Category Archives: Business

Ecobank Group Launches World First Nature Bond Mobilising Global Capital to Protect Africa’s Natural Ecosystems

LOMÉ, Togo, June 2, 2026/ – Ecobank Group (www.Ecobank.com) has launched the world’s first ICMA commercial bank-issued Nature Bond on the London Stock Exchange, creating a new route for international and African capital to protect Africa’s biodiversity. Moody’s awarded the transaction its highest possible sustainability quality score, SQS1 Excellent. The bond will support African farmers, sustainable agriculture businesses and water systems, protecting some of the planet’s most important ecosystems.

Impact on the ground in Africa

Africa is home to some of the world’s most important natural capital, including arable land, tropical forests, freshwater systems and biodiversity across hundreds of millions of hectares. But, until now, private nature capital has not flowed to Africa at the scale the continent’s ecological significance warrants in global ecological resilience. Despite hosting 25% of global biodiversity, Africa receives less than 3% of nature finance.

Ecobank’s Nature Bond is a direct response to this gap. It will support smallholder farmers adopting sustainable agricultural practices, agri-processors with verified deforestation-free supply chains, and water infrastructure protecting freshwater ecosystems relied upon by millions of people. Unlike many conservation-focused financing vehicles, Ecobank’s Nature Bond channels capital directly through Africa’s real economy — financing businesses and communities whose day-to-day activities shape environmental outcomes at scale.

The investments will be made in 24 markets, with significant deployment in biodiversity-priority countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Ghana. Importantly, 81% of the eligible lending pool is allocated to countries where agricultural land-use change is the primary driver of biodiversity loss, helping direct capital to the areas where it can have the greatest environmental impact.

The framework also incorporates independent monitoring and verification mechanisms, including deforestation screening and supply chain traceability requirements, helping ensure that financed activities deliver measurable nature-positive outcomes. Every eligible loan carries seven independently verified sustainability conditions.

The launch of this bond also comes as governments and investors worldwide face mounting pressure to mobilise private capital for biodiversity protection and sustainable land use.

What is a Nature Bond?

A Nature Bond, under the ICMA secondary designation, requires proceeds to actively contribute to nature-positive outcomes, including transforming economic activities to reduce the drivers of nature loss at scale.

The Nature Bond was designed to reach those that conservation-focused instruments were not designed to serve – farmers, agri-processors and water operators whose daily activities collectively determine ecosystem outcomes.

While green bonds typically finance a broad range of environmental objectives, the Nature Bond designation focuses the use of proceeds specifically on nature-related outcomes, including biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, land use and water infrastructure.

The transaction

The USD 450 million bond was priced following strong investor demand with the final orderbook exceeding USD 1.36 billion – 3.9x the original target size. The strength of demand enabled Ecobank to increase the transaction by USD 100 million and tighten pricing by 50 basis points.

The transaction attracted support from both international and African investors, demonstrating Ecobank’s unique ability to mobilise capital across global and African markets.

For the first time, international and African capital markets have a credible, scalable mechanism for financing the protection of African natural capital through the communities who depend on it.

Jeremy Awori, Group Chief Executive Office, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, commented:

“This transaction is a defining moment for African sustainable finance. Investors did not just support this bond. They demanded more of it, allowing us to increase the size and tighten pricing.

We are not a bank that simply labels bonds. We have spent four years building the systems, governance and accountability needed to make nature finance credible and scalable in Africa.

This bond is ultimately about the farmers, cooperatives and communities whose livelihoods depend on healthy ecosystems.”

Rachael Antwi, Group Head of Sustainability and ESRM, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, added:

“Nature finance will only scale in Africa if it is practical, measurable and connected to the real economy. This bond is designed to do that by linking international capital to eligible lending for sustainable agriculture and water infrastructure across 24 countries. It reflects the systems and standards Ecobank has built to ensure nature finance supports both environmental resilience and the communities whose livelihoods depend on healthy ecosystems.”

