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Vietnam outlook 2026: Stars are aligning, execution is key

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Vietnam’s tourism sector has been booming, reaching a milestone of 20m international arrivals in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 levels (pic: AFP)

by IFAST RESEARCH TEAM 

VIETNAM has risen above early concerns that the country would come under significant pressure from US President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariff policy, despite its strong trade ties with the US (accounting for approximately 30% of total exports in 2024). 

Vietnam’s stock market, as represented by the VN-Index, surged by more than 40% in 2025 (in local currency terms), driven by strong domestic participation, easing trade tensions, optimism surrounding a potential FTSE Russell Emerging Market reclassification, the introduction of the new securities trading and post-trade system (KRX) and ongoing government reforms. Meanwhile, the MSCI Vietnam Index gained +69% in 2025. 

Interestingly, foreign investors remained net sellers on a year-to-date (YTD) basis with retail investors accounting for over 90% of total transaction value. Looking ahead, while much of the positive news flow appears to be priced in, foreign exchange (forex) normalisation could support a return of foreign participation. 

Stars Aligning Despite Challenges

We expect Vietnam’s exports to grow by 8% year-on-year (YoY) in 2026, while imports are projected to increase by 7.5% YoY, leading to a continued expansion in the trade balance. Overall, we anticipate GDP growth to moderate to 7% YoY in 2026, below the government’s ambitious target of 10%, with domestic consumption and government spending remaining the key drivers of economic activity. 

Inflation is expected to remain contained at 3.5% in 2026, representing a slight YoY increase but still below the State Bank of Vietnam’s (SBV) target ceiling of 4%. 

This outlook is supported by the World Bank’s projection of a 7% decline in global commodity prices in 2026, as well as expectations of limited scope for further depreciation of the Vietnamese dong. 

From a monetary policy perspective, we expect the SBV to maintain interest rates at a moderate level (currently 4.5%) throughout 2026 to support economic growth, with a lower likelihood of rate cuts given the need to limit further depreciation pressures on the Vietnamese dong. 

1) Continued strength in domestic consumption

We forecast Vietnam’s credit growth in 2026 to be around 18%-20%, broadly in line with 2025, supported by an accommodative monetary environment and strong credit demand from the corporate sector. Notably, corporate borrowing is expected to continue shifting from funding working capital towards financing business expansion. 

We also see further room for growth in retail sales in 2026. For the first eleven months of 2025 (11M25), retail sales expanded by 9.1% YoY, still below the pre-pandemic growth range of 11%-12% YoY. 

Improving macroeconomic conditions and a stronger labour market should continue to underpin retail sales growth. In addition, the 2% Value Added Tax (VAT) reduction on a broad range of goods and services, effective from July 1, 2025, is expected to help sustain consumer spending into 2026. 

Tourist arrivals could provide another important catalyst. Vietnam’s tourism sector has been booming, reaching a milestone of 20 million international arrivals in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 levels. 

This performance has been supported by favourable visa policies, promotional programmes and large-scale events that have attracted a substantial number of international visitors. Chinese tourists have been a key driver of this recovery, while domestic tourism continues to serve as a strong foundation. We expect this momentum to carry through into 2026. 

2) Government booster pack: Spending and reforms

The economic playbook for 2026 remains largely in the government’s hands. 

Infrastructure Spending: Vietnamese government infrastructure spending in 2025 came in above expectations, at approximately US$34 billion (RM137.7 billion), compared to the original budget estimate of US$31 billion. For 2026, the government has allocated around 1,100 trillion dong (RM170.1 billion) to public investment, the highest level on record. 

This is expected to lift public investment to nearly 9% of GDP, surpassing the previous peak reached in 2012. This level is comparable to China’s infrastructure investment during its major development phase between 2000 and 2015 and is expected to remain the highest among ASEAN economies in 2026. 

Governance reforms: A series of reforms were introduced in 2025, including streamlining provincial-level administration to 34 provinces and centrally governed cities, down from 63. It is also reducing commune-level administrative units to around 2,000, from more than 10,000 as well as cutting the number of ministries and ministerial-level agencies to 17 from 22. 

