Sunday, June 28, 2026

Defiance Launches DRAL: 2X Long DRAM ETF

MIAMI, June 26 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Defiance ETFs, a leader in thematic and leveraged exchange-traded funds, today announced the launch of the Defiance Daily Target 2X Long DRAM ETF (Cboe: DRAL). Now trading, DRAL gives active traders amplified, single-ticker exposure to the semiconductor memory theme that sits at the center of the artificial intelligence buildout.

DRAL is an actively managed ETF that seeks daily investment results, before fees and expenses, of 200% (2X) of the daily percentage change in the share price of DRAM, the underlying ETF, for a single trading day. It pursues that exposure primarily through swap agreements and listed options contracts, rebalancing daily.

The Fund is designed to deliver 200% (2X) of the daily price performance of DRAM, before fees and expenses. With DRAL now available for trading, active traders can take amplified, single-ticker positions on the semiconductor memory theme that sits at the center of the artificial intelligence buildout. Defiance specializes in thematic, income, and leveraged ETFs and continues to expand the tools it offers active traders for tactical, high-conviction positioning.

For full fund details, the prospectus, holdings, and performance current to the most recent month-end, visit defianceetfs.com/dral or call 833.333.9383.

Investing in the Fund is not equivalent to investing directly in DRAM. The Fund is not suitable for all investors. The Fund is designed to be utilized only by knowledgeable investors who understand the potential consequences of seeking daily leveraged (2X) investment results, understand the risks associated with the use of leverage, and are willing to monitor their portfolios frequently. The Fund is not intended to be used by, and is not appropriate for, investors who do not intend to actively monitor and manage their portfolios. The Fund pursues daily leveraged investment objectives, which means it is riskier than alternatives that do not use leverage. The Fund magnifies the performance of DRAM (the “Underlying ETF”) and is designed strictly for short-term use. For periods longer than a single day, the Fund’s performance will be the result of compounded daily returns, which is very likely to differ from 200% of the return of the Underlying ETF over the same period. It is possible that investors could lose their entire principal within a single trading day.

About Defiance ETFs

Founded in 2018, Defiance is a leading ETF issuer specializing in thematic, income, and leveraged ETFs. Our leveraged single-stock ETFs empower investors to take amplified positions in high-growth companies, providing precise leverage exposure without the need to open a margin account.

Media Contact: Brenda Hentschel | bhentschel@gregoryagency.com | 201.705.3758

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

Defiance ETFs LLC is the ETF sponsor. The Fund’s investment adviser is Tidal Investments, LLC (“Tidal” or the “Adviser”).

The Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus and summary prospectus contain this and other important information about the investment company. Please read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus carefully before investing. For a prospectus or summary prospectus with this and other information, go to defianceetfs.com. Hard copies can be requested by calling 833.333.9383.

Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. As an ETF, the Fund may trade at a premium or discount to NAV. Shares are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. There is no guarantee the Fund’s strategy will be properly implemented, and an investor may lose some or all of its investment.

DRAM Price Decline Risk. As part of the Fund’s leveraged investment strategy, the Fund enters into swap agreements and options contracts based on the share price of DRAM (the “Underlying ETF”). This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Underlying ETF, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect 2X exposure to changes in the share price of the Underlying ETF, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Underlying ETF’s share price declines. If the share price of the Underlying ETF decreases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks:

Indirect Investment in the Underlying ETF Risk. The Roundhill Memory ETF, its investment adviser, Roundhill Financial Inc., and its sponsor are not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates, and are not involved with this offering in any way. The Roundhill Memory ETF has no obligation to consider the Fund or its shareholders in taking any actions that might affect the value of Fund shares. Investors in the Fund will not have voting rights or other ownership privileges associated with holding shares of the Roundhill Memory ETF. The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by the Roundhill Memory ETF or Roundhill Financial Inc.

Underlying ETF Risk. Because the Fund seeks exposure to the Roundhill Memory ETF, it is indirectly subject to all of the risks of investing in that ETF, including the risk that the Underlying ETF fails to meet its own investment objective or does not track its underlying index. The Fund also indirectly bears its proportionate share of the Underlying ETF’s fees and expenses, which are in addition to the Fund’s own fees and expenses. The Underlying ETF may itself use derivatives and may hold a concentrated portfolio, which can increase volatility.