AD Ports Group Acquires CLI, Brazil’s Leading Agri-Bulk Port Terminal Operator, for over AED 3 Billion

São Paulo, Brazil, and Abu Dhabi, UAE – 2^nd June 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of trade, industry, and logistics solutions, today acquired Corredor Logística e Infraestrutura (CLI), Brazil’s leading independent agri-bulk port terminal operator, entering the South American market with a strategically major expansion transaction.

São Paulo-based CLI operates two of Brazil’s most important agri-bulk export terminals under long-term concessions: CLI Sul, Brazil’s leading sugar export terminal and key export terminal for corn and soybeans, located in the Port of Santos; and CLI Norte, another key grains gateway at the Port of Itaqui, which is part of the Brazilian ‘Arc of the North’, an essential geographical region encompassing the Amazon basin that is a pivotal logistics hub and significant emerging corridor for agriculture exports.

In 2025, ports and terminals in northern Brazil recorded the fastest growth in the country, reinforcing the strategic role of the “Arc of the North’ corridor in reshaping the nation’s logistics map.

The two terminals play a key role in connecting the producing regions of Brazil, the world’s leading sugar exporter and one of the largest grain exporters, to the world.

AD Ports Group agreed to acquire CLI from joint owners Macquarie Asset Management, and IG4 Capital. CLI owns 100% of CLI Norte, which operates a terminal at the Port of Itaqui, and 80% of CLI Sul, which operates a terminal at the Port of Santos.

The transaction, which is expected to be completed in the second half of the year subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory and antitrust approval, was conducted at an enterprise value of AED 3.1 billion (USD 835 million).

It has also been agreed that CLI’s existing senior management team will remain in place to continue running the company.

The CLI acquisition represents a transformative step for AD Ports Group, positioning it as one of South America’s leading independent agri-bulk terminal operators, with strategic access to a vast new number of opportunities for the Group’s associated businesses of maritime and shipping, logistics, economic cities, and digital services.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director & Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “The purchase of CLI is a game changer for AD Ports Group. The transaction extends our Group’s international reach for the first time into Latin America, and deepens our growing agrifoods activities, one of our core verticals. Under the wise guidance of our leadership in the United Arab Emirates, AD Ports Group is committed to enabling trade in one of the world’s most-important, fastest-growing agricultural commodities markets, which will not only benefit the Group’s global clients, including those in Brazil, but also strengthen the AD Ports Group global network.”

Brazil supports AD Ports Group’s geographic expansion as well as the Group’s plan to develop a major new East-West trade spoke linking South America’s largest economy to the Indian Subcontinent, East Africa and Southeast Asia. The UAE is in advanced negotiations with Mercosur, the South American trading bloc that includes Brazil, to establish a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Emirati investments in Brazil are estimated to be approximately USD 5 billion in total, according to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two countries maintain a highly active strategic partnership, having signed a Double Taxation Agreement and eliminated various tax and investment barriers to boost bilateral business.

Fernando Lohmann, Head of Macquarie Asset Management in Brazil, said: “Brazil’s agricultural export sector continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, reinforcing the country’s position as one of the world’s leading suppliers of agricultural commodities. As a long-term investor in the country, Macquarie remains committed to acting as a responsible custodian of essential infrastructure assets that help drive economic development, improve connectivity and support Brazil’s role in global trade and we believe AD Ports Group is ideally positioned to support CLI’s next phase of growth.”

Paulo Todescan L. Mattos, Co-Founder, Managing Partner, and CEO of IG4 Capital, said: Since becoming shareholders in CLI, our focus has been on strengthening the company’s operational capabilities, expanding its strategic footprint, and positioning the platform to capture the long-term growth of Brazil’s agri-bulk export sector. We believe AD Ports Group is the right strategic owner to build on this foundation, bringing global trade expertise, infrastructure capabilities, and a long-term vision that will support CLI’s continued growth and development.”

