AI Squared has introduced Sparx, a plug-and-play platform that unifies sales, finance, and operations data in real time. This new solution aims to make production-ready AI accessible for small businesses, mid-market enterprises, and non-profits.

Sparx integrates seamlessly into existing business workflows without coding, infrastructure setup, or data science expertise. The platform delivers a unified, AI-powered view of key business data in under an hour, saving both time and resources.

Through 2026, 60 percent of AI projects may fail due to unprepared or fragmented data. Common issues stem from disconnected finance tools, CRMs, and HR systems. For mid-market teams without technical resources, most AI tools remain inaccessible, forcing reliance on slow manual reporting that delays decision-making.

“Until now, AI-powered insights required complex systems and specialist teams,” said Darren Kimura, CEO and President of AI Squared. “With Sparx, we removed that complexity. Businesses can see value within hours, not months. Sparx enables quick and affordable AI adoption, boosting operational efficiency and uncovering new opportunities.”

Making AI Integration Accessible

Sparx connects directly to existing systems, automatically syncing and cleaning data. Its intuitive interface lets users chat with their data in plain English, delivering actionable insights instantly without IT involvement. This real-time visibility helps teams identify trends, improve efficiency, and make confident decisions.

Steve Braaten, Chief Architect at Khasm Labs, said, “Like most SMEs, we faced high costs, complexity, and long timelines for deploying AI. Sparx solves this by providing fast, actionable insights without heavy lifting.”

The launch marks AI Squared’s ongoing commitment to delivering accessible AI solutions that drive measurable results for small and mid-sized businesses.

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News Source: Prnewswire.com

Northern Trust has secured a mandate to deliver asset servicing solutions for Gravis Advisory Limited’s (Gravis) open-ended investment company (OEIC) fund range in the United Kingdom.

The UK-based asset manager, Gravis, specializes in infrastructure, real estate, and private credit investments. As of 31 March 2025, it manages £2.3 billion (around US$3.1 billion) in assets. The firm focuses on unlocking sectors that are often difficult for investors to access while generating steady cash flows and long-term income.

Expanding Investments Across Key Sectors

Gravis has built on its investments in hospitals, schools, and student housing by expanding into renewable energy, logistics, and data centers. These areas continue to gain importance in the global investment landscape.

Morag Law, Head of Legal and Operations at Gravis, stated that Northern Trust’s strong UK presence, comprehensive services, and cultural alignment influenced the decision. She highlighted that the partnership streamlines OEIC fund services, improves industry expertise access, and supports their goal of delivering consistent returns.

Under the agreement, Northern Trust will provide fund administration, global custody, depositary, transfer agency, and outsourced trading via its Integrated Trading Solutions platform for Gravis’ five OEICs.

Laurence Everitt, Head of Global Fund Services, UK, at Northern Trust, said the firm is eager to support Gravis’ mission of helping investors access infrastructure and related asset classes. He added that Northern Trust’s services, ranging from trading optimization to post-trade reporting and investor servicing, enhance efficiency, oversight, and scalability.

Northern Trust delivers a full spectrum of solutions, including fund administration, global custody, investment operations outsourcing, and data management for global investment managers. These capabilities support complex strategies across diverse asset classes.

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News Source: Businesswire.com

Ceterus Introduces AI-Powered Financial Insights for Franchise Brands

Ceterus has announced the upcoming release of Ceterus Insights, an AI-powered platform designed for franchisors. The solution enhances centralized financial reporting, benchmarking, and compliance, enabling franchise brands to streamline data, boost efficiency, and improve financial transparency.

The Charleston-based company, known for its comprehensive bookkeeping and financial reporting solutions for franchisees, will fully launch Insights at the end of August 2025. The platform, currently in beta testing, empowers franchisors with advanced analytics, compliance tools, and performance oversight across their entire network.

Revolutionizing Franchise Financial Reporting

Ceterus Insights addresses a critical challenge in the franchise sector, managing and interpreting financial data from multiple units. Ensuring strict compliance with franchisor-approved Charts of Accounts simplifies reporting for franchisees and delivers accurate, consistent data for franchisors.

Key benefits of Ceterus Insights include:

“Ceterus solves key challenges in franchise bookkeeping,” said Bill Jones, CEO of Ceterus. “With Ceterus Insights, we become the only complete bookkeeping solution for the entire franchise market. We are excited to leverage AI to deliver actionable insights for both franchisees and franchisors.”

Ceterus Insights is set to reshape franchise financial management by improving efficiency, ensuring compliance, and driving profitability through data-driven decisions.

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News Source: Prweb.com

Maropost, the AI-powered platform unifying ecommerce, retail, marketing, and customer support, has appointed Gordana Redzovski as Managing Director and Vice President of Revenue for APAC.

