch that triggered the bank runs that toppled SVB and, subsequently, Signature Bank and First Republic Bank. Among the study’s key findings:

ALM modernization is mission-critical. Most firms (80%) are considering significant improvements to their ALM functions, although planned investments vary by firms’ asset size. A majority of Tier 1 firms ($750 billion or more in assets) are focused on implementing next-gen ALM technology (e.g., cloud-native, API-driven systems and machine learning), whereas nearly half of Tier 3 and Tier 4 firms ($50 billion to $249 billion in assets) are contemplating new systems.
 Foresight, alignment and automation are firms’ top three near-term ALM enhancement priorities. Nearly six in 10 firms (59%) aim to boost their forward-looking simulation capabilities. More than half seek better alignment of ALM with their risk, treasury and finance functions (53%) as well as increased automation in regulator-mandated areas of risk (52%).
 Integrated balance sheet management is most firms’ end goal. Less than a third (29%) of banks have fully automated data sharing between ALM and other risk or business functions. But 40% of firms say they’ve already achieved integrated balance sheet management – and another 39% are striving for it.

Months in planning, the survey was fielded globally in March, giving the research collaborators a unique vantage point to snapshot the changing state of ALM.

“The survey could not have been better timed to capture how firms are responding to evolving disruption,” said Neil Katkov, Director of Risk at Celent. “The good news is that nearly all banks and capital markets firms are using technology systems for ALM, but about half are using dated, monolithic systems that have rather inflexible, prebuilt functions. Such systems simply cannot support the processing speeds and model granularity needed to support ALM best practices, including intraday analytic capabilities and process automation and orchestration.”

A special anniversary – join SAS virtually on June 28
The study’s release coincides with the one-year anniversary of SAS’ acquisition of Honolulu-based Kamakura Corporation, hailed by industry analysts last year as the “joining of matching puzzle pieces” in the risk management realm. The unification of two such esteemed risk technology players was widely recognized for its market-changing potential in ALM and integrated balance sheet management more broadly.

Commemorating the acquisition anniversary, SAS will host a LinkedIn Live virtual event, Navigating Risk in Volatile Markets, Wednesday, June 28, at 1 p.m. ET. No registration is required. Connect with experts from SAS and Kamakura live, or later on demand, to:

Explore the latest trends in credit risk and the future of ALM.Hear practical strategies for managing liquidity in uncertain markets.Get the latest integration updates and a peek at what’s ahead in tech developments and risk research.

“At the start of the year, few would have predicted that asset liability management would take center stage the way it has – but SAS did, and the truth is that we’ve been preparing for this moment for a long time,” said Troy Haines, Senior Vice President of Risk Research and Quantitative Solutions at SAS. “SAS’ acquisition of Kamakura was orchestrated as part of a long-term strategy to bolster our deep expertise and industry-leading IP to help our customers navigate the most treacherous risk climate the world has seen in more than a decade.

“Even before the recent bank failures, SAS’ strategic investment was delivering on its vision. The retooling of SAS®Asset and Liability Management on SAS® Viya® is already helping financial firms better predict and mitigate the interest rate, liquidity and balance sheet risks that sparked the industry’s current upheaval.”

ALM insights by region and more, available on demand
In complement to the ALM research report and LinkedIn Live event, the GARP ALM webcast Fresh Insights for Financial Services: Analytics Modernization and Next-Gen ALM delves deeper into the study’s findings. Join risk experts from SAS, Celent, GARP and American AgCredit on demand to probe:

Essential analytic capabilities and must-have functionalities.Regional priorities for supporting ALM advances.Preparations for the IBOR transition.

About SAS
SAS is the leader in analytics. Through innovative software and services, SAS empowers and inspires customers around the world to transform data into intelligence. SAS gives you THE POWER TO KNOW®.

SAS and all other SAS Institute Inc. product or service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. in the USA and other countries. ® indicates USA registration. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright © 2023 SAS Institute Inc. All rights reserved.

Editorial Contacts:
Danielle Bates
danielle.bates@sas.com
+1 919-531-1959
sas.com/news

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Vipboss Marks Earth Day with Renewed Commitment to Green Energy Solutions

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NEW YORK, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As Earth Day draws global attention to environmental responsibility, Vipboss, a specialist manufacturer and developer of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs for energy storage and mobility applications, is underscoring its long‑term commitment to sustainable energy practices through its Environmental Advocacy. This advocacy is devoid of ornate language; its inspiration stems from the brand’s unwavering conviction in LiFePO4 batteries as a green energy solution. To align this message with practical action, the brand is also running a themed sales campaign on its official website during April 18th to 30th. It highlights how practical product solutions, rather than abstract concepts, can support cleaner energy use in everyday life.

