Q1 2025 Most Innovative Sports Business Founder 2024: Olna Ford Featuring:
Q1 2025 Welcome to the Q1 edition of APAC Insider magazine, your quarterly source for all of the latest news and updates from across the Asia Pacific region. Covering a range of news across the region, our Q1 2025 issue is a beacon of light for those looking for updates and inspiration. For example, It is within this issue that we shine a spotlight on “The Entrepreneur Queen of Long Drive,” Olna Ford, of Xtreme Drivers League, once again. Recognising Olna’s dedication, passion, and devotion to the international sport of long drive, it is a pleasure to celebrate her many years of growth – both personal and professional. She is bringing innovation and unwavering strength to the sport so that generations now and after us can flourish in doing what they love. We hope you enjoy perusing this issue and we are excited to bring our Q2 issue to you in a few months’ time, where we welcome you back for more insights, news, and success stories. We also hope the rest of Q1 is fruitful for you all. Sofi Parry, Senior Editor Website: www.apac-insider.com AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.
4. News 6. Xtreme Drivers League: Most Innovative Sports Business Founder 2024: Olna Ford 8. AI-Driven FinTech in Asia is Projected to Reach $65 Billion Funding in 2025 9. Expert Shares Top Tips for Using QR Codes to Streamline Your Business Operations 10. IP Video Technology: The Changes and Challenges Within ISR Workflows 12. AI must be better integrated into investment process 13. 4 Critical Business Continuity Trends Reshaping Strategy in 2025 14. How Hotels Are Using Data-Driven Strategies To Revolutionise Contents
News FinVolution Group (NYSE: FINV), a leading fintech service provider in the pan-Asian region, reaffirmed its commitment yesterday to advancing financial inclusion through cuttingedge credit technology and strategic partnerships at the Asian Financial Forum 2025 in Hong Kong. Dr. Ming Gu, Senior Vice President of FinVolution Group, shared his insights on how fintech innovation is transforming access to credit for underserved populations in Southeast Asia. “Fintech is creating new pathways for underserved populations to access credit and financial support, empowering them to invest in their futures,” he said at a thematic workshop on the future of fintech in Southeast Asia. Driving financial inclusion through innovation Gu emphasized FinVolution’s mission to bridge the gap between financial institutions and underserved communities by leveraging advanced credit technology. The company has built its business around serving young workers and small business owners from grassroots backgrounds, whose financial needs are often overlooked by traditional banks and other financial institutions. Through user-friendly digital lending platforms and collaborations with local partners, FinVolution has supported over 6 million borrowers and facilitated loans exceeding US$3 billion in its markets outside China as of Q3 2024. FinVolution’s AI-powered tools enable financial institutions to better assess creditworthiness, particularly for those without traditional credit histories, Gu explained. Opportunities and challenges in Southeast Asia’s market Gu highlighted Southeast Asia’s potential as a key growth market for fintech, driven by its young population, e-commerce growth, and credit-driven consumption habits. “Very few regions in this world can meet all these FinVolution’s SVP Ming Gu speaks at Asian Financial Forum, highlighting opportunities in CreditTech for Southeast Asia’s underserved criteria,” he said, highlighting the underpinnings of Southeast Asia’s ascent as a fintech powerhouse. “Digital lending always goes hand in hand with the growth of e-commerce.” “The number one factor driving financial inclusion and literacy is GDP per capita,” Gu said. “Fintech and other technologies serve as a tool to facilitate this process, but it is GDP per capita that remains the cornerstone of development.” For instance, Indonesia’s ambitious Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision aims to accelerate the nation’s economic growth by at least 5% annually over the next two decades. This initiative reflects the nation’s commitment to fostering financial inclusion and leveraging technology as a catalyst for sustainable progress. “Indonesia is the place to watch over the next five to 10 years,” Gu added. “We are very bullish on Southeast Asia.” Symbiotic relationship with regulators and financial partners Despite these opportunities, challenges such as the lack of credit histories and increasing fraud risks persist, threatening the future of fintech in this region. FinVolution combats these issues with advanced proprietary risk management systems and fraud prevention technologies. Gu stressed the collaboration with regulators and financial institutions in creating a robust and inclusive financial ecosystem. FinVolution itself adheres to stringent regulatory standards, securing necessary licenses and aligning with local laws. This endeavor coincides with steady improvements to Southeast Asia’s regulatory stringency in recent years, which are credited for creating an environment conducive to fintech innovation. “I believe a symbiotic relationship between regulators and fintechs like us is crucial to Southeast Asia’s rise as a key global fintech hub,” Gu noted. With over 100 financial institution partners, including digital banks and consumer finance companies, FinVolution provides end-to-end credit tech solutions that streamline processes and expand outreach. FinVolution Group remains dedicated to driving financial inclusion and innovation in Southeast Asia. With a focus on technology and collaboration, the company aims to empower individuals and communities while fostering a thriving fintech ecosystem in the region.
