Backed by $80 Million, Alta is Building the Infrastructure to Bring Global Banking Onchain

San Francisco, CA, USA, November 10th, 2026, Chainwire

New funding will advance institutional-grade blockchain infrastructure built for privacy, compliance, and global connectivity

Alta, a financial infrastructure company building the foundation for the next generation of global finance, today announced it has raised $80 million in total funding, including a $47.5 million Series A round and $32.5 million in previous seed financing. The Series A was led by Index Ventures, with participation from GV (Google Ventures), Blackbird Ventures, Square Peg, and Capital 49.

Alta is building new institutional-grade blockchain infrastructure that enables financial assets and products to move instantly, globally, and programmatically. Unlike existing infrastructure built primarily for crypto-native applications, Alta is designed to meet the privacy, compliance, neutrality, and operational requirements of regulated financial institutions while supporting transactions across assets, chains, and jurisdictions. Its launch comes as regulatory clarity improves and institutional demand for tokenized finance accelerates.

“Existing blockchains aren’t designed for the privacy and compliance requirements of global financial institutions,” said Loong Wang, Co-Founder and CEO of Alta. “We’re taking a fundamentally different approach, building privacy, programmable compliance, and identity and authorization directly into the blockchain. This will enable money and assets to move instantly, globally, and securely, whether it’s a bank settling a transaction or an AI agent making a payment.”

Today’s global financial system is fragmented and still has many areas of inefficiency. Moving money across borders can take days, and institutions must maintain substantial cash buffers to ensure liquidity across jurisdictions and payment networks. An estimated $4 trillion is tied up in prefunded accounts globally. Alta is building a more efficient system, combining instant settlement with global payment connectivity, foreign exchange, and treasury management capabilities. 

At the core of Alta’s technology is a new blockchain architecture built on recursive zero-knowledge cryptography. It enables institutions to keep balances, transactions, identities, and compliance policies private while verifying that transactions meet the required rules. Designed to work across assets, chains, and jurisdictions, Alta combines programmable compliance with the controls and scalability needed for institutional finance and agentic commerce.

“Technology alone won’t be enough to modernize global finance. Financial institutions need infrastructure they can trust, with clear controls over who they’re transacting with, where money can move, and how sensitive information is protected,” said Catherine Porter, Co-Founder and President of Alta. “As AI agents increasingly make financial decisions and execute transactions, that trust becomes even more critical. Privacy, compliance, and accountability just aren’t barriers to innovation – they’re what will allow it to scale.”

Leading financial platform Airwallex has chosen to build on Alta, connecting its global payments infrastructure with Alta’s blockchain technology. In addition to pay-ins and pay-outs via stablecoins, the collaboration will support connectivity to local fiat payment networks across 200 countries and 90 currencies. Alta is designed as neutral infrastructure that banks, payment providers, and other financial institutions can build on.

Alta’s first product will help businesses manage liquidity more efficiently and reduce cash buffers tied up in prefunded accounts. Built on tokenized assets, it will enable just-in-time funding, more efficient foreign exchange, and allow businesses to instantly move in and out of yield-bearing tokenized assets, maximizing the interest earned on otherwise idle capital.

“With the rise of agentic banking and programmable payments, stablecoins are becoming an important vector for settlement. Financial institutions need blockchain infrastructure that is private, neutral, regulated, and connected to global fiat rails. Alta is building exactly that,” said Jack Zhang, Co-Founder of Alta and Co-Founder/CEO of Airwallex. “We’re proud to be an early design partner and help Alta deliver onchain finance at institutional scale.”

Backed by Leading Global Investors

Alta’s investors bring together expertise across financial technology, enterprise infrastructure, and blockchain innovation.

“Loong is the sort of technologist you only meet a few times in a career. After a major fintech exit from his first company, he went on to run the largest supercomputing calculation in history at its time, then discovered a cancer drug now in human trials. With Catherine’s exceptional track record of bringing industry leaders to the table and Jack’s understanding of the problem space, this is a team we had to back,” said Jan Hammer, Partner at Index Ventures.

“The Alta founders have successfully built and scaled multi-billion-dollar technology and financial infrastructure businesses, and understand how to de-risk complex institutional execution. We have been impressed with their combination of deep-tech blockchain engineering, institutional go-to-market knowledge, and vision for scale, and we look forward to supporting them in their mission to reimagine financial infrastructure at its core,” said Tom Hulme, Managing Partner at GV. 

The new funding will support continued development of Alta’s blockchain infrastructure, expansion of its institutional partnerships and global financial connectivity, and growth of its engineering and compliance teams.

About Alta

Alta is building global financial infrastructure for the future of tokenized finance. Combining an institutional-grade blockchain with global payments connectivity, foreign exchange, and treasury capabilities, Alta is creating the foundation for a more efficient, private, compliant, and connected global financial system. Learn more at alta.finance. 

Contact

Bridgett Frey
bridgett@dowling-group.com

Lainiq Launches Loan Comparison and Calculator Website for Finnish Consumers

The new Finnish-language site compares offers from 17 Finnish lenders and brokers, calculates what a loan costs each month and in total, and explains the terms behind the price of credit.

Vaala, Finland, 10th Nov 2026 – Lainiq, a Finnish-language loan comparison and loan calculator website for consumers in Finland, launched today. At launch, Lainiq lists 17 lenders and loan brokers, calculates loan costs and covers loan types from consumer loans to boat loans across 60 pages.