While structural reforms are supportive, the market impact will depend on execution quality and the speed at which administrative changes translate into project approvals and capital deployment. 

3) FDI: Execution remains the key variable

Foreign direct investment (FDI) remains another key pillar of Vietnam’s economic strength. Registered FDI reached US$31.52 billion in 10M25, up 15.6% YoY, while realised capital rose to US$23.6 billion by November, representing an 8.9% increase and the fastest pace of disbursement growth in five years. 

The full implementation of the Land Law in 2025 has materially reduced land clearance and valuation issues, enabling investors to move from approval to construction at an unprecedented pace. 

  • The views expressed are of the research team and do not necessarily reflect the stand of the newspaper’s owners and editorial board.
  • This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition

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PR Newswire

PrideStaff Financial Wins 2026 Best of Staffing® 5-Year Gold Award for Employee Satisfaction

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FRESNO, Calif., Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PrideStaff Financial, a nationally recognized, franchised division of PrideStaff specializing in accounting and finance staffing, is proud to announce it has earned ClearlyRated’s 2026 Best of Staffing® Employee Satisfaction 5-Year Gold Award. This distinction is reserved for staffing firms that have consistently demonstrated high employee satisfaction by earning the award for five consecutive years.

The Best of Staffing Employee Award is based entirely on ratings submitted anonymously by internal staff. On average, employees at winning firms are more than 1.7 times more likely to be satisfied with their firm than those working at non-winning agencies.

In this year’s survey, PrideStaff Financial earned satisfaction scores well above the global NPS benchmark for an “excellent” workplace experience. These results demonstrate the company’s success in building a culture where employees are positioned to achieve their personal and professional goals.

“This recognition speaks volumes about the pride and purpose our team brings to work every day,” said Tammi Heaton, Co-CEO of PrideStaff. “Creating a workplace where people feel valued, empowered, and supported isn’t just a goal—it’s at the core of who we are. PrideStaff Financial’s ability to maintain such high levels of employee engagement and satisfaction over time is a powerful testament to our culture and leadership. This award underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional service not only to clients and candidates, but also to the incredible people who make that success possible.”

“It’s an honor to introduce the 2026 Best of Staffing award winners,” said Baker Nanduru, CEO of ClearlyRated. “These companies keep client experience front and center, pushing the envelope in innovative service approaches. Their work is shaping the future of staffing, and it’s a privilege to recognize their achievements. Congratulations to all!”

About PrideStaff Financial
A division of PrideStaff, PrideStaff Financial specializes in accounting and financial staffing. The parent company was founded in the 1970s as 100% company-owned units and began franchising in 1995. They operate offices in North America to serve thousands of clients. With 45-plus years in the staffing business, headquartered in Central California, all PrideStaff brands offer the resources and expertise of a national firm with the spirit, dedication, and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. For more information on PrideStaff Financial services, visit our website.

PrideStaff and PrideStaff Financial’s shared mission: Consistently provide client experiences focused on what they value most.

About ClearlyRated
ClearlyRated is the leading CX platform designed specifically for professional services firms. They help firms leverage the Net Promoter® Score survey methodology to gain deep insights, identify strengths and weaknesses, and build brand reputation through verified service ratings. Learn more on their website.

About Best of Staffing®
ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing® Award is the only program in the U.S. and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies based entirely on ratings from clients, candidates, and internal employees. Award winners are featured by city and area of expertise on ClearlyRated.com, helping service buyers find the highest-rated firms through validated testimonials and performance scores.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pridestaff-financial-wins-2026-best-of-staffing-5-year-gold-award-for-employee-satisfaction-302678167.html

SOURCE PrideStaff

The post PrideStaff Financial Wins 2026 Best of Staffing® 5-Year Gold Award for Employee Satisfaction appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

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PR Newswire

Rx relief Earns ClearlyRated’s 2026 Best Of Staffing® Client and Talent 15-Year Diamond Awards for Service Excellence

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FRESNO, Calif., Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rx relief, a Joint Commission Certified pharmacy staffing firm and division of The PrideStaff Companies®, is proud to announce it has earned ClearlyRated’s 2026 Best of Staffing® Client and Talent 15-Year Diamond Awards for both client and candidate satisfaction. This coveted distinction recognizes firms that have demonstrated industry-leading service excellence for 15 consecutive years and was earned by less than 0.1% of all firms in North America. This is the second consecutive year the firm has earned this high mark.

ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing Awards are the only program in the U.S. and Canada that recognizes staffing firms for superior service, based exclusively on validated ratings. According to ClearlyRated, clients of winning agencies are 50% more likely to be completely satisfied, and placed talent are 60% more likely to report exceptional service, compared to those working with non-winning agencies.

Rx relief’s Net Promoter Score® from clients and placed talent significantly exceeded the staffing industry average. As the only staffing firm dedicated to pharmacy staffing in the U.S. and Canada to earn ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing 15-Year Diamond Awards for Client and Talent satisfaction, Rx relief, continues to stand in a class of its own through its dedication to delivering world-class service.

“Being recognized for 15 consecutive years reflects the trust our clients and candidates place in us and the deep pride our team takes in every pharmacy placement,” said Marty Hancock, Senior Vice President of Rx relief. “This milestone validates the personalized service, specialized expertise, and unwavering integrity that define our approach to pharmacy staffing. Our long-standing reputation for excellence is built on a foundation of care—for the clients we support, the professionals we place, and the team that makes it all possible.”

“It’s an honor to introduce the 2026 Best of Staffing award winners,” said Baker Nanduru, CEO of ClearlyRated. “These companies keep client experience front and center, pushing the envelope in innovative service approaches. Their work is shaping the future of staffing, and it’s a privilege to recognize their achievements. Congratulations to all!”

About Rx relief
A division of PrideStaff, Rx relief is a Joint Commission Certified and GSA-approved pharmacy placement firm providing temporary and full-time pharmacy professionals for all pharmacy practice settings. The parent company was founded in the 1970s as 100% company-owned units and began staffing franchising in 1995. They operate offices in North America to serve thousands of clients. With 40-plus years in the staffing business, headquartered in Central California, all PrideStaff brands offer the resources and expertise of a national firm, with the spirit, dedication, and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. For more information on Rx relief services, visit our website.

PrideStaff and Rx relief’s shared Mission: Consistently provide client experiences focused on what they value most.

About ClearlyRated
ClearlyRated is the leading CX platform designed specifically for professional services firms. They help firms leverage the Net Promoter® Score survey methodology to gain deep insights, identify strengths and weaknesses, and build brand reputation through verified service ratings. Learn more on their website.

About Best of Staffing®
ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing® Award is the only program in the U.S. and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies based entirely on ratings from clients, candidates, and internal employees. Award winners are featured by city and area of expertise on ClearlyRated.com, helping service buyers find the highest-rated firms through validated testimonials and performance scores.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rx-relief-earns-clearlyrateds-2026-best-of-staffing-client-and-talent-15-year-diamond-awards-for-service-excellence-302678151.html

SOURCE PrideStaff

The post Rx relief Earns ClearlyRated’s 2026 Best Of Staffing® Client and Talent 15-Year Diamond Awards for Service Excellence appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

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PR Newswire

Insurance Relief Wins ClearlyRated’s 2026 Best of Staffing® Client 15-Year Diamond and Talent 10-Year Platinum Awards for Service Excellence

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FRESNO, Calif., Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Insurance Relief, a premier specialized staffing agency within The PrideStaff Companies®, is proud to announce it has earned the coveted ClearlyRated’s 2026 Best of Staffing® Client 15-Year Diamond Award and Talent 10-Year Platinum Award. These prestigious honors represent the highest levels of long-term service excellence in the staffing industry and are determined entirely by client and candidate satisfaction ratings.

Showcasing the commitment to delivering world-class experience, the 15-Year Diamond Award honors firms that have earned ClearlyRated’s Client satisfaction award for 15 consecutive years, while the Talent 10-Year Platinum Award is reserved for firms that have earned its candidate satisfaction award for a decade straight.

ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing® Award winners have proven to be industry leaders in service quality, as clients of winning agencies are 50% more likely to be completely satisfied, while candidates are 60% more likely to report a positive experience compared to those working with non-winning firms.

