Quant And UST Partner To Accelerate the Adoption of Institutional Digital Assets Across Financial Services

* Partnership empowers banks and capital market participants to tokenise existing asset classes and issue interoperable digital assets, creating new business opportunities and revenue streams quickly and easily

Quant, the blockchain for finance pioneer, has partnered with UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, to provide technical integration and tokenisation services to central and commercial banks and capital markets participants.

These services will help financial institutions adopt digital assets, as they increasingly realise the benefits of distributed ledger technologies by issuing digital money and tokenising existing asset classes for greater settlement speed and access to new markets and clients

Quant will provide the foundational technology, and UST will provide support through user interface design and integration via its Sandbox based in their London Innovation Lab. The partnership facilitates the issuance of central bank digital currencies, digital money in the form of commercial stablecoins, and digital securities onto major distributed ledger networks. By working with the two firms, financial institutions can shorten the lifecycle of their blockchain projects to just a few weeks.

Quant utilises low-code APIs to issue highly secure and externally validated digital assets and tokenised currencies. Its Overledger gateway enables business flows used by banks for accounts, payments and settlement, and can plug into exchanges and venues for asset management.

The global tokenisation market was valued at $2 billion in 2021; compounding growth of 24 percent is expected over the next eight years, according to Grand View Research. Additionally, CBDC pilots are now taking place worldwide, which will unlock new capabilities for governments, businesses, and consumers. Today, more than 50 countries are in an advanced phase of exploration for CBDCs, and 19 of the G20 countries are considering a digital currency.

Gilbert Verdian, Founder and CEO of Quant, said, “UST has been at the forefront of blockchain services for almost a decade and their customer focus is aligned with our approach. The partnership will ensure that financial institutions can create new business opportunities and innovate with new DLT-embedded products and services to tokenise existing asset classes.”

Daniel Field, Global Head of Blockchain, UST, said,?“We have partnered with Quant because of the flexibility and agility inherent in its technology. Built with financial institutions in mind, Quant's Overledger API gateway is the perfect foundation to bring the benefits of blockchain to a multitude of businesses in this sector.”

About Quant

Quant is the future of finance. Today.

We unlock the power of blockchain for everyone, by delivering interoperable ecosystems and real-world solutions that simply work so our customers create new business opportunities and build competitive advantage in record time.

We work with financial institutions, governments, multinational companies, and the partners and fintech developers who support them, to deliver enterprise-grade technology built with security and compliance front of mind.

Founded in 2018, Quant is UK-based with a presence in the European Union and the Americas. We spearheaded the Blockchain ISO Standard TC307 adopted by 57 countries and organisations worldwide and solved interoperability with the creation of the world’s first blockchain-agnostic API gateway, Overledger. Our leadership team has deep experience in government, financial services, technology, healthcare, and management consulting. Our partners include Amazon Web Services and Oracle, and we’re a founding member of the Digital Pound Foundation.

To find out more, visit quant.network.

About UST

For more than 22 years, UST has worked side by side with the world's best companies to make a real impact through transformation. Powered by technology, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Through our nimble approach, we identify their core challenges, and craft disruptive solutions that bring their vision to life. With deep domain expertise and a future-proof philosophy, we embed innovation and agility into our clients' organizations—delivering measurable value and lasting change across industries, and around the world. Together, with over 30,000 employees in 30+ countries, we build for boundless impact—touching billions of lives in the process. Visit us at www.UST.com

Introducing Colorbar’s Ultimate Care Hair Color For Intense Color And Lustrous Shine!

~ Choose from a range of 6 gorgeous shades at just Rs.475 ~

If you are looking for a high-performing, no ammonia and paraben-free hair colour for a perfect makeover or to cover your greys, you are at the right place! Colorbar Cosmetics introduces its newly launched ‘Ultimate Care Hair Color’ to amp up your fashion quotient along with adding lustrous shine to your hair. 

Enriched with the goodness of a blend of 3 oils - almond, olive, and an ayurvedic mix, the Ultimate Care Hair Color deeply nourishes and strengthens your hair with a dramatic and powerful touch of colour that suits every Indian skin tone. The Ultimate Care Hair Color comes in a range of 6 gorgeous shades priced at INR 475, perfect to fit your monthly haircare regime.

Achieve a rich, radiant and a flawless result by effectively covering your grey roots and embracing a new dash of colour with the new Ultimate Care Hair Color.

The Ultimate Care Hair Color is a new addition to the product portfolio under the house of Colorbar, and is available across all Colorbar stores and counters in India. You can get your hands on them at www.colorbarcosmetics.com too.