Memory Industry Risk. The Underlying ETF concentrates in companies engaged in the semiconductor memory industry, including high bandwidth memory (HBM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), and NAND flash and solid-state storage technologies. The memory market is highly cyclical and subject to rapid pricing swings, oversupply and undersupply cycles, high capital intensity, technological obsolescence, and shifts in end-market demand. A downturn in memory pricing or demand could materially and adversely affect the Underlying ETF and, in turn, the Fund’s performance.

Semiconductor Industry Risk. Semiconductor companies are significantly affected by intense competition, rapid product obsolescence, high research, development, and capital expenditure requirements, cyclical demand, and global supply chain disruptions. Export controls, tariffs, and other regulatory developments may also restrict their business activities. These factors may cause the securities held by the Underlying ETF to be volatile and may negatively affect the Fund’s performance.

Technology Sector Risk. Companies in the technology sector may be subject to greater market volatility, shorter product cycles, intense competition, and heavy dependence on intellectual property rights. A rising interest rate environment may further pressure technology valuations. These factors may adversely affect the Underlying ETF and the Fund.

Artificial Intelligence Demand Risk. Demand for memory products is increasingly tied to spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure. A slowdown in AI-related capital expenditures, a change in prevailing technology architectures, or a reassessment of AI growth expectations could reduce demand for memory products and adversely affect the Underlying ETF and the Fund’s performance.

Concentration Risk. The Fund’s exposure is concentrated in the Underlying ETF and, indirectly, in the memory and semiconductor industries. The Fund may be more sensitive to adverse developments affecting those industries than a fund that invests across a broader range of issuers and sectors.

Compounding and Market Volatility Risk. The Fund’s performance for periods greater than a trading day will be the result of each day’s returns compounded over the period, which is likely to differ from 200% of the Underlying ETF’s performance. During periods of higher volatility, compounding effects may cause the Fund to lose value even if the Underlying ETF’s share price increases over the longer term.

Daily Correlation/Tracking Risk. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve a high degree of leveraged correlation to the Underlying ETF. Market disruptions, volatility, or limitations in the availability of derivatives may cause the Fund’s performance to deviate from its daily leveraged investment objective.

Leverage Risk. The Fund seeks 2X long exposure through financial instruments, which exposes the Fund to the risk that losses may be magnified. Leverage increases the Fund’s volatility, and a relatively small movement in the Underlying ETF’s share price may result in significant losses for the Fund.

Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks greater than those associated with directly investing in securities. These risks include increased volatility, imperfect correlation with the Underlying ETF, liquidity constraints, valuation challenges, and the potential for losses exceeding the amount initially invested.

Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk due to its use of derivatives. If a counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations, the Fund may experience delays or losses, which could negatively affect its performance.

Options Contracts Risk. The Fund’s use of options subjects it to additional risks, including volatility, time decay, and the possibility that options positions expire worthless, which could result in significant losses to the Fund.

Swap Agreements. The use of swap transactions is a highly specialized activity, which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions.

Rebalancing Risk. If the Fund is unable to rebalance its portfolio correctly or in a timely manner, its exposure may not be consistent with its investment objective. This may increase the Fund’s risk exposure and cause its performance to diverge from its intended daily leveraged results.

Intra-Day Investment Risk. The Fund seeks investment results from the close of one trading day to the close of the next. An investor who buys Shares intra-day may receive more or less exposure to the Underlying ETF than the Fund’s stated 2X objective, depending on movements in the Underlying ETF’s share price since the prior close, and may experience returns that differ from that objective.

Liquidity Risk. Some securities or financial instruments held by the Fund may be difficult to sell, particularly during periods of market stress or volatility. Reduced liquidity may make it difficult for the Fund to adjust its exposure or meet its investment objective.

High Portfolio Turnover Risk. Daily rebalancing is expected to result in high portfolio turnover. High portfolio turnover may increase transaction costs, which could reduce the Fund’s returns and potentially result in higher taxable distributions for shareholders.

Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is non-diversified, it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in a single investment, such as the Underlying ETF. As a result, the Fund may be more sensitive to adverse events affecting the Underlying ETF than a diversified fund.

Fixed Income Securities Risk. When the Fund invests in fixed income securities, the value of your investment in the Fund will fluctuate with changes in interest rates.

New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with a limited operating history. As a result, there is limited performance history upon which investors can evaluate the Fund.

Market and Economic Risk. Broader economic conditions, interest rates, inflation, geopolitical events, and general market volatility may negatively affect the Underlying ETF and the Fund.

Brokerage commissions may be charged on trades.

Distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bde0d3da-a3cf-49e7-800d-b3a174f51ecb 

SOURCE: Defiance ETFs

DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM
are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.

--BERNAMA

Bitdeer AI Wins “AI Cloud Platform of the Year” in 2026 AI Breakthrough Awards, Recognized as a Global Leader in AI Cloud Infrastructure

SINGAPORE, June 26 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitdeer AI, part of Bitdeer Technologies Group (NASDAQ: BTDR) and a preferred NVIDIA Cloud Partner, today announced it has been the winner of “AI Cloud Platform of the Year” in 2026 AI Breakthrough Awards. The award is presented by AI Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the global AI market today. The prestigious accolade recognizes Bitdeer AI’s architectural breakthrough in delivering a fully integrated, full-stack AI cloud environment optimized for enterprise-scale generative AI and production workloads.

As enterprises transition from localized AI experimentation to global production, traditional cloud architectures are fracturing under the weight of fragmented workflows, capacity shortages, and volatile pricing. Bitdeer AI solves these structural challenges through a fundamentally different approach: a vertically integrated "AI Factory" model. By owning and operating its high-performance data center infrastructure, Bitdeer AI eliminates third-party dependencies, optimizing performance directly from the physical facility and silicon level up through the core application software.

This ground-up ownership unlocks a highly unified, high-velocity software ecosystem. The Bitdeer AI cloud platform removes the friction of traditional deployment by bridging the entire AI lifecycle into a singular environment, spanning distributed training, multi-cluster scheduling, an expansive optimized model library, and serverless inference APIs.

By operating a completely integrated stack, Bitdeer AI delivers distinct enterprise advantages that redefine the AI cloud category:
  • Seamless Workflow Velocity: Eliminates the need to stitch together fragmented services, allowing organizations to move from raw data to fine-tuning and sustained inference within a single, cohesive platform.
  • Uncompromised Flexibility & Control: Grants developers granular control over their compute environments, offering a seamless choice between Bare Metal instances for maximum raw performance or Virtual Machines (VMs) for rapid, elastic scaling.
  • Structural Cost Stability: By eliminating the margins associated with third-party infrastructure hosting, Bitdeer AI passes unprecedented price-performance leadership and transparent cost structures directly to users.
  • Deep Silicon Optimization: As a preferred NVIDIA Cloud Partner, Bitdeer AI deeply integrates NVIDIA’s hardware and enterprise software stack. Controlling the physical data center allows Bitdeer AI to optimize power density and cooling specifically for next-generation NVIDIA architectures, granting clients guaranteed capacity and day-0 access to the latest software and model capabilities.
"Bitdeer AI has built one of the most complete and capable full-stack AI cloud platforms available today, combining high-performance GPU infrastructure with an enterprise-ready AI development environment," said Steve Johansson, Managing Director, AI Breakthrough.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from AI Breakthrough for the second consecutive year,” said Retainna Lin, VP of Bitdeer AI Cloud. “The winners of the next era of AI will be determined by execution speed and infrastructure reliability. At Bitdeer AI, we have engineered a full-stack cloud platform that compresses the journey from raw GPU compute to live production. We are building the foundational operating layer for global AI deployment.”