News Markel, the insurance operations within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), announced that Jack Taylor has been appointed to the role of Executive, Distribution Strategies and Business Development, Asia Pacific. Taylor will be based in Singapore and will lead broker engagement across the region. The newly created role is part of Markel’s strategy to enhance its broker engagement in the Asia Pacific region, in which it continues to strengthen its operations, underwriting and distribution capabilities. Working alongside Markel’s territory leaders and underwriters, as well as the international distribution strategies and business development teams, Taylor will be responsible for ensuring effective broker engagement intended to highlight Markel’s specialty value proposition across the Asia Pacific market. He will also work on the development and delivery of underwriting solutions. Markel grows Asia Pacific team with new role to lead broker engagement Markel International’s Managing Director, Distribution Strategy and Business Development, Dan Martin, says, “It’s excellent to welcome Jack to Markel. We’ve made great strides in putting our specialty value proposition on the map in the Asia Pacific region over the past few years. Jack’s extensive experience across the specialty insurance market and broker engagement will be a huge asset as we continue our growth trajectory in the region.” Taylor will report to Markel International’s Asia Pacific Managing Director, Christian Stobbs, who adds: “It’s a delight to welcome Jack to Markel. He has an impressive profile in the Singapore market and I’ve no doubt he’ll strengthen Markel’s links and engagement with our broker partners, both in Singapore and across the wider Asia Pacific region.” Taylor joins Markel from Zurich Insurance, where he worked in both London and, more recently, Singapore in relationship and business development, as well as a senior underwriter.
Most Innovative Sports Business Founder 2024: Olna Ford Supported by the International Golf Associates New Zealand (IGANZ), Xtreme Drivers League has swiftly made a name for itself as a global leader revolutionising the sport of long drive. Home to the New Zealand Long Blacks, XDL is an award-winning national sports league for the high-performance sport and, here, we’re proud to celebrate its Founder and Owner Olna Ford. In 1974, the long drive event took off and became much more common in the extreme sports sphere. Then, it was 2016 when the rules for long drive changed significantly, elevating the sport and resulting in the same restrictions which pro tour players had to abide by. This alteration of the rules solidified the sport’s legitimacy and guaranteed a more fair approach when people stepped up to play. Fast forward to recent years, namely 2018, the New Zealand Long Blacks made history at The Kinloch Club, Taupo, when they won the Trans-Tasman Clash and were awarded with the Darren Wise – Stingray for the very first time. The New Zealand Long Blacks, under the guiding hand of IGANZ’s Xtreme Drivers League (XDL), have become a globally renowned long drive team of dedicated athletes looking to enrich the sport and grow their presence even further. Through its top-tier XDL, IGANZ is set to become a global leader in sports by bringing the underappreciated sport of long drive to new markets and establishing a new spectator sport that people everywhere can enjoy. Based on honesty, integrity, innovation, and fair play, the IGANZ serves a wide range of customers, from golfers and enthusiastic drivers to sponsors and partners. It also offers a wide range of services, with Olna and her team of driven professionals offering drive training, event management, event organisation, and player management, among other things. Proudly introducing CEO of IGANZ and Founder and Owner of XDL Olna Ford: the “Entrepreneur Queen of Long Drive”, we’d like to demonstrate her contribution to the world of long drive, and the elevation of the athletic mindset in general. Steeped in years of experience, Olna has led XDL with determination, commitment to excellence, and an unbeatable passion for success in the highperformance sport of long drive since 2016. Transforming the extreme sports landscape, Olna has focused on the success of the New Zealand Long Blacks, Aussie Long Ballers, and the XDL – the national organisation for the illustrious sport. Olna’s own tremendous story of growth and strength within the sports industry is noteworthy and inspiring as she has dedicated much of her life to athletics, team building, and professional development. Beginning her professional journey as a 12-time beauty pageant winner as well as model in the sports industry, Olna stepped into a world that would allow her to blossom. She has been featured on the covers of many magazines and billboards, on television, and has been heard on the radio for the advertising and live promotions of The Total Fitness Company. Over the years, Olna has contributed to charities through her dedication to extreme endurance events such as the 36 hour walk from Hamilton to Auckland, 24 hour treadmill run at Arnold Schwarzenegger’s fitness weekend, and more. She has also represented and been sponsored by some of the top names in the world of fitness, such as Nike, Oct24275 Puma, Shiseido, Ray Bans, Adidas, Asics, Reebok, Chrysler, Toyota, Fujifilm, Line 7, Speedo, and DFS. In 2016, Olna became the CEO of IGANZ and Founder & Owner of the New Zealand Long Blacks, Aussie Long Ballers, and XDL. Her love for sport increased immensely over the years of working and modelling in the industry, and she has since flourished further with promoting, investing, and growing the sport of Long Drive in her region – and beyond. Investing in the future of the sport, Olna’s work as CEO of IGANZ has resulted in the eightcompany collective’s growth, eight registered trademarks, and the two incredible national teams making long drive even more exciting than ever before. Already hosting 38 successful events spanning eight countries, Olna has been spreading