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ION Commodities elevates maritime logistics, integrating ION CTRMs and Softmar

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LONDON, Sept. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ION Commodities, a global leader in energy and commodity management solutions, announces a significant advancement in maritime logistics. The firm has integrated ION Commodities’ portfolio of commodity trading and risk management (CTRM) solutions with Softmar, its vessel chartering and operations solution. This development streamlines cost management of freight and bunkers while providing valuable insights into vessel emissions and the implications of emissions trading systems costs for shipments.

In today’s dynamic commodities market, managing maritime logistics is essential for competitiveness and profitability. With the increasing complexity in global trade and supply chains, the need for cohesive, streamlined solutions is greater than ever. The disruptions associated with recent global events have underscored this, further highlighting the importance of agile and resilient supply chain management.

To address this need ION has proactively integrated its CTRM solutions with Softmar, providing seamless access to all trading, risk management, and chartering data. The combination gives commodity businesses agility and flexibility, transforming maritime logistics from a cost center into a profit-boosting asset. This workflow integration also provides insights into waterborne logistics, arbitrage options, and ocean freight risk, allowing businesses to optimize their trading strategies and identify cost-effective routes to market while maintaining compliance with emission regulations. Equipped with real-time monitoring and analysis of freight movements and cargo commitments, businesses can respond swiftly to market fluctuations and disruptions, minimizing their impact and maximizing margins throughout the trade lifecycle.

“Our commitment to meet the market’s demand for solutions that span the value chain is embodied in the shipping workflow integration between our CTRM solutions and Softmar, also marking a pivotal step in the strategic alignment of our extensive product portfolio,” says Sunil Biswas, Chief Product Officer at ION Commodities. “This is one of many milestones we are actively pursuing to help our users navigate the complexities of global trade more efficiently and position them for success in the ever-changing market environment.”

The latest version of Softmar is a SaaS solution for vessel chartering and operations across liquid, gas, and bulk commodities. This updated web-based version delivered as a cloud service provides a reimagined user experience. Powered by the industry’s most robust voyage estimator and equipped with built-in satellite tracking, Softmar always ensures precise vessel and cargo geolocation catering to the dynamic evolving needs of shipping.

About ION

ION provides mission-critical trading and workflow automation software, high-value analytics and insights, and strategic consulting to financial institutions, central banks, governments, and corporates. Our solutions and services simplify complex processes, boost efficiency, and enable better decision-making. We build long-term partnerships with our clients, helping transform their businesses for sustained success through continuous innovation. For more information, visit https://iongroup.com/. 

About ION Commodities 

ION Commodities delivers data-driven energy and commodities trading and risk management solutions across the supply chain. Our scalable ETRM and CTRM solutions equip clients with real-time risk analytics and reporting, minimize supply chain risks, automate critical business processes, and make faster, more informed decisions. We provide full support and transparency for procurement, supply, and trading to a global community of over 1,200 clients. For more information, visit https://iongroup.com/commodities/. 

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.

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SOURCE ION

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Tax Tops the List as Wealthy Brits Plan Their Exit, La Vida Survey Finds

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Portugal is the destination of choice for almost three in four, while Brexit is a major factor for nearly two thirds.

LONDON, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Taxation is the leading concern for 82.6% of wealthy UK investors considering a second residency or citizenship, according to new research from investment migration firm La Vida.

La Vida’s 2026 UK Investor Survey asked investors who have enquired with the firm about residency or citizenship by investment what is driving their interest in leaving the UK, and where they plan to go. The survey ran from 29 September to 8 October 2026.

“Tax continues to be the main concern of wealthy Brits looking to leave the UK, with over 82% of respondents citing it as a factor driving their decision making,” said Paul Williams, CEO of La Vida.

Wealth Tax the Biggest Fear

Wealth tax was the tax increase most likely to push respondents out of the UK, ahead of income tax and inheritance tax.

Political concerns (56.5%) and cost of living (52.2%) followed taxation as the top reasons for considering a move. Concern about crime and security fell sharply, from 59.3% in La Vida’s 2025 survey to 37% this year.

“The average wealth of respondents was around £9 million. That’s more than 20 times the national average, and no doubt a significant tax loss for HMRC for each one deciding to leave,” said Williams.

“The top 1% of UK income taxpayers pay around 30% of all UK income tax. The UK government needs to find a way to persuade such wealth to stay and encourage more into the UK.”

Portugal Pulls Ahead as Dubai Fades

Portugal was named as a top-two destination by 73.8% of respondents, up from 50.6% in 2025. Italy came second at 26.2% and Greece third at 19%.

