I Bytes Financial Services industry

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I-Bytes
Financial Services
March Edition 2021
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Table of Contents
1. Financial, M & A Updates...................................................................................................................................1
2. Solution Updates................................................................................................................................................12
3. Rewards and Recognition Updates..................................................................................................................22
4. Partnership Ecosystem Updates.......................................................................................................................32
5. Environment & Social Updates........................................................................................................................45
6. Miscellaneous Updates......................................................................................................................................50

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Financial, M & A Updates
Financial Services Industry

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Financial, M&A Updates
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3i (UK) invests in WilsonHCG to build the leader in global talent solutions
3i Group plc announces that it has agreed to invest $120m of equity in Wilson Human Capital
Group an award-winning global leader in talent solutions. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida,
WilsonHCG is a global business with offices throughout North America, Europe and Asia. The
company provides a full suite of configurable talent solutions including recruitment process
outsourcing (“RPO”), executive search, contingent talent solutions and talent consulting. The
Company has operated as a strategic partner to some of the world’s most admired brands in
helping them plan and execute on talent acquisition on a global basis. WilsonHCG is widely
known for its high-performance culture including its core values of collaboration, ownership,
integrity, passion and communication. As a result, the Company is recognized as a leader by
various industry trade associations such as HRO Today, Everest Group, NelsonHall and SIA and
has also won a Gold Stevie Award and the Best Onsite RPO award in recent years. The
recruitment process outsourcing sector, which is one of WilsonHCG’s core areas of focus, has
grown at a double-digit growth rate due to continued outsourcing adoption by new clients, further
penetration with existing clients and increased hiring driven by greater employee mobility. Post
the Covid-19 pandemic, the market is expected to return to historical levels of growth as
companies increasingly value the superior outcomes, flexibility, and efficiency that RPO
providers such as WilsonHCG provide their clients.
Executive Commentary
Partner, 3i, commented: “We are delighted to be backing John and his management team and
investing in WilsonHCG. We have tracked the RPO space and WilsonHCG for several years.
WilsonHCG’s high-performance culture and deep commitment to driving superior outcomes
for its clients give us conviction that the Company will continue to grow rapidly in its
markets. The business is highly regarded and is continuing its international expansion
journey, following the recent acquisition of Profile in Asia, where we see the opportunity for
WilsonHCG to serve its clients across all talent acquisition solutions.”
Description
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Aon (UK) Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Results
• Total revenue increased 3% to $3.0 billion, including organic revenue growth of 2%
• Operating margin increased to 24.0%, and operating margin, adjusted for certain
items, decreased 100 basis points to 26.9%
• EPS increased to $2.27, and EPS, adjusted for certain items, increased 4% to $2.62
• Repurchased 3.9 million Class A Ordinary Shares for approximately $800 million
• Announced the authorization of a new $5 billion share repurchase program
• Announced the expansion of its Apprenticeship program, designed to bridge the gap
from education to employment, with an investment of $30 million over the next five
years
• Total revenue was flat at $11.1 billion, including organic revenue growth of 1%
• Operating margin increased to 25.1%, and operating margin, adjusted for certain
items, increased 100 basis points to 28.5%
• EPS increased to $8.45, and EPS, adjusted for certain items, increased 7% to $9.81
• Cash flows from operations increased 52% to $2,783 million and free cash flow
increased 64% to $2,642 million
• Repurchased 8.5 million Class A Ordinary Shares for approximately $1.8 billion
"We delivered a strong finish to 2020, with 2% organic revenue growth and 4% EPS
growth in the fourth quarter. For the full year, free cash flow increased by $1.0
billion to $2.6 billion, the highest in our firm's history, demonstrating the stability of
our business and the efficiency of our Aon Business Services platform," said Chief
Executive Officer. "Our team is incredibly proud of the tremendous resiliency
demonstrated by our colleagues. Understanding the opportunity and the need in front
of them, they responded by bringing the best of our firm to our clients and each
other, allowing the firm to excel during a year filled with unprecedented challenges.
We enter 2021 in a position of strength, with momentum for Aon and our pending
combination with Willis Towers Watson."
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Key Financial Highlights