With over 20 years of leadership in ecommerce, retail, and technology, Redzovski brings deep expertise to support APAC ecommerce growth. She has scaled teams of 100+, launched fintech solutions across five countries, and delivered double-digit growth for brands like Lightspeed Commerce, Rithum, and Deliveroo.

Ross Andrew Paquette, Founder and CEO of Maropost, praised the move. “Gordana is a commercial force,” he said. “Her experience in omnichannel retail and fintech will help us scale effectively across the APAC region.”

Driving Ecommerce Growth Across APAC

Previously, at Rithum, Redzovski led revenue growth in marketplaces and retail media across APAC. At Lightspeed, she introduced Lightspeed Payments to the Australian market and integrated Vend after its acquisition. During the pandemic, she also created new revenue streams.

Redzovski expressed her enthusiasm for the new role. “Maropost is solving real challenges for ecommerce businesses,” she said. “I look forward to expanding our value across APAC.”

Her appointment highlights Maropost’s firm investment in APAC ecommerce growth. It strengthens the company’s leadership presence and reinforces its commitment to a customer-first strategy in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital markets.

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News Source: Prnewswire.com  

Developer’s Mortgage, a top mortgage lender, has partnered with Gateless to deploy Smart Underwrite across FHA and conforming loan processes. This integration aims to accelerate underwriting while improving transparency and efficiency for borrowers.

Smart Underwrite, developed by Gateless, uses automation and machine learning to validate borrower data instantly. It verifies income, clears underwriting conditions in real time, and significantly reduces manual intervention. As a result, lenders benefit from faster loan approvals and fewer delays.

“This partnership with Gateless boosts our efficiency,” said Taylor Stork, COO of Developer’s Mortgage. “Smart Underwrite lets us handle FHA and conforming loans faster, while focusing underwriters only where human oversight is essential.”

A New Benchmark for FHA and Conforming Loan Processing

Smart Underwrite addresses growing demands in the mortgage industry for automation without compromising reliability. By validating borrower data, employment history, and assets in real time, it reduces approval times and helps loans close sooner.

Mike Brown, CRO at Gateless, stated, “Developer’s Mortgage is setting a new standard. Smart Underwrite enables lenders to match industry leaders in performance and client experience.”

Better Experience for Borrowers

With Smart Underwrite, borrowers get instant updates and faster decisions on their loan status. The system also reduces manual errors, offering a smoother path to closing and greater trust in the lending process.

“Using Smart Underwrite ensures a faster and more transparent borrower journey,” added Stork. “We now give our clients more confidence and fewer delays.”

Inside Smart Underwrite’s Technology

The platform uses document recognition and expert systems to cross-check borrower information from verified sources. It automates critical validations, flags inconsistencies, and ensures high accuracy. This technology significantly improves underwriting speed and reliability.

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News Source: Globenewswire.com

Treez Introduces Wallet Loyalty Platform to Boost Customer Retention

Treez, a leading enterprise commerce platform processing over $5 billion in annual transactions, has launched Treez Loyalty, a digital wallet loyalty platform. Developed with StickyCards, this platform eliminates SMS delivery challenges and mobile app adoption hurdles. Now, cannabis retailers can use this innovative tool to boost customer retention through cost-effective, direct engagement.

Customer Loyalty Takes Priority

Retailers face intense pressure to retain their customers. Due to high acquisition costs and limited advertising options, loyalty becomes a core strategy. Moreover, strict cannabis marketing regulations push retailers to seek direct and affordable methods for customer engagement.

“Cannabis retailers struggle with outdated engagement tools,” said John Yang, CEO and Co-Founder of Treez. “Treez Loyalty offers enterprise-grade marketing through a simple digital wallet experience. It helps retailers grow and compete more effectively.”

Next-Gen Loyalty with Smart Features

Treez Loyalty integrates seamlessly with Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and a Progressive Web App. The platform includes:

Strong ROI for Retailers

Pilot results already show significant benefits:

Expanding the Treez Ecosystem

This new launch strengthens Treez’s position as the go-to enterprise solution for cannabis retailers. 

Treez continues to enhance its product suite:

Together, these tools deliver an end-to-end solution for high-volume cannabis operations.

Product Rollout

Treez Loyalty will roll out to select enterprise retailers this quarter. It will be available both independently and as part of the broader Treez retail suite.

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News Source: Businesswire.com

Mumtalakat Invests in Global Platform to Strengthen BlueFive Capital

BlueFive Capital announced that Mumtalakat, Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, has taken a stake in its global investment platform. This move highlights Mumtalakat’s continued focus on empowering emerging financial leaders.

The investment follows BlueFive Capital’s recent completion of its Founding Shareholders Circle. As a result, Mumtalakat joins over 25 leading investors from the GCC and international markets. This partnership gives BlueFive Capital the institutional support needed to scale further across global markets.

