The Valence Group, the world's largest chemicals and materials investment banking boutique, has hired Matthew Page as Director. Matthew, who will be based in the firm's New York office, brings extensive senior-level M&A experience across multiple sub-sectors of the chemical industry in the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Matthew has over 15 years of chemicals investment banking experience and >$50 billion worth of announced transactions as an M&A investment banker, including most recently at Evercore, and earlier at Lazard and Morgan Stanley. He also holds a Masters’ degree in Chemistry from the University of Exeter, England.

Peter Hall, Partner, said: "We are excited to have Matthew become the latest senior level addition to our growing global team. Our clients will benefit from the combination of his geographically diverse client base, transactional track record in both commodities and specialties, and deep knowledge of the chemicals industry.”

Matthew commented: "I am very pleased with the opportunity to join The Valence Group and help further accelerate its already impressive growth. Industry-focused investment banking firms are clearly gaining market share from the more generalist bulge bracket firms. As the only truly global chemicals and materials investment banking firm, The Valence Group is positioned to offer its clients a level of insight and transaction expertise not otherwise available in the marketplace. I look forward to working with the Valence team to leverage my experience and technical skills for the benefit of the firm's clients."

About The Valence Group

The Valence Group is a specialist investment bank offering M&A advisory services exclusively to companies and investors in the chemicals, materials and related sectors. The Valence Group team includes a unique combination of professionals with backgrounds in investment banking and strategic consulting within the chemicals and materials industries, all focused exclusively on providing M&A advisory services to the chemicals and materials sector. The firm’s offices are located in New York and London.

http://www.valencegroup.com

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TSYS (NYSE: TSS)  announced it has completed its acquisition of TransFirst, a leading U.S. merchant solutions provider. TransFirst and TSYS’ existing merchant businesses will be combined under the TSYS brand to create the 6^th largest merchant acquirer in the U.S. based on revenue and the 3^rd largest integrated payments provider in the U.S. TransFirst’s president and chief executive officer, John Shlonsky, has been elected as Senior Executive Vice President of TSYS, and will lead the combined businesses reporting to Pam Joseph, president and chief operating officer-elect of TSYS.

TransFirst is a market leader with its partner-centric distribution model supporting more than 1,300 integrated technology and referral partners in strategically attractive areas that include integrated software vendors (ISVs), healthcare, not-for-profit, referral banks, associations and e-commerce.

The combined businesses serve some 645,000 merchant outlets in the U.S. with approximately $117 billion in transaction volume. The business will continue its focus on the large and growing small and medium size business (SMB) market, enhancing TSYS’ offering and position in the high-growth areas of integrated payments, e-commerce and omni-channel services.

“The acquisition of TransFirst, gives us the technology, scale, and distribution capabilities that propel us to a leadership position within merchant acquiring similar to the scale and strength we have in issuer processing and prepaid program management. Our position and strength in these three key areas of payments further diversifies our business and makes TSYS unique among its peers,” said M. Troy Woods, chairman, president and chief executive officer, TSYS. “We are excited to have John and his team on board, and believe the growth and expansion of services to the business community will drive long-term shareholder value.”

“Moving forward from the excitement of this day, and becoming a part of TSYS, our mission is to leverage our joint capabilities and products seamlessly, so our customers are able to rely on just one provider for their processing services,” said John Shlonsky, president and chief executive officer, TransFirst. “We will combine automation and technology to support an integrated platform to deliver relevant products and solutions to our partners and merchants — not just process transactions.”

TransFirst previously operated as a privately held company, under the ownership of Vista Equity Partners.

"We are delighted that with John's continued leadership, the technology, scalability and talent that TransFirst is bringing to TSYS will be integrated to drive further innovation and leadership in the industry," said Robert F. Smith, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Vista Equity Partners.

Additional details about the acquisition, as well as revised 2016 guidance for TSYS, will be discussed on the company’s first-quarter analyst call on April 26, 2016.

About TSYS

TSYS^® (NYSE: TSS) unlocks opportunities in payments for payment providers, businesses and consumers. Our headquarters are in Columbus, Georgia, USA, and we operate in more than 80 countries with local offices across the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific.

We provide seamless, secure and innovative solutions across the payments spectrum — from issuer processing and merchant acquiring to prepaid program management — delivered through partnership and expertise. We succeed because we put people, and their needs, at the heart of every decision. It’s an approach we call ‘People-Centered Payments^®’.

Our industry is changing every day — and we’re leading the way towards the payments of tomorrow. We routinely post all important information on our website. For more, visit us at tsys.com.