Looking ahead, as the AI landscape shifts from experimentation into a mature phase defined by global production, Bitdeer AI is positioned to serve as the industry's foundational architecture. Moving forward, the company is executing on a multi-phase strategy to scale its unified cloud ecosystem globally—expanding its footprint of sustainable, proprietary "AI Factories" to meet regional growth and strict data residency requirements, deepening its integration with NVIDIA to support next-generation architectures alongside day-0 model and software releases, and continuously evolving its platform features into the definitive, full-stack operating layer for enterprise AI at scale.

About Bitdeer AI

Bitdeer Al, part of Bitdeer Technologies Group (NASDAQ: BTDR), provides the foundation for scalable Al innovation. Headquartered in Singapore and established as one of the first NVIDIA Preferred Cloud Partners (NCP) in Southeast Asia, Bitdeer Al has delivered high-performance cloud and Al infrastructure solutions since 2023. By integrating an advanced Al cloud platform with global Al data center infrastructure, Bitdeer Al offers a unified technology stack for startups, SMEs, and enterprises. Our Al cloud platform supports the full Al lifecycle, from development and testing to deployment and production, helping organizations turn Al initiatives into practical and sustainable outcomes. For more information, visit https://www.bitdeer.ai.

About AI Breakthrough

Part of Tech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the AI Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in Artificial Intelligence technologies, services, companies and products. The AI Breakthrough Awards provide public recognition for the achievements of AI companies and products in categories including Agentic AI, Machine Learning, Generative AI, Robotics, AI Hardware, Computer Vision and more. For more information visit AIBreakthroughAwards.com.

Tech Breakthrough LLC does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our recognition programs, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with award designations. Tech Breakthrough LLC recognition consists of the opinions of the Tech Breakthrough LLC organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Tech Breakthrough LLC disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this recognition program, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding Bitdeer AI’s anticipated future performance, market opportunities, and business strategies. These statements are based on current beliefs, assumptions, and expectations, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Bitdeer AI disclaims any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or developments, except as required by law.

Media Contact:
Evelyn Xiong
evelyn.xiong@bitdeer.com 

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/55b7d54b-1890-4b46-a0db-49c749685da5 

SOURCE: Bitdeer AI

DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.

--BERNAMA

Friday, June 26, 2026

Kioxia Signs Partnership Agreement for the 20th Asian Games and 5th Asian Para Games

 

EXCERIA PRO G2 SSD

TOKYO, June 24 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Kioxia Corporation, a world leader in memory solutions, is pleased to announce the signing of a partnership agreement with the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and Asian Para Games Organizing Committee to support both the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 and the 5th Asian Para Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026. 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260623494433/en/
 
At the 20th Asian Games—Asia's biggest sports competition, returning to Japan for the first time in 32 years—eSports will continue to be featured as an official medal event. Athletes will compete for medals across 11 disciplines and 13 titles. As the Official Gaming SSD provider for the Games, Kioxia will supply its fastest personal SSD, the EXCERIA PRO G2 SSD, ensuring an optimal competitive environment that will allow players to perform at their absolute best.

Guided by its mission of “Uplifting the world with ‘memory’,” Kioxia’s sponsorship of both events underscores its commitment to supporting the continued growth of eSports and helping to realize a more enriched, diverse digital society. 

Partnership Agreement Details
  • Sponsorship Tiers:
    • 20th Asian Games: Tier 4 Official Supplier
    • 5th Asian Para Games: Tier 4 Official Supplier
  • Contract Period: From June 24 (the date of agreement signature) to December 31, 2026
Games Overview
  • 20th Asian Games
    • Dates: September 19 – October 4, 2026 (eSports events: September 23 – October 2, 2026)
    • Location: Aichi Prefecture and its capital city of Nagoya
    • Official Website: https://www.aichi-nagoya2026.org/en/
Official Gaming SSD Overview
Notes
  • NVMe is a registered or unregistered mark of NVM Express, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
  • PCIe is a registered trademark of PCI-SIG.
  • Product images may differ from the actual product.
  • Other company names, product names, and service names mentioned may be trademarks of third-party companies.
  • This announcement has been prepared to provide information on our business and does not constitute or form part of an offer or invitation to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for or otherwise acquire any securities in any jurisdiction or an inducement to engage in investment activity nor shall it form the basis of or be relied on in connection with any contract thereof.
  • Information in this document, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is correct on the date of the announcement but is subject to change without prior notice.
About Kioxia

