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AppHarvest unanimously appoints Inclusive Capital Partners’ Patrick T. Halfmann to Board of Directors

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MOREHEAD, Ky., March 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AppHarvest, Inc. (NASDAQ: APPH, APPHW), a leading AgTech company, public benefit corporation and Certified B Corp building some of the world’s largest high-tech indoor farms to grow affordable, nutritious fruits and vegetables at scale while providing good jobs in Appalachia, announced today the appointment of Patrick T. Halfmann, CFA, to the AppHarvest Board of Directors as a director of the company and as a member of both the audit committee and the sustainability committee effective immediately.

Halfmann is a partner at the investment firm, Inclusive Capital, and is currently a director of Noodle Partners and GreenStruxure. He has been working with AppHarvest since mid-2019 supporting the Inclusive Capital investment in the company.

“I believe Patrick’s deep experience with high-growth companies and public company investing, combined with insights in ESG [environmental, social and governance], will support the company’s continued focus on scalable and sustainable growth,” said AppHarvest President and Board Member David Lee. “I expect Patrick’s institutional knowledge and continuity will be key advantages as the company forges a path to positive operating cashflow and brings three new farms online this year working to generate long-term shareholder value.”

“I look forward to working actively with the company’s inspired leadership team and board to continue to position AppHarvest as a leader in the burgeoning field of controlled environment agriculture,” said Halfmann.

Prior to joining Inclusive Capital at its inception, he was an associate at ValueAct Capital and also worked at Morgan Stanley with roles in investment banking and equity and fixed income research. Halfmann graduated summa cum laude from the University of Vermont with a B.S. in Business Administration and is a CFA charterholder.

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Halfmann fills a board seat vacated by Jeff Ubben, Founder & Managing Partner of Inclusive Capital, who is rotating off the board. “Jeff’s leadership and expertise helped us lay a solid foundation for building a resilient business as we remain in hypergrowth mode expanding the farm network this year,” said Jonathan Webb, Founder & CEO of AppHarvest.

AppHarvest is on track to quadruple its farm network and diversify its crops to include berries and salad greens by year-end. The 15-acre Berea, Ky., salad green facility is approximately 79% complete. The 60-acre Richmond, Ky., tomato facility is approximately 68% complete, and the 30-acre Somerset, Ky., berry facility is approximately 55% complete. The company expects to ramp up each facility with a phased approach that brings on additional productive acreage over time, starting with the Berea facility this summer.

AppHarvest’s flagship 60-acre Morehead, Ky. farm has been harvesting since January 2021, and its tomatoes have been sold in more than 1,000 stores and restaurants.

About AppHarvest
AppHarvest is an applied technology company in Appalachia developing and operating some of the world’s largest high-tech indoor farms, designed to grow non-GMO, chemical pesticide-free produce, using up to 90 percent less water than open-field agriculture and only rainwater while producing yields up to 30 times that of traditional agriculture on the same amount of land without agricultural runoff. The company combines conventional agricultural techniques with world-class technology including artificial intelligence and robotics to improve access for all to nutritious food, farming more sustainably, building a domestic food supply, and increasing investment in Appalachia. The company’s 60-acre Morehead, Ky. facility is among the largest indoor farms in the world. For more information, visit https://www.appharvest.com/.

About Inclusive Capital Partners
Inclusive Capital Partners, L.P. (“In-Cap”) is an SEC-registered Investment Adviser based in San Francisco, California. In-Cap seeks to positively leverage capitalism and governance in pursuit of a healthy planet and the well-being of its inhabitants. In-Cap seeks superior long-term shareholder value through active partnerships with companies whose core businesses either contribute to this pursuit or who are transforming their businesses to become more sustainable.