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CIT (USA) Provides $42.4 Million Financing for Nashville Apartment Complex
CIT Group Inc. announced that its Real Estate Finance business provided
$42.4 million in financing for the construction of the new apartment complex
in Nashville, Tennessee, to be known as NOVEL Harpeth Heights by Crescent
Communities. The new four-story, 322-unit multifamily development will be
built in Nashville's desirable Bellevue neighborhood by Crescent
Communities and its development partner, Pearl Street Partners. The project,
which will include a pool, clubhouse and other amenities, will feature studios
and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes. It is scheduled for
completion in about two years and is conveniently located just 15 minutes
from the Nashville metro area. CIT's Real Estate Finance business, part of the
Commercial Finance division, originates and underwrites senior secured real
estate transactions. With deep market expertise, underwriting experience and
industry relationships, the group provides financing for single properties,
property portfolios and loan portfolios.
"The growing market for housing in Greater Nashville makes it an
attractive location for multifamily development," said Senior Managing
Director, West Region for Crescent Communities. "We appreciated CIT's
expertise and agility as we worked to arrange this financing."
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CIT (USA) Serves as Co-Lead Arranger on $93.3 Million Battery Storage Portfolio
CIT Group Inc. announced that its Power and Energy business
served as a co-lead arranger on a $93.3 million financing for a
portfolio of six battery energy storage systems located in Texas. The
battery energy storage systems (BESS) are owned by Key Capture
Energy LLC, a leading developer, owner and operator of BESS
projects in the United States, with an overall development pipeline
of more than 2.5 gigawatts in New York, Texas and New England.
Key Capture Energy is a portfolio company of sustainable real asset
firm Vision Ridge Partners. Together, the six BESS projects
represent a total of 230 megawatts of energy storage capacity. Three
of the six projects are currently operational and completion of the
remainder is expected by the end of the year.
"Our latest BESS projects represent a significant addition to the
utility-scale battery storage capacity in Texas," said CFO and
Secretary of Key Capture Energy. "We appreciated CIT's
expertise and agility in understanding our projects and helping
arrange this innovative financing package."
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First Citizens, CIT (USA) Receive Stockholder Approval for Merger
First Citizens BancShares, Inc. the parent company of First-Citizens
Bank & Trust Company, and CIT Group Inc. the parent company of
CIT Bank, N.A., jointly announced that, at their respective special
meetings of stockholders held, First Citizens and CIT received the
stockholder approvals for the merger of the companies. Both
companies are preparing for anticipated completion of the
transaction in the second quarter of 2021, subject to satisfaction of
customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory
approvals. The combined company will create the 20th largest bank
in the United States based on assets.
"Today marks an important milestone as we move closer to
uniting our two companies," said First Citizens Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer. "The combination of our companies
will leverage our unique attributes, and we are excited about the
opportunities it will provide for all of our constituents, including
our stockholders, our customers, our associates and our
communities."
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CIT (USA) Serves as Co-Lead Arranger on $165 Million Financing for iEnergizer
CIT Group Inc. announced that its Technology, Media and Telecommunications
business served as co-lead arranger and joint bookrunner for a $165 million
financing on behalf of iEnergizer, a leading technology services and media
solutions company. The financing, which includes a $150 million term loan and a
$15 million revolving credit facility, will be used to refinance existing debt and
fund a dividend to shareholders. Founded in 2000, iEnergizer provides
technology-enabled services to clients across a wide range of industries,
including gaming, healthcare, publishing, travel, and financial services. CIT's
Technology, Media and Telecommunications business supports the development,
expansion, equipment, and strategic acquisition needs of clients in the
telecommunications, technology, media and information services industries. The
group, part of CIT's Commercial Finance division, provides recurring revenue,
cash flow, real estate and asset-based senior debt solutions to middle market
companies throughout the United States.
"We worked closely with iEnergizer to understand its objectives and were
happy to support this financing, given its world-class management team," said
managing director and group head for CIT's Technology, Media and
Telecommunications business. "This new financing provides the company
with increased flexibility in managing its operations and growth."
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Deutsche Börse (Germany) successfully completes acquisition of ISS, strengthening
the focus on sustainable investing
Deutsche Börse AG has successfully completed the acquisition of an 81% majority
stake in the governance, ESG data and analytics provider Institutional Shareholder
Services Inc. (ISS), following receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. The
acquisition was announced in late 2020. The highly complementary nature of the deal
will enable Deutsche Börse and ISS to jointly serve the ever-growing demand for
in-depth extra-financial data, research and analytics. Together, both partners will
support market participants in making well-informed investment decisions with a
particular view on sustainability criteria. Deutsche Börse thereby further commits to
one of the key megatrends in the industry that will fundamentally change the
investment business over the coming years. ISS will continue to operate with the
same editorial independence in its data and research organisation that is in place.
Deutsche Börse commits to principles of protecting the independence and integrity
of ISS’ research, recommendations, ratings and other analytical offerings. To that
end, a number of non-interference policies have been put in place. ISS has also
established a policy that it will not provide proxy research or other analytical
research on Deutsche Börse.
Member of the Executive Board of Deutsche Börse AG, responsible for the
Group’s Pre- & Post-Trading businesses, said: “The quality, precision and
breadth of ISS’ data and research is unique in the market. Especially the
company’s ESG expertise and data capabilities are highly complementary to
Deutsche Börse’s businesses along the entire value chain. This acquisition
therefore is a logical step in our ESG growth strategy, adding an important piece
to the puzzle to become one of the world's leading market infrastructure players
on this critical development.”
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Kinnevik (Sweden) leads funding round in Vivino
Kinnevik AB announced that it is investing USD 70m in Vivino, the world’s leading wine
app. Vivino is the world's largest online wine community and most downloaded wine app
with over 50 million users, who turn to the platform for its personalized recommendations,
unbiased ratings, and selection of wines from more than 700 marketplace partners
worldwide. Vivino was founded by Heini Zachariassen and Theis Søndergaard who set out
to create a service for people that want to find great wines. Similar to groceries, the market
for wine is massive, around USD 400bn per year globally, and the transition to online is
lagging other categories. The company has reached significant scale with over USD 250m in
GMV and profitability despite only converting circa 1.5% of app users to buyers thus
offering significant latent potential. The USD 70m investment is a combination of primary
and secondary shares, and Kinnevik is joining existing investors Creandum and GP
Bullhound together with additional investor Sprints Capital. The new capital will enable
Vivino to improve its core technology and artificial intelligence platform to create better and
more personalized recommendations for its users. The company will also deepen its focus on
select markets with the greatest potential for growth, including the US, Germany and the UK.
Kinnevik’s CEO commented: “Addressing a massive market, Vivino has claimed the
position as the go-to wine utility for consumers all over the world. They have created a
strong community with network effects and have rich data insights with 1.5 billion
scanned wines since inception. As the company builds out its marketplace capabilities
and offering, we look forward to supporting Vivino on its growth journey leveraging our
prior experience in the sector.”
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Macquarie (Australia) raises €1.6 billion for renewable energy investment
Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (“MIRA”) has raised more than €1.6 billion for
investment in renewable energy with the final close of Macquarie Green Investment Group
Renewable Energy Fund 2 – exceeding its initial minimum fundraising target of €1 billion.
MGREF2 is a 25-year closed-end fund which will invest in a diversified portfolio of assets
including platforms and construction and operational stage wind and solar projects in
Western Europe, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Taiwan, Australia and New
Zealand. MGREF2 is managed by MIRA and will draw on the deep technical expertise in
Macquarie’s Green Investment Group (“GIG”) when investing in and managing construction
stage projects, and to provide tailor made green impact reporting to its underlying investors.
MGREF2 and GIG will also explore opportunities for co-investment – bringing together the
specialist capabilities of GIG with the long-term capital and investment expertise of MIRA.
MGREF2 attracted commitments from 32 investors including pension funds, local
government pension schemes, insurers and sovereign wealth funds. Europe was the largest
source of capital for the fundraise, with other commitments received from investors in
Asia-Pacific and North America. MGREF2’s contribution to the low carbon transition was a
key driver of investor interest in the strategy, with many seeking exposure to assets that drive
positive environmental change.
Head of MIRA EMEA said: “Our changing climate presents profound challenges to our
environment, economy and way of life. It is vital we take action to accelerate the shift to
clean energy, building on the opportunities presented by rapid technological change,
falling technology costs and strong political and regulatory support.
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Macquarie (Australia) closes €117 million debt investment in Spanish Solar Portfolio
Macquarie Infrastructure Debt Investment Solutions has announced a
€117 million debt investment in a portfolio of Spanish solar projects
owned by Kobus Partners. The 37.7 MW capacity portfolio is
comprised of 22 operational solar plants located across Andalusia, the
Balearic Islands, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla and León, Murcia and
The Valencian Community. The portfolio’s electricity generation can
power the equivalent of more than 14,500 Spanish households and
avoid 22 kt CO2e annually. MIDIS was the largest single investor in
Kobus Partners’ €207 million refinancing, working closely with the
Spanish alternatives fund manager to establish a more efficient and
long-term financing solution for its core solar portfolio. MIDIS’
investment was made on behalf of European and Japanese pension
schemes and insurance clients.
Managing Director at MIDIS, said; “Through this partnership with
Kobus Partners we have demonstrated the role institutional capital
can play in helping to finance Spain’s ambitious plans for a green
recovery and its transition to a net zero economy. We continue to
see a significant opportunity for our investors in the local
renewable energy market and were delighted to have been able to
support Kobus Partners in achieving their goals for their solar
portfolio.”
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Morgan Stanley’s (USA) Acquisition of Eaton Vance Currently Expected to
Close March 1, 2021
Morgan Stanley and Eaton Vance Corp. announced that the companies currently expect to complete Morgan Stanley’s acquisition of Eaton Vance on
March 1, 2021 pursuant to the merger agreement dated as of October 7, 2020. Completion of the transaction remains subject to customary closing
conditions. In connection with the anticipated completion of the proposed transaction, the deadline for Eaton Vance shareholders to elect the form of
merger consideration they desire to receive in the transaction has been set for 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on February 24, 2021 (the “Election Deadline”).
To make an election, all Eaton Vance shareholders who have not previously made their cash, stock or mixed consideration elections must submit their
election forms, together with a properly completed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery or confirmation of book-entry transfer, with respect to their shares
so that such documents are received by Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc., the exchange agent, at its designated office, by the Election
Deadline. Eaton Vance shareholders holding shares in “street name” through a bank, brokerage or other nominee may have an earlier election deadline
than the Election Deadline and will need to follow any procedures required by their street name holder, or bank, broker or other nominee, who will
make an election on their behalf if they follow the street name holder’s, or banks, broker’s or other nominee’s instructions. Eaton Vance shareholders
are encouraged to consult with their street name holder, or bank, broker or other nominee as soon as possible regarding these procedures.
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Solutions Updates

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Ameriprise (USA) Unveils Ultimate Advisor Partnership, with Capabilities
and Support to Help Advisors Grow 2.5Xs Faster than Key Competitors
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Solution Description
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. introduced a new go-to-market strategy designed to help financial advisors accelerate growth
in their businesses and deliver an excellent and highly-referable level of service to clients. The Ultimate Advisor
Partnership brings together the capabilities and support the firm has developed as a leader in financial planning with a
track record of exceptional customer satisfaction scores. Advisors who are already affiliated with the firm or who choose
to join Ameriprise can take advantage of the Ultimate Advisor Partnership to promote efficiency, differentiate their
practices and drive satisfaction through a digitally advanced and integrated client experience. In developing the Ultimate
Advisor Partnership, Ameriprise zeroed in on seven drivers of growth and satisfaction that have proven to help Ameriprise
advisors grow 2.5Xs faster on average than key competitors.1 Combined with the company’s culture of support and
independence, the seven-point strategy enables advisors to scale their businesses, deepen client relationships and drive
referrals for future growth.