About Vista Equity Partners

Vista Equity Partners is a U.S.-based investment firm with offices in Austin, Chicago and San Francisco, with more than $20 billion in cumulative capital commitments. It currently invests in software, data and technology-based organizations led by world-class management teams with long-term perspective. Vista is a value-added investor, contributing professional expertise and multi-level support that enables companies to realize their full potential. Vista’s investment approach is anchored by a sizable long-term capital base, experience in structuring technology-oriented transactions and proven management techniques that yield flexibility and opportunity in private equity investing. For more information, please visit www.vistaequitypartners.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” – that is, statements related to future, not past, events. Forward-looking statements often address our expected future business and financial performance and often contain words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “should,” “plan,” “potential,” “will,” “could,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, among others, statements about TSYS’ belief that the acquisition of TransFirst will drive long-term shareholder value. These statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of TSYS’ management and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties. We believe these forward-looking statements are reasonable; however, undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements, including our ability to achieve expected synergies and successfully complete the integration of TransFirst, and the other risks and uncertainties discussed in TSYS’ filings with the SEC, including its 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

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EIG Global Energy Partners (EIG) today announced that Rex Chung has joined the firm as a Managing Director and Co-Head of Asia, based in the firm’s Hong Kong office. As a senior member of EIG’s team, Mr. Chung will be responsible for overseeing investor relations, coordinating co-investment, and helping to source transactions and develop EIG products for the Asia-Pacific Region.

"Rex brings a diverse and truly global perspective of our industry to EIG and we are fortunate to have him join our team," said EIG CEO R. Blair Thomas. "With the Asia Pacific region likely to drive global demand for energy for the next several decades we believe it’s imperative to have strong relationships with the leading energy companies and financial players in the region. Having senior leadership in Rex Chung and his Co-Head Yangyang Liu underscores our commitment across Asia and Australia."

"I have known and respected EIG for years and the opportunity to contribute to the firm’s strategic vision and growth is tremendously exciting,” said Chung. “EIG is unique in its depth of industry experience and its long track record, identifying investments and managing assets during various market cycles. Energy demand in Asia-Pacific continues to grow and EIG has a great opportunity to work with investors and companies across the region as it expands its regional presence. I look forward to working with EIG’s management and global team and contribute to the firm’s ongoing success.”

Previously, Mr. Chung was the Head of both the Asian Client and Partner Group and the Capital Markets teams at KKR. Prior to joining KKR, he spent 16 years at UBS Investment Bank and its predecessor firms (including SG Warburg) in both the equity and investment banking divisions based in New York, London, and Hong Kong. Mr. Chung holds a B.Soc.Sc. from the University of Ottawa and an M.A. from the Graduate School of International Studies of Yonsei University. Mr. Chung also serves as a trustee for several nonprofit organizations, including Greenwich Academy, the Trinity School of New York City, the Advisory Board for the Korean American Community Foundation, and as Chairman of the Fencers Club of New York.

About EIG

EIG specializes in private investments in energy and energy-related infrastructure on a global basis and had $14.7 billion under management as of December 31, 2015. During its 34-year history, EIG has invested $21.5 billion in the sector through more than 300 projects or companies in 35 countries on six continents. EIG is headquartered in Washington, D.C. with offices in Houston, London, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro, Hong Kong and Seoul. For more information, please visit www.eigpartners.com.

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A consortium of leading financial institutions and investors today announced a new partnership under the Catalytic Finance Initiative (CFI) to direct $8 billion in total commitments toward high-impact sustainable investments. Partners joining the CFI include AllianceBernstein (AB); Babson Capital Management LLC, a subsidiary of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual); Crédit Agricole CIB; European Investment Bank (EIB); HSBC Group; International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group; and Mirova, a subsidiary of Natixis Group, all of which have pledged capital and expertise to develop and advance innovative financing structures for investments in clean energy and other sustainability focused projects. In addition, the Aligned Intermediary, representing a group of long-term institutional investors, will collaborate on specific investment opportunities with members of the partnership. This announcement follows last year’s ratification of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the historic climate agreement in Paris. It aims to promote the SDG objectives, including acting on climate change and advancing access to clean energy and water.

The CFI was originally launched by Bank of America in 2014 with a $1 billion commitment and a goal to stimulate at least $10 billion in new investment into high-impact clean energy projects through additional partnerships. Today, it has expanded to include several leading financial organizations with their own capital commitments. By working together, this leading group of global financial institutions and investors can combine their efforts to increase funding and significantly accelerate the transition to clean energy solutions and advancing the SDGs.

