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Former NCUA Chairman Rodney Hood Joins DefenseStorm Board of Directors

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Long an advocate for credit unions to protect their assets and members from cyber criminals by applying a risk management discipline, Hood values DefenseStorm’s unique built for banking approach to cyber risk management.

ALPHARETTA, Ga., May 23, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — DefenseStorm, the leading provider of cyber risk management solutions and co-managed services exclusively to financial institutions, is proud to announce that Rodney Hood joined its Board of Directors in May.

Credit unions must become proficient at cyber risk management, and I’m convinced DefenseStorm has the right technologies, processes and people to make that happen. It’s why I joined the Board at DefenseStorm.

Mr. Hood brings decades of banking experience to his new position with DefenseStorm. Most recently, in January 2019 he was appointed to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Board, serving as Chairman until January 2021 and remaining on the Board until January 2024. In these roles, he provided regulatory oversight for over 4,600 credit unions with assets exceeding $2 trillion and more than 138 million member-owners. Throughout his tenure, he was a strong proponent of financial technology and inclusion, driving creation of the NCUA Office of Financial Technology & Access.

“Credit unions are evolving to meet the needs of their members and become more competitive, but those changes make them more vulnerable,” says Hood. “Bad actors are constantly trying to infiltrate credit unions. It’s why I created a Senior Advisor to the NCUA Board for cyber issues. It’s also why I joined the Board at DefenseStorm. Credit unions must become proficient at cyber risk management, and I’m convinced DefenseStorm has the right technologies, processes and people to make that happen.”

“I’m honored that Rodney chose to get involved with DefenseStorm and that he shares the same passion for our mission. Our goal is to build a community of trust so that we can grow and thrive together,” said Steve Soukup, chief executive officer at DefenseStorm, referring to its work with financial institutions. “Our cyber risk management solutions are purposefully “Built for Banking”, designed to meet all the demanding governance requirements and regulations that are unique to credit unions. It’s a true partnership, ensuring these institutions can effectively respond to the constantly evolving world of cyber threats and protect their assets, members, and reputations.”

About DefenseStorm

DefenseStorm provides an integrated platform of cyber risk assessment, governance, security, and fraud solutions that ensure financial institutions achieve and maintain cyber risk readiness. The only system specifically built for banking, it accounts for all the daunting challenges, regulations, and technology requirements financial institutions face. Their intelligent data engine, GRID ACTIVE, ensures real-time access, analysis, and action on all critical threat data. The Cyber Threat Surveillance Operations (CTS Ops) team provides access to managed resources 24x7x365, delivering the help and expertise needed by financial institutions. For more information visit: https://defensestorm.com/company/about-us/

About Rodney Hood

Mr. Hood was appointed to the National Credit Union Administration Board by President Donald J. Trump in January 2019 and served as its 11th Chairman until January 2021. He served as a member of the NCUA Board until January 2024. In these roles, he provided regulatory oversight for over 4,600 institutions with assets exceeding $2 trillion and representing the savings of over 138 million credit union member-owners. Additionally, Mr. Hood chaired the NeighborWorks America Board of Directors and served as Vice Chairman of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council. Prior to the NCUA, Mr. Hood spent nearly three decades in the private sector with management roles in financial services with organizations such as JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and G.E. Capital. A Charlotte native, he is actively engaged in the local community. He also serves as an independent board director for Zest AI, Posh AI, and ModernFi.

Media Contact

David Cross, DefenseStorm, 1 404-723-0420, david.cross@defensestorm.com, DefenseStorm.com

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/former-ncua-chairman-rodney-hood-joins-defensestorm-board-of-directors-302153881.html

SOURCE DefenseStorm

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DEKRA Korea to Acquire Global Product Service, Strengthening Consumer Electronics Testing and Certification Capabilities in Korea

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GIMHAE-SI, South Korea, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DEKRA, a leading global provider of testing, inspection, and certification services, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Global Product Service Co., Ltd (GPS), a prominent South Korean company renowned for its expertise in consumer electronics product testing and certification.

This strategic acquisition will significantly enhance DEKRA Korea’s capabilities within the rapidly growing consumer electronics sector, bringing together DEKRA’s global network and comprehensive service portfolio with GPS’s deep-rooted local knowledge and decades of experience serving South Korea’s leading manufacturers.

GPS has established a strong reputation for its in-depth technical expertise and unwavering commitment to quality, particularly within the consumer electronics market. For many years, GPS has been a trusted partner to major South Korean electronics companies, providing testing and certification services that ensure product safety, performance, and compliance with international standards.