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Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements included in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” “can,” “goal,” “target” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included in this press release, regarding AppHarvest’s intention to build high-tech CEA farms, the anticipated benefits of and production at such facilities, timing and availability of tomatoes at top national grocery stores and restaurants, anticipated benefits of the second season harvest, AppHarvest’s future financial performance, as well as AppHarvest’s growth and evolving business plans and strategy, ability to capitalize on commercial opportunities, future operations, estimated financial position, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of AppHarvest’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of AppHarvest. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC by AppHarvest on March 1, 2022, under the heading “Risk Factors,” and other documents AppHarvest has filed, or that AppHarvest will file, with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect AppHarvest’s expectations, plans, or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. AppHarvest anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its assessments to change. However, while AppHarvest may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, AppHarvest specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing AppHarvest’s assessments of any date subsequent to the date of this news release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.

Media Contact: Travis Parman, [email protected]
Investor Contact: Kaveh Bakhtiari, [email protected]

GlobeNewswire is one of the world's largest newswire distribution networks, specializing in the delivery of corporate press releases financial disclosures and multimedia content to the media, investment community, individual investors and the general public.

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Asia Mobiliti Applauded by Frost & Sullivan for Powering Intelligent Urban Mobility and Offering Customer Value with Its MaaS Solutions

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Asia Mobiliti’s efficient, sustainable, and interconnected mobility solutions improve user experience, reduce congestion and environmental impact, and reshape urban spaces.
SAN ANTONIO, June 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Frost & Sullivan recently researched the mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) industry and, based on its analysis, recognizes Asia Mobiliti with the 2024 Asia-Pacific (APAC) Customer Value Leadership Award. As a pioneering start-up, the company has dedicated itself to reshaping urban mobility by actively developing innovative data products. It specializes in designing, engineering, and operating a cutting-edge data platform aimed at powering intelligent urban mobility. The platform seamlessly connects fleet operators, transport providers, transit authorities, and end users through a data-driven approach. The company’s comprehensive suite of products and services include:

Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine Learning powered digital city solutionsMaaS technologiesDemand-Responsive Transit systemsMobility data servicesAsia Mobiliti’s unique mobility platform integrates IoT and telematics with journey planning, enabling it to lead transport digitalization. The company catalyzes innovative data-driven and artificial intelligence solutions for the transit and mobility ecosystem, facilitating the widespread adoption of MaaS across emerging markets. Asia Mobiliti is at the forefront of revolutionizing intelligent urban mobility, offering diverse products and services. The company’s connected vehicle systems provide real-time tracking and monitoring capabilities for vehicles and fleets. These systems have analytics tools that optimize routes, enhance fuel efficiency, and improve fleet performance. Asia Mobiliti places a significant emphasis on mobility data services, utilizing the power of data to offer valuable insights for informed decision-making processes. Over the long term, it envisions reducing congestion, reducing environmental impact, and reshaping urban spaces while replacing spaces traditionally reserved for parking and traffic with more sustainable, natural living spaces.
Ming Lih Chan, industry principal for Frost & Sullivan’s mobility practice, observed, “Asia Mobiliti disrupts the traditional transportation system model and promotes the development of public travel needs. Its MaaS integrates multiple transportation modes and combines private and public modes of transport with demand-responsive services, which sustainably meets the different needs of the public.”
Asia Mobiliti’s Trek Rides and Trek App solutions represent a paradigm shift in urban mobility. Trek Rides, an on-demand transit service, efficiently fills the first-mile/last-mile gaps by merging the convenience of ride-hailing with the dedicated supply of public transport. This reduces traffic congestion, lowers travel costs, and facilitates the shift towards net-zero emission goals. Trek’s MaaS engine employs advanced algorithms for comprehensive multimodal journey planning, ensuring the seamless integration of various transportation modes. Additionally, Trek API facilitates integration with 3rd-party systems and super apps. Asia Mobiliti’s unique selling proposition lies in its compelling price/performance value within the highly competitive mobility services landscape, granting it a distinctive competitive edge in effectively addressing a broad spectrum of client needs.
“Asia Mobiliti underlines its supremacy in the MaaS sector through its strategic commitment to collaboration and customization. The company is a pivotal partner for governments, transit authorities, and large clients, offering a user-friendly platform backed by cutting-edge technology. Asia Mobiliti earns recognition as the best-in-class provider in the dynamic MaaS landscape for its operational efficiency, consistent revenue growth, and forward-looking expansion strategy,” added Norazah Bachok, best practices research analyst at Frost & Sullivan. As a cost-effective and innovative market player, the company solidifies its position by delivering exceptional client value.
Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has demonstrated excellence in implementing strategies that proactively create value for customers with a focus on improving the return on the investment that customers make in its services or products. The award recognizes the company’s unique focus on augmenting the value that its customers receive, beyond simply good customer service, leading to improved customer retention and customer base expansion.
Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in various regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.
About Frost & Sullivan
For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion. Contact us: Start the discussion.
Contact:
Tarini SinghP: +91 9953764546E: [email protected] 
About Asia MobilitiFounded in 2018 and based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Asia Mobiliti is an award-winning, Malaysia Digital status company providing a Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform and digital city solutions designed and engineered for the developing world. We adopt a technology platform approach with a core software-defined engine that is capable of spawning innovative mobility solutions that encompass Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled advanced telematics, machine learning-based mobility-as-a-service technology, as well as a wide variety of transit technologies, such as demand-responsive transit, transport service analytics, condition monitoring for rail and road and account-based ticketing and payments.
For more information, visit asiamobiliti.com or email [email protected]
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More than 150,000 money laundering accounts detected in APAC