Kioxia is a world leader in memory solutions, dedicated to the development, production and sale of flash memory and solid-state drives (SSDs). In April 2017, its predecessor Toshiba Memory was spun off from Toshiba Corporation, the company that invented NAND flash memory in 1987. Kioxia is committed to uplifting the world with “memory” by offering products, services and systems that create choice for customers and memory-based value for society. Kioxia's innovative 3D flash memory technology, BiCS FLASH™, is shaping the future of storage in high-density applications, including advanced smartphones, PCs, automotive systems, data centers and generative AI systems.

View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260623494433/en/ 

Contact 

Kota Yamaji
Public Relations
Kioxia Holdings Corporation
+81-3-6478-2319
kioxia-hd-pr@kioxia.com 

Source : Kioxia Corporation

--BERNAMA

Monday, June 8, 2026

Classico Pokemon Collection: "Stay with Your Favorite Pokemon Everywhere"

 

TOKYO, June 8, 2026 /Kyodo JBN/ --

Classico, Inc., a Japanese medical apparel brand headquartered in Tokyo, launched the highly anticipated #ClassicoPokemonCollection across the Asian region, including Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan region and Thailand, on June 4. Following its immense popularity after the initial release in Japan and high demand from international customers, the collection is finally expanding its reach to healthcare professionals across Asia.

Image1: Pokemon Collection
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M109100/202605299968/_prw_PI1fl_j0lA63u6.jpg

Product Lineup
R53 / R54 Pokemon Scrubs, Tops & Pants (Unisex)

There are four designs released for the scrubs -- Pikachu, the First Partner Pokemon from the Kanto Region (Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle), Eevee and Snorlax. All of the designs feature fabric colors and embroidery inspired by the thematic Pokemon. These details are designed to provide a sense of comfort and approachability to patients during examinations and treatments.

Colors: Pikachu, First Partner Pokemon of Kanto Region (Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle), Eevee, Snorlax
Sizes: XXS / XS / S / M / L / XL (Unisex)
Price: 139 SGD / 469 MYR / 5,690 PHP / 839 HKD / 3,690 THB / 3,490 TWD

Image2: Tops
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M109100/202605299968/_prw_PI2fl_j6Qjt772.jpg

Image3: Pants
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M109100/202605299968/_prw_PI3fl_0h9Mc0FQ.jpg

About Classico
Classico is a brand of stylish lab coats designed to boost the confidence of the people who wear them. Using sophisticated tailoring technology, the company strives to create lab coats that are both elegant and highly functional.

About Scrubs Canvas Club
"Scrubs as your canvas. Make it fun." The company believes in turning scrubs into a canvas to bring more joy to the workplace. This collection transforms the daily uniform of healthcare professionals into a medium for art, featuring collaborations that transcend boundaries -- incorporating artists, films, and music to inspire their professional wardrobe.

Official Website: https://classico-global.com/

Source: Classico, Inc.

--BERNAMA

Friday, June 5, 2026

Bering Lab Joins BLOCK71 and Microsoft AI Accelerate Cohort to Expand Multilingual Document Intelligence across Southeast Asia


  • The SWITCH 2023 1st Runner-Up graduates from the 10-week AI Accelerate programme, targeting cross-border document intelligence opportunities across Southeast Asia
 
SINGAPORE, June 3 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Bering Lab, a Seoul-headquartered AI company specializing in multilingual document intelligence for regulated industries, said that it has been selected for the AI Accelerate Winter Cohort 2026. This 10-week growth programme is run by BLOCK71 Singapore and Microsoft, with support from Enterprise Singapore through Digital Industry Singapore (DISG).

The programme is designed to help high-potential AI startups build traction, drive revenue, and unlock funding as they scale across Asia. Through AI Accelerate, Bering Lab gains access to Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure and specialist mentorship, BLOCK71’s network of corporate partners and investors, and potential grant funding through the Startup SG Tech scheme.