Since its founding in 2024, BlueFive Capital has expanded rapidly. The firm now manages over $2.6 billion in assets. Headquartered in Manama, the company also maintains strategic offices in London, Abu Dhabi, and Beijing.

Private equity expert Hazem Ben-Gacem founded the firm. BlueFive is chaired by Sheikh Mohamed Isa Al Khalifa, the former CEO of Bahrain’s national pension fund.

In his remarks, Sheikh Mohamed Isa Al Khalifa stated, “Bringing Mumtalakat on board as a key shareholder marks a significant milestone for us. It reinforces the strength of our platform and our vision. This partnership adds stability as we pursue aggressive global growth, while staying grounded in Bahrain’s robust financial environment.”

With Mumtalakat’s stake in BlueFive Capital’s global investment platform, the firm stands well-positioned to shape the future of institutional finance. The strategic move supports both long-term scalability and sustainable financial development.

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News Source: Businesswire.com

General American Investors Company has appointed Sarah M. Ward to its Board of Directors. The firm made the announcement through a recent Board resolution.

Chairman Spencer Davidson welcomed Ward, citing her decades of legal expertise and strategic boardroom experience. She served as senior partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP before retiring in December 2021.

Currently, Ward holds board positions at CI Financial, Corient, Loblolly Inc., and the Settlement Housing Fund. She graduated from Princeton University and earned her Doctor of Law from Fordham University School of Law.

Strategic Leadership Boost for Growth

Established in 1927, General American Investors aims for long-term capital appreciation. The firm targets companies with strong growth potential. It has been listed on the NYSE since 1930.

Today, the company manages net assets of $1.5 billion and has 23.3 million common shares outstanding. Additionally, its preferred stock carries an aggregate liquidation value of $190 million under the NYSE symbol GAM Pr B.

With the addition of Sarah M. Ward to its Board of Directors, the firm strengthens governance and aligns with its investment strategy. Her expertise is expected to enhance board oversight and long-term planning.

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News Source: Businesswire.com

Japan Post Insurance has announced a $2 billion investment in a new Global Atlantic vehicle aimed at expanding global insurance investment strategies. This major commitment more than 50% of the total vehicle is backed by KKR and its subsidiary Global Atlantic, a leader in retirement and investment solutions.

The vehicle, expected to launch in early 2026 pending regulatory approvals, will engage in insurance, reinsurance, and other strategic initiatives. This deal follows the strategic alliance Japan Post Insurance, KKR, and Global Atlantic initiated in June 2023 to pursue diversified global insurance investment opportunities.

Deepening a Global Insurance Investment Strategy

Japan Post Insurance’s latest move supports its broader strategy to diversify revenue and strengthen its position in international markets. The investment highlights Global Atlantic and KKR’s proven ability to deliver tailored asset management and reinsurance solutions across global markets. “This agreement is a key phase in our strategic partnership with KKR and Global Atlantic,” said Kunio Tanigaki, President and CEO of Japan Post Insurance.

Tanigaki added that the alliance has matured over two years, building mutual trust and shared interest in the U.S. annuity and global reinsurance markets. He noted the vehicle would allow Japan Post Insurance to capture revenue from robust sectors while maintaining minimal short-term financial impact. Japan Post Insurance will disclose any changes to its performance outlook if this investment impacts its fiscal 2025–26 earnings.

Global Growth Outlook for KKR and Global Atlantic

KKR Co-CEOs Joe Bae and Scott Nuttall expressed pride in strengthening their relationship with Japan Post Insurance through this expanded partnership. They said the investment reflects the scale and credibility of their global insurance investment platform and shared growth commitment.

Global Atlantic Co-Heads Billy Butcher and Manu Sareen echoed that sentiment, noting this partnership accelerates growth in the U.S., Japan, and beyond. They emphasized how this collaboration will serve the evolving needs of policyholders, partners, and institutional investors worldwide.

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News Source: Businesswire.com

Tide, the UK’s leading business management platform, has now crossed 1.5 million members globally. Since September 2024, the company added over 500,000 new users, with 750,000 each in the UK and India. Tide’s share of the UK SME market has climbed to 13%. Meanwhile, expansion continues in Germany.

Oliver Prill, CEO of Tide, commented, “Reaching 1.5 million members and lending over £1 billion to UK SMEs are major milestones. We’re helping small businesses save time and money by providing them tools they truly need from finance and admin to commercial services. Our global product expansion reflects this mission.”

Powering SMEs with New Products and Services

Tide continues to launch tools that solve real-world business problems for SMEs. Their latest offerings focus on accessibility, automation, and flexibility.