In 2026, Insurance Relief received satisfaction scores from its clients and placed job candidates that significantly outpaced industry averages, highlighting its unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service. In an industry where consistency is the ultimate challenge, Insurance Relief has demonstrated a level of reliability that places it among the top performers in North America.

“To be recognized year after year by both our clients and candidates is incredibly meaningful, because it validates the deep relationships we build and the high standards we set,” said Kade Houston, Vice President of Insurance Relief. “Our consistency in earning top satisfaction scores over more than a decade is nothing short of remarkable, and it speaks to the integrity, expertise, and relentless commitment to service excellence that our team brings to every partnership. We’re truly proud of this milestone.”

“It’s an honor to introduce the 2026 Best of Staffing award winners,” said Baker Nanduru, CEO of ClearlyRated. “These companies keep client experience front and center, pushing the envelope in innovative service approaches. Their work is shaping the future of staffing, and it’s a privilege to recognize their achievements. Congratulations to all!”

About Insurance Relief
A division of PrideStaff, Insurance Relief specializes in recruiting top candidates for companies within the insurance industry. The parent company was founded in the 1970s as 100% company-owned units and began franchising in 1995. They operate offices in North America to serve thousands of clients. With 45-plus years in the staffing business, headquartered in Central California, all PrideStaff brands offer the resources and expertise of a national firm with the spirit, dedication, and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. For more information on Insurance Relief services, visit our website.

PrideStaff and Insurance Relief’s shared mission: Consistently provide client experiences focused on what they value most.

About ClearlyRated
ClearlyRated is the leading CX platform designed specifically for professional services firms. They help firms leverage the Net Promoter® Score survey methodology to gain deep insights, identify strengths and weaknesses, and build brand reputation through verified service ratings. Learn more on their website.

About Best of Staffing®
ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing® Award is the only program in the U.S. and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies based entirely on ratings from clients, candidates, and internal employees. Award winners are featured by city and area of expertise on ClearlyRated.com, helping service buyers find the highest-rated firms through verified testimonials and ratings.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/insurance-relief-wins-clearlyrateds-2026-best-of-staffing-client-15-year-diamond-and-talent-10-year-platinum-awards-for-service-excellence-302678166.html

SOURCE PrideStaff

The post Insurance Relief Wins ClearlyRated’s 2026 Best of Staffing® Client 15-Year Diamond and Talent 10-Year Platinum Awards for Service Excellence appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

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PR Newswire

G.A. Rogers & Associates Wins ClearlyRated’s 2026 Best of Staffing® Client and Talent 5-Year Gold Awards for Service Excellence

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FRESNO, Calif., Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — G.A. Rogers & Associates, a leading executive and professional search firm within The PrideStaff Companies®, is proud to announce its recognition as a winner of ClearlyRated’s 2026 Best of Staffing® Client and Talent 5-Year Gold Awards. These prestigious honors are awarded exclusively to recruiting firms that have maintained superior service scores for five or more consecutive years, reflecting the firm’s unwavering commitment to creating exceptional experiences for both clients and candidates.

ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing Awards are the only program in the U.S. and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies for service excellence based solely on ratings provided by clients and placed talent. According to ClearlyRated, clients of winning agencies are 50% more likely to be completely satisfied, while candidates are 60% more likely to report a positive experience compared to those working with non-winning firms.

In an industry where precision is everything, G.A. Rogers & Associates has consistently outperformed the industry in service delivery. In 2026, G.A. Rogers & Associates received satisfaction scores from their clients and placed candidates, resulting in scores 1.6 times the industry average and a Net Promoter Score® more than 2.5 times the industry average, reflecting the firm’s sustained excellence in matching growing organizations with high-value professionals.

“Our success is rooted in Our Mission to ‘Consistently provide client experiences focused on what they value most,’” said Tammi Heaton, Co-CEO of PrideStaff. “This award is a powerful testament to our team’s dedication, the strong partnerships we’ve built, and the client-first culture that drives everything we do. We’re proud to continue raising the bar for executive recruiting by delivering high-value experiences year after year.”

“It’s an honor to introduce the 2026 Best of Staffing award winners,” said Baker Nanduru, CEO of ClearlyRated. “These companies keep client experience front and center, pushing the envelope in innovative service approaches. Their work is shaping the future of staffing, and it’s a privilege to recognize their achievements. Congratulations to all!”