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Region sees 108% increase in voice scams as fraudsters continue shift to mobile
MELBOURNE, Australia and MUMBAI, India, June 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A new financial crime report out today details how criminal organizations in the APAC region now outsource the laundering of money stolen via scams to international syndicates specializing in this cleaning. BioCatch identified and helped APAC banks shut down more than 150,000 money mule accounts in 2023 and estimates exponentially more such accounts in use across the region.

“Where there are scams, there are mules,” BioCatch Director of Global Fraud Intelligence Tom Peacock said. “Criminal organizations use these mule accounts as intermediate stops between the victim’s bank account and the final account from which they plan to withdraw their stolen money. The mules we’ve identified almost certainly represent a tiny fraction of those actively laundering money in the region, with more cropping up every day. Financial institutions in APAC and around the world must do more to identify these mules, hamper their ability to open new accounts, and identify those legitimate accounts money launderers succeed in turning from good to bad.”
In this latest edition of its Digital Banking Fraud Trends in APAC report, BioCatch – which identifies and prevents fraud and financial crime in real time by analyzing as many as 3,000 different physical behavior patterns (mouse movements and typing speed, for example) and cognitive signals (hesitation, segmented typing, etc.) in search of anomalies – points to mobile malware as the greatest threat to banks in Southeast Asia in 2024.
“Whether through SMS-mining or illegal loan apps, we’ve seen an explosion in Android-based malware in the region,” Peacock said. “Malware developers continue to innovate, circumventing bank and Google Play Store defenses to harvest what they need from mobile devices to access digital banking accounts and then transfer away the victim’s funds to a money mule.”
There is reason for hope in fighting fraud in APAC, however. In Australia, the number of reported scam cases grew by 13% in 2023, but scam losses declined by $90 million.
“Nine out of the 10 largest Australian banks employ BioCatch solutions to protect their customers from fraud and financial crime by analyzing the behavior of the user behind every online banking session,” BioCatch APAC Vice President Richard Booth said. “Already in 2024, we see massive progress: Money lost to fraud in the country declined by 48% in the first quarter of this year compared to Q1 of 2023. It’s difficult to reach any conclusion other than that BioCatch has left Australian digital-banking customers far safer from fraud than they were before.”
Other key findings:
No desktop or laptop needed: BioCatch found as much as 70% of all reported frauds in APAC originated from mobile apps in 2023, an increase of 17% from the year before.Scams are everywhere: Across the region, the number of reported voice scams increased by 108% in 2023.Australia bucking all trends: In addition to seeing fraud losses actually decline, the nation also saw fewer fraud cases involving malware or Remote Administration Tools (RATs) in 2023 than it did in 2022.Click here to access BioCatch’s complete 2024 Digital Banking Fraud Trends in APAC report.
About BioCatch:BioCatch stands at the forefront of digital fraud detection, pioneering behavioral biometric intelligence grounded in advanced cognitive science and machine learning. BioCatch analyzes thousands of user interactions to support a digital banking environment where identity, trust, and ease coexist. Today, more than 30 of the world’s largest 100 banks and 196 total financial institutions rely on BioCatch Connect™ to combat fraud, facilitate digital transformation, and grow customer relationships. BioCatch’s Client Innovation Board – an industry-led initiative featuring American Express, Barclays, Citi Ventures, HSBC, and National Australia Bank – collaborates to pioneer creative and innovative ways to leverage customer relationships for fraud prevention. With more than a decade of data analysis, 92 registered patents, and unmatched expertise, BioCatch continues to lead innovation to address future challenges. For more information, please visit www.biocatch.com.
Media contact:Jay [email protected]
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Puyi Fund, Managed by Highest Performances Holdings Inc., Surpasses RMB 24.0 Billion in Assets under Advice, Showing Promising Start to Strategic Transformation