The purchase of CLI gives AD Ports Group an entry point into Latin America, and a platform for further regional expansion. Moreover, the agrifood sector is a priority vertical in the Group’s intelligent internationalisation expansion strategy, with several key investments made in that space recently.

In December 2025, the Group’s Karachi Gateway Multipurpose Terminal Ltd. (KGTML) and the Pakistan unit of global merchant and agricultural goods processor Louis Dreyfus Company signed a long-term agreement to develop a clean bulk handling and storage facility for agricultural goods at Karachi Port. In January 2025, the Group agreed to invest about USD 30 million in the greenfield Sarzha Grain Terminal on the Caspian Sea at Kuryk Port in Kazakhstan and earlier this year, the Group secured a 30-year concession to operate the Aqaba multipurpose port in Jordan, which is a key player in agri-bulk in the Middle East with over 3 million tonnes of grains handled annually. Moreover, Noatum Ports’ Spanish operations are already significantly involved in agri-bulk with the Tarragona and Sagunto terminals handling around 2 million tonnes of grain imports annually and with an additional investment of AED 90 million (EUR 21 million) announced recently for modernising existing facilities at the Tarragona terminal.

In 2025, CLI handled a combined 17 million tonnes of agri-bulk cargo and delivered a revenue of AED 654 million (USD 178 million), generating an EBITDA of AED 360 million (USD 98 million).

CLI operates one of Brazil’s few large-scale, agri-bulk port platforms, strategically located along export corridors and ports. The ports of Santos and Itaqui are structurally constrained, particularly in Santos, where limited expansion capacity and chronic congestion are expected to underpin long-term utilisation and pricing resilience.

Long-term demand for the Group’s Brazilian terminals is also supported by Brazil’s global leadership and the strategic importance of the country’s grain and sugar exports. Brazil is the world’s largest sugar exporters, accounting for 40-50% of total global sugar exports, according to industry figures, and a leader in soybeans, coffee, and corn.

The purchase of CLI is AD Ports Group’s largest acquisition to date following the Group’s AED 2.65 billion (USD 720 million) purchase of Spain’s Noatum in 2023, and its AED 1.9 billion (USD 510 million) purchase of a 51% stake in Dubai-based Global Feeder Shipping (GFS) in early 2024.

For the transaction, AD Ports Group was advised by BTG Pactual, while IG4 and Macquarie Asset Management were advised by Citi.

Ozen Life Maadhoo Reimagines the Maldives Through the Art of Slow Luxury

For discerning traveller, the resort offers an experience of stillness, indulgence and beautifully unhurried island living

June 6: As luxury travellers increasingly seek privacy, presence and experiences with emotional depth, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO emerges as a rare kind of escape, one where time slows, the senses awaken, and every detail is designed for a more meaningful kind of indulgence in the Maldives.

Luxury today is no longer defined by excess alone, but by the freedom to experience a destination more deeply, more privately, and at one’s own pace. For affluent Indian travellers who increasingly value immersive escapes over hurried itineraries, slow travel has become the new marker of sophistication. At OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, set within the serene beauty of South Malé Atoll, this philosophy unfolds naturally through expansive ocean views, intuitive service, and a sense of calm that begins the moment one arrives on the island.

At the heart of the experience is the resort’s signature INDULGENCE™ Plan, a thoughtfully crafted concept that allows guests to surrender to the pleasures of island life without interruption. Days begin with leisurely Champagne breakfasts at THE PALMS and unfold into a choice of richly layered experiences; snorkelling in crystalline waters, restorative rituals at ELE | NA Elements of Nature Spa, tranquil moments in a private villa, or sunset voyages across the Indian Ocean. Dining is integral to the rhythm of the stay, from refined Far Eastern flavours at TRADITION PEKING and soulful heritage cuisine at TRADITION INDOCEYLON to reimagined Maldivian expressions at LONU. At M6m, the resort’s iconic underwater restaurant, contemporary seafood is served against a mesmerising panorama of marine life, transforming dinner into theatre.

