Author: Neel Achary

Paymentology Appoints Fiona Tee as Chief Financial Officer

London, UK – 19 May 2026 – Paymentology, the leading global issuer-processor, today announced the appointment of Fiona Tee as Chief Financial Officer, as the company continues to build on its recent momentum following a strategic investment, brand evolution and the next phase of global growth.

Fiona joins Paymentology from Currencycloud, where she spent nine years helping scale the business through a period of significant growth, culminating in its successful acquisition by Visa. She brings more than 25 years of finance leadership experience across fintech and technology, with a strong track record supporting multinational, venture-backed and private-equity-backed businesses through rapid growth, transformation, fundraising, exits and international expansion.

Her appointment comes at a significant moment in Paymentology’s growth journey. Earlier this month, Paymentology announced a $175 million strategic investment from Apis Partners and Aspirity Partners to accelerate its global expansion and continued innovation in modern issuer-processing infrastructure. The company also recently unveiled a new brand identity, reflecting its evolution into a globally scaled, cloud-native payments infrastructure provider supporting banks, fintechs and financial institutions across nearly 70 countries.

Jeff Parker, CEO of Paymentology, said: “Fiona joins us at an incredibly exciting time for Paymentology. As demand for modern issuer-processing infrastructure continues to accelerate globally, her experience scaling fintech businesses and navigating transformational growth will be invaluable as we enter our next phase. She brings deep financial and commercial expertise, alongside a strong entrepreneurial mindset and proven experience supporting high-growth international businesses. I’m delighted to welcome her to the executive leadership team.”

In her new role, Fiona will work closely with the Paymentology team to help deliver Paymentology’s five-year strategy, supporting customer excellence,new market entry, disciplined execution, and the financial performance needed to drive sustainable profitability as the business continues to scale.

Fiona Tee, CFO added: “Paymentology is at a pivotal moment, with strong momentum, ambitious growth plans and a clear opportunity to scale its impact globally. What stood out to me immediately was the strength of the business, the quality of the team and the commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for customers. I believe sustainable growth comes from a clear strategy, strong financial discipline and a culture that is aligned around execution. I’m excited to join Paymentology at this next stage and help build on the strong foundations already in place.”

As Paymentology continues to expand globally, the company remains focused on enabling traditional banks, digital banks and fintechs to launch, scale and modernise card programmes through flexible, cloud-native payments infrastructure designed for the next generation of financial services.

AD Ports Group Launches Cruise and Ferry Terminal Services in Egypt, Strengthening Cruise Tourism Across the Red Sea

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt/ Abu Dhabi, UAE – 19 May 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of trade, industry, and logistics solutions, today announced the commencement of cruise services at its three terminals in Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Safaga in Egypt, in addition to facilitating ferry services connecting Safaga and NEOM ports to support transport of Hajj workers between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

In 2024, AD Ports Group signed a 15-year concession agreement with Egypt’s Red Sea Ports Authority to manage, develop, and operate the three cruise terminals and associated ferry operations on Egypt’s Red Sea coast.

Sharm El Sheikh Cruise Port welcomed the arrival of “Aroya”, the largest mega cruise ship ever to dock directly in the coastal city, marking the beginning of a new era for cruise tourism in the Red Sea.

Aroya’s arrival at Sharm El Sheikh was enabled by the Egyptian Ministry of Transport and the Red Sea Ports Authority’s upgrades to the port’s docking capabilities, delivered in close collaboration with AD Ports Group. 

Noura R. Al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer of Cruise Business, AD Ports Group, said: “The launch of AD Ports Group’s cruise and ferry terminal services in Egypt underscores our commitment to advancing cruise tourism across the Red Sea, while driving sustainable economic value in the markets where we operate. Through close collaboration with our partners, we will continue to elevate passenger experience by delivering world-class facilities and seamless services.”

The arrival of “Aroya” in Sharm El Sheikh marks the first of several scheduled calls by the mega cruise vessel in 2026, reinforcing Sharm El Sheikh’s position, alongside Hurghada and Safaga, as regular destinations on regional and international cruise itineraries. Aside from its main cruise terminal operations in the UAE, the Group also manages and operates the Aqaba Cruise Terminal in Jordan through a partnership with the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC).

Egypt and the Red Sea are a focus of AD Ports Group’s expanding global network of integrated trade, transport, and logistics facilities. Beyond its container feeder shipping and stevedoring services, the Group in Egypt this year will inaugurate Noatum Ports Safaga Terminal, a USD 200 million multipurpose cargo terminal and major trade gateway for southern (Upper) Egypt. The Group is also developing the 20 km² KEZAD East Port Said Industrial and Logistics Park with Egyptian partners at the Mediterranean mouth of the Suez Canal.