CFI partners bring expertise in a broad range of financial specialty areas. This includes clean energy infrastructure finance, green bonds, project finance, green asset-backed securities, emerging markets investment and advisory assistance, and approaches to blending public and private finance.

In a joint statement, CFI partners highlight the importance of this initiative:

“Financial innovation and capital play a critical role in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Through the Catalytic Finance Initiative and this joint partnership, together we can support the transition to a low-carbon economy and sustainable growth. By providing $8 billion in commitments, we can help to advance new investment opportunities in clean energy as well as other sustainable development goals and achieve the necessary scale for a positive impact on climate change.”

The Aligned Intermediary
The Aligned Intermediary (AI) is a new investment advisory group created to help large scale, long-term investors (LTIs) channel significant amounts of institutional capital into climate infrastructure investments including clean energy, water infrastructure, and waste-to-value projects. The AI will guide its LTI partners — sovereign funds, pension funds, endowments, insurance companies, family offices, and foundations — around all levels of capital investment; early-stage, growth and project finance.

Specifically, AI will source, screen, conduct due diligence, and structure transactions that satisfy specific goals related to risk-adjusted financial rates of return for each partner, as well as assist in deal monitoring and facilitating post-close value creation for the life of an investment when requested.

Additional information about AI can be found at www.alignedintermediary.org.

AB
AB is a leading global investment management firm that offers high-quality research and diversified investment services to institutional investors, individuals and private wealth clients in major world markets.

At December 31, 2015, AB Holding owned approximately 36.7% of the issued and outstanding AB Units and AXA, one of the largest global financial services organizations, owned an approximate 62.8% economic interest in AB.

Additional information about AB may be found on our website, www.abglobal.com.

Babson Capital Management LLC
Babson Capital Management LLC is one of the world’s leading asset management firms, with approximately $223 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2015. Through proprietary research, analysis and a focus on investment fundamentals, the firm and its global affiliates develop products and strategies that leverage its broad expertise in global fixed income, structured products, middle market finance, commercial real estate, alternatives and equities. A member of the MassMutual Financial Group, Babson maintains a strong global footprint with operations on four continents and clients in over 20 countries. MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing name for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliated companies and sales representatives. MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that is run for the benefit of its members and participating policy owners. Learn more at www.babsoncapital.com and www.massmutual.com.

Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 47 million consumer and small business relationships with approximately 4,700 retail financial centers, approximately 16,000 ATMs, and award-winning online banking with approximately 32 million active users and approximately 19 million mobile users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch is the marketing name for the global banking and global markets businesses of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., member FDIC. Securities, strategic advisory, and other investment banking activities are performed globally by investment banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“Investment Banking Affiliates”), including, in the United States, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, which is a registered broker-dealer and member of SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, a locally registered entity. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Merrill Lynch Professional Clearing Corp. are registered as futures commission merchants with the CFTC and are members of the NFA. Investment products offered by Investment Banking Affiliates: Are Not FDIC Insured * May Lose Value * Are Not Bank Guaranteed.

Visit the Bank of America newsroom for more Bank of America news, and click here to register for news email alerts.

www.bankofamerica.com

Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank
Crédit Agricole CIB is the Corporate and Investment Banking arm of the Crédit Agricole Group, the world’s No. 9 largest bank by total assets (The Banker, July 2015). The Bank offers its clients a comprehensive range of products and services structured around six major divisions:

• Client Coverage & International Network
• Global Investment Banking
• Structured Finance
• Global Markets
• Debt Optimisation & Distribution.
• International Trade & Transaction Banking

The Bank provides support to clients in large international markets through its network with a presence in major countries in Europe, America, Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

For more information, please visit its website at www.ca-cib.com.

European Investment Bank (EIB)
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the European Union's bank. They are the only bank owned by and representing the interests of the European Union Member States. The EIB works closely with other EU institutions to implement EU policy.

As the largest multilateral borrower and lender by volume, the EIB provides finance and expertise for sound and sustainable investment projects which contribute to furthering EU policy objectives. More than 90% of activity is focused on Europe but also supports the EU's external and development policies.

www.EIB.org

The HSBC Group
HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of the HSBC Group, is headquartered in London. The Group serves customers worldwide from around 6,000 offices in 71 countries and territories in Asia, Europe, North and Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa. With assets of US$2,410bn at 31 December 2015, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.

HSBC Global Banking & Markets
HSBC Global Banking & Markets is an international wholesale business serving major corporate, institutional and government clients. It has a broad international network with offices in more than 60 countries and territories, with strong expertise across developed and emerging economies. Global Banking & Markets has deep knowledge across a wide range of products and services including: financing; debt and equity capital markets; acquisition, project and export advisory and financing; foreign exchange, fixed income and equities; payments and cash management and securities services.