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GUANGZHOU, China, June 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Highest Performances Holdings Inc. (“HPH” or the Group, NASDAQ: HPH), announces that its Puyi Fund’s assets under advice for its asset allocation services reached RMB 24.7 billion as of June 21, 2024, reflecting a remarkable year-on-year growth of 188%. This substantial increase in scale showcases significant growth for the fund.

This accomplishment is primarily attributed to the Puyi Fund’s service philosophy, “long-term commitment to clients and clients’ long-term benefits,” introduced in 2023, as well as the ongoing efforts of the Company in adjusting its product strategy and embracing digital transformation. On one hand, the Company implemented a comprehensive family wealth management account system, redirecting its flagship products towards fixed-income funds and fund portfolios to enhance clients’ perception of wealth acquisition. On the other hand, the Company has elevated its overall service standard through digital transformation, greatly improving the client’s investment experience.
Transforming Product Strategy to Maximize Client Returns
In relation to product strategy transformation, Puyi Fund offers investors a comprehensive solution for managing their family wealth through a scientific approach. This solution guides investors in allocating their investment assets across three types of accounts: Flexible Withdrawal Accounts, Stable Appreciation Accounts, and High-Yield Pursuit Accounts. By considering various market conditions and cycles, investors can make informed decisions on how to distribute their funds among these accounts through a scientific approach for achieving risk mitigation, consistent asset growth, and long-term sustainable investment returns.
Taking into account the prevailing market conditions in China, Puyi Fund advises investors to allocate 25% to 90% of their funds to Stable Appreciation Accounts, depending on their risk tolerance. These accounts primarily involve investing in fixed-income funds, providing investors with consistent and reliable expected returns. By employing the stable appreciation strategy, Puyi Fund aims to restore investors’ confidence in the market, leading to increased trust and recognition. Consequently, Puyi Fund has experienced a period of rapid growth and positive development.
An analysis of data from the Chinese mutual fund market highlights the alignment of Puyi Fund’s client-centric product strategy transformation with market demands. According to Wind data, the market value of the Chinese mutual fund market stood at RMB 25.45 trillion at the end of 2021. By the end of May 2024, this amount grew to RMB 29.09 trillion, representing an increase of RMB 3.64 trillion or 14.30%. The value of equity and hybrid funds, however, experienced a decline from RMB 8.54 trillion to RMB 6.34 trillion, marking a decrease of RMB 2.21 trillion. In contrast, bond funds and money market funds collectively witnessed a significant increase of RMB 5.69 trillion. These market trends suggest that Chinese fund investors are shifting their risk preferences towards lower-risk and higher-certainty assets. Puyi Fund’s strategic transformation is well-positioned to take advantage of this evolving trend.
Enhancing Digital Service Innovation with a Focus on Client Service
In its digital transformation efforts, Puyi Fund places a strong emphasis on “client-centricity” and “service excellence”. By harnessing the power of big data, algorithm mining, and the Sensor Intelligent System, Puyi Fund establishes personalized service scenarios tailored to the unique needs of thousands of individuals. Through meticulous operations that cover the full client lifecycle, Puyi Fund offers full-scope online transactions for both public and private fund clients, establishing a distinctive digital competitive advantage. As of June 2024, the year-to-date client retention rate for fund advisory services stands at 75%, significantly enhancing the likelihood of investment profitability and returns for clients. This success enables clients to truly appreciate the value of advisory services and the time invested in their investments.
Furthermore, Puyi Fund has made continuous advancements in its intelligent client service system, leveraging digital platforms to offer investors comprehensive and efficient services. As of June 2024, the intelligent client service has catered to the needs of approximately 250,000 investors, providing 7*24 services, with a problem resolution rate surpassing 90%. Moreover, Puyi Fund complements intelligent client service with human support, resulting in a client satisfaction rate of 99%. This approach guarantees that investors receive timely and effective assistance whenever required.
