SINGAPORE, May 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Fintica AI Ltd, a leading provider of next-generation AI for the financial industry, and Spark Systems Pte. Ltd, a leading global foreign exchange trading platform, have announced a strategic partnership.

This strategic partnership will enable Spark Systems to accelerate its business development and market reach in Singapore and globally by bringing Fintica AI’s unique unsupervised artificial intelligence technology to its client base.
The finance sector in Singapore has witnessed a remarkable transformation in recent years, with the growing importance and relevance of AI technology as well as a rapidly expanding foreign exchange market at its forefront. Singapore has positioned itself as a global financial hub, and its financial institutions are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to pursue efficiency and profitability. AI-powered solutions, such as those created by Fintica AI, have revolutionized various aspects of finance, from AI-augmented investment decision and risk management to enhanced market liquidity and monitoring.
Fintica AI’s solutions enable analysis of vast amounts of data, giving financial institutions greater leverage to make data-driven decisions swiftly and accurately. This move therefore holds the potential to make Singapore’s financial sector not only more competitive, but also more innovative in the global arena.
The decision of Spark Systems to partner with Fintica AI is a key example of how the Singapore ecosystem is investing in becoming one of the most dynamic financial sectors in the world, driving further innovation and cementing the city-state’s reputation as a cutting-edge financial center.
Wong Joo Seng, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer at Spark Systems, said: “Spark Systems is pleased to partner with Fintica AI and its cutting-edge AI technology team that is focused on trading financial markets. Artificial intelligence is neither artificial nor science fiction anymore, it’s real and happening now. Traders armed with AI will possess the most significant edge the industry has seen to date.”
“We are thrilled to partner with our esteemed Singapore counterpart to spearhead transformative initiatives in the foreign exchange trading space,” said Philippe Metoudi, Chief Executive Officer of Fintica AI. “This partnership will enable us to leverage each other’s strengths, tap into the immense potential of Singapore’s financial institutions and fintech ecosystem, and deliver innovative solutions that will shape the future of foreign exchange.”
About Fintica AI Ltd:
Fintica AI is a fintech firm dedicated to developing cutting-edge autonomous AI technology for capital markets. Among the company’s core solutions are Orion, an AI-augmented foreign exchange hedging solution tailored for corporate and institutional clients; Spectrum MRI, a platform for identifying market regimes across various asset classes, and providing predictive analytics and risk decision support tools for investment managers; and Bluestream, a liquidity enhancement solution designed for market infrastructures. Headquartered in Tel Aviv, Fintica AI maintains a presence in several global financial hubs.
About Spark Systems Pte. Ltd:
Headquartered in Singapore, Spark Systems is a builder of next-generation; fast, smart and efficient trading platforms. From local banks to hedge funds, and retail traders to corporate treasuries, Spark Systems aims to serve specific requirements of the various FX trading sub groups. Its objective is to enhance usability and improve trading efficiency to perfect the user experience by providing a stable, ultra-low latency aggregator with algorithms for optimized execution. Spark Systems provides an innovative solution to today’s segmented and under-served FX market participants.
For further information:
Visit www.fintica-ai.com / email [email protected].
 

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Frost and Sullivan Entrepreneurial Company Award winner in the Global Vulnerability Management category to provide game-changing cybersecurity services to DataguardNXT Distribution to distribute in the GCC region.
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., May 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SecPod Technologies, a global leader in the vulnerability and patch management marketplace, has announced a partnership with DataguardNXT, a renowned software distributor serving small and medium-sized businesses across the GCC region. This collaboration aims to expand the reach of SecPod ‘s SanerNow Continuous Vulnerability and Exposure Management solution to small and medium-sized businesses in the GCC region.

SanerNow, an industry-leading continuous vulnerability and exposure management platform, offers a powerful suite of tools from asset discovery, vulnerability detection, vulnerability assessment, patch management, risk prioritization, and compliance management. Under this partnership, DataguardNXT Distribution will leverage its local expertise, connections, and distribution channels; this partnership aims to make SecPod ‘s solutions more accessible to SMBs, providing them with the tools and resources needed to protect against cybersecurity threats.
Amer Alsharkawi, Regional Sales Director MEA, SecPod, said, “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Dataguardnxt as the SMB distributor for SecPod in the GCC region. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to bringing robust cybersecurity solutions to small and medium-sized businesses in the region through our SMB Resellers.” He also adds, “Together, we aim to empower these organizations with the tools and support they need to navigate the complex landscape of digital security confidently. We believe this partnership will play a pivotal role in driving innovation and strengthening the cybersecurity posture of SMBs across the region.”
Abdul Gafoor, CEO of DataguardNXT, said, “Enterprises in the region are facing real challenges from the ever-growing number of threats and risks. Our partnership with SecPod promises our partners and customers a new era in Cybersecurity. By leveraging their innovative and continuous vulnerability, remediation, and compliance management solutions, we empower our partners to capitalize on the need to help customers with complex security challenges with a robust integrated solution that can help them eliminate cyber risk. We look forward to creating expanded opportunities through our distribution network and fast-track market expansion for SecPod.”
About SecPod: SecPod is a SaaS-based cybersecurity product and technology company created with a singular, unwavering goal of preventing cyberattacks. Founded in the year 2008, the company provides top-of-the-line vulnerability and patch management solutions that strengthen the cybersecurity posture of enterprises, SMBs, MSSPs and the like. For more information, Visit: https://www.secpod.com/. 
About DataguardNXT Distribution: DataguardNXT empowers businesses of all sizes to navigate the complexities of IT with secure, cloud-based solutions. They function as a cloud aggregator, partnering with top providers to offer a comprehensive suite of services under one roof. Visit: https://dataguardnxt.com
Photo:  https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2407132/SecPod_DataguardNXT_Partnership.jpg
 