IFC
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Working with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, we use our capital, expertise, and influence, to create opportunity where it’s needed most. In FY15, our long-term investments in developing countries rose to nearly $18 billion, helping the private sector play an essential role in the global effort to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. Since starting to track the climate-smart components of its investments and advisory services in 2005, IFC has provided more than $13 billion in long-term financing for renewable power, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, green buildings and private sector adaptation to climate change. For more information, visit www.ifc.org

Mirova
Mirova, a subsidiary of Natixis Asset Management, S.A. (Natixis AM), is operated in the U.S. through Natixis Asset Management U.S., LLC (Natixis AM US). Natixis AM US is a US-based investment adviser, that is a wholly owned entity of Natixis AM. Natixis AM US utilizes the investment and research expertise of Mirova, which Natixis AM US then combines with its own expertise, and services from Natixis AM when providing advice to clients.

Mirova offers a global responsible investing approach involving Equities, Fixed Income, General and Renewable Energy Infrastructure, Impact Investing, and Voting and Engagement. It has €6.1 billion in assets under management and €42.9 billion in Voting and Engagement. Its team of circa 60 multidisciplinary experts includes specialists in thematic investment management, engineers, financial and environmental, social and governance analysts, project financing specialists and experts in solidarity finance.

Limited liability company –Share capital A 7 461 327.50 – Regulated by AMF under n° GP 02-014 – RCS Paris n°394 648 216

MIROVA is a NATIXIS ASSET MANAGEMENT subsidiary

Source: Mirova – 31/12/2015

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QNB Group, a leading bank in the Middle East and Africa, announced its results for the three months ended 31 March 2016.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160406005757/en/

QNB Group HQ Building in Doha (Photo: ME NewsWire)

For the first three months of 2016, Net Profit was QAR2.9 billion (USD787 million), up by 7.1% compared to last year.

The Group’s prudent cost control policy and strong revenue generating capability allowed it to maintain an efficiency ratio (cost to income ratio) of 22.7%, which is considered one of the best ratios among financial institutions in the region.

Total assets increased by 9.7% from March 2015 to reach QAR550 billion (USD151.1 billion), the highest ever achieved by the Group. This was driven by a growth rate of 16.4% in loans and advances to reach QAR402 billion (USD110.4 billion).

The growth of the Group assets and liabilities has been affected by the sharp devaluation in the Egyptian Pound currency, in which total assets and customer deposits were negatively impacted by QAR7 billion (USD1.8 billion) and QAR5 billion (USD1.4 billion) respectively.

The Group was able to maintain the ratio of non-performing loans to gross loans at 1.4%, a level considered one of the lowest amongst banks in the Middle East and Africa, reflecting the high quality of the Group’s loan book and the effective management of credit risk. The Group’s conservative policy in regard to provisioning continued with the coverage ratio reaching 120% on 31 March 2016.

At the same time QNB Group increased customer funding by 10.1% to QAR403 billion (USD110.7 billion). This led to the Group’s loan to deposit ratio reaching 99.7%.

Total Equity increased by 11.1% from March 2015 to reach QAR60 billion (USD16.6 billion) as of 31 March 2016. Earnings per Share reached QAR3.4 (USD0.9), compared to QAR3.2 in March 2015.

Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) calculated as per the QCB and Basel III requirements stood at 15.8% as of 31 March 2016, higher than the regulatory minimum requirements of the Qatar Central Bank and Basel Committee. The Group is keen to maintain a strong capitalisation in order to support future strategic plans.

QNB Group has maintained its position as one of the strongest rated financial institutions in the region. This is a result of QNB Group’s strong financial position, high quality of its assets and its leading position in the financial sector.

Based on the Group’s continuous strong performance and its expanding international presence, QNB maintained its position as the most valuable bank brand in the Middle East and Africa. This continues to recognise QNB’s position as the leading financial institution across the Middle East and Africa and the value inherent in the QNB brand.

QNB Group is present, through its subsidiaries and associate companies, in more than 27 countries and 3 continents providing a comprehensive range of products and services. The total number of staff is more than 15,300 operating from over 640 locations and with an ATM network of more than 1,400 machines.

*Source: ME NewsWire

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Klaus Nyengaard,the former CEO of JustEat, has thrown his weight behind local services marketplace StarOfService (www.starofservice.com). Nyengaard has been appointed Head of Advisory Board, and joins the founders of BlaBlaCar as a fellow investor in the French start-up as it embarks on an ambitious global expansion.