In November 2025, AD Ports Group invested 13.2 billion Egyptian pounds (USD 279 million) to acquire a 19.3% stake in one of Egypt’s largest container terminal operators, Alexandria Container & Cargo Handling Company (ALCN), and subsequently moved to acquire a majority stake in the company.

The commencement of passenger ferry and cruise terminal services in Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Safaga, marks the latest milestone in the Group’s ongoing investment in Egypt, and its support of Egypt’s cruise tourism and maritime connectivity ambitions.

Metal Park Launches Phase 2 to Expand UAE Metals Ecosystem

Metal Park, a 500,000 sqm ecosystem established in 2021 in Abu Dhabi with an investment of AED 540 million, has announced the launch of Phase Two of its integrated industrial ecosystem during the Make it in the Emirates 2026, marking a significant milestone in enabling international metal companies to establish and scale operations in the UAE without upfront capital investment. 

Following the successful delivery and utilisation of Phase One, the new expansion will introduce more than 700,000 square feet of industrial units dedicated to metal processing and fabrication, further reinforcing Metal Park’s position as the world’s first fully integrated plug & play ecosystem for the metals industry.

Built around a flexible operational model, Phase Two is designed to simplify industrial growth by combining plug & play infrastructure with pay-as-you-go flexibility, enabling companies to begin operations immediately while scaling according to demand. The expansion aligns directly with the UAE’s national industrial agenda and the vision behind “Make it in the Emirates,” shifting the focus from ownership-driven industrial development to operational readiness and utilisation.

“Industrialisation is no longer about waiting to build, it is about starting to produce,” said Vahid Fouladkar, CEO of Metal Park. “Phase Two continues that shift by enabling companies to enter the market faster, operate with greater flexibility, and scale with confidence as demand grows.”

Phase Two will significantly expand Metal Park’s industrial and logistics capabilities through the addition of more than 700,000 square feet of fabrication and processing units, alongside over 130,000 tonnes of new storage capacity. This expansion will strengthen the Storage Hub in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), bringing Metal Park’s total storage capacity across Abu Dhabi and Fujairah close to 450,000 tonnes. The ecosystem also continues to offer an independent fulfilment model where storage is provided on a per MT/CBM per day basis, removing the need for fixed warehousing commitments and long-term space leasing.

As part of its continued expansion strategy, Metal Park has also strengthened its presence in Fujairah to complement its KEZAD operations and establish a resilient dual-hub logistics structure. This integrated model supports uninterrupted metal flows across the UAE and regional markets, covering import, export, inland distribution, storage, processing, and fabrication through one connected ecosystem designed to streamline both operational and financial flows.

Beyond industrial infrastructure, Phase Two will also introduce expanded facilities aimed at enhancing collaboration and operational support for ecosystem members and partners. These developments include the expansion of the Business Centre with flexible office solutions, the creation of a dedicated Community Centre for partnerships and industry engagement, and enhancements to the Support Centre offering maintenance, testing, packaging, and operational services.

Metal Park has evolved from concept to a fully operational industrial ecosystem, with both its Production and Storage Hubs actively utilised by a growing network of regional and international companies. Phase Two represents the next stage of this evolution, focused on scaling industrial capacity, strengthening supply chain connectivity, and redefining how metal companies establish and grow operations in the UAE.

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D.T. Thimmegowda Named Executive Director of SIIA Data Analysis Research Council Karnataka

New Delhi, May 19: SIIA Data Analysis Research Council has appointed Mr. D.T. Thimmegowda as the Executive Director for Karnataka State with immediate effect, recognising his long-standing experience in grassroots public engagement, organisational coordination, and social service activities. The appointment was approved during the council’s board meeting.

A Mysuru-based public figure with over two decades of active involvement in organisational and community initiatives, D.T. Thimmegowda has worked extensively at the grassroots level across Karnataka. He is known for his sustained participation in public outreach programmes, election campaign coordination, and community welfare initiatives.

According to the council, his appointment reflects the organisation’s focus on strengthening regional leadership and expanding its strategic data analysis and research initiatives in Karnataka. In his new role, he will oversee state-level coordination, research-oriented activities, and organisational development initiatives aligned with the council’s broader objectives.

Welcoming the appointment, Dr. Bhargav Mallappa, Director of SIIA Data Analysis Research Council, said,

 “I am pleased on the appointment of D.T. Thimmegowda. His dedication to public service, grassroots leadership, and organisational experience make him a big asset for the Council and its future initiatives in the state.”

Speaking on his appointment, D.T. Thimmegowda said,

“I am grateful for this responsibility and will work with dedication to strengthen the Council’s mission in Karnataka.” “This is not just an honour, but a responsibility towards society and public service,” he added.