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CIT Group (USA): OneWest Bank Opens New Branch in Watts
Neighborhood of Los Angeles
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OneWest Bank, CIT's Southern California retail bank division announced the grand opening of its branch in the Watts neighborhood of Los
Angeles. The branch offers a full array of deposit and lending solutions for consumers and small businesses, as well as a connected CIT mortgage
lending office dedicated to supporting the community. The opening of the branch follows CIT's recent $47 million investment in the Jordan Downs
Apartment Project to develop a 92-unit multifamily apartment complex in the Watts neighborhood that supports low-to-moderate income families.
Several branch features help streamline the banking experience, including an ATM vestibule with secure, 24/7 access for cardholders, a charging
bar where customers can power their devices, and digital displays that reduce paper usage and keep customers informed. There is also a unique
community space in the branch for future gatherings and events. The branch follows OneWest Bank's COVID-19 guidelines that have been
implemented in all branches to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and customers. The safety guidelines include advanced cleaning
procedures, required face coverings, limited traffic in branch lobbies and social distancing measures. Leading the new branch as branch manager
will be Wens Sanchez who joins OneWest Bank with 14 years of retail banking experience and a strong career background that includes leadership
roles at top banks. Sanchez has a solid track record of launching branches in new locations and is experienced in implementing new technology
and building financial literacy programs.

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CIT's (USA) Direct Bank Launches Savings Connect
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CIT's national direct bank CIT Bank announced the launch of Savings Connect, a digital savings account linked to an
eChecking account. Savings Connect combines CIT Bank's eChecking with a higher than national average APY on
savings and 24/7 access to accounts online, via the mobile app or through an ATM with a debit card. Savings Connect
customers will enjoy all the benefits of CIT Bank, such as zero monthly maintenance fees, no ATM fees and
reimbursement of up to $30 per month on other bank's ATM fees on eChecking withdrawals. Savings Connect offers
higher than the national average APY on savings when customers make a qualifying electronic monthly deposit of
$200 or more into the linked eChecking account. The competitive rate and ease of access helps customers grow their
savings and build a consistent savings habit.

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CME Group (USA) Announces Launch of Ether Futures
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CME Group, the world's leading and most diverse derivatives marketplace, launched Ether futures, further expanding its crypto
derivatives offerings in this emerging asset class. CME Ether futures are cash-settled, based on the CME CF Ether-Dollar Reference Rate,
which serves as a once-a-day reference rate of the U.S. dollar price of Ether. Ether futures are listed on and subject to the rules of CME.
As the world's leading and most diverse derivatives marketplace, CME Group enables clients to trade futures, options, cash and OTC
markets, optimize portfolios, and analyze data – empowering market participants worldwide to efficiently manage risk and capture
opportunities. CME Group exchanges offer the widest range of global benchmark products across all major asset classes based on interest
rates, equity indexes, foreign exchange, energy, agricultural products and metals. The company offers futures and options on futures
trading through the CME Globex® platform, fixed income trading via BrokerTec and foreign exchange trading on the EBS platform. In
addition, it operates one of the world's leading central counterparty clearing providers, CME Clearing. With a range of pre- and post-trade
products and services underpinning the entire lifecycle of a trade, CME Group also offers optimization and reconciliation services
through TriOptima, and trade processing services through Traiana.

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CME Group (USA) Completes Migration of BrokerTec Trading Platform
to CME Globex
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CME Group, the world's leading and most diverse derivatives marketplace, announced that BrokerTec, a leading
provider of electronic trading platforms and technology services in fixed income markets, has migrated its U.S.
Treasuries benchmark trading and U.S. Repo platform to CME Globex. This follows the integration of BrokerTec's EU
government bond and repo markets in January. With BrokerTec's dealer-to-dealer platform now a fully integrated part
of CME Globex, clients have an enhanced suite of government bond trading offerings across listed derivatives, cash
and repo markets on a common platform allowing greater operational and technological efficiencies when managing
risk across cash and futures. As part of the migration, the existing BrokerTec Global Front End (GFE) application has
been integrated into CME Globex, and real-time BrokerTec data can be streamed with CME Group futures and options
data for users of the CME Market Data platform.

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Macquarie (Australia): Innovative LNG platform WaveCrest Energy
launches to deliver natural gas to underserved markets
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Macquarie Capital, the corporate advisory, capital markets, and principal investing arm of Macquarie Group, announced the
launch of WaveCrest Energy, LLC, a platform that will develop, construct, own and operate liquefied natural gas regasification,
power and downstream infrastructure assets. WaveCrest delivers end-to-end project solutions — from early-stage development
through project financing, construction and commercial operation – as well as subsequent project expansions. With flexible
capital, development and financing capabilities, technical and operational expertise and physical commodity solutions,
WaveCrest is uniquely positioned to integrate activities across the LNG value chain, such as: gas supply, liquefaction, LNG
supply, regasification, power generation and downstream services. The company will initially focus on serving Latin American
and Asian markets and seek to establish and grow market demand for natural gas by providing greater access to the relatively
low-cost fuel source that also has lower carbon emissions than coal and fuel oils. It will support reduced direct emissions by
enabling fuel switching to natural gas, which will serve as a natural complement to the growing penetration of renewable energy.

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Mastercard (USA) and Oracle Team Up to Speed Social and Economic
Assistance
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New solution helps government and non-profit organizations quickly deploy emergency aid through fast or near-real time payment methods such as Mastercard Send and
Prepaid Solutions. As the need for economic relief and assistance continues to grow around the world, so do the complexities and challenges in meeting those needs.
Mastercard and Oracle hope to change that through the launch of an automated, end-to-end solution to help governments, non-profits and financial services firms
streamline the delivery of economic assistance around the world. The new integrated Oracle and Mastercard solution automates the process of helping those in need –
from determining program eligibility to the accurate and timely distribution of funds, in turn removing inefficiencies, reducing operational costs, and enhancing fraud
prevention. The Mastercard and Oracle solution offers several key features that meet the disbursement needs of many financial assistance programs:
• Eligibility Determination: Sophisticated rules-driven eligibility determination and payment calculations capabilities are established by Oracle Service.
• Eligibility Verification: Interactive wizards, secure digital uploads and video conferencing allow constituents to confirm the documentation and steps required to
verify eligibility, and to prove that they meet requirements in the absence of in-person interactions amid the pandemic.
• Application Process: A digital, rules-driven application process for benefit programs is accessible anywhere, anytime.
• Online Access: Online and mobile self-service portals deliver highly personalized and automated advice.
• Funds Access: Providing choice, flexibility and convenience, recipients can select their preferred payment method, whether through virtual or physical prepaid cards
or to their debit cards via Mastercard Send, which facilitates near real-time* push to card payments backed by the network security of Mastercard’s debit technologies.