Interest in the UAE fell from 13.6% to 2.4%, even though Dubai features heavily in coverage of wealthy Britons leaving the UK.

“Portugal is a top destination for many. La Vida’s clients alone have gone on to invest several hundred million euros into the Portuguese economy in the last decade through its Golden Visa program,” said Williams.

Brexit a Major Factor

Brexit is a major factor for 63% of respondents and a minor factor for a further 17%. La Vida asked about Brexit for the first time this year, after a summer of longer queues for British travellers under the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.

“Brexit is the one and only reason why I would have an interest in a second residency,” said one respondent.

“I don’t regret voting for Brexit but it has rather scuppered an easy move to Portugal,” said another.

Plan B, Not Panic

A Plan B or backup option was the most common goal, named by 60.9% of respondents, ahead of tax reduction at 58.7% and visa-free travel at 54.3%.

Support for a UK Golden Visa

60% of respondents said the UK should introduce a Golden Visa program to attract investment.

The Home Office closed the UK’s Tier 1 (Investor) visa to new applicants in February 2022.

However, both the previous Conservative government and the current Labour government have indicated that they could reintroduce a Golden Visa in some form.

With Prime Minister Andy Burnham looking to draw further investment to the country, the proposal is likely to gain further support heading into this year’s Budget and into 2027.

Notably, wealthy Brits back the idea. Half of respondents said they did not know who they would vote for if a general election were held today.

“The UK is being left behind not only by its citizens but by its competitors in the race for global wealth,” said Williams.

Notes to Editors

Methodology: La Vida invited more than 5,000 investors who have enquired about residency or citizenship by investment over the last decade to take part in its 2026 UK Investor Survey. The survey ran from 29 September to 8 October 2026. Respondents: 91% of respondents hold UK citizenship, 76% live in the UK and 93%, with a weighted networth of £9.7 million.Multiple answers: Respondents could select more than one concern and goal, and up to two destinations.Data and comments available: the full dataset, further respondent comments and year-on-year comparisons with La Vida’s 2025 survey are available on request.

Contact:
Lizzie Edwards
***@goldenvisas.com
+44 0207 060 1475

Photo(s):
https://www.prlog.org/13177263

Press release distributed by PRLog

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SOURCE La Vida

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Truecaller announces preliminary numbers for the third quarter 2026

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STOCKHOLM, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Truecaller today announces its preliminary and unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2026. The interimreport will be published as planned on Tuesday the 3rd of November 2027 and will as usual be followed by a webcast.

Total net sales for the third quarter 2026 is expected to amount to SEK 464 million (468) which is estimated to be an increase of 3% in constant currencies compared to the same period last year and an increase of 18% compared to the second quarter of 2026.

Ad revenues are expected to amount to SEK 245.6 million (290.2) which is a decrease of 12% in constant currencies compared to the third quarter last year but an increase of 23% compared to the previous quarter. Premium revenues are expected to amount to SEK 127.1 million (96.4) which is an increase of 32% in constant currencies compared to the same period in 2025. Revenues from Truecaller for Business are expected to amount to SEK 85.1 million (79.9), an increase of 14% in constant currencies compared to the same period in 2025 and an increase of 15% compared to the previous quarter.

EBITDA excluding non-recurring items associated with the acquisition of TextPlus is expected to amount to SEK 147.6 million (162.5) which is a decrease of approximately 6% in constant currencies compared to the same period last year but an increase of 68% compared to the previous quarter. The preliminary EBITDA-margin is 31.8% (34.7%) and the EBITDA-margin excluding incentive costs and the non-recurring items is expected to be 37.4% (39.8%).

Average non-iOS MAU was 476.2 million in the fourth quarter which is an increase of 34.5 million users compared to the same period last year and a growth of 5.2 million users during the third quarter.

SHORT COMMENT FROM THE CEO

“During the third quarter, we saw positive momentum as all three revenue streams grew compared to the previous quarter.Total net sales is now back to growth year-over year in local currency. Profitability is now also back at a healthy level. Our user base continued to grow, albeit at a somewhat slower pace than historically. Our focus is and has to a larger extent been on improving the monetisation of the existing user base and to tap into the growing demand beyond our established markets.

Within Ads, we continued our transition toward our new proprietary ad platform and auction process and we saw a gradual revenue improvement during the quarter, while Premium delivered sustained solid revenue growth. For Truecaller for Business, message volumes for Business Messaging are now higher than a year ago following our shift to a multi-partner model and Verified Business had a stable development. Overall, we continue to strengthen our position across key areas and are positive towards continuing the revenue transition,” says Rishit Jhunjhunwalam, CEO, Truecaller.

