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Leading Australia-based Financial and Corporate Communications Agency, Honner, Joins FINN Partners

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The move expands FINN’s Asia Pacific footprint to Australia and strengthens the Agency’s position as a global leader in Financial Services; Taps into Australia’s deep and fast-growing investment sector.

NEW YORK and SYDNEY, July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Global independent marketing and communications firm, FINN Partners, has acquired Honner, an award-winning, 25-person-strong Sydney-based agency with leading expertise in financial services and corporate communications. The move establishes FINN’s presence in Australia and expands its capabilities in one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing investment markets. Sydney and Melbourne will join FINN’s global footprint, bringing its worldwide office count to 37 and expanding its Asia Pacific team to approximately 250 professionals.

The agency will be known as “Honner, A FINN Partners Company”. All Honner employees will become FINN employees.

Honner founder, Philippa Honner, joins FINN as Managing Partner and FINN Financial Services Practice Leader for APAC — with a mandate of expanding FINN’s financial services practice throughout the Asia Pacific region, including further building the agency’s strong foothold in the Australia market. She will also become a member of the APAC leadership team and, alongside Honner’s senior leadership team, work closely with regional leaders in Greater China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Thailand.

FINN currently works with a wide range of leading global financial brands including Charles Schwab, Chubb, Deutsche Bank and Natixis.

Financial Sector Growth in APAC

The acquisition reflects Australia’s growing strategic importance in powering Asia’s evolving financial services ecosystem, spanning both traditional capital markets and the next generation of digital financial infrastructure.

Australia’s superannuation (pensions) pool has reached AU $4.5 trillion* making it one of the largest retirement savings markets in the world and one of the fastest growing pools of institutional capital globally. The market is set to grow to AU $8.3 trillion (US $5.4 trillion) in the early 2030s**, likely making it the second largest pension system in the world after the US. Many of Honner’s clients are local financial brands expanding into APAC, or global brands wanting a consolidated regional approach to marketing and communications.

As part of the FINN APAC region, Honner will be overseen by Howard Solomon, FINN founding managing partner and APAC lead, who also leads the firm’s efforts on the West Coast of the US.

Howard Solomon noted FINN already had an established presence in Australia through its market leading travel and arts practices, working with current and past clients such as the Art Gallery of New South Wales on its major expansion project, known as Sydney Modern; the Australia Pavilion at the Venice Biennale; Destination New South Wales which FINN represents in the US and UK markets; Intrepid Travel; and the Naomi Milgrom Foundation.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Honner to the FINN family,” stated Solomon. “Australia is a key growth market in the region and one we have been looking at very carefully for years. This move further deepens our financial services expertise in APAC and gives us critical mass to support the growing demand from both local and global financial brands in the region. We are very pleased to welcome the Honner team and look forward to growing our collective presence.”

A Shared Vision to Strengthen Client Positioning Across a Changing Financial Services Landscape

Honner was founded in 1997 by Philippa Honner, an economics graduate with a passion for media. The agency has an impressive client base of blue chip local and global organizations across sectors including banking and capital markets, asset management, wealth management and financial advice, superannuation, insurance, professional services, real estate, renewables, digital assets, technology and industry organizations.

Peter Finn, FINN CEO and founding partner, said the acquisition builds on FINN’s continued momentum globally and across Asia Pacific. Recently ranked among the world’s top 20 global independent PR firms by PRWeek, as well as earning recognition as one of PRovoke Media’s Best Agencies in the U.S., Europe and UK, FINN has expanded rapidly through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions.

“From the beginning, my vision for FINN Partners has been to create a world-class agency with unmatched depth of sector expertise and integrated services to benefit clients wherever they are in the world,” Peter Finn said. “This acquisition builds on the momentum we’ve established across APAC, including last year’s acquisition of RICE Communications. FINN’s APAC business has grown significantly, accounting for nearly 10% of the firm’s global fees. With Honner joining the firm, FINN APAC now has approximately USD$19 million in fees, further strengthening our ability to serve clients seamlessly across the US, EMEA and APAC.”

Honner Founder Philippa Honner said joining FINN was an exciting next step for the Honner team and the agency’s clients.

“Joining forces with FINN gives us an incredible platform to progress our ambitions to be the leading marketing and communications agency supporting corporate and financial brands across APAC,” Philippa Honner said. “We look forward to working closely with our FINN colleagues across the region and spending time with our clients to demonstrate the impact of tailored communications strategies across complex APAC markets.”