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Mastercard (USA) and Island Pay Launch World’s First Central Bank
Digital Currency-Linked Card
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Collaboration of Mastercard, Central Bank of The Bahamas and Island Pay gives people additional option to use The Bahamas Sand Dollar central
bank digital currency, Bahamians received even greater flexibility in how they shop and pay using the country’s digital currency, the first of its
kind. Under a new program from Mastercard and Island Pay, the Bahamas Sand Dollar prepaid card gives people the option to instantly convert
the digital currency to traditional Bahamian dollars and pay for goods and services anywhere Mastercard is accepted on the Islands and around the
world. The digital Sand Dollar is issued by the Central Bank of The Bahamas and carries the same value and consumer protections as a traditional
Bahamian dollar. The digital currency can be used to facilitate government disbursements, offer additional payment choices and build a more
inclusive economy. In The Bahamas, there are 700 small islands and more than 5000 square miles of water. Cash money movement becomes
costly, which makes a central bank digital currency (CBDC) a preferred digital payment in the region. In the future, the Sand Dollar will be offered
to tourists. Originally piloted in 2019, the Sand Dollar became the first fully- deployed digital version of a country’s fiat currency in October 2020.
At that time, the Sand Dollar was exclusively accessed by registered users through a digital app at select merchants. Island Pay mobile wallet users
can decide if they want to transact in Sand Dollars or Bahamian dollars at merchants using the mobile app.

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Nomura (Japan) Launches FINTOS App for Investors
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Nomura Securities Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Nomura Holdings, Inc., announced the launch of FINTOS1, a new app that
will provide information regarding investing to a broad range of users, including those who do not have an account with Nomura. The
economic climate and investing environment have seen significant changes under the pandemic, and growing uncertainty about the future
has made the need to build assets more critical. With more people expected to live to a hundred, in addition to having a long-term
perspective, clients must make quick investment decisions amid the changing environment in order to build assets. The FINTOS app will
leverage Nomura's deep capabilities in research and analysis to provide information to support clients' asset management (equity
investment) needs. Offering a wide range of functions, the app will feature Japanese language research reports published daily by over
300 experienced Nomura researchers, market information and articles on key sectors and stocks2, as well as video presentations on
investing and online seminars for paid members. Nomura is working to expand the scope of its business from public to private side
services. As part of this, Nomura is committed to accelerating the digital transformation of information assets in order to enable individual
investors to better build their assets, as well as offering investment information tailored to clients' needs.

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Voya (USA) Launches First-of-Its-Kind ‘Retiree Menu’ with the ABA
Retirement Funds Program
21
Voya Financial, Inc. announced a new, first-of-its-kind “Retiree Menu” for retirement plan participants within the ABA Retirement Funds Program
(Program), a member benefit established nearly 60 years ago by the American Bar Association. Voya, as the retirement plan recordkeeper, and the Program
worked together to launch a unique experience for plan participants who are nearing or in retirement, providing individuals with custom investment
opportunities. The new Retiree Menu comes at a time when a significant amount (94%) of Americans with a retirement plan believe having a long-term view
for their investments is important or extremely important.1 For those individuals in the Program nearing or in retirement, the menu will provide a suite of
investment options more aligned with their objectives such as growing their account balance, and protecting their capital. The Retiree Menu encourages
participants to remain within the Program’s retirement savings plan offering, providing access to custom investment solutions to those nearing and in
retirement — the same investment options and meaningful tools and resources that they have been accustomed to throughout their working years. These
include Voya’s recently launched budgeting tool, myOrangeMoney® interactive, educational participant website and access to the company’s Financial
Wellness experience. As part of the new offering, the menu also includes a “Retiree Toolbox” to help individuals prepare for a more secure financial future
in retirement. The toolbox offers tools, as well as resources for the Program participants, including Social Security guidance, a retirement planning guide and
additional retirement education. Additionally, individuals will also have access to hands-on support from a financial professional through BeReady Advisor*,
providing important advice tailored to their own situation to make informed decisions about one’s retirement.