Loan types and amounts on dedicated pages

Lainiq organises its comparisons by loan type. The loan types with their own pages and comparison tables include consumer loans (kulutusluotto), quick loans (pikalaina), car loans (autolaina), motorcycle loans (moottoripyörälaina), renovation loans (remonttilaina), boat loans (venelaina), travel loans (matkalaina) and debt consolidation loans (yhdistelylaina). Lainiq also publishes separate pages for loan amounts of 1,000, 2,000, 10,000, 20,000 and 30,000 euros.

Alongside the comparison tables, Lainiq publishes guides on loan types and a glossary of 48 Finnish lending terms.

How the comparison tables are presented

Each comparison table lists the amount range, the repayment term range and the cost figures each lender or loan broker publishes, such as the effective annual rate and the nominal rate. Lainiq shows the lenders and loan brokers side by side and marks each row as either a lender or a loan broker. Users may continue to the lender’s or loan broker’s website to review the application process and final terms.

Lainiq displays a lender’s figures only after they have been checked against the lender’s own published pages; where no checked figure exists, the row refers to the lender’s terms instead. Lainiq’s comparison does not cover every loan available on the Finnish market.

Calculators for loan costs

Lainiq offers calculators including a loan calculator, an interest calculator, a car loan calculator, a mortgage calculator and a student loan calculator. They show monthly payments, interest and the total amount repaid based on the figures the user enters. Lainiq presents every calculator result as an estimate.

About Lainiq

Lainiq is a Finnish-language loan comparison and loan calculator website based in Vaala, Finland. Lainiq lists 17 lenders and loan brokers, calculates loan costs and publishes guides and a glossary of Finnish lending terms. Lainiq does not provide loans or make credit decisions; final eligibility, pricing, terms and credit decisions are determined by the individual lender.

Media Contact

Organization: Lainiq

Contact Person: Olavi Laine

Website: https://lainiq.fi/

Email:
asiakaspalvelu@lainiq.fi

City: Vaala

Country: Finland

Release id: 50557

View source version on King Newswire:
Lainiq Launches Loan Comparison and Calculator Website for Finnish Consumers

file

Zhariff Zabidi Releases Calibration Intelligence: The Intelligence of Knowing What the Moment Requires

Engineer and energy-finance professional presents calibration intelligence as the missing link between understanding a situation and choosing the response it requires

Plano, Texas, United States, 10th Nov 2026 – Zhariff Zabidi, a petroleum engineer and author, has released “Calibration Intelligence: The Intelligence of Knowing What the Moment Requires.” The book proposes calibration intelligence as a “missing intelligence” alongside cognitive intelligence (IQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ): the judgment to recognize which response a situation requires, how strongly to apply it and when to change course.

In Zhariff’s framework, cognitive ability supports analysis and problem-solving, while emotional intelligence supports understanding and managing emotions. Calibration intelligence addresses how those abilities are applied in context. A person may understand a problem and recognize the emotions involved, yet still struggle to decide whether to act, wait, persist or reconsider.

“We’re taught to work harder and think smarter, but how do we know when to change our approach?” said Zhariff. “I wrote this book to help readers recognize when a strength has stopped serving them, and to decide what the moment actually calls for.”

The framework draws on Zhariff’s work in petroleum engineering and energy finance, where forecasts depend on assumptions that must be reassessed as evidence changes. A temporary decline in a well’s production does not necessarily justify rewriting its long-term forecast; a financial projection is only as useful as its assumptions about performance and risk. The book brings that attention to context, patterns and changing conditions into everyday decisions.

Yin and Yang provide a practical way to consider complementary responses. Yang emphasizes action, assertion and forward movement; Yin emphasizes receptivity, reflection and restraint. The appropriate balance changes with the situation. A stalled project may require a decisive next step, while a tense conversation may require listening before responding.

Through personal stories and practical frameworks, the book helps readers:

  • Recognize when persistence, patience or confidence starts working against them.
  • Distinguish a temporary setback from a recurring pattern that needs attention.
  • Choose when to act, listen, set a boundary or change direction.

“Discipline and flexibility, ambition and contentment, confidence and humility are all strengths,” Zhariff said. “The skill is knowing which one the moment requires.”

Published October 22, 2026, “Calibration Intelligence” is the first book in the Calibration Intelligence Series and is available on Amazon in hardcover, paperback and Kindle editions. Learn more at zhariffzabidi.com.

About Zhariff Zabidi

Zhariff Zabidi is a Malaysian American author, petroleum engineer, Realtor, investor and entrepreneur based in the Dallas area. He serves as First Vice President–Petroleum Engineer in energy finance. Born in Kuala Lumpur, he holds a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from Texas A&M University and an MBA in finance from the University of Texas at Dallas. The book reflects his personal views, not those of his employers.

Media Contact

Organization: Zhariff Zabidi

Contact Person: Zhariff Zabidi

Website: https://zhariffzabidi.com

Email:
hello@zhariffzabidi.com

Contact Number: +13467707489

Address: 1209 Northridge Dr, Plano, TX 75075

City: Plano

State: Texas

Country: United States

Release id: 50606

View source version on King Newswire:
Zhariff Zabidi Releases Calibration Intelligence: The Intelligence of Knowing What the Moment Requires

file

WhalesBot Launches Pubbo: AI Companion Robot for US Kids

Shanghai, China, 10th Nov 2026 — WhalesBot, a global leader in AI and educational robotics, today officially announced the launch of Pubbo, an interactive AI companion robot created specifically for American families and children aged 3 to 11. Designed to transform passive screen consumption into active cognitive discovery, Pubbo combines real-time conversational AI, computer vision, generative artwork creation, and interactive STEM learning into an approachable physical companion.

Following extensive research and development in child-centric hardware, Pubbo is now available for purchase in the United States through its official platform at pubbo.ai.