StarOfService helps consumers to find local services to meet their specific needs, including more niche ones like photographers, language teachers or DJs. It has been growing at 600% year-on-year since it was founded two years ago and is the biggest marketplace of its kind in France; more than 100,000 requests are made through the site, and around 10,000 new businesses signing up, each month.

The company is now looking to stamp its mark on new territories in the next six-months including India (www.starofservice.in), Turkey (www.starofservice.web.tr), Australia (www.starofservice.com.au) and Canada (www.starofservice.ca). It is also hoping to have a UK sales and support team in place in London in the next two weeks (www.starofservice.co.uk).

Nyengaard, who led JustEat for five years and laid the groundwork for its eventual £1.5 billion flotation, said: “The unit economics in terms of customer visits and subsequent conversion rates for the site is unprecedented. But what’s really exciting is the next phase.

“While France has provided all that growth and momentum to date, the first data from other embryonic target markets, like the UK, suggests the potential for growth elsewhere is even bigger than in France,” he adds.

“We’ve reached a tipping point in the local services space and I’m convinced someone is rapidly going to take the global lead in this huge marketplace, estimated to be worth $400bn. We are going to ensure that the frontrunner is StarOfService.”

Lucas Lambertini, co-founder and CEO of StarOfService, said: “We are glad to welcome Klaus on-board. He brings with him a wealth of experience in high-growth marketplace businesses as we look to accelerate our plans in France and beyond.

“We have set ourselves very ambitious and aggressive targets, and are confident in achieving those. Our figures show we’re growing almost ten times faster than Thumbtack, the biggest local service marketplace out there right now, recently valued at $1.38bn, but it caters solely for the USA market.

“Our goal is to roll out across 80 countries and become the leading global provider of local services within the next two years. We want to be the Uber of local services,” he says.

StarOfService has raised €1.5m in two funding rounds to date. Investors include BlaBlaCar founders Frédéric Mazzella and Francis Nappez; former eBay and mobile.de executive Ralph Werner; former CEO of Fotolia Oleg Tscheltzoff, plus Point 3 Capital and Kima Ventures. A new Series A funding round is in the pipeline.

The company already has an established presence in key markets such as Italy (www.starofservice.it), Spain (www.starofservice.es), Germany (www.starofservice.de), Brazil (www.starofservice.com.br) and Russia (www.starofservice.ru).

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Fitch Solutions announces Fitch Connect, a powerful integrated information platform, delivering Fitch Ratings and Research along with Fundamental Financials, economic data and analytics. Fitch Connect enables credit professionals to make risk management decisions with efficiency and ease.

‘Fitch is committed to providing credit professionals with transparent, timely and insightful information,’ said Paul Taylor, President and CEO, Fitch Group. ‘We are strengthening our information business with Fitch Connect, which delivers high quality research and data through a sophisticated and flexible platform.’

Analysis conducted by financial professionals receives more scrutiny today than ever before. Demands from new regulations and internal and external compliance audits are adding pressure on risk managers and IT departments to do more with less. The Fitch Connect platform offers a suite of capabilities such as a web interface, data feed, API and Microsoft Excel add-in which are designed to make it easier for users to access, consume and integrate information into their workflows.

‘We work with credit professionals and bankers every day and have developed a strong understanding of what content and capabilities they need most,’ said Brian Filanowski, Global Head of Product, Fitch Solutions. ‘The Fitch Connect Platform is built using next-generation technology which provides us the ability to quickly respond to our clients’ needs.’

Powered by the same proprietary data used by many of the Fitch Ratings analysts, the Fitch Connect platform offers a robust set of interlinked data and content including:

• Fundamental Financials – the industry’s most comprehensive and high quality data source for bank fundamental financial content in the industry today. The data set covers 30,000+ public and private banks, 11,600 insurance firms, and economic and forecasting data for the majority of the world’s sovereigns.
• Fitch Credit Ratings – 9,000 rated entities plus the entire Fitch universe of 1.34 million current and historical credit ratings, including four levels of market sector indexing, and 25 rating types.
• Fitch Research – independent credit research and market commentary from industry and regional specialists who assess the health of issuers across the world’s capital markets covering 31 countries, 24 sectors and 140,000+ research reports.

All financial data is subject to rigorous quality assurance processes, which provides credit risk managers with the timely and reliable data they need to assess risk. Formerly available from third parties for the last 15 years, Fitch’s Fundamental Financials will now only be offered through Fitch Connect.