About G.A. Rogers & Associates
A division of PrideStaff, G.A. Rogers & Associates specializes in executive and professional recruiting. The parent company was founded in the 1970s as 100% company-owned units and began franchising in 1995. They operate offices in North America to serve thousands of clients. With 45-plus years in the staffing business, headquartered in Central California, all PrideStaff brands offer the resources and expertise of a national firm, with the spirit, dedication, and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. For more information on G.A. Rogers & Associates’ services, visit our website.

About ClearlyRated
ClearlyRated is the leading CX platform designed specifically for professional services firms. They help organizations leverage the Net Promoter® Score survey methodology to gain deep insights, identify strengths and weaknesses, and build brand reputation through verified service ratings. Learn more on their website.

About Best of Staffing®
ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing® Award is the only program in the U.S. and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies based entirely on ratings from clients, candidates, and internal employees. Award winners are featured by city and area of expertise on ClearlyRated.com, helping service buyers find the highest-rated firms through verified testimonials and ratings.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ga-rogers–associates-wins-clearlyrateds-2026-best-of-staffing-client-and-talent-5-year-gold-awards-for-service-excellence-302678161.html

SOURCE PrideStaff

The post G.A. Rogers & Associates Wins ClearlyRated’s 2026 Best of Staffing® Client and Talent 5-Year Gold Awards for Service Excellence appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

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PR Newswire

PrideStaff Financial Wins ClearlyRated’s 2026 Best of Staffing® Client and Talent 15-Year Diamond Awards for Service Excellence

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FRESNO, Calif., Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PrideStaff Financial, a nationally franchised accounting and financial staffing division of PrideStaff, is pleased to announce it has been awarded the 2026 Best of Staffing® Client and Talent 15-Year Diamond Awards by ClearlyRated. Based entirely on ratings from clients and candidates, these awards represent the pinnacle of service achievement in the staffing industry and are given exclusively to firms that have earned the Best of Staffing honor for at least 15 consecutive years. In 2026, fewer than .1% of staffing companies in the U.S. and Canada achieved the 15-Year Diamond distinction for both client and talent satisfaction.

PrideStaff Financial’s enduring strength in service delivery is reflected by earning satisfaction scores nearly double the industry average. PrideStaff Financial continues to solidify its position as a true leader in service within the staffing industry, as it is the only staffing firm specializing in accounting and financial staffing in the U.S. and Canada to achieve ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing 15-Year Diamond Awards for Client and Talent satisfaction. These awards underscore the firm’s long-standing commitment to service excellence in the competitive accounting and finance recruitment fields.

“To be continuously recognized for nearly two decades is truly meaningful,” said Tammi Heaton, Co-CEO of PrideStaff. “These 15-Year Diamond Awards affirm the deep trust our partners place in PrideStaff Financial and reflect the extraordinary consistency and quality our teams bring to every engagement. In a highly specialized market, delivering value year after year is a significant achievement, and we’re grateful to everyone who contributed to our success.”

“It’s an honor to introduce the 2026 Best of Staffing award winners,” said Baker Nanduru, CEO of ClearlyRated. “These companies keep client experience front and center, pushing the envelope in innovative service approaches. Their work is shaping the future of staffing, and it’s a privilege to recognize their achievements. Congratulations to all!”

About PrideStaff Financial
A division of PrideStaff, PrideStaff Financial specializes in accounting and financial staffing. The parent company was founded in the 1970s as 100% company-owned units and began franchising in 1995. They operate offices in North America to serve thousands of clients. With 45-plus years in the staffing business, headquartered in Central California, all PrideStaff brands offer the resources and expertise of a national firm with the spirit, dedication, and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. For more information on PrideStaff Financial services, visit our website.

PrideStaff and PrideStaff Financial’s shared mission: Consistently provide client experiences focused on what they value most.

About ClearlyRated
ClearlyRated is the leading CX platform designed specifically for professional services firms. They help organizations leverage the Net Promoter® Score survey methodology to gain deep insights, identify strengths and weaknesses, and build brand reputation through verified service ratings. Learn more on their website.