Introducing Pubbo: An AI Companion Robot for Kids

Pubbo represents a shift in how children interact with modern technology. Rather than acting as a static teaching device or a repetitive electronic toy, Pubbo is an active, responsive companion that listens, understands, and grows alongside young learners.

Designed for children between 3 and 11 years old, Pubbo features dynamic real-time digital expressions on an intuitive 3.5-inch touch screen, high-definition computer vision, multi-zone touch sensitivity, and dual-microphone arrays. Built with soft, non-toxic, and impact-resistant PC+ABS materials, Pubbo brings cutting-edge artificial intelligence into the home in a safe, wholesome, and tactile format.

At its core, Pubbo addresses a key priority for modern parents: replacing passive screen scrolling with meaningful, hands-on technology engagement. Through its integrated AI capabilities, Pubbo naturally sparks curiosity while maintaining enterprise-grade safety and child privacy standards.

Bringing AI Interaction and Creative Learning Together

Unlike traditional smart voice assistants that simply deliver direct answers, Pubbo engages children through interactive dialogue, visual discovery, and physical movement.

Pubbo introduces a holistic multi-modal learning experience:

● Conversational Dialogue & Natural Voice AI: Children can converse naturally with Pubbo about science, daily life, or bedtime stories. Pubbo dynamically adapts its vocabulary and tone to match the child’s developmental age.

● Computer Vision & Object Recognition: Utilizing its onboard 5MP smart camera, Pubbo recognizes objects, toys, colors, and hand-drawn pictures in real time, turning living rooms into interactive exploration spaces.

● Voice-to-Image & Sketch-to-Art Generation: Children can speak their imaginative ideas aloud or present basic hand-drawn paper sketches to Pubbo, watching the AI transform their initial concepts into vibrant digital artwork on screen.

● Interactive Create Lab (App Modes): Connected via the Pubbo App, children unlock multiple interaction modes—including Remote Control, Challenge Quests, Invention & Creation, and Visual Free Coding—allowing them to program physical robot behaviors, lights, sounds, and motion.

More Than a Toy: Encouraging Exploration Through Play

Pubbo’s core philosophy is built on four fundamental dimensions of creativity: Imagination, Expression, Exploration, and Design. By fusing generative AI with hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning, Pubbo turns everyday play into an ongoing educational journey.

Rather than giving rigid instructions, Pubbo invites open-ended problem solving. Through level-based coding quests, multi-touch sensor interactions, and science Q&A challenges, children learn computational thinking, cause-and-effect reasoning, and creative confidence.

By actively guiding kids to ask “Why?” and “What happens if we try this?”, Pubbo encourages children to test out their own ideas, iterate through trial and error, and take pride in their original creations.

Pubbo Is Now Available in the United States

Pubbo is officially available for order in the United States. Customers can explore comprehensive product details, live interactive video demonstrations, and direct purchasing options on the official brand website:

Official Website: https://pubbo.ai/

Pubbo Product Page: https://pubbo.ai/products/pubbo

Pubbo includes USB-C fast charging support, full access to the Pubbo App (available on iOS and Android), and continuous Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates featuring new seasonal games, STEM missions, and AI capabilities.

About WhalesBot

Founded in 2018, WhalesBot is a globally recognized pioneer in robotics, programming tools, and AI learning systems. Driven by the mission to empower the next generation through hands-on technology, WhalesBot bridges hardware innovation, software development, and STEM curriculum into cohesive educational solutions.

WhalesBot operates across 81+ countries, partnering with over 30,000 schools and 20,000 educational institutions worldwide. Expanding from its leadership in educational robotics and international STEM competitions, WhalesBot created Pubbo to bring its deep hardware and pedagogical expertise directly into the home—delivering warm, creative, and inspiring AI companionship for families everywhere.

Media Contact

Organization: Shanghai WhalesBot Robotics Co., Ltd.

Contact Person: Shenleyan (Shen Leyan)

Website: https://www.whalesbot.com/

Email:
shenleyan@whalesbot.com

Contact Number: +8615021234738

Address: No. 188 Zixu Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China

City: Shanghai

State: shanghai

Country: China

Release id: 50487

View source version on King Newswire:
WhalesBot Launches Pubbo: AI Companion Robot for US Kids

file

Backed by $80 Million, Alta is Building the Infrastructure to Bring Global Banking Onchain

San Francisco, CA, USA, November 10th, 2026, Chainwire

New funding will advance institutional-grade blockchain infrastructure built for privacy, compliance, and global connectivity

Alta, a financial infrastructure company building the foundation for the next generation of global finance, today announced it has raised $80 million in total funding, including a $47.5 million Series A round and $32.5 million in previous seed financing. The Series A was led by Index Ventures, with participation from GV (Google Ventures), Blackbird Ventures, Square Peg, and Capital 49.

Alta is building new institutional-grade blockchain infrastructure that enables financial assets and products to move instantly, globally, and programmatically. Unlike existing infrastructure built primarily for crypto-native applications, Alta is designed to meet the privacy, compliance, neutrality, and operational requirements of regulated financial institutions while supporting transactions across assets, chains, and jurisdictions. Its launch comes as regulatory clarity improves and institutional demand for tokenized finance accelerates.

“Existing blockchains aren’t designed for the privacy and compliance requirements of global financial institutions,” said Loong Wang, Co-Founder and CEO of Alta. “We’re taking a fundamentally different approach, building privacy, programmable compliance, and identity and authorization directly into the blockchain. This will enable money and assets to move instantly, globally, and securely, whether it’s a bank settling a transaction or an AI agent making a payment.”

