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Ping An CIO Benjamin Deng: Maintaining a “Double Barbell” Asset Allocation Strategy, Seeing Potential in Investment Opportunities Brought by Energy Transition

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HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — China’s macroeconomy and capital market development remains steady this year, and Ping An will maintain a balanced “double barbell” asset allocation to ensure stable returns, said Benjamin Deng, Chief Investment Officer of Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (hereafter “Ping An“, the “Company” or the “Group”, HKEX: 2318 / 82318; SSE: 601318). Mr. Deng was speaking at Asian Investor’s Asian Investment Summit in Hong Kong.

Mr. Deng said he also sees growth potential in sustainable investment opportunities brought by China’s energy transition.

Maintaining a “double barbell” allocation in different macroeconomic cycles

Ping An’s insurance funds investment portfolio reached RMB4.93 trillion at the end of March 2024. Ping An has always upheld a balanced and prudent approach towards long-term strategic asset allocation. Over the past decade, the average comprehensive investment yield of Ping An’s insurance funds investment portfolio was 5.4%, higher than the embedded value long-run investment return assumption.

Mr. Deng said: “Asset allocation strategy requires patience to maintain a balanced and prudent approach across different macroeconomic cycles. The ‘double barbell’ allocation structure can ensure a very stable investment allocation and has given us quite good returns this year.”

The “double barbell” allocation refers to investment in a large number of long-duration interest rate bonds on one end, including high-quality fixed-income products such as government bonds and local government bonds and risk assets, including equities, real estate, private equity funds and other investments, on the other end.

There is also a “small barbell” in risk assets – one end with growth stocks that can contribute to China’s high-quality development and the construction of a modern industrial system, and the other end with stable stocks with high dividends, accounting for more than half of the risk asset portfolio. Its main allocation comprises state-owned enterprises (SOEs) across sectors such as financial services, energy, telecommunication, and infrastructure.

“These state-owned enterprises have stable cash flows and business foundations and are characterized by low valuations and high dividends,” Mr. Deng said. Since the beginning of this year, Ping An’s high-dividend stock portfolio has risen 18%, higher than the approximately 6.4% increase of the CSI 300 Index.

Seeing huge investment opportunities in China’s energy transition 

According to China’s Green Finance Committee (GFC), the total demand for green and low-carbon investments in China will reach RMB487 trillion over the next 30 years.

Mr. Deng is optimistic about investment opportunities arising from the transition to sustainable energy, including renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs). He noted that he observed EVs everywhere during a recent visit to a township in Guangdong province. This indicates the consumption potential of EVs in fourth-tier cities, and the booming development of EVs in lower-tier markets.

“Sales and market penetration of EVs are growing at a rapid pace,” he said, “and the trend is set to continue steadily, making it attractive to invest in EV-related infrastructure such as charging stations.”

Mr. Deng also noted that China’s energy transition is bringing some unanticipated benefits. He referenced a solar farm built in the desert in Xinjiang. Millions of solar panels not only generate clean electricity, but also minimize sand erosion and enhance soil moisture. As a result, the area has been transformed the desert into grasslands, attracting shepherds and their sheep.

Welcoming cooperation with overseas institutions for China’s long-term development

Mr. Deng said he expects China’s GDP to achieve a growth rate of around 5% this year. He is confident in the long-term stability and growth of China’s economy and looks forward to working with foreign investors who are willing to allocate funds to the Chinese market to seize investment opportunities in new energy and sustainable development in China.

Ping An has its own asset management company as well as platforms for private equity and private debt,” noted Mr. Deng. “”Under China’s carbon neutrality target, local expertise is crucial for identifying long-term investment opportunities. Foreign investors engaged in this field can consider partnering with local experts like Ping An,” he said. “We are willing to provide the professional knowledge and support them to explore investment opportunities related to China’s carbon neutrality together.”

As one of China’s largest asset owners, Ping An is a major investor in green and sustainable projects and enterprises. The Group is the first asset owner in China to be a signatory of the UN-sponsored Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) and Climate Action 100+. As of December 2023, Ping An’s responsible investment accounted for 15% of its insurance funds investment portfolio, reaching RMB725.3 billion, and its green investment reached RMB128.6 billion.

– End –

About Ping An Group

Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (HKEx:2318 / 82318; SSE:601318) is one of the largest financial services companies in the world. It strives to become a world-leading provider of integrated finance, health and senior care services. Under the technology-driven “integrated finance + health and senior care” strategy, the Group provides professional “financial advisory, family doctor, and senior care concierge” services to its 234 million retail customers. Ping An advances intelligent digital transformation and employs technologies to improve financial businesses’ quality and efficiency and enhance risk management. The Group is listed on the stock exchanges in Hong Kong and Shanghai. As of the end of 2023, Ping An had RMB11,583,417 million in total assets. The Group ranked 16th in the Forbes Global 2000 list in 2023 and 33rd in the Fortune Global 500 list in 2023.