“The most meaningful luxury today is the luxury of feeling completely present,” says Mei P. Pun, General Manager of OZEN LIFE MAADHOO. “We are seeing a growing desire among travellers for journeys that restore, inspire and allow space for genuine connection. At OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, that sense of ease is woven into the island itself—through immersive dining, intuitive wellness, ocean-led experiences and the rare pleasure of unhurried time.”

The villas at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO are designed as sanctuaries of quiet refinement, where architecture and landscape exist in seamless conversation. The beachfront Earth Villas are nestled within tropical gardens, while the overwater Wind Villas open onto uninterrupted Indian Ocean views and expansive private decks above the lagoon. For families or guests seeking greater seclusion, the Earth Pool Pavilion and THE OZEN RESIDENCE offer exceptional privacy, generous proportions and an effortless sense of exclusivity.

At OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, slow luxury is not a trend statement, but an elegant way of experiencing the Maldives—defined by space, beauty, privacy and the freedom to linger. For the modern Indian traveller seeking a journey that feels both indulgent and deeply personal, the resort offers not simply a holiday, but a return to life’s most exquisite pace.

Where time softens, the ocean shimmers, and every moment is crafted to be savoured.

Veteran GCC leader brings 20-plus years of global operations experience to Barry-Wehmiller

CHENNAI, India — June 2 — Barry–Wehmiller is pleased to announce the appointment of Sukumar Bhasker as Vice President – Global Competency Center (GCC), based in Chennai, India. In this role, Sukumar will lead the continued growth, capability-building and strategic evolution of Barry–Wehmiller’s GCC, strengthening its role as a critical engine for global innovation, engineering excellence and shared services delivery.

Sukumar joins Barry–Wehmiller with more than two decades of global experience in building, scaling and transforming Global Business Services (GBS) and GCC operations across geographies, including India, China, Mexico and Romania.

Most recently, he served as Partner, Technology Consulting (GCC/GBS), at EY, where he advised global organizations on setting up and scaling technology and business service centers. Prior to that, Sukumar spent several years at Flex, where he led global IT GCC operations, overseeing a workforce of more than 1,500 team members and driving enterprise-wide digital transformation, process excellence and talent initiatives.

Throughout his career, Sukumar has demonstrated a strong ability to align business strategy with technology innovation, leading initiatives in artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, data platforms and digital transformation. He has also been deeply committed to building high-performing teams, driving team member engagement and championing diversity, equity and inclusion.

“Sukumar brings a unique blend of global experience, operational depth and a strong people-first mindset,” said Carol O’Neill, Chief Transformation Officer, who leads Barry–Wehmiller’s GCC strategy. “His track record of building and transforming large-scale global centers, combined with his focus on developing people and strengthening culture, makes him the right leader to take our GCC to the next phase of growth.”

“I am honored to join Barry–Wehmiller, a company renowned for its people-centric culture and commitment to meaningful leadership,” said Sukumar. “As a GCC leader in India, I look forward to driving innovation, fostering collaboration and empowering our teams to create lasting impact together. Here’s to a journey of growth, purpose and shared success.”

In his new role, Sukumar will focus on expanding the GCC’s capabilities, deepening its integration with Barry–Wehmiller’s global platforms and enabling innovation-led growth while continuing to build a strong, people-focused culture.

He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in electronics and communication engineering and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in operations management. He has completed multiple professional certifications, including an Advanced Diploma in GBS (CIMA) and a Certified Corporate Director (IOD) designation.

Chowman Strengthens its Mumbai Presence with a New Flavorsome Outlet in Ghansoli

Following the successful Mumbai launch last year, Chowman, Kolkata’s beloved Chinese restaurant chain is expanding deeper into Mumbai’s suburban heartland of flavors with a new restaurant in Ghansoli. With this Chowman is proud to mark its fourth foray in the City of Dreams, complementing its existing outlets in Andheri West, Mira Road and Powai (Cloud Kitchen).