Today’s global financial system is fragmented and still has many areas of inefficiency. Moving money across borders can take days, and institutions must maintain substantial cash buffers to ensure liquidity across jurisdictions and payment networks. An estimated $4 trillion is tied up in prefunded accounts globally. Alta is building a more efficient system, combining instant settlement with global payment connectivity, foreign exchange, and treasury management capabilities. 

At the core of Alta’s technology is a new blockchain architecture built on recursive zero-knowledge cryptography. It enables institutions to keep balances, transactions, identities, and compliance policies private while verifying that transactions meet the required rules. Designed to work across assets, chains, and jurisdictions, Alta combines programmable compliance with the controls and scalability needed for institutional finance and agentic commerce.

“Technology alone won’t be enough to modernize global finance. Financial institutions need infrastructure they can trust, with clear controls over who they’re transacting with, where money can move, and how sensitive information is protected,” said Catherine Porter, Co-Founder and President of Alta. “As AI agents increasingly make financial decisions and execute transactions, that trust becomes even more critical. Privacy, compliance, and accountability just aren’t barriers to innovation – they’re what will allow it to scale.”

Leading financial platform Airwallex has chosen to build on Alta, connecting its global payments infrastructure with Alta’s blockchain technology. In addition to pay-ins and pay-outs via stablecoins, the collaboration will support connectivity to local fiat payment networks across 200 countries and 90 currencies. Alta is designed as neutral infrastructure that banks, payment providers, and other financial institutions can build on.

Alta’s first product will help businesses manage liquidity more efficiently and reduce cash buffers tied up in prefunded accounts. Built on tokenized assets, it will enable just-in-time funding, more efficient foreign exchange, and allow businesses to instantly move in and out of yield-bearing tokenized assets, maximizing the interest earned on otherwise idle capital.

“With the rise of agentic banking and programmable payments, stablecoins are becoming an important vector for settlement. Financial institutions need blockchain infrastructure that is private, neutral, regulated, and connected to global fiat rails. Alta is building exactly that,” said Jack Zhang, Co-Founder of Alta and Co-Founder/CEO of Airwallex. “We’re proud to be an early design partner and help Alta deliver onchain finance at institutional scale.”

Backed by Leading Global Investors

Alta’s investors bring together expertise across financial technology, enterprise infrastructure, and blockchain innovation.

“Loong is the sort of technologist you only meet a few times in a career. After a major fintech exit from his first company, he went on to run the largest supercomputing calculation in history at its time, then discovered a cancer drug now in human trials. With Catherine’s exceptional track record of bringing industry leaders to the table and Jack’s understanding of the problem space, this is a team we had to back,” said Jan Hammer, Partner at Index Ventures.

“The Alta founders have successfully built and scaled multi-billion-dollar technology and financial infrastructure businesses, and understand how to de-risk complex institutional execution. We have been impressed with their combination of deep-tech blockchain engineering, institutional go-to-market knowledge, and vision for scale, and we look forward to supporting them in their mission to reimagine financial infrastructure at its core,” said Tom Hulme, Managing Partner at GV. 

The new funding will support continued development of Alta’s blockchain infrastructure, expansion of its institutional partnerships and global financial connectivity, and growth of its engineering and compliance teams.

About Alta

Alta is building global financial infrastructure for the future of tokenized finance. Combining an institutional-grade blockchain with global payments connectivity, foreign exchange, and treasury capabilities, Alta is creating the foundation for a more efficient, private, compliant, and connected global financial system. Learn more at alta.finance. 

Contact

Bridgett Frey
bridgett@dowling-group.com

Lainiq Launches Loan Comparison and Calculator Website for Finnish Consumers

The new Finnish-language site compares offers from 17 Finnish lenders and brokers, calculates what a loan costs each month and in total, and explains the terms behind the price of credit.

Vaala, Finland, 10th Nov 2026 – Lainiq, a Finnish-language loan comparison and loan calculator website for consumers in Finland, launched today. At launch, Lainiq lists 17 lenders and loan brokers, calculates loan costs and covers loan types from consumer loans to boat loans across 60 pages.

Loan types and amounts on dedicated pages

Lainiq organises its comparisons by loan type. The loan types with their own pages and comparison tables include consumer loans (kulutusluotto), quick loans (pikalaina), car loans (autolaina), motorcycle loans (moottoripyörälaina), renovation loans (remonttilaina), boat loans (venelaina), travel loans (matkalaina) and debt consolidation loans (yhdistelylaina). Lainiq also publishes separate pages for loan amounts of 1,000, 2,000, 10,000, 20,000 and 30,000 euros.

Alongside the comparison tables, Lainiq publishes guides on loan types and a glossary of 48 Finnish lending terms.

How the comparison tables are presented

Each comparison table lists the amount range, the repayment term range and the cost figures each lender or loan broker publishes, such as the effective annual rate and the nominal rate. Lainiq shows the lenders and loan brokers side by side and marks each row as either a lender or a loan broker. Users may continue to the lender’s or loan broker’s website to review the application process and final terms.

Lainiq displays a lender’s figures only after they have been checked against the lender’s own published pages; where no checked figure exists, the row refers to the lender’s terms instead. Lainiq’s comparison does not cover every loan available on the Finnish market.

Calculators for loan costs

Lainiq offers calculators including a loan calculator, an interest calculator, a car loan calculator, a mortgage calculator and a student loan calculator. They show monthly payments, interest and the total amount repaid based on the figures the user enters. Lainiq presents every calculator result as an estimate.