About Colorbar

Colorbar believes that it is everyone’s birth right to express themselves and unleash the magic that lies within. It takes the liberty to dive into a world of magic with confidence, and reveal your inner thoughts, ideas and dreams through beauty and style for all. The unswerving idea behind ‘You and Colorbar are Made for Magic’ is for one to build limitless possibilities and extravagantly evolve with flair, drama and irresistible charm. While the brand’s philosophy gravitates towards the purpose of empowering every soul, every gender and celebrating all in their own eccentric elements, the 8-pointed Colorbar star, the mnemonic, points towards the direction that represents absolute freedom, resonating with the symbol of the formidable power of magic.

Born and raised in India, Colorbar forayed into the beauty industry looking for creative formulas to bring an unparalleled experience to its consumers. The brand follows the belief of - change being the only constant, and ensures that it leads with quality in every step of the way. The brand also signifies the promise of being your truest self, unapologetically. With the essence of gender-neutrality and inclusivity being at its heart, Colorbar envisions a world full of beauty and originality.

Colorbar has a comprehensive range of innovative products to address to each one’s unique needs. These products are curated and packaged in France, Germany, Italy, Korea & the United States of America, to deliver brilliant colors, luxurious textures and effective results. All products are ISO certified, 100% cruelty-free and conform to US, EU, UK & Japan FDA standards.

The brand holds a strong geographical footprint in the country - 100+ exclusive stores, 1300+ multi brand outlets and partner chains like Shoppers Stop, Lifestyle, New U, Pantaloons. To cater to one’s needs more conveniently, Colorbar’s products are available on the website – www.colorbarcosmetics.com and partner websites that include Nykaa, Amazon, Myntra, Purplle, Flipkart and more.

Magniflex India Marks Its Presence With The Opening of 3rd Exclusive Store In Bengaluru

* The store at Jayanagar will have multiple ranges of mattresses, pillows, and accessories that provide unparalleled comfort leading to quality sleep and well-being

Magniflex India (Made in Italy), Europe’s No. 1 mattress brand, with a legacy of over 60 years, and which excels in Italian luxury mattresses and sleep accessories, today launched its 3rd exclusive outlet in Jayanagar. The outlet was inaugurated by Mr. Siddaramaiah - Leader of opposition in the Karnataka legislative assembly, Mr. Enrico Cenni - Magniflex Director - Asia Pacific, and Mr. Anand Nichani, MD, Magniflex India. Today, Magniflex India has 69 stores across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai, Rajkot, Coimbatore, Vijayawada, Vishakhapatnam, Bheemavaram, Jaipur, Nasik, Kolhapur, Mangalore, Raipur, and aims to further increase its presence in the southern markets of India by the end of fiscal year 2022-23.

The store at Jayanagar highlights true Italian craftsmanship, which includes Italian style and design, along with the rich Italian culture, and legacy, combined with innovations. The store is spread over 1,800 square feet and offers a whole range of products and mattresses like Ergo Bed, Armonia, Magnistretch, Pillows and Accessories. At this store, for the first time, customers can experience true Italian craftsmanship, innovation, and technologically superior mattresses straight from Italy. This store offers a complete range of Magniflex mattresses that customers can experience (touch & feel). Product experts stationed in the store educate the customers on the salient features of different models. Every customer is allowed to experience the different mattress models thoroughly without any interruptions.

Customers visiting the Jayanagar outlet will get to experience ‘Made in Italy’ quality & comfort. Magniflex’ s range of mattresses caters to the different needs of every member of the family.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Anand Nichani, MD, Magniflex India, said, “This is our third exclusive store in Bangalore. We are all set to launch one more exclusive outlet in Koramangala in a month’s time. Magniflex is known for its technologically advanced product, and design, and is customized based on the different body types and human postures. Each product is crafted after thorough research over several years to ensure impeccable ease and comfort to the body.

Mr. Enrico Cenni, Magniflex Director - Asia Pacific, said, “The growing Indian market is of pivotal importance to us. We are penetrating into more market segments in India to cater to the growing upper middle classes, apart from the elite. Indians are becoming more conscious in terms of managing their lifestyle, striving for optimum work-life balance ensuring more comfort and a visible shift towards functionality and productivity. The store at Jayanagar stands for true Italian craftsmanship, which includes Italian style and design, along with the rich Italian culture, and legacy, combined with innovations.”

Binod Kumar Appointed As Executive Director of Punjab National Bank

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Shri Binod Kumar as the Executive Director of Punjab National Bank with effect from 21st November 2022 for a period of three years.  

Shri Binod Kumar, a Graduate in science from Ranchi University and holds Post Graduate Diploma in Banking & Finance from NIBM, Financial Risk Manager (FRM) from GARP (USA) and a Certified Associate Member of Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB).  