Across the world, energy consumption patterns are undergoing rapid change. Households, outdoor users, and light‑mobility sectors are increasingly seeking energy systems that are safe, sustainable, and low‑emission. Within this shift, LiFePO4 batteries have emerged as a preferred technology for clean‑energy applications. Their long service life, high safety profile, and absence of cobalt, which is an element associated with higher environmental and ethical risks, position them as a responsible choice in the global transition toward greener power.

LiFePO4 technology forms the foundation of Vipboss’s approach to sustainable energy. Its extended cycle life reduces the frequency of battery replacement, lowering resource consumption and easing the environmental burden associated with disposal. The material’s inherent stability also minimizes the risk of thermal runaway, offering a safer experience in homes, recreational vehicles, and public environments. In practical use cases such as home backup systems, RV travel, and golf‑course operations, LiFePO4 batteries deliver efficient storage and stable output, helping reduce reliance on fossil‑fuel‑based energy sources and supporting lower‑carbon lifestyles.

Vipboss’s environmental advocacy extends beyond the technical advantages of its products. The brand promotes responsible energy use as an integral part of sustainable living, emphasizing that product design and informed application must work together to achieve meaningful environmental outcomes. As a provider of energy solutions for home, travel, and leisure scenarios, Vipboss continues to participate in the long‑term process of green transformation through ongoing technological refinement and product evolution.

Earth Day serves as a reminder that lasting environmental impact is built through small, consistent actions. Looking ahead, Vipboss will continue advancing safer, more durable, and more efficient energy products that support individuals and families in adopting more sustainable energy habits. Through these efforts, the brand aims to contribute enduring value to the wider adoption of clean energy and the collective pursuit of a more sustainable future.

About Vipboss

Vipboss is a specialist in the lithium battery industry, focusing on the research, production, and manufacturing of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery packs. The company is committed to advancing battery technology with an emphasis on reliable performance, safety, and extended service life. Its mission is to deliver safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible energy solutions that contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

For more information, please visit: https://vipbosspower.com/.

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Pastor Dino Rizzo Marks 100 Days to Serve Day Ahead of Global Outreach Initiative

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Pastor Dino Rizzo highlighted the milestone of 100 days until Serve Day 2026, as thousands of churches prepare to serve their communities through coordinated acts of kindness on July 11.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pastor Dino Rizzo joined church leaders and teams on April 2 to mark 100 days until Serve Day 2026, a global outreach initiative set for July 11. The milestone brings together more than 2,900 churches preparing to serve their local communities through practical acts of kindness and outreach.

Serve Day, led by many churches within the Association of Related Churches, provides a coordinated opportunity for churches worldwide to engage their cities and demonstrate their faith through service. Pastor Dino Rizzo, who serves as Executive Director of ARC, emphasized the significance of the initiative as both a single-day event and a broader movement.

“Serve Day provides churches across the world with opportunities to serve their local communities and share the love of God through practical acts of kindness,” Rizzo said. “Our hope is that serving others becomes our focus throughout the year.”

The April 2 milestone reflects growing participation and anticipation among churches globally. Leaders are currently equipping teams, organizing projects, and connecting with local communities in preparation for July. Churches that join the initiative gain access to resources, including the Serve Day playbook, monthly leadership calls, and a private online community designed to support collaboration and planning.

Pastor Dino Rizzo has long championed the role of service within the church through the Servolution movement. Introduced through his 2009 book Servolution: Starting a Church Revolution Through Serving, the concept calls churches to embed serving into their culture rather than limit it to occasional events. The message has since influenced hundreds of churches across multiple countries, including the United States, Peru, New Zealand, and Poland.

“Serving is not just about an event. It is about building a culture where meeting needs and reaching people becomes part of who we are,” Rizzo has shared in previous teachings, reinforcing the long-term vision behind initiatives like Serve Day.

In addition to leading Serve Day, Pastor Dino Rizzo continues his work with ARC, which has planted over 1200 churches and continues to train and equip new church leaders. His involvement in conferences, leadership development, and global outreach initiatives reflects a consistent focus on sustainable church growth and community impact.

Churches interested in participating in Serve Day 2026 can learn more through ARC’s official website and access resources designed to support local outreach efforts.