About Lainiq

Lainiq is a Finnish-language loan comparison and loan calculator website based in Vaala, Finland. Lainiq lists 17 lenders and loan brokers, calculates loan costs and publishes guides and a glossary of Finnish lending terms. Lainiq does not provide loans or make credit decisions; final eligibility, pricing, terms and credit decisions are determined by the individual lender.

Media Contact

Organization: Lainiq

Contact Person: Olavi Laine

Website: https://lainiq.fi/

Email:
asiakaspalvelu@lainiq.fi

City: Vaala

Country: Finland

Release id: 50557

View source version on King Newswire:
Lainiq Launches Loan Comparison and Calculator Website for Finnish Consumers

file

Zhariff Zabidi Releases Calibration Intelligence: The Intelligence of Knowing What the Moment Requires

Engineer and energy-finance professional presents calibration intelligence as the missing link between understanding a situation and choosing the response it requires

Plano, Texas, United States, 10th Nov 2026 – Zhariff Zabidi, a petroleum engineer and author, has released “Calibration Intelligence: The Intelligence of Knowing What the Moment Requires.” The book proposes calibration intelligence as a “missing intelligence” alongside cognitive intelligence (IQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ): the judgment to recognize which response a situation requires, how strongly to apply it and when to change course.

In Zhariff’s framework, cognitive ability supports analysis and problem-solving, while emotional intelligence supports understanding and managing emotions. Calibration intelligence addresses how those abilities are applied in context. A person may understand a problem and recognize the emotions involved, yet still struggle to decide whether to act, wait, persist or reconsider.

“We’re taught to work harder and think smarter, but how do we know when to change our approach?” said Zhariff. “I wrote this book to help readers recognize when a strength has stopped serving them, and to decide what the moment actually calls for.”

The framework draws on Zhariff’s work in petroleum engineering and energy finance, where forecasts depend on assumptions that must be reassessed as evidence changes. A temporary decline in a well’s production does not necessarily justify rewriting its long-term forecast; a financial projection is only as useful as its assumptions about performance and risk. The book brings that attention to context, patterns and changing conditions into everyday decisions.

Yin and Yang provide a practical way to consider complementary responses. Yang emphasizes action, assertion and forward movement; Yin emphasizes receptivity, reflection and restraint. The appropriate balance changes with the situation. A stalled project may require a decisive next step, while a tense conversation may require listening before responding.

Through personal stories and practical frameworks, the book helps readers:

  • Recognize when persistence, patience or confidence starts working against them.
  • Distinguish a temporary setback from a recurring pattern that needs attention.
  • Choose when to act, listen, set a boundary or change direction.

“Discipline and flexibility, ambition and contentment, confidence and humility are all strengths,” Zhariff said. “The skill is knowing which one the moment requires.”

Published October 22, 2026, “Calibration Intelligence” is the first book in the Calibration Intelligence Series and is available on Amazon in hardcover, paperback and Kindle editions. Learn more at zhariffzabidi.com.

About Zhariff Zabidi

Zhariff Zabidi is a Malaysian American author, petroleum engineer, Realtor, investor and entrepreneur based in the Dallas area. He serves as First Vice President–Petroleum Engineer in energy finance. Born in Kuala Lumpur, he holds a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from Texas A&M University and an MBA in finance from the University of Texas at Dallas. The book reflects his personal views, not those of his employers.

Media Contact

Organization: Zhariff Zabidi

Contact Person: Zhariff Zabidi

Website: https://zhariffzabidi.com

Email:
hello@zhariffzabidi.com

Contact Number: +13467707489

Address: 1209 Northridge Dr, Plano, TX 75075

City: Plano

State: Texas

Country: United States

Release id: 50606

View source version on King Newswire:
Zhariff Zabidi Releases Calibration Intelligence: The Intelligence of Knowing What the Moment Requires

file

WhalesBot Launches Pubbo: AI Companion Robot for US Kids

Shanghai, China, 10th Nov 2026 — WhalesBot, a global leader in AI and educational robotics, today officially announced the launch of Pubbo, an interactive AI companion robot created specifically for American families and children aged 3 to 11. Designed to transform passive screen consumption into active cognitive discovery, Pubbo combines real-time conversational AI, computer vision, generative artwork creation, and interactive STEM learning into an approachable physical companion.

Following extensive research and development in child-centric hardware, Pubbo is now available for purchase in the United States through its official platform at pubbo.ai.

Introducing Pubbo: An AI Companion Robot for Kids

Pubbo represents a shift in how children interact with modern technology. Rather than acting as a static teaching device or a repetitive electronic toy, Pubbo is an active, responsive companion that listens, understands, and grows alongside young learners.

Designed for children between 3 and 11 years old, Pubbo features dynamic real-time digital expressions on an intuitive 3.5-inch touch screen, high-definition computer vision, multi-zone touch sensitivity, and dual-microphone arrays. Built with soft, non-toxic, and impact-resistant PC+ABS materials, Pubbo brings cutting-edge artificial intelligence into the home in a safe, wholesome, and tactile format.

At its core, Pubbo addresses a key priority for modern parents: replacing passive screen scrolling with meaningful, hands-on technology engagement. Through its integrated AI capabilities, Pubbo naturally sparks curiosity while maintaining enterprise-grade safety and child privacy standards.

Bringing AI Interaction and Creative Learning Together

Unlike traditional smart voice assistants that simply deliver direct answers, Pubbo engages children through interactive dialogue, visual discovery, and physical movement.

Pubbo introduces a holistic multi-modal learning experience:

● Conversational Dialogue & Natural Voice AI: Children can converse naturally with Pubbo about science, daily life, or bedtime stories. Pubbo dynamically adapts its vocabulary and tone to match the child’s developmental age.