the word of long drive and the teams with whom she works. With further plans in the pipeline to expand the sport’s presence in over 50 countries with Government officials, continue representing XDL Champions for unmissable endorsement opportunities, and raise awareness of the sport for individuals everywhere. Olna told us she is working tirelessly to grow the sport with juniors and students – with a school programme being introduced in 2025. She is also looking forward to XDL’s transition into the realm of e-sports, and even covering new ground with the official XDL Competition Grid already positioned in the USA. This new project is all part of XDL’s landmarking within the highperformance sport’s history, and Olna is excited to be part of the process. This land mass will be a home away from home for the team and it will inspire further grids to be landscaped for the future of the sport that will support her International hosts, federation partners, and the upcoming Special Buckley Series arriving in 2025. As it is Olna’s lifetime commitment to sport which has truly assisted this new transition, XDL’s journey to becoming even more present around the world. In addition, Olna has reached out to particular agencies to embark on new touring events which will then introduce the sport to London, connecting New Zealand to the opposite side of the world. Furthermore, with innovative and original technologies also due to launch next year, XDL is going to introduce and promote new identities for drive cages, drive balls, a virtual grid, on and off range or road experiences, and a new concept for a Drive and Lounge facility including a virtual competition platform. This is definitely “the only place where you can drink and drive!” Attending the Drive and Lounge facility will be a new experience for those looking to up their game, get the most out of new technologies, and spend time with champions. As a multifaceted concept, these events will touch the hospitality and entertainment industries while nourishing long drive players – no matter their age, gender, or experience. “The Entrepreneur Queen of Long Drive”
APAC Insider- Publication Name | 7 Atop Olna’s success as a business manager taking a stand against sexism in the sports industry, she has been a driving force behind the IGANZ Women brand, which inevitably diversifies the sport and gives women and girls the chance to live out their long drive dreams. Both the Aussie Long Ballers and the New Zealand Long Blacks are home to women’s teams, and Olna has fully supported their development over the last eight years. This much can be said for the IGANZ Kids brand, where children are encouraged to explore their passion for the sport from a young age – giving them the sturdy foundation needed to grow up more able to compete in professional leagues. Additionally, Fruit Guys, a sponsor of the IGANZ Kids events since 2016, continue to provide fresh fruit for young ones and audiences across New Zealand. By cultivating an environment of strength and nourishment for people of all ages and identities, Olna, IGANZ, and XDL deliver a path to success and allow individuals to live out their athletic visions. New Zealand is historically proud of its contribution to the sports landscape and, partnered with international organisations such as wiistream and Kingsman and NZ partners such as Mercedes Benz North Shore, Exact Earthmoving, PowerVault, All Stone and Rock, Westend Concrete, and more, XDL continues to support the athletic ecosystem of the country. Olna gives a special thanks to Mercedes Benz North Shore who has been the Luxury Brand providing Olna, her Champions and national teams with Luxury Vehicles in promotion of Olna’s DRIVING Luxury to the Tee vision. With Olna’s support, in addition to backing from international sponsors and investors, the league is guaranteed to continue on its upward trajectory. Setting the pace for the sport, the New Zealand Long Blacks – comprised of the best players in the realm of long drive – will repeatedly gain recognition for their skill and enthusiasm as they make history for their country. Moreover, with North Island Champs, South Island Champs, and New Zealand Champs this December, as well as the Australian Championship Qualifier in Queensland and national team events, coming soon in mid-2025 to represent past, present, and future – and the global launch of the sport – this year has been thrilling, and next year will definitely follow suit. XDL is a multi-award-winning league with such exciting plans coming into fruition for 2025, and more years to come. Because of this, Olna and XDL are guaranteed to contribute magnificent moments to the history of the sport. Just recently, Olna has partnered with Dr. Chenggen Hu, CEO of Wanfront Sports & Media, to develop business plans in Australia and elevate the expansion of XDL worldwide. Dr. Hu, is known for his involvement in major sponsorships and the Wanda Sports Group giant. This partnership is spearheaded by Olna herself, who tells us, “We are honored to welcome Dr. Hu into the XDL family. Together, we will elevate Long Drive in Australia, offering fans unparalleled experiences and redefining the sport on a global scale.” With unique benefits to share with Dr. Hu, XDL Australia is set to skyrocket in 2025, and the venues and dates for Australian events are soon to follow. We’re excited to see XDL’s future unfold as Olna continually supports the company as well as the individuals and teams which surround her. Here’s to a strong future of collaboration and the rich, trailblazing energy and experience Xtreme Drivers League brings to long drive. Contact: Olna Ford Company: Xtreme Drivers League Web Address: https://xdlworldwide.com/