Shri Kumar started his banking journey in Punjab National Bank as Management Trainee in the year 1994 and has served the bank for last 28 years. He has rich and diversified banking experience of over 28 years, ranging from Branch and Administrative Office to Risk Management, Credit etc. He has also headed BO: DIFC as Chief Executive Officer and was previously heading the Corporate Credit Division, Head Office of Punjab National Bank as Chief General Manager  

Shri. Kumar has also served as the Nominee Director on the Board of PNB Housing Finance Limited and ISARC (India SME Asset Reconstruction Company Limited).  

He has diploma in Treasury Investment & Risk Management, Banking & Finance by IIBF and has also done Leadership Skill Development Program from IIM Bangalore. 

IIIT Bangalore Bestowed Silver Jubilee Icon Award At The Bengaluru Tech Summit 2022

International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIITB) received the Silver Jubilee Icon Award at the Bengaluru Tech Summit, 2022. The award recognized IIIT Bangalore for its contribution to the journey of Karnataka State and for playing a crucial role in the development of technology, research, policy and technical committees in making Bengaluru City the most sought-after destination in India. IIIT Bangalore was also recognized for being one of Karnataka’s major contributors to the state economy, by helping generate significant employment and positioning Karnataka as a global hub.

The 25th edition of Bengaluru Tech Summit received 4.52 lakh visitors in person and 4.99 crore people virtually. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event virtually. Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT Bangalore and Prof. Chandrashekar Ramanathan, Dean (Academics), IIIT Bangalore received the award from Karnataka Chief Minister, Basavaraj Bommai.

The awards were felicitated to enterprises and institutions, which have completed over 25 years of their presence in Karnataka and have contributed towards building the IT, Electronics and Biotech ecosystem.

“It is exciting and gratifying to have the Bengaluru Tech Summit recognize the profound contribution of IIIT Bangalore to Karnataka. It is also an opportunity to celebrate this landmark moment, as recognitions like this reflect the work of a wide range of people and the support offered by the government to accomplish such feats. IIIT Bangalore will continue to be at the forefront and contribute to advancing the state-of-the-art IT infrastructure and software in Karnataka,” said Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT Bangalore.

IIIT Bangalore was established in 1998 with a vision to contribute to the IT world through education, research, entrepreneurship and innovation. The institution engages in research work and provides knowledge-based technological services and consultancy to satisfy the needs of industries and governments. IIIT Bangalore also creates value by helping build capabilities and nurturing entrepreneurship.

IIIT Bangalore attracts students from both India and abroad. More than 3,500 students have graduated in postgraduate level from IIIT Bangalore since its inception, and they currently work in over 100 renowned IT product and services companies across the world. The IIIT Bangalore alumni have founded more than 50 enterprises.

The technology institution works in partnership with the corporate sector. By intersecting technology and society, IIIT Bangalore has become an institution of repute with its state-of-the-art model of education, research, and industry interaction.

 https://www.iiitb.ac.in/

Mahindra Manulife Mutual Fund Launches Small Cap Fund

·         It’s an open ended equity scheme predominantly investing  in small cap stocks 

·         Minimum 65% of the asset allocation will be towards Equity & Equity related instruments of small cap companies

·         Scheme to be benchmarked against S&P BSE 250 Small Cap TRI

·         Scheme opens on 21st November 2022, closes on 5th December 2022 and reopens for continuous sale and repurchase from 14th December, 2022

Mahindra Manulife Mutual Fund, a joint venture of Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited (“Mahindra Finance”) and Manulife Investment Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. has announced its ‘New Fund Offer’ (NFO). The Scheme called Mahindra Manulife Small Cap Fund is an open-ended equity scheme predominantly investing in small cap stocks. This product is suitable for investors who are seeking long term capital appreciation and Investment predominantly in equity and equity related securities of small cap companies.

Small cap mutual funds have potential to create wealth and generate alpha over long term, as they provide exposure to companies which are potential market leaders in the industries they operate in and are likely to become future midcaps as they scale up. They are generally under-researched and under-owned, thus providing an opportunity for stock picking at reasonable valuations.

Anthony Heredia, MD & CEO, Mahindra Manulife Mutual Fund said, “The Indian economy is well poised and have potential to be one of the leading economies in the world over the coming decade. This may throw unprecedented opportunities across sectors and businesses, with many smaller companies using this possibility to become much larger over time. Small cap funds would be an ideal option for long term investors looking to take advantage of this change and should become a core part of investor portfolios. Given our past track record in looking at these companies across our diversified fund range, we feel this is the right time to bring this product to market, and help our investors realize their longer-term wealth creation aspirations.”