Nestled in Alliance One, Sector 5 in Ghansoli, the new outlet brings Chowman’s signature blend of authentic Asian cooking and intimate dining ambiance to the region. The 36-seater restaurant maintains the brand’s distinctive identity of red-and-black interiors, warm lighting, and carefully curated oriental aesthetics creating an inviting space for everything from quick weeknight dinners to thoughtful family gatherings.

The epicurean menu features both vegetarian and non-vegetarian savors, with their Piece de Resistance reflecting Chowman’s commitment to culinary authenticity. Diners can relish the flavors of carefully crafted Stir Fried Pak Choi in Chilli Garlic Sauce, Steamed Fish in Chinese Greens, and the signature Prawn Balls, alongside house specials like Clay Pot Braised Chicken with Mushroom, Bangkok Street Noodle Bowl, Kolkata-Style Chilli Chicken, and traditional Khao Suey. Each dish is prepared using authentic recipes and premium ingredients, ensuring every visit feels like a curated culinary journey.

Brimming with excitement for the launch of the new outlet, Mr. Debaditya Chaudhary, Managing Director of Chowman said, “The Ghansoli opening is a natural progression in our growth across Mumbai. Over the past decade and a half, we’ve built Chowman on the foundation of uncompromising quality in ingredients, technique, and hospitality. And we’re excited to bring that same standard of authentic Chinese dining to the neighborhood of Ghansoli. We’re not just opening another restaurant; we’re bringing a dining philosophy that believes good food should never be a compromise. The Ghansoli community can expect the same rigour and passion that our Kolkata guests have come to love, served with the warmth and professionalism our Mumbai customers have come to expect.”

For the seasoned explorers of Chinese cuisine or the curious first timers, with family, friends or colleagues for a relaxed dinner, weekend outings or family celebrations, Chowman continues to follow the motto of  ‘Serving Happiness Nationwide’.

Where: Location: Shop No. 3, Alliance One, Plot No 1 & 2, Sector 5 & 4, Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400701

Cost for Two: INR 1000 plus taxes

Time: 12 Noon – 10:30 PM

Servotech Renewable Signs INR 400 Crore MoU with Haryana Govt. to Expand Renewable Energy Manufacturing Capacity in the State

New Delhi, June 02: Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd., India’s leading manufacturer of solar and renewable energy solutions, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Haryana Enterprises Promotion Centre (HEPC), Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Haryana, to expand its expand its manufacturing and warehousing operations in the state with a proposed investment of approximately ₹400 crore. The investment is expected to generate around 500 direct/Indirect employment opportunities.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Haryana Shri Nayab Singh Saini at the official launch of the ‘Make in Haryana’ Industrial Policy 2026, held in Gurugram on 1st June 2026. The launch event also unveiled a compendium of nine sectoral policies aimed at positioning Haryana as a preferred destination for industrial and clean-energy investments.

Under the agreement, Servotech Renewable and HEPC will establish a framework for collaboration and cooperation to facilitate the company’s proposed expansion plans in Haryana. The project is expected to attract an investment of approximately ₹400 crore and generate around 500 employment opportunities, contributing to the state’s industrial and economic growth.

The proposed investment will be deployed in a phased manner over the next 24 to 36 months and will support the expansion of Servotech’s manufacturing capacity across EV chargers, solar products, Battery Packs, BESS and Power electronics, sectors identified as thrust areas under the Make in Haryana Industrial Policy 2026. The expansion is intended to scale production capacity, improve operational efficiencies, deepen import substitution, and strengthen the Company’s ability to serve growing domestic and export demand. Specific site selection within Haryana is under evaluation.

As part of the MoU, the Haryana Government, through HEPC, has committed to providing facilitation support and ease-of-doing-business assistance for the successful implementation of the proposed investment. The collaboration reflects the shared objective of accelerating industrial development, promoting clean energy manufacturing, and strengthening Haryana’s position as a hub for sustainable growth and innovation.