APAC Insider- Publication Name | 8 Meanwhile, the number of AI fintech companies in the region is expected to exceed 7,200, representing 7% of the local fintech industry. The countries driving the AI fintech growth in Asia include India, China, Singapore, and Israel. These are the findings of UnaFinancial’s study. Fintech companies employing AI have been growing year by year, consistently increasing their share within the Asian fintech ecosystem. According to UnaFinancial’s analysts, the number of such companies in the region is expected to reach 7,271 in 2025, making up 7% of the local fintech industry. To compare, this number equaled 1289 in 2015 (3.6% of all fintech companies), and 6038 in 2023 (6.3%). The analysts comment: “Compared to the COVID-19 pandemic peak, there has been some slowdown in the growth of new AI fintech companies in Asia. However, the market continues to expand, both with the introduction of new companies and the active adoption of AI by already existing players.” In terms of funding, after hitting a “low” in 2023, Asian AI fintech companies are entering a stage of new interest from fintech investors. The share of funding received by these companies is projected to grow from $60.4 billion in 2023 to $62.0 billion in 2024 and $65.5 billion in 2025. Thus, the investment volumes in the sector are expected to increase 2.2 times next year. If the global socio-economic situation stabilizes, this could mark a new wave of investor attention to the industry. Among the Asian countries, India, China, Singapore, and Israel are emerging as the powerhouses of AI fintech in the region. India dominates the list of active Asian AI fintech companies (41.7%), followed by China (12.2%), Singapore (9.8%), and Israel (9.6%). UnaFinancial’s analysts explain: “India’s leadership is unsurprising given the country’s size, rapid fintech growth, and deep AI integration into financial practices, supported by the government. In China, the growth is driven by the large economy, while Singapore boasts the proactivity of local fintech businesses, which position the country as a regional fintech hub and trendsetter in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, Israel stands out for its high standard of living, which supports the balanced growth of the entire fintech ecosystem and a favorable environment for startups.” AI-Driven FinTech in Asia is Projected to Reach $65 Billion Funding in 2025
APAC Insider- Publication Name | 9 The widespread usage of smartphones means that QR codes can be highly effective for promoting businesses and helping them connect to their intended audiences. Not only are QR codes quick and easy to read via a smartphone camera, but they offer multiple opportunities to increase brand interactions with customers. Kushal Tantry, CEO of QR Code Developer has shared his top tips for incorporating QR codes into your existing business model to help improve the customer experience and drive more sales. Customers can quickly access your website Businesses can use QR codes to help potential customers quickly locate their website, by placing them on posters, business cards, and other promotional materials. Incorporating a QR code that customers can scan with their phone means they don’t have to type in the URL for your website. This can often be a point of resistance, especially if you want to direct them to a subpage of your site that might have a lengthy URL. Another way to share your information is to put your contact details into a QR code. This makes it easy for customers to get in touch and find out more about the business, or even use it again if they keep it saved on their phone. Improved customer experience If you run a cafe, pub or business where customers choose from a menu or catalog, QR codes can offer an additional point of sale. In addition to a physical menu, linking a QR code to a digital menu means that customers have more options when ordering. Consider extending this further if there is other online media that customers can access via a QR code. Codes can also be placed on email receipts or invoices so that customers can bring the payment system up on their phone if they are not paying in person. Trackable interactions A valuable metric when using QR codes is that you can monitor the number of times it has been scanned. You can also log information about which devices or operating systems were used to scan the code, the timing of scans, and whereabouts the code was scanned. Using QR codes on flyers, posters or business cards allows you to track which are most successful at driving customers to your site and ultimately converting them into paying customers. This can also help businesses determine the types of customers using their QR codes. This can help build up a profile of their target audience and assist them with future marketing or services. Email signups and followers It is valuable to encourage customers to sign up for an email list or follow the business on social media. This allows them to see any updates posted on the platforms and be reminded to use the business again soon. QR codes can send customers to your website to sign up via email, or to an online page that hosts the business’s social media accounts. These QR codes could be printed on a physical receipt or business card, which means customers can be directed straight to the email signup page and avoid needing to search for the websites themselves. Feedback surveys and reviews Utilizing customer feedback is a good way for businesses to appeal to their target audience and improve upon areas customers are unhappy with. QR codes streamline this process by linking directly to the feedback form which the customer can complete in their own time. This allows for more indepth feedback forms which offer customers a potential incentive once completed. QR codes can also link to external online review sites so that customer feedback can help boost rankings. Offer incentives and deals Businesses can use QR codes to offer customers rewards or incentives for repeat visits. These can be tracked by scanning their unique QR codes at the till using a dedicated app. For example, Costa Coffee offers a free drink for customers who have made purchases previously and scanned the QR code on these visits. This rewards customers for their loyalty and gamifies the reward scheme. Expert Shares Top Tips for Using QR Codes to Streamline Your Business Operations