About Pastor Dino Rizzo

Pastor Dino Rizzo is a pastor, author, and church leader known for his emphasis on service, leadership, and healthy church culture. He serves as Executive Director of the Association of Related Churches, an organization that has helped launch hundreds of churches worldwide. Rizzo is also the author of Servolution, a book that has inspired a global movement centered on serving others as a core expression of faith.

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WOMEN in the Spotlight! The 2026 Yiwugo Top Boss Ladies Awards Gala Held

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YIWU, China, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Yiwugo.com, the official website of the Yiwu Commodity Market, is the largest commodity wholesale market in the world. In the bright and warm days of April, with spring in full bloom, the grand ballroom on the third floor of the Yiwu Marriott Hotel was a vibrant gathering. Outstanding female entrepreneurs from various sections of the Yiwu Market gathered in their elegant attire to share the glorious moment of the 2026 Yiwugo Top Boss Ladies Awards Gala. The selection campaign, launched on March 8, attracted thousands of female entrepreneurs from the Yiwu Market. Voting was conducted across the Yiwugo app, official WeChat accounts, and the website. The evaluation criteria continued to cover multiple dimensions, including Business Excellence and Image Excellence, aiming to fully showcase the achievements of Yiwugo’s female entrepreneurs and their enterprises in areas such as digital transformation, overseas market expansion, and global supply chain integration.

Ultimately, the title of 2026 Yiwugo Top Boss Ladies was awarded to: Fu Jiangyan (Zhangweichao Socks Firm), Xu Xiaohui (Little Bee Towels), Peng Jirong (Dongyang Jirong Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd), Li Chuanzhi (Chengfa Tableware Firm), Wang Xiaohong (Yiwu Aishang Daily Necessities Factory), Bao Qiaoli (Bole Plush Pendant Toy), Li Hong (Yiwu Hanbang Daily Necessities Firm), Wu Yajun (Ziyi Stationery Firm), Wang Chunxing (Butterfly Fly Lace Firm), and Zheng Huili (Yiwu Lihong household products Co., Ltd).

In addition, twenty other entrepreneurs, including He Wenjuan (Zhihua Jewelry Box), Jin Chengfeng (Lanmo Textile Co., Ltd), Cui Yanping (Xin Tai Yang Shower Curtain And Towel Factory), and Zhang Huoqing (Happy Sisters Plush Toy), received the Top Boss Ladies Nomination award.

“Women hold up half the sky” – nowhere is this more evident than in the Yiwu Market. To showcase the entrepreneurial spirit and “she-power” of female business owners in the market, Yiwugo launched the Top Boss Ladies Awards in 2016. To date, this campaign has been held for 11 consecutive years, becoming one of the benchmark activities in the Yiwu Market.

Over the years, driven by this campaign, participating female entrepreneurs have become increasingly active, with nearly 700 Top Boss Ladies recognized. They have not only steadfastly managed their shops but have also leveraged their unique empathy and customer insight as female entrepreneurs to drive comprehensive brand upgrades, from product innovation to communication methods, breathing new life into traditional brands in the new era.

Amid the surging digital wave, artificial intelligence is reshaping industries at unprecedented speed and scale. This year’s Top Boss Ladies winners and nominees have bravely stepped into the spotlight, keeping pace with the times, actively embracing evolving business models and technological change. By replacing experience with data, using digital platforms to break geographical boundaries, and leveraging digital intelligence to break through development bottlenecks, they are driving a transition from OEM exports to global branding.

Fu Jiangyan of Zhangweichao Socks Firm is a typical example. Having shifted from initially waiting for customers to now skillfully using AI tools and mastering live streaming and short videos, she has used the platform as a lever to swiftly move her traditional foreign trade enterprise into a new stage of digital-intelligent trade, applying new technologies and business models to enhance enterprise development.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the Yiwu Development Experience. Over the past two decades, the Yiwu Market has completed its iterative upgrade from market stalls to a global digital trade center. Generations of business owners have transformed from street stall vendors into modern commercial entities, achieving a deep integration of personal growth with the market’s development. Yiwugo, always in sync with the rhythm of the Yiwu Market, will continue to focus on its female entrepreneurs, constantly uncovering their vivid and dynamic stories of striving, thoughtfully documenting the journeys of these resilient women who shine in their own quiet ways, and witnessing, supporting, and accompanying their growth and success.

As a local e-commerce platform rooted in and serving the market, Yiwugo will continue to gain deeper insights into user needs, strengthen its technological capabilities, explore cutting-edge applications, and accelerate product iteration. Amid a volatile external environment, it will connect market entrepreneurs with more global resources, helping them expand into broader international markets.

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