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347 Ameriprise Financial (USA) Advisors Named to the Forbes
Best-in-State Financial Advisors List
22
Ameriprise Financial Inc. announced that 347 financial advisors were named to Forbes Best-in-State Financial Advisor
list. Forbes recognizes the industry’s top advisors based on several factors, which include levels of ethical standards,
professionalism, and success in the business. The rankings are based on data provided by thousands of the nation’s
most productive advisors.
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Freddie Mac (USA) Announces 2020 SHARPAward Winners
23
Freddie Mac announced the nine winners of its 2020 Servicer Honors and Rewards Program (SHARP)SM, which
annually recognizes mortgage loan Servicers for superior servicing portfolio performance. SHARP is aligned with
Freddie Mac’s Reimagine Servicing® effort to transform the servicing landscape while focusing on outstanding
customer service and positive efforts to prevent and alleviate loan delinquencies. SHARP enables Servicers to make
data driven operational decisions that advance their efforts to help borrowers, minimize credit risk and reduce their
costs.
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Discover (USA) Recognized as The First Digital Bank to Meet Bank On’s
Certification Standards
24
Cashback Debit, the online checking account from Discover, was recently certified by the national nonprofit organization, Cities for Financial
Empowerment (CFE) Fund. The CFE Fund’s mission is to improve the financial stability of low- and moderate-income households by embedding
financial empowerment strategies into local governments. The CFE Fund developed the Bank on National Account Standards, which support
financial institutions’ efforts to connect consumers to secure and low-cost bank accounts. Discover is the first digital bank to meet the Bank On’s
certification standards with the no fee1 Cashback Debit account. The Bank On certification standards developed by the CFE Fund outline critical
product features for bank accounts appropriate for those currently outside of the mainstream banking system. Product features include low costs,
no overdraft fees, and robust transaction capabilities such as a debit card and online bill pay. The Cashback Debit checking account meets Bank
On’s certification standards based on its no-fee structure, including access to over 60,000 no-fee ATMs across the country2, and convenient tools
to help consumers deposit checks and pay bills online. It also rewards customers with 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in eligible debit card purchases
each month. Discover offers customers the option to automatically deposit their debit card Cashback Bonus into an eligible Discover Online
Savings account each month, allowing them to grow their savings with interest. As a digital bank, customers can access their account whenever
and wherever they are while knowing they always have 24/7 access to U.S.-based customer service.
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Discover (USA) Named a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality For
Eighth Consecutive Year
25
Discover Financial Services has been named a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality and earned a perfect 100 score from
the Human Rights Campaign’s Annual Corporate Equality Index (CEI). CEI is a national benchmarking survey and report that
measures corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality and inclusion. The report provides an
in-depth analysis and ratings of U.S. employers, their policies and practices pertinent to LGBTQ employees. With over 1,000
companies analyzed by the index, Discover earned a perfect 100 score alongside approximately 700 other companies.
Discover has eleven Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which play a significant role in upholding Discover’s pillars to
sustain a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. The ERGs contribute to each pillar by providing access, opportunity, and
exposure for our diverse employee populations. PRIDE is the employee resource group focusing on Discover’s LGBTQ+
community. The PRIDE group helps lead marketing efforts behind Discover’s rainbow card design, known as the Discover
it® Pride Card. These efforts have led to a 5.5% YOY increase in Pride Cards issued in 2020 as compared to 2019.
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Nomura (Japan) Wins ESG Finance Award
26
Nomura Holdings, Inc. announced that wholly owned subsidiaries Nomura Securities Co., Ltd. and Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd., have
been awarded the Silver Award by the Ministry of the Environment in the 2021 ESG Finance Awards Japan. The ESG Finance Awards Japan was
launched in 2019 by Japan's Ministry of the Environment to recognize investors and financial institutions that are actively engaged in ESG finance
and green projects and have made a significant impact on the environment and society. The award also recognizes companies that have
incorporated important environment-related opportunities and risks into their management strategy to enhance corporate value and create positive
environmental impacts, and aims to share such initiatives in society. The awards are presented in five categories: Investor, Indirect Finance,
Fundraiser, Financial Services and Environmentally Sustainable Company. Nomura Securities won in the Financial Services (Securities) category
and Nomura Asset Management won in the Investor (Asset Manager) category. Nomura's management vision is to achieve sustainable growth by
helping resolve social issues. As part of this, Nomura is committed to implementing firmwide initiatives to Drive Sustainability. Nomura Securities
underwrites green bonds in order to support clients' need for climate change related financing as well as providing financial solutions, while
Nomura Asset Management promotes sustainable investment. Both firms were highly evaluated for their respective contributions to the growth of
the ESG market across various asset classes and their efforts to develop sustainable finance.
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Voya (USA) Financial Recognized as One of the World’s Most Ethical
Companies® by Ethisphere — for Eighth Consecutive Year
27
Voya Financial, Inc. has been recognized by the Ethisphere® Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the
standards of ethical business practices, as one of the 2021 World’s Most Ethical Companies. Voya has been honored for
eight consecutive years — every year that the company has been eligible. Voya is one of 135 companies around the
world to earn the honor this year — and one of only six companies recognized in the financial services category.
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Voya (USA) Financial Earns No. 5 Ranking on Barron’s 2021 List of the
100 Most Sustainable Companies
28
Voya Financial, Inc. earned the No. 5 ranking on Barron’s 2021 list of the 100 Most Sustainable Companies. The
company also earned the No. 1 ranking among financial services companies for the third year in a row. Voya has earned
recognition on the list in every year since its inception in 2018. The company has been ranked among the top 10 by
Barron’s in each of the past three years. The rankings are designed to provide information on factors that affect
investment risk and performance, and that are of interest to investors. To determine the rankings, Calvert Research and
Management, an arm of Eaton Vance, assesses the 1,000 largest publicly held companies by market value. Calvert
calculates the rankings by measuring sustainability performance based on more than 230 indicators across five
categories: shareholders, employees, customers, planet and community.
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Yuanta (Taiwan) ESG Aligns with Global Standards, Winning Sustainability
Yearbook 2021 Bronze Distinction
29
S＆P Global, an international rating agency, has announced the results of the Sustainability Yearbook 2021, and Yuanta Financial Holding Company (FHC) has been awarded
the Bronze Class. The Sustainability Yearbook 2021 is based on the 2020 Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) annual ranking of over 7, 000 large-scale companies in 61
industries around the world. Yuanta FHC is the first company from Taiwan to receive the Bronze Class Distinction in the category of Diversified Financial Services and Capital
Markets among many other companies worldwide, within 10% of the best performers in the industry. This shows that Yuanta FHC has been highly recognized in international
competitions for its attention to sustainability issues and its responsiveness. Yuanta FHC was listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and Dow Jones Emerging
Markets Index for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Yuanta FHC was even ranked third in the world in the Diversified Financials category in the Dow Jones Sustainability
World Index, and recently it received the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) Platinum Award from The Asset, a leading international financial magazine,
placing the company firmly among the ranks of international benchmark enterprises in the world. Yuanta FHC’s sustainable development strategy is divided into three stages:
short, medium, and long term, and is implemented in the management. In terms of environmental sustainability, Yuanta FHC has long attached importance to the environmental
risks caused by climate change, and has actively built an environmental management system, deepened the climate change related financial disclosures (TCFD), and introduced
five ISO environmental related management systems. Yuanta FHC has also received the highest CDP rating of “Leadership Level A,” echoed the Paris Agreement’s goal of
“reducing global carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050,” and pledged to reach a 10% green power usage rate by 2022,
demonstrating a proactive attitude in line with international standards.
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Schroders (UK) awarded significant infrastructure investment accolade
from leading South Korean business publication
30
Schroders was voted one of the ‘Best Asset Managers by Korean Investors 2020’, winning the ‘Best Communication’
award in the Infrastructure Large Cap category. The ‘Best Asset Managers by Korean Investors 2020’ awards are
carried out by South Korea’s leading economic newspaper The Korea Economic Daily. The respondents, including the
National Pension Service (NPS) and Korea Investment Corp (KIC), were responsible for picking the best GPs across
the following asset classes: private equity; private debt; real estate; infrastructure; and hedge funds; in terms of
performance, communication and client services. ‘Best Communication’ was awarded to GPs who kept LPs updated