By Mark Rushton, defence and security specialist and Business Development Director at VITEC The intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) community faces new challenges as an exponential increase of information—including real-time data and video streams—is shared with a growing community of stakeholders. A new approach to system architecture is needed to deliver critical information to a more diverse set of collaborators, whether they are located in the last tactical mile or they are coalition partners sitting in headquarters. For ISR missions that depend on video, the challenges are many, including securing communication, overcoming bandwidth limitations, and implementing end-to-end encryption when transmitting across multiple networks. Here, Mark Rushton, a defence and security specialist and Business Development Director at VITEC: a global technology leader in the IPTV space, shares his insights on what is at stake. How have critical ISR workflows evolved in recent years? One significant change is the increased amount of information being processed and shared. With what seems like a universal need for real-time data and video streams, the dissemination imperative has expanded beyond traditional platforms and operational command centers. ISR intelligence must now reach a much wider range of collaborators. This expansion has made the system architecture more complex. Leaders in dynamic and unpredictable environments must ensure secure communication and overcome bandwidth challenges while maintaining encryption. Additionally, the broad mix of radio networks used by drones — and other vehicles that carry ISR payloads — introduces variations in quality that must be managed to deliver high-fidelity images to end-users. The types of devices receiving and processing video data have also become more complex. ISR equipment is no longer limited to control rooms and large screens in operation centers. Video intelligence must also be delivered to portable devices in remote locations where users— who may need this information the most—often have limited access to bandwidth. How is the use of IP Video in ISR evolving? In a word, quickly. This is due to technological advances, higher demands for real-time data, and the need for better interoperability and security. For instance, IP Video technology allows for the seamless sharing of real-time video feeds across various platforms and devices. This is crucial for ISR operations, enabling timely decision-making and coordination among military units, intelligence agencies, and coalition partners. Advancements in video compression algorithms like H.264, H.265, and VVC have improved video quality while reducing bandwidth needs. This means high-resolution video can be sent over various networks, even those with limited bandwidth capacity, without losing quality. On a different vector altogether, it is important to observe that ISR has not been immune to the forces driving the adoption of artificial intelligence. Integrating IP Video with AI and machine learning enhances ISR capabilities because it can analyze video feeds in real-time to detect anomalies, identify objects or individuals, and provide actionable insights, reducing the workload on human analysts. As IP Video use expands, there is a greater focus on security. Advanced encryption and secure transmission protocols protect sensitive video data from being intercepted or accessed without authorization, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of ISR operations. How is the community managing this growing complexity? Standards are essential for supporting the ISR mission. It is the only way that everyone—including system architects, platform vendors, signal integrators, ISR commanders and third-party collaborators—can ensure that systems are compatible and can work together. A standards-based approach to interoperability also prevents the ISR community from being locked into proprietary technologies that can limit future options. While a standards-based approach to interoperability prevents the ISR community from being locked into proprietary technologies that limit future options, it must also be coupled with utilizing commercial offthe-shelf (COTS) products that offer access to the latest and greatest technology without the need to develop something from scratch. This ensures everyone can leverage commonly used technology, facilitating compatibility and interoperability. It is important for decisionmakers to choose options with an upgradable path that can be utilized in the future. By allowing for flexibility as the ISR environment evolves, standardsbased COTS solutions offer the best way to optimize operational effectiveness while maximizing return on investment. How is quality control managed across different categories of networks? Managing video quality in ISR workflows across different networks involves several key measures. One revolves around ensuring that image and video quality stays high throughout transmission. This is critical because clear visuals are essential for accurate decision-making in ISR missions. Depending on the mission’s needs, different networks, such as satellite links, radio mesh networks, or 4G LTE towers, are chosen based on factors like bandwidth, reliability, and latency. The advanced compression technologies help maintain high video quality while minimizing bandwidth use. The best codecs allow for efficient compression, ensuring quality visuals even in low-bandwidth situations. IP Video Technology: The Changes and Challenges Within ISR Workflows
APAC Insider- Publication Name | 11 Compatibility with various devices, including portable ones with limited bandwidth, is vital. Ensuring the video format and resolution match the capabilities of the receiving devices helps maintain quality across different endpoints. Finally, data security is also critical in ISR workflows. Implementing encryption protocols and rigorous security measures that protect video data’s integrity and confidentiality during transmission is the key to preventing unauthorized access or interception.