Ryan Barr, FINN Global Financial Services Practice Lead, said the firm continues to see strong opportunities across traditional banking and asset management, alongside rapid growth in fintech, private markets, and the digitization of financial infrastructure across APAC.

“Honner is a natural fit for FINN. Their leading position in Australia, together with our established presence across Singapore, Hong Kong, Greater China and the broader region, strengthens our ability to support clients wherever they need us most,” Barr added, “I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Philippa, and she is the kind of trusted, senior counsel that defines our approach globally. She adds further depth to the integrated marketing and communications services we provide to clients around the world.”

ABOUT HONNER
Established in Sydney in 1997, Honner is a specialist PR, marketing and communications consultancy focused on the corporate, financial services and new economy sectors. Today, the firm supports more than 50 clients across the Asia-Pacific region, including leading asset managers, superfunds, consultants, banks and digital asset platforms. Collectively, Honner’s clients manage over AUD $10 trillion in investment capital across public and private markets. Honner is a member of two global agency networks – PROI Worldwide and Global Communication Partners (GCP). More information: www.honner.com.au

ABOUT FINN PARTNERS
Founded in 2011 on the core principles of innovation and collaborative partnership, FINN Partners has grown from about US $24 million in fees to almost US $200 million in fees during the past 15 years, becoming one of the fastest-growing independent public relations agencies in the world. Recognized as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, PRovoke Media’s 100 Best Agencies in the U.S., 60 Best Agencies in Europe, and Midsize Agency of the Year in 2022, the full-service marketing and communications company’s record-setting pace results from organic growth and integrating new companies and new people into the FINN world through a common philosophy. With more than 1,300 professionals across 37 offices, FINN provides clients with global access and capabilities in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. In addition, FINN provides its clients with access to top-tier agencies worldwide through its membership in the global network PROI.

Headquartered in New York, FINN has offices in: Abu Dhabi, Atlanta, Bangalore, Bangkok, Beijing, Boston, Chicago, Delhi, Denver, Detroit, Dublin, Fort Lauderdale, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Honolulu, Jerusalem, Kuala Lumpur, London, Los Angeles, Madison, Wisc., Manila, Melbourne, Mumbai, Munich, Nashville, Orange County, Paris, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Singapore, Sydney, Vancouver, Washington D.C. and Yangon. Find us at finnpartners.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram at @finnpartners.

Notes:
* Source: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) at December 2025
** Australia’s Super Members Council

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SOURCE Finn Partners, Inc.

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SSI SCHAEFER’s Four-Way Pallet Roaming Shuttle Is Expanding Warehouse Design Possibilities

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SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For warehouse operators in South Korea, warehouse design is increasingly shaped by competing demands: making better use of available space, managing labor constraints and maintaining reliable operations without committing to automation that exceeds business needs.

The challenge is not simply to store more pallets, but to determine how storage capacity can be configured around the inventory characteristics and the movement the operation actually requires.

Rethinking the use of warehouse space

Warehouse capacity is often assessed by the number of pallet positions available. However, the same building footprint can support different storage configurations, each with its own implications for accessibility, material flow and operating requirements.

Four-way pallet roaming shuttles, such as the SSI Pallet Roaming Shuttle, use onboard multi-sensor navigation to determine their position, monitor their surroundings in real time, and accurately detect obstacles. This enables flexible pallet handling across multiple storage levels, opening up greater possibilities for high-density, single- or multi-deep pallet storage configurations.

For facilities where building expansion is restricted, the ability to use available space more effectively can be an important design consideration. With system heights of 24 metres and options for 40 metres subject to configuration, solutions like the shuttle allow warehouse planners to evaluate storage designs that make greater use of the space.

Matching movement capability to operational needs

The significance of four-way movement lies in the flexibility it introduces into storage design. This can be particularly relevant to manufacturing operations storing raw materials or finished goods, food and beverage distribution, and temperature-controlled warehouses where storage conditions and space utilisation are crucial design considerations.

The shuttle supports payloads of up to 3000 kg and uses RFID and photoelectric positioning, with a specified positioning accuracy of ±5 mm. Operating at a maximum aislewise speed of 1.5 m/s when loaded and 1.6 m/s when unloaded, it provides a technical basis for evaluating its suitability against a warehouse’s storage and movement requirement.