About Best of Staffing®
ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing® Award is the only program in the U.S. and Canada that recognizes staffing agencies based entirely on ratings from clients, candidates, and internal employees. Award winners are featured by city and area of expertise on ClearlyRated.com, helping service buyers find the highest-rated firms through validated testimonials and performance scores.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pridestaff-financial-wins-clearlyrateds-2026-best-of-staffing-client-and-talent-15-year-diamond-awards-for-service-excellence-302678165.html

SOURCE PrideStaff

The post PrideStaff Financial Wins ClearlyRated’s 2026 Best of Staffing® Client and Talent 15-Year Diamond Awards for Service Excellence appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

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PR Newswire

Publicly listed BDCs lag unlisted BDC peers as credit quality gap widens, Heron Finance analysis finds

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 , Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — New analysis shows publicly listed business development companies lagging non-traded BDC peers across key risk metrics


Heron Finance (PRNewsfoto/Heron Finance)

Heron Finance released a Monthly Insights report, titled “What You Need to Know About Private Credit BDCs,” offering a data-driven look at the performance, risk characteristics, and structural differences between publicly listed and non-traded business development companies (BDCs).

The report highlights growing credit-quality concerns among publicly listed BDCs and BDC ETFs, while underscoring the relative resilience of non-traded BDCs available on the Heron platform.

“We continue to hear from investors considering BDCs for private credit exposure,” said Khang Nguyen, Chief Credit Officer at Heron Finance. “Our latest analysis shows that publicly listed BDCs are not just experiencing market-driven volatility—they’re also exhibiting weaker and deteriorating underlying credit fundamentals. In contrast, non-traded BDCs have maintained higher-quality and more stable credit profiles.”

Key finding: Publicly listed BDCs show signs of elevated credit stress compared to non-traded BDCs

Using Q3 2025 data from an analysis of 71 BDCs, Heron evaluated multiple portfolio health indicators of BDCs:

Payment-in-kind (PIK) interest
Higher PIK levels may indicate borrowers deferring cash interest payments due to financial strain.

  • Publicly listed BDCs: 5.3%
  • Non-traded BDCs: 3.1%
  • Heron platform funds: 3.1%

Non-accrual loans
Elevated non-accruals often precede realized credit losses.

  • Publicly listed BDCs: 2.7%
  • Non-traded BDCs: 0.3%
  • Heron platform funds: 0.0%

Loan valuation (Fair market value as % of cost)
Lower FMV may reflect rising default risk or deteriorating borrower health.

  • Publicly listed BDCs: 98.4%
  • Non-traded BDCs: 99.8%
  • Heron platform funds: 100.5%

Portfolio underperformance
This metric can serve as an early indicator of future non-accruals and losses.

  • Publicly listed BDCs: 10.6%
  • Non-traded BDCs: 3.5%
  • Heron platform funds: 1.7%

Read the full report at: https://heronfinance.com/blog/monthly-insights-what-you-need-to-know-about-private-credit-bdcs-january-2026/

Structural differences driving risk-return outcomes

Heron’s analysis emphasizes that publicly listed BDCs, which trade like equities, are more exposed to stock-market volatility, legacy loan vintages from low-rate environments, and pricing swings unrelated to underlying loan performance.

By contrast, non-traded BDCs—including those available through Heron—typically:

  • Use monthly net asset value (NAV) pricing, reducing market noise
  • Hold newer loan vintages aligned with the post-2021 higher-rate environment
  • Exhibit lower reported volatility and stronger credit quality metrics

“Many publicly listed BDCs still hold legacy loans originated between 2018 and 2021,” Nguyen added. “Even if discounts to NAV appear attractive, investors must consider whether underlying credit issues could translate into more losses.”

About Heron Finance
Heron Finance is a private-markets investment platform offering accredited investors access to diversified private credit, private equity, and private infrastructure strategies. Heron leverages institutional-grade manager selection, multi-manager diversification, and proprietary portfolio analytics to deliver higher-quality, risk-adjusted private-market exposure designed for long-term investors. Learn more at www.heronfinance.com.