APAC Insider- Publication Name | 12 AI must be better integrated into investment process B u y - s i d e organizations worldwide require more information on how to integrate AI into the investment processes, reveals the InvestOps Report, “Investment Management 2025”, commissioned by financial technology company SimCorp. Based on a survey of 200 buyside executives conducted by WBR Insights in Q4 of 2024, the report provides insights into the buy side’s challenges and priorities entering into 2025. The survey shows that 75 percent of respondents understand the potential benefits of AI but need more information on how to apply it effectively to the investment processes, such as investment analysis, decision making, risk management, data management and client engagement. When asked which areas that would benefit most from the use of an AI tool, one respondent noted “An AI tool can be used to uncover risks that might have remained unknown to us”. Additionally, 16 percent feel unprepared to leverage AI, while 9 percent feel very prepared. “AI is not about replacing jobs but augmenting human capabilities, enhancing decision-making processes, and increasing efficiency. However, the advancements in AI can deliver true value for investment professionals when supported by a unified data layer where all investment data is in one place, moving away from data siloes,” said Georg Hetrodt, Chief Executive Officer at SimCorp. When asked how to measure the success of an AI tool in the investment process, the buyside leaders prioritize increased efficiency in data cleaning (46%), followed by enhanced data visualization (42%) and accelerated time to insights (41%). Addressing data challenges The report also found that nearly half of respondents (47%) say their current data infrastructure is a combination of in-house and third-party solutions, leading to data challenges. The top three priorities for addressing these in the near term are building more standardized data models (67%), consolidating systems for a common data layer (65%), and utilizing AI tools for better insights and data predictability (65%). “Data is the “key” to the front office, yet many firms struggle with fragmented and inconsistent data sources,” said Laura Kayrouz, Senior Partner & Global Co-Head of Investments at Alpha FMC and one of the report’s contributors. “The first step to overcoming this challenge is a thorough data audit to identify gaps and redundancies. Once completed, firms should implement a robust data governance framework to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and compliance. This framework will form the foundation for a centralized data management solution, capable of breaking down silos and enabling unified data access across teams.” When asked about technology and operations, improving data and operations for multi-asset investment strategies (40%) ranked as the top initiative that the buy-side organizations are planning to implement. The main challenge for front office teams is the inability to manage multiassets in one view (60%). To effectively manage a multiasset class portfolio — the primary challenge in supporting the front office - investment managers need a system architecture with a unified data layer that provides a total portfolio view in real time, with any changes made in one area of the business instantly reflected throughout the entire investment lifecycle for public and private markets. This is shown in the survey, where respondents plan to consolidate systems for a real time total portfolio view (64%) to address this challenge. “What we see from this research is that investment managers increasingly need to invest in data strategies to support their goals and decision-making capabilities,” said Marc Schröter, Chief Product Officer at SimCorp. “Otherwise, when firms diversify their portfolios across more asset types, they risk adding complexity to their system landscape. This could lead to disparate silos of investment positions across the business, which slows the velocity of information and impacts the ability to scale. There’s a strong business case for data initiatives.” Other key findings from the 2025 Global InvestOps report include: • Improving operational efficiency is the top strategic priority guiding technology and operations investments for 2025. • Inability to get a total firm-wide view of investments, risk and performance and launching new products in a timely manner are the key challenges for the buy-side firms’ existing current models. • ESG investing is the business area with the greatest opportunity for technological innovation in the next few years, particularly in North America and APAC. • Greater transparency in outsourced operations data tops the list for how the firms want to enhance their operating models in the next 24 months. • Focus on core business is the most desired outcome by using an external service provider for non-core business processes. • To learn more about the findings and to access the full report, follow this link 2025 Global InvestOps Report | SimCorp