Automation solving the right challenges, at the right time

For South Korean warehouse operators facing a rapidly aging population and labor constraints, the question is whether automating pallet storage and movement will address a meaningful operational need. Suited to medium-to-low SKU ranges and lower-throughput applications, the SSI Pallet Roaming Shuttle is worth considering where frequent retrievals and reduced reliance on repetitive manual handling are priorities, rather than high-volume pallet retrieval.

“The value of warehouse automation lies in how well a system fits the operation it is designed to serve. More automation does not automatically mean a better warehouse.

The real measure of an effective solution is how well its storage density, retrieval capability and throughput match the operation’s needs. Investing in capacity or performance that the business cannot fully utilise—or sacrificing retrieval flexibility for density—misses the point of warehouse automation,” said Jeon Jae Beom, Head of Sales, SSI Schaefer Korea.

For South Korean businesses balancing space, labor and investment pressures, the key is to select systems according to its intended role in the wider operation, not on the assumption that greater automation will resolve every capacity or productivity challenge.

For more information, visit www.ssi-schaefer.com/ko-kr.

About SSI SCHAEFER

The SSI SCHAEFER Group is a leading global solution provider for all areas of intralogistics. With innovative technologies and software, the company empowers small to medium-sized enterprises as well as large companies to increase the efficiency and sustainability of their storage, picking, and transport processes. SSI SCHAEFER offers complete solutions ranging from fully automated warehouses with tailored service and maintenance packages to robotics and automated guided vehicles, as well as manual and semi-automated systems such as workstations, racks and containers.

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SOURCE SSI Schaefer Korea

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Heybike Launches V1 Pro, a 72V Power Beast with 8,000W Peak Power and Bigger Attitude

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ONTARIO, Calif., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Heybike today announced the launch of the V1 Pro, a 72V electric dirt bike designed for riders who want bigger tires, bigger attitude, and ultimate off-road performance. With 8,000W peak power, 17-inch front and 14-inch rear tires, and Wheelie Boost Assist, the V1 Pro delivers powerful off-road performance while featuring hydraulic disc brakes and a magnetic emergency kill switch. Available now on Heybike’s official website, the V1 Pro is offered at an Early Bird price of $1,999, compared with its $2,199 MSRP.

The 72V Power Beast, Ready for Every Trail

With its oversized Big Foot tires, bold styling, and powerful 72V drive system, the Heybike V1 Pro is built to stand out. Delivering 8,000W peak power and 250 N•m of wheel torque, it reaches speeds of up to 50 MPH and tackles inclines of up to 45°, bringing serious power to demanding off-road adventures.

Its staggered 17-inch front and 14-inch rear Big Foot tires provide a larger rear contact patch for traction, while 285 mm of ground clearance helps the bike clear rocks, roots, and ruts. A 150 mm-travel front fork and rear hydraulic shock help absorb bumps on uneven terrain.

Powered by a 72V 27Ah battery with 1,944 Wh of capacity, the Heybike V1 Pro offers a range of up to 60 miles on a single charge, with charging taking approximately 5.5–6 hours using the included 84V 5A charger.

Smart Control. Your Ride, Your Way.

The Heybike app lets riders adjust speed limits and throttle response, choose from ECO, LINEAR, and SPORT riding modes, and configure regenerative braking to suit their riding preferences and terrain.

For added personalization, an optional Bluetooth speaker and horn accessory supports music playback and multiple simulated motorcycle engine sounds.

Enhanced Protection for Every Adventure

The Heybike V1 Pro combines performance with multiple safety-focused features. Its 220 mm front and 190 mm rear hydraulic disc brakes provide stopping power, while regenerative braking adds another layer of deceleration control.

A magnetic emergency kill switch is designed to cut power if the rider falls or steps away from the bike. A throttle-reset safety mechanism prevents power delivery until the throttle has returned to its reset position.

The Heybike V1 Pro features a UL 2849-certified battery system and an IPX6 waterproof rating, offering added protection for outdoor riding in changing weather conditions.

Together, these features complement the V1 Pro’s performance-focused design with added control and protection for off-road riding.

Wheelie Boost Assist: Unleash Your Wild Side

Experience wheelies like never before. With just a single mode control, Wheelie Boost™ lifts the front wheel to a fixed angle, safely turning a complex trick into an exciting riding experience. Less effort, more wild — unleash your bigger attitude and take your V1 Pro ride to the next level.

Bring the Family Together. Conquer Every Terrain.

More than an off-road ride, the Heybike V1 Pro opens the door to shared outdoor adventures and memorable family moments. Designed to bring riders together, it makes weekend trail rides and outdoor exploration opportunities for parents and teens to connect, build confidence, and discover new terrain side by side.