Media Contact
press@heronfinance.com

Disclosure
Any financial forecasts or returns are for illustrative purposes only and are not guarantees of future results. Private credit investments involve risks, including credit, liquidity, and interest-rate risk. Investors may lose principal and accrued interest in the event of borrower default.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/publicly-listed-bdcs-lag-unlisted-bdc-peers-as-credit-quality-gap-widens-heron-finance-analysis-finds-302678247.html

SOURCE Heron Finance

The post Publicly listed BDCs lag unlisted BDC peers as credit quality gap widens, Heron Finance analysis finds appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

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PR Newswire

Game, Set, Grand Slam: Straight-Sets Victory for Budget Direct in Australia’s Insurer Of The Year Awards

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BRISBANE, Australia, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In a first for the Australian Insurance sector, a single insurer has achieved the Insurance Grand Slam, with Budget Direct simultaneously being crowned Australian Insurer Of The Year, by four of Australia’s respected and independent consumer advocates: Canstar, Money Magazine, Finder, and WeMoney, confirming Budget Direct as the independent experts’ choice as, Australian Insurer Of The Year.

Budget Direct Grand Slam Insurer of the Year

Canstar compared Car and Home Insurance from major brands: AAMI, Bingle, GIO, Suncorp Insurance, Budget Direct, NRMA Insurance, QBE Insurance and Youi, and for an unprecedented fifth year in a row, declared Budget Direct the 2026 winner of the Canstar Insurer Of The Year award.

Canstar noted that, “Budget Direct performed consistently well in both Car and Home & Contents Insurance. It continues to provide outstanding value to consumers with competitive pricing and a high level of cover. Budget Direct achieved market-leading performance for Car Insurance in multiple states and a strong performance in Home & Contents Package profiles.”

When Money Magazine considered who to crown their most recent Insurer Of The Year in 2025, they “took into consideration how competitive the Home & Contents and Car Insurance premium rates were, as well as holistic factors such as corporate strength, breadth of what they deliver and how they support customers, customer engagement and reliability in paying claims.” For a record ninth year in a row, Money Magazine selected Budget Direct.

In selecting Budget Direct as WeMoney’s 2025 Insurer Of The Year, WeMoney’s Founder & CEO, Dan Jovevski said, “These awards spotlight the insurers who are truly putting Australians first by delivering exceptional value, service, and digital innovation.”

Finder, which looked across the breadth of Australian Car and Home insurance providers when selected Budget Direct as their 2026 winner said, “Budget Direct scooped the Insurer Of The Year crown with a strong performance across multiple categories for pricing, features and customer service.”

Budget Direct Unprecedented Consecutive Run As Australian Insurer Of The Year

Award Title

Industry
Expert

Year(s) Won

Insurer Of The Year

Canstar

2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022

Insurer Of The Year

Finder

2026

Insurer Of The Year

Money
Magazine

2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

Insurer Of The Year

WeMoney

2025

No other provider has concurrently held four Insurer Of The Year awards. 

Jonathan Kerr, Chief Growth Officer said securing the industry’s first-ever grand slam was a significant moment for everyone at Budget Direct.

“This level of recognition from four of the leading independent consumer advocate groups, is a tremendous honour and a direct testament to our daily focus on delivering outstanding value to our customers through innovation, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction,” said Kerr.

“To anyone asking who offers the best insurance in Australia, these industry experts all agreed. The answer is Budget Direct.”

DISCLAIMER

Insurance (excluding Pet, Life & Travel Insurance) is issued by Auto & General Insurance Company Limited (ABN 42 111 586 353, AFSL 285571) (AGIC) and arranged by Auto & General Services Pty Ltd (ABN 61 003 617 909, AFSL 241411) (AGS) PO Box 342, Toowong QLD 4066.

Budget Direct Pet Insurance is issued by AGIC, administered by Pet Health Insurance Services Pty Ltd (ABN 59 638 910 675) as Authorised Representative (AR no. 1282153) of AGIC and promoted by AGS.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/game-set-grand-slam-straight-sets-victory-for-budget-direct-in-australias-insurer-of-the-year-awards-302678251.html

SOURCE Budget Direct

The post Game, Set, Grand Slam: Straight-Sets Victory for Budget Direct in Australia’s Insurer Of The Year Awards appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

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Corporate MalaysiaNews

ALTEL launches industry-fit local cloud platform to meet Malaysia’s data residency needs

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KUALA LUMPUR — Altel Communications (ALTEL), a member of the Tradewinds Group Malaysia, has launched Altel Cloud, a locally domiciled, industry-fit cloud platform designed to support Malaysia’s data sovereignty, regulatory compliance, and enterprise performance requirements.