About Fitch Solutions

Fitch Solutions is a world-leading provider of credit intelligence and the primary distributor of Fitch Ratings content. Today, 90% of the world’s leading financial institutions, multinational companies, governmental bodies, and consulting firms based in more than 118 countries depend on Fitch content to inform their business decisions. Fitch Solutions is part of Fitch Group. For more information, please see www.fitchsolutions.com.

About Fitch Group

Fitch Group is a global leader in financial information services with operations in more than 30 countries. Fitch Group is comprised of: Fitch Ratings, a global leader in credit ratings and research; Fitch Solutions, a leading provider of credit market data, analytical tools and risk services; BMI Research, an independent provider of country risk and industry analysis specializing in emerging and frontier markets; and Fitch Learning, a preeminent training and professional development firm. With dual headquarters in London and New York, Fitch Group is majority owned by Hearst.

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Liquidnet, the global institutional trading network, today announced record global performance in its EMEA, APAC and Canada regions, while also posting strong results in the US.

“As many firms are retrenching, we have been focused on creating differentiated offerings for our buy-side Members in every one of our regions. This strong performance around the globe is confirmation that they are not only valuing these offerings but also taking more advantage of them,” said Seth Merrin, Founder and CEO of Liquidnet.

Liquidnet EMEA

The first quarter of 2016 represented a record quarter for Liquidnet EMEA in overall principal traded as well as algorithm trading, which was up 380% year-over-year. In total, Liquidnet’s buy-side Members traded $39.6 billion in European equities, surpassing the previous best quarter (Q4 2015) by 6.2%. These quarterly results reflect 23% growth compared to the same quarter last year.

“We continue to see consistent growth in total principal traded in European equities, which is in stark contrast to the overall market decline in Q1,” said Mark Pumfrey, Head of Liquidnet EMEA. “As institutions gear up for MiFID II where best execution is paramount and natural block liquidity becomes even more valuable, we expect to see further growth in our core business, Next Gen Algos and Fixed Income offering.”

Liquidnet APAC

Liquidnet’s APAC region also witnessed record trading with buy-side Member firms trading US $7.3 billion in principal, and surpassing the previous best quarter (Q3 2015) by 7%. The region’s recently-launched algos saw tremendous growth, trading in excess of US $1 billion. The first quarter of 2016 also included Liquidnet’s latest market launch with the introduction of Taiwan, Liquidnet’s 12^th market in the region and 44^th equity market worldwide.

“Despite major industry headwinds, 2015 was a record year for us and we’re happy to see that momentum continue into the first quarter of 2016,” said Lee Porter, Head of Liquidnet Asia Pacific. “While others in our industry may be shying away from the region, we see a lot of potential and remain committed to growing our footprint as evidenced by our recent expansion of our algo offerings and opening up the Taiwanese equity market.”

Liquidnet Americas

Liquidnet Canada also showcased a noteworthy start to the year up 77% from the same quarter last year, with a record average daily volume of 3.6 million shares traded for the first quarter. In the US, Liquidnet reported solid growth with average daily volume of 46 million shares, up 21% compared to the same quarter in 2015. The US EQS team also celebrated a strong quarter, with algo volume up 77% from Q1 2015.

ABOUT LIQUIDNET

Liquidnet is the global institutional trading network where more than 800 of the world’s top asset managers and other like-minded investors come to execute their large trades with maximum anonymity and minimum market impact. As the global leader in large block trading, Liquidnet provides access to unique trading opportunities in 44 markets across five continents. Liquidnet approaches every market with the same bold vision to provide a better, more efficient way to trade on a massive scale. It is this focus on size, combined with the strength of its network, disruptive technology, and commitment to transparency, that is revolutionizing the way equities and corporate bonds are traded. For more information, visit www.liquidnet.com and follow us on Twitter @Liquidnet.

© 2016 Liquidnet Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Liquidnet, Inc. is a member of FINRA/SIPC. Liquidnet Europe Limited is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK, is licensed by the Financial Services Board in South Africa, and is a member of the London Stock Exchange and a remote member of the Warsaw Stock Exchange and SIX Swiss Exchange. Liquidnet Canada Inc. is a member of IIROC and a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Liquidnet Asia Limited is regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission as a licensed dealer and a provider of automated trading services pursuant to the Securities and Futures Ordinance and is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore as a Recognized Market Operator. Liquidnet Japan Inc. is regulated by the Financial Services Agency of Japan and is a member of JSDA/JIPF. Liquidnet Australia Pty Ltd. is registered with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission as an Australian Financial Services Licensee, AFSL number 312525, and is registered with the New Zealand Financial Markets Authority as a Financial Service Provider, FSP number FSP3781.