APAC Insider- Publication Name | 13 Have you considered the strategies you will use to create or adjust your business continuity plan so it is ready for 2025? Several emerging trends may influence relevant decisions and affect your focus during the year ahead. 1. Heightened Awareness of Weather Extremes More areas of the world are experiencing unusually severe weather. It manifests in numerous ways. Sometimes, storms are more severe or frequent. In other cases, countries or regions regularly see conditions that were relatively rare in the past. Although today’s executives cannot predict with certainty how extreme weather may affect their businesses, most realize it is essential to plan for the most likely outcomes and mitigate adverse effects. Besides increasing organizational stability and shortening the recovery from incidents, research also suggests extreme weather preparedness raises stakeholder confidence. A group analyzed five years of data from approximately 2,100 Japanese-listed companies. Businesses with higher greenhouse gas emissions were more likely to experience climate risks, including extreme weatherrelated ones. Additionally, these entities faced higher costs when borrowing and raising money. However, executives who transparently offered information about climate risks had lower capital costs. Investors can also make more informed decisions about an organization’s risk profile with those details. 2. Increased Reliance on Artificial Intelligence Could artificial intelligence help you develop a business continuity plan? Numerous potential applications exist. Your company may have an AIbased tool that can use historical data to predict the likelihood of future operational disruptions. Alternatively, use generative AI prompts to brainstorm potential threats or create a plan outline. Another possibility is using AI to bounce back faster once something interrupts your normal business operations. One study of small and mediumsized London businesses highlighted why that avenue may be worthwhile. It found that risks linked to the COVID-19 pandemic were 3.1% lower when those companies used AI apps. The researchers identified 10 specific ways the enterprises applied AI to reduce threats. They ranged from using the technology for predictions to relying on it to find fake reviews. Another interesting detail was that 26% of small businesses used AI tools, as did more than 70% of medium-sized companies. However, the researchers clarified that risk reduction benefits persisted regardless of an enterprise’s size, founding date or turnover. 3. Supplemented Resources Through Equipment Rentals The industrial equipment needed to prevent or recover from emergencies can come with high upfront costs. That reality may initially discourage you from analyzing your asset-related gaps while making a business continuity plan. However, a more practical and increasingly accessible alternative is to partner with service providers that can use their resource networks to source temporary rentals promptly. Those are typically much more cost-effective during urgent situations, enabling your company to efficiently get the required resources at affordable prices. For example, a power outage occurred at a Florida automotive plant due to a transformer failure. The client initially requested a generator from an equipment service provider. However, a closer investigation from a partner organization revealed a temporary transformer would more sustainably and costeffectively address the situation. The service provider and its partner sourced and installed one, along with nearly 300 combined feet of two cables necessary for its operation. That quick, collaborative action reduced the overall disruption to the affected location. Now is an excellent time to identify and begin relationships with local service providers. Speak to representatives about your needs, and mention that you would like to include the company’s expertise and resources in your business continuity plan. 4. Expanded Work-FromHome Frameworks Many executives have recently realized that increasing workfrom-home opportunities for team members can result in more resilient businesses. A university business professor and his team analyzed aggregated job listing data to determine companies’ labor demands and how easily businesses could pivot their operations to occur entirely remotely if needed. The initial results concerned entities that displayed that agility during the COVID-19 pandemic. They showed how remote-ready, publicly traded companies performed better during unexpected circumstances, confirmed by several metrics. The researchers also expanded their scope to compare the effects of natural disasters and extreme weather on companies that could shift to remote operations versus those that could not. Those outcomes confirmed that a company’s ability to function remotely when needed was universally beneficial, regardless of the event affecting it. However, organizations saw better results when their leaders provided the necessities for online working during productive times rather than crises. Think about how effectively your business could allow people in some or all roles to work online. Which gaps prevent such arrangements from happening soon? Examine how you could tackle them now to improve the likelihood that your workforce could eventually work remotely and stay productive. Assess Your Business Continuity Plan The transition from 2024 into 2025 gives you a compelling reason to reflect on what went well this year and what you want to improve during the next. Your business continuity plan is only part of that process, but treat it as a crucial aspect. Enhancing your preparedness now is one of the most effective ways to prevent severe ramifications later. 4 Critical Business Continuity Trends Reshaping Strategy in 2025