Positioned as a domestic alternative to global hyperscale cloud providers, Altel Cloud is built to support organisations operating in regulated and mission-critical environments, in line with national data residency requirements and the Government’s Cloud First Policy.

The platform’s industry-fit approach is shaped by the operational needs of Tradewinds Group Malaysia’s businesses across sectors including automotive, ports, utilities, plantations, logistics, engineering, banking, property, and technology. Altel Cloud offers end-to-end capabilities covering solution design, integration, migration, and managed services, allowing organisations to tailor cloud environments to specific operational and compliance needs.

Altel Cloud supports private and edge cloud deployments and operates from Tier III data centres in Cyberjaya and Kuala Lumpur, with direct domestic connectivity via the Malaysian Internet Exchange (MyIX), delivering low latency and high availability for enterprise workloads.

The platform is also integrated with Altel Group’s wider capabilities, including AI-enabled cybersecurity, satellite connectivity for rural and industrial backhaul, and industrial digital solutions.

The launch was officiated by YB Datuk Wilson Ugak Anak Kumbong, Deputy Minister of Digital.

Commenting on the launch, En. Mohamad Helmi Harith, Group Chief Executive Officer of Altel Group, said enterprise cloud adoption is entering a more mature phase.

“The next frontier of digital maturity is defined by a shift from sheer scale to a focus on rightsizing, compliance, and deterministic performance,” he said. “Altel Cloud is designed to reflect the regulatory and operational realities faced by Malaysian organisations.”

The post ALTEL launches industry-fit local cloud platform to meet Malaysia’s data residency needs appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

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PR Newswire

SMAR Deadline: SMAR Investors Have Opportunity to Lead Smartsheet Inc. Securities Lawsuit

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NEW YORK, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ —


Rosen Law Firm Logo (PRNewsfoto/THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.)

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds all former stockholders of Smartsheet Inc. (NYSE: SMAR) in connection with the January 2025 sale (the “Merger” or “Buyout”) of Smartsheet to affiliates of investment funds managed by affiliates of Blackstone Inc. (collectively “Blackstone”), investment funds managed by Vista Equity Partners Management, LLC (“Vista Equity Partners” or “Vista”), and Platinum Falcon B 2018 RSC Limited, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, which participated as an indirect minority investor in Smartsheet (“Platinum Falcon,” and together with Blackstone and Vista, the “Consortium”), of the important February 24, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

So What: If you are a former Smartsheet stockholder, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

What to do next: To join the Smartsheet class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=49166 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 24, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Details of the case: The complaint alleges that in connection with Smartsheet’s solicitation of stockholder approval of the Buyout, defendants issued and filed with the SEC a false and misleading Schedule 14A Proxy statement, as amended (the “Proxy”). Defendants used the Proxy to intentionally mischaracterize Smartsheet’s financial success and performance during and in the context of Smartsheet’s sales process. Specifically, defendants deliberately cast Smartsheet’s quarterly earnings in a negative light in the Proxy, and emphasized a financial metric that it apparently made up just for the purposes of soliciting approval for the Buyout. Additionally, it was alleged that defendant Mark P. Mader failed to use reasonable care in the fulfillment of his disclosure duties.

To join the Smartsheet class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=49166 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

      Laurence Rosen, Esq.
      Phillip Kim, Esq.
      The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
      275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
      New York, NY 10016
      Tel: (212) 686-1060
      Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
      Fax: (212) 202-3827
      case@rosenlegal.com
      www.rosenlegal.com

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/smar-deadline-smar-investors-have-opportunity-to-lead-smartsheet-inc-securities-lawsuit-302678133.html

SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.

The post SMAR Deadline: SMAR Investors Have Opportunity to Lead Smartsheet Inc. Securities Lawsuit appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

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