For more information, please visit www.group.pingan.com and follow us on LinkedIn – PING AN.

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SOURCE Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd.

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Bill Faust Named Consulting Magazine Top Consultant of the Year in Industry Specialization

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Impact Advisors Leader Recognized for Expertise in Healthcare IT Implementation

CHICAGO, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Impact Advisors, a leading healthcare management consulting firm, is proud to announce that Bill Faust, Managing Director, has been named a Top Consultant of the Year by Consulting Magazine in the category of Industry Specialization. This prestigious award honors consultants who demonstrate deep domain expertise and deliver exceptional value to clients within their field.

“Bill’s recognition as a Top Consultant of the Year is a testament to his deep industry expertise and unwavering commitment to client success.” -Andy Smith, managing partner and co-founder of Impact Advisors

Faust brings more than 28 years of healthcare IT experience, with a distinguished track record leading large-scale, complex implementations for both ambulatory and acute care organizations. Over the past 25 years, he has held progressive leadership roles supporting major Epic and Oracle initiatives, helping healthcare systems successfully navigate digital transformation and achieve measurable outcomes.

In his role at Impact Advisors, Faust leads the firm’s EHR Implementation & Support practice, where he is responsible for driving strategy, delivery excellence, and client success across some of the most complex healthcare IT programs in the country. His ability to combine deep technical knowledge with strong executive communication has enabled him to build trusted relationships with clients and vendor partners alike.

“Bill’s recognition as a Top Consultant of the Year is a testament to his deep industry expertise and unwavering commitment to client success,” said Andy Smith, managing partner and co-founder of Impact Advisors. “He consistently delivers high-impact results for our clients while helping advance the healthcare industry through his thoughtful, strategic leadership. Bill joined our team as our ninth colleague, and we’re fortunate to have had his guidance for all these years.”

Consulting Magazine’s Top Consultants awards recognize outstanding professionals who have made significant contributions to the consulting profession and their clients. The Industry Specialization category specifically highlights consultants who have demonstrated exceptional depth of knowledge and impact within a defined sector.

Faust’s recognition underscores Impact Advisors’ continued leadership in healthcare consulting and its commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality solutions that improve patient care and operational performance.

About Impact Advisors

Impact Advisors is a leading healthcare management consulting firm offering a comprehensive suite of technology-enabled performance improvement solutions that deliver measurable and sustainable value for clients. Our commitment to excellence has earned Best in KLAS® recognition for 19 consecutive years, and our distinctive culture has been named a “Best Place to Work” by Modern Healthcare for 16 years. Learn more at www.impact-advisors.com.

Media Contact

Catherine Povalitis, Impact Advisors, 1 815-282-9976, cpovalitis@chartwellagency.com, https://www.impact-advisors.com/

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SOURCE Impact Advisors

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Hewlett Foundation President: Philanthropy Must Bridge AI Governance Gap Between Washington and Silicon Valley

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Amber D. Miller makes the case for philanthropy and civil society to protect critical infrastructure and deliver broad benefits.

SAN FRANCISCO, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As conversations between Washington and Silicon Valley about AI policy grow more contentious, Hewlett Foundation President Amber D. Miller calls on philanthropy to step up. In a new op-ed published by RealClearPolicy, Miller argues that governments and industry can’t close America’s AI governance gap alone, but independent institutions and philanthropy can help bridge the divide.

Drawing on her background as a physicist, Miller advocates for a practical, non-ideological approach to AI governance focused on protecting critical infrastructure, preventing strategic technological surprise, and keeping people safe while fostering innovation.

“Much of America’s critical infrastructure is highly distributed and deeply vulnerable, and its protection is dangerously under-resourced. The Hewlett Foundation wants to maximize the public benefits of emerging technologies while proactively mitigating their risks.”

To address these challenges, the Hewlett Foundation recently announced $10 million in exploratory grants to support the security of emerging technologies, including AI, biotechnology, and quantum computing.

Major grants were awarded to Stanford University’s Hoover Institution for its Tech Futures Lab, which focuses on anticipating technological surprises and enhancing U.S. resilience and Vanderbilt University’s Institute for National Security for its Wicked Problems Lab, which is building defenses against synthetic information warfare like deepfakes.

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the director of the Hoover Institution, highlighted the importance of integrating security into innovation: “Innovation is key to national security…. Innovators will have more valuable, more marketable products if they build security into it at the front end.”

Other grantees include, the AI Now Institute, Aspen Institute, Atlantic Council, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Council on Foreign Relations, Georgetown University, Global Network Initiative, Institute for Security and Technology, Observer Research Foundation America, RAND, and Sentinel Bio.

Miller calls on others to join Hewlett, writing, “America has led every major technological era of the modern age, helping usher in significant discoveries that have benefited communities both here and around the world. Whether it continues to lead will depend not only on breakthroughs in labs, but on whether innovation earns public trust and delivers broad benefits. Philanthropy, with its long-term focus and commitment to charitable good, can do much to help.”