Preliminary results for July-September 2026 (Q3)

SEKm

Q3 2026

Q3 2025

Y/Y %

Y/Y % in constant
currency

Ad revenues

245.6

290.2

-15 %

-12 %

Premium revenues

127.1

96.4

+32 %

+32 %

Truecaller for business
revenues

85.1

79.9

+6 %

+14 %

Other net sales

6.2

1.4

+>100%

Net sales

464

467.9

-1 %

+3 %

Other revenues

5.3

8.8

-40 %

Total revenues

469.3

476.7

-2 %

+2 %

Cost of goods sold

-133.0

-113.6

+17 %

Gross profit

331.0

354.3

-7 %

-4 %

Gross margin

71.3 %

75.7 %

Staff costs excl.

incentives

-72.3

-88.3

-18 %

Incentive costs

-26.1

-23.6

+11 %

Other expenses

-90.3

-88.6

+2 %

EBITDA and margin

147.6 / 31.8%

162.5 /34.7%

-9 %

-6 %

EBITDA and margin
excl. Incentive costs

173.7 /37.4% 

186.2/39.8%

-7 %

-3 %

EBITDA

129.6/27.9%

162.5/34.7%

-20 %

-17 %

Profit after net
financial items

108.6

148.4

-27 %

Net profit

68.8

108.5

-37 %

Average MAU, non-iOS,
millions

476.2

441.7

+8 %

Average DAU, non-iOS,
millions

411.1

379.3

+8 %

Preliminary Nature of the Information

The financial information included in this press release is preliminary and unaudited. The final reviewed financial statements for January-September 2026 are expected to be published on the 3rd of November 2026. Differences between the preliminary figures and the final results may arise.

This information is information that Truecaller is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 2026-10-19 06:15 CET.

For more information, please contact:
Andreas Frid, Head of IR & Communication
+46 705 29 08 00
andreas.frid@truecaller.com

About Truecaller:

Truecaller (TRUE B) is the leading global platform for verifying contacts and blocking unwanted communication. We enable safe and relevant conversations between people and make it efficient for businesses to connect with consumers. Fraud and unwanted communication are endemic to digital economies. especially in emerging markets. We are on a mission to build trust in communication. Truecaller is an essential part of everyday communication for more than 500 million active users. Truecaller is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since 8 October 2021. For more information please visit corporate.truecaller.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

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CCTV+: A Civilizational Dialogue Across 5000 Years — Liangzhu and the Origins of World Civilization, a China‑Russia Co‑produced Documentary, Premieres Globally

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BEIJING, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On October 18, 2026, the 4th Liangzhu Forum opened in Liangzhu, the sacred site that bears testimony to China’s 5,000‑year‑old civilization. On the same day, Liangzhu and the Origins of World Civilization, a documentary co-produced by Zhejiang Media Group Overseas Center (International Channel) and Russian Digital Television’s “My Planet” Channel, made its global debut. The film launches a cross‑millennia civilizational dialogue through visuals. It airs simultaneously on Zhejiang Media Group Overseas Center (International Channel), its English platform, Russia’s “My Planet” Channel, major global media outlets and the China Blue International Media Matrix.

In December 2025, during the 6th China‑Russia Media Forum in Beijing, the two sides signed a media cooperation agreement for long‑term collaboration in co‑production, promotion and cultural exchanges. This documentary stands as a signature achievement under this cooperation framework.

Shooting for the film began in Hangzhou last April. The joint Sino‑Russian crew visited iconic cultural sites including the Liangzhu Museum, the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu Ancient City, and the Grand Canal (Hangzhou Section). Combining on‑site cinematography, expert interviews, and archaeological footage, the film captures exquisite jade artifacts from the Fanshan Royal Cemetery, the grand Mojiaoshan palace foundations and the ancient water‑conservancy systems, showcasing Liangzhu’s city layout, jade craftsmanship, water‑management wisdom and rice‑farming culture.

Adopting two‑way perspectives, the film gathers insights from Chinese and Russian scholars including museum directors and young Sinologists. It helps Russian audiences understand China’s millennia‑long civilization from their own cultural context, and lets the world perceive the profound heritage of Chinese civilization.

As an innovative practice for international cultural communication, this production boosts Liangzhu’s global recognition and serves as a vivid footnote for people‑to‑people exchanges in the new era.

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