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• CEO survey
• CEO interview
• People practices survey
• Employee opinion survey
• A shortlisted set taken through an intense on-site audit to validate the details; client names are masked during this process
• An external panel of unbiased jury to evaluate the participants

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• For complete details please contact our insurance advisor or visit the nearest branch office of Tata AIA Life or call 1-860-266-9966 (local charges would apply) or 1-800-267-9966 (toll-free no) or write to us at customercare@tataaia.com. Visit us at: www.tataaia.com or SMS 'LIFE’ to 58888

Bank of America today reported its first-quarter 2016 financial results. The news release, supplemental filing and investor presentation can be accessed in the following ways:

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160414005764/en/

• Bank of America newsroom at http://newsroom.bankofamerica.com.
• Bank of America Investor Relations website at http://investor.bankofamerica.com.
• Business Wire’s news web page at http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/news.

The company will review these results with investors today at 8:30 a.m. ET. For a listen-only connection to the conference call, dial 1.877.200.4456 (U.S.) or 1.785.424.1732 (international), and the conference ID is: 79795. Please dial in 10 minutes prior to the start of the call.

A replay will be available via webcast through the Bank of America Investor Relations website. A replay will also be available beginning at noon ET on April 14 through 11:59 p.m. ET on April 21 by telephone at 1.800.753.8546 (U.S.) or 1.402.220.0685 (international).

Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 47 million consumer and small business relationships with approximately 4,700 retail financial centers, approximately 16,000 ATMs, and award-winning online banking with approximately 33 million active users and approximately 20 million mobile users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Visit the Bank of America newsroom for more Bank of America news, and click here to register for news email alerts.

www.bankofamerica.com

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WEX Inc. (NYSE: WEX), a leading provider of corporate payment solutions, announced several key milestones as part of its expanding fleet services in Asia, where it has been serving oil companies for nearly a decade.

WEX’s white label solution has expanded from providing hosting and transaction management services for processing fleet payments in Asia to offer a new suite of services including funding of receivables, customer service, and collections for oil companies.

Leveraging WEX’s success and strength in Australia and New Zealand, the company has now expanded its services to Guam, Saipan and Singapore in Asia.

George Hogan, SVP International, of WEX, said: “We are thrilled to better serve the oil companies in Asia that are using our new solutions and continuing to trust us to represent their brands as the partner behind their white label fuel card programs.” Hogan continued, “Our industry-changing solutions and award-winning customer service are meeting the needs of current and future customers in Asia who turn to WEX to help simplify complex payment environments.”

About WEX Inc.

WEX Inc. (NYSE: WEX) is a leading provider of corporate payment solutions. From its roots in fleet card payments beginning in 1983, WEX has expanded the scope of its business into a multi-channel provider of corporate payment solutions representing more than 9 million vehicles and offering exceptional payment security and control across a wide spectrum of business sectors. WEX serves a global set of customers and partners through its operations around the world, with offices in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Germany, Norway, and Singapore. WEX and its subsidiaries employ more than 2,000 associates. The Company has been publicly traded since 2005, and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “WEX.” For more information, visit www.wexinc.com and follow WEX on Twitter at @WEXIncNews.

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QFB, a leading Shari’ah-compliant bank based in Qatar offering investment opportunities and innovative financial solutions with local, regional and international reach, announces the imminent listing of the bank’s shares on the QSE on the 27^th April 2016; following the approval of the Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA).

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Abdulla bin Fahad bin Ghorab Al Marri - Chairman QFB (Photo: ME NewsWire)

Listing of QFB will be in the Banking and Financial Services Sector with a symbol QFBQ. The guiding trading price for the first day will be QR 15 per share with a fluctuation of limit of 30% up or down which will be permitted only for the first day of listing; however, price fluctuation on the second day and thereafter will be permitted by 10% up or down.

QFB was established on 04/09/2008 and licensed by the QFCRA. The Bank’s authorized capital is QR2.5 billion and the issued and paid up capital is QR2 billion.

Abdulla Bin Fahad Bin Ghorab Al Marri, QFB’s Chairman, said:

"This is a significant achievement for Qatar and QFB. It is the first listing of a Qatari entity licensed by the QFC, and the first listing for a private entity in 6 years. It marks the next step in Qatar’s efforts to reactivate Qatar’s stock market and encourage the participation of the private sector in all aspects of the Qatari economy and in particular the banking sector.

“QFB, with a clear strategy, highly experienced team, and solid shareholder base, strives to maintain its role as a trusted advisor for high-net-worth individuals, corporate and institutional clients and a gateway to business opportunities in Qatar, the region and global markets.”