on their portfolios and risk in the most effective and transparent manner.
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Schroders (UK) SustainEx™ wins awards for Most Innovative ESG Product
at the ESG Investment Awards 2021
31
An independent panel of judges comprised of representatives from leading financial firms, academics and experts selected Schroders
as the provider of the Most Innovative ESG Product at the annual ESG Investing Awards 2021. Schroders proprietary tool SustainEx
™ was selected as the most innovative ESG product due to its unique and granular quantification of ESG measures which the judges
described as ‘thought provoking’ and ‘exceptional in a space that can be nebulous and qualitative.’ SustainEx™ is based on the
understanding that companies create both positive and negative impacts on society, which are not captured by conventional
investment performance measurement. SustainEx aligns ESG analysis with investment risk by viewing those impacts, together with
current profits, through a common monetary lens. The result is an aggregate measurement of company risk, a dollar cost or benefit,
comparable across companies, funds and indices. SustainEx™ is based on over 700 academic studies, applied to 13,000 companies
globally. These awards focus on assessing and evaluating the best companies involved in all areas of ESG investing globally and are
designed exclusively for banks, investment managers, research houses, ratings agencies, index and ETF providers and exchanges.
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BlackRock (USA) To Launch the “Aladdin Data Cloud” Powered by Snowflake
32
BlackRock and Snowflake announced a strategic partnership to deliver a next-generation solution for the investment management industry.
BlackRock will launch Aladdin Data Cloud, a solution for investment managers to expand the utility of data, powered by Snowflake’s platform.
The Aladdin Data Cloud will be a strategic part of Snowflake’s Data Cloud and a part of the Aladdin platform. The solution allows companies to
bring Aladdin and non-Aladdin data together making it easy for users to build on top of it with Aladdin Studio, BlackRock’s platform for
developers. By bringing together Aladdin, a leader in investment management technology, and Snowflake’s Data Cloud, the Aladdin Data Cloud
allows its clients to expand the utilization of data across their organization unlocking creativity and increasing operational efficiency. Each Aladdin
Data Cloud client receives an independent, centrally-managed data store pre-loaded with rich front-to-back Aladdin data sets which can then be
supplemented with proprietary and other third-party data sources, allowing organizations to access and query their business-critical data on a
single, cloud-based platform. BlackRock’s Aladdin Data Cloud is an evolution of its existing Aladdin Data Warehouse solution and is among a
suite of new capabilities that Aladdin expects to roll out in 2021 as part of Aladdin Studio, the firm’s platform for developers to customize, create
and collaborate on top of their instance of Aladdin. Built to run on all major cloud providers, the solution leverages sophisticated cloud security
and data governance capabilities.
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Discover (USA) Signs Agreement to Help Expand Acceptance of Sezzle’s Buy
Now, Pay Later Feature
33
Discover, a digital banking and payments services company, and Sezzle, Inc. an installment payment platform, have
announced an agreement that will allow Sezzle to work with selected merchants on the Discover Global Network in offering
consumers additional payment options. This relationship is Discover Global Network’s latest partnership in the buy now, pay
later space and Sezzle’s latest partnership with one of the four major card networks in the US market. Select US merchants
will be able to offer their customers an interest-free buy now, pay later option through Sezzle’s platform, with little to no
upgrades to their existing payments systems. These merchants will have the option to process buy now, pay later transactions
on the Discover Global Network. Discover Global Network has more than 48 million merchant acceptance locations and two
million ATM and cash access locations around the world. Discover is accepted by 99% of places that take credit cards in the
United States. The Discover Global Network includes Discover Network, Diners Club International, PULSE and more than
20 alliance partner networks across the globe.
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Investec (UK) and JWVH open first dedicated pangolin ward in Africa
34
This new initiative broadens Investec’s commitment to sustainability and the preservation of critically endangered wildlife, which the financial
services provider champions through its flagship Investec Rhino Lifeline initiative and its support of endangered African Wild Dogs through
Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Carnivore Conservation Programmed. While illegal wildlife trade is a global crisis, South Africa has become a global
hotspot for poaching and trafficking syndicates due to the country's biodiversity and abundant wildlife. Globally, these illicit activities generate
around $23 billion annually, which makes illegal wildlife trade the fourth most profitable criminal activity globally, yet it lacks prominence as a
financial crime. In Africa, animal species such as rhino, lion, elephant, and pangolin are being hunted to extinction. Pangolins are targeted for their
scales, which are used in traditional medicine, and for bushmeat markets. The hospital has established itself as a global leader in the field of
pangolin veterinary treatment and rehabilitation by developing specialized treatment protocols for these animals. The JWVH is currently the only
facility mandated by the South African government to treat and rehabilitate pangolins confiscated in South Africa by the SAPS and conservation
law enforcement officers on a long-term basis. The facility has already treated over 130 pangolin patients since it opened in March 2017. And
together with the African Pangolin Working Group (AWPG), the JWVH oversees the release and post-release monitoring of all pangolin
discharged from the hospital.
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Mobility Capital Finance Inc. Receives Capital Investment from Mastercard (USA), Expanding
Their Partnership to Bring Affordable Financial Services to Underserved Communities
35
The inequities in financial system have left many Americans without access to affordable services, instead relying on payday lending, expensive cash checking services and
remittance fees. Mobility Capital Finance (MoCaFi), a financial technology, mobile-first banking platform, and Mastercard are partnering to bring alternate financial services
to underserved communities with a specific focus on providing tailored digital tools, and new payment cards to low wealth minority and Black communities. Mastercard has
now furthered its commitment with a capital investment in MoCaFi. MoCaFi and Mastercard have been working together via the Mastercard StartPath program, an
award-winning startup engagement program a springboard to help later stage startups maximize their opportunity for success. The new investment will enable the expansion of
MoCaFi’s card programs and solutions to help address the inequities in the financial system for the underserved and to support the company’s platform to provide banking,
credit building, and wealth coaching services to the underbanked. The partners plan to scale their collaboration in cities across the U.S. with view to expanding access to vital
city programs such as financial aid and social benefit programs. The team has already launched initiatives in Honolulu to enable critical financial assistance and are supporting
universal basic income pilots in Colombia, SC, Newark, NJ and San Francisco, CA. The lack of access to basic financial services means that Black individuals are spending 50
to 100 percent more per month for basic banking services, which, over a lifetime, can cost $40,000 in fees. Partnering with Mastercard, MoCaFi is delivering digital services
that aim to close the racial wealth gap and advance Black Americans’ ability to affordably save, invest, and insure themselves against risks. The digital Mastercard Money
Connect Solutions will help reduce dependence on payday lending, allow people to send money to relatives affordably; enable simple real-time bill payment and check deposits
by phone. The efforts aim to improve the cost and access to essential financial products for Black families in cities and communities across North America.
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Mastercard (USA) and ACI Worldwide announce first real-time payments infrastructure
collaboration with Cámara de Compensación Electrónica (CCE)
36
Mastercard and ACI Worldwide a leading global provider of real-time digital payment software and solutions, announced that Cámara de Compensación
Electrónica (CCE) will utilize the ACI Enterprise Payments Platform to accelerate financial institutions’ access to Mastercard’s Instant Payment Service, the new
real-time payments managed service that will enter Industry Testing in Peru later this year. CCE is the first customer Mastercard and ACI will collaborate on
following the announcement of their alliance in September 2020. Mastercard and ACI are working together to offer best-in-class central infrastructure, payments
localization and access solutions to central banks, scheme operators, financial institutions, payment service providers, and other organizations launching real-time
payments initiatives. CCE is a private institution that manages the clearing of financial institutions’ transfers, direct debits, credit installments, checks and bills of
exchange. It initially launched its real-time payments scheme—Immediate Interbank Transfers (IIT)—in 2016 and is working with Mastercard to fully modernize
Peru’s digital payments infrastructure. Today’s announcement means that ACI will combine its payments access and real-time message transformation technology
with Mastercard’s Immediate Payments Service, the central infrastructure being deployed as a managed service using the ISO 20022 message standard to deliver
an unmatched end-to-end offering for CCE. CCE’s IIT service operates 24/7; its transfers can be performed using internet or mobile banking and are processed in
real time. The ACI Enterprise Payments Platform will operate alongside Mastercard’s Immediate Payments Service to simplify and speed up connectivity for
participants to Peru’s new real-time ISO 20022 scheme, ahead of Industry Testing, which will begin later this year. Financial institutions will be able to connect to
the new scheme via new, modern APIs.
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Morgan Stanley (USA) to Transition Wilson Sonsini’s Capitalization Management