● Computer Vision & Object Recognition: Utilizing its onboard 5MP smart camera, Pubbo recognizes objects, toys, colors, and hand-drawn pictures in real time, turning living rooms into interactive exploration spaces.

● Voice-to-Image & Sketch-to-Art Generation: Children can speak their imaginative ideas aloud or present basic hand-drawn paper sketches to Pubbo, watching the AI transform their initial concepts into vibrant digital artwork on screen.

● Interactive Create Lab (App Modes): Connected via the Pubbo App, children unlock multiple interaction modes—including Remote Control, Challenge Quests, Invention & Creation, and Visual Free Coding—allowing them to program physical robot behaviors, lights, sounds, and motion.

More Than a Toy: Encouraging Exploration Through Play

Pubbo’s core philosophy is built on four fundamental dimensions of creativity: Imagination, Expression, Exploration, and Design. By fusing generative AI with hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning, Pubbo turns everyday play into an ongoing educational journey.

Rather than giving rigid instructions, Pubbo invites open-ended problem solving. Through level-based coding quests, multi-touch sensor interactions, and science Q&A challenges, children learn computational thinking, cause-and-effect reasoning, and creative confidence.

By actively guiding kids to ask “Why?” and “What happens if we try this?”, Pubbo encourages children to test out their own ideas, iterate through trial and error, and take pride in their original creations.

Pubbo Is Now Available in the United States

Pubbo is officially available for order in the United States. Customers can explore comprehensive product details, live interactive video demonstrations, and direct purchasing options on the official brand website:

Official Website: https://pubbo.ai/

Pubbo Product Page: https://pubbo.ai/products/pubbo

Pubbo includes USB-C fast charging support, full access to the Pubbo App (available on iOS and Android), and continuous Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates featuring new seasonal games, STEM missions, and AI capabilities.

About WhalesBot

Founded in 2018, WhalesBot is a globally recognized pioneer in robotics, programming tools, and AI learning systems. Driven by the mission to empower the next generation through hands-on technology, WhalesBot bridges hardware innovation, software development, and STEM curriculum into cohesive educational solutions.

WhalesBot operates across 81+ countries, partnering with over 30,000 schools and 20,000 educational institutions worldwide. Expanding from its leadership in educational robotics and international STEM competitions, WhalesBot created Pubbo to bring its deep hardware and pedagogical expertise directly into the home—delivering warm, creative, and inspiring AI companionship for families everywhere.

Media Contact

Organization: Shanghai WhalesBot Robotics Co., Ltd.

Contact Person: Shenleyan (Shen Leyan)

Website: https://www.whalesbot.com/

Email:
shenleyan@whalesbot.com

Contact Number: +8615021234738

Address: No. 188 Zixu Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China

City: Shanghai

State: shanghai

Country: China

Release id: 50487

View source version on King Newswire:
WhalesBot Launches Pubbo: AI Companion Robot for US Kids

file

Onramp Launches Onramp Business, Giving Companies One Account to Buy, Secure, and Govern Their Bitcoin

Austin, United States, November 10th, 2026, FinanceWire

A company holding bitcoin has usually depended on one custodian, one login, or one keyholder. Onramp Business gives companies named users, team approvals on withdrawals, and an account that opens in a business day, with higher tiers adding Multi-Institution Custody for larger holdings.

Onramp, the bitcoin financial services platform built on Multi-Institution Custody, today launched Onramp Business, an account for companies that hold bitcoin on the balance sheet. Onramp Business accounts are free, with a 0.85% trade fee and bitcoin held by a qualified custodian, and most companies are verified within a business day. Each account includes up to three named users, role-based permissions, approval policies that put a second person on withdrawals, and a complete audit trail. Two tiers for larger holdings launch alongside it: Onramp Treasury, built on Multi-Institution Custody, and Onramp Enterprise. Companies already using Onramp for their bitcoin include Pacific Office Designs, Bitcoin News, and Build Collateral Agent, LLC. 

Buying bitcoin as a business has been easy for years. Governing it has been nearly impossible. A company that relies on one person to hold its keys turns that person into the single point of failure, with a key ceremony every time someone leaves and physical risk concentrated on whoever holds the hardware. A company that buys through an exchange gets one set of credentials, no roles, no approval policies, and no plan for when the person with the login moves on. Institutional custodians solve pieces of the problem at prices built for exchanges and funds. Faced with those options, many boards that believed in the asset still said no, because nobody could tell them how it would be held and governed.

The physical risk is growing. 52 physical attacks on Bitcoin and crypto holders were reported in the first half of 2026, up 33% from a year earlier, and a business holding a bearer asset carries that exposure on behalf of its employees and owners. At the same time, operating costs keep climbing faster than businesses can pass them on. New York City lost 2,000 restaurants in the past year, its worst year-over-year drop in eating and drinking places in 36 years, as health insurance for New York service firms rose 12.9%, business insurance 7.0%, and utilities 8.5%.

“We spent years watching businesses decide they wanted bitcoin on the balance sheet, then stall the moment their board asked who holds the keys,” said Michael Tanguma, Founder and CEO of Onramp. “Nobody had a good answer. Onramp Business gives a company the same controls its bank account already has: named users, approvals on withdrawals, and a record of everything. As the position grows, Onramp Treasury holds it in a vault protected by three independent institutions, so no single party, Onramp included, can lose or move it.”

“As collateral agent for credit funds using bitcoin as collateral, Build Collateral Agent, LLC selects partners based on a number of risk mitigation considerations, including our attempt to eliminate single points of failure,” said John Ruth, President of Build Collateral Agent, LLC. “Onramp Business uses a differentiated approach with their multi-institutional security model that is aligned with our risk mitigation philosophy. Onramp’s service model has exceeded our expectations. Team members and leadership are available to us when we need them – providing valuable human connections to a tech savvy product suite.” 