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STOCKHOLM, May 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — 

January–March 2024
Total sales MSEK 39 260 (37 751)Organic sales growth 7 percent (12)Real sales growth within technology and solutions 7 percent (77)Operating income before amortization MSEK 2 357 (2 180)Operating margin 6.0 percent (5.8)Earnings per share SEK 1.84 (1.66)Earnings per share before IAC, SEK 2.12 (2.03)Net debt/EBITDA ratio 2.9 (3.3*)Cash flow from operating activities –15 percent (9)*The comparative is adjusted and includes STANLEY Security’s 12 months adjusted estimated EBITDA.
Comments from the President and CEO
“Continued operating margin improvement in line with strategy”
The operating margin improvement continued in the first quarter to 6.0 percent (5.8), driven by a strong performance in our North American operations. Ibero-America also developed well, while Europe was weak primarily due to challenges within the airport security business. The Group’s operating margin improved both in security services and in technology and solutions. 
Organic sales growth was 7 percent. Real sales growth in our technology and solutions business was also 7 percent in the first quarter, negatively impacted by the divestment of Securitas Argentina in July 2023. 
The integration of STANLEY Security continued to progress, realizing further cost synergies although these were partly offset by operational cost increases from the ongoing system and support transitions that are progressing according to plan. Our combined offering is gaining increased interest and appreciation from both existing and new clients, which presents good opportunities for deeper client partnerships and commercial synergies in our business. 
The first quarter is our weakest cash flow quarter due to seasonality. As ­expected, the operating cash flow was lower than last year due to the strong net working capital position at year-end 2023, and as the quarter ended with the Easter holiday impacting collections. We remain with strong cash flow focus across the organization to ensure a strong 2024 outcome.
SHAPING SECURITAS FOR LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE SHAREHOLDER VALUE
The overall message at our recent Investor Day in March was how we shape Securitas for long-term sustainable shareholder value. The core to that execution is operational value creation through growth in technology and solutions, security services portfolio profitability, cost efficiency and digital innovation. 
We have invested substantially in our technology capabilities and in the transformation programs in the past few years to support the value creation, and we will continue to invest in a balanced way to ensure that our business has the capability to execute on the strategy. Another part of our strategy execution is to continuously assess our business mix and presence to further sharpen our performance and competitive position. 
I have met with a number of local and global clients in the US, Asia and Europe during the last few months and have received very positive feedback on the new Securitas we are creating. The clients are looking for a security partner with strong presence, tech­nol­ogy and data capabilities. In addition to recent contract wins, the pipeline of commercial opportunities is very promising. We are piloting a new integrated Technology and Guarding services concept for broader roll-out together with one global client. 
The strategic transformation of Securitas is on the right path and we are committed to achieve our target of 8 percent operating margin by the end of 2025. With our strong offering we will solidify our position as the leading security solutions company. 
Magnus AhlqvistPresident and CEO
PRESENTATION OF THE INTERIM REPORT
Analysts and media are invited to participate in a telephone conference on May 8, 2024, at 9.30 a.m. (CEST) where President and CEO Magnus Ahlqvist and CFO Andreas Lindback will present the report and answer questions. The ­telephone conference will also be audio cast live via Securitas’ website www.securitas.com.
To follow the audio cast of the telephone conference via the web, please follow the link www.securitas.com/en/investors/financial-reports-and-presentations/
A recorded version of the audio cast will be available at www.securitas.com/en/investors/financial-reports-and-presentations/ after the telephone conference.
For further information, please contact:Micaela Sjökvist, Vice President, Investor Relations +46 76 116 7443
ABOUT SECURITAS
Securitas is a world-leading safety and security solutions partner that helps make your world a safer place. Almost nine decades of deep experience means we see what others miss. By leveraging technology in partnership with our clients, ­combined with an innovative, holistic approach, we’re transforming the security ­industry. With approximately 341 000 employees in 44 markets, we see a different world and ­create sustainable value for our clients by protecting what matters most – their people and assets.
Group financial targets
Securitas has four financial targets:
8–10 percent technology and solutions annual average real sales growth8 percent Group operating margin by year-end 2025, with a >10 percent ­long-term operating margin ambitionA net debt to EBITDA ratio below 3.0xAn operating cash flow of 70–80 percent of operating income before ­amortizationSecuritas AB (publ.)P.O. Box 12307, SE-102 28 Stockholm, Sweden
Visiting address:Lindhagensplan 70Telephone: +46 10 470 30 00 Corporate registration number: 556302–7241www.securitas.com
This is information that Securitas AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 8.00 a.m. (CEST) on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
https://news.cision.com/securitas/r/securitas-ab-interim-report-q1-2024-january-march,c3974967
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