Software to Shareworks
37
Morgan Stanley announced that it has entered anagreement with Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, a premier provider of legal services to technology, life
sciences, and growth enterprises worldwide. The agreement will enable privately held companies currently using Wilson Sonsini’s proprietary capitalization
management software to migrate to Morgan Stanley’s Shareworks by Morgan Stanley capitalization and stock plan platform. Shareworks offers equity plan
management solutions that help private and public companies drive workforce performanceby building a culture of ownership. Its software and services help
companies attract and engage employees, simplify share plan management, provide disclosures and support tax and legal compliance. Shareworks is a leading
provider ofcapitalization management software for startups that scales through each stage of their growth, up to and including an initial public offering. Morgan
Stanley has been building a comprehensive suite of digital and wealth management tools critical for the workplace. Morgan Stanley acquired Solium Capital Inc.
in May 2019 and the company was rebranded Shareworks by Morgan Stanley. Shareworks is a leading global stock plan administration platform that provides
software and administration services to corporate clients around the globe. Shareworks is a part of the Morgan Stanley at Work suite of financial solutions, which
encompasses Equity Compensation, Retirement Solutions and Financial Wellness. Morgan Stanley at Work combines cutting-edge planning and risk management
software, Morgan Stanley intellectual capital and financial education delivered through multiple channels to enable employees to build a holistic plan to achieve
their financial goals. Shareworks by Morgan Stanley currently has offices in the U.S., Canada, Europe andAsia Pacific.
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Morgan Stanley (USA) Alternative Investment Partners Completes Investment
Alongside RunTide Capital in Axispoint Technology Solutions Group
38
Investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley AIP Private Markets Secondaries Team, an investment team within Morgan
Stanley Investment Management, announced that they have completed an investment in Axispoint Technology Solutions
Group through a transformational secondary partnership with RunTide Capital. ATSG is a best-in-class IT solutions and
managed services provider focused on assisting middle market enterprises with the digital transformation of their
businesses. ATSG handles the full lifecycle of IT services, from collaborative-solution oriented design work, through
implementation, optimization and ongoing management for more than 400 customers. Led by founder and CEO, the
highly experienced management team has guided the company through the successful completion of six acquisitions in
recent years. ATSG’s strengthened position was most recently recognized by CRN as a recipient of the 2020 Triple Crown
Award, rewarding IT solutions providers for their size, fast growth, and the highest-level of certifications from leading IT
vendors.
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SEI (USA) Expands Strategic Partnership with the Association of Governing
Boards of Universities and Colleges
39
SEI a leading provider of outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO) services, announced the expansion of its strategic partnership
to the Sustaining Champion level with the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB). The two
organizations have also agreed to produce and release a joint study this year that will be designed to provide valuable investment and
governance-related research to the higher education boards that make up AGB’s membership. SEI has been a strategic partner with
AGB since 2013. SEI’s expanded strategic partnership with AGB comes at a time of significant change for the higher education
sector, where clients and members can benefit from access to an expanded network of industry experts and resources. AGB is an
organization that aims to strengthen higher education governing boards and the strategic roles they serve within their institutions and
foundations. The organization consists of 40,000 members, representing more than 2,000 institution, system and foundation boards.
SEI provides investment management services to more than 460 global institutional investors, including over 175 nonprofit
organizations, representing $32 billion in assets. SEI works with more than 40 higher education institutions in managing their
endowments.
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Nomura (Japan) and JaSFA to Form Investment Business Limited Partnership
to Invest in Search Funds
40
Nomura Holdings, Inc. and Japan Search Fund Accelerator announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding to form an investment
business limited partnership that will invest in search funds, as well as jointly conducting business operations. According to Search Fund Primer
published by Stanford GSB in 2020, a search fund is a "new investment vehicle" which allows "aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to search for,
acquire, manage, and grow a company." The model was pioneered in the United States in 1984 and more than 300 first-time search funds were identified
by 2018. In Japan, there is rising interest in search funds as a new entrepreneurship model for young business professionals who aspire to be business
owners. Japan has a growing number of aging small and medium-sized business owners. According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
(METI), more than half of SMEs with aging owners have no potential successors. To encourage succession by third parties, METI created the
"Comprehensive Package of Measures for Supporting SMEs in Business Succession to Third Parties." This initiative aims to ensure that profitable
SMEs faced with the possibility of business closure find good successors, and that resources such as technologies and employment are passed on to the
next generation. Nomura offers a wide range of financial services including corporate M&A advisory services, financing and investment management
to meet the business succession needs of clients across Japan. JaSFA has a solid track record in business succession leveraging the search fund model.
The company connects searchers with investors and business owners and supports companies in enhancing their corporate value.
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Voya Financial (USA) Advances Its Workplace Strategy Through Sale of
Independent Financial Planning Channel
41
Voya Financial, Inc. announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Cetera Financial Group, Inc. (Cetera), one of the
nation’s largest networks of independently managed broker-dealers, for Cetera to acquire the independent financial planning channel of
Voya Financial Advisors (VFA), Voya’s registered investment advisor and broker-dealer. Through the transaction, approximately 900
independent financial professionals serving retail customers with approximately $40 billion in assets will become part of Cetera. The VFA
legal entity and approximately 600 field and phone-based financial professionals who support Voya’s Retirement business and clients will
remain with Voya. These individuals provide guidance, advice and financial wellness solutions to Voya’s plan sponsor clients and their
plan participants and are core to Voya’s workplace strategy. Specifically, Voya’s field and phone-based financial professionals help Voya’s
customers meet their evolving needs with both in-person financial planning as well as Voya’s award-winning digital financial wellness
tools to offer more personalized planning for employers and their employees. The transaction reflects Voya’s increased focus on
institutional clients and financial planning support that is closely aligned with the worksite, from large to small employers across all
market segments and their millions of employees across the U.S.
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Synchrony (USA) Renews Long-standing Partnership With 4 Wheel Parts
42
Synchrony a premier consumer financial services company, announced a multi-year renewal with 4 Wheel Parts (4WP). The global retailer of aftermarket
Jeep, SUV, and truck parts, accessories, and performance products will continue offering Synchrony’s competitive consumer financing at its 95 stores as well
as its digital retail and telesales channels. Synchrony’s flexible and scalable solutions enable 4WP to offer several promotional financing options tailored to
every off-road enthusiast. The solutions help 4WP stand out from the competition, close more, larger sales faster, and nurture customer loyalty. In addition
to enabling consumers to get more of what they want and build the vehicle of their dreams by paying over six to 24 months with deferred interest, 4WP is
part of Synchrony Car CareTM network. In addition to 4WP stores, consumers may use the custom-branded credit card for gas, brakes, repairs, maintenance,
and much more at more than 730,000 auto-related locations nationwide. The pandemic made touchless shopping a necessity, and Synchrony’s digital
technology solutions help 4WP meet this moment of rapid change. Integrated into 4WP’s eCommerce platform, www.4WP.com, Synchrony’s solutions help
ensure a safe, seamless and socially distant experience for every payment process stage – applying for credit, completing the transaction, paying a bill, and
servicing an account. For example, the advance prefill technology in Synchrony’s patent-pending dApply technology helps streamline the application
process, reducing the number of fields a consumer must fill out on their mobile device or computer to open an account. Further, MobileID minimizes the
amount of information consumers need to manually input, creating a faster approval process.
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Doosan Bobcat Signs Multi-Year Agreement with Synchrony (USA)
43
Global compact equipment leader Doosan Bobcat North America announced a multi-year agreement with Synchrony
a premier consumer financial services company. The collaboration provides Doosan Bobcat customers access to
competitive consumer financing options through the company’s network of more than 500 Bobcat dealer locations
across the United States. The new program will provide attractive promotional financing to the growing number of
retail customers interested in purchasing Bobcat compact equipment for personal use. The retail customers who
purchase Bobcat equipment using a Synchrony Installment Loan will benefit from convenient, flexible fixed monthly
payments that fit their budget. This gives customers more purchasing power and allows them to purchase the variety of
Bobcat equipment they need for landscaping, grounds maintenance and construction projects.
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WürttKranken (Germany) and vivida bkk cooperate