Krishna Sanghavi, Chief Investment Officer – Equity, Mahindra Manulife Mutual Fund said: “The investment objective of the fund is to generate long term capital appreciation by investing in a diversified portfolio of equity & equity related securities of small cap companies. Indian small caps offer a wide range of companies that are likely to participate and grow with Indian economy as India moves from 7th largest to 3rd largest economy in terms of size. The economy offers opportunities for many small cap companies to grow to be mid cap companies in future. Small caps as a segment also allows a wider choice in sector allocation. Valuation-wise, small caps currently offer a good opportunity for investors who want to build a long-term equity portfolio.”

About the Scheme

The Scheme will focus on creating an appropriate diversified portfolio of companies with a long-term perspective. The Scheme will invest a minimum of 65% of net assets in equity and equity related instruments of small cap companies. The scheme may take exposure in equity derivative instruments to the extent of 50% of the equity permitted component. Investment in derivatives shall be for hedging, portfolio balancing, and such other purposes as maybe from time to time under the regulations and subject to guidelines issued by SEBI/RBI from time to time.

The fund managers will be Mr. Abhinav Khandelwal and Mr. Manish Lodha, both having a vast experience in the field of equity research and fund management.

India has experienced some vital economic reforms in the past few years with a potential for future growth – right opportunity to capitalize on the emerging Indian entrepreneurship. The new digital infrastructure also looks quite optimistic. These few of the many factors look promising for the growth of small cap companies in India.

Deakin University Introduces 12-Month Master of Data Science (Global) In Collaboration With Great Learning

* Graduate With The Master of Data Science (Global) From Deakin University.

* Graduates of Great Learning's postgraduate program in data science and business analytics or postgraduate program in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can choose to pursue the accelerated masters pathway program and receive a global masters degree in data science from Deakin University in just 12 months.

* The masters program offers live online classes and recorded lecture videos delivered by experienced faculty from Deakin University.

Deakin University, Australia,  has introduced an online Master of Data Science (Global)  in collaboration with Great Learning. The online masters program is designed exclusively for graduates of Great Learning’s postgraduate programs in data science and business analytics and the postgraduate program in AI and machine learning offered in collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin. Designed by Deakin’s experienced faculty, leveraging new digital learning tools and technologies and guided by industry, the curriculum offers learners the flexibility to earn a global masters degree in data science from Deakin University in just 12 months while continuing to work in their jobs.

Live virtual classes and recorded lectures by Deakin faculty, hands-on projects, weekly mentoring sessions, peer-to-peer learning, and dedicated career assistance are some of the highlights of the program. Career development support activities — such as workshops and personalised mentorships — help candidates identify their strengths and career paths. Learners will also be given access to Great Learning Excelerate — a curated jobs portal that enables them to apply to relevant positions. Great Learning works with 2300+ companies to offer unparalleled placement support to its learners. Some of the marquee hiring companies include Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Dell, IBM, Flipkart, Infosys, Intel, Deloitte, etc.

Dr. Sutharshan Rajasegarar, Course Director, School of Information Technology, Deakin University said, ’The online masters provides successful graduates of Great Learning's relevant postgraduate programs an exciting opportunity to further their education in just 12 months. The collaboration will award graduates with a global masters degree that will open up opportunities worldwide.’

The modern world demands accurate and reliable data to guide organisations in developing the strongest solutions. Recruiters are constantly on the lookout for professionals who have an in-depth understanding of the latest technologies and possess the necessary business acumen to drive business growth. With this growing demand comes a massive need for a qualified workforce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Data Science expertise will drive a 27.9 percent rise in employment in the field by 2026. Professionals can now leverage the opportunity to become in-demand Data Science experts by learning future-ready skills.

Sharing his thoughts about the masters program, Hari Krishnan Nair, Co-founder, Great Learning said, ’Data science talent demand continues to rise across industries. Driven by the need for digital transformation companies across IT, Management and Consulting, Pharma, BFSI, and Manufacturing are looking for professionals with new-age data science skills to help them make data-driven business decisions. To be able to build on your postgraduate certificate into a prestigious master’s degree from a top global university in just 12 months is a great opportunity to build your credentials and also get global exposure. The global acceptance that comes with a Deakin University masters degree is a perfect launchpad for professionals.’

With a focus to impart new-age data science skills to professionals, the comprehensive and carefully designed program curriculum includes engineering AI solutions, mathematics for AI, machine learning, modern data science, real-world analytics and data wrangling. The online masters program is offered at an unmatched price which is less than 10% of the on-campus masters degree. Upon successful completion of the online masters program, learners will receive a Master of Data Science (Global) degree from Deakin University.