Commenting on the development, Raman Bhatia, Managing Director, Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd., said, “We are delighted to partner with the Government of Haryana. Haryana has emerged as one of India’s most progressive investment destinations, and the launch of the Make in Haryana Industrial Policy 2026 reinforces the state’s commitment to industrial growth, clean-energy manufacturing and innovation. Our proposed ₹400 crore investment aligns with Servotech’s long-term vision of scaling renewable energy manufacturing capabilities and is a meaningful step towards our stated ambition of reaching ₹1,500 crore in revenue by FY 2027. We believe this collaboration will strengthen our operational footprint and contribute to Haryana’s clean-energy ambitions and broader economic development.”

MoEngage, the Only Vendor to be Named as a Customers’ Choice in the 2026 Gartner Peer Insights Voice of the Customer for Email Marketing

Bengaluru,  June 02: MoEngage, an agentic customer engagement platform, today announced that it is the only vendor to be recognized as a “Customers‘ Choice” in the 2026 Gartner Peer Insights “Voice of the Customer” for Email Marketing. This recognition is based on verified reviews submitted by buyers of technology and services. 

Vendors placed in the upper-right “Customers’ Choice” quadrant of the “Voice of the Customer” have scores that meet or exceed the market average for both axes (User Interest and Adoption, and Overall Experience). 

MoEngage received ratings across key evaluation criteria, including a 4.7/5.0 for product capabilities, a 4.8/5.0 for support experience, and a 4.6/5.0 for deployment experience. Ninety-seven percent of users said they would recommend the platform to others.

“I believe this recognition reflects the commitment our global community of marketers and product owners has shown in sharing their honest experiences,” said Raviteja Dodda, Co-founder and CEO of MoEngage. “We believe every review is a signal that the platform is solving the problems it was meant to solve, and every piece of feedback is a constraint that will shape what we build next.”

MoEngage‘s approach centers on eliminating data fragmentation through a unified, customer-centric architecture that allows enterprise brands to deliver personalized, real-time messaging across email, push notifications, websites, and offline touchpoints.

This recognition from our customers comes at a time of significant momentum for MoEngage. The company recently closed a total Series F raise of $280 million, with the latest tranche led by new investors ChrysCapital and Dragon Funds, alongside Schroders Capital, with continued participation from TR Capital and B Capital. The capital is being deployed to accelerate innovation in its Merlin AI suite, expand go-to-market and customer-facing teams in North America and EMEA, and pursue strategic acquisitions to deepen its insights-led engagement platform. 

The “Customers‘ Choice” distinction is part of a broader recognition streak for MoEngage, which was also named as a “Customers‘ Choice” vendor in the 2026 Gartner Peer Insights Voice of the Customer for Multichannel Marketing Hubs. MoEngage is also recognized as a Visionary in the 2026 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Personalization Engines.

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Personalization Engines, 3 February 2026.  

Gartner, Gartner Peer Insights™ ‘Voice of the Customer’: Email Marketing, 11 May 2026.

Gartner, Gartner Peer Insights™ ‘Voice of the Customer’: Multichannel Marketing Hubs, 27 February 2026.

Gartner® and Peer Insights™ are trademarks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Gartner Peer Insights content consists of the opinions of individual end users based on their own experiences, and should not be construed as statements of fact, nor do they represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in this content nor makes any warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this content, about its accuracy or completeness, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. 

MutualFundWala Appoints Team Pumpkin to Drive Their Digital Growth & Investor Engagement

New Delhi,  June 2: Team Pumpkin, a leading full-service digital agency, has been awarded the performance marketing mandate forMutualFundWala, India’s trusted mutual fund investment platform. The agency will driveMutualFundWala’s digital growth through strategic performance campaigns, leveraging data-driven insights to optimize customer acquisition and investor engagement.

As part of the mandate, Team Pumpkin will manage MutualFundWala’s end-to-end performance marketing efforts, including paid media strategy, campaign execution, and conversion rate optimization across digital platforms. The agency will focus on scaling the brand’s online presence and driving investor registrations and SIP conversions through targeted digital interventions.