For more, read the op-ed and grant announcement: https://hewlett.org/americas-ai-governance-gap-needs-independent-oversight/ 

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SOURCE The Hewlett Foundation

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Hyperscale Data Sees Rising Demand Across Defense Portfolio Amid Heightened Global Activity

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LAS VEGAS, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hyperscale Data, Inc. (NYSE American: GPUS), an artificial intelligence (“AI”) data center company anchored by Bitcoin (“Hyperscale Data” or the “Company”), today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Gresham Worldwide, Inc., which is expected to be merged with another wholly owned subsidiary of the Company called Ballista Group, Inc., and the related party TurnOnGreen, Inc. (the “Defense Systems Group”), are actively supporting the expected increase in global defense production through its integrated portfolio of high-performance defense engineering and manufacturing subsidiaries.

The Defense Systems Group operates as an integrated engineering and manufacturing platform serving defense, aerospace, and industrial markets, delivering mission-critical electronics, radio frequency (“RF”) systems, power platforms, and advanced control technologies across the full lifecycle, from design through long-term sustainment. 

Recent global events, including but not limited to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, have contributed to increased demand signals across defense and mission-critical infrastructure supply chains. Management of the Defense Systems Group has observed a measurable uptick in inbound inquiries, program discussions and order flow across the group’s core product lines, particularly in:

RF and microwave systems supporting radar and electronic warfare;Power systems and ruggedized electronics for defense and mobility platforms; andTest, validation, and simulation technologies for mission-critical environments.

“These are environments where failure is not an option,” said Milton “Todd” Ault III, Executive Chairman of Hyperscale Data. He added that “The Defense Systems Group was assembled to deliver precision-engineered solutions for exactly these mission-critical applications, and we are seeing that demand accelerate in real time.” Further, Mr. Ault stated that “The group’s combination of deep engineering expertise, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and a global operational footprint provides a strong foundation to support long-term growth across defense, aerospace, and other mission-critical technology sectors.

The Defense Systems Group platform supports highly regulated and security-sensitive programs, operating under certifications including ISO, AS9100, and ITAR compliance, and serves customers across defense, aerospace, and critical infrastructure sectors globally. 

“As geopolitical conditions evolve, supply chains for advanced electronics and defense-related technologies are becoming increasingly constrained,” stated William Horne, Chief Executive Officer of Hyperscale Data. “The Defense Systems Group collectively provides a vertically integrated platform supporting advanced defense electronics, power systems, RF and microwave components, and precision-engineered subsystems, positioning the organization to support current and emerging demand across multiple strategic defense programs.”

While the Company continues to monitor global developments, management of the Defense Systems Group believes that sustained demand for mission-critical electronics, ruggedized power systems, and secure infrastructure technologies could present potential opportunities across the Defense Systems Group.

For more information on Hyperscale Data and its subsidiaries, Hyperscale Data recommends that stockholders, investors and any other interested parties read Hyperscale Data’s public filings and press releases available under the Investor Relations section at hyperscaledata.com or available at www.sec.gov.

About Hyperscale Data, Inc.

Through its wholly owned subsidiary Sentinum, Inc., Hyperscale Data owns and operates a data center at which it mines digital assets and offers colocation and hosting services for the emerging AI ecosystems and other industries. Hyperscale Data’s other wholly owned subsidiary, Ault Capital Group, Inc. (“ACG”), is a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact.

Hyperscale Data currently expects the divestiture of ACG (the “Divestiture”) to occur in the second quarter of 2027. Upon the occurrence of the Divestiture, the Company would be an owner and operator of data centers to support high-performance computing services, as well as a holder of the digital assets. Until the Divestiture occurs, the Company will continue to provide, through ACG and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including an AI software platform, equipment rental services, defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive, medical/biopharma and hotel operations. In addition, ACG is actively engaged in private credit and structured finance through a licensed lending subsidiary. Hyperscale Data’s headquarters are located at 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway, Suite 190, Las Vegas, NV 89141.

On December 23, 2024, the Company issued one million (1,000,000) shares of a newly designated Series F Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the “Series F Preferred Stock”) to all common stockholders and holders of the Series C Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis. The Divestiture will occur through the voluntary exchange of the Series F Preferred Stock for shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of ACG (collectively, the “ACG Shares”). The Company reminds its stockholders that only those holders of the Series F Preferred Stock who agree to surrender such shares, and do not properly withdraw such surrender, in the exchange offer through which the Divestiture will occur, will be entitled to receive the ACG Shares and consequently be shareholders of ACG upon the occurrence of the Divestiture.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “potential,” or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Company’s business and financial results are included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Company’s Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Company’s website at hyperscaledata.com.

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SOURCE Hyperscale Data Inc.

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