Growth in India and Germany Signals Global Momentum

India now hosts more Tide members than the UK. With over 66 million MSMEs and 140 million unofficial enterprises, India presents a high-growth opportunity. Tide is also ramping up its German operations, with a Berlin office and a local leadership team headed by Country Managing Director Anna-Fromme Schoen.

AI Innovation and Global Team Growth

Tide continues investing in AI. Its agentic AI solutions automate multi-step processes. Generative AI is already improving product connectivity, risk analysis, and customer support. Predictive AI supports tasks like invoicing and fraud detection.

Tide’s global team now includes 2,500 employees across the UK, India, Germany, Bulgaria, Lithuania, and Serbia. In India, the company earned Great Place to Work recognition for three consecutive years, with 88% of employees expressing pride in working at Tide.

Supporting Women Entrepreneurs and Climate Action

Tide has pledged to onboard 700,000 women entrepreneurs by 2027 – 200,000 in the UK and 500,000 in India. It also sponsors the 2025 everywoman Entrepreneur Awards and launched a £20,000 grant initiative to empower women-led businesses.

The company stays committed to net-zero operations. Since 2022, it offsets emissions through durable carbon removals. Tide aims to reduce its carbon footprint per employee by 90% by 2030. It’s also creating tools to help SMEs on their net-zero journey.

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News Source: Businesswire.com

Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, a global investment manager focused on energy transition infrastructure, has made its first Irish investment with the acquisition of the Wexford Synchronous Condenser Project. This marks a strategic step for Quinbrook into the Irish market, reinforcing its commitment to grid stability and renewable integration.

The Wexford facility, originally developed by Green Frog Power, is a proposed 963 MVA.s. synchronous condenser located in Co. Wexford. It secured a long-term revenue contract under Ireland’s Low Carbon Inertia Services (LCIS) tender in June 2024.

Configured to provide essential grid stability services including inertia, reactive power, and short-circuit level the Wexford project will play a critical role in maintaining the resilience of Ireland’s electricity network as the country transitions to clean energy.

“Wexford represents a key milestone for us,” said Keith Gains, Managing Director and UK Regional Leader at Quinbrook. “It is not only our first Irish investment but also a continuation of our commitment to developing infrastructure that strengthens grid reliability and enables Ireland’s energy transition goals.”

Ireland aims to source 80% of its electricity from renewables by 2030. However, integrating high levels of wind and solar energy requires technologies like synchronous condensers to maintain grid security and avoid blackouts.

Quinbrook already leads in grid stability infrastructure across the UK, where it owns the largest private portfolio of synchronous condensers. The firm has committed over £430 million to these assets, with three projects operational and four under construction.

Synchronous condensers, unlike renewable generators, provide system inertia by mimicking the stabilising effects of traditional thermal plants without emissions. As wind and solar lack natural inertia, these condensers enable more clean energy use while keeping the grid secure.

Welsh Power, Quinbrook’s long-standing delivery partner, will oversee procurement and construction. Welsh Power previously delivered Quinbrook’s operational condenser projects in the UK and brings proven experience in complex grid infrastructure.

Construction will be fully funded by Quinbrook, with the Wexford plant expected to be operational by 2027. The investment demonstrates Quinbrook’s long-term commitment to building the foundational infrastructure that supports a decarbonised, resilient energy system.

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News Source: Businesswire.com

Ametros, a recognized leader in post-settlement care and professional administration, has appointed two seasoned executives to strengthen its leadership team. Allison Kelly joins as Chief Revenue Officer, while Patrick Conklin steps in as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships.

With over 20 years in the insurance industry, Allison Kelly brings expertise in claims, underwriting, and brokerage. As CRO, she will lead sales, marketing, and business development efforts. Her primary focus will be expanding access to Ametros’ post-settlement care services for injured individuals nationwide.

“Andrea Mills**, President of Ametros and Executive Managing Director at Webster Bank (NYSE: WBS), noted, “Allison’s industry experience and client-first mindset make her a perfect fit for our mission-driven growth.”

Patrick Conklin also brings significant industry experience. He has spent over ten years in workers’ compensation, focusing on strategic partnerships and client development. At Ametros, he will work closely with employers and carriers to scale professional administration programs that support injured workers effectively.

“Patrick’s strong grasp of payer needs and passion for relationship-building will enhance our ability to deliver exceptional post-settlement care,” added Mills.

These leadership changes align with Ametros’ continued push for innovation and improved service delivery. The company remains focused on helping injured individuals get the support they need after settlement.

By investing in experienced leadership, Ametros strengthens its role as a trusted partner in the post-settlement care ecosystem. The new appointments also reinforce the company’s long-term vision to expand services and build stronger collaborations across the insurance and healthcare industries.

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News Source: Businesswire.com