Founded in 2005, MutualFundWala is renowned for simplifying mutual fund investments for everyday Indians. The platform offers a seamless way to invest across equity, debt, Gold Funds, Silver Funds, and China-focused international funds making wealth creation accessible for first-time investors and seasoned market participants alike. At a time when gold prices are at historic highs, silver is emerging as a high-growth alternative asset, and China’s market rebound is attracting global attention, MutualFundWala is uniquely positioned as a one-stop destination for smart, future-ready investing.

Speaking about the collaboration, Mr Shashi Kant Bahl, CEO & Founder, MutualFundWala, said,

“We are looking forward to partnering with Team Pumpkin to strengthen our digital footprint. Their expertise in performance marketing and data-led strategies aligns well with our vision of making mutual fund investments from Gold and Silver Funds to international opportunities accessible to every Indian. We look forward to leveraging their capabilities to scale our platform and reach more investors across the country.”

Swati Nathani, Co-founder, Team Pumpkin, added,

“MutualFundWala is a trusted name in the investment space, and we are thrilled to be their performance marketing partner. Our focus will be on delivering high-impact campaigns that drive investor registrations and SIP conversions, ensuringMutualFundWala continues to grow its market share in the digital-first world.”

Established in 2012, Team Pumpkin is a full-service digital agency offering a wide range of services, including performance marketing, social media management, influencer marketing, content strategy, and more. With a client portfolio spanning multiple industries, the agency specializes in delivering ROI-driven marketing solutions that help brands achieve sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.

The performance marketing mandate for MutualFundWala will be handled by Team Pumpkin’s office in Gurugram.

HSBC Mutual Fund launches RedHex Hybrid Long-Short Fund

June 2 : HSBC Mutual Fund has launched RedHex Hybrid Long-Short Fund, a Specialised Investment Fund  strategy designed for investors seeking regular returns and capital appreciation. The strategy combines investments across asset classes – fixed income, equity arbitrage, REIT and INVIT units to pursue risk adjusted returns across market cycles. The New Fund Offer will be open from 2 June 2026 to 16 June 2026.

SIFs were introduced to bridge the gap between traditional mutual funds and higher-ticket products like Portfolio Management Services and Alternative Investment Funds  RedHex Hybrid Long-Short Fund offers an intermediate investment that combines the regulatory transparency of mutual funds with portfolio flexibility. 

The product is suited for ‘mid-ticket’ investors, with a minimum application of INR 10,00,000 .

Benchmark: NIFTY 50 Hybrid Composite Debt 50:50 Index

Kailash Kulkarni, CEO, HSBC Mutual Fund, said,

“Investors today are more aware and require unique solutions that are professionally managed, and built to navigate complex market conditions. RedHex Hybrid Long-Short Fund is designed as a practical middle ground – offering the clarity investors expect from mutual funds, with added flexibility of a product which is designed to be less volatile while giving superior, tax efficient risk adjusted returns.

Shriram Ramanathan, CIO Fixed Income, HSBC Mutual Fund, said,

 “Our focus is on robust credit selection and risk controls, aiming to deliver high accrual potential with lower volatility across market cycles. In a measured way, the fund also aims to take exposure to REITs and INVITs, both of which are growing asset classes”

The fund strategy aims to deliver strong accrual potential with relatively low volatility through a diversified allocation across asset classes designed to generate regular income with limited sensitivity to market swings, while also enhancing tax efficiency and risk-adjusted returns. Structured as an interval investment fund, it allows subscriptions on any business day and offers weekly redemptions. Underpinning all this is robust risk management, combining active portfolio management with strict strategy-level risk controls to help reduce volatility.

HSBC Asset Management should be referred to either in full or as HSBC AM to avoid confusion with any other financial services firms.