Onramp Business is built around the controls those boards were asking for. Each user gets their own login as an owner, admin, or view-only user, so a bookkeeper or board member can see the account without being able to move anything. With approval policies on, a withdrawal waits for a second person to sign off, the same way a wire does, so no one person, the founder included, can move company bitcoin alone. Verification, user setup, funding, and purchases all happen inside the platform, with bitcoin settling directly into custody.

For companies with larger positions, Onramp Treasury, starting at $375 per month, moves the company’s bitcoin into a vault held in its own name under Multi-Institution Custody, where no single institution can lose it, move it, or use it, and nothing moves without the company’s permission. Treasury supports up to five users and two vaults, lowers the trade fee to 0.65%, and includes migration support for existing holdings and continuity planning so the position stays secure through leadership changes.

To mark the launch, businesses that activate Onramp Treasury by December 31, 2026 will receive white-glove onboarding from Onramp’s team and no onboarding fee. Inquire about a reduction in custody fees based on Bitcoin trade volume. 

Onramp Enterprise, the top tier, serves funds, miners, and large corporate treasuries with custom vault configurations, custom approval structures, and a dedicated team, and is available today by consultation.

Onramp Business is available today. Companies can apply at onrampbitcoin.com/business, and most are verified within a business day. Businesses with larger holdings can book a consultation for Onramp Treasury or Onramp Enterprise at the same link.

About Onramp

Onramp is a bitcoin financial services platform for individuals and businesses who think about wealth in decades. Onramp is the leader in Multi-Institution Custody (MIC), where no single institution can lose, move, or use a client’s bitcoin. Each vault is protected by three independent institutions drawn from a network of four: Onramp, BitGo, CoinCover, and Tetra Trust. Onramp Business gives companies a free account with named users, approval policies that put a second person on withdrawals, and a complete audit trail, while Onramp Treasury and Onramp Enterprise serve larger holdings. For individuals, Onramp Finance combines cash accounts, a spending card, low-cost bitcoin brokerage in all 50 states, bitcoin IRAs, and direct gold access in a single account. Learn more at onrampbitcoin.com.

Contact

Founder
Phil
21M Communications
Phil@21mcommunications.com

Essential Lawn Care Tips from JE&L Pro Landscaping for a Healthy, Green, and Well-Maintained Lawn

This article from JE&L Pro Landscaping shares essential lawn care tips for maintaining healthy, green, and attractive outdoor spaces. It covers regular mowing, proper watering, soil aeration, fertilization, weed control, mulching, and seasonal cleanup. It also highlights the benefits of professional lawn maintenance in Groveland, commercial landscaping in Windham, and mulching services in North Andover. With over 15 years of experience, JE&L Pro Landscaping provides residential and commercial landscaping solutions throughout Massachusetts.

Lawrence, Massachusetts, United States, 10th Nov 2026 – A healthy, green lawn does more than improve the appearance of a property. It creates a welcoming outdoor environment, supports healthy soil, and enhances overall curb appeal. However, maintaining an attractive lawn requires regular attention, proper lawn care practices, and seasonal maintenance. Homeowners and commercial property managers can achieve better results by following a consistent lawn care routine and addressing potential problems before they become costly.

Essential Lawn Care Tips from JE&L Pro Landscaping for a Healthy, Green, and Well-Maintained Lawn

Lawn Maintenance in Groveland plays an important role in keeping outdoor spaces healthy, neat, and visually appealing. Regular mowing, proper watering, weed control, and seasonal cleanup help maintain strong grass growth throughout the growing season. Mowing at the appropriate height prevents unnecessary stress on grass, while watering deeply and consistently encourages stronger root development.

Another important part of lawn care is maintaining healthy soil. Soil quality directly affects how well grass absorbs water and nutrients. Aeration can help reduce soil compaction, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots more effectively. Applying fertilizer when needed can also support healthy growth and improve lawn colour.

For commercial properties, professional Commercial Landscaping in Windham can make a significant difference in maintaining an attractive and professional appearance. Clean lawn edges, properly maintained planting beds, trimmed shrubs, and healthy grass create a positive first impression for customers, visitors, and employees. Consistent Commercial Lawn Maintenance in Windham also helps prevent overgrowth, control weeds, and keep outdoor areas organized throughout the year.

Mulching is another valuable landscaping practice that supports healthier outdoor spaces. Professional Mulching Services in North Andover help retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, reduce weed growth, and improve the appearance of landscape beds. Applying an appropriate mulch layer around trees, shrubs, and garden beds can protect plant roots while creating a clean and finished landscape.

Seasonal maintenance is equally important for long-term lawn health. Spring cleanup prepares the property for new growth, summer maintenance helps manage heat and moisture stress, and fall cleanup removes leaves and debris that can damage grass. Adjusting lawn care practices according to seasonal conditions helps maintain a healthier and more attractive property.

Choosing consistent landscaping and lawn care services can save time while helping protect the long-term condition of outdoor spaces. With proper planning, routine maintenance, and attention to soil and plant health, property owners can enjoy greener lawns and well-maintained landscapes.