Bering Lab first gained recognition in Singapore as the 1st Runner-Up at the SWITCH 2023 global startup competition, where it stood out among hundreds of participants for its AI-powered approach to document translation and analysis in regulated sectors. Since then, the company has steadily built its regional presence, establishing entities in Singapore and Hong Kong to serve the growing demand for cross-border document processing.

“Southeast Asia represents one of the most exciting opportunities for multilingual document intelligence,” said Jae Yoon, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Bering Lab. “With ASEAN’s rapidly growing cross-border trade, investment, and regulatory activity, organizations are dealing with an increasing volume of legal, financial, and compliance documents across multiple languages. We believe AI can fundamentally transform how these documents are processed and understood.”

Bering Lab’s flagship platform, BeringAI, goes beyond traditional translation by combining domain-specialized AI models with intelligent document processing capabilities. The platform serves over 240 institutional clients across legal, intellectual property, finance, life sciences, and defense sectors, with on-premise and cloud deployment options that meet the stringent security requirements of regulated industries. The company’s technology has been recognized internationally, winning top honors at WMT 2020 and WAT 2021 machine translation competitions.

Backed by SoftBank Ventures and Naver, Bering Lab is now focused on deepening its footprint in Southeast Asia. The company sees particular opportunity in helping corporate legal teams, financial institutions, and multinational enterprises navigate the complex multilingual landscape of the region, where documents frequently span Thai, Vietnamese, Bahasa, and other local languages alongside English. Through AI Accelerate, Bering Lab aims to deepen product development for Southeast Asian markets and forge partnerships with regional enterprises seeking to streamline their cross-border document workflows.

Building on this momentum, Bering Lab will also participate in Echelon Singapore 2026, taking place at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre (CEC) on June 3-4. During the event, the company is scheduled to deliver a pitch, showcasing its innovative AI solutions to global investors and potential ecosystem partners.

View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260601017866/en/ 

Contact

Bering Lab
JaeYoon Kim
jae@beringlab.com

Source : Bering Lab 

--BERNAMA

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

JAPAN LIFE INSURERS’ REINSURANCE USE MORE THAN DOUBLED SINCE 2020 - AM BEST

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 (Bernama) -- Japan’s life insurers have increasingly relied on reinsurance in recent years, with the overall cession rate as a percentage of total gross premium written for the segment rising to more than 24 per cent in 2023 and 2024 from just under 10 per cent in 2020, according to a new AM Best report.

According to Best’s Special Report, “Japan Life Insurers Increase Use of Reinsurance,” the implementation of the Japan Insurance Capital Standard, or J-ICS, at the end of March 2026 has prompted insurers to increase their use of reinsurance as solvency ratios become more sensitive to interest-rate movements, asset-liability mismatches, policy lapses, and longevity and mortality risks.

“Japanese life insurers have been increasingly using asset-intensive reinsurance to transfer investment, longevity, and insurance risks from capital-intensive annuity and long-term life insurance blocks to third-party reinsurers ahead of the implementation of J-ICS.

“The maturity and size of Japan’s life/annuity insurance market make it an attractive opportunity for reinsurers providing asset-intensive reinsurance solutions,” said AM Best senior industry research analyst, Cynthia Ang in a statement.

According to the report, the heightened activity has led to a sharp increase in reinsurance leverage, with the industry aggregate rising to 14.8 per cent at the end of 2024 from 4.8 per cent in 2020. The metric measures reinsurance ceded as a percentage of capital and surplus.

AM Best's analysis showed that Dai-ichi Frontier Life Insurance Co, Prudential Gibraltar Financial Life Insurance, and MetLife Insurance K.K. each recorded reinsurance leverage ratios exceeding 500 per cent in 2024.

While only an estimated one to two per cent of total in-force individual life insurance and annuity business was ceded to reinsurers in fiscal years 2023 and 2024, cessions are expected to increase as asset-intensive and offshore reinsurance become more widely used by Japanese life insurers.

Japan’s Financial Services Agency is tightening oversight of such transactions due to concerns over private equity involvement, asset liquidity, and complex cross-border collateral arrangements, the report said.

-- BERNAMA