HSBC Asset Management, the investment management business of the HSBC Group, invests on behalf of HSBC’s worldwide customer base of retail and private clients, intermediaries, corporates and institutions through both segregated accounts and pooled funds. HSBC Asset Management connects HSBC’s clients with investment opportunities around the world through an international network of offices in 20 countries and territories, delivering global capabilities with local market insight. As at 31 March 2026, HSBC Asset Management managed assets totalling US$863bn HSBC  on behalf of its clients.

This Premium Sector in Noida Could Be NCR’s Biggest Real Estate Turnaround Story Yet.

Noida , June 2 :  A premium real estate pocket once held back by regulatory uncertainty is now witnessing one of the strongest revival stories in NCR.

Sector 150 has long been positioned as one of Noida’s most aspirational luxury destinations. With improving regulatory clarity and accelerating infrastructure growth, the sector is now rapidly re-emerging as a high-confidence investment corridor.

The turning point came after the Noida Authority’s 222nd Board Meeting on April 6, 2026, which lifted the long-standing registry restrictions in the Sports City cluster. The move, aligned with Supreme Court directives, has significantly improved market confidence and reopened the path for registries in compliant projects.

The impact has been immediate.

Over the past five years, residential prices in the region have recorded massive appreciation, with demand continuing to rise in 2026. Industry experts believe the combination of infrastructure expansion, improved legal clarity, and limited premium inventory could push the market into a completely new growth cycle.Industry experts believe the return of registries, improving liquidity, and expected resumption of home loan disbursals could further accelerate demand in the coming months.

What continues to differentiate this location is its planning-led development. Spread across nearly 300 acres, with close to 70% dedicated to green and open spaces, the sector remains one of Noida’s lowest-density luxury corridors. Strategic connectivity through the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, Yamuna Expressway, and proximity to the Noida International Airport at Jewar at a distance of approx 40 minutes have further strengthened its long-term investment appeal.

The region is also set to benefit from a significant infrastructure upgrade directly tied to Sector 150. The Noida Authority has announced plans to expand the Yamuna Pushta Road  which runs from Sector 94 and connects directly to Sector 150 into a 10-lane corridor, specifically to handle rising traffic from the upcoming Noida International Airport. Krishna Karunesh, CEO of the Noida Authority, confirmed the road will be widened to 8–10 lanes to meet future demand, with at least six lanes in the initial phase. The Authority is also developing the Chilla elevated road and a link road from the Mahamaya Flyover to Pushta Road to further ease traffic pressure (Source: Hindustan Times, April 4, 2026)

Among the developers that have played a defining role in shaping the sector’s identity, ACE Group stands out for creating an integrated residential and commercial ecosystem in the region.

The Group’s flagship developments include ACE Golfshirethe sector’s first fully sold-out luxury residential project delivered in 2020, designed by renowned architect Hafeez Contractor with interiors by Gauri Khan. This was followed by ACE Parkway , an 11-acre premium residential development facing a 42-acre green park, further strengthening the Group’s presence in the area.

On the commercial front, ACE Medley Avenue became the sector’s first major commercial destination and witnessed a complete sell-out on launch day – a milestone that highlighted growing investor confidence in the location’s future potential.

Speaking on the market’s transformation, Ajay Chaudhary, Founder, Chairman & Managing Director, ACE Group, said:

“Sector 150 is uniquely positioned at the intersection of infrastructure growth and lifestyle-driven planning. With improving regulatory clarity and rapid development along the Yamuna Expressway corridor, we are witnessing a strong shift in both investor and end-user sentiment.”

Building on this momentum, ACE Group has also announced plans for new developments in the region, signalling long-term confidence in the market’s next growth cycle.

For investors, the story is becoming increasingly clear – a premium low-density location, improving legal clarity, major infrastructure upgrades, and rising institutional confidence are collectively reshaping the future of this once-overlooked market.

A dominant developer already embedded  and expanding.

Sector 150 is not emerging. It has arrived. And ACE Group is leading from the front.

And for NCR real estate, this could just be the beginning of its biggest turnaround story yet.