44
The new cooperation partner of WürttKranken is vivida bkk, which was created at the beginning of 2021 from the merger between the
traditional Schwenninger Krankenkasse and atlas BKK ahlmann. The interaction of private health insurance (PKV) and statutory health
insurance (GKV) creates the prerequisite for the members of vivida bkk to be able to sensibly supplement their statutory coverage with
additional insurance benefits from WürttKranken. Their offer includes, for example, supplementary dental insurance, supplementary
long-term care insurance, supplementary inpatient insurance, daily sickness allowance insurance and supplementary outpatient insurance.
Both houses have their origins in Baden-Württemberg and are active throughout Germany. The close proximity of the headquarters
enables particularly close cooperation and short coordination channels. Like WürttKranken, vivida bkk is also on a growth path. With its
realignment, it is consolidating its position among the top 20 German health insurance companies with around 370,000 insured persons
and 900 employees, making it a strong and dynamic partner for Württ patients. Both companies place great value on competent service
and see themselves as personal contacts for their customers. At the same time, they rely on digitization and modern communication
channels, which they see as an opportunity to interact quickly and easily with their customers.
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Ameriprise Financial (USA) Along with its Employees and Advisors Donated
$17.3 Million to Support Communities in 2020
45
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. along with its employees and advisors, donated $17.3 million to help communities in need and combat the unique challenges brought on by the
Covid-19 pandemic and civil unrest. Additionally, Ameriprise employees and advisors recorded more than 35,000 volunteer hours in support of hunger relief and community
rebuilding, which were in historically high demand amid the environment. In addition to Ameriprise’s longstanding support for nonprofits that help meet basic needs and create
strong vibrant communities, the company accelerated its corporate donation schedule to immediately help nonprofits provide services, cover cash flow and general operating
expenses at the start of the pandemic. In total, the company funded 238 grants focused on helping people meet basic needs like food and shelter, building equitable and vibrant
communities, and providing Covid-19 relief. A few highlights include:
• The company made Covid-19 relief donations totaling $150,000 to nonprofits in communities where it has a large employee presence – the Minnesota Disaster Recovery
Fund, The Robin Hood Relief Fund in New York, Boston Resiliency Fund, Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund in India and City
Harvest London.
• Ameriprise donated more than $400,000 to Feeding America, which included two additional grants to help meet the increased demand on food banks as a record number of
people sought out their services. Since 2009, Ameriprise and its volunteers have provided more than 100 million meals and logged nearly 350,000 volunteer hours to
hunger-relief organizations across the country.
• Following the tragic death of George Floyd, the company made a $150,000 donation split equally between Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ), The Minneapolis
Foundation Fund for Safe Communities and Twin Cities Rebuild for the Future Fund via The Minneapolis Foundation.
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BlackRock (USA) Investment Institute Sees Green Energy Transition Driving
25% Cumulative Gain in Output by 2040
46
The BlackRock Investment Institute (BII) believes that tackling climate change will drive significant economic improvements
over the coming two decades and that the commonly held notion that it has to come at a net cost to society is wrong. BII sees
higher returns for certain asset classes and sectors due to their more favorable positioning for a shift to a global economy with
net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. BII is unveiling new Capital Market Assumptions (CMAs), incorporating risks and
opportunities tied to climate change. BII’s CMAs are a building block of portfolios the firm designs and implements for
clients, Most economic projections do not yet factor in the potential costs of any physical damage from climate change; the
costs and benefits of an energy transition; and the effects of policy changes, including increased government spending on
green initiatives, associated with meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement. By incorporating these considerations, BII
estimates that an orderly transition to a net-zero-emissions world could result in a cumulative output gain of nearly 25% over
the next two decades, relative to no action being taken to prevent climate change.
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Morgan Stanley (USA) Launches £1m+ Programme to Provide Internships
with Financial Assistance to Kick-Start Careers in Financial Services
47
Morgan Stanley announced the launch of the Morgan Stanley Future Generation Scholarship, a flagship programmed to support up to 25 UK students
annually from ethnic-minority and/or socially mobile backgrounds with an internship at the bank and significant financial assistance to meet their
university fees and associated living costs. The initiative, championed by Morgan Stanley’s Institute for Inclusion (IfI), forms a key part of the firm’s
holistic diversity and inclusion strategy aimed at meaningfully supporting and advancing the career aspirations of ethnic minority and/or socially
disadvantaged student talent. With this significant financial commitment, specifically focused on the recruitment of diverse UK campus talent, Morgan
Stanley will pledge £10,000 for each undergraduate towards the tuition and living costs at university. In total, it’s a £250,000 annual investment funded
by the IfI, a board-led organisation that drives diversity, equity and inclusion change within Morgan Stanley and in support of underserved communities.
The scholarship applies to students from ethnic-minority and/or socially mobile backgrounds who have been offered an internship on either the Summer
Analysts or Industrial Placement programmes. As part of the internship placement, candidates will have access to a dedicated mentor, a professional
support network, and other career guidance. With its promise of funding and dedicated mentoring and career guidance, the Morgan Stanley Future
Generation Scholarship initiative boldly extends the bank’s already significant efforts in offering internships and placements to hundreds of worthy
career-starters. The aim is to set students up for success in a career field of their choosing.
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LSEG (UK) becomes a Business Ambition 1.5° signatory - joins Race to Zero
48
LSEG announces that it has become the first global exchange group to commit to net zero through the Business Ambition
for 1.5° and hence becomes a member of the United Nations Climate Change ‘Race to Zero’. The Group’s science-based
targets to reduce emissions in alignment with the Paris Agreement have also been approved by the Science Based Targets
initiative (SBTi). LSEG commits to reducing its emissions by almost 50% by 2030 and will engage all key suppliers, to
set science-based Scope 3 emissions targets by 2025[1]. LSEG has also been a supporter of the Task Force for
Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) since its launch in 2017. LSEG not only encourages issuers to report
against TCFD through our reporting guidance but aims to go further each year in embedding these standards into our own
financial reporting. Climate risks pose threats to ecosystems, societies, markets and to companies and a globally
coordinated response is needed to mitigate and manage those risks. LSEG is committed to taking action, supporting the
growing drive to a net-zero carbon economy.
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Disaster in Texas: Here’s How Mastercard (USA) is Helping
49
Nearly a week after an Arctic blast took hold across the country, millions of people are still under winter weather alerts
and millions of homes remain without water. As of Monday, about 13,000 customers in Texas remained without
electricity and about 10 million people statewide were still without safe drinking water. The emergency started last
week after a rare bout of freezing cold temperatures, snow and ice arrived in Texas and crippled many of the state’s
basic services, especially the power grid. The outage also affected water treatment plants, which were forced to shut
down. To help those who need emergency disaster relief assistance, Mastercard will donate $50,000 USD to the
American Red Cross beyond our annual corporate commitment to support the organization’s disaster response, and will
waive interchange fees with select organizations for 30 days, starting. The American Red Cross is working around the
clock to make sure people have a safe place to go and have access to critical resources like water.
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Miscellaneous Updates

Miscellaneous Updates
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Investec (UK) supports Vox’s fibre rollout initiatives with capex funding boost
50
The growing desire for fast broadband connectivity, a need enhanced by the massive increase in remote workers over the past year,
requires a reliable, affordable, and scalable state-of-the-art communications infrastructure network. Fibre optic networks have time and
again proven to be the best option for this, although installing these networks can be both time consuming and costly. In light of the
considerable investments required to expand South Africa’s existing fibre infrastructure, Investec, as mandated lead arranger, has
provided Vox, a market-leading end-to-end integrated ICT and infrastructure provider, with access to debt facilities to fund their fibre
rollout plans. Frogfoot has doubled the size of its network, significantly expanding its footprint to smaller towns across the country -
enabled by a focus on the provisioning of high-speed national long- distance services. The company is driven by its commitment to an
open access wholesale network and has grown its ISP network by 30%. This includes working with local ISPs in towns to enable users to
get access to high-speed connectivity. The company has been performing almost 4 000 installations per month, despite challenging
pandemic conditions. Laverne Chetty, Investec Specialised Finance Consultant, indicates that when Fibre to the home (FTTH) was
launched, higher LSM areas with high housing density in metropolitan areas were the ones naturally targeted first.
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