From family outings to challenging off-road adventures, the V1 Pro brings power, excitement, and the freedom to explore together.

A Step Up From the Original Heybike V1

Launched in the first half of 2026, the Heybike V1 quickly gained popularity among teens across the United States. Building on that success, the V1 Pro takes off-road performance to the next level with nearly 100% more peak power, 43.8% greater battery capacity, 11% higher top speed, 20% more range, and a 50% higher maximum climbing angle.

Beyond raw power, the V1 Pro delivers 31.5% more wheel torque and 14.5% greater ground clearance, along with stronger front and rear suspension system for a smoother ride. Its larger 17-inch front and 14-inch rear Big Foot tires further enhance off-road control and rear traction, while the full-size frame is designed to accommodate a broader range of riders.

Make Their Next Ride Unforgettable

The Heybike V1 Pro is available now for $1,999 (MSRP $2,199). Customers can also receive a limited-quantity launch gift box with their purchase, while supplies last. 

More riding challenges, giveaways, and community activities are on the way. Stay tuned for more ways to ride, connect, and share the adventure.

Shop the Heybike V1 Pro on its official website.

About Heybike

Heybike is a leading global e-bike brand making joy easy to reach for every age and every terrain, from city commutes to off-road adventures, blending accessible innovation, safety-first engineering, and design that connects. Every ride connects you to a worldwide community — to your family, to your city, and to the simple joy of moving. Learn more on Heybike’s official website.

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SOURCE Heybike

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fileAI Signs Strategic Collaboration Agreement with AWS to Accelerate Rollout of Outcome-Driven AI Agents for BFSI Leaders

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SINGAPORE, Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — fileAI announced a strategic collaboration agreement (SCA) with Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS) to bring a new suite of AI agents to banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) leaders—built to complete critical operational workflows, not just assist with them.

fileAI’s data intelligence platform, fileForge, transforms enterprise files into trusted, governed intelligence for AI workflows, pairing repeatable skills with business context to carry complex business processes through to completion. Built on Amazon Bedrock and available through AWS Marketplace, it provides industry leaders across Asia and the US direct access to outcome-focused AI agents backed by AWS’s security, scale, and infrastructure.

Two of the company’s latest innovations underpin this philosophy: fileScout maps files ahead of extraction, optimising model routing and drastically reducing token consumption, whilst fileForensics surfaces actionable fraud signals directly into the processing pipeline. Together they ensure only clean, relevant, fraud-checked data ever reaches the workflow. For AWS customers, that means faster cycle times, fewer exceptions, and less manual rework, with the governance and traceability regulated organisations require.

The SCA follows a period of strong momentum for fileAI. On August 27, the company announced investment from SMBC Asia Rising Fund and Singtel Innov8, alongside the debut of fileScout. The funding supports fileAI’s expansion in Japan, building on its June 2026 partnership with JRE Ventures, and deeper investment in financial services capabilities.

“Enterprise AI has to be judged on outcomes, not activity,” said Christian Schneider, CEO of fileAI. “By building on Amazon Bedrock and deepening our collaboration with AWS, we’re giving finance and financial services leaders agents that take their most complex data and carry the work through to a completed, auditable result. With AWS and AWS Marketplace, we can bring that to customers across Asia and the US faster, and with the security and scale they expect.”

“Financial services customers consistently tell us that getting unstructured data ready for workflows they can trust is one of their biggest challenges,” said Jamie Simon, Director, Partner Sales & Development, Asia Pacific & Japan, AWS. “fileAI has built a strong approach to that problem on Amazon Bedrock—combining document intelligence with the governance regulated enterprises require. This collaboration makes it easier for customers to move from AI pilots to production with confidence, and we’re looking forward to scaling it across the region.”

About fileAI

fileAI is the enterprise intelligence company behind fileForge, the leading platform for complex business process automation. Where most AI falls short in production, fileForge provides the structure, validation, and traceability that makes agentic AI reliable by design. It unifies data capture, preparation, governance, and orchestration into auditable, SOP-driven workflows that transform unstructured and semi-structured data into trusted, reusable process intelligence.

Trusted by global enterprises including MS&AD, Toshiba, PwC, KPMG, Nippon Paint, and Keppel, fileAI has processed over 1 billion files across finance, insurance, supply chain, healthcare, and core business operations—delivering governed automation and contextual reuse for the world’s most complex workflows.

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SOURCE fileAI

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