Ziad Makkawi, QFB’s CEO, said:

"QFB’s listing represents another significant milestone in the Bank’s quest to grow, expand its offerings and provide a ‘Signature of Excellence' to its clients.

“Last year was a ground-breaking year for the bank. We confirmed our strategy and streamlined our businesses to offer innovative Shari’ah-compliant solutions ranging from corporate & institutional banking, private banking & wealth management, treasury & investments, as well as alternative investments with a focus on private equity and real estate.

“Looking ahead, we are aware that there is still a great deal of work to be done on the Bank’s journey to success, and we are investing to achieve our objectives. This is the beginning of a new era, which complements our ambition to become a significant player in the Shari’ah-compliant banking arena.”

*Source: ME NewsWire

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Visa (NYSE:V) today celebrated the 100 day milestone to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. In its 30th year as the exclusive payment provider of the Olympic Games, Visa is creating and managing the entire payment system infrastructure and network throughout all venues including stadiums, press centers, point-of-sale (POS), the Olympic Village and Olympic Superstores. This year Visa will implement 4,000 POS terminals across key Olympic venues, as well as 11 ATMs in partnership with Bradesco.

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Olympic Games: Travel & Spend (Graphic: Business Wire)

Visa also extends the value of its sponsorship to Olympic Games host cities, facilitating the development and advancement of payment infrastructure in those markets. This year Visa will introduce acceptance of new technologies and innovation throughout Rio, focusing on new ways to pay including payment wearables and mobile phones – letting fans swipe, tap, dip or click to pay in Rio.

“Visa has always stood for universal acceptance and the most secure and fast way to pay across merchants, borders and currencies,” said Jim McCarthy, executive vice president of innovation and strategic partnerships at Visa Inc. “As we prepare for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Visa is transforming the way fans pay, giving them choice in how they want to pay for anything, anytime and everywhere.”

Olympic Games Travel Forecast

Visa projects that Brazil will host an estimated 400,000-500,000 international visitors during the month of August, based on trends observed in recent summer editions of the Olympics. Visa data points to 2016 inbound travel to Brazil increasing by an estimated 1.2 million travelers for the year, compared to the 2010-2015 average, primarily due to preparations for the Olympics Games.

The largest share of travelers to Brazil are forecast to come from Latin America and the Caribbean region (45 percent of all international travelers), followed by Europe (30 percent) and North America (15 percent).

Based on historical data from past Olympic Games, Brazil can expect to see an increase in per traveler spending. During the London 2012 Olympic Games, spending averaged $1,830 per traveler¹, which was twice as much per visit than regular tourists to the United Kingdom in 2012.

“This data speaks to the increase in commerce generated through the Olympic Games,” said McCarthy. “More than 200 nations, 10,000 athletes, their families, friends and fans are expected to gather in Rio this summer to enjoy this truly global celebration of sports and athletics. Visa is excited to be part of their journey.”

Travel Tips for Fans Visiting Rio

Visa is the only card accepted at the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games venues and for any official Rio 2016 related transactions. To help fans attending the Olympic Games, Visa has released a series of recommended travel tips, directing cardholders to:

• Notify their issuing bank or financial institution of potential travel plans, including the fact that they will be using Visa debit, credit or prepaid cards abroad to avoid any issues while traveling. Issuing banks can also provide information about travel-related benefits for Visa account holders.
• Register for SMS notification with their specific bank, or bank’s transaction notification service, allowing travelers to track transactions on their Visa accounts.
• Opt-in for services, such as Mobile Location Confirmation via the issuer’s banking app or Visa’s Travel Authorization Tag.
• Set up automatic bill pay for their credit cards for peace-of-mind while traveling abroad.
• Consider paying via a chip-activated terminal with a credit or debit card upgraded with chip technology for enhanced security.
• Look for the Visa or PLUS logo at point-of-sale to ensure international payment cards are accepted.

About Visa Inc.: Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) is a global payments technology company that connects consumers, businesses, financial institutions and governments in more than 200 countries and territories to fast, secure and reliable electronic payments. We operate one of the world's most advanced processing networks — VisaNet — that is capable of handling more than 65,000 transaction messages a second, with fraud protection for consumers and assured payment for merchants. Visa is not a bank and does not issue cards, extend credit or set rates and fees for consumers. Visa's innovations, however, enable its financial institution customers to offer consumers more choices: pay now with debit, pay ahead of time with prepaid or pay later with credit products. For more information, visit usa.visa.com/about-visa, visacorporate.tumblr.com and @VisaNews.

¹ Overseas Travel and Tourism - Monthly Release, August 2012; UK Office for National Statistics

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