About JE&L Pro Landscaping

JE&L Pro Landscaping is dedicated to providing quality landscaping solutions for residential and commercial properties. Founded by Juan Lopez, the company brings over 15 years of landscaping experience and a commitment to reliable service, attention to detail, and customer satisfaction. Based in Lawrence, Massachusetts, JE&L Pro Landscaping serves property owners throughout Massachusetts with landscaping, lawn maintenance, hardscaping, drainage solutions, seasonal cleanup , mulching, and other outdoor improvement services. The company focuses on helping customers maintain attractive, functional, and healthy outdoor spaces through professional landscaping care.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should a lawn receive professional maintenance?

Most lawns benefit from weekly or biweekly mowing during the active growing season. The exact schedule depends on grass growth, weather conditions, and the property’s maintenance requirements.

2. What are the most important steps for maintaining a healthy green lawn?

Regular mowing, proper watering, soil aeration, weed control, and appropriate fertilization are essential practices. Seasonal cleanup also helps protect grass from debris and excessive moisture.

3. Why is lawn maintenance in Groveland important?

Regular lawn maintenance in Groveland helps promote healthy grass growth, improve curb appeal, control weeds, and keep residential and commercial outdoor spaces looking neat throughout the year.

4. What does commercial landscaping in Windham typically include?

Commercial landscaping can include lawn mowing, shrub trimming, landscape bed maintenance, mulching, seasonal cleanup, edging, and general property upkeep.

5. How does commercial lawn maintenance in Windham benefit businesses?

Consistent commercial lawn maintenance helps businesses maintain a professional property appearance, create welcoming outdoor spaces, manage overgrowth, and support the overall condition of their landscapes.

6. What are the benefits of professional mulching services in North Andover?

Mulching helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, suppress weeds, protect plant roots, and improve the appearance of landscape beds.

7. When is the best time to apply mulch?

Spring is a popular time to apply fresh mulch because it helps prepare landscape beds for the growing season. Mulch can also be refreshed when necessary throughout the year, depending on its condition.

8. How can property owners keep their lawns healthy throughout the year?

Property owners should follow a consistent maintenance schedule, adjust watering according to weather conditions, mow at suitable heights, remove leaves and debris, and address lawn problems early.

Media Contact

Organization: JE&L Pro Landscaping

Contact Person: Eli Ruben

Website: https://jelprolandscaping.com/

Email: Send Email

Contact Number: +17817767461

Address: 45 Bigelow St Lawrence, MA 01843

City: Lawrence

State: Massachusetts

Country: United States

Release id: 50620

View source version on King Newswire:
Essential Lawn Care Tips from JE&L Pro Landscaping for a Healthy, Green, and Well-Maintained Lawn

file

Octrado Named Best Rising Broker 2026 in the Finance Magnates Awards

Mahé, Seychelles, November 10th, 2026, FinanceWire

Recognition in the regional Asia category points to transparent trading conditions, zero fees and a proven technology environment

Octrado has been named Best Rising Broker 2026 (Asia) in the Finance Magnates Awards 2026. The winners were announced at the Finance Magnates Awards Gala Dinner & Ceremony in Limassol, Cyprus, on 6 November 2026.

The Finance Magnates Awards recognise leading companies and CEOs across online trading, fintech, payments and financial services, in categories covering brokerage services, proprietary trading, institutional trading, payments, financial technology and services for brokers. The regional awards cover key financial markets including Asia, MENA, LATAM, Africa and Europe. Octrado received its award in the Asia region.

“For us, the result is recognition of a direction rather than of a single figure. We build our offering on a proven technology environment and on conditions a trader can verify in advance — the point at which a growing broker either earns trust or loses it,” said Mohamad Riyadhi Ramlan, an analyst at Octrado.

Elements behind Octrado’s growth

  • average traded volume of more than USD 6 billion over the last five years
  • no deposit or withdrawal fees
  • seven trading levels with a level-based bonus programme, spread and commission discounts and risk management support
  • interest paid on uninvested funds held in the trading account

The award category also reflects the segment in which Octrado is expanding. Alongside its brokerage services, the company offers proprietary trading under the model “Your Skill. Our Capital”, where a trader gains access to firm capital through a structured evaluation process, with a profit split of up to 90%, account sizes of up to USD 100,000 and clearly stated risk rules.

Prop-trading surges in its volume. In its recent study, analysts of Octrado provided a global estimate, which puts the primary prop-trading market, the direct annual revenue of prop firms, at USD 4.0 to 4.5 billion, and the broader ecosystem value, which adds downstream brokerage fees and notionally allocated capital, at around USD 20 billion.

Octrado thanks the clients, voters and judges who took part in the Finance Magnates Awards 2026. The company treats the result as a commitment to maintain the same standard of trading conditions, reporting and client support as its client base grows.

About Octrado

Octrado is a dynamic investment company built on transparency, innovation, and professional trader support. Rather than developing our own proprietary platform, we rely on the globally trusted MetaTrader 5 (MT5) environment, allowing our clients to trade on a stable, proven, and technologically advanced system recognized worldwide.

Octrado LTD. is a limited liability company regulated as a Securities Dealer by the Seychelles Financial Services Authority of Seychelles (“FSA”) with license number SD013 and with company number 8417634-1 to carry out certain categories of financial investment business as permitted under the Seychelles Securities Act 2007.

Contact

+44 20 4578 9302

support@octrado.com

For more information see: https://octrado.com/en/trading

Risk Warning – This marketing material is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instruments.

Trading in securities involves significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of securities may fluctuate significantly and may result in a total loss of your investment. Investors should be aware that losses may exceed potential profits when buying and selling securities. In certain market conditions, you may sustain losses that exceed your initial investment. Securities and contracts for differences are complex financial instruments that require a high level of knowledge and understanding. You should carefully consider whether you understand how these instruments work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Contact

Octrado Team
Octrado LTD
introducers@octrado.com