By Tony Marshall, VP & Managing Director, APAC Leveraging guestcentric metrics bolsters guest satisfaction and the bottom line Hotels traditionally have measured financial success through fixed, space-based metrics such as occupancy rates, average daily rates (ADR), and revenue per available room (RevPAR). While these metrics remain relevant to provide a baseline snapshot of financial performance, they fall short in capturing the full potential of guest-centric strategies and revenue opportunities within the property. Today’s leading hoteliers are adding a more comprehensive analytics metric into their performance assessments: Revenue Per Available Guest (RevPAG). Going beyond the limitations of RevPAR and ADR, RevPAG measures how effectively hoteliers generate additional property-wide revenue streams by using realtime data-driven insights to present personalised offers and experiences guests are apt to accept. This data-driven approach not only enhances guest satisfaction but also boosts profitability by fostering loyalty and maximising spending. The timing couldn’t be better for hoteliers to embrace new strategies as 65% of APAC regions have reached prepandemic tourism levels in early 2023. Adding a performance metric that uses technology to uncover hidden revenue streams and identify upselling opportunities guests will perceive as personalised service rather intrusive selling is a smart business practice. Hong Kong’s “Let’s Go the Extra Mile” campaign by the Tourism Board exemplifies this forwardthinking approach. Addressing recent visitor feedback on service and technology issues, the initiative encourages memorable human interactions alongside efficient technology integration. While friendly service is pivotal, sustainable guest impressions hinge on seamless technology integration that enhances both experiences and operational efficiency. Additionally, recent studies underscore the impact of personalised touches in hospitality, with a significant majority of travellers favouring tailored experiences and appreciating thoughtful gestures. Technology emerges as a critical enabler here, supporting frontline staff in delivering exceptional service that resonates with guests and encourages repeat visits. As hotels navigate this transformative period, those adept at leveraging data insights and integrating technology effectively stand poised to redefine guest satisfaction while also securing financial performance superior to their peers. Embracing RevPAG for holistic insights While ADR has long been a fundamental measure of a hotel’s financial health, the growing complexity of the hospitality industry and today’s emphasis on guest-centric strategies requires a more comprehensive datadriven approach to expanding revenue through a personalised understanding of each guest. Rather than limiting analysis to filling physical spaces or optimising room revenue, modern perspectives on financial performance consider potential income from dining, wellness facilities, onsite amenities, event spaces, and other guest experiences. The hospitality industry will benefit as more leaders adopt more comprehensive, datadriven metrics such as RevPAG. When properties use data to offer experiences refined to each guest’s preferences, unique services and specialised moments improve property wide. Understanding guests more comprehensively and personally will feed innovation across the full spectrum of guest spending including food and beverage experiences, spa treatments, conference center offerings, parking options and room upgrades. In addition, hotels will have a more holistic view of their performance vis a vis potential revenue streams as well as data that helps them improve operational efficiency by honing their offerings more precisely. The power of personalisation In the past, hotels relied on educated guesses regarding guests’ interests, turning upselling into a practice potentially intrusive rather than service oriented. Today, understanding that a guest has reserved a room for a special anniversary, the hotel can suggest personalised experiences such as an in-room couples massage, flowers and champagne upon arrival, or a special dining package featuring a romantic candle-lit dinner. This focused approach boosts revenue throughout the hotel and delivers a more memorable, personalised experience for the guest – indeed, 65% of consumers say personalisation is a key loyalty driver. The advantages of employing data-driven analytics extend beyond targeted upselling. Access to real-time data enables hotels to instantly verify guests’ ages before serving alcohol, ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Furthermore, data can reveal a guest’s past stay history, enabling hotels to customise service and cater to known preferences. For example, if a guest typically indulges in a specific dessert or beverage from the minibar, the hotel can ensure these items are stocked in the room before check-in. This customisation elevates the guest experience and fosters stronger customer relationships while also opening up additional opportunities for revenue generation. Harnessing data for a new era in hospitality Hotels are realising the importance of understanding their guests from the booking process through checkout. Hotels need to connect their technology systems to paint a full picture of guest preferences and the opportunities they hold for monetisation. These systems form the central nervous system of the hotel, linking everything from the booking platform to the mobile app and on-site kiosks – unifying guest data throughout the hotel. By prioritising personalised experiences and targeted offerings, hotels can enhance guest satisfaction and encourage repeat visits, thereby increasing the overall revenue generated from each guest. When everything is connected, hotels can gain a complete overview of each guest’s needs and wants from every aspect of their stay. Being data-driven isn’t just about supporting higher occupancy and increasing room rates; it’s also about unlocking new revenue streams by creating personalised experiences for guests to keep them coming back. How Hotels Are Using Data-Driven Strategies To Revolutionise Hospitality
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