The successful acquisition is a result of the strong collaboration and commitment from both DEKRA and GPS. Key representatives who participated in the signing, embodying this collaboration, were Dr. Kilian Aviles, Executive Vice President of DEKRA Group and Head of Asia Pacific Region; Ming Sheng, Vice President of Automotive Testing, DEKRA China; Young Seok Lee, CEO of Global Product Service Co., Ltd; and Seong Su Kim, Director of Global Product Service Co., Ltd.

“We are thrilled to welcome Global Product Service Co., Ltd to the DEKRA family,” said Dr. Kilian Aviles, Executive Vice President of DEKRA Group and Head of Asia Pacific Region. “This acquisition represents a significant milestone in our growth strategy in South Korea. GPS’s deep understanding of the local market, combined with their specialized expertise in consumer electronics, perfectly complements DEKRA’s global strengths. Together, we will offer unparalleled testing and certification solutions to our clients, empowering them to bring innovative and reliable products to market with greater speed and confidence.”

The integration of GPS into DEKRA Korea will leverage synergies in technology, talent, and market reach. This will enable DEKRA to further support South Korean manufacturers as they navigate complex global regulatory landscapes and strive for excellence in product development and quality assurance. Clients can expect a seamless transition and continued access to the high-quality services they have come to rely on from both organizations.

Young Seok Lee, CEO of Global Product Service Co., Ltd commented, “Joining forces with DEKRA is an exciting opportunity for GPS. DEKRA’s global reach and extensive resources will allow us to expand our service offerings and better serve our existing and future clients. We are confident that this partnership will create significant value for the South Korean consumer electronics industry, providing enhanced support and innovation.”

About DEKRA

For more than 100 years, DEKRA has been a trusted name in safety. Founded in 1925 with the original goal of improving road safety through vehicle inspections, DEKRA has grown to become the world’s largest independent, non-listed expert organization in the field of testing, inspection, and certification. Today, as a global partner, the company supports its customers with comprehensive services and solutions to drive safety and sustainability forward—fully aligned with DEKRA’s anniversary motto, “Securing the Future.” In 2024, DEKRA generated revenue of 4.3 billion euros. Around 48,000 employees are providing qualified and independent expert services in approximately 60 countries across five continents. DEKRA holds a Platinum rating from EcoVadis, placing it among the top 1% of the world’s most sustainable companies.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/dekra-korea-to-acquire-global-product-service-strengthening-consumer-electronics-testing-and-certification-capabilities-in-korea-302746801.html

SOURCE DEKRA Asia Pacific

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BLUETTI Showcases Integrated PAYGO Energy Solution at Canton Fair, Expanding Partnership Opportunities in Africa

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GUANGZHOU, China, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — From April 15-19, 2026, at the 139th Canton Fair, clean energy innovator BLUETTI presented an integrated Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) solution that combines digital distribution tools with off-grid energy products, as the company expands its presence in emerging markets, particularly across Africa.

The solution brings together BLUETTI’s proprietary BLUETTI GO platform and a range of PAYGO-enabled solar home systems, reflecting a broader shift in the industry from standalone hardware sales to more structured distribution and financing models.

PAYGO has gained traction in regions where upfront costs remain a key barrier to energy access. By enabling installment-based payments and remote device management, the model allows consumers to access electricity services with lower initial investment, while offering distributors greater visibility into repayment and asset performance.

BLUETTI GO serves as a centralized platform for distributors, integrating sales tracking, inventory control, credit profiling, payment overdue tracking, risk monitoring, and operational analysis. These features are designed to help partners operate more efficiently and support long-term business planning in PAYGO-driven markets.

The company’s product lineup includes entry-level solar home systems such as the P80(battery capacity 76.8Wh), to African Star (battery capacity 1728Wh), designed for basic electricity needs, as well as the higher-capacity Home Star (battery capacity 2kWh-5kWh) series for off-grid household energy storage. These systems can be deployed independently or bundled with appliances such as televisions, fans, and lighting equipment.

As demand for decentralized energy solutions grows across Africa, supported by both public and private investment in renewable infrastructure, PAYGO models are playing a larger role in bridging the gap between energy access and affordability. 

Driven by product breakthroughs and innovative business practices, BLUETTI has been enlarging its footprint in the region in recent years. The company operates across more than 40 African countries, supported by local teams and pilot programs, including a Nigerian initiative launched in 2020 that has expanded into a network of branded retail outlets.