Optimizing Trust-Based Communication Channels with Clients
Puyi Fund’s capability to swiftly establish client trust is attributable to its distinctive offline service channels. Unlike other third-party fund sales institutions that heavily rely on online platforms, Puyi Fund provides face-to-face, one-on-one services through offline channels. This approach is especially valuable in navigating complex investment environments, effectively calming investor emotions, enabling them to stay composed and gain a proper understanding of products, ultimately making well-informed investment decisions. Since 2024, Puyi Fund’s research and advisory team has released 28 specialized research reports and organized 19 online client exchanges, along with 35 offline client events, in response to market dynamics and client needs. These initiatives have effectively addressed investors’ concerns and enhanced their confidence.
It is worth mentioning that Puyi Fund’s institutional business has experienced remarkable growth this year, particularly in attracting clients from prominent financial institutions including banks, wealth management subsidiaries, and insurance companies. To cater specifically to institutional investors, Puyi Fund has developed an intelligent over-the-counter fund trading system called “Web-based Institution Master system”. This system provides institutional investors with a wide range of product portfolios, a comprehensive investment research system, and personalized trading experiences. As a result, it comprehensively improves the service quality and efficiency for institutional clients.
As of June 21, Puyi Fund established partnerships with 117 mutual fund companies, including the top 20 fund managers in terms of size, providing access to nearly 11,000 public funds and implementing over 20 customized advisory strategies. In the private fund sector, Puyi Fund has selected over 30 fund managers from the entire market. Of these, 38% manage assets over RMB 10 billion, while 29% manage assets between RMB 5 billion and RMB 10 billion. This selection covers a wide range of mainstream strategy products in the market, catering to the allocation needs of various types of investors.
It is reported that Puyi Fund, an independent third-party fund sales institution holding a fund sales business license issued by the China Securities Regulatory Commission, operates as a subsidiary of Highest Performances Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: HPH). Embracing the concept of buyer advisor, Puyi Fund is dedicated to delivering comprehensive family financial asset allocation services to individual investors and diversified financial services to institutional investors through its financial technology service platform. With exceptional resource integration capabilities, professional research expertise, and high-quality client service, Puyi Fund strives to cultivate long-term partnerships with clients, catering to their personalized asset allocation needs in various scenarios while assisting a broader range of investors in achieving sustainable long-term returns. As of December 31, 2023, the accumulated assets under Puyi Fund’s allocation advisory services surpassed RMB 75.1 billion, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate of 128.8% from 2015 to 2023.
About Highest Performances Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: HPH)
HPH was founded in 2010 with the aim of becoming a top provider of smart home and enterprise services. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for families worldwide, focusing on two main driving forces: “technological intelligence” and “capital investments.”HPH has a global strategic perspective and identifies high-quality enterprises with global potential for investment and operations. Its areas of focus include asset allocation, education and study tours, cultural tours, sports events, healthcare and elderly care and family governance.
HPH currently holds controlling interests in two leading financial service providers in China, namely Fanhua Inc., a technology-driven platform, and Fanhua Puyi Fund Distribution Co., Ltd., an independent wealth management service provider.
Highest Performances Holdings Inc., formerly known as Puyi Inc., was renamed on March 13, 2024 to reflect its strategic transformation.

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