The official appointment order was issued by Dr. Bhargav Mallappa, Director, SIIA Data Analysis Research Council.

Why Market Volatility May Be the Right Moment to Rethink Retirement Investing

In investing, comfort rarely creates the best opportunities. More often, it is uncertainty, market corrections and short-term fear that create the conditions for long-term wealth creation.

Indian equity markets have recently faced pressure from global geopolitical tensions, rising crude oil prices and currency volatility. Reuters reported that Indian shares and the rupee came under pressure amid higher oil prices and global uncertainty, with broad-based weakness across sectors.

Source: India shares, rupee fall on Modi’s call for austerity, crude price spike | Reuters 

For short-term investors, such volatility can feel unsettling. But for long-term goals such as retirement, this environment brings back an important lesson: the right time to invest is often not when markets feel perfect, but when valuations begin to look more reasonable and quality businesses become available at better entry points.

Retirement Planning Cannot Wait for Perfect Markets

India’s retirement challenge is becoming bigger and more urgent. According to UNFPA, India’s elderly population, aged 60 and above, currently stands at around 153 million and is projected to reach 347 million by 2050.

Source: UNFPA India | India’s ageing population: Why it matters more than ever 

This means more Indians will live longer post-retirement, requiring a larger corpus to support healthcare needs, everyday expenses and lifestyle aspirations. At the same time, inflation continues to reduce the purchasing power of traditional savings.

In this context, staying away from market-linked growth options for too long can be a bigger risk than short-term volatility itself. 

Why Investing During Market Lows Can Make Sense

Market corrections often test investor confidence. However, they can also provide long-term investors with an opportunity to accumulate quality assets gradually.

For retirement investors, the focus should not be on predicting the exact market bottom. That is almost impossible. Instead, the focus should be on three principles:

• One, invest with a long-term horizon. Retirement planning is not a three-month or one-year goal. It is a 10-year, 20-year or even 30-year journey.
• Two, choose disciplined investment strategies. In volatile markets, passive and index-linked strategies can help investors avoid emotional decision-making and stay aligned to a defined investment approach.
• Three, focus on quality businesses. Companies with strong cash flows, sound governance and a consistent dividend track record can offer resilience across market cycles.

 Why Dividend-Paying Companies Deserve Attention

In uncertain markets, dividend-paying companies can act as a quality filter. A company that consistently shares profits with investors usually demonstrates financial discipline, stable cash flows and confidence in its business model.

This becomes especially relevant for retirement portfolios, where the objective is not short-term excitement but long-term compounding with relatively better resilience.

The BSE 500 Dividend Leaders 50 Index, for example, selects companies from the BSE 500 based on dividend yield metrics. BSE data has shown strong long-term performance for this category over 3-year, 5-year and 10-year periods, though past performance is not indicative of future returns.

This reinforces the broader point: in a volatile market, investors may benefit from looking at investment themes that combine equity participation with quality, discipline and long-term consistency.

Why Investing with Tata AIA Makes Sense

While market conditions create the opportunity, fund management discipline plays an equally important role. For retirement investors, choosing the right institution matters because this is not a short-term investment decision. It is a long-term trust decision.

Tata AIA Life Insurance’s equity-linked funds have consistently demonstrated strong long-term performance, supported by a research-driven investment approach focused on quality businesses, diversification and disciplined portfolio management.

SFIN: Top 200 Fund ULIF 027 12/01/09 ITT 110| Multi Cap Fund ULIF 060 15/07/14 MCF 110| India Consumption Fund ULIF 061 15/07/14 ICF 110

BSE 500 Dividend Leaders 50 Index

Source: BSE Fund Fact Sheet | Data as on March 31, 2026, | Benchmark Index – BSE 500 Dividend Leaders 50 (Special capping) Index and BSE 500 

Name of the Fund:  Tata AIA Dividend Leaders Index Pension Fund | SFIN: ULIF 101 27/05/26 DLP 110

Benchmark: BSE 500 Dividend Leaders 50 Index

Product availability: Tata AIA Smart Pension Secure (UIN: 110L182V09) – Non-Participating, Unit Linked, Individual Life Insurance Pension Plan

Note: Past performance is not indicative of future returns. Market-linked investments are subject to market risks.

Investors can explore more information about these funds and Tata AIA’s investment solutions at www.tataaia.com. 

The Bigger Message

Volatility should not be seen only as a reason to pause. For long-term investors, it can also be a reminder to act with discipline.

Retirement planning cannot wait for markets to become comfortable. The real question is whether one’s retirement portfolio is built to:

• Beat inflation
• Withstand volatility
• Participate in quality businesses
• Support a longer and financially secure retired life

For investors with a long-term horizon, the current market environment may be the right time to rethink retirement investing and build future wealth with greater purpose and discipline.