About BLUETTI

Founded in 2013, BLUETTI is a leading global provider of energy storage solutions, specializing in home solar batteries, portable power stations, and solar generators. Through initiatives like the LAAF (Lighting Africa Affordable Financing program), BLUETTI aims to power 1 million African families in off-grid areas. Today, it serves over 3.5 million users in 140+ countries and regions. Learn more: https://bluetti.com/

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2960004/paygo_leads_______1.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bluetti-showcases-integrated-paygo-energy-solution-at-canton-fair-expanding-partnership-opportunities-in-africa-302746811.html

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Moomoo Pioneers the Era of Agentic Investing with Launch of Moomoo API Skills

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The first AI-powered API Skills that turn trading ideas into execution — no coding required

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia and SINGAPORE, April 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Moomoo today announced the launch of Moomoo API Skills, its AI-powered capability that enables investors to execute sophisticated trading strategies using natural language — marking a major leap in making institutional-grade tools accessible to all.

This breakthrough positions Moomoo at the forefront of a new era of investing, where anyone with an idea can turn it into action — without writing a single line of code.

A First-of-Its-Kind Breakthrough in Investor Accessibility

For years, advanced trading capabilities such as algorithmic strategies, real-time automation, and multi-market data access have long been limited to professional traders.

Moomoo API Skills removes this barrier.

Investors can now describe their strategy in plain language, from technical signals to execution conditions, and have it translated into live or simulated trades instantly.

“This is the first time Wall Street-level trading capability is made truly accessible through everyday language,” said Robin Xu, Group Senior Partner & Senior Vice President, Futu Holdings. “We are not just simplifying trading tools — we are redefining who gets to use them.”

From Tools to Trading Assistants

Moomoo API Skills introduces a new paradigm of agentic investing, where AI acts as an execution partner rather than a passive tool.

Instead of navigating complex systems, investors can:

Describe their strategyLet AI translate it into execution logicMonitor and respond to markets in real time

This effectively creates an always on trading assistant, enabling faster and more structured decision making.

Institutional Capabilities Made Accessible

Built on Moomoo’s Open API ecosystem, the capability provides:

Zero code strategy executionGlobal market access across US, Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, and moreReal time monitoring and automated triggers

At the same time, Moomoo maintains strong control and security through its local-first architecture powered by Moomoo OpenD, where:

Data remains on the user’s local environmentExecution requires user confirmationExposure to third party risks is reduced

Closing the Execution Gap

Today’s investors are not short of information, but often face challenges in executing consistently and efficiently. Moomoo API Skills is designed to close this gap by simplifying how strategies are expressed and carried through. It also strengthens Moomoo’s ecosystem, including Moo Academy, MooveNetwork and the Option Playbook, enabling a seamless journey from learning to execution.

“The challenge today is no longer access to information, but the ability to act on it effectively,” said Xu.
“Moomoo API Skills helps investors translate intent into structured action while keeping them fully in control.”

Pioneering the Next Phase of Investing

The launch reflects a broader shift in investing, from tool based platforms to intent driven systems. With Moomoo API Skills, investors can define what they want to achieve, while intelligent systems handle how it is executed. This creates a more direct and structured path from idea to action, allowing investors to focus on strategy rather than operational complexity.

“We believe the next phase of investing is agentic — where investors define their intent and intelligent systems help carry out strategies. With Moomoo API Skills, investors can turn their ideas into structured strategies that can be tested and executed seamlessly within a single environment. Our focus is on enabling this in a way that enhances decision-making while keeping investors fully in control, bringing a more intuitive and accessible approach to strategy-driven investing,” said Xu.

About Moomoo

Moomoo is a leading global investment and trading platform dedicated to empowering investors with user-friendly tools, data, and insights. Our platform is designed to provide essential information and technology, enabling users to make well-informed investment decisions. With advanced charting tools, pro-level analytical features, Moomoo evolves alongside our users, fostering a dynamic community where investors can share, learn, and grow together.

Founded in the US, Moomoo has expanded its global presence to serve investors across multiple markets, including Singapore, Australia, Japan, Canada, Malaysia, and New Zealand. As a subsidiary of a Nasdaq-listed company, Moomoo is trusted by more than 29 million investors worldwide and has earned recognition from leading financial institutions and publications for its innovation and reliability.

For more information, please visit Moomoo’s official website at www.moomoo.com

Disclaimers

The contents herein do not constitute an offer, solicitation or recommendation to invest in any capital market products. Investors should understand the risks involved in relation to the products and services, conduct their own risk assessment and seek professional advice, where necessary. Investors should compare and consider the fee, charges and costs involved. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

This document has not been reviewed by the Securities Commission Malaysia. Please refer to the Advertisement Disclaimer on our website.

Investments in capital market products involve risk. Full disclaimers at www.moomoo.com/sg/support/topic5_510. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/moomoo-pioneers-the-era-of-agentic-investing-with-launch-of-moomoo-api-skills-302746